Looking for your next great read? See what the Newfields librarians are reading and loving this month…
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
Gail Baines is having a bad day. To start, she loses her job—or quits, depending on whom you ask. Tomorrow her daughter, Debbie, is getting married, and she hasn’t even been invited to the spa day organized by the mother of the groom. Then, Gail’s ex-husband, Max, arrives unannounced on her doorstep, carrying a cat, without a place to stay, and without even a suit.
But the true crisis lands when Debbie shares with her parents a secret she has just learned about her husband to be. It will not only throw the wedding into question but also stir up Gail and Max’s past. -Goodreads
I know we’re now heading into the thick of winter, but I wanted to spotlight this short and heartfelt novel. Three Days in June offers a compelling vignette into a few days in the life of our main character, Gail, before, during, and after her daughter’s wedding.
This is a character-driven novella that transforms life’s everyday mundane moments into an engaging snapshot that meditates on the choices and chances that form our paths.
Gail is a little awkward, earnest, and prickly. I really enjoyed taking a peek into her perspective and watching her re-examine her life choices in light of her daughter’s big day—and everything that comes with it, including an unexpected, and unappreciated visit from her ex-husband.
This was my first foray into the writings of Anne Tyler and I was pleasantly surprised by her honest and observant storytelling and her ability to tease out the profound from what seems, on the surface, to be a simple story.
If you need a short and quick read that makes you think and feel without being too heavy or overwrought, give this one a try.
🎧This book is available to check out via audiobook and ebook on the Libby app.
-Brittney T., Library Director
Impossible Creatures by Ariel Lawhon
When Christopher’s father ships him off to his grandfather’s house for the summer, he assumes he’s heading straight for boredom. When he arrives, he finds his grandfather and him have a lot in common; particularly that wild animals always seem to flock to them.
His hopes of excitement are squashed again as he’s told the mysterious lake/mountain is off limits. When a child is told not to do something, what is usually their first move? To do that thing, of course! Christopher, upon his exploration, is met by a stampede that leads him into a wildly imaginative adventure and introduces him to a new friend. Mal, a mysterious young girl, lives in the Archipelago. She’s always felt like she was missing something and wanted more. When a murderous stranger shows up, she’s granted that opportunity for adventure.
Join Mal and Christopher as they explore the Archipelago, a land of wonderous creatures and magic. This tale is full of adventure, peril, heartbreak, loss, redemption, strength, and friendship (just to name a few).
I honestly can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you’re looking for a story with compelling characters, magical animals, and an exciting quest, this is what you’ve been searching for.
Nominated for the Great Stone Face Book Award for 2025-2026, Rundell weaves a touching and inspiring tale that will stick with you long after you’ve finished the last page. Luckily, it’s the first book in a new series, so if you love it, more is on its way!
This book is available in our collection and is also available to check out via audiobook and ebook on the Libby app.
-Andy S., Children’s Librarian
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A word-of-mouth bestseller that has caused a sensation across Europe, Fredrik Backman’s irresistible novel about the angry old man next door is an uplifting exploration of the unreliability of first impressions, and a gentle reminder that life is sweeter when shared with other people. -Book cover
Fredrik Backman writes like no one else I’ve ever read. He’s sarcastic, snarky, laugh-out-loud funny. But he’s also absolutely heartbreaking. And he ultimately crafts a story that gives complete warm fuzzies and feels like a big hug.
I have read this book multiple times and constantly recommend it to others, whether that is through a book club or just personal interaction. My entire family loves this book, including my daughter, who was a moody teen when she first read it. The two movie adaptations, one in Swedish and one in English (with Tom Hanks!) are excellent as well. It’s hard to believe this is his debut novel and I highly recommend all his works.
This book is available in our collection and is also available to check out via audiobook and ebook on the Libby app.
-Susan M., Assistant Librarian
