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For Readers: Meet Your Next Good Book

Coming of age

Book clubs love a coming-of-age story, and it's no wonder! The memorable main characters and their thought-provoking journeys leave their mark on readers. Whether you’re looking for character development or a chance for self-reflection, these books are worth the read. Read more...

Covers of River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure; The Seamstress of Sardinia by Bianca Pitzorno; Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia FordCovers of American Girl by Wendy Walker; Green Dot by Madeleine Gray; Sink by Joseph Earl Thomas

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See what else the Book Geniuses recommend.

cover of Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

"Alternating between a few points of view, this follows newly sober poet Cyrus having an existential crisis about martyrs while uncovering secrets from his past. While it deals with heavy topics, the writing and tone is beautiful and light." —Gina

cover of How Much of These Hills is Gold by C Pam Zhang

How Much of These Hills is Gold by C Pam Zhang

"A literary western that follows two orphaned siblings as they head out of their mining town in search of a way to bury their father according to proper Chinese traditions." —Emily

cover of The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

"Well-crafted story centered on the time around the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and providing personal, historical stories of a family divided by its construction through the eyes of a current day CIA operative investigating her own father." —Mary

cover of Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp

Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp

"This is a multi-generational saga about a family that harbors a serial killer in its midst." —Lillian

cover of James by Percival Everett

James by Percival Everett

"An action packed retelling of Huck Finn from the perspective of Jim, with a particular focus on language, this is both moving and insightful." —Gina

cover of The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi

The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi

"This self-help book has useful principles to simplify your life so that you will have more time for doing the things you love." —Jessica

cover of Have You Eaten Yet? by Cheuk Kwan

Have You Eaten Yet? by Cheuk Kwan

"A fascinating and fast-reading exploration of the Chinese diaspora through the Chinese restaurants that have sprung up across the globe. " —Laura

cover of Wound by Oksana Vasyakina

Wound by Oksana Vasyakina

"A poet traverses Russia towards her mother's Siberian hometown to deliver her ashes, as promised." —Emily

cover of Mercury by Amy Jo Burns

Mercury by Amy Jo Burns

"A beautiful family saga exploring the costs of running a business to a family and how personalities interpret and process relationships and events." —Mary

cover of The Witness by Jamel Brinkley

The Witness by Jamel Brinkley

"Brinkley’s short story collection explores identity, connection, and lives that are in transition. Set in New York City's changing neighborhoods, many of the ten stories deal with how the traumatic effects of heartache can expose internal vulnerabilities." —Lillian

cover of Simply the Best by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Simply the Best by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

"Phillips returns with a mystery mixed with a sports romance set in Chicago featuring a sports agent and the sister of a professional football player." —Jessica

Cover of The Moorings of Mackerel Sky by MZ

The Moorings of Mackerel Sky by MZ

"A slightly magical read about the interconnected lives of people in a small Maine town and their ties to a local mermaid legend. At times both haunting and hopeful." —Laura

 

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Subscribe to Books & Authors emails from the library to get great reading suggestions. Library book experts send two emails a month featuring thoughtfully selected titles for your reading list. 

For Movie Fans

The new For Movie Fans guide on the library website is a great place to find exciting new releases and old favorites you may have missed. Find:

  • New releases
  • Staff favorites
  • Library-led movie discussion groups
  • Personalized movie recommendations and more!

 

Branch Out Reading Challenge

Branch Out is a new reading challenge for adults, designed to grow your reading. Learn more about this flexible self-paced program at VAPLD.info/BranchOut and discover some reading suggestions!