Fiction: On Wednesdays We Read Pink
Check It Out Category: Fiction
Asked at the Desk: I Read Devil in the White City by Erik Larson… Now What?
A question we’ve received recently:
I read Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and loved it. I want to read something similar, but I want it to be fiction, rather than non-fiction.
In a similar place? Good news! We had suggestions for this patron, and we are here to share them:
If you liked the history of an American city intertwining with a murder mystery, try The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye. Set in New York during the 19th century, Timothy Wilde investigates the death of a 12-year-old as a new member of the newly formed New York police force in this twisty first of a series.
However, if you liked the multiple perspectives as a detective investigates serial murders, try I, Ripper by Stephen Hunter. Hunter does not hold back in this gritty horrific suspense, as readers get taken to 19th century London during the Whitechapel murders, attributed to Jack the Ripper and even get into the horrific mind of the serial killer.
Want more readalikes? Or maybe you liked something different about Devil in the White City that we didn’t touch on? Ask for more suggestions online or stop by the Fiction/AV/Teen desk on the second floor!
Books: Will You Be Our Galentine?
Before you are swept away by the romance of Valentine’s Day, take a cue from Leslie Knope of Parks & Recreation and honor the female friendships in your life. That’s right! February 13 is Galentine’s Day, a day for ladies to celebrate ladies. Need a little inspiration? Try one of these:
The Wildwater Walking Club
by Claire Cook
Noreen, Tess, and Rosie walk and talk their way through life’s ups and downs in their town of Wildwater. As they tally their steps and share their secrets, life begins to take them in some new and surprising directions.
Sushi for Beginners
by Marian Keyes
Depicts the lives of three women in the fashion trade, exploring the trials and tribulations as well as the happiness and joy of true friends in the fast-paced worlds of love and career.
Annie Freeman’s Fabulous Traveling Funeral
by Kris Radish
An unexpected bequest from a late friend takes five women on a wild and life-transforming road trip from the deserts of New Mexico to the shores of Lake Superior, as they celebrate the bonds of female friendship.
Circle of Friends
by Maeve Binchy
Two friends who grew up together in a small Irish village attend college in Dublin, where their lives become intertwined with the beautiful Nan Mahon and Jack Foley, the handsome son of a doctor.
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
by Fannie Flagg
Mrs. Threadgoode’s tale of two high-spirited women of the 1930s, Idgie and Ruth, helps Evelyn, a 1980s woman in a sad slump of middle age, to begin to rejuvenate her own life.
Shoe Addicts Anonymous
by Beth Harbison
Four different women meet Tuesday nights to trade shoes and, in the process, form friendships that will help them each triumph over their problems.
This is only a sample of the gal pals on offer at the Library. Ask online or stop by the Fiction/AV/Teen desk on the second floor and we will connect you with something to fit your mood!
Asked At the Desk: Looking for Something Good to Read Part 2
One of the most popular questions at the desk is,
What is something good to read?
Since good is subjective, if you stop by the desk with this question and have time to talk we will try to narrow down what would be good specifically for you with questions like: What did you read last that you liked? Do you prefer your books to be set during a certain time period? What are you in the mood for today?
However, if you are looking to quickly glance at what’s been popular and/or notable recently, one good stop is the 2016 Reading List: Year’s Best in Genre Fiction for Adult Readers, created by The Reading Council. The award list is divided up by 8 different genres, with one title winning for each genre and 3-4 titles chosen for the short list.
Browse below what was chosen for mystery, science fiction, horror, and romance. Want to see what won for fantasy, historical fiction, woman’s fiction, and adrenaline? Check out our post from last Friday!
Mystery
Winner: The Long and Faraway Gone by Lou Berney
Shortlist:
Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton
Land of Careful Shadows by Suzanne Chazin
Gun Street Girl by Adrian McKinty
Last Ragged Breath by Julia Keller
Romance
Winner: Taking the Heat by Victoria Dahl
Shortlist:
When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
Rumor Has It by Cheris Hodges
A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley
Ever After by Jude Deveraux
Horror
Winner: The Fifth House of the Heart by Ben Tripp
Shortlist:
Little Girls by Ronald Malfi
When We Were Animals by Joshua Gaylord
The Silence by Tim Lebbon
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
Science Fiction
Winner: Golden Son by Pierce Brown
Shortlist:
Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
Slow Bullets by Alastair Reynolds
Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits by David Wong
The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi
Have a question about books, movies, or music you’d like answered? Stop by the Fiction/AV/Teen desk on the second floor, or ask online!
Cathleen’s Pick: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
This unlikely frontier love story (based on the biblical story of Hosea, of all things!) has stayed with me for years. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is a narrative of unconditional commitment that breaks through terrible brokenness and betrayal to invite real trust. Somewhat controversial, but absolutely rewarding.