A round-up of staff picks for January

Catherine Coles
Coles Notes

The staff members of the County of Lennox and Addington  Libraries are avid readers and always eager to share their favourite books. Here we bring you a list of some of the reads we’ve recently enjoyed. This month you’ll find juvenile fiction, romance, historical fiction and even a satirical thriller set in Nigeria! I hope you’ll find something that piques your interest.

Gillian suggests My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite      

What do you do if your little sister has the bad habit of killing her boyfriends? If you are Korede, the main character in this debut novel, the answer is obvious: clean up the crime scene and meticulously destroy all evidence.

But when Korede’s two worlds collide, and her sister sets sight on Korede’s love interest, a choice must be made: continue to protect a murderous sister or save the man of your dreams.

This quick and addictive read is filled with (dark) humour and clever observations.  Each character comes with flaws, including quirky big-sister and narrator Korede who you can’t help but root for. Braithwaite chooses her words with care, resulting in a fast paced, tension-filled story that will end long before you’re ready.

Kristin suggests Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell

Since 2019 has only freshly started, why not read an adorable little book that features two friends recognizing their love for each other at a New Year’s Eve celebration?

Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell is a collection of two heartwarming stories featuring young love that you won’t be able to get enough of! Between the glittery covers of this book, the imagination of a highly skilled author gives us two amazing stories that are even brought to life by a few sweet illustrations scattered throughout the pages.

I have read every novel published by this author and in my opinion each one has been a masterpiece including this most recent release which is suitable for both adults and teens.

I consider Rainbow Rowell to be one of the best contemporary romance writers around which is why I think this is a perfect book for when you’re craving something witty, cute and a tad bit romantic.

It would also work great if you are looking to start the year off with some light, feel good reading that you can just pick up and read in less than an hour.

Julie suggests Lady Franklin of Russell Square by Erika Behrisch Elce

Lady Franklin of Russell Square is a perfect read for lovers of historical fiction and epistolary novels.  Lady Franklin was an unconventional and controversial figure for her time as she waited for Sir John Franklin to return home from his ill-fated journey to the Arctic.

Told over a span of 10 years through letters and newspaper articles you see that even when it is clear he will not return she is steadfast in her determination that reports are wrong and the costs she incurs both financially and to her reputation.

Patricia suggests Just Under the Clouds is Melissa Sarno

Imagine grieving the loss of you father, being in middle school, being responsible for your sister who has special needs when your mom is at work, and being homeless – this is the life Cora is living.

Just Under the Clouds is Melissa Sarno’s debut novel and it is a powerful, thought-provoking work of juvenile fiction. Cora is a budding naturalist who is inspired by her late father to document the life of trees keeping notes in her father’s field journal that she calls her “Tree Book” while moving from placement to placement with her mother and sister. This book will give the reader a brief glimpse into homelessness from a child’s perspective.

Karen S. suggests The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth

Pleasant Court seems on the surface to live up to its name, populated with picture perfect families with young children.

But all is not as it seems and there are secrets in every household…and just who is the mysterious single woman who’s just rented a four bedroom home there? She says she’s moved there for work so why doesn’t she seem to be employed?

This is a fast-paced, compelling, and suspenseful family drama, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Diane Chamberlain.

All of these titles can be reserved from your library  branch or online at www.countylibrary.ca.

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