When we went into lockdown last spring, I was too upset and distracted to read anything (which felt a little embarrassing at the time because, you know: librarian.) I eventually started reading again but only books that were light-hearted.  Bonus points if they made me laugh out loud. 

When I read a review of The Museum of Forgotten Memories that mentioned it took place in a Victorian-era taxidermy museum, and that the museum itself felt like a character in the book, I was intrigued enough to take a risk on a book that probably wouldn’t make me laugh.  And it did not make me laugh.  But it didn’t make me cry (much) either, even though our modern-day heroine, Cate, and her special-needs son are dealing with heartbreaking loss and a very scary and uncertain future. 

This book is really about hope and courage and strength. The entire cast of characters are fascinating and complex, the museum included among them! Anstey Harris’ writing is simple, but lovely, and I enjoyed her descriptions of the museum (based on the real Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington, England) and of Cate’s inner thoughts. Unexpectedly, I sped through this book, loving the passages that delved into the past, and unable to wait to find out what would happen next.  I’ll be moving Harris’ first novel, Goodbye, Paris, to the top of my “To Be Read” Pile! 

Reviewed by Bri

Available as an ebook via Overdrive HERE

Recipe For Persuasion deals with underlying themes of cultural identity, abusive relationships, complex parent-child dynamics, and feminism, but it still manages to read like a light-hearted romance.  The protagonists are loveable and fragile (and dreamy!), their flirtation is adorable, and their tension is steamy.  This book has a typical romance story arc, but the setting of a celebrity cooking competition is unique and fun.  If you like cute rom-coms, this one won’t weigh you down with its heavy undertones, but it may give you things to think about.  Highly recommend! 

Reviewed by Bri

Available as an ebook via Overdrive HERE

I really like a good psychological thriller book and this was one. I had never read Natalie Barelli, but I will again.

Rachel Holloway is a bookkeeper for a local newspaper but the paper is in trouble financially. To save the paper, the editor decides to run a podcast about young Molly Forster who disappeared 15 years ago after her parents and sister were brutally murdered in their own home. The podcast is called Missing Molly and the staff is investigating what happened to her after that night. The alleged murderer was arrested but committed suicide before the trial. But was the accused really the guilty person?

Rachel fights to keep the podcast from happening, but she is consistently overruled. As the investigation continues, the reporters suspect that the townspeople have many secrets and no one is talking. But the townspeople are not the only ones with secrets. Rachel has a secret too and she is horrified it will be discovered and put her and her loved ones in terrible danger. Rachel has been running from her secret for years.

This book is a page turner and a very quick read. 

Reviewed by Terri

Available as an ebook via Hoopla HERE and as a digital audiobook HERE

Julia Alvarez is from the Domincan Republic and this is her 6th novel. AFTERLIFE  is her first adult novel in 15 years. She is also the acclaimed author of TIME OF THE BUTTERFLIES and HOW THE GARCIA GIRLS LOST THEIR ACCENT.
The main character, Antonia Vega, has just retired from the college where she taught English when her doctor  husband Sam suddenly dies. To add to this trauma, her big-hearted but unstable sister disappears which causes her and her other two sisters to hire a detective to find her. Antonia is part of a hilarious sisterhood —she has three sisters scattered across the U.S all  in their 60’s.Of course Antonia leaves for Chicago to help find the missing sister.
Also, living next door to Antonia is a Vermont farmer employing immigrants,who are actually hiding out. When Antonia returns to her home, she finds a very young pregnant girl who is a girlfriend of one of the immigrants next door. Antonia thought widowhood would be lonely and quiet, but it has turned out to be just the opposite!
AFTERLIFE is a fairly short novel showing the bonds of family and the power of being needed and loved. Alvarez has written a gem and I really liked it. 

Reviewed by Terri

Available via Hoopla HERE

Told in comic vignettes of one- and two- pages, this short and light-hearted collection will have you nodding your head in agreement all the way through. You may recognize Mr. Snider’s work from his New York Times illustrations and posts on social media.  His drawing style is the perfect complement to his amusing and sometimes poignant text. It’s ideal for everyone, kids or adults – and even those who don’t normally enjoy graphic novels or comics will definitely get a chuckle from Grant’s humorous take on the world of books.

Reviewed by Susan

Available via Hoopla HERE

I Love You So Mochi is a perfect springtime YA romance and bildungsroman that will leave you with a sweet taste in your mouth. Kimi Nakamura is an artist, like her mom. They both paint and Kimi’s mom is eager for Kimi to take advantage of the opportunities she didn’t have. Kimi’s already accepted a placement at a fine arts college for fall, but she has a secret. She hasn’t painted anything in months and doesn’t know if this is the path she wants to pursue.

Just in the nick of time, a letter arrives from Kimi’s mom’s estranged parents, inviting Kimi to visit Kyoto over spring break. Wanting to run away from the impending drama and fallout sure to come when she tells her mom the truth, Kimi drops everything and heads to Kyoto.

Behold the meet-cute. Akira is a good looking guy who just so happens to be wearing a mochi costume when he first meets Kimi. They get to know each other as Akira shows Kimi around the city and Akira agrees to help Kimi on her quest to discover what she is really meant to do. Is it possible her destiny has been in plain sight this whole time? Will she help mend the relationship between her mom and her grandparents? What about Akira?

Enjoy your own sweet treat as you devour this delightful story!

Reviewed by Anna

• Overdrive: https://minuteman.overdrive.com/minuteman-medfield/content/media/4907369
• Overdrive audiobook: https://minuteman.overdrive.com/minuteman-medfield/content/media/4907369
• hoopla audiobook: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12453751

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