Booked Solid

How many books do you read at a time? Do you prefer to finish one book before picking up another? Or, do you juggle multiple books at once, easily keeping track of each storyline and its unique characters? I definitely lean towards the latter, as evidenced by my “currently reading” list I am about to share with you below. While I usually read 2-3 books at a time, I went a little overboard this month. Most of my reading occurs on Libby; a free, user-friendly app that lets you borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your local library. I primarily use the audiobook feature, but also dabble in eBooks. All you need is a library card! Here is a look at what’s on my literary radar for November.

“That’s a Great Question: I’d Love to Tell You” by Elyse Myers (via Libby)

If you are on social media, you may have come across Elyse Myers and her hilarious posts that revolve around relatable, everyday life stories. Her content is storytelling-based, using funny, awkward, and vulnerable anecdotes to connect with viewers. Released last month, Myers’ book presents her personal stories, giving readers a more intimate glimpse beyond her social media posts. I am over halfway through this audiobook, which Myers narrates, and am loving listening to her share her bizarre, and somewhat cringe-worthy experiences from over the years. She is described as “The Internet’s Best Friend,” which is what this book feels like – hanging out with a friend.

“Higher Magic” by Courtney Floyd (via Libby)

Katelyn previously shared this book in her September column. She recommended it to me, and once I checked it out on Libby, I could not wait to dive into the story. Grad student Dorothe Bartleby is given one final shot at her qualifying exam in a magical graduate program, only to accidentally unleash a talking skull named Anne and uncover a sinister campus conspiracy where students seeking accommodations vanish. Bartleby must trust her own magic, her love of literature, and her determined self if she hopes to save her peers and her future. As a fan of dark academia, I was immediately hooked after a few pages.

“Soul of Shadow” by Emma Noyes (via Libby)

Occasionally, I receive a notification that a book I requested is ready to check out. When I see the title, I have no recollection of requesting it in the first place. Has this ever happened to you? “Soul of Shadow” is a prime example of this experience. With no knowledge of the story’s premise, I began listening and was interested within the first few chapters. This Young Adult fantasy novel follows Charlie, a teenager who is thrust into a world steeped in Norse mythology, danger, and deception after uncovering a power she never knew she had. As she navigates threatening alliances and forbidden magic, she must decide whether her destiny is to save her world or let it burn. The first in a planned trilogy, I am looking forward to seeing how the author continues this series.

“A Crown this Cold and Heavy” by Stacia Stark (via Libby)

This is the third book of four in the “Kingdom of Lies” series by Stacia Stark. I have been slowly working through this series, only because I simply forgot I had yet to finish it. The series follows Prisca, who is forced to flee her village once her hidden magical abilities are uncovered. While on the run, she makes a risky bargain with Lorian, a mysterious mercenary. Political deception and long-buried histories about the king and the realm come to light as loyalties fracture and battle lines form amongst the kingdom’s people. This book picks up after a cliff-hanger, and I am enjoying the suspense and continued world-building of the series. My plan is to immediately check out the final book after finishing this one to avoid forgetting any important details.

 “Whatever Happened to Janie?” by Caroline B. Cooney (eBook via Libby)

“The Face on the Milk Carton” by Caroline B. Cooney is about Janie, whose life is upended when she recognizes herself in a photo of a long-missing child on a milk carton. A 5th-grade library patron recommended this book to me a couple of months ago. After reading it, I discovered it was the first in a five-book series. “Whatever Happened to Janie?” picks up immediately where the first book left off. While the writing feels a little repetitive and the characters are not always likable, I am glad I am able to tie up some loose ends from the first book. Will I read the remaining three? Most likely not.

“The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest” by Aubrey Hartman (print copy)

Over the past few months, I have been more intentional in choosing a current children’s fiction book to read. There are some great titles out there! I chose this book because of these first sentences in Chapter 1: “Clare was dead. But he was also very much alive. Undead was the term some folks used—and by folks, I mean the smudgy-faced children who crowded the edge of Deadwood Forest, throwing rocks and sticks at the shadows…” How could you not be intrigued? It is described as the perfect read for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton. My initial plan was to read this in October, due to its spooky vibes, but you can see that did not happen. If you are not reading children’s fiction novels, please consider incorporating some into your reading rotation. I have yet to be disappointed!

“The Full Moon Coffee Shop: A Novel” by Mai Mochizuki (print copy)

Sometimes I choose books based purely on their covers (gasp!). I know the saying, but you cannot persuade me to do otherwise! This book’s cover art is not what grabbed my attention, but its title most certainly did. If you know me, you know my love of coffee runs deep. Books about coffee? Even better! This novel is translated from Japanese and centers around the myth that if you are kind to a cat, it will return the favor one day. Charming and just over 200 pages, this short book has been the perfect way to refresh my reading lineup.

“Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy (via Libby)

Bonus book! I finished “Wild Dark Shore” two days into November, and it has been one of my favorite reads of the year. Yet another book I forgot I requested, I was surprised by the plot twists and direction the author took. The suspense, paired with topics of grief, isolation, and love made for a gripping story I could not wait to finish. The setting was on an island near Antarctica, and the author’s use of nature and climate change to propel the story was excellent. While I listened to the audiobook, print copies of this book are available in the Viking Library System.

As you can see, my November reading queue is booked solid. Do you have a book you think I should try? I am open to suggestions if you know a story that deserves a spot on my list!

 

Krista Kugler is the Children’s Services Librarian at the Fergus Falls Public Library