RECOMMENDED READS!

~Helen Simonson

This was such a fun read. Set in England just after WWII, it explores how young women coped as society tried to put them back "in their place." Some of them just wouldn't go! If you love bashing social norms, you'll love this.

~Ali Vitali

Is 2024 the year?? This is a fascinating examination of the 2020 election and, in particular, the treatment of the many highly qualified women in the race.  Why is it so hard for a woman to be taken seriously as a presidential contender? What will it take for men and women to be held to the same standard?  Are we finally there?

~Ned Blackhawk

 An overdue retelling of U.S. history. From the beginning of American history, starting from the Spanish colonialism to the end of the 20th century, Indigenous peoples played an essential role in the success of the US, although rarely to their benefit.  While much of American history was the attempted destruction of their culture and existence, despite every effort they survived and continued to influence America.

~Louise Erdrich

I picked this up because it's by one of my favorite authors and set in her bookstore! But as with all her writing, it turned out to be so much more. Erdrich weaves together a ghost story, native culture, the love of family, comfort, safety....I savored this book and think you will, too.

 ~Julia Phillips

Set on an island in the PNW, this is a dark fairy tale of two sisters and a bear. On the surface, anyhow. Then it gets interesting, aka thriller-esque. Kirkus Reviews describes it as,  "A bold and brilliant modern fable of sisterhood, class, and our relationship to the natural world." 

~Lev Grossman

A modern version of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Grossman explores how a ragtag group of civil servants fight to keep their country from falling to ruins in the wake of tragedy. Very very fun and engaging read!