Staff Picks
Full of beautiful illustrations and fantastical, wry humor, this story is Monty Python and the Holy Grail for a new generation. When Brangwain Spurge, an elf and historian, is catapulted into goblin territory as part of a goodwill mission, shenanigans ensue. A thoughtful social commentary on the role of bias and perception in the telling of historical events, imbued with imagination and lore, this book is for anyone who enjoys sharp jokes and an escape into an expertly-crafted world of fantasy.
This gorgeous Irish novel is Derry Girls with a subtly wicked edge—quiet in all the right places and inappropriately comical in an if-I-don’t-laugh-I’ll-cry sort of way. Murray deftly and lovingly explores the ups and downs of adolescence and its long-lasting effects on the psyche. For anyone who has ever been a teenager—worried that their existence was all too much and meaningless at the same time—this is your book.
Loved this thoughtful depiction of Hilma as an intelligent, spiritual, resilient artist who was a pioneer of her field. Also appreciated the tidbits about different areas of science and art that related to her work, ie. atomic particles, alchemy, theosophy, etc. She's an icon, she's a legend, and she will always be the moment.
- Manasa
A gorgeous picture book that looks at the history of weaving and how it is represented in various cultures. The rhythm of this book makes it perfect to be read aloud, and the stunning illustrations contain extra stories for the careful reader.
This book is beyond words. It's Dead Poet's Society for queer women, not the movie but the actual society. It's the type of book that makes you want to dedicate your life to it, to stand up and quote poetry, to send excerpts to everyone you know. It's a love letter to everyone who has had to look as far back as Ancient Greece -as Sappho --to see themselves, and a history lesson in all the women who came before us.
Mauritian author Ananda Devi returns with another stunning work. Like a worry stone smooth but for a subtle sharp edge, Devi's poetry reflects a beautiful but dangerous world in lines and images you'll want to carry in your pocket. Off-center and unsettling, yet still approachable, Devi's poems will connect with a wide range of poetry fans and could even be an entrance point for readers looking to get into poetry more.
From Warsaw to Baghdad, from the Cold War to the Gulf War, from enemies to allies.
- John
Dark, grim, terrifying. Sofia is new in school and just wants to fit in. When the popular girls take her under their wing, she's elated. When they say the beautiful outcast girl, Brooke, is possessed, she's wary. What comes next is the stuff of nightmares. Not for the faint of heart- but if you can stomach the horror, it'll be so worth it.
- Jen
With quirky artwork and an honest voice, this graphic memoir goes into deph as to why people- especially women- love true crime. If you're subscribed to the podcasts, if you've watched the documentaries, if you are constantly looking over your shoulder, this is for you. Also great if you have no idea why your girlfriend/wife/significant other is so obsessed with the Zodiac killer.
- Jen
Majewski tells a gorgeous tale about finding your wings and taking flight, even when people want you to stay on the ground. The illustrations in this are INSANE, I want to live in this world so bad.
- Jane
I don't know about you, but March is a month that feels long and at times hard to get through. You know what gets me through? A dark, depressing tale! Barker has created a novel that is close to a Greek tragedy in the most beautiful way with O Caledonia. With a captivating introduction by Maggie O'Farrell, this novel will pull you right in and steer you in every which way.
- Jane
In this delightful ghost story set in Vietnam, creeping atmosphere, first love, and familial issues mix. In exchange for paying her college tuition, Jade Nguyen agrees to spend the summer helping her dad with his project: restoring a French colonial house. But as if sleep paralysis, bugs, and sightings of a beautiful undead bride aren't unnerving enough, she now faces an intense challenge--proving the house is haunted.
- Engel
I first discovered Roshani Chokshi from her debut novel, The Star-Touched Queen. A master of storytelling then and now, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride instantly soared in my ranking of favorite books. It's thoughtful, provocative in the best of ways, and unbelievably beautiful. It's evident just from the first chapter that immense research and care went into the novel. This is a story that will definitely lure readers back in for seconds and thirds.
- Engel
We’ve all understood light pollution - light from homes, businesses, street lamps, etc. particularly in urban areas - prevents us from seeing what our ancestors routinely saw of the night sky. Eklof shows us the effects of light pollution are infinitely more significant as light is so highly disruptive to the life cycles of countless species critical to the health of planetary ecosystems.
- Dale
If you thought you saw the last of Roma, Juliette, Benedikt, and Marshall... think again! This novella set bridges the years between the crackling finale of the These Violent Delights duology and its spinoff series Foul Lady Fortune. Full of the same heart-pumping suspense, now with a little more heart and domesticity, A Foul Thing and This Foul Murder follow the two couples several years after their escape from the bloodied streets of Shanghai. Even in their departure however, trouble manages to claw its fingers deep...
- Cindy