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Take a look back at our 2024 Extreme Book Challenge newsletters for bookish inspo and sign up for the 2025 Challenge to get newsletters directly to your inbox each month!
To kick things off this month, let’s get started with the first four challenge categories:
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #1: A BOOK YOU MEANT TO READ LAST YEAR
It’s 2024! I don’t know where 2023 disappeared to either, but somehow, it’s already in the rearview. Speaking of the rearview, did you get to read everything you said you were going to read last year? I know I didn’t. For Category #1 of the 2024 Extreme Book Challenge, let’s play a little bit of catch up with a book we meant to read last year.
There was only one category I didn’t complete last year, and that was category #55, a classic. I can feel the judgement radiating through the screen, but I am certainly not a good role model for reading the books you’re supposed to read. This year, my goal is to finally read Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Emily’s only novel promises to be a gothic romance unlike anything else and written well before its time. If you haven’t read Wuthering Heights either and are really starting to feel bad about it, please read it with me this year!
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #2: A FEEL-GOOD STORY
The second category in the 2024 Extreme Book Challenge is a feel-good story! A lot of different things can fall under the requirements of a feel-good story, just pick anything that makes you feel good. For me, I know something always certain to leave me feeling good is a memoir of triumph.
It’s no surprise that my feel-good pick is about a library. in Aoyama’s 2023 release, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, our protagonist is a librarian! Sayuri Komachi spends the day making the perfect recommendations for their patrons, helping each person in ways unimaginable. As she makes these recommendations, readers learn about each patron, their stories, and what makes the library so special. This story is a compilation of feel-good stories, certain to leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #3: A BOOK PUBLISHED IN 2023
The third category in 2024 is a book published in 2023. Sometimes I get so caught up in my TBR I miss some great new releases. This week I’ve put together a list of books that were published last year that you might have missed.
There were so many fantastic books released in 2023 so I really struggled to pick just one, but Jessica George’s 2023 debut, Maame is one book I can’t stop recommending to everyone! Grief is so human and so personal but so universal. Maame is a book of self-discovery, warmth, and personal growth. It’s a lovely story about becoming yourself and realizing you always were yourself, even before you knew what that meant. It’s about patience and vulnerability and a longing for vulnerability, and it might have been my favorite book of 2023.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #4: A CELEBRITY BOOK CLUB PICK
Try as we might, my friends and I cannot seem to put together a regular book club. To be honest, even though we make book recommendations all day long, the hardest part is always picking out the right book. That’s why category number four is a celebrity book club pick! Make it easy on yourself, and pick a book picked by Reese, Oprah, Jenna, or any other celebrity book club!
I might not be a celebrity, but here’s my pick out of the celebrities’ picks. In August 2023, the Belletrist book of the month was My Husband by Maud Ventura. In this relatively short (just under 300 pages) book translated from French, Ventura puts the definition of passion to the test. How much love is too much love, and what are its consequences? Our unnamed protagonist battles her own relationship in a suspenseful love story that may not be a love story after all.
If you need some fresh recommendations to power through February I’ve got Categories 5-8 ready to keep that momentum going!
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #5: A NONFICTION DEEP DIVE
I’ll be honest- I think this might be my favorite category in the entire challenge this year. A nonfiction deep dive refers to the trend of finding a topic and learning as much as you can about it, or, taking a “deep dive” into the topic. I’ve been picking up as many microhistories as my brain can handle and learning so much!
If you’re looking for a unique topic, look no further than Over My Dead Body by Greg Melville. In his detailed sophomore nonfiction book, Melville invites readers to join him on his journey into the history of American cemeteries by touring and exploring more than 15 US cemeteries with some even located right here in New York! Melville makes it his mission to detail the origins of burial practices and uncover the truth of American cemeteries while maintaining a lively and interesting narrative unlike anything I’ve ever read.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #6: A ROMANCE BOOK
Love is in the air with category #6, and happy Valentine’s Day! There is certainly no shortage of popular romance books to choose from as it has always been such a popular genre showing no signs of stopping. Whether you’re interested in a period piece, modern love story, or a mix of the two, I’m sure you’ll find something to love in this category.
I confess, the rumors are true, I am not a big fan of the romance genre. But even I, cold as my heart may be, surprise myself and occasionally fall victim to a sweet story line and a happy ending. Emily Henry has dominated the romance sphere for several years now, and having devoured all of her books, I understand the hype! Henry first appeared on my radar back in 2020 with her bookish enemies-to-lovers rom-com Beach Read. If there’s any chance you haven’t read any of her books yet, pick one up for category #6 and settle in for a satisfying and easy romance sure to find its way to any book lover’s heart.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #7: A BOOK OVER 400 PAGES OR AN AUDIOBOOK OVER 14 HOURS
If you’re like me, I know there’s a big book on your list that you’ve been putting off reading for ages because it’s just too intimidating. Here’s your chance! The Extreme Book Challenge is supposed to be just that, a challenge. I’ve fallen in love with so many big books over the years but it’s not always easy to jumpstart that relationship. It seems scary now, but it’s only February, and you have plenty of time to tackle that big read I bet you’ll end up wishing was even longer.
If you’ve ever asked me for a recommendation, you’ll know I take every opportunity I get to plug my favorite adult mystery/fantasy series by YA author Leigh Bardugo. When high school dropout Alex Stern is selected to receive a full-ride spot at Yale she can’t help but wonder: what’s the catch? And, of course, there is a catch. Impressively literary and compulsively readable, Ninth House always leaves me wanting more, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #8: A BOOK WITH BOOKS ON THE COVER
There are so many wonderful books with books on the cover, both fiction and nonfiction, that it’s hard to pick just one! Whether there’s just one hidden in the background or they cover the entire cover, as soon as I see a book on a book, I know it’s something I’ll love.
Shauna Robinson is a new face in the books-about-books subgenre, and her latest venture, The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks, was published just a few weeks ago! When Maggie takes a leap of faith and takes on the challenge of running a bookstore in Bell River, she isn’t anticipating the town trying to stop her from selling the contemporary books she loves. Now, with the success of the store being threatened, Maggie must decide what’s more important: making the town happy or sticking to her convictions.
I’ve got some March recommendations to put a spring in your step.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #9: A NEW RELEASE YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
There are so many great authors making their literary returns in 2024, with new releases on the way from Kristin Hannah, B.A. Paris and Emily Henry, just to name a few! Have you been waiting for a book from your favorite author?
If you only read one book I recommend this year, make sure Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange is the one you read. No matter what kind of reader you are, Tommy Orange is for you. I promise. I have had the privilege of reading both major works he has released now and find myself(already) anxiously awaiting a third. There is a compulsive need for answers inside all of us, especially those who have experienced a great loss, and Orange’s characters are no strangers to loss. Balancing between narratives of the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre and a 2018 Shooting, our characters exhibit a strength that advances a story and a legacy like none other.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #10: AN ADVENTURE STORY
Ah yes, the adventure story. I’ll be honest, sometimes just going to the grocery store feels like an adventure for me. There are a lot of different ways to interpret the requirements of this category, but I’ll try to make some recommendations that are more exciting than chores.
There are endless choices in adventure stories! To my knowledge, I’ve never read a western. The western shelves at the library are few, but fans of the subgenre assure me that the western is still alive and well! I can now confidently say they’re right, having read Anna North’s 2021 western, Outlawed. In a 19th century reality where barren women are banished, young protagonist Ada is forced out of society and finds her home amongst a band of outlaws who have all faced a similar fate. This feminist spin on the classic male dominated genre introduces a gun-slinging-cowgirl who is faced with the decision of accepting her fate or reimagining the future for all women.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #11: A TRANSLATED BOOK
If there’s one thing you need to know about my reading habits, it’s that I cannot get enough of translated fiction. There’s just something so special about the way tones and themes translate from language to language and culture to culture. I’ve already recommended My Husband by Maud Ventura and Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung in the past, but luckily for you, I was just scratching the surface of what books originally written in other languages have to offer.
Picture this: you’re driving home from work after a long day. You’re stuck in an unusual amount of traffic and starting to question it and then suddenly, you can’t see the road anymore. In fact, you can’t see anything anymore. When an epidemic of “white blindness” strikes the city and possibly the entire world, nobody knows what to do. Is it catching? Is it permanent? How do you keep your loved ones safe in such an unprecedented situation? Readers ask themselves all of the above questions in Jose Saramago’s 1995 classic Blindness.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #12 A BOOK SET IN THE 20th CENTURY
Where are all my historical fiction fans? I know you already have this category checked off and you’re probably trying to figure out where to fit all of the other historical fictions you’ve been reading. And who can blame you? There are so many wonderful books about the 20th century ranging from pre-WWI all the way to 90s slasher vibes.
Jacqueline Holland puts a unique spin on the vampire lore we think we know in her debut novel, The God of Endings. Our protagonist, Collette, has been immortal since 1834 and has worked hard to make sure to keep this a secret. Forced to lose the ones she loves and never settling into a home, Collete has grown accustomed to the loneliness required by her lifestyle. After 150 years of running away, she is challenged by her growing love for a child from a troubled home. If you’ve been waiting for a read-alike for VE Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, you’ll love The God of Endings.
April promises to bring showers, so here’s a sprinkle of recommendations for categories 13-16
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #13 A CLASSIC BOOK WITH A FEMALE AUTHOR
As we look back on Women’s history month, I can’t think of a better time to tackle category #13 and reflect on the literary contributions of women throughout history. Though not always recognized as part of the literary canon there are so many classic books written by women it’s hard to pick a favorite!
One classic book I can’t help but recommend is Their Eyes Were Watching God, originally published in 1937 by the literary icon and activist, Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston’s novel occupies a spot in the literary canon and, in my opinion, exists in a league of its own. Challenging gender roles and race relations, from the title to the prose straight through to the back cover, I have fallen in love with this book, and I know you will too!
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #14 A BOOK WITH A SWORD ON THE COVER
If you’re a fantasy fan or history buff, I’m sure you’re no stranger to books with swords on their cover. But don’t worry; if you tend to stick to general fiction or the classics, there is plenty to read in this category for you too!
There are so many great books that fit into this category, but this may be my only chance to recommend one of the greatest heroic tales of all time! Let’s talk about a book with many covers, translations, and an unknown author to boot. If you’ve never taken a stab (pun intended) at the epic poem Beowulf now is the time. Beowulf is not just a story- it’s an experience. When our hero, Beowulf embarks on a journey to defeat a great evil and prove his reputation, he must learn that there will always remain an even greater evil.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #15 A BOOK SET ON OR NEAR A BODY OF WATER
As residents of our lovely Long Island, it’s hard to escape a body of water in person, but it isn’t always easy to find books on water!
I took myself out of my comfort zone with Lucy Foley’s 2020 novel, The Guest List. This Agatha Christie-esque locked-room mystery is full of secrets, suspicion, and, of course, murder. An (un)likeable cast of characters embark on a journey to celebrate the love of a perfect couple at a perfect wedding – or so we’re told. The Guest List is a page turner that will have you guessing about not only the murderer but the murder victim as well!
CHALLENGE CATEGORY #16 A BOOK ABOUT NATURE
This year, Earth Day falls on April 22nd, and what better way to celebrate our planet than by exploring some titles about nature!
Don’t know much about birding? I didn’t either, but it’s definitely a hobby I’ve always found interesting! In Christian Cooper’s 2023 Memoir, Better Living Through Birding, he reflects on his lifetime journey towards self-acceptance while offering insights into the wonderful world of birds and what they can teach us about life.
It’s not just the flowers that are blooming this month; the recommendations are blossoming for categories 17-20
CATEGORY #17 A BOOK WITH A GREEN COVER
Many studies have shown that the color green can have a calming effect. It also reminds me of green grass and full trees and everything the warm months bring, so what better way to celebrate the incoming warm weather than with a nice calming green book!
If you thought I was going to use this as an opportunity to suggest a nice calming book, you’d be mistaken. Emma Cline’s overwhelming but intoxicating sophomore novel, The Guest, was popular immediately upon its release, and it deserves all the hype. Alex has a reputation for chaos, but she has always somehow managed to stay afloat. Until now. After spending a summer on Long Island beaches, Alex falls out of favor with the man who has been funding her life. Suddenly helpless in the Hamptons, Alex must either find a way to rebuild her relationships or start all over again in the city. The Guest will have you holding your breath until the final page.
CATEGORY #18 A BOOK BY AN ASIAN AMERICAN OR PACIFIC ISLANDER AUTHOR
In the month of May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage! There have been so many fantastic new stories put out by AAPI authors that it was hard to pick just one to showcase, but lucky for us you can always refer back to our Goodreads list for more suggestions!
Sonora Jha’s new psychological thriller is a racially and politically charged satire on academia unlike anything I’ve read before. Jha puts readers to the test with an exceptionally unlikable narrator in Dr. Oliver Harding. Harding is confronted by his own shortcomings when he develops an obsession with his new Pakastani Muslim law colleague Ruhaba Khan. Rather than grow from his experiences, readers are dragged along for Harding’s journey as he shrinks into the shadows of himself, his memories, and the women of his past.
CATEGORY #19 A NARRATIVE NONFICTION BOOK
Do you love to learn but get bored easily when it feels like books are just listing facts at you? You might be interested in narrative nonfiction! Nonfiction books are based around facts or true events, and narrative nonfiction means the book is written like a story! No boring lists here!
Susan Orlean’s The Library Book is a love letter to libraries wrapped inside a historical mystery. When the Los Angeles Public Library caught fire in 1986, the community lost four hundred thousand stories, but they gained a new one. Orlean takes readers on a tour of the past and present to explore the questions that have long been left unanswered. Who set fire to the library and did they do so intentionally? How has the community been affected by this event and has the library recovered? Orlean leads this deeply researched discovery in her 2018 narrative driven nonfiction exploration.
CATEGORY #20 ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR’S FAVORITE BOOKS
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that your favorite author is a booklover too! That’s right, our literary heroes have literary heroes of their own! I always love to learn about the people who inspired my favorite people, so check out popular books recommended by popular media figures!
If we share a favorite author, you’re in luck, because Sci-Fi author Neil Gaiman has no shortage of recommendations. Whether formal interviews or informal on his Twitter account, Gaiman takes every opportunity to share books he loves with his readers. Originally published in 1969, Gaiman recommends the iconic The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin. He said; “It’s a giant thought experiment that’s also a cracking good read about gender… I remember reading it aged ten or eleven and it rewired me inside of my head.”
The weather is heating up, and so is the extreme book challenge! Here’s a splash of recommendations for Categories 21-24
CATEGORY #21: A BOOK WITH A ONE-WORD TITLE
In this challenge we’ve definitely judged a few books by their cover, but this is the first category this year that requires you to judge a book by its title. We’re leaving everything up to you for category #21. You can pick a romance book, a history book, a book about time travel, or something that fits all three! We don’t care what it is as long as there’s only one word in that title.
A one-word title that caught me by surprise this year was Tracy Sierra’s debut novel, Nightwatching. I sat down with Nightwatching in the early evening and didn’t get up until I finished it. Set during an intense blizzard, a mother home alone with her children fears there may be an intruder in the house. With no way to evacuate safely, she hides the children quietly away. Should she stay inside with the children or attempt to run for help? If you’re a fan of fast-paced thrillers with unreliable unnamed protagonists, this one is definitely for you.
CATEGORY #22: AN LGBTQ+ BOOK:
Happy Pride Month, Extreme Readers! LGBTQ+ Pride Month has been celebrated since the 1970s and has provided us a great opportunity to celebrate the extremely talented LGBTQ+ community. For this category, pick up a book by or about members of the LGBTQ+ community!
Ilana Masad explores the complexity of love and grief in her 2020 novel, All My Mother’s Lovers. The unexpected passing of her unsupportive mother not only thrusts Maggie back into a life she tried to leave behind but manages to shed an entirely new light on that same life. Upon her return home Maggie discovers five envelopes containing five letters to each of her mother’s past lovers. Taking place during a week of Shiva, Maggie embarks on a life- changing journey to deliver each letter discovering the truth about her mother, her father, and herself.
CATEGORY #23: A BOOK SET IN THE SUMMER
It feels like I’ve been waiting all year for the warm summer months, and what better way to embrace them than by sitting down with a book set in the summertime? Whether it’s a romantic beach read or a scorching thriller, it’s finally time to sit by the pool with a book that takes place between June and September!
Mexican Gothic author Silivia Moreno-Garcia takes readers on a journey back in time to 1870s Mexico in The Daughter of Doctor Moreau. A daring reimagining of the HG Well’s The Island of Doctor Moreau puts a modern and feminist spin on the sci-fi classic. Carlota Moreau’s isolated life is interrupted when two suitors unexpectedly visit her father’s estate. Carlota attempts to understand more about her father’s secrets and the jungle that surrounds them and uncovers more than she bargained for. A slow burn set ablaze by sweltering summer heat will have historical fiction fans at the edge of their seat!
CATEGORY #24: A BOOK ABOUT A HEIST:
Believe it or not, books about heists come in all shapes, sizes and genres too! Typically full of high stakes and sneaky protagonists, the heist subgenre focuses on the planning and execution of a robbery. Apparently, there’s so much stealing going on in the literary world! Hopefully one of these titles will be able to steal your heart, too!
A little bit romance, a little bit mystery, and a little bit fantasy, The Frame Up by Gwenda Bond has something for everyone! Our story begins “ten days out” from the heist of a lifetime. When an overwhelmed teenage Dani turned her mother over to the FBI along with her criminal crew and the two fell out of touch. Ten years later, Dani must get the crew back together to attempt a seemingly impossible heist. Seemingly impossible without magic- that is. Promised high stakes are certainly delivered upon in this 2024 novel!
CATEGORY #25 A book by an author from Long Island:
Category #25 hits a little close to home if I do say so myself. Long Island is brimming with literary talent, so take this opportunity to explore a local author! From insightful memoirs to captivating novels, Long Island authors bring their unique perspectives and stories to the page. Need recommendations? Check out our curated list of Long Island authors and their works!
Emma Rosenblum’s 2023 novel, Bad Summer People, is a book that is just as much a sunscreen-scented beach read as it is a chilling murder mystery. Rosenblum grew up visiting Fire Island and set her debut novel on its shores!
CATEGORY #26 A book set in North America:
From the bustling streets of New York City to the vast wilderness of Canada, North America offers a diverse backdrop for stories of all kinds. For this category, immerse yourself in a book set in North America. Are you participating in our Summer Reading program? You’re in luck! Category #26 of the Extreme Book Challenge also checks off category #5 of our Summer Vacation program, A book set in a country of your choosing!
I must take this opportunity to recommend Jack Kerouac’s quintessential North American road trip novel, On the Road. In this 300-page stream-of-consciousness novel, readers follow Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they embark on a journey of self-discovery in 1950s America. If nothing else, On the Road is a product of its time. Despite decades of critical acclaim, anyone who has ever read On the Road either loves it or hates it. Give it a read and decide for yourself!
CATEGORY #27: A MYSTERY OR SUSPENSE NOVEL:
Are you on the edge of your seat? For category #27, we’re solving mysteries! Whether you’re following a clever detective, unraveling a conspiracy, or uncovering secrets, these stories will keep you guessing until the very end. Need some thrilling recommendations?
Inspired by a real-life celebrity serial killer, Jessica Knoll’s 2023 novel Bright Young Women recentralizes the women in this story. The year is January 1978 and violence is following Pamela Schumacher around the Florida State University campus. When two of her sorority sisters face a tragic end, Pamela is forced to confront the terrifying mystery at her front door. Simultaneously, when Tina’s close connection, Ruth, goes missing, she dedicates herself uncovering the truth. The two women must come together, bound by tragedy and mystery, to tell their stories.
CATEGORY #28: A SEQUEL OR THE SECOND BOOK IN A SERIES:
It’s time to continue the adventure! For this category, pick up a sequel or the second book in a series. Whether you’re returning to a beloved fantasy world, following characters on their next journey, or delving deeper into an epic saga.
All the way back in February I recommended one of my favorite books of all time, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. Hopefully you took my recommendation, because it’s time to talk about book two, Hell Bent! In the second book in this series, we pick up right where we left off, joining Galaxy Stern as she embarks on a daring rescue. Hell Bent is about magic and death and hell and ghosts and demons, but this is also a series about imposter syndrome. Despite the craziness, the characters at the center of this novel feel so real. I miss my friend Alex already, and I’m already ready for Alex Stern 3!
Cool down with these reads for Categories 29-32!
CATEGORY #29: AN AUTHOR’S DEBUT:
It’s always fun to look back in time and see where an author started. You can get in on the ground floor with an up-and-coming star author, or you can uncover a gem from the past! For this category, pick up the first book an author ever published and see the beginnings of their literary journey.
Holly Gramazio’s 2024 debut, The Husbands, is as colorful and creative as its cover promises. Lauren has discovered that her attic might be magic. What kind of magic can it perform? Well, it can spawn a new husband for her upon entry, of course! Previously single but open to this endless stream of men entering her life with love in their eyes, Lauren sets out to find her perfect match. But what consequences come with this ability to create and recreate her life at will? The Husbands is a unique, fun, and easy summer read.
CATEGORY #30: A BOOK WRITTEN IN THE FIRST PERSON:
I may be biased to my dear unreliable narrators, but the first person POV may just be my favorite perspective to read. Join your narrator in the story as they speak about their own experiences from their personal vantage point. Limited to just what the narrator knows, first person books are incredibly immersive.
In his new novel, Leif Enger takes readers along with him on the journey of a lifetime. The world has fallen to the chaos of climate change and unjust rule. When Rainy unexpectedly loses his beloved wife, he is thrust into the sea to escape a similar fate. Now forced to confront his grief and encounter new lands, Rainy must rediscover his hope for the future. This stunningly emotional slow burn of a novel is dystopian in a way rare to the adult audience and executes the genre perfectly.
CATEGORY #31: A BIOGRAPHY OR AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
Celebrity memoirs have taken the world by storm in recent years, so checking off category #31 should be no problem! Exploring the lives of public figures allows the reader an immersive view into a world unknown. Choose a biography that paints a detailed portrait or an autobiography that offers a new perspective!
Despite my love of memoirs and biographies, I made it halfway through this year without picking up a single one! Lucky for me, I selected the perfect one to get back into the biography genre with RuPaul’s new memoir. Stuffed with lyrical prose, readers take a walk in RuPaul’s shoes. This memoir lives in stark contrast with his first autobiography, which was first published in 1995. The glitz and glamour explored in Lettin It All Hang Out is now accompanied by a raw and unfiltered lookback into this his rise to stardom in The House of Hidden Meanings.
CATEGORY #32: A BOOK WITHOUT THE WORD “THE” IN THE TITLE:
Beware! This category is always more difficult than it first appears. The word “the” is considered to be the most commonly used word in the English language, so let’s challenge ourselves to avoid it with category #32. You aren’t limited by genre or style, so enjoy the hunt for unique titles that stand out without relying on “the.”
This summer I’ve been reading many thrillers and quite a few romances, and the two genres interact in a unique and thrilling way in Tasha Coryell’s new novel, Love Letters to a Serial Killer. When Hannah first starts writing letters to the accused serial killer, William, she never imagines he will write back. And she certainly never imagines they will fall in love! Can she put aside her doubts for the love of a lifetime? And is William actually guilty of all he is accused? Filled with the promised twists and turns of any thriller and accompanied by the steamy scenes that make up the romance genre, this book is perfect for lovers and crime-junkies alike.
Goodbye summer sun, hello serene September! It’s time to fall in love with Categories 33-36!
CATEGORY #33: A BOOK BY A POPULAR AUTHOR YOU HAVE NEVER READ BEFORE:
Every single day my friends tell me about a great new author that I just have to read. Despite my best efforts to stay up to date, there are so many authors I’ve been meaning to check out for ages, and the list is never-ending. Now’s your chance to catch up; use category #33 to finally pick up a book by a big author you may have missed.
Almost every Barbara Kingsolver novel has been recommended to me by now and, in fact, a few have even found their way onto my bookshelves. Her most recent project, Demon Copperhead shot to the top of best-seller lists in 2022 and has remained extremely popular. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, Kingsolver tells the powerful tale of one young man’s struggle and resilience in an America plagued by addiction and abuse. Readers join our protagonist on his journey of self-discovery in this incredibly moving read.
CATEGORY #34: A BOOK ABOUT A TEACHER OR A STUDENT:
Can you hear the school bells ringing? That’s right, school is back in session. Are you missing campus life? Are you sending little ones off to school? Step back through the school doors yourself with a story about students and/or teachers!
Beloved YA author Jennifer Mathieu dips her toes into the adult fiction scene with her 2024 book, The Faculty Lounge. Sneak your way into the adults-only, on-campus, haven and join a quirky cast of educators in the humorous yet tender new novel. The passing of an elderly substitute teacher in the school’s faculty lounge is only the catalyst for an increasingly bizarre and chaotic year at Baldwin High School. fully realized administrators and teachers lead readers on a journey of unending controversy and rule breaking perfect for the back-to-school season.
CATEGORY #35: A MIDDLE-GRADE BOOK
It’s probably been a little while since you dipped your toes into the wonderful world of middle-grade and young adult books, and there’s no better time to remember some childhood favorites or uncover some recent gems. Rediscover your childlike wonder and take a journey back in time and pick up a book intended for a younger audience.
I won’t lie, the 2001 film The Princess Diaries is one of my all-time favorite movies. Watching a young Anne Hathaway transform into a princess left me wishing for more royal content, and I was delighted to find a twelve (and counting) part series waiting for me on the library bookshelves. Don’t be fooled- Meg Cabot’s Mia Thermopolis is far edgier than her Disney counterpart. 14-year-old Mia just found out she is the only heir to the Genovian throne. Obviously, she is totally unprepared to be a princess, she can barely keep it together as a regular student! Join Mia on her journey through princess lessons and high school in this endearing and silly series.
CATEGORY #36 A DARK ACADEMIA BOOK
Happy back to school season, and, more importantly, happy dark academia season! Dark academia books are perfect for welcoming in the new school year, and this year there is no shortage of new publications to curl up with as the leaves begin to fall.
Karla Cornejo Villavicencio tells an important coming-of-age story in her brand-new 2024 novel, Catalina. Catalina has spent her life preparing for the world of higher education. After escaping certain death in Latin America and navigating Queens, New York under the care of her undocumented grandparents, Catalina is finally admitted to Harvard. As she now ventures into her senior year, she must come to grips with the reality that is the world outside of the comfortable campus walls she has grown to love. Cornejo Villavicencio paints a vivid picture in a short number of pages that readers will not want to skip.
Check out these scary good recommendations for Categories 37-40!
CATEGORY #37: A BANNED BOOK
Tis the season to celebrate the freedom to read and look back at the books that are frequently challenged and banned across the United States. Want to do your part in defending books? You can find more information on Banned Books Week from the American Library Association here! And for some banned book suggestions, check out our list of great reads over on Goodreads!
I remember reading The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood for the first time in a high school English class, so I’m always surprised when I’m reminded it’s also one of the most frequently banned and challenged books! In a not-so-distant dystopian future, the United States has fallen to a totalitarian governing body that addresses declining fertility by enslaving the few remaining fertile women. Readers follow Offred, a Handmaid who must reckon with her new life while struggling with memories of all that was before. First published in 1985, The Handmaid’s Tale remains one of the most important titles of our time, regarded as a modern classic.
CATEGORY #38: A BOOK YOU FOUND ON A LIBRARY DISPLAY
Over at the Pat-Med Library, we try our best to put together new engaging and educational displays as frequently as possible. From cultural celebrations to literary trends, pop into any of our locations to find your next great read front and center on a library display!
For the month of September, PML created a great display recognizing women’s right to vote in New York State. There was certainly no shortage of important titles displayed under this title, and one such book was The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner. n this book, Wagner compiles historical texts spanning two centuries of women’s history including many well-known figures such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and many overlooked women such as the Forten sisters. Celebrating one hundred years of women’s right to vote, this book is worth the read.
CATEGORY #39: A BOOK WITH A MURDER
The fall months are the perfect time to pick up a scary thriller, and there’s nothing like a good murder to kick off a hair-raising mystery! Do you love secrets, lies, and murder? Join us on October 24th for the Fall installment of WhoDunIt with Hanna as we discuss a book perfect for category #39!
Lucy Foley is no stranger to thrillers with murder at the forefront, and her newest book is full to the brim with secrets, lies, and murder, to keep readers guessing around every turn. Beginning on the opening night of The Manor, a new exclusive retreat for the wealthiest guests is met with angry locals. Before opening weekend is brought to a close, a body is discovered on the property, and everything has gone awry. It all began with a secret, fifteen years ago. Now the past has crashed the party. And it’ll end in murder at… The Midnight Feast.
CATEGORY #40: A BOOK WITH A WITCH OR WIZARD
There is a whole magical world of witchy books beyond Harry Potter, so there’s no reason to leave fantasy in your youth. Grab your broom and check out our booklist!
VenCo is a quick paced adventure story of a young women discovering herself, her family, and the importance of both. It’s touching without being mushy and so exciting! I’m a sucker for a quirky title and, conveniently for me, I’m also a sucker for books about witches. But more than anything else, I am a sucker for an intersectional feminist novel. Lucky St. James is familiar with the magic of her indigenous ancestors, sure, but just how relevant this history will become develops over the course of this whirlwind adventure novel- at the center of which is the sheer significance of female relationships.
We’re nearing the end of 2024, but there’s still time to hit that reading goal! Here are some reads I’m thankful for in categories 41-44.
CATEGORY #42 A GHOST STORY
Halloween might be over, but there are plenty of ghost stories left for November and beyond! Check out one of our spooky or not-so-spooky recommendations.
Who said a ghost story has to be scary? In TJ Klune’s 2021 novel, Under the Whispering Door our protagonist might not be alive in a technical sense, but he certainly has more life to live! Wallace makes a deal with death to extend his life for seven days. Will he be able to make the most of the short time he has left? This story is as funny as it is moving. Filled with a TJ Klune signature sweet and silly cast, there’s something for everyone in this uniquely non-spooky ghost story.
CATEGORY #42 A HORROR OR SCI-FI BOOK WRITTEN BY A BIPOC AUTHOR
The horror and science fiction genres allow readers to embark on journeys across alternate realities and distant futures, including unsettling narratives and haunting tales. Discover chilling tales that explore the depths of fear, trauma, and resilience through the lens of these great BIPOC authors.
The iconic, five-time Hugo Award winner, N.K. Jemisin doesn’t disappoint in the first installment of her ambitious Great Cities series, The City We Became. In this bold new venture, Jemisin personifies the five boroughs through our five avatars of varying cultures, ages, and backstories. Our dynamic ensemble is tasked with stopping the end of the universe while embodying the city and telling the diverse stories that make up New York.
CATEGORY #43 A RETELLING OF A CLASSIC FAIRYTALE
Love stories of princesses and evil stepmothers but think you’ve read them all? This category is for you! The Disney movies from your childhood have been reinvented and retold more times than I can count, and there’s always something new to discover about a story you thought you knew. Check out one of these retellings that put a new spin on a classic fairytale!
You may have seen Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, but you’ve never heard the story told like this before. Meagan Spooner’s brand-new young adult novel, Hunted, has a little something for every type of reader. When her father doesn’t return from a hunting trip, Yeva ventures out into the snowy wilderness, determined to kill the beast she knows is responsible. Far from the romance story we all know and love, Spooner tells a story of familial love with a strong female lead who will do anything to ensure her father’s return. But when she discovers a world of magic and secrets, will she return the same?
CATEGORY #44 A BOOK WITH A CAT ON THE COVER
Do you love books? Do you love cats? Oh boy, do I have a category for you!? This genre-defying category is sure to have a story that will leave you purring with excitement!
Carsten Henn’s 2023 translated novel The Door-to-Door Bookstore is as charming and heartwarming as a book can get. It’s every book specialist’s dream to match each story with its reader, and Carl has been mastering this job all his life. On his own. When young Schascha insists on joining him on his route, Carl isn’t immediately excited by her persistence, but this unlikely team has more to offer than initially meets the eye. This love letter to all things literary will no doubt be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
We’ve come to our final newsletter for 2024! Are you still trying to hit your reading goal? Here are some last-minute recommendations for categories 45-48!
CATEGORY #45 A BOOK WITH FOOD ON THE COVER
Still recovering from your Thanksgiving food coma? Stuff yourself with great reads this month and explore one of these titles that features food on its cover!
Ruth Reichl’s new novel, aptly titled The Paris Novel, has food on the cover and at its center. Set in 1980s Paris, Stella finds herself surrounded by a beautiful culture she doesn’t think she belongs in. After the passing of her estranged mother leaves her with a one-way ticket to Paris, Stella is tasked with finding a larger meaning in life. Newly open to adventure and leaning into impulse for the first time, Stella embarks on the journey of her lifetime.
CATEGORY #46 A WINNER OR FINALIST OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD
The National Book Foundation just announced the 2024 winners of the National Book Awards! The 75th Annual National Book Awards Ceremony highlighted some of the best books of the year, take a look back at past winners and finalists with books on our list!
Newly adapted as a TV show, Charles Yu’s Interior Chinatown is innovative in content and form! Protagonist Willis Wu has never seen himself as the main character- not even in his own life. Forced to live a life in the background as “Generic Asian Man,” Wu dreams climbing the social latter to one day become ”Kung Fu Guy,” the greatest role someone who looks like him can attain. Interior Chinatown tackles themes of assimilation, appropriation, and what American culture really looks like.
CATEGORY #47 A BOOK UNDER 200 PAGES OR AN AUDIOBOOK UNDER 5 HOURS
We’re coming down to the wire now, with only a few weeks left in the 2024 EBC. Still trying to hit your final reading goal for the year? This is the category for you.
Best-selling author M.L. Rio makes her long awaited return to the literary scene with a hauntingly beautiful novella, Graveyard Shift. An ensemble cast of would-be strangers join together to work the late shift at a cemetery. Though the shift is typically uneventful, on an appropriately dark autumn night, the group stumbles upon an unexpected and eerie mystery. Can they come together to find out who dug a fresh grave and, more importantly, who the grave is for?
CATEGORY #48 A WINNER OF A GOODREADS AWARD
Voting for the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards has just closed with the winners to be announced on December 5th. Do you have any of this year’s nominees on your TBR? Check out one of the Goodreads readers’ favorite books of the past few years and see if you agree!
Presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman won Readers’ Favorite Poetry Award in 2022 with her inspiring collection of poems, Call Us What We Carry. Artful an important, Gorman illustrates themes of identity and grief throughout her first collection, published when she was only 21 years old. Including the poem read at the 46th presidential inauguration, “The Hill We Climb,” there is something in this collection for every reader.