Chandler's Picks
The New Breadline by Jean-Martin Bauer
-
Why we chose this: I love non-fiction books that open up our understanding of issues that we either don't think about, or assume we understand but do not. The New Breadline is this type of book. Understanding why food insecurity exists around the world - in real terms, not academic - and what can be done about it.
-
About this book: Aid worker and activist Jean-Martin Bauer explores the paradox of rising hunger despite global pledges to eradicate it by 2030. Bauer, whose family fled Haiti's Duvalier dictatorship, has dedicated his life to food justice. Through his UN career, he discovered that hunger is a political issue, one that can be changed. Bauer's experiences in countries like Haiti, Madagascar, and the United States highlight how racism, classism, and sexism impede progress. His book is a powerful call to action, envisioning a future where everyone has enough to eat.
-
Release date: June 25, 2024
This Earthly Globe by Andrea Di Robilant
-
Why we chose this: It's hard today - with google maps at our fingertips - to imagine maps as a form of state secret or power but Andrea Di Robilant takes us deep inside a 16th century world where that is exactly the case. I'm fascinated by historical accounts that tell the origin stories of everyday knowledge we now take as mundane but was once monumental.
-
About this book: Andrea di Robilant delves into the publication of "Navigationi et Viaggi" in 1550s Venice, a groundbreaking three-volume work of geographical data likened to a Renaissance Wikileak. Editor Giovambattista Ramusio, through meticulous research and delicate alliances, compiled diverse and previously secret travelogues, journals, and government reports, including works by Marco Polo and Leo Africanus. Di Robilant vividly portrays the palace intrigues and editorial efforts behind this monumental release, celebrating Ramusio as a pioneer of modern geography.
-
Release date: June 18, 2024
-
-
Jessie's Picks
The Glass Maker by Tracy Chevalier
-
-
Why we chose this: This was wonderful! Chevalier excels at writing historical fiction centred around the arts and this is another enthralling portrayal of the arts in renaissance Italy. With unique characters and interesting history this would be great for fans of Kate Quinn, Lisa See, etc.
-
About this book: A captivating tale set in 15th-century Venice, focusing on Orsola Rosso, the daughter of a glassblower on the island of Murano. Despite societal norms dictating that women shouldn't work with glass, Orsola's talent and determination lead her to secretly master the craft of making glass beads, which sustains her family after her father's death. Spanning centuries, the novel explores the Rosso family's journey through triumphs and tragedies, against the backdrop of Venice's evolution from a bustling centre of trade to a tourist destination. Through it all, the Rosso women's legacy endures, symbolized by their timeless craft of glassmaking. Tracy Chevalier's novel skillfully weaves together history, family, and artistry in a mesmerizing narrative that captures the essence of Venice and the resilience of its inhabitants.
-
Release date: June 18, 2024
-
-
Bear by Julia Phillips
-
-
Why we chose this: This was an interesting and all together odd story that had me hooked from the first chapter. Phillips combines elements of myth and fairytale so cleverly for a swift and emotional story with a dark conclusion. This reminded me a lot of Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky.
-
About this book: Bear tells the story of sisters Sam and Elena, living on an island off the coast of Washington. Despite their dreams of a better life, they struggle to make ends meet, working menial jobs. When Sam spots a bear swimming near their home, she sees it as a sign to leave the island, but Elena feels a mysterious connection to the animal, complicating their plans. Exploring themes of sisterhood and the mystical bond between humans and animals, this novel by a celebrated young American writer is a compelling and richly imagined tale.
-
Release date: June 25, 2024
-
-
The Borrowed Hills by Scott Preston
-
-
Why we chose this: This was a real gut punch of a story that was both stunning and incredibly visceral. A dark contemporary novel that focuses, at its core, on the violence of men and what survival means in a remote community. Similar to Ross Raisin and Rob Doyle, people who enjoyed Prophet Song would most likely love this.
-
About this book: The Borrowed Hills unfolds against the backdrop of early 2001 in northern England, where a deadly disease devastates hill farms, leaving shepherds Steve Elliman and William Herne bereft of their livelihoods. Desperate, they turn to sheep rustling, targeting a wealthy farm in the south. However, their actions lead to increasingly difficult choices, with the enigmatic Helen, William's wife, adding complexity to their already troubled lives. When their mountain refuge falls under the control of a lawless outsider, Steve is forced into a brutal conflict to protect himself and Helen, jeopardizing the ancient traditions of the Lakeland fells. Scott Preston's gritty narrative paints a vivid portrait of farmers bound by their dedication to their flocks, intertwined with passionate but fraught relationships, culminating in a thrilling adventure set against the rugged landscapes of Britain's moors and mountains.
-
Release date: June 4, 2024
-
-
Lauren's Picks:
-
The Ashes & the Star Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
-
Why we chose this: I actually read this last summer, but absolutely loved it! it's the second one to serpent and the wings of night and is easily one of my favourite duologies! It's almost like a hunger games meets vampires with some enemies to lovers and fantasy sprinkled in there! The character development in this book was so fun and I loved the characters immensely!
-
About this book: In the aftermath of the Kejari, Oraya finds herself in a shattered reality where everything she once held true has crumbled. Bereft of family, imprisoned within her own kingdom, and grappling with a profound betrayal, she is thrust into a world where even her own identity feels uncertain. Amidst political turmoil and the threat of internal strife orchestrated by the House of Blood, Raihn, a Turned king, seeks alliances to stabilize his reign. Reluctantly, Oraya considers Raihn's offer of a clandestine partnership as her only path to reclaiming her kingdom and exacting revenge against her treacherous lover. However, to succeed, she must unlock an ancient power entwined with her father's secrets. Yet, as adversaries close in, Oraya confronts a harrowing choice between seizing power through bloodshed or succumbing to a love that could spell her downfall. Amidst deception and danger, she must navigate the treacherous waters of her past and future, where nothing is as it seems.
-
Release date: June 4, 2024
-
The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde
-
Why we chose this: I was browsing red tower books online awhile ago and this one caught my eye instantly, supposedly it's like darker shade of magic meets six of crows and I LOVED darker shade of magic so I'm excited to see what it's about!
-
About this book: In a world devastated by monsters and war, Kierse, a skilled thief, ventures into the forbidden territory of the Holly Library, unaware that it houses a creature beyond imagination. Despite the truce established by the Monster Treaty, Kierse strikes a perilous deal with this enigmatic being, who is both charming and terrifying. Bound by the allure of her talents, Kierse sacrifices her freedom and offers her skills in exchange for an uncertain future. However, as they delve deeper into their dangerous alliance, Kierse realizes that she has become entangled in a centuries-old game orchestrated by the creature. Trapped with no way out, she must navigate a treacherous path where escape seems impossible.
-
Release date: June 4, 2024
-
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
-
Why we chose this: I've always loved Ali Hazelwood and her witty science romances, I adored love theoretically and I'm just super excited for another one of her fun, fast paced, fluffy romances!
-
About this book: Rue Siebert, a biotech engineer at the successful start-up Kline, enjoys stability in her life—a solid career, dependable friends, and financial security. However, when a hostile takeover threatens her company, led by the charismatic Eli Killgore, Rue's world is thrown into turmoil. Eli is determined to acquire Kline, but he finds himself drawn to Rue despite the complications of their professional relationship. Despite the risks, Rue and Eli embark on a clandestine affair, navigating the blurred lines between loyalty and desire. Their relationship is passionate and secretive, with an impending deadline tied to the outcome of their companies' battle. As they navigate the complexities of their affair, Rue and Eli discover that matters of the heart are unpredictable and may have lasting consequences.
-
Release date: June 11, 2024
-
-
Hollace's Picks:
--
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
-
Why we chose this: The use of imagery and personification made this book an absolute treat to read. It tells the story of a girl who ends up inside her favourite book and how she goes through it's world. This is a book for book lovers.
-
About this book: Eileen Merriweather, seeking solace in her annual book club retreat after a failed engagement, finds herself stranded in Eloraton, the town from her favorite romance series. Convinced it can't be real, she's drawn into the town's charm and the mission to complete the story left unfinished by the late author. However, her efforts are challenged by a mysterious character, the grumpy bookstore owner, who seems intent on thwarting her. As Elsy becomes entangled in the town's narrative, she realizes her own happily-ever-after might be intertwined with Eloraton's, despite the obstacles in her path.
-
Release date: June 25, 2024
-
