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The Last Night in London

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The Last Night in London by Karen White
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Adults

Journalist Maddie Warner didn’t know. She didn’t know how a woman’s account of life in wartime London could speak to her today.

Maddie flew to England to interview and photograph “Precious” Dubose and her beautiful collection of vintage fashionwear. Maddie didn’t anticipate running into Colin, the man she dated, liked, then avoided in college.

Ninety-nine year old Precious Dubose still had the grace of a model, yet she battled with her health. Between bouts of rest, Precious described her friendship and modeling career with roommate Eva in 1939, in the midst of glittering party life and escalating political turmoil.  Through her story, Precious introduced Maddie to tall and brave Graham St. John, yet dangerous, and alluring Alex and their roles in the war and in Precious and Eva’s lives.  Like Maddie, who grieved her mother, Precious seemed to be exude a private sorrow.  Was this why Precious clung to life to finish her interview with Maddie?  Along the way, Colin and Maddie began to search for lost people from the past and found some personal answers along the way.

I was immersed in this tale of life 50 years apart yet with common themes.  Karen White’s description of life in 1939 felt so authentic.  I was driven to find out what happened to Precious and Eva and and their circle of loved ones.  Yet when the author described Maddie and Colin in the present, that seemed real too.  The struggles of the characters was relatable.  While the romance between Maddie and Colin seemed inevitable, there was a twist conclusion to the story too.

Find The Last Night in London in the catalog.

Legendborn

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Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Teens

What caught my attention to read Legendborn was that it involved King Arthur lore that is rarely included in young adult fantasy. The story follows Bree, a determined teen that is trying to find the cause of her mother’s death after a terrible car accident that was classified to be a hit and run. She ends up getting involved in a secret society that is filled with descendants from King Arthur’s round table. In her gut, she knows this secret society had something to do with her mother’s accident. The society tried to alter or “mesmer” her and her father’s memories while visiting their mother in the hospital. What I liked about Legendborn were the characters and the magic system. I admired Bree’s stubborn spirit to find answers. She didn’t care what others thought of her and did what she needed to do. Legendborn is a good read for anyone that enjoys a modern twist on classic folklore.

Find Legendborn in the catalog.

The Silver Arrow

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The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Kids

Dear Uncle Herbert,
You’ve never met me but I’m your niece Kate, and since it’s my birthday tomorrow and you are super rich do you think you could please send me a present?
Warmly,
Kate

Kate has no idea when she writes this letter to her Uncle Herbert, whom she has never met, but is told is very rich and very irresponsible, that he will actually show up on her birthday with a present.

She certainly has no idea that the present will be an actual steam engine called “The Silver Arrow.”

She really couldn’t have guessed that tracks would suddenly appear from her backyard into the woods beyond, and that the train will take off along them.

She couldn’t have even had an inkling that talking animals will be waiting with tickets at magic train stops all over the world, and she and her little brother Tom are expected to conduct them to their destinations.

These are the first of many surprises for Kate as she embarks on an adventure filled with thrills and chills in this novel for children by Lev Grossman (author of The Magicians novels for adults) which makes a wonderful read-aloud for families to share together.

Find The Silver Arrow in the catalog

Ararat

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Ararat by Christopher Golden
Format:  Book
Who it’s For:  Adults

After a huge avalanche forces Adam Holzer and Meryam Karga, a couple climbing Mount Ararat, to hunt for shelter in one of the mountain’s caves, they stumble upon what they believe to be Noah’s Ark. Thrilled by their finding, the couple visions of turning their luck into a best-selling biography. Inside the ark is a great coffin that rapidly becomes the primary interest of the crew. Speculating who might be inside, with theories stretching from Noah himself to other biblical figures–the crew, after a passing disagreement, makes the choice to break open the coffin. But instead of discovering Noah, a horrible, evil-looking, horned cadaver rests inside.

What could go wrong?

Quite a lot. Particularly when an invading strangeness runs its nails down everybody’s back; when the crew turns abnormally malicious, needy, or fearful. When the crew awakens screaming, mysteriously overwhelmed by long-buried childhood terrors. When people disappear.

Find Ararat in the catalog!

The Mysterious Benedict Society

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The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Format: Book
Who it’s for: kids, everyone

The Mysterious Benedict Society follows four children – Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance – as they join Mr. Benedict’s secret organization in an effort to defeat evil. After completing tests and solving puzzles, the four unlikely friends are brought together in an effort to solve the mysteries plaguing their little town. Why are people disappearing? What’s going on at the Learning Institute? Follow the adventures of these four unlikely friends as they work together to solve the mysteries.

This book was enjoyable from beginning to end! It was quick-paced with lots of little twists and turns and a strong found-family theme. While this is a children’s book, I’d recommend it for anyone of any age. If you like mysteries, I recommend giving this book a try!

The Mysterious Benedict Society is the first in the series, and has also been made into a TV show on Disney+.

Find The Mysterious Benedict Society in our catalog! 

Hello, Rain!

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Hello, Rain! by Kyo Maclear
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Children

Did you know that rain can be savored, enjoyed? As an adult, I primarily think of how not to get wet when it rains. Yet this book is a celebration of rain! With bright and cheery illustration, the author describes all that happens and all that a person could do when it rains, both indoors and out. She introduces the reader to the adventure of rain.  What does it sound like?  What does rain do?  How can we experience it? And how can we make it a special experience indoors too?

Kyo Maclear invites everyone to slow down and take in their encounter with weather.  I found that even just reading about rain was a delight.

And you can find Hello, Rain! right here!