For Readers: Blog

The name game

One title trend that is here to stay is the name game! No matter the genre, there are plenty of books these days with titles that feature names, hoping to capture the attention of curious readers. Check out one of these compelling reads to find out more about the namesake characters.

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul is a moving dual-timeline saga about the scrutiny and sacrifices that come with fame. Everyone wants to know why Kitty Karr left her fortune to the St. John sisters, her wealthy Black neighbors. As Elsie, the eldest, sorts through Kitty’s estate, she uncovers secrets about Kitty’s rise to stardom in 1950s Hollywood. This is a candid look at the racism, misogyny, and pressures of celebrity, both then and now. [e-book | print | audiobook]

How about a page-turner that feels ripped from the headlines? What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan is a thriller about a family desperate to learn the truth about their adult daughter’s disappearance after she fails to return home from a weekend getaway with her boyfriend. The boyfriend’s family arms themselves with wealthy lawyers, the media whips everyone up into a frenzy, and internet sleuths churn out conspiracy theories, but the question remains: what happened to Nina?  [e-book | print]

Fans of quirky, heartwarming reads, look no further than Mikki Brammer’s The Collected Regrets of Clover. Death doula Clover has no problem facing death with her clients; it’s the world of the living that trips her up. When her work brings a potential romance and a new friend into her world, Clover must decide if she’s ready to create a life of her own. A charming cast of supporting characters help round out this insightful story. [e-book | print | large type]

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams is an atmospheric and unconventional romance about a magical love story. Ricki dreams of opening a flower shop and moves to Harlem to do so, inspired by the rich history of the Harlem Renaissance. She is also drawn to Ezra, a mysterious musician with a tragic past, who insists they can never be together. Are they fated to be together, or is their epic love doomed to fail? [e-book | print]

Percival Everett’s James turns The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on its head, revisiting the American classic through the eyes of the enslaved Jim. While the plot remains similar, Jim’s narration reveals a human depth lacking in the original, sharing a much-needed perspective on the realities of surviving as a Black man in a fervently racist America. With Everett’s trademark wit and incisive writing, this retelling has the makings of a modern classic. [e-book | print | audiobook | large type]

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer is a provocative tale of humanity and control. Robot Annie has been custom-built to meet Doug’s every need and preference, but her settings have been changed to allow her to learn. As she develops as an individual and questions her existence, her relationship with Doug becomes increasingly fraught. This intense read offers a thought-provoking look at humanity today, and a future that may not be far-off. [e-book | print]

⏤Laura