What We're Reading: April 2025

New technological brain implants are meant to increase productivity. Instead, they divide and segregate society, as reflected in a family of four. The devices, for some, lead to unforeseen consequences, and familial bonds are tested as the divisions grow deeper. This book demonstrates how technology that is meant to help improve human life instead can degrade human and social relationships, and it reflects how technology can lead to regrets for some. It begs the questions, how far are we willing to go to improve our lives, and do our relationships with family and humanity matter in the pursuit of that. - Andrew M. (Busch Annapolis Library)

I'm back with another Clown in a Cornfield book! This is my favorite out of the series! Quinn is on the run, hunting down those who participated in the attack on Kettle Springs. She's taking justice into her own hands and beating anyone who hurt, or even killed her friends, within an inch of their lives until they direct her to her next target. It's not like she's killing them, just giving them a good scare to never do what they did again. However, a cult rising up in the name of Frendo the Clown means to drag Quinn down again and begins to frame her for their murders. Quinn's forced to kidnap a teenage Juggalo and drive across the east coast to find out who's doing this and stomp out the Frendo Cult. Out of the series, this was the most entertaining. It was packed with adventure and suspense. Many of the moments were emotionally gripping as you feared for your favorite characters' lives. I found myself begging Adam Cesare to not kill off anyone as I was too emotionally invested in them. It's been a long time since I've cared that much about fictional characters. Not only was it tense and scary, but it was also hilarious. Every joke about Juggalos had me in stitches as well as the comedic timing of much of their adventures. Cesare has a great way of balancing the fear, suspense, emotion, and comedy of every scene and he's come a long way from the lackluster "Video Night". If you enjoyed any of the other "Clown in a Cornfield" books, "The Angel of Indian Lake" series, Grady Hendrix books, or "There's Someone Inside Your House" by Stephanie Perkins, you'll love Clown in a Cornfield 3. - Mackenzie N. (Headquarters)

In 1978 Rick Steves was a 23-year-old piano teacher who saved his small amount of expendable cash to travel around the world as cheaply as possible. Comfortable exploring Europe, he was eager to visit somewhere totally different. He and his friend, Gene, embarked on the "Hippie Trail," which was a famous overland route taken by (mostly male) young travelers from the 1950s through 1970s. Starting in Istanbul, Rick and Gene make their way by train, bus, rickshaw and hitchhiking across Iran, Afghanistan, India and Nepal, meeting locals, trying new foods (and other substances) and seeing how far they can stretch their American dollars. Within a year of their trip, the Hippie Trail would be gone - forever lost to political upheaval in the Middle East. It's pretty amazing that this glimpse of it still exists. The book is taken directly from the journals he wrote during the trip and forgot about for the next 40+ years - finally unearthing them during Covid. Steves is careful to leave in, but acknowledge in the forward, some things that would be considered insensitive or inappropriate today, but were part of the culture at the time. Knowing that this was written when Steves was so young, it's fascinating to see how well developed his writing and sense of observation are. It's a great look at how he developed into the career he has today. I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by the author, but need to look at a physical copy of the book so I can enjoy the photos, too. Recommended for lovers of travel narratives and free spirits everywhere. - Stephanie P. (Headquarters)

This book follows a young girl named Mary Pearl, who is growing up in Arizona Territory in the early twentieth century. Life on a homestead is hard work, so when Mary Pearl has the chance to go to a prestigious school in the north, she jumps on the opportunity. Life away from home is not as glamorous as she thinks it is, though, so when struggles arise within her family back in Arizona, Mary Pearl must make life-altering decisions about her future. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The descriptions of the setting were vibrant, and it was easy to picture how difficult it was to live in Arizona territory in the early 1900s. Mary Pearl was a fascinating main character; it was interesting to live inside her head and see the way she viewed the world. If you are looking for a new historical fiction novel to try, give this one a chance! - Allyn L. (Crofton Library)

Clare Porter's life is seemingly going to plan when, at 28 and with a newly minted PhD, she goes on a Vegas trip with two friends. But then, she wakes up and realizes that she drunkenly got married to a girl she barely remembers, and who only left her a goodbye note and a business card for her podcast. Lost and overwhelmed by expectations and tired of fighting institutionalize bigotry, Clare finds herself paralyzed to make any decision until she listens to the podcast, where her wife asks all the "lonely creatures" listening if they are there. This siren call propels her to break her cycles and take an impromptu trip to New York to meet her wife once more, and maybe discover what it is she wants to do next. This book really encompasses so much: burnout, institutional racism, internalized perfectionism, the list goes on. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a book where the main character was so unable to make a decision, but this was wonderful. - Madeline Y. (Odenton Library)

Journalist Lark Chadwick finds herself at the heart of a fake news story with political and social ramifications as tensions rise between the United States and Russia. It takes a terrible toll on her as she questions her future and her own feelings. This thriller does a great job highlighting the effects of fake news and conspiracy theories and how they take off in a modern world of social technology. I empathized with Lark throughout the story and her ordeal. - Andrew M. (Busch Annapolis Library)

As a big R.L. Stine fan and a fan of the Netflix Fear Street series, I decided to pick up the first Fear Street book I've read since being scared to death of the one I read in fourth grade. This series is a perfect series to "graduate" young readers of horror to something a little scarier before they jump into adult horror. A new boy, Ross, comes to Shadyside with a mysterious past. All the girls want to date him and go as far as to make a bet to see who can date him first. But when the girls that go on dates with him are found murdered, suspicion is at an all time high and it's pointed directly at Ross. Janie has to work quick to find out if her date is going to be the best night of her life or her last. Which is wild to me that you don't just decide to not date this boy, but hey! He's really cute! Despite my preference being supernatural stories, this one was still pretty exciting for a murder mystery. It was really interesting taking a look back into high school and dating in the 90's. Teens have changed so much while staying very much the same. It's definitely geared for a young adult audience and appropriately paced. If you have a tween/teen looking for something with some stronger thrills than Goosebumps, Fear Street is the way to go. - Mackenzie N. (Headquarters)

In this captivating sequel, author Kristen Ciccarelli continues the story of Rune Winters, a character caught in a dangerous political web between two powerful figures: Cressida Roseblood and Gideon Sharpe. The narrative opens with Rune being manipulated by Cressida, forced into an arrangement to secure both an engagement and an army. When Rune finally escapes this coercive situation, her path inevitably crosses with Gideon Sharpe's. What follows is a delicate dance of reluctant alliance, with both characters ready to betray the other at the first opportunity—their survival being the only priority. As the story unfolds, the author masterfully develops the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Rune and Gideon. Their connection evolves gradually, punctuated by moments of attraction that remain guarded and hesitant due to their mutual distrust. The central tension revolves around whether these two individuals can overcome their suspicions to forge a genuine partnership and create a better world together. This second installment successfully balances political intrigue, personal conflict, and romantic tension. Readers will find themselves rooting for these reluctant allies to overcome their differences and work together toward building a better Republic. The novel delivers on the promises of its predecessor while bringing the duology to a satisfying conclusion. For fans of young adult fiction featuring political machinations, complex character relationships, and slow-burn romance, this book offers an engaging and rewarding reading experience. - Ashley C. (Brooklyn Park Library)