Good Reads

Weller Public Library

212 Main Street, Waitsburg

Hours: Mon. and Thurs. 10 a.m. – 6 pm

Storytime: M, 10:30 a.m.

“Sold on a Monday” by Kristina McMorris—The sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.

For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.

At the paper, Lillian Palmer is haunted by her role in all that happened. She is far too familiar with the heartbreak of children deemed unwanted. As the bonds of motherhood are tested, she and Ellis must decide how much they are willing to risk to mend a fractured family.

Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, “Sold on a Monday” is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.

*****

"Iris and Lily Series" by Angela and Julia Scipini—In Book One, Iris and Lily are the lovably ingenuous youngest daughters in a family of fourteen, starving for attention as they struggle to survive in the chaotic Capotosti household. The explosive rage of Carlo, their hot-blooded father; the submissiveness of Betty, their overwhelmed mother; the abuse meted out by half a dozen domineering brothers; the inaccessible ken of their older sisters; all join forces to make the home a minefield of emotional pitfalls for the two neglected girls, whose natural exuberance is squelched by the fear of punishment and the dictates of Catholicism.

Told in alternating chapters in the voices of the two protagonists, sprinkled with episodes of comedy and tragedy that will make you laugh and cry, this is the story of every woman who has memories of what it is like to be a little girl, then a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, filled with hope and expectations.

“Iris & Lily: Book One” is the first in a three-volume series. Read also “Book Two” and “Book Three”, or read the entire novel in the ebook “Iris & Lily: The Complete Series.”

*****

“The Ghostwriter” by Alessandra Torres—Four years ago, I lied. I stood in front of the police, my friends, and family, and made up a story, my best one yet. And all of them believed me.

I wasn’t surprised. Telling stories is what made me famous. Fifteen bestsellers. Millions of fans. Fame and fortune.

Now, I have one last story to write. It’ll be my best one yet, with a jaw-dropping twist that will leave them stunned and gasping for breath.

They say that sticks and stones will break your bones, but this story? It will be the one that kills me.

Dayton Memorial Library

111 S. 3rd Street, Dayton

Hours: M, W, F, 10 am – 5 pm;

T & Th, Noon – 8 pm; Sat., 10 am – 2 pm

Storytime: W, 10 a.m.

“Solar Reboot” by Matthew D. Hunt—Set predominantly in the Pacific Northwest, this book tells both the story of a mother attempting to figure out her role in a new society, and a family trying to reunite across a world ravaged by solar flares and natural disasters. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy dystopian fiction but also those who enjoy character building and development- plus, it really hits close to home.

“Suicide Club” by Rachel Heng—The basic premise of this book is that human beings live forever. It appears to be random, and the main character is one of these humans. The novel is set in motion when she sees her father, and is drawn into the world of the Suicide Club, “a network of rebels who reject society’s pursuit of immortality, and instead choose to live –and die– on their own terms.” This book is an excellent look at the human psyche, and an even better conversation starter… Would you live forever?

“His Majesty’s Dragon” by Naomi Novik—This book is the first in a series that are a fictional retelling of the Napoleonic Wars. These stories are fictional in that while they retell the Napoleonic Wars and immerse the reader in much of that time period, there is also one major difference: All countries have an aerial core, composed of dragons. This book is an excellent read for lovers of history and for lovers of fantasy alike!