Nebulous November Staff Picks

“This one's a stunner. Emily Danforth writes so compellingly, that even for its slow pacing, Plain Bad Heroines is impossible to put down. This is so much more than horror - a queer, coming-of-age, love story, history rewritten to include those it should never have erased - so atmospheric and character-driven, I found it difficult to find myself afraid, only undeniably intrigued. I giggled hysterically. I shook my fists at the patriarchy (because of course I did). Reader, I'd dive right back in again, even at the risk of yellow jackets following me back out.”

“Another terrific novel by Lisa Jewell. I loved listening to the different voices of the characters as the novel is told from several points of view. I knew nothing about the book before I started and I really think that helped amplify my enjoyment as I kept trying to guess which character was really telling the truth and which was the victim and which was the bad guy/gal. Each of the characters in the book had very interesting back stories and they all came together after lots of twists and turns in a very satisfying ending.”

“The gorgeous writing, vivid setting, compelling characters, and engrossing story aren’t even the best parts of this novel. Instead, I just keep marveling at how Jess Walter takes events from history to illuminate our present while keeping them rooted in their own time, from the labor movement to class, race, and gender equality and civil rights issues, to protests and freedom of speech. The northwest in 1909 has never been so relevant. Beautiful Ruins was a hard act to follow but, amazingly, Walter manages it with aplomb.”

“An epic high fantasy that follows several different characters, throughout different points in time as they are all set to converge on the day of a solar eclipse. On this day, the fate of their world will be altered. An incredible story and great listen on Libro.fm, but definitely something you have to pay attention too or you will miss important details!”

“The audio narration perfectly captures the prickly and snarky El, a lifelong misfit and outcast, as she explains her precarious position in this highly competitive and deadly magical boarding school (think, Hogwarts meets the Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies). In explaining the history and design of the school, El provides us an unexpected and smart commentary on wealth, class and privilege. With no social skills, she has no friends but this is not high on her priority list as her only goals are not getting killed by the monster infested school and harnessing her dark powers while mastering enough magical skills to survive Graduation next year. All this changes when unexpected friendships and alliances are thrust into her face, and she realizes she has to help save the students of the school. It is also absolutely hilarious as she slowly tries to understand how friendship works and how to respond to them in an appropriately friendly manner. I cannot wait for the next one.”

“Alix Harrow’s The Ten Thousand Doors of January was my favorite book last year, so I had incredibly high expectations when I picked up The Once and Future Witches. This book is very different, but I adore it just as much! Set in the late 1800s in a world with a slightly alternate history from ours, women are fighting for the vote and losing. Three wayward sisters decide to challenge the patriarchy by bringing back witchcraft. Told through familiar stories twisted in new ways, this book is incredible. You will not be able to put it down, from the beautifully written introduction to the pulse-pounding ending!”

“Jacqueline Woodson tackles the aftermath of concussions on a boy and his family. The only son of a pro-football player sees his dad change before his eyes, and must alter his own participation in the rough-housing team games he loves, in this middle-grade novel. It's great for 9-12 year olds, full of play action and admiration, personal growth and acceptance. Perfect for active kids and a well-narrated audio book for a short road trip, too!”

“Kids who loved The Call of the Wild by Jack London will enjoy this upcoming novel. This middle reader is set entirely from the point of view of a young wolf who is trying to find his way to a new home after his family was defeated by a rival wolf pack. A great book to give kids a new perspective and insight into what it may be like to be a wild animal surviving on the edges of human civilization. Animal lovers, adventurers, or kids involved with nature will want to read this one.”