Blue Sargent, who lives in a house full of psychics without being one herself, was told that when she kisses her true love, they will die. Despite this “curse” and the warnings from her mother, she is drawn to the Raven Boys which consists of Noah Czerny, Ronan Lynch, Adam Parrish, and the famous Richard (Dick) Gansey who is on the search for a lost Welsh king. As they team up to uncover the hidden magic in Henrietta, Virginia, they end up getting looped into more than they were bargaining for.

Although this series had its ups and downs, it was so exciting and refreshing. Geared more towards young adults but anybody older could also find enjoyment in the adventure. 

Find the always available audiobooks on Hoopla.

Find the ebooks and audiobooks on Overdrive.

Reviewed by Mairead, Teen Page

Claire Hadley is the Head Librarian of Hell’s “Unwritten Wing,” in charge of keeping an endless supply of conceived-of but never written novels under close watch. When a book takes the form of one of its characters and escapes to earth, Claire – accompanied by her assistant, a failed muse named Brevity, and a teenage demon who may be more than he appears – must travel back to the world of the living to find it before the worst can happen.  What begins as a simple errand turns into a mystery that extends beyond realms and holds the fates of Heaven, Hell, and earth in the balance. 

The Library of the Unwritten is the first book of Hell’s library and is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys books about books, diverse and colorful characters and a rich, detailed world building. 

Library of the Unwritten can be listened to on Overdrive here 

Reviewed by Athena

This book takes place in the early 1950’s and is a coming-of-age tale about a boy who is traveling aboard a ship from Colombo in Sri Lanka to England – via the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean sea. The “cat’s table” in the title refers to where he is seated for his meals – at the table furthest from the Captain’s table. Unaccompanied, he makes friends with two other boys and some other offbeat and eccentric characters and the narrative shares their adventures while onboard, with flashbacks coming later on as Michael looks back and reflects on his journey. 

I found this book very moving. Beautifully written – it read as if every word, every punctuation mark, every phrase was carefully chosen to evoke the most perfect understanding of the world Mr. Ondaatje has created for us. The pictures he paints of the ship, the storms, the passage through the Suez Canal and the characters he peoples the book with – all wonderful and memorable. It’s the perfect time to become immersed in a story like this one. I highly recommend it for lovers of historical fiction, tales of the sea, and coming-of-age stories.  

–Available via Hoopla as one of their Bookclub-in-a-Box selections

–also available via Libby/Overdrive

Recommended by Susan

Get swept away into the world of Nan Sparrow, the stories of her Sweep, and the discovery of Charlie, a magical creature made of soot and ash. Set in 19th century London, when even young children were forced into hard labor, this book has the makings of a modern classic and offers valuable lessons, both moral and historical. Although written primarily for middle grade children, this story can be appreciated and loved by adults too. While the subject matter can be tough at times, it is interwoven with simple goodness and joy. A magical bag and promises kept. Pillow fights and first snow. A creature who is filled with innocence and curiosity. Friendship. Love. This book is one you’ll always remember as “unputdownable.”

– ebook available on Hoopla

– ebook available on Overdrive

Reviewed by Bernadette