Dear Reader,

There's some great Summer reading in this newsletter!  Zombies, magicians, princesses, witchcraft, mythology, heroes, human and extra-human powers! We have plenty more where these came from -- off the shelves the bookstore every day! 

Let us know what you are interested in and we can steer you to more exciting reads that further your curiosity, interest and reading pleasure! Refracting interpersonal and social challenges, structures, and powers are one of the strengths of engaging fiction.  Have a great Summer reading books that inspire and change you!

Happy Reading,

John

Jane McKeene was born just days before the War Between States was derailed by the dead getting back up on the battlefield. With the creation of the Native and Negro Reeducation Act, Jane and many other children are sent to combat schools to learn the art of putting down the dead for good. Jane herself is studying to become an Attendant, a person trained to protect upper-class ladies. Jane is set on returning home to her mother, a wealthy white Southerner, and pays little attention to the politics of the eastern cities, but when families around the county start to go missing, Jane finds herself caught in the fight of her life, and it’s not against the dead. 

This is one of the most amazing books I’ve read in some time. Jane is such an incredible character, and I felt as if she was right next to me telling her story. Dread Nation has a wonderful cast of characters, including Katherine, Jane’s passing-white rival, and Jackson, thief extraordinaire and Jane’s ex-paramour. Besides being full of zombie slaying and sassy heroines, Dread Nation also includes some pretty stellar LGBT+ representation. Jane herself is bisexual, and while it’s not confirmed it’s hinted at Katherine being an asexual aromantic. I would highly recommend Dread Nation to absolutely everyone. --Lindsey

When Theodosia was six, her country was invaded and her mother was murdered before her eyes. For ten years, she has been a prisoner in her own palace, powerless against the Kaiser and his court. When the Kaiser forces her into an act that betrays someone closest to her heart, Theo knows she has to do something. Now, with blood on her hands, she realizes that she must do more than simply survive. With the help of an old friend and many new ones, Theo will face challenge after challenge. She may be inexperienced in battle, but Theo possesses a mind sharper than any weapon. For ten years, the Kaiser has taken everything, even her name from Theo, but now, she’s ready to reclaim her title as Queen of Astrea. 

I absolutely could not put this book down. Reading about warrior princesses and powerful witches is all good and well, but I rarely read about girls whose greatest asset is their mind. It was a refreshing change of pace, and I very much enjoyed watching Theo twist people around her finger. I loved watching Theo come out of the shell she’s been forced into and become the queen she was meant to be. The magic system was very well thought out, and the worldbuilding was phenomenal. There is a love triangle, but it’s far from the main focus of the book. Overall, it was a wonderful read and I can’t wait for the sequel!  -- Lindsey

Circe has been born in the house of Helios but finds herself to be a strange child. With neither her father’s power or her mother’s allure, she seeks companionship in the world of mortals. It’s there she discovers her power of witchcraft, which proves to be a threat to everyone, including the mighty Zeus. Banished on a deserted island, Circe grows stronger, tames the wild beasts of the island, and comes in contact with some of the most famous figures in mythology, but when Circe finds herself pitted against one of the most terrifying Olympians, she must summon all her courage and make a choice once and for all about where she belongs.

I don’t read very much adult fiction, but this has to be my favorite adult fiction book to date. Since it is adult fiction, it’s a little more mature but there’s nothing too graphic. Madeline Miller created a beautiful story with its base in an epic tale many of us are at least a little familiar with in a new and engaging way. One of the things I liked the most about Circe was that there were rarely clear heroes and villains. Everyone makes questionable decisions, and everyone does admirable things. This was especially interesting when applied to Odysseus since he is so often portrayed as a clear hero. However, the thing I loved most was Circe herself. She was dealt a terrible hand, but she managed to find the bright side and make a life for herself. I loved watching her overcome everything that was thrown at her. She’s brilliant, powerful, and above all else intent on protecting those she loves. This is one of my favorite books of the year so far. --Lindsey