GPL Book Break

Book Break: Our 2025 preview of Books We Want to Read!

Librarians Claire and Meghan talk about some of the 2025 releases that they are excited to add to their “To Be Read” piles this year!
 
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson.  Publishes January 28, 2025 (Claire)
The daughter of an affluent Black family pieces together the connection between a childhood tragedy and a beloved heirloom in this moving novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake. 
All Shall Mourn by Ellie Marney – Publishes February 5, 2025 (Meghan)
The third and final book in the None Shall Sleep Sequence – about teenagers and serial killers. 
Babylonia by Costanza Casati.  Publishes January 14, 2025 (Claire)
From the author of the bestselling Clytemnestra comes another intoxicating excursion into ancient history, as Casati reimagines the rise to power of the Assyrian empire's only female ruler, Semiramis. 
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney.  Publishes January 14, 2025. (Meghan) 
The million-copy bestselling Queen of Twists Alice Feeney returns with a gripping and deliciously dark thriller about marriage. . .and revenge.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.  Publishes March 4, 2025 (Claire)
In a time of climate change, a family that lives on a remote island research center prepare for a monster storm when a mysterious woman washes ashore. 
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry.  Publishes April 22, 2025.  (Meghan)
Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel .
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Q. Sutanto.  Publishes April 1,  2025.  (Claire)
Vera Wong is back and as meddling as ever in this follow-up to the hit Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. 
Matchmaking for Psychopaths by Tasha Coryell. Publishes July 17, 2025 (Meghan)
Alex's now ex turns up dead, then more people around her seem to be dropping like flies. And she can't help but wonder if this new friendship is a match made in hell.
The Sirens by Emilia Hart.  Publishes April 1, 2025.  (Claire)
A breathtaking tale of female resilience, The Sirens is an extraordinary novel that captures the sheer power of sisterhood and the indefinable magic of the sea. 
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez.  Publishes April 1, 2025.  (Meghan)
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer comes a new playful yet deeply emotional contemporary romance.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna.  Publishes April 29, 2025 (Claire)
A whimsical and heartwarming novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams.  Publishes January 7, 2025.  (Meghan)
Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance by the New York Times bestselling author of The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect.
King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby.  Publishes June 10, 2025 (Claire)
 Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby returns with King of Ashes, a Godfather-inspired Southern crime epic and dazzling family drama.
The Woman in the Wallpaper by Lora Jones.  Publishes February 4, 2025 (Meghan)
Set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Paris, two young women working at a wallpaper factory and the young, aristocratic fiancé of the factory owner’s son struggle with changes in life, and the mystery of the woman in the wallpaper design.
Isola by Allegra Goodman.  Publishes February 4, 2025 (Claire)
An unforgettable epic saga of a French noblewoman deserted on an island where her survival will depend on the power of her faith and love—from the New York Times bestselling author of Sam.
The Geographer’s Map to Romance by India Holton.  Publishes April 8, 2025 (Meghan)
Geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience inconveniently reconnect for an emergency mission in this swoony historical-fantasy rom-com.
Have thoughts about our picks?  What books are you looking forward to reading in 2025?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!

Book Break: Our Favorite Reads of 2024

Join GPL librarians Claire, Molly and Sean, as we talk about our favorite reads of 2024! 
Here are the books we’re discussing, with links to find them in the library catalog or at Bookshop.Org
The Fox Wife by Yangzee Choo (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the Audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.  
Playground by Richard Powers (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here. Purchase a copy here.
We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (Sean)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Purchase a copy here.
The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Read the eBook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham (Sean)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
Nuclear War:  A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen (Sean)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
All The Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
 
James by Percival Everett (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
Have you read any of our choices?  Have thoughts about our picks?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!

Mother/Daughter Reads

Links for Book Break 11/20/2024
Join GPL librarian Claire and special guest, her daughter, Sarah, as we talk about Mother/Daughter reads – what we’ve read that we enjoyed, and also some books we did not enjoy. 
Here are the books we’re discussing, with links to find them in the library catalog or at Bookshop.Org
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the Audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.  
Under the Whispering Door by T. J. Klune (Sarah)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here. Purchase a copy here.
Help Wanted by Adele Waldman (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here.  Purchase a copy here.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong (Sarah)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the Audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
The Mayor of Maxwell Street by Avery Cunningham (Sarah)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Read the EBook on Hoopla here.  Purchase a copy here.
Our “duds” - but who knows?  Every book it’s reader!
Hum by Helen Phillips Reserve a copy here. 
Hera by Jennifer Saint.  Reserve a copy here.
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig.  Reserve a copy here.
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton.  Reserve a copy here. 
Family, Family by Laurie Frankel.  Reserve a copy here. 
The Fury by Alex Michaelides.  Reserve a copy here. 
 
Have you read any of our choices?  Have thoughts about our picks?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!

Book Break: Reading Roundup

Join GPL librarian Claire and special guest, Lisa, as we talk about a variety of books we’ve been reading lately.
Here are the books we’re discussing, with links to find them in the library catalog or at Bookshop.Org
 
The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C. L. Miller (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the Audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.  
Daughters of Shandong by Eva J. Chung (Lisa)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
The Secret Hours by Mick Herron (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here.  Purchase a copy here.
The Secret Keeper of Main Street by Trisha R. Thomas (Lisa)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Read the Ebook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
What in the World?! by Leanne Morgan (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
Being Henry by Henry Winkler (Lisa)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
 
Have you read any of our choices?  Have thoughts about our picks?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!

Book Break: Witches, Vampires, Ghosts and More!

Join GPL librarian Claire and special guest, Molly, as we talk about seasonal books – Witchy books, Vampires, Ghosts and paranormal!
Here are the books we’re discussing, with links to find them in the library catalog or at Bookshop.Org
 
Playing the Witch Card by KJ Dell’Antonia (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Purchase a copy here.  
Weyward by Emilia Hart (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here. Purchase a copy here.
The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Purchase a copy here.
Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Read the Ebook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
 
Have you read any of our choices?  Have thoughts about our picks?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!

Book Break: Comfort Reads

Links for Book Break 10/02/2024
Join GPL librarian Claire and special guest, Jenna, as we talk about “comfort reads” and which books are our own personal favorites!
Here are the books we’re discussing, with links to find them in the library catalog or at Bookshop.Org
The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves (Claire) Vera is a great TV show on Britbox, too!
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.  
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriott (Jenna) Jenna also loves the TV series!
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here. Purchase a copy here.
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here.  Purchase a copy here.
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (Sean)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here. Purchase a copy here.
Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Read the eBook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (Jenna)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here.  Purchase a copy here.  
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Jenna)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here.  Purchase a copy here.  
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (Sean)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Read the ebook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.  
 
Bonus books:
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (Claire) middle grade
Reserve a copy from the library here. Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here. Purchase a copy here.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker (Claire) middle grade
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here. Purchase a copy here.
 
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling mentioned as well!
Have you read any of our choices?  Have thoughts about our picks?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!

Book Break: Fall 2024 Preview

Librarians Claire and Monroe County Library Director, Patty Uttaro, talk about some of the 2024 releases that they are excited to add to their “To Be Read” piles this fall!
 
The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo.  Oct. 8. 2024 (Claire)
Dual-timeline.  A lawyer and her elderly great-aunt use their supernatural gifts to find a lost child in this richly imagined and empowering story of motherhood, magic, and legacy.   
When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman– Sept. 17, 2024 (Patty)
A lyrical and heart-wrenching story of the way the world closes in on the Frank family from the moment the Nazis invade the Netherlands until they are forced into hiding, bringing Anne to bold, vivid life.  Based on extensive research and published in cooperation with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, When We Flew Away is an extraordinary and moving tour de force.  Middle-grade novel.
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang.  October 1, 2024 (Claire)
Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China this book is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds. 
Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell October 1, 2024. (Patty) 
In this provocative new work, Malcolm Gladwell returns for the first time in twenty-five years to the subject of social epidemics and tipping points, this time with the aim of explaining the dark side of contagious phenomena.  
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten October 1, 2024 (Claire)
In her long-awaited memoir, Ina Garten – aka the Barefoot Contessa- author of thirteen bestselling cookbooks, beloved Food Network personality, shares her personal story.
What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci October 15, 2024 (Claire)
In What I Ate in One Year Tucci records twelve months of eating-in restaurants, kitchens, film sets, press junkets, at home and abroad, with friends, with family, with strangers, and occasionally just by himself.
Betty Crocker Found Recipes:   Beloved Vintage Recipes Worth Sharing November 26, 2024 (Patty)
From Betty Crocker, the brand beloved by generations of Americans, a carefully curated treasure trove of more than 100 favorite vintage recipes found in the Betty Crocker archives, dusted off and so delicious you'll love them on today's table.
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins October 10, 2024 Claire & Patty
New Novel by author of “The Girl on the Train”.  Welcome to Eris: an island with only one house, one inhabitant, one way out. Unreachable from the Scottish mainland for twelve hours each day.  Once home to Vanessa: A famous artist whose notoriously unfaithful husband disappeared twenty years ago.  Now home to Grace: A solitary creature of the tides, content in her own isolation.  But when a shocking discovery is made in an art gallery far away in London, a visitor comes calling.  And the secrets of Eris threaten to emerge....
The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche.  October 8, 2024.  (Patty)
As the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. But when word spread of her unusual abilities, she was condemned as a witch and banished. Now the same men who expelled Ginevra are begging for her return.
The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich October 1, 2024 (Claire)
A story of love, natural forces, spiritual yearnings, and the tragic impact of uncontrollable circumstances on ordinary people’s lives.  Set around a wedding in Argus, North Dakota with themes of climate change, depletion of natural resources, and the economic meltdown of 2008.  Author Erdrich is a Pulitzer prize winner and National Book award winner.
The Restaurant of Lost Recipes by Hisashi Kashiwai October 8, 2024.  (Patty)
Tucked away down a Kyoto backstreet lies the extraordinary Kamogawa Diner, run by Chef Nagare and his daughter, Koishi. The father-daughter duo have reinvented themselves as “food detectives,” offering a service that goes beyond cooking mouth-watering meals. Through their culinary sleuthing, they revive lost recipes and rekindle forgotten memories. 
This Cursed House by Del Sandeen October 8, 2024 (Patty)
In this Southern gothic horror debut, a young Black woman abandons her life in 1960s Chicago for a position with a mysterious family in New Orleans, only to discover the dark truth: They’re under a curse, and they think she can break it.
 
Have thoughts about our picks?  What books are you looking forward to reading this fall?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!

Book Break: September Reading Roundup

Join GPL librarian Claire and special guest, Meghan, as we talk about a roundup of recent reads for the beginning of September.   
Here are the books we’re discussing, with links to find them in the library catalog or at Bookshop.Org
We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Purchase a copy here.  
Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell (Meghan)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston (Meghan)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Read the eBook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here.  Purchase a copy here.  
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross (Meghan)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here.  Purchase a copy here.  
 
Have you read any of our choices?  Have thoughts about our picks?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!

August Reading Roundup

Join GPL librarian Claire and special guest, Sherry, as we talk about a roundup of August reads for the last few weeks of summer
Here are the books we’re discussing, with links to find them in the library catalog or at Bookshop.Org
The Wedding People by Alison Espach (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.  
Happily Never After by Lynn Painter (Sherry)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Read the EBook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Purchase a copy here.
The Love Wager by Lynn Painter (Sherry)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
Sandwich by Catherine Newman (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.  
Betting On You by Lynn Painter (Sherry)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.  
Bonus Picks:
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter (Sherry)
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter (Sherry) – Coming September 24, 2024!
The Do-Over by Lynn Painter (Sherry)
 
Have you read any of our choices?  Have thoughts about our picks?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!

Book Break: Suspense, Mystery, and Thrillers!

Join GPL librarian Claire and special guest, Molly, as we talk about great thriller reads – especially for those of you that enjoy murder, mayhem and suspense!
Here are the books we’re discussing, with links to find them in the library catalog or at Bookshop.Org
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.  
All The Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.  
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.  
Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla here. Purchase a copy here.
All The Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (Claire)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Listen to the audiobook on Libby here.  Purchase a copy here.
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocomb (Molly)
Reserve a copy from the library here.  Read the Ebook on Libby here. Purchase a copy here.
Bonus Picks:
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (Claire)
Murder Most Owl by Sarah Fox (Molly)
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth (Claire)
Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton (Molly) 
Have you read any of our choices?  Have thoughts about our picks?  Connect with us at greecepl.podcasts@gmail.com.  We love hearing from our listeners and getting your suggestions for our “To Be Read” pile!