The Collector of Burned Books

In 1933, book burnings took place at more than 20 universities across Germany. These were not just acts of destruction — they symbolized an effort to remake German culture in accordance with Nazi ideology. Well known writers and professors fled to Paris, where they created a hidden library filled with books that were banned by the regime. For six years, Professor Corinne Bastien found refuge and purpose in this secret and magical library. The Nazis invade Paris in 1940, and Christian Bauer is sent to manage the relocation of France’s books. A sensitive man of great intellect, he must wear the uniform and feign allegiance while quietly working to protect as many books as possible from destruction. What begins as an unlikely friendship between Corinne and Christian grows into an alliance to save the words and ideas that are on the cusp of being lost forever. This magnificent work of historical fiction reflects the courage of the resistance and the broader reality of censorship through books. Filled with intrigue, suspense and a bit of romance, this is a meaningful tribute to the power of ideas and the human spirit protecting our ideals through the darkest times. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sold

Lakshmi lives with her family in a poor Nepalese village. One day a fancy lady offers to bring Lakshmi to the city where she can work and send money to her family. They wrongly assume it’s to be a maid. After a harsh journey Lakshmi is brought to Happiness House where young girls are trapped into the sex trade. The cost of room and board add up to more than they can ever repay. Written in a lyrical style, the short chapters create a narration that handles the tough material with care. The book is often challenged for depicting a minor’s sexual exploitation, but its goal is to humanize trafficking and encourage informed empathy. Librarians build collections using policies and professional reviews, they shelve by age appropriateness. If someone objects, a request for reconsideration is filed; a review follows, inspects the work and expert sources, then they decide whether to keep, relocate, or remove. The library’s job is to enable access and place books thoughtfully, not control what others read. Let’s allow librarians to put the books in the proper places, while families and teachers help young readers choose what’s right for them. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Boy From the North Country

As a teenager growing up in Goshen, NY, Evan Klausner couldn’t wait to leave. He looked around at the mountains and serene farmland of his little town and knew deep inside that there was a whole world out there waiting to be discovered. After transferring to Oxford to study literature he began to travel the world only coming home occasionally to visit his mother June. He admired his holistic mother who helped people manage their health in the most natural, spiritual way she knew how. She grew gorgeous vegetables and at this point in her life led a quiet existence of yoga and art and peace. Mostly Evan came back out of obligation and this visit was no different. June requested he return because she was sick and needed his help to get through a surgery. Evan quickly learned that the cancer was much worse than she described and had progressed quickly. As Evan lovingly takes care of his mother we get a glimpse of her past and he learns of the circumstances that surrounded the choices she made throughout his young life - the father figures that never stuck around, a doting grandmother with a dark past, the possibility that Bob Dylan was his biological father. This starts out incredibly strong with vivid descriptions of nature, art and literature. Unfortunately, the story loses steam in the final third, with hollow descriptions that circle the truth without ever delivering the closure I had hoped for. I’m on the fence with this one, folks—I liked it, just not as much as I expected. ⭐⭐⭐

Wreck

Rocky lives with her husband, Nick, her grown daughter, Willa, and her father, Mort, in a small town in Western Massachusetts. She tries to help Willa navigate a severe anxiety disorder while applying to PhD programs. Rocky’s father recently moved in after her mother’s passing, and their shared longing for her is both palpable and heartbreaking. Her son, Jamie, newly married, has moved to New York to take a high-paying job at a huge, controversial conglomerate. This leaves Rocky—who has become a magnet for everyone else’s worries—carrying their tension like a second skin. When a tragic local train accident occurs nearby, she becomes obsessed with the bereaved mother and the burden of knowing Jamie’s company was involved. The frenetic pace, quirky characters, and laugh-out-loud humor hit their stride when Rocky faces a battle with her own mysterious health issues. You feel as if the author is your friend, confiding in you, telling you her story over coffee. Exposing a family’s emotional underbelly and a mother’s unwavering devotion, this fast-paced, relatively short novel is simply unputdownable. After all, you can only be as happy as your least happy child—and Rocky proves just how true that is. On sale 10/28/25. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Julia

Many years before Julia Child became a household name, she was a California girl who recently finished college and spent her days golfing and playing tennis at the club. Always intelligent, creative and vivacious, it was no surprise that Julia McWilliams was not prepared to sit on the sidelines for long. As many men, including her own dear brother, were enlisting to fight in the war, a friend suggested Julia do her part and join the OSS, Office of Strategic Services. She was stationed abroad in Ceylon and later in China. Her ingenuity, organizational and people skills shone like the star she was. It was there she met Paul Child, a fellow officer in the OSS who was part of an intellectual, artistic crowd that often intimidated Julia. Although she towered above him at 6’ 2”, Paul took Julia under his wing and introduced her to the food, sites and culture of this foreign land. As their relationship grew it was no surprise that after the war they married in a small ceremony surrounded by friends and family. A lifelong civil servant, Paul was placed in a cultural position in Paris. This is when Julia fell madly in love with her husband, cooking and particularly French food - in that order. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu Institute, and the more she learned, the more she realized she had found her life’s calling; food, teaching, cooking and of course, eating. There have been a multitude of books written by and about the life of Julia Child, a name synonymous with cooking. While I knew quite a bit about the highs and lows of her career which began so much later in life than is typical, I learned much more about Julia before cooking - her family, meeting Paul and travels around the world. A well written, easy to digest work of historical fiction that will leave you hungry for more. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Different Kind of Power

As the world’s youngest female head of government at 37, Jacinda Ardern notched a string of “firsts”: the first elected national leader to take maternity leave while in office; the first New Zealand prime minister to give birth while serving; the first head of government to bring her baby to the United Nations General Assembly; the first New Zealand PM to march in a Pride parade; and the first party leader to win an outright single-party parliamentary majority - to name just a few. Throughout this incredible memoir Ardern explains that if her leadership had to be distilled to a single word, it would be “kindness”—not as niceness or sentimentality, but as a governing method that centers on dignity, fairness, and inclusion. At first I thought: I can barely follow current U.S. politics, and I know nothing about New Zealand! But then I remembered how Jacinda Ardern was in office during tragic volcanic eruptions, the Christchurch shootings, and the Covid pandemic. I’ve always been intrigued by the stories I’ve read and clips of her speeches—her huge smile and beautiful accent—so I thought, this memoir sounds intriguing! Here is a woman who remains an optimist, even though she’s a worrier by nature. She’s a politician who can be tough but is also a well-known hugger. Every chapter of this memoir introduces the reader to a different part of her life, both personal and professional. Dame Jacinda Ardern is a natural-born leader and a woman to follow. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore

Growing up in Minneapolis, Dolores Moore always felt different. Dark hair, dark skin, and even darker eyes—she looked nothing like the Moore family of Norwegian ancestry. Born in Colombia and brought to the Twin Cities as an infant, Dolores grew up in a world filled with love and attention. Now 35, single, and an out-of-work cartographer, she grieves the loss of her mothers, Jane and Elizabeth. Her head buzzes with the chatter of all the women who cared for her—and guards a secret she has never revealed: Dolores has spent her life hearing  their voices long after they were gone. At Jane’s deathbed, she promises to visit Cali—the city of her birth—and experience the cultural beauty of where she came from. In the old Victorian house that is now hers, Dolores discovers a hand-drawn map and resolves to follow it. In Colombia, she is grateful for the kindness of strangers who quickly become friends, and for the breadcrumb trail that leads toward the mystery of her birth parents and their tragic deaths. To her surprise, she feels at home in this beautiful country she has only visited in dreams. Guided by the ever-present voices of “her ladies,” Dolores finds the courage to finally chart a map of her very own. Narrated between the past and present, this story explores the fierce bonds of family and the importance of knowing where you come from. I highly recommend this beautiful novel, filled with family, a little bit of magical realism, and hope for the future. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bitter Sweet

Charlie grew up in a small village outside the city. She lost her mom as a teenager and one of her fondest memories is the love they shared for reading, especially for author Richard Aveling. Years later, Charlie is working in publishing. She is only an assistant but trying hard to work her way up the ladder. Her two best friends from work grew up in the lap of luxury and have embraced Charlie to become roommates in a townhome she could never have dreamed of affording. It’s mostly long days at the office, late night pub runs and weekends recovering from hangovers. One day Charlie accidentally meets Richard Aveling outside the office building. He is a long time client of the agency and a now worldwide best selling author. Charlie is tongue tied, star struck, completely out of her mind with excitement. They strike up a conversation and this handsome famous man, who is more than twice her age is unexpectedly kind and actually interested in what she has to say. Charlie is slowly pulled into the world of Richard, his fancy flat and an inside look at her lifelong hero. As their romance accelerates it is clear they have to be very careful. Richard is married, although unhappily, his wife cannot know about their affair. In some ways he opens up Charlie’s mind and makes her feel important for being chosen. Other times his controlling and manipulative behaviors are catastrophic for someone so young and impressionable. As Charlie becomes desperate for more attention, she falls deeper in love and her actual life slowly begins to fall apart. I adored the London setting, publishing world and the many references to readers and writers. The gross narcissistic behavior of Richard with the extraordinary age gap is a little creepy. Overall, good writing and I would definitely check out this author again. ⭐⭐⭐

The Writing Room

When Maya Mitchell turns eighteen, her wealthy, powerful, and controlling father declares her an adult—and cuts her off, as he did with her two siblings before her. Their mother, a devoted physician, had already been forced out during the divorce and returned to Guatemala to care for her ailing mother. Suddenly without the cushion of privilege, Maya—always a diligent student and talented writer—prepares to enter Columbia University, with her father agreeing to cover tuition. That summer, she works at the public library, writes articles, and crashes on the couch of Yoly and Ricardo, a warm couple who introduce her to an eclectic community where Sunday dinners bring stories, laughter, and dreams to the table. When Maya learns her father’s company is funding the campaign of a ruthless, anti-immigrant politician, she feels the deepest betrayal: how could her father turn against his own brown-skinned children? As Maya steps into the real world—far from the luxury of her childhood—she discovers first love, friendship, and the power of standing up for herself. Though I don't read many YA novels, The Writing Room captivated me with its straightforward exploration of sibling bonds, parental expectations, and identity. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Heart the Lover

In her senior year of college, Jordan meets Sam and Yash in a literature class. They are the standouts—brilliant debaters, widely read, and living in an old house belonging to a professor on sabbatical. Both are handsome and intimidating, their intellect and broad language matched only by their confidence. With Sam, the physical chemistry is immediate and overwhelming, complicated by his religious vow to wait until marriage. The three spend countless evenings playing cards, dissecting literature, and bantering with the ease of childhood friends. Initially nicknaming her “Daisy” (after Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby) they switch to “Jordan” when they learn she began college on a golf scholarship—a nod to Jordan Baker, Daisy’s friend in the novel. Jordan’s relationship with Sam is an intense, on-again, off-again storm of emotion. But as graduation rolls around, it is Yash who captures her heart. Together, they make choices that alter the course of their lives forever. Told in two parts—Jordan as a young woman and later as a wife and mother—this emotional rollercoaster unfolds in breathtaking prose that captures the essence of young love. A deceptively simple story, told with such beauty and grace that it lingers long after the final page. The writing is passionate, sophisticated, and so immersive I could not put it down. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Distance Between Us

Reyna Grande grew up in a small village in Mexico. They were poor and hopeless. In Reyna’s small town there was little to achieve and hardly anything to wish for. Their mother, who had them while still very young, repeatedly pursued ways to escape, often leaving her four children behind for months, even years while their frail but loving abuela took care of them. One day their Papi mysteriously returns from El Otro Lado (The Other Side - America). Reyna’s older sister Mago had been her little mother as far back as she could remember and although they were terrified to make this dangerous crossing of the border, they were also excited for a new life. Their Papi married an American citizen and in the 1980’s it was much easier for him to bring his children to the U.S. than it is today. Although he did not have more than a third grade education, somehow Papi knew that learning English and getting good grades in school were the most important ways to have a better life. He pushed the children hard and while he became despondent and an alcoholic Reyna and her siblings had opportunities he only dreamed about. This is Reyna’s life story - her eternal wish for a family, an education and god given talent that ultimately brought her great success - and the many people who helped her along the way. Loved every minute of this beautifully written memoir. Please take a moment to walk in someone else’s shoes. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Diana Says Yes

Diana and her husband are back on the therapy couch. This time Diana feels electric currents when Oliver enters the room. As his depression lifted, Oliver finally feels good in his own skin - and it’s very sexy. The therapist recommends they begin by dating each other. Coincidentally, Dirty Diana’s website is on fire. She has investors, partnerships and a wait list for women willing to share their stories. With movie talks in the works Diana must find the courage to reveal herself to the world. Fast paced, spicy - marriage, family, friendship - the Diana series has it all. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Book Club for Troublesome Women

Small town housewives in the 1960’s baked upside cakes and prepared gelatin molds for parties. Aside from doing laundry and performing various household duties, women typically got together to exchange recipes and gossip about their neighbors. Frustrated by their upscale planned community in Concordia, Margaret creates a book club with Viv, Betsy and Charlotte. For their first selection the friends read The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. This book describes the assumptions that women are supposed to be fulfilled by marriage, housework and motherhood. The previous beliefs being that they were simply not “feminine” if they desired to further their education, have a career or any meaningful political opinions.  Growing up post WWII these women watched their mothers work hard to keep the family together and put food on the table. When the men returned they were pushed aside, as were their aspirations and sense of accomplishment. Many could not find the courage to express their feelings of unworthiness simply being stuck at home. Through this book club, “The Bettys” as they became known, helped each other maneuver through life’s many obstacles. Their blossoming sisterhood prompted unimaginable changes in each of their lives. Reading builds empathy and perspective. It sharpens language and focus. Most of all, it reminds you that you’re not alone. ⭐⭐⭐⭐