Cover to Cover Winners

Since January, I have found a renewed energy for reading. Between recommendations from friends and books I’ve seen trending, my to-be-read pile isn’t getting any smaller – but at least it’s getting more interesting! Here are some of my favorite reads so far this year.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

When I wrote this article, there were 76 holds on this book in the Viking Library System! I was fortunate enough to snag the audiobook on Libby at the beginning of March. The mixed cast narrating felt like catching up with old friends. An epistolary novel, it follows Sybil Van Antwerp, a woman in her 70s, as she navigates life, relationships, and change through letters. Sybil is unapologetically herself. She writes to friends, neighbors, authors, customer service reps – everyone! While she may struggle to express herself verbally, her letters convey her thoughts and emotions with great clarity and beauty. Overall, this is a touching story of love, connection, tragedy, triumph, and self-forgiveness. Listening to it has inspired me to start writing letters to friends again.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

A friend recommended this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. While it took a few chapters to fully capture my interest, once it hooked me, I was along for the ride. In this science fiction novel, Darrow, a Red and lowest-caste member, works beneath the surface of Mars in the mines, helping make it livable for future generations. When he discovers humanity has been living on the surface for hundreds of years, he joins a resistance group and infiltrates the ruling Gold caste by becoming one of them. Brown’s detailed worldbuilding may feel slow at first, but it lays a solid foundation for the rest of the series. The story continues with two more books in the original trilogy and four additional novels, with the seventh, and final book, expected this year.

No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack

Published last year, this is the second book in the “Vacation Mysteries” series. It continues the story of author Eleanor Dash, who attends her best friend’s wedding while on the set of the movie adaptation of her book, “When in Rome”. This cozy mystery offers a great mix of humor, snarky commentary, clever clues, and fourth wall breaks. I especially enjoyed the book’s quick pace and red herrings, as it encouraged readers to pay attention and solve the mystery. It’s a fun, refreshing read; yes, even for a murder mystery. I’m looking forward to continuing the series, with the newest installment scheduled for release in April.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Katelyn Boyer, Adult Services Librarian, wrote about this book back in January and recommended it to me, along with three other people. With the recent movie release, I decided to listen to the audiobook as I am a firm believer in reading the book before watching the movie. This was my first five-star read of the year! Humor, science, a unique friendship, and a space setting make this book captivating – even more so as an audiobook. The movie was equally as enjoyable, but the depth of information in the book provides a more well-rounded story. I give a big thumbs down to both the book and the movie (if you know, you know). Amaze, amaze, amaze!

Red City by Marie Lu

Lu is best known for her young adult dystopian, science fiction, and fantasy novels, but “Red City” marks her adult fantasy debut. Described as a must-read for fans of V.E. Schwab and Lev Grossman, I picked it up after seeing the book displayed on our current fiction shelf. Imagine an alternate Los Angeles where rival mafia syndicates control the city and use alchemy to transform materials around them into anything. Intrigued? The story follows Ari and Sam, childhood friends who lost touch and now find themselves on opposite sides of these syndicates. I enjoyed the multiple points of view, which added depth to the characters. While the story starts a bit slow, it picks up in the second half and ends on a cliffhanger that left me excited for the next book. When will it be published? Hopefully this year!

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto

If you haven’t read the first book in this series, “Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers”, please do. You won’t regret it! Vera Wong is one of my favorite characters and someone I’d happily be “adopted” by. Her no-nonsense approach, combined with her love of meddling and cooking, makes her endearing to both the other characters and the reader. It’s rare to enjoy a sequel as much as the first book, but this one delivers. Vera takes on a new investigation after meeting Millie and learning that her friend Thomas is missing. What follows is “classic Vera” as she inserts herself into the case, using her wit and charm to uncover clues – much to the chagrin of her family and friends. While the story takes a slightly darker turn in the second half, it remains captivating and left me excited for more Vera Wong stories.

The Accidental Stowaway by Judith Eagle

As a children’s librarian, I intentionally include children’s fiction in my reading lineup. The storylines are excellent, and it’s a great way to mix things up since they’re often quick reads. If you enjoy a mystery at sea where not all is as it seems, this book is for you! Set in 1910, the story follows Patch, a girl in the foster system who becomes an accidental stowaway on the RMS Glorious steamship. There’s humor, action, and kid-focused problem-solving reminiscent of “The Boxcar Children” book series. While somewhat predictable, it’s still an enjoyable read with a few surprises.

Conform by Ariel Sullivan

Another recommendation from Katelyn, I binge-listened to this book back in January. A fast-paced dystopian with a nostalgic feel, it’s packed with twists and a classic cliffhanger ending. When Emeline, a Minor Defect, is chosen for a Procreation Agreement with a member of the Elite, she’s thrust into a world she doesn’t understand. Opposing sides, buried secrets, and a growing rebellion make Sullivan’s debut novel an engaging read.

What have been some of your top reads this year? Any books you couldn’t put down? Let me know the next time you’re in the library. I’m always ready to add a few more titles to my ever-growing list.

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