What We're Reading: January 2025

Sisters Su and Emerald are about as different as you can get. Su lives a picture-perfect and privileged life of a Singaporean politician’s wife while Emerald refuses to set down roots and breezes from coast to coast. But they do have one thing in common: they were once snakes and have found a way to live among humans for thousands of years. After years of living apart, they decide to cohabitate once again. However, once they enter each other's lives again, they begin to wreak havoc on their surroundings and each other. This novel, which is a modern retelling of the classic Chinese folk tale “The Legend of the White Snake,” is rich with Chinese imagery from start to finish most notable through the titular sisters Su and Emerald. Reading about their dynamic and the folklore that surrounds their tale was fascinating. This was a nice quick yet electric read. Anyone looking to read about a classic Chinese folk tale with a modern twist will love this. Reminiscent of The Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan, this book is a must read! - Crista F. (Severn Library)

Leith of Grey is a tired man with blood on his hands and an iron will to do what needs to be done: Survive the brutal, gory challenges of the gladiatorial arena of the kingdom of Arrow and become the Bloodguard or die trying. Maeve is a princess who carries the scars of her past both on her body and her mind, and faces a dreadful choice: wed to the cruel general to keep her title as the crown princess, or risk losing her title and her noble influence while one of her fathers wastes away in the royal prison for a crime she is certain he didn't commit. When they spot each other - one in the ring, one in the stands - the tides of fate start to turn, and so the story of this new fantasy romance series begins. Something I really appreciated was how the point of view was split between both Maeve and Leith as I sometimes find romantasy novels don't give as much depth and perspective to male protagonists, but I also thoroughly enjoyed the worldbuilding and the pacing between the combat and the downtime. While some of the plot twists were predictable, others kept me guessing and eager to see where Robson will take this series next. (Also, while you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover, this one happens to be absolutely gorgeous!) - Gabriella N. (Busch Annapolis Library)

An eye-opening and deeply personal account of the political life of the late Alexei Navalny. His love of Russia and its people is central to the memoir, as is what he conveys as the absurdity at the core of governing in the former USSR, and how Vladimir Putin's regime is centered more on corruption than nationalism. Navalny's voice emanates from the pages and will be appreciated by those who have seen the Academy Award-winning documentary, Navalny. - Sharon L. (Odenton Library)

Trevor Noah’s latest book is a picture book for all ages. It’s cataloged in the adult section but would be a terrific read-aloud for elementary-age kids and up. This is an ode to Noah’s childhood and mother about growing up with chores and responsibilities but staying a child with adventures and imagination. If you enjoy stories such as The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, books about childhoods, imagination, exploration and some life lessons along the way, you may enjoy this delightful picture book. - Cortney G. (Odenton Library)