lori RECOMMENDS:

A short and powerful novel that places readers inside the mind of Joe Forbes, a delightfully perceptive, middle-aged plumber who is trying to recover from a mental breakdown precipitated by his son’s criminal conviction. Joe is very much an “everyman,” yet his way of looking at the world and his circumstances is far from ordinary. With writing full of wit and sensitivity, Clammer’s blue-collar hero goes back to his plumbing job, longing to once again be healthy and confident in a society that stigmatizes weakness. One of the best books that I have read in a while. 

Tyler RECOMMENDS:

In VAMPENGUIN, author Lucy Ruth Cummins takes us on a trip to the zoo with the Dracula family. While visiting an exhibit, their youngest child discreetly swaps places with one of the penguins without their parents knowing. The story takes off from there, both baby Dracula and penguin living a day in each other's lives. Cummins has a gift for the humorous and slightly absurd. A great book for any child who always seems up to something...We have signed copies!

ishita RECOMMENDS:

Mulan meets THE SONG OF ACHILLES in this debut historical fantasy by Shelley Parker-Chan. SHE WHO BECAME THE SUN is an incredible narrative about choosing your own destiny, fighting against societal expectations, and being unapologetic about who you are. Heroine Zhu is clever and capable, and makes you root for her so easily. The bold immersive world Chan creates makes you forget that this is a debut! Plus? It's SUPER queer. What's not to like?

lisa RECOMMENDS:

Make believe comes alive when you begin to imagine what it would be like if you were an elephant. You might remember the best places to go, or how to splash fountains of water over your back, creating a rainbow of joy. This timely and beautiful children’s book explores the complexity and compassion of these enormous and enormously fascinating creatures. Beautifully simple and compelling illustrations complete this gem. 

nancy RECOMMENDS:

KLARA AND THE SUN is one of my favorite books I have read this year. Set at some vague time in the not so distant future, Klara is the Artificial Intelligence friend of a young woman named Josie. The complex and beautiful friendship that develops could only be crafted by a master storyteller such as Kazuo Ishiguro. (winner of the Pulitzer Prize) Although the story line sounds unusual, I recommend you try this for its unexpected and sensitive beauty. And then please come see me in the store so we can discuss it.

kyle RECOMMENDS:

This is Kate Elizabeth Russell's debut novel. This story of a love affair, or what at least one of the people involved might describe as that, is complex and compelling -- one of this season's big buzzy novels that proves worthy of all that hype and attention. Its mix of desire, dread, suspense, and surrender will give you chills of every kind. I'm still on my way to the finish. How on earth is Russell going to resolve this?