Megan’s 2024 Top Ten Reads

Greetings Readers! Another year, another Best Of list. I usually start these posts by lamenting how difficult it is to pick just ten titles and then going on to list 20 books I loved that year. Not this year, dear reader. This year I came nowhere near reaching my lofty reading goal and of the books I did manage to read, I only awarded five stars to 10 books. This could be the easiest Top Ten List of my life! Let’s go. Update: I picked 12 titles because the formatting was ugly with only 4 nonfiction titles. Update 2: There are 24 titles on my list…

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FICTION

  1. Lucky Red by Claudia Craven is a book I would never have selected on my own. I read it for RRPL’s LGBTQIA+ Book Discussion and now I can’t stop thinking about it! A rollicking western told from a female point of view. What an entertaining escape.
  2. Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune is the much anticipated follow-up to The House in the Cerulean Sea, and it was just as heartfelt and charming as the first. I am a softie for found families!
  3. Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher is a queer YA adventures set in the world of Camelot. Witty banter, double entendres, and swoony romances abound in the royal court of the kingdom of Camelot. But there’s more to this than just a romping good time. Throw in political intrigue, espionage, and betrayal for extra excitement.
  4. I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman is a slim, but powerful speculative fiction story originally published in French in 1995. Now translated into English for the first time, the story left me with more questions than answers and I will likely revisit it for further mulling over.

NONFICTION *1-4 were five-stars for me.

  1. A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan is a book I chose for my True Crime Discussion Group. It’s an eye-opening and frighteningly timely read about the rise and fall of the KKK in Indiana.
  2. Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson is an analysis of our current political climate through a lens of history. This is an accessible introduction to the history of American democracy.
  3. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner was my very first book of 2024. I broke my no-cancer-books rule for it and am glad I did. This one packs a punch.
  4. Leslie F*cking Jones by Leslie Jones is a real treat. Looking back at my short review-it was what I NEEDED at the time that I listened to it. It’s brilliant.
  5. Gator Country by Rebecca Renner is another book we discussed in my True Crime Discussion Group. Sometimes we need a break from murders and explore different types of crime. This was a fascinating read about alligator poaching and the undercover operation that targeted poaching.
  6. All in the Family by Fred Trump is a memoir of the famous family from the point of view of Donald Trump’s nephew. It was an interesting glimpse into the relationships between the different branches of the family.

Well, that felt too easy, so here are few more titles I really enjoyed this year:

Now I am just showing off. Here are a few books I am looking forward to in 2025:

Happy reading!

~Megan

Book Review: The Spy Coast

60-year-old Maggie Bird is quietly raising chickens in the seaside village of Purity, Maine. So too are several of her fellow retired CIA officers, who also like the area’s charm–but especially like to keep watch on one another. When a dead body turns up in Maggie’s driveway, she knows it’s a message from former foes, and she turns to her friends, and not Purity’s baffled, acting Police Chief Jo Thibodeau, for help.

As she tries to figure out what led to this, in alternating chapters, Maggie’s reminisces about working her most past dangerous mission, Operation Cyrano, which took her around the world and eventually, she believes forced her to become a traitor. But as ghosts from Maggie’s past continue to seek revenge, she’ll need to call on the favors of some old friends – and perhaps even the local police after all – in order to outmaneuver them.

With plenty of action and espionage, and engaging characters readers will want to get to know more, The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen is the perfect book for readers who enjoy spy novels, murder mysteries, and thrillers. This first novel in a planned series will also please fans of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series and the “Red” film series. Place your hold today.

-Carol

New Books Tuesday @ RRPL

Here are some of the new books coming to our shelves this week for you to add to your book list!

HOLMES, MARPLE & POE

Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe open a private investigating company together and their daring methodology and news-making solved cases would make their last-namesakes proud and attract the attention of an NYPD detective.

THE HEIRESS

After North Carolina’s richest—and most notorious—heiress dies, her adopted son, Camden, rejects his inheritance until 10 years later, when his uncle’s death pulls him and his wife back into the family fold at Ashby House where he realizes the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave.

DEEP FREEZE

After surviving a bus accident, veteran Joh Reiff awakens in the hospital alive and suspicious that the doctors aren’t telling him something, in the first novel of a new series by the author of the “Breakthrough” series.

COLD VICTORY

Two women in 1947 Helsinki, one American and one Russian, have their loyalties and friendship put to the test when their husbands drunkenly challenge each other to a secret cross-country ski race at an embassy party pitting freedom against communism.

THE NIGHT ISLAND

When a mysterious informant disappears, Talia March, searching for a list of people like her and her friends, is forced to team up with Luke Rand, a hunted and haunted man chasing the same list, when they are both targeted by a killer.

GOODBYE GIRL

A Miami criminal defense lawyer helps a Grammy-winning popstar who signed an onerous contract as a teen that leaves her ex-husband with all her royalties, in the eighteenth novel of the series following Twenty.

HOLIDAY COUNTRY

Spending the summer in Turkey with her family, Ada begins to imagine a different future for her mother after a mysterious man from her past returns and must come to terms with her own attraction to him.

~Semanur

Book Review : Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge

Loretta Plansky is a 71-year-old widow leading the comfortable life of a retiree in Florida. For her, that includes playing weekly tennis games at the country club, now that she is post-hip replacement of course. While she doesn’t often splurge on herself, Mrs. Plansky is generous to a fault with her two adult children, and is also currently footing the bill for her 98-year-old father at his upscale assisted living facility. She is, in fact, about to make substantial contributions to both her children’s latest investment “opportunities,” when she gets scammed out of her life savings of nearly $4 Million by a caller pretending to be her grandson. Unconvinced that law enforcement will track down the perpetrators or her money, Mrs. Plansky takes matters in her own hands, setting off on a journey that takes her to Romania.

Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge by Spencer Quinn is a charming and lively cozy mystery that stars a capable, likable, and sometimes nostalgic protagonist who will stop at nothing to reclaim her money and her dignity. And, getting to know the sympathetic bad guys along the way is fun, too.

Looking to take things a little less seriously? Pick up this light and humorous read by the author of the long-running, hilarious Chet and Bernie mystery series, and get ready to smile.

-Carol

Celebrity Stories

The book world is about to be abuzz this fall with celebrity memoirs. While I can’t promise that the details shared in these stories are salacious, I can promise that if you love a good celebrity life story, you’ll have your pick of celebs from all arenas of stardom, from Full House to Happy Days, Broadway to the Grand Ole Opry.

These books are hitting the library shelves in October and November, so get on the holds list for these titles now! Just click the book title to get to the library catalog.

The Woman In Me by Britney Spears

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice–her truth–was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey–and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is by any account a living legend, a woman who in a career spanning six decades has excelled in every area of entertainment. She is among the handful of EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) and has one of the greatest and most recognizable voices in the history of popular music. 


If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos

Stamos beat the odds and over the past four decades has proved himself to be one of his generation’s most successful and beloved actors. Whether showing off his comedic chops on Full House or his dramatic skills on ER, John has surprised everyone, most of all himself.

Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith was living what many would view as a fairy-tale of Hollywood success. But appearances can be deceiving, and as she felt more and more separated from her sense of self, emotional turmoil took hold. Sparing no detail, Worthy chronicles her life.

Making It So by Patrick Stewart

Making It So is a revealing portrait of an artist whose astonishing life–from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, England, to the heights of Hollywood and worldwide acclaim took him to his legendary onscreen work in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises.


Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger

The world’s greatest bodybuilder. The world’s highest-paid movie star. The leader of the world’s sixth-largest economy. That these are the same person sounds like the setup to a joke, but this is no joke. This is Arnold Schwarzenegger. And this did not happen by accident.

Thicker than Water by Kerry Washington

While on a drive in Los Angeles, on a seemingly average afternoon, Kerry Washington received a text message that would send her on a life-changing journey of self-discovery. In an instant, her very identity was torn apart, with everything she thought she knew about herself thrown into question.

Being Henry by Henry Winkler

Henry Winkler, launched into prominence as “The Fonz” in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood, Henry shares the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.


Talking to My Angels by Melissa Etheridge

Over the past twenty years, Melissa Etheridge has been blessed with success, love, joy, contentment, freedom, and release. She became a mother again, recorded eleven albums, toured the world, performed at the Grammy Awards, won an Oscar, discovered her one true love, and underwent a profound spiritual awakening.

Behind the Seams by Dolly Parton

Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from Dolly Parton’s life and career, and the largest reveal of her private costume archive, this gorgeously photographed book spotlights her most unforgettable looks from the 1960s to now. 

Energy Follows Thought by Willie Nelson

For the first time ever, and to help celebrate his 90th birthday in 2023, American icon Willie Nelson provides the stories behind the lyrics of 160 of his favorite songs, along with a dynamic assortment of never-before-seen photos and ephemera.


Happy reading!

-Melinda

Listen Up! To Crook Manifesto

Furniture store owner Ray Carney moved stolen goods on the side to get ahead on the often-dangerous streets of Harlem all throughout the 1960s. A decade later, Ray is now a landlord who has put fencing behind him, is living the clean life and is proud of himself and family’s accomplishments. When his teenage daughter May asks him to score Jackson 5 tickets, Ray makes a big mistake and nonchalantly attempts to call in favor to get them. He calls Munson, a dirty cop who agrees to help Ray, but instead draws him into a deadly night filled with stolen diamonds, a poker game robbery and murder. As Ray slips back into the criminal lifestyle, he partners up with longtime family friend Pepper. A violent career criminal, Pepper, like Ray, has lines he won’t cross, and others he is happy to rationalize stepping over. As the rules of the City begin to change around them, the two men question what keeps them in the game, as their misadventures continue in this series of vignettes, from 1971 through 1976.

Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead is his second book in a planned “Harlem” trilogy featuring Ray Carney. Like it’s prequel, Harlem Shuffle, Crook Manifesto is a darkly humorous crime caper with emotion and heart. This series drips with New York City atmosphere and the vernacular of the era, and buzzes with foreboding that Ray and Pepper have started down very dark paths indeed. This reader can’t wait to see how it all wraps up. Treat yourself and listen to the audio versions of Harlem Shuffle and Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead, both read by the magnificent Dion Graham. You can find digital versions to place on hold and download, as well as other books by Whitehead here.

Keep reading.

-Carol

What We’re Reading Now- Summer Edition

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt 

The story centers around Tova, a widow and night janitor at an aquarium; Cameron, a young man looking for his long-lost parents; and Marcellus, a wily octopus with a penchant for escaping his tank.  These characters paths cross suddenly and unexpectedly.  An interesting novel about finding closure and clarity after loss.  Bonus- full of interesting facts about octopi! Lisa 

A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher 

“After archaeoentomologist Sam Montgomery’s dig gets put on hold, she drives to her deceased grandmother’s house in rural North Carolina to spend some time with her mom. The vulture waiting for her on the mailbox doesn’t seem like a good omen, nor does the strange absence of insect life; her mother’s anxious, odd behavior; or Sam’s new, mysterious bouts of sleep paralysis. Sam digs into her family history in the hopes of discovering medical information and scientific explanations for the weirdness—but instead she finds deeply buried horrors that are out to destroy Sam and her mother.” Linnea 

All-Night Pharmacy by Ruth Madievsky 

Poet Madievsky’s debut novel follows an unnamed narrator’s meandering mishaps in the LA bar scene as she continually tries and fails to free herself from the toxic sisterhood and intergenerational trauma that, ironically, seem to be all she has.     Annelise 

Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo 

Wandering cleric Chih returns in the third adventure in the Singing Hills Cycle, this time taking a journey into the wild riverlands. Accompanied by a motley crew of fellow travelers who may be more than they seem, Chih learns that there is always more than one side to a story. A feminist, wuxia-inspired fantasy from prolific author Nghi Vo. Shannon 

A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

Wes and Ivy were almost the picture-perfect couple in college, moved in together after graduation, and slowly small irritants became big issues causing them to part ways, so began their cycle of breaking up and making up. And then Ivy reported a stalker to the police, with Wes as the prime suspect. Considering their past relationship, could Ivy’s concerns be true, or did she just go too far in the troublesome game they like to play.  If you enjoyed Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and you don’t mind deeply narcissistic characters, this was a fabulously wild ride! Enjoy!! Stacey 

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue.  


Rachel and James become fast friends working at a bookstore in Cork during the Irish recession. Young and broke, they decide to move in together, chasing love and lust as you can only do in your early 20s. When James falls for Dr. Burns, Rachel’s English professor, hiding the secret threatens to ruin their dreams. Laugh out loud funny, touching, and really well-written, it’s a delight that you won’t want to end. Dori 

Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young

August Salt vowed never to return to Saorise Island off the coast of Washington state, but his mother’s last wishes changed that. He returned to the place where his first love, Emery, still lives, and where he is still suspected of the murder of a teenage girl and hated by most of the residents. He intends to spread his mother’s ashes and be on the ferry back to the mainland as soon as possible, but the island, an ancient place full of secrets and forces that some of the stronger women can tap into, has different ideas. August must face Emery, who he has never stopped loving, the murder, and the evil secrets that run deep in Saorise while fighting to survive. Sara

Quietly Hostile Essays by Samantha Irby 


The most recent collection of essays from writer Samantha Irby does not disappoint. Quietly Hostile. Irby shares her wide range of experiences; everything from writing for the HBO Just like That to challenges to adopting a dog during the pandemic. Another hilarious collection from Samantha Irby. Greg 

Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H (memoir) 

A queer, Muslim, coming of age story about never fully being accepted in any community until they find the strength to make their own community. Christine

Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens 

In this traditional Western, Bridget finds herself, her queer sexuality, and her destiny.  Christine 

Book Review: My Murder

Lou, short for Louise, is the most recent victim of serial killer Edward Early. Early has been arrested and is incarcerated for life. 

But, strangely enough, Lou is alive. Deemed worthy of a second chance by public outcry, Lou and the four other women Early murdered have been brought back to life as clones, reanimated through a governmental project. Now, they meet weekly as members of a serial killer’s survivors group as they acclimate to their former lives.

Lou mostly feels like she is same person as she was before her murder, and knows she should be happy for her second chance, but this new life feels unstable. And there are holes in her memory. What happened in the weeks leading up to the night of her murder? Why did her former self have a bag packed hidden in her closet? Can she trust the government agency responsible for her renewed life? Can she trust her husband? 

As Lou searches for answers, she examines her complicated feelings about her new role as a mother, how victims and killers are sensationalized in the media, and the idea of reinventing oneself.

My Murder by Katie Williams is set in the near-future and is a genre-bending mystery novel with twists and turns, strong female characters, dark humor, and a surprising and satisfying conclusion. You’ll want to read this super-creative, original novel in one sitting. Place your hold today. 

-Carol

Book Review : Go As a River

After the death of her mother, Torie Nash, a teenager in the 1940s, runs the household on her family’s successful peach farm in Iola, Colorado. Torie’s life is consumed by backbreaking work and caring for her father, brother and uncle, until her head is turned by drifter Wilson Moon, a Native American displaced from his tribal land. Torie is drawn to Wilson’s unique perspective and beauty, but soon discovers that the small-minded neighbors in her small town don’t appreciate people who are different – or those who associate with them. When tragedy occurs, Torie makes a decision that will that forever change the course of her life.

Based on a true historical event––the intentional flooding and destruction of the town of Iola, Colorado, Go As a River by Shelley Read explores the ideas of home, racism and the loss of childhood and innocence. Set against the often-harsh landscape of mountains and forests that eventually become Torie’s home, this beautifully descriptive and sometimes heartbreaking novel will be enjoyed by fans of Where the Crawdads Sing. Place your hold today.

-Carol