A Bookish Holiday

01

Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune, by Roselle Lim (2019)

A modern Joy Luck Club--Lim adds a pinch of magic to tell the story of Natalie Tan. Recently grieving the loss of her mother, Natalie returns home to San Francisco's Chinatown to find that her old neighborhood has lost itself: businesses are failing and residents are moving out. Natalie must use her skills and her grandmother's recipe book to save them all.

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02

The Stationary Shop, by Marjan Kamali (2019)

Set amid the unrest in 1953 Iran, this is about Roya and Bahman, their romance and their separation--and their reunification decades later when Roya can finally ask how he could ever abandon her. 

 

03

Her Daughter's Mother, by Daniela Petrova (2019)

An absorbing psychological thriller about a woman who befriends her "anonymous" egg donor. Lana never meant to meet Katya, but after a painful breakup with her partner, Tyler, she needs a distraction. But when Katya disappears, Lana uncovers more than one secret.

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04

The Jane Austen Society, by Natalie Jenner (releasing 2020)

This beautifully lyrical book tells the story of eight people in post-WWII Chawton, England, who come together to preserve Austen's legacy in the town.

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05

American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins (releasing 2020)

After an act of unspeakable violence at her middle-class Acapulco home, Lydia and her eight-year-old son, Luca, are forced to travel to "el norte." This searing novel of the migrant's journey is told with dignity and humanity and avoids political judgement. Rather, it highlights the hope and Lydia's overwhelming love for her son amid the terror she's facing. 

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06

The Oysterville Sewing Circle, by Susan Wiggs (2019)

Alongside a romance spanning years, this inspiring and powerful novel explores the horrors of domestic violence. Caroline Shelby leaves her New York City fashion career in disgrace and travels home to Oysterville, Washington. But she's not alone: with her are Addie and Flick, children orphaned by her friend Angelique. Determined to do right by them, Caroline, while unraveling the events that led to Angelique's death, uncovers a host of secrets in her seemingly idyllic hometown as well.

 

07

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, by Kim Michelle Richardson (2019)

This unique work of historical fiction depicts Roosevelt's Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project of the 1930s. It's inspired by the blue-skinned people of Kentucky and tells the story of Cussy Mary Carter, one of the Project's librarians. She faces danger and prejudice along the way--not every Kentuckian is excited about this new program.

 

08

Starfish, by Akemi Dawn Bowman (2017)

A heart wrenching young adult novel about a biracial teen trying to overcome her social anxiety amidst her parents' divorce, her mother's disturbing behavior towards her, and her rejection from art school.

 

09

Beautiful Blue World, by Suzanne LaFleur (2017)

A lovely middle grade novel that's told both simply, but powerfully. The country of Sofarende is at war and twelve-year-old Mathilde is a new recruit. LaFleur highlights the brutality of war along with its awful decisions (without any graphic depictions) and shows us that many times children understand humanity at a level that adults have lost.

 

10

Circle of Friends, by Maeve Binchy (1990)

A perennial favorite from a beloved Irish author--but I love all of hers equally! This one is about best friends Benny and Eve, and the love, betrayals, and independence they find when they go off to college.