Check out what Caroline Shoenthal, selector in CCPL's Collection Management department, has recently read!
by Celeste Ng
12-year-old Bird, who lives alone with his father Ethan following his mother’s abrupt departure three years ago, is forbidden from mentioning his mother. Bird’s mother Margaret, who is a PAO (person of Asian origin) is on the run after a line from one of her poems served as an unexpected catalyst for a political resistance movement against the PACT (Preserving American and Culture Traditions act). The government sometimes removes children from the custody of parents deemed to be advocating un-American views and Ethan fears any association with Margaret puts Bird at risk. When he unexpectedly receives a coded letter from his mother Bird realizes he can no longer tolerate the silence and ventures out to attempt to find her. This swift-moving selection, which takes place in a dystopian United States, underscores the importance of information access and the bonds between parent and child.
by Ann Patchett
Can you imagine inviting a relative stranger into your home to convalesce during cancer treatments? Could you go an entire year without shopping? Have you always wanted to own a bookstore? Novelist Ann Patchett’s essay collection includes previously published pieces covering her time as a writer and bookstore owner, friendship, family relationships, love and loss. Patchett writes in a collegial and imminently accessible style as she draws the reader into her everyday life while exploring life’s complexities through rich prose.
Lynn Steger Strong
Siblings Martin, Henry and Kate gather, with their spouses and children, in rural New York for their first Christmas celebration following the death of their much-beloved mother. Tensions are high as each adult processes their own lingering grief while attempting to maintain holiday traditions and wrangle 5 young children. Set over a 3-day period and told from alternative perspectives this fast-paced novel from critically acclaimed author Strong illuminates the range of emotions experienced when interacting with adult siblings with disparate daily lives and parenting styles. An unexpected crisis faced by a social work client of one character brings the family together to help and nudges them in the direction of recognizing their own good fortune.
by Gabrielle Zevin
Zevin’s latest bestselling novel chronicles the lifelong friendship between video game designers Sadie and Sam ranging from a childhood meeting in a children’s hospital through their chance reuniting as students in Boston and their eventual business partnership with mutual friend Marx. Zevin entwines descriptions of fictional video games invented by the characters with others readers may easily recognize, as well as the changing of relationships over time as people move in and out of each other’s lives along with literary references to craft a charming and compelling story. With appeal for gamers and non-gamers alike this beautiful novel serves as a love letter to the power of literature and storytelling.
Liz Marie Galvan
The newest title from popular home decorating blogger Galvan offers a wealth of ideas for making your home a relaxing and welcoming space while celebrating the rhythm of the seasons. Attractive photography showcases whimsical entertaining suggestions and seasonal decorating tips while attainable DIY projects offer opportunities to incorporate nature and traditions into your year. Find some inspiration for adding a cozy-vibe to your indoor environment in this title uniquely suited for both browsing through or reading cover to cover.