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Check out our reviews and recommendations:
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Lee recommends: Starring: Murderbot! At least, that’s what he calls himself. He is a security robot, rented out to protect a small project team on an isolated planet. His governor module insures that all his actions are ruled by his programming and human commands. Or at least, it would if he hadn’t secretly hacked it. He finds humans an embarrassing nuisance—either they’re afraid of him, or they keep trying to talk about his feelings. He’d rather spend his time peacefully mainlining the entertainment feed. But when his team comes under attack, he suddenly finds himself starring in his own show. Why you might like it: If you’ve always wondered what the Star Wars droids were thinking, read this book.
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Christine recommends: What’s inside: Amelia Peabody has the money and freedom to travel, so she sets sail for Egypt with new traveling companion Evelyn (who is fleeing a scandal) and assists the “cursed” excavation of some Egyptian tombs by the Radcliffe brothers. Why you should read it: Amelia rises to the occasion many times to help others thanks to her knowledge of medicine, languages and Egyptology. She has a keen mind, a strong practical streak, and a sharp tongue, useful for dealing with the blustering Mr. Emerson Radcliffe and his brother Walter, who quickly falls for Evelyn. But will Evelyn’s scandal doom their love? And what of the mysterious mummy lurking about the camp?
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What it’s about: FBI interrogation specialist Rob Barrett takes on the case of a double murder in Maine and gets a confession out of local drug addict Kimmie Crepeaux. She confesses to having helped conceal the murders and accuses well-known and well-liked local resident Mathias Burke of committing the murders. Problem is, when the lake where Burke supposedly dumped the bodies is searched, nothing is found and Kimmie is branded a liar. Only Barrett believes her and starts to investigate Burke, making enemies of the local community and law enforcement. Reviewers say: Kirkus calls it “flawless, unpredictable storytelling,” and Publishers Weekly writes that Koryta “has few peers in combining murder mysteries with psychological puzzles.”
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Introducing: Texas Ranger Darren Matthews, who is on the outs with both his wife and his supervisor. What it’s about: A tip from an FBI friend sends Darren to a small East Texas town to investigate two murders: an African American lawyer from Chicago and a local white woman, whose bodies appeared in a bayou within a few days of one another. The murders appear to be related and racially motivated, but will the fact that Darren is one of the few black Texas Rangers help or hinder the investigation?
Why you might like it: Dread builds as Darren’s probing stirs up small town secrets and racial tensions: what will come to the surface? Populated with fully drawn characters and richly atmospheric, this first-class mystery kicks off a new series.
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Stacey recommends: Tell the Wolves I'm Home: A Novel by Carol Rifka Brunt What it’s about: In this bittersweet coming of age novel set in the 1980s, 14-year-old June grieves the death of her favorite uncle Finn from AIDS. When Finn’s partner contacts June, she’s forced to decide whether to defy her family’s wishes that she avoid him. Meanwhile, her friendship with her theatrical sister suffers a rough patch, creating an even greater sense of loss and confusion. A heartfelt exploration of vulnerability and longing. Why you might like it: If you enjoy novels about complex relationships and family secrets—with artwork and theater interwoven into the narrative—this book is for you. Book Buzz: Named a best book of the year by The Wall Street Journal, O: The Oprah Magazine, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist.
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Roseanne recommends: The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer What it is: A collection of essays by the author that are personal, funny and very candid. About the author: Amy Schumer is an Emmy Award-winning actress, comedian and writer. What reviewers say: "If you find yourself feeling guilty for laughing at her pain, just keep in mind she's probably laughing with you, unapologetically, in true Amy Schumer fashion" (Vulture).
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Misty recommends: (Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things by Steven Furtick What it is: This book is a wonderful reminder that God specializes in using broken people, but more than that, it shows you how. As someone who has always struggled to feel good enough or qualified for what I feel God has called me to do in this life, I know now that God can use my brokenness to encourage others. Is it for you? I highly recommend this book to everyone who thinks they are not good enough the way they are. Realizing that our relationship with Christ is a lifelong journey and not just a one-time revelation that will change us forever puts your Christian walk into perspective.
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What it’s about: Award winning children’s book illustrator David Small, of Imogene’s Antlers, Eulalie and the Hopping Head, and The Gardener, takes a turn for the disturbing as he tells the true story of his unusual childhood in this 2009 graphic novel, Stitches. After waking up from what should have been a routine procedure, David finds his vocal cords have been removed to stave off the cancer his parents never told him he had. Intentionally terrifying illustrations make up this compelling narrative of a boy who discovers the obvious imperfections of each of his family members and how to move on from there. Each page begs the question, “Can it get any worse?” only to answer with a resounding “Yes.” Who should read it? A must try for the reader who enjoys graphic novels of substance and wants to explore the in-depth stuff of nightmares.
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