Note to Shelf: August 2024

Created on August 6, 2024, 11:19 am

Last Updated August 7, 2024, 12:51 pm

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Diane shares, "Lisa Jewell’s latest, Breaking the Dark, is a gripping suspense novel that plunges readers into a world of mystery and secrets. In this fast-moving thriller, private detective Jessica Jones is hired by Amber Randall to investigate the strange, glassy-eyed behavior of her children after they return from a visit with their estranged father. Already burdened by her own family issues, Jessica reluctantly accepts the case. Her investigation uncovers centuries-old mansions shrouded in mystery and local folklore involving catacombs, bloodletting, and missing children. The plot thickens when they uncover a cult movement that promises eternal health and beauty through a secret potion and an app requiring a selfie. The dramatic mystery is reminiscent of the 1960s psychedelic movement and will have you on the edge of your seat."
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Inger invites you to "Dive into Tangled Up in You, by Christina Lauren. Inspired by the folktale Rapunzel, this is a fun and witty summer read. Ren was raised on a homestead off the grid and has never had an iPhone or a computer, but she has read hundreds of books and can build a wind power system from scratch. College is Ren’s first taste of freedom and though it is overwhelming, it makes her question the life she has led so far. Fitz is the campus golden boy, he is handsome, rich, and smart, but all is not as it seems. An impromptu car ride during spring break brings the two unlikely companions together as they embark on a discovery of themselves and learn that they both have more going on in their lives than either of them imagined. This is a truly enjoyable love story with a twist."
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Ann shares, "The Bee Sting by Paul Murray is one of those books that stays with you. The novel, set in Ireland during the economic crash of 2008, tells the story of parents, Dickie and Imelda, their teenage daughter, and adolescent son. Each family member is grappling with their own demons and the whole family is in turmoil. The novel rewinds the clock to the start of Imelda's and Dickie's relationship, which began after a horrific family tragedy. The Bee Sting pulls you in with different characters' perspectives. The characters are deeply flawed, and by going back in time, you begin to understand the reasons behind their behavior. It is quite a long book, but I found the ending so captivating. I recommend this book for fans of dysfunctional families. Please note: The Bee Sting contains graphic intimacy scenes."
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Bree exclaims, "If Poor Ghost by David Starkey were an album instead of a book, its title track would be played on repeat at volume ten. Former Poet Laureate David Starkey uses his encyclopedic knowledge of popular music to craft his debut novel, Poor Ghost. The title refers to a legendary, iconic, fictional rock band whose oral history unfolds through interview transcripts, BuzzFeed lists, YouTube comments, and threads on social media. A parallel—and equally tragic—narrative follows the sympathetic figure of Caleb Crane, an ordinary man wrestling with grief and loneliness after losing his wife to Covid-19. The book begins with the moment the two narratives (literally) collide—when the private plane carrying the members of Poor Ghost inexplicably crashes into Caleb’s backyard, killing (almost) everyone on board. In the days and weeks following the crash, Caleb’s life is completely upended. It is ultimately transformed by the unexpected connections he forges with the grieving Poor Ghost Superfans who haunt the crash site. He finds himself somehow at the center of both the media frenzy and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the crash. Throughout the book, Caleb grows increasingly determined to find meaning in the chaos and seemingly randomness of his life."
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"Mary-Beth believes that the book, The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker ranks in the top 5 of the most important books one must read. The author gives the reader an incredibly important message: That fear is a gift your body gives you. Notice this intuitive feeling, and act accordingly so you can avoid someone or something that is dangerous or violent. This author is no stranger to violence. de Becker shares his experience, insight and interviews of victims detailing true crime investigations demonstrating that the victim knew there was something to fear without knowing why at the time and acting on that saved their life. If you want to learn more about how to trust your instincts and to recognize certain signs that often precede violence – this is a book for you."
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