The theme for Spring 2023 is Coming of Age/New Beginnings!
It is difficult to summarize why I loved this book, but I think it was because it was my first exposure to her writing. She survived so much and found so much power through her education, and I found that story very inspiring. Later, I also had Maya Angelou as a professor when I was in college, and she made a real impact on my life.
Recommended by Jen M.
A monk in crisis and a robot envoy go on a journey to figure out what humans want, even if society meets all their needs. A comforting vision of the future, a thought-provoking perspective on personhood and sentience, and an all-around heartwarming read.
Recommended by Nicole K.
This book was an exploration of grief and rebuilding your life after loss. The dystopian elements of the story add an extra level of social commentary that felt particularly timely. The story really stuck with me even after I finished the book!
Recommended by Hilary C.
Delivered in a series of vignettes, "The House on Mango Street" provides a heartrending and mature look into the experiences of low-income Latina youth living in the Hispanic quarter of Chicago.
Recommended by Clark G.
This is the first in a middle grade fantasy series. It's a classic series that sometimes gets forgotten but has lots of fun and ridiculous characters, unexpectedly moving moments, and a great deal of growing up.
Recommended by Leea S.
This was the coming of age novel I read the most back when I was of that age. Chapters range from tragic to horrifying to still horrifying yet hilarious (in the case of an early 20th century baby-weaning technique, for example.) Smith creates in Francie Nolan a character whose resilience and growth was inspiring.
Recommended by Enid K.
A fascinating story of the birth and geological development of our planetary home.
Recommended by Nancy C.
Recommended by Lopa W.
I am fascinated by the magical beauty of the marshes of North Carolina (the setting of the book) and by Kya who grows up as an abandoned "wild" girl in the marshes.
Recommended by Wanda A.
This book is like bubble-gum--really enjoyable and does not take a lot of energy. It is Agatha Christie's first detective novel and, at the same time, the first novel introducing the celebrated character Hercule Poirot. A suspenseful story with a timeliness character by a superb writer.
Recommended by Jacob S.
This is a real, hopeful and heartbreaking story of a truly new beginning. What does it mean to be a “refugee”? How does it feel to be forced to flee your home? "Hakim's Odyssey" is a story about what it means to be a human in a world that sometimes fails to be humane.
Recommended by Katya V.
A quote from the book: "All of us live in relation to mystery, and becoming conscious of that relationship can be a beginning point for a spiritual practice--whether we experience mystery in nature, in ecstatic love, in the eyes of our children, our friends, the animals we love, or in more strange experiences of intuition, synchronicity, or prescience."
Recommended by Amy H.
Beautifully written and unique; an unusual choice of fairy tale to revisit and all the better for it! Full of magic and history and a dynamic pair of siblings on a journey gone topsy-turvy.
Recommended by Kellyn J.
It's a great coming-of-age story about four sisters learning what it means to grow up and move away from your family. The characters are as lovable today as they were 150 years ago!
Recommended by Madeline D.
Very well written and engaging , tells a complex story with great care.
Recommended by Julia
It’s funny and tender at times, and it has a happy ending.
Recommended by Joseph P.
A young girl, Scout, helps us to see the world more clearly and care for it as she begins to see it more clearly and care for it, as she learns from her father, as do we.
Recommended by Roderick W.
A detailed, historically accurate story about a young queer Chinese girl in San Francisco during the 1950's. Beautiful, sweet, and ultimately hopeful.
Recommended by Cat
I like seeing the growth of the character Julien Sorel who is constantly confronted with changing viewpoints.
Recommended by Emmanuel S.
