Looking for your next great read? See what the Newfields librarians are reading and loving this month…
Circe by Madeline Miller
I have always been an avid fan of Greek mythology. It started with reading myths at a young age, to me eventually reading (and even translating) the Iliad and Odyssey, to the point where I not only recognize Greek mythology references in various forms of media, but it also has a significant influence on my reading selections today. And while classics are classics, sometimes you’re looking for something familiar but with a twist.
Circe is a novel that is a refreshing adaption while also staying true to the Homeric epic it originated from. It strictly follows her point of view, starting from her birth and her interactions with her dad, the literal sun god, to being cast away to a deserted island by Zeus for having strange powers. Strange powers, such as turning beings into monsters and beasts. She honed her craft, all the while coming across interesting and also rather important Greek mythology figures, including Odysseus. But these antics start to draw the attention of both mortals and the gods, and it becomes clear that there will be tension in what path she will have to choose to walk.
Miller expertly makes Circe quite the intriguing character throughout this book. While she is curious and helpful, especially towards characters such as Prometheus, she also has a dark side and can be quite vengeful. And she still happens to have an incredibly interesting life despite being banished to an island. This book can work as both a delightful introduction or a welcome refresher into the Greek mythology stories if you’re curious to jump back in! This was a true delight to read, and it encouraged me to look into similar novels that have other twists on mythological stories. Check it out!
This book is available in both our physical library collection and in audiobook format on the Libby app.
-Lauren B.
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (On a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Once again, I am completely enamored with Vera Wong and her sleuthing antics. (If you aren’t familiar with the first book, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, which I reviewed in December, start there).
I loved the first book and the sequel did not disappoint.
We not only get to spend time with the eclectic group of found family from the first book but we also meet a new mix of young people who are all a little lost that Vera takes under her wing—and her watchful detective eye. Because, just like last time, there’s been a suspicious death…dare we say, a murder?
When a young TikTok star is found dead of suspected suicide, Vera is not so sure—and these young people that are tied to the dead man are clearly keeping secrets from her. The dead man’s friend Millie knew him as Thomas but his TikTok followers knew him as Xander. And the police say they can’t find actually identify him as either person. As the pieces unfold, John Doe’s death seems more sinister—and bigger than just him. The stakes are higher this time around, and it’s not just Vera who is in danger.
A perfect cozy mystery with my favorite senior sleuth.
🎧I listened to the audiobook edition through an Advance Listening Copy from @Libro.fm and highly recommend listening to the audiobook. The performance really brings Vera’s personality alive and imbues the story with heart and humor that I think will fall flatter on just a straight reading.
This book is currently on order for our collection and is available to check out via audibook and ebook on the Libby app.
-Brittney T.
