What We're Reading: April 2024

Created on March 20, 2024, 2:17 pm

Last Updated April 17, 2024, 1:02 pm

Staff reading selections for April 2024.
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"Drawing on research in social psychology, neuroscience, and biology, Pink debunks the myth of the "no regrets" philosophy of life and dives deep into our regrets, how we live, and how we can find a better path forward. This book gives the reader a lot to think about and how to view regrets in a new way." - Mary S., Deale Library
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"Kristin Hannah’s gripping novel shines a bright light on the women (unsung heroes) who bravely served their country during the Vietnam War. Nurses from a variety of economic backgrounds throughout the US who put their lives on the line to work side-by-side (with male doctors and others) to care for seriously and mortally wounded soldiers in some of the most brutal battleground areas of Vietnam. Follow the personal journey of “Frankie” McGrath as she navigates the gauntlet between her privileged upbringing; her parents’ strong belief about a woman’s place in the world and the chaotic and traumatic world she enters overseas as an Army nurse. Post war, Frankie suffers from PTSD and being shunned by many of her fellow Americans (I can recall vividly the anti-war movement of the 70s). There are many more aspects to this story, filled with many, many true elements. It is, for me, my favorite of all of Hannah’s books." - Carolyn B., Broadneck Library
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3) Bride
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"The Vampyre and Weres have a hostile relation between their nations, but to help keep the peace, collateral Vampyre daughter, Misery, is to be traded off as a wife to the Southwest Alpha Were, Lowe Moreland. Misery is no stranger to being Vampyre collateral. As a child, she was traded with a human collateral and raised by the humans to keep the peace. If someone were to betray the other, the child would be killed immediately. Misery has always hung in the balance of keeping peace with her life on the line if promises were broken and now it's happening again. The only reason Misery agrees to this marriage of convenience is for a personal agenda. However, Misery didn't expect to have an instinctual pull to this Alpha who rules his pack with absolute authority.
Struggling with the feeling of betrayal and a sense of abandonment, Misery tries to understand her own emotions in addition to uncovering her own secrets amongst the Were territory.
Ali Hazelwood is a phenomenal writer of "Women in STEM" romances, and when I heard she wrote a paranormal romance, I knew I had to get my hands on it! The story is somewhat formulaic as romances go, but Hazelwood really has a way to capture her readers and keep them reading for more. This was no different. I found myself devouring the book in just three days. Fair warning, this book is SPICY. Compared to The Love Hypothesis's single "romance" scene, this has much more. Definitely rated 18+.
If you enjoyed That Time I got Drunk and Saved a Demon, The Love Hypothesis, or Dead until Dark, you'll enjoy Bride." - Mackenzie N., Library Headquarters
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"This series begins in 1971 when Navajo police Leaphorn and Chee pursue suspects in multiple homicides and find more evil than they expected. Based on Tony Hillerman's Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee novel series, I like the way the series does one book per season. They are able to get deeply into the characters personality and motives. Most actors are Native American although not Dine (Navajo)." - Mary S., Deale Library
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"Marion lives a dreary, destitute life, scrubbing floors for a living and tiptoeing around her sick brother's increasingly violent outbursts when she comes across an ad in the newspaper for a bloodmaid: a servant to one of the great houses of the North who bleeds for the nobility to feast upon. She soon finds herself whisked away and indentured into the House of Hunger, led by the beautiful Countess Lisavet, who is more than happy to lure Marion into her arms and into a life of luxury and indulgence. However, as Marion soon finds out, the Countess is not without her secrets... and the House of Hunger may not be satisfied with blood alone.

A queer gothic horror about bonds, blood, and how far you will go for the life you want and the love you crave, this book expertly harkens back to horrors such as Carmilla and The Route of Ice & Salt and is bound to please any reader of 'exceptional taste'." - Gabriella N., Busch Annapolis Library
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"Had to give this one a read before the next season of Bridgerton comes out and it didn't let me down! I was hoping to get a redemption for Colin (from the Netflix series) because I really wanted to throat-punch him in the show, but I'll admit that book Colin is much more charming (and less punchable) so we'll see if Netflix Colin can redeem himself when the series comes out. Absolutely loved Penelope, though. She's a witty, incredibly sweet, and genuinely gracious character. Netflix Colin doesn't deserve her. If you're a Jane Austen fan and enjoy Julia Quinn's dialogue-heavy writing style, this one is a satisfying and easy read." - Katia H., Library Headquarters
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