FDL staff has been busy reading all kinds of things this fall. Check out our recommendations below!
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Kean
I just finished Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane, as it was recommended to me by another librarian. This story of two families gripped me from the beginning and allows the reader a glimpse into their joys and struggles as the families tackle love and marriage, addiction and recovery, and illness and treatment. While that seems like it might be a recipe for a depressing downer of a book, perseverance and hope made me as the reader want to get to the end of the story. – Genna, Library Director
King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
A warrior princess, Isolde, and her father, the king, are losing a war with the vampire nation. To end the war and avoid complete destruction, they must surrender to Vampire King Adrian in exchange for peace and protection. To seal the deal, Princess Isolde will have to forge an alliance by marrying the vampire king, thus becoming queen of the vampires. – Jeremy, Adult Services
The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson
This book is a sequel to Richardson’s earlier book, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Both books are true stories based on the program that began in the 1930’s of horseback delivery of library and literacy materials through the Appalachian mountains in southeastern Kentucky. Honey Lovett is the daughter whose story takes place in the 1950’s and details the struggles that women faced in all areas of their lives whether working in forestry, mining, literacy efforts or simply as wives. – Becky, Adult Services
Horus Rising: Book 1 of the Horus Heresy by Dan Abnett
I’ve played Warhammer 40,000 for 24 years and have recently decided to read some books that detail the history of the setting in more depth. The book was much better than I expected. – Nick, Circulation Manager
Elsewhere by Alexis Schaitkin
This novel is about an isolated community living amongst the clouds in a mountain valley. Idyllic, except for the ‘affliction’ that marks their community: the regular disappearance of young mothers. Atmospheric and culty, I love the framing and how the mystery is unfolding. – Beth, Communications
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Verity Crawford is an esteemed and respected author, most famous for her series of fictional novels written through the viewpoint of the villain. When she has a terrible and mysterious accident that leaves her unable to finish the last three installments of the series, her husband and publisher seek out Lowen Ashleigh to ghost write the remainder of the series. Lowen, unqualified and virtually unknown as an author, soon finds herself in Verity’s home office sifting through her personal notes and records when she comes across some very troubling documents. Was the death of not one, but two of Verity’s children the result of two separate freak accidents? Was Verity’s injury due to yet another freak accident, or was something more sinister at play? Are Verity’s injuries as severe as they seem? Why is Jeremy so adamant to have Lowen of all people finish the series his wife spent so many years carefully crafting? This thriller will keep you guessing all the way to the end and have you split between what to believe. – Katie, Circulation
Forbidden City by Vanessa Hua
I was drawn to this book by its title. I have always been fascinated with China’s Forbidden City, the fortified gilded palace of its past emperors. But the novel is not about the Forbidden City. Rather, it’s about Chairman Mao Zedong’s Communist Cultural Revolution and a sixteen year old girl who becomes his lover and a model revolutionary. – Deb, Circulation
Normal People by Sally Rooney
This is the coming-of-age story of Connell and Marianne, two students from a small Irish town. Despite differences in social standing and class, they are drawn to one another and begin a secret relationship while in high school. There are intense feelings and communication disasters, but Connell and Marianne continue to connect and reconnect during their college years, discovering a bond that is irresistible to ignore. – Susie, Adult Services
Over My Dead Body: Unearthing the Hidden History of America’s Cemeteries by Greg Melville
Just in time for spooky season, this is an engaging book on what makes America’s cemeteries unique. From the first burying grounds at Jamestown, to the development of cemeteries as real estate investments, to modern “green” burial, there is a wealth of interesting information in this quick read. – Sylvia Shults, Circulation
Flash Fire by T.J. Klune
I read Flash Fire as an audiobook, and the narrator brought life to all of these lively characters, especially the teenage protagonist Nick. As a sequel to The Extraordinaries, it built on the story with new challenges to overcome and a couple twists, and the ending made me immediately put book three on hold. – Alice, Youth Services Manager
Books by author/illustrator Jon Klassen
These picture books have a great autumn vibe! I love the simplistic art style as well as the dry humor – these titles are great for kids and adults! – Chelsea, Youth Services
The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
Thrawn Ascendancy Series by Timothy Zahn
Right now I am reading the Thrawn Ascendancy series by Timothy Zahn. This series is the origin story of Grand Admiral Thrawn – first seen on screen in the Star Wars Rebels series. It follows him on his rise in the ranks of the Chiss Ascendancy and shows how he developed his unparalleled tactical skills that he uses for what he views as the greater good. – Rebecca, Business Manager
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