Delectable December Staff Picks

The Lying Life of Adults

“Ferrante’s latest novel gives an insightful and intriguing look at the life of a budding Italian teenage girl, both internally and externally. I found Ferrante’s ability to delve into Giovanna’s psyche fascinating, especially since I’ve never parented a girl and don’t always feel like I understand them. Her sensitivity to the myriad of issues and the fragility of Giovanna’s relationships make for a marvelous read. Ferrante is a gifted writer, and this latest offering does not disappoint. I loved this story! Fabulous read!”

Stephanie Crowe, Page and Palette

"Narrator Jennifer Hale's outstanding performance brings this story of alien invasion to life...Hale's range of differentiation is masterly as she animates all the quirky characters Kira meets. From the rough, snarky slang of ex-military woman to the half-mad musings of a human "ship mind," every unique voice enhances the listening experience."... Read more »

From the authors of the bestselling Awakened trilogyIn this spine-tingling horror novel from the actor best known as “Murr” on the hit television shows Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index, James S. Murray, and co-writer Darren Wearmouth, a prehistoric arachnid terrifies a stranded group in a West Virginia canyon.Megan Forrester has barely... Read more »

From the #1 best-selling author of The Alchemist comes an inspiring story about a young man seeking wisdom from an elder, and the practical lessons imparted along the way. Includes stunning illustrations by Christoph Niemann.

“A novelist who writes in a universal language.” —The New York Times

In The Archer we meet Tetsuya, a man once famous for... Read more »

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

“If you had a chance to travel in time, would you? Even if there were multiple rules that must be followed, including you cannot change the present, and the cost of breaking the rules means losing your life. Would you do it? In Before the Coffee gets Cold, you follow four different customers who have come to a coffee shop, hidden in the alleys of Tokyo, for the chance to experience just one moment in time. What would be so important that you would be willing to take that chance? The opportunity to see your true love one more time, to find the answer to a question long forgotten, or to see a loved one taken too soon. If you are looking for a heartwarming tale about reflecting on the past and embracing the future, Before the Coffee gets Cold is your next read. So go grab a coffee, and remember to drink it before it gets cold.”

Gretchen, Fiction Addiction

Written in the Stars

“Take two opposites: Elle, a bright, optimistic social media astrologer and Darcy, a cynical, no-nonsense insurance actuary. Elle is avidly looking for her soulmate, while Darcy, who has been badly burned by love, doesn't know if she believes in soulmates anymore. Add a disastrous first date, a meddling brother, a disapproving family dynamic, and a fake dating plot. And what do you have? All the makings of a really amusing love story. This is my favorite of the series, an easy delightful read!”

Zinna, A Great Good Place for Books

Soon to be a Showtime limited series starring Ethan Hawke and Daveed Diggs

Winner of the National Book Award for Fiction

From the bestselling author of Deacon King Kong (an Oprah Book Club pick) and The Color of Water comes the story of a young boy born a slave who joins John Brown’s antislavery crusade—and who must pass as a girl to survive.

... Read more »

Devolution

“This was a blast to read. Kate and Dan Holland have an opportunity to move into an eco-friendly community called Greenloops in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. Kate’s therapist asks her to keep a journal, and this is how their story is preserved. Because after Mt. Rainier erupts, horrible things happen at Greenloops. Really horrible things…”

Ann Nye, Excelsior Bay Books

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

“In fitting fashion, I first read The Ocean at the End of the Lane several years ago and only just revisited it to find that my memories of it were totally different than what I was listening to. Neil Gaiman perfectly captures the trials of being young; the terrible and sometimes absurdist powerlessness of being a small person in a big person's world. But, at the same time, he reintroduces all of us to the childhoods we do or don't remember and the roads we've forgotten we once followed. The Ocean at the End of the Lane is truly a tremendous work of art -- made more magical by Gaiman's soothing, sorrowful, powerful voice. The best thing I could do was forget what I read, dream about it for years, and then finally relisten to it to find new magic in an old story.”

Kvothe, Rediscovered Books

Joe Biden

“What a wonderful and insightful look into the man who is our next President. Honest and hopeful, this book is a must-listen for anyone wanting to know more about Joe Biden and what brought him to this day.”

Mary, Skylark Bookshop

Wintering

“When Katherine May set out to write her book, Wintering, she could not have foreseen that it would be published in the middle of a pandemic, nor that it would be so beautifully suited to our current circumstances. Wintering is the author's account of how she made it through unforeseen difficult times and depression (emotional winters). Gentle, understanding, hopeful, and empathetic, this is a book you will listen to and then want to buy a copy of, just so you can have it nearby for difficult times.”

Mary, Skylark Bookshop

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Discover the life-changing memoir that has inspired millions of readers through the Academy Award®–winning actor’s unflinching honesty, unconventional wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE GUARDIAN

“McConaughey’s book invites... Read more »

Inheritance Games

“Traps Upon Traps and Riddles Upon Riddles. When inheriting billions from a stranger things can get tricky. Throw in secret passages, codes to decipher, and word play a plenty and you’re in for a fun roller coaster of a ride. The Inheritance Games is a fun, fast paced read full of riddles, wit, and cute boys. If you’re a fan of escape rooms and mysteries where each answer reveals a new question and rabbit hole to get lost in you’ll love this book. There’s also a great balance of humor and the deeper issues the characters struggle with throughout the narrative like grief and abandonment that I really appreciated. A thoroughly enjoyable read!”

Constance, Mysterious Galaxy Books

A New York Times bestseller!
A GMA3 Summer Reading Squad Selection!
“Ingeniously plotted, and a grin-inducing delight.” —People
“Will keep young readers glued to the page…So when do I get the sequel?” —Beth McMullen, author of Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls

In this thrilling new series that Stuart Gibbs called “a must-read,” Edgar Award... Read more »

When Redwall was published in 1987 it catapulted author Brian Jacques to international stardom. And small wonder! This enthralling tale is jam-packed with the things we long for in a great adventure: danger, laughter, hairbreadth escapes, tragedy, mystery, a touch of wonder, a truly despicable villain, and a hero we can take to heart.

That hero... Read more »

Everyone knows the legends . . . but does anyone know the truth?

Fiercetooth, a NightWing obsessed with what could have -- and should have -- been. Deathbringer, desperate to prove himself as the next great NightWing assassin. Six-Claws, a loyal SandWing, who will soon find that loyalty comes with a price. Foeslayer the NightWing, a dragon in... Read more »