By Sarah Peddanen

This is a fast-paced thriller about a single mom and her young adult daughter. Both women aren’t quite what they seem to be. Mom is hiding a terrible secret and her devoted daughter has her own hidden personality traits. My favorite part is when Ruth (mom) divulges via her journal how she survived as a pregnant teen running from the law.
Barbara Johnston  Check Availability

By Alice Oseman

Fun and informative. A good story to help understand more about asexuality. (YA fiction)
Jami  Check Availability

By Erica Bauermeister

I cherished this book! Read it and listened to the audio (which has great narrators). It’s a beautiful and highly entertaining look at the life of a book–and the people it affects–through the experiences of various people who connect with it. Lots of fun cross-mentions between the chapters/stories: I immediately read it again to catch all of them.
Cathy Grace  Check Availability

By Markus Zusak

An unusual, touching, and at times suspenseful story of a family unlike any other. Often told back to front, it will keep you wondering until at last all the parts come together.
Nina Berezina  Check Availability

By Alan Paul

Informative history of the Allman Brothers Band including the relationship with the Grateful Dead and ties to Jimmy Carter. I liked the descriptions of personalities of band members and management people.
Pete Williams

By Stephen Amidon

Fascinating plot, but some very graphic teen sex and abuse. Foreshadowing is a bit clumsy, but there are some great details and nice word play.
Lynne   Check Availability

By Daisy Florin

The book is narrated in the first person, and the first chapter was about the narrator losing her virginity in a dorm room.
Cheryl Wiles   Available through Prospector

By Gillian McDunn

I liked this book because it was a very sweet, loving, heartfelt story mixed with sadness, and this is my favorite kind. It was all amazing, but my favorite chapter was the first one.
Olive Cartlidge   Available through Prospector

By Ramona Emerson

Outstanding! I’m always open to new mystery settings and protagonists, and this one satisfies! A Navajo (Diné) woman bucks her culture’s taboos about death by working as a forensic photographer. She gets extra help in solving crimes by being able to see and communicate with dead people. Intriguing, poetic, creepy at times…I’m hoping this is the first of a series!
Cathy Grace   Check availability

By Michaela Canter

This book just kept getting better and better..I learned so much about Max Ernst and Leonora Carrington and their art. The story was engaging and based on true historical events. This is a great story in lyrical and descriptive prose about history and artists.
Cheryl Wiles  Check Availability

By Kip Wilson

I enjoyed the story of Gerda Taro and Robert Capa as photographers during the Spanish Civil War. The historical aspects were great! I did not enjoy reading a first-person story in verse! It would have been better received if written as a typical novel.        Cheryl Wiles   Available through Prospector

By Deepti Kapoor

Excellent, in-depth character development. It was evident the author had lived and breathed the culture. My least favorite part was toward the end it became a little dense and not as fluid a read.     Jenifer

By Marty Eberhardt

Mystery was engaging, but I was bothered by the lack of proofreading in places. Not good literature, but fun. Liked the garden information and both AZ and NM settings.   –Rebecca Hutchins

By Emily St. John Mandel

Mandel spins an interesting sci-fi story around time travel, using some of the characters we’ve met in her previous work. Confusing, slow start. Time travel as a reality is a stretch in believability, but Mandel handles it pretty masterfully.   Anon

By M.E. Hecht, MD, and Whoopi Goldberg

It was a quick read and had some helpful hints about aging gracefully and in good health. Wish there had been more writing by Whoopi. Many of the snippets were not relatable for me. I expected more laughs and more words from Whoopi.    Karen Gerrity

By Pema Chodron

Pema always has great guidance on being with discomfort and pain–this time with death. I like how she remembers that Tibetan Buddhism is not what everyone relates to and makes lessons universally relatable.  Check Availability

By Therese Anne Fowler

Fun summer read. A little bit of suspense. I liked the characters (most of them) and the different perspectives and story lines.     Jen Karowe
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By Debra Magpie Earling

Very fluid, poetic writing, engaging story, current Native American themes. I liked the way it changes from first person narrative to third person writing style.    Anon
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By Lewis Hancox

The author has told a complex story well. He has described the hell of high school for kids that don’t fit the norm. The main character was likeable–it was easy to follow their personal journey. The graphic novel format made it work even better.    Sheila Nelsen Amado

This is a story that needs to be told and HEARD! It was a great graphic novel–funny and honest. It needs a content warning: eating disorders, transphobia.     S.J.

Funny, sad, and everything in between. Feels like an honest portrayal of a trans teen’s journey to happiness. It’s British, so replete with Brit vocabulary and culture. Once I got used to it, I enjoyed that!
Cathy Grace

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By Laura Best

Well written, engaging, easy book for reading before sleep.  Teresa Robertson

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By Sajni Patel

What a time-and-space-and-culture transporting into the culture of Indian-Americans! Age-old heritage merged with modern life–keeping the best of both. Steeped in love, family, tradition–and amazing foods, clothing, and continuity of cultural institutions.     Cathy Grace

Great book for young adults with teen romance and Indian culture. I liked learning about details of an Indian wedding. I got a better understanding of the challenges of having a traditional Indian family and living in the U.S.     Jonna F.

It was funny. The family dynamics were interesting. There was a good interface between cultural tradition and modern feminism. I identified with the main character due to her passion for music.     Anon

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By Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

YA – OMG, this took me right back to the chaos and uncertainty of early Pandemic times–and with a teenager! The author captures the crazy spectrum of emotions we’ve all experienced due to Covid and explores relationships (friend, family, and romantic) impacted by the uncertainty, fear, and inner growth nurtured by the extraordinary period in our lives…The book is a window into the nature and allure of social media too. Illuminating!    Cathy Grace
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By Mick Herron

The writing is hilarious. Plot is simple, but there are so many characters that the plot becomes incomprehensible until the midpoint of the book.  The writing was the best part of the book, for instance, “As a result of the blast ‘the black door was shaken, not stirred.'” Staff meeting: “The first half hour lasted just short of twice that long.” I would ‘sort of’ recommend this book. Θ Lynne Collins
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By Mary Kay Andrews

It was predictable, not well written, but had enough of a mindless hook that I read the entire book–like a bag of chips. Surprising it was a NYT bestseller. Θ  Teresa Robertson

A little bit of romance, a little bit of suspense…the perfect “beach read.” I liked the characters! They cover all three age ranges: seniors, 30-somethings, pre-school! Anon
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By Courtney Kae

As the author explained, she just wanted to read a simple Hallmark-type romance–but with gay characters. So she wrote one! I liked the small town setting, and all its positives and negatives.  Cathy Grace

A fun take on the second chance trope, with plenty of attitude, set in a small town complete with its own Lumberjane.  Kay Turnbaugh

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By Robert Reuland

This is a good story, a fun (and accurate) mocking of the judicial system. Several backstories were cleverly woven into the plot. I really enjoyed it, although the ending was a bit weak.    Anon   Available through Prospector

By Ada Calhoun

I enjoy reading the memoirs of writers and liked the anecdotes about Frank O’Hara.
[Ada Calhoun, the daughter of celebrated art critic Peter Schjeldahl, traces her fraught relationship with her father and their shared obsession with a great poet.]    Anon
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By Ed Davis

Nice quick read, not the most riveting book, but interesting storyline. The characters were unique, and it seems to tell a fairly accurate tale of a rather unknown lifestyle. Anon

This book gave me a glimpse of a different life–that of hobos riding freights. The characters were well-drawn; great illustrations. Cathy Grace

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By Sally Hepworth

An interesting story told by Fern, a librarian, and also by Rose, her sister, via diary. They are twins. Fern decides to have a baby because Rose desperately wants one, but cannot conceive. An intriguing read and story that kept me engaged. Not my typical read, but the story was interesting.     Cheryl Wiles

I liked the discussion of sensory processing and the sister relationship. I’m 1 of 4 sisters.     Anon

It’s a little reminiscent of The Rosie Project: quirky, but with a DARK side. It kept me guessing!    Patty H.

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By Cameron Hanes

Very masculine and shallow. The book lacks meat and substance. I liked the layout with photos and multi-media.     Amy Hardy

I get the point the author is aiming for, but didn’t care for how it was delivered/presented. It’s pretty repetitive, same boastful story chapter after chapter.     Anon

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By David R. Gillham

Captivating, although the content was disturbing. It made you really want to understand. So well written, a female character by a male author. My favorite part was the details and descriptions of everything: art, environments. I could see and feel them.    Teresa Robertson

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By Leanne Simpson

It was hard to follow due to words in a different language, not knowing if a character was human or animal or spirit, and the choppy flow of poetry/narrative. I’m not sure if I would recommend it, but I liked the storytelling of indigenous people.  Θ  Karen Gerrity

By Julia May Jonas

It was intelligent and dealt with aging/sex/power social issues, some interesting observations. That being said, I was relieved when it was over.  Θ  Anon
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By Ranae Lemor Hanson

Poetic, flowing story in a strong voice with an important message: the intertwining of physical disease and planetary disease, tying all things to water.      Karen Gerrity
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By John A. Daly

It was a great story. Well written.    Anon

Reads like a soap opera. I would not recommend it.     Susan Gerhart

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By Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Another good one by this duo! Put together a renegade therapist and unconventional methods, plus two people who might or might not be what they appear…devoured it! It was completely absorbing and fun to get lost in a book, to tear myself away as necessary and then count the time ’til I could get back to it.  Cathy Grace

Such a fun story! Love 1st person! Grabbed me into it on the first page. Great writing. Marisa and Avery were great female protagonists.  Anon

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By G.D. Falksen

What’s not to like about a teen-aged autistic girl who follows her curiosity and ends up a spy? I loved the character of Kitty; learned some interesting things about autism traits. And it had me on the edge of my seat!    Cathy Grace

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By Sally Hepworth

Engaging characters, each with secrets. Who to believe?? I liked the short chapters and that, combined with the story, made it compulsively readable.    Cathy Grace

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By Jonathan Evison

Great story, compelling characters I cared about. Interweaving of story of women during the Ice Age, some redemption at the end. I liked the interweaving of the stories of Bella and S’tka. Beautifully done.      Karen Gerrity
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By Anita Moorjani

Amazing from beginning to end! Thank you for sharing!    Anon

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By Eden Robinson

A first-person narrative story of a young First Nations girl/woman growing up in British Columbia, in the late 1900s. Published in 2000. The story jumps through time, like the magical, poetic writing style. Sparse language, descriptive and lush. Robinson has published a recent trilogy. I would love to have them available to read. R. Linn

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By Adrian Shirk

Stinko. Too academic, wandering. I like learning about Utopian communities, but this was boring.   Anon

By Tom Clavin

Very informative, nothing like it for my library, although I would suggest simplifying expressions and a two-part book, part I for Childhood and learning to fly, and Part II for prisoner of war.   Θ  Don L. Johnson

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By Camilla Sten

Page turner, but lots of fluff.  Θ  Anon

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By John Hart

Typical John Hart who is a good storyteller. Painful look at VietNam. Great packaging!  Θ  Susan G.

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By Katherine Seligman

Narrator’s perspective was unique–a homeless person–but plot and characters were flat. Felt like a worthless day n the life.  The book really humanized homeless people. We often walk by them without a glance. I would possibly recommend it for a YA audience.  Θ  Brianna Lambert
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By Jennifer Richard Jacobson

It kind of related to what was happening to me. My favorite part was when Twig was trying to fix the problem, big dog/tiny house.     Delemey

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By Diane Chamberlain

The writing is good, and the topic important. I had a hard time empathizing with Ellie due to the way she contributed to Win’s death. Ellie came across as a clueless, entitled white girl/woman who should have known better and not put Win’s life in jeopardy.   Θ  Karen Gerrity

See more Diane Chamberlain books

By Patricia Engel

A well written and engaging story from multiple perspectives about immigration, legal and not, so very timely. I liked it because of the blending of local conditions in Colombia with person experience of migration and insight into that experience.      Heather Lazrus

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By Marie Benedict

OK, it’s pretty much a given that I would pick up a historical novel about a librarian… But this is so captivating! The woman who curated JP Morgan’s library was a fascinating character, a woman excelling in the “man’o world” of manuscript acquisition. And she had and lived with a huge secret her whole life! She was black, passing as white.  Such a vital story today, too.  Cathy Grace

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By Brandon Hobson

Interesting characters. Native culture good.  Θ

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By Sylvain Neuvel

Well written, good story. I would recommend this book.  Anon

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By Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I loved the storytelling-by-letter format. The book was (surprise!) so much better than the movie.  Gail Eddy

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By Naomi Hirahara

I love historical fiction, and this was the first time I’d read about the treatment of the Japanese during WWII. I loved the way she developed the characters. The “bad guys” were really the “good guys” and vice versa!    Gaily Eddy

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By Bill Clinton and James Patterson

It’s a big book but fast reading.  Great for a lazing day on the deck!  Gail Eddy

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By Louis Sachar
(Children)
One of my favorite books. Quick, silly, and sometimes insightful vignettes about students and teachers at Wayside, a school that was built sideways so it’s 30 stories tall. (The builder said he was very sorry.) Great for bedtime, read-alouds, or children who like quick, funny reads!    Mike S.
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By Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
(Juvenile)
Another really good fantasy series, full of action and adrenaline. These books are really entertaining to read!    Jake DeLong
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By Sue Monk Kidd (narrator for audio book: Jenna Lamia)
Poetic prose and tragically lovely. Depicts strong, independent women.    Patty H.
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I listened to this while on a road trip. It was great! NPR-style stories that inform, entertain, and add dimension. Lots of fun!
(Patty agrees!) Cathy Grace
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By Carter Wilson
It’s not going to be one of the New York Times best books of the year, but it may be one of the ten best mysteries. The characters were interesting and engaging.    E. Miles
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By Megan Goldin
This book scared me from the first page. Look for it to be a 2020 Edgar nominee.    SG
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By Sara Gruen
Sara Gruen has a unique way of entering the reader right into her story with both great dialogue and descriptive words. This story leaves you struggling with personal feelings toward its characters and guessing where the story will end. A book quite difficult to put down.    Laura
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By Janet Robertson
An enduring classic, celebrating women adventurers here in Colorado. Check out my grandmother (Harriet Vaille Bouck) and great aunt (Agnes Vaille) who both left a legacy that endures today on Rocky Mountain National Park and, in particular, Longs Peak. Woman power!  Cathy Grace

Think you’re tough? Check out these women who helped shape the history of Colorado.  Kay Turnbaugh
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By Therese Ann Fowler
A story of two families on a collision course. It explores class, race, and their effects on two young people trying to navigate their own feelings. Excellent read!    Gail Archambeau
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By Tracy Chevalier
A moving story of an unusual female friendship, on the brink of God-created vs. evolution.    Patty H.
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By Ray Bradbury
Amazing story! One of the best dystopians I have ever read and will not disappoint!    Jake DeLong
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By Ben Aaronovitch
#7 in the Rivers of London police procedural/magician stories/series. Two little girls have gone missing–have they been kidnapped by the fairies? Excellent series!   Janette Taylor
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By Diane Chamberlain
Very unusual plot, a few too many coincidences but fascinating. Lots of details about art, restoration of art and about the South. Excellent use of situation-appropriate idioms as the time changed from 1939 to 2018. It’s nice to have a book mainly about good people.  Lynne Collins

An art student has an opportunity to get out of prison to restore Anna Dale’s 1940s mural. Mysterious questions arise at every turn and make this novel a page turner!  Gail Archambeau

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By Don Stilson
Did you know Don? Sadly, he died in 2017. But through this newly-published book of stories, you can get acquainted and see what/who you missed.
The stories are classified as fiction, but ring true in many ways and carry a lot of truth, as well as the flavor of our area and of the lifestyle of a modern cattle-raising couple. Ranging from laugh-out-loud funny to throat-lump poignant, every story is a winner.    Cathy Grace

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Set during the Cold War with dual timelines of 1940 and 1952, this thriller stars twin sisters, two indomitable women whose foe is also a woman. It’s unusual for spy novels to feature this many women, and that, by itself, makes it a fascinating read. Kay Turnbaugh
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