Reading Recs

The first in a series of six "Anne" titles, this is the story of an 11-year-old orphan girl who is sent to an elderly pair of siblings by mistake. Matthew is drawn to her and wants to give her a stable home and a chance in life. Marilla is not keen on the idea, but the thought of dumping the child back into a life of unpaid servitude causes her to give in to her brother's wishes. Read the book to see how Anne's vibrant personality and vivid imagination wreak havoc on their staid existence to the ultimate benefit and happiness of all three. Then find the other 5 books in the series, and see how Anne realizes her dreams thanks to her own determination and the love, encouragement, and security Matthew and Marilla have given her. ~Pat Willingham, Kent Library

A good read about the history of man. In story form, your interest is held as you learn about probable social customs, technological discoveries (like making fire with flint). ~Julie Grueneberg, retired

I hadn’t read in years, and I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve read 4/5 books in the series now. It’s the kind of series you get fully enveloped in. Every page keeps you wanting to keep reading; there’s never a dull moment. The tension feels real and the world-building is stellar. 100%, 10/10 would (and do!) recommend. ~Kailyn Veach, Class of '22

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is the first book in an amazing series. This is a young adult mystery and thriller novel that will keep you on your toes. The book follows a young high school student, Pippa, as she tries to uncover the secrets surrounding a closed murder case in her small town...will she be able to do it without hurting herself in the process? I highly recommend this novel for young adults and adults alike. The book will leave you wanting more...which is great because there are two more books in the series to keep you hooked and busy! ~Hannah Romine, Class of '22

This is my most gifted book to friends! One for the money is about a woman who unexpectedly becomes a bounty hunter when she loses her job. Totally unqualified, she constantly gets herself into predicaments that she seems to resolve only by stubbornness and dumb luck. A bit of mystery, romance, and a ton of comedy, these books can be enjoyed by literally anyone. This series is the only one that keeps me laughing out loud as I read it. Yes, actually out loud! This series is for those who want a funny, easy read that you can't put down. While the first book is great, the further you get in the better they are. With now 27 books in the set and more to come, you won't be running out of books anytime soon. Janet Evanovich comes up with the craziest stories and greatest characters that will keep you hooked. ~Alex Major, Class of '22

This series takes place in a small Canadian village where everyone knows everyone else, where there are a surprising number of murders, solved by Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. It is best to read the series in order, since characters carry over from one volume to the next. The books are pleasant and calming, despite the prevalence of foul play. ~Alice Strange, Department of Communication Studies and Modern Languages, Emerita

First in a series of 20 books that will make you feel like the characters are your friends. The series starts off with nurse practitioner, Mel, who finds herself in the small river community of Virgin River upon answering an ad for a local midwife. She falls in love with Jack, the local bar owner and former Marine. The series follow the ups and downs of the lives of Mel and Jack and their friends and family. Carr's knack for storytelling will make you laugh, cry, and unable to forget these relatable characters long after you put the book down. (Note, the Virgin River series on Netflix is nothing like the books!) ~Karie Stroder, Academic Advising

If you're a fan of historical fiction, this is a great read. It's the first part of a trilogy about Thomas Cromwell, who oversaw the dissolution of the monasteries when Henry VIII broke with the Roman Catholic Church. I found it interesting because Cromwell rose from obscurity to becoming one of the most powerful men in England (before Henry had him executed, anyway). The book is followed by Bringing Up The Bodies (about the fall of Anne Boleyn) and The Mirror and the Light. ~Susan Kendrick, English