Looking for you next great read? See what the Newfields librarians are reading and loving this month…
84 Charing Cross Road, by Helene Hanff
This charming classic, first published in 1970, brings together twenty years of correspondence between Helene Hanff, a freelance writer living in New York City, and a used-book dealer in London. Through the years, though never meeting and separated both geographically and culturally, they share a winsome, sentimental friendship based on their common love for books. -Goodreads
This book is so charming.
In 1949, Helene Hanff, living in NYC, reaches out to a London book store inquiring about rare and second hand books she would like to read. Instead of mailing a generic list of required books, she sends personal letters to the book sellers who will become her favorite correspondents.
A lovely quote by Helen is
“I write them the most outrageous letters from a safe 3,000 miles away.”
What follows becomes a wonderful love story of readers and their books. To show her appreciation of the care and attention the London book sellers put into finding her books and sharing their personal stories with her, Helene sends lovely gift baskets of biscuits, eggs and more to them who enjoy them wholeheartedly since London is still rationing food. Their humorous and sweet correspondence continues for more 20 years. They never meet but are best friends. How refreshing it is to think of having the time to hand write letters, put a stamp on the envelope and wait for a letter in kind.
This book is available in our collection and in audiobook format through the hoopla app.
-Cori C.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
-Goodreads
This is the second book I’ve read by TJR and it did not disappoint. One of my favorite things about her novels is that her characters are diverse and complex, and this holds true for Evelyn Hugo, our titular character.
When Monique is told Evelyn Hugo, an icon of Hollywood’s golden age, has specifically requested her to do a magazine feature, Monique doesn’t know what to think. She has no connection to Evelyn and Monique herself is a lowly reporter still trying to make a name for herself. When she goes to meet Evelyn in person for the interview, she gets a lot more than just a feature piece. Evelyn wants her to write her biography!
What follows is a dual narration between Monique and Evelyn as Evelyn reveals her life’s story over the course of several interviews. As Evelyn’s life unfolds, we uncover a complicated woman who isn’t afraid to take what she wants—sometimes at the cost of others’ happiness, and even the truth.
Now that she is ready to tell her story, will she finally tell the truth of her life? And what will that mean for Monique when she does?
Monique, and the reader, might not like what they learn.
Fantastic writing that captured me from the first chapter and kept me hooked all the way to the end.
This book is available in our collection as well as through the Libby app with your library card.
-Brittney T.
Jade City by Fonda Lee
The Kaul family is one of two crime syndicates that control the island of Kekon. It’s the only place in the world that produces rare magical jade, which grants those with the right training and heritage superhuman abilities.
The Green Bone clans of honorable jade-wearing warriors once protected the island from foreign invasion—but nowadays, in a bustling post-war metropolis full of fast cars and foreign money, Green Bone families like the Kauls are primarily involved in commerce, construction, and the everyday upkeep of the districts under their protection.
When the simmering tension between the Kauls and their greatest rivals erupts into open violence in the streets, the outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones and the future of Kekon itself. -Goodreads
This book contains such a refreshing new magical system. I loved the setting—an urban island in an Asian-inspired nation. I loved the characters’ dynamic—familial duty, clan loyalty and political intrigue. And I loved the magic-balance of Jade being a valuable weapon and a significant hinderance (this may be the most significant quarrel of the book!!)
This book is the first of a completed trilogy that I’ve had on my shelf for a while, and all I can say is that I’m kicking myself for not picking it up earlier.
Without spoiling for any potential readers, this book (and the whole series) had shocking twists and turns that left my jaw on the floor… numerous times!
If you are a fan of messy characters (I had issues with every single character at least once through the series), political intrigue (this is the biggest theme of the book), and epic action scenes, this series is a must read.
Often described as Peaky Blinders, meets the Godfather, meets Poppy War, Jade City is a saga of intergenerational blood feuds, vicious politics, magic, and kung fu.
This book is available to check out in ebook and audiobook formats through the hoopla app.
-Marie S.
