For Readers: Blog

Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset…sadly, this is not a list of books inspired by The Fiddler on the Roof (though there’s always next time). Whether stylized or picture-perfect, these stunning sunny covers are a good excuse to bring together a mix of titles that will be the bright spot on your reading list.

A tense and unsettling tale of religious fanaticism, The Burning Season by Alison Wisdom follows Rosemary, a woman drawn into a cult-like church to save her marriage. Skeptical of the controlling community but trying to support her believer husband, Rosemary is torn between loyalty and wanting to live on her own terms. Whether you’re drawn in by shocking cult stories or can’t pass up complicated and realistic characters, you’ll be hooked by this read.  [e-book | print]

If you like your romance on the dramatic side, Jane Igharo’s Where We End & Begin is a rollercoaster of emotions. Reunited at a wedding in Nigeria, childhood sweethearts Dunni and Obinna still feel an undeniable connection despite a decade of silence. Flashbacks show the ups and downs of their relationship and the rift created by class differences, making a future together uncertain. Angsty but still heartwarming, this is just the ticket for fans of second chance romances. [e-book | print]

Belinda Huijuan Tang’s debut A Map for the Missing puts her on the map as a must-read literary fiction author. Years after moving to the United States, math professor Yitian is drawn back to his Chinese village when his father disappears. He reconnects with an old friend as he tries to piece together the story of his father’s life. This intricately plotted and moving tale paints a sweeping portrait of identity, regret, and Chinese class politics from the 1970s to the 1990s. [e-book | print] 

Picture in the Sand by Peter Blauner is an intergenerational story of cinematic history and family bonds that blends the glamor of old Hollywood with the political upheaval of 1950s Egypt. When his American grandson runs away to Syria, Ali reaches out and shares a manuscript about his life as a young man in Egypt, desperate to maintain a connection. Ali’s fascinating and tumultuous life story unfolds through their shared correspondence, resulting in a suspenseful, entertaining, and well-researched read. [e-book | print]

Buddy Levy’s Empire of Ice and Stone is a gripping tale of survival in the most extreme of conditions. When the flagship of the 1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition became trapped in the ice, the lead explorer took off with a hunting party while the captain tried to keep the crew alive and in good spirits. Would either party be rescued and live to tell the tale? This dramatic true adventure is as thrilling as any novel, and is brimming with captivating historical detail. [e-book | print]

Why We Meditate by Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi Rinpoche is a practical and digestible guide for anyone considering meditation as a belated New Year’s resolution. Co-authored by a psychologist and a Tibetan Buddhist monk, readers benefit from a combination of personal and scientific perspectives on the practice. This primer will provide an overview to anyone skeptical about how meditation can fit into their daily lives, as well as actionable steps to get started and stay inspired. [e-book | print | audiobook]
 

⏤Laura