Seymour Library’s Staff Picks
- 12/06/2023
- 18:43
- maureen
Our favorites from 2023!
Looking for your next great read? Stuck on what to get the book lover in your family? Don’t worry! Seymour Library staff have you covered with some of our favorites!
These titles include a mix of books published in 2023 and a couple that finally made it off of our To-Be-Read pile.
Weyward by Emilia Hart (Historical Fiction)
“A haunting historical fiction that follows the lives of three women- one standing trial for witchcraft in the 1600’s, one stuck in 1940’s convention, longing for an education and answers about a lost mother, and another running from an abusive relationship in the modern day. Emilia Hart’s Weyward goes beyond a typical supernatural tale, flawlessly spanning centuries to connect three women in a common struggle- how to overcome societal expectations and perceptions of “normal” and the cost of finding yourself. Also a fabulous tale about witches!” —Jackie
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty (Science Fiction/Fantasy)
“A swashbuckling tale of piracy, magic, and monsters set on the African coast of the Indian Ocean in the Middle Ages. A retired pirate, Amina al-Sirafi, is visited by the mother of a former crew member, who blackmails her into taking on one final mission: to rescue a kidnapped girl. The prime suspect is a European mercenary and sorcerer bent on acquiring ultimate power through the magical means. Amina must reassemble her crew, a diverse band of adventurers from across the Muslim world, find the sorcerer (who seems to be hunting her as well), and save the world. It is the most fun I have ever had with a pirate novel.” — Lin
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell (Crime/Thriller)
“Lisa Jewell’s latest tells the story of Josie Fair and her “birthday twin,” podcaster Alix. Josie meets Alix at a local restaurant as the two are celebrating their birthdays, and it turns out they were also born at the very same hospital. After discovering Alix’s podcast, Josie becomes obsessed with Alix and proposes a podcast episode that will center around Josie and her quest to start her life over, but before that, she will need to tell Alix the truth. What follows is a wildly engrossing tale that leads to Alix becoming the focus of her own true crime podcast story. Fans of Lisa Jewell and true crime will devour this book!” — Mary
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella (Romance)
“Sasha is completely burned out at work, an all too common occurrence at the moment. To rejuvenate herself, she takes a break at the seaside resort she used to visit during her childhood. There she meets the equally burnt-out and grumpy Finn and they begin to work through their burnout together. Kinsella does a great job of weaving together humorous circumstances with a budding romance and the exhaustion of burnout. Overall highly recommended if you’re in the mood for a fun light read!” — Madi
Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden by Camille T. Dungy (Nonfiction)
“In this inspiring book, Camille recounts her seven-year odyssey to diversify her gardens. She touches on the importance of diversity, not homogeneity, as she parallels her efforts to fit her Black family into her community with her efforts to accept all creatures and plants into her gardens. This book is a gentle, thoughtful read for everyone, gardeners and all.” — Nancy
A Death in Door County by Annelise Ryan (Cozy Mystery)
“When two bodies with giant animal bites are found in Door County, Wisconsin, on the Shores of Lake Michigan, could it be the fabled lake monster? Police Chief Jon Flanders joins forces with Morgan Carter, the owner of the Odds and Ends and cryptozoologist, to investigate. Morgan loves exploring the “plausible existability” of mythical creatures accompanied by her dog Newt. With unique, in-depth characters, past secrets, a budding romance, twists and turns, and a possible lake monster, this first book of A Monster Hunter Mystery series will keep you in suspense.” — Kathy
& More
- Dinner with the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House by Alex Prud’Homme
- The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
- The Forgotten Girls: An American Story by Monica Potts
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones
- The Measure by Nikki Erlick
- Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
- The World According to Color: A Cultural History by James Fox
- The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
- The Spectacular by Fiona Davis