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Check out our reviews and recommendations:
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Roseanne recommends: The Masterpiece: A Novel by Fiona DavisReviewers say: “With richly drawn characters living in two storied eras, there is much to be enchanted by” (Kirkus Reviews).About the Author: Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of five novels, including The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue. She lives in New York City and is a graduate of the College of William & Mary in Virginia and the Columbia Journalism School.
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Aimee recommends: The Queen's Gambit by Walter S. Tevis What it’s about: Beth is a child prodigy when it comes to chess. She learns the game from the orphanage janitor, and quickly becomes obsessed. With the aid of little green pills, she is able to mentally play out chess games and memorize openings, midgames, and endgames. When she is lucky enough to get adopted, her and her adoptive mother, Mrs. Wheatley, start to develop Beth’s skills as a player. Those thirty-two game pieces end up bringing her all around the world in this exciting underdog story. Warning: A working knowledge of chess is key to enjoying this book. It’s helpful to know the names of the pieces, directions on the board, and other chess terms and attacks. If you’re unfamiliar with chess terms, you’re still able to enjoy the story. I give you permission to zone out while the narrator chatters-on about opening the file or gloss over the page while reading about castling queen side. What’s next? Watch the surprisingly accurate-to-the-book Netflix original series by the same name starring Anya Taylor-Joy.
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Astrid recommends: The Sorcerer's Appendix by Paula Brackston What it’s about: Private investigator Gretel, assisted by her brother Hans, takes on the case of a missing sorcerer. Her pursuit leads her into the deep, dark forest and an encore encounter with an old nemesis the siblings are very familiar with. Why you might like it: Delightful wry humor, a voluptuous and very fashion-conscious 18th century Bavarian heroine, and her loveably useless brother make for a nice change of pace from “heavier” mysteries. Light and fun.
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Misty recommends: The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory What it’s about: Philippa Gregory has written a plethora of books about the Tudor dynasty based in England in the 1500's. This book is written from the viewpoints of 3 women: Jane Boleyn, whose testimony at her husband's trial led to his beheading (along with Ann Boleyn, his sister). She served as a lady-in-waiting to many queens, who were all wives of Henry VIII; Anne of Cleves, Henry's 4th wife; and Katherine Howard, Henry's very young 5th wife, who was beheaded. Why you might like it: This is a riveting and gripping novel. Gregory's writing style changes as each woman speaks. It makes the reading experience feel more intimate: you feel as if you know these ladies, and this feeling leads you to care about them. You might also like: The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory is the next book in the Plantagenet and Tudor Book series.
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Kristin recommends: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy What it’s about: The plot of this simple story is not the point of this beautiful book. The four title characters meet each other and talk about life and love. The simple illustrations add to the spare narration. Why you might like it: The book is filled with insights told very simply: “’What is the bravest thing you ever said?’ asked the boy. ‘Help,’ said the horse.” It is also very heartwarming: have tissues on hand.
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Stacey recommends: Crazy Brave: A Memoir by Joy Harjo What it’s about: We know Joy Harjo as the Poet Laureate of the United States. But in this lyrical and poignant memoir, she writes about her early years: the difficulties she faced as a child with an abusive stepfather, the challenges of young marriage and motherhood, and the delight of discovering and developing her creativity. Harjo, a member of the Muskogee Nation, attended the Institute of American Indian Arts—and she writes movingly of the pleasures of the creative life amidst life’s clamor. Why you might like it: If you appreciate beautiful and expressive writing, stories of strong women overcoming hardships, and poetic memoirs, this book is for you. You might also like: Like Crazy Brave, Jill Ker Conway’s True North is a memoir about a young woman in an academic setting that provided an expansive place of learning. Also consider reading Just Kids by Patti Smith, another lyrical memoir about creativity.
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Christine recommends: Be Happy: 35 Powerful Methods for Personal Growth & Well-Being by Rebecca Ray What it’s about: Dr. Rebecca Ray has a wonderful podcast where she talks about ways to pursue the life you want according to what you value. This slim book distills much of the information into 35 areas in which people can change their lives and make them more meaningful. Why you should read it: Although we go through a lot of our lives on autopilot, we can control the actions we take and change our habits. Other books to try: Brené Brown’s books on living authentically would be a great way to expand on the many ideas presented here. Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project would be another good pick. And I highly recommend Ray’s podcast -- she is warm, funny, and makes all of this sound doable.
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Laura recommends: Sheet Pan Suppers Meatless: 100 Surprising Vegetarian Meals Straight from the Oven by Raquel Pelzel Why you should check it out: Those large, rimmed baking sheets can do more than bake a tasty batch of cookies—tossing the right ingredients together on a sheet pan and popping it in a hot oven can result in tasty and healthy meatless meals with the help of this cookbook. Three-time James Beard Award nominee Raquel Pelzel has written recipes for vegetarian and vegan meals, snacks, soups, salads, and more for those short on time and patience. Many recipes suggest variations, and there are tips on techniques, ingredients, and cooking with fewer dirty dishes. Who’s it for: Busy cooks, anyone looking to spend less time in the kitchen, vegetarians, or anyone trying to ease into cooking with less meat. Recipes included: Charred Tomatillo Salsa, Roasted Plum Salad with Fresh Grapefruit and Cardamom Syrup, Summer Tomato Slab Pie with Flaky Sage Crust, White Bean Ratatouille Over Roasted Eggplant, and Shaved Zucchini and Minty Pesto Pizza.
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