Library staff share with us their favorite books read in 2025! We're always happy and willing to make a recommendation for you, just stop by a service desk and ask.

Sharon, Reference Librarian

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans – This novel is about a 73-year old woman who communicates with everyone she knows through letters. I have always enjoyed epistolary novels, and this is one of the best I have read in years. Funny and heartbreaking by turns.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon – This book is a fictional story based on the real-life diaries of Martha Ballard, an 18th century midlife. She keeps track of every birth, death, and crime that occurs in her community in Maine. When a local man is found frozen in the river, Martha steps in to investigate what turns out to be a murder.

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks – This is a moving memoir by one of my favorite authors about the sudden death of her husband. Tony Horwitz, a Civil War historian, was in the middle of his book tour when he collapsed in the street. The couple had been married for 35 years, and the author relays her memories of their life together while she is grieving his loss.

A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern – This is a memoir by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. I found it fascinating, as I didn’t know much about Ardern or the politics of her country.

Tristin, Reference Assistant

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins- If your favorite book from the original trilogy is Catching Fire than you will love the second prequel to the Hunger Game Series. Follow Haymitch and the other tributes during the 50th Hunger Games, which has double the amount of people than usual. An emotional and moving story that really sets the stage for the events in the original trilogy, and how Haymitch became one of the most iconic characters in the whole series. 

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon- A second chance romance and marriage of convenience brings Dani Dorfman and Wouter van Leeuwen's story to life. The two first meet when Dani's family hosts a foreign exchange student, Wouter, and they fall in love yet it ultimately leads to a breakup. Years later they reconnect in Amsterdam, and Dani's life is falling apart and Wouter wants to inherit his family's home so they hatch a plan to marry. 

Tumble by Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom- One of my favorite books from Storytime this year, a simple and fun book on the journey of a tumble weed. Beautiful illustrations help to draw readers in and it's fun to point out and make comments on the plants and animals throughout the story. An easy way to learn more about different environments, like those seen in the Southwest US. 

Lainie, Reference Assistant
All About Love by bell hooks- Reframing love to conceptualize it as active, hooks implore readers to consider what it means to embody and express love across multiple spheres of life and relationships. Contending with justice, equality, feminism, abuse, self love, and much more, this book invites deeper thinking about the many facets and manifestations of what we call love.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins- Before Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins' initial prequel to her The Hunger Games trilogy follows a young President Snow and a tribute from the 10th Hunger Games, Lucy Gray Baird. The characters drive the story in TBoSaS and this is an incredibly engaging read even for readers who know what the future holds for (some of) them. The movie is also great!

Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson- The most recent novel by the prolific and multitalented Anishinaabe author and academic Leanne Simpson, Noopiming is written in an experimental and decolonial style, interweaving prose and poetry. The seven main characters---manifestations of parts of the narrator's body and soul---navigate keeping traditions alive in a contemporary context.

Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion- Thanks to Didion's economic, yet impactful, prose, this novel is both accessible and something to sit with to really soak up her skillful writing. The fragmented narrative structure mirrors the disrupted and disjointed life of protagonist Maria, who navigates Hollywood life while losing control over her own.

Mary, Circulation Assistant and Reference Assistant

In the Garden of Beasts by Eric Larson- This was a look inside pre-WW2 Germany with Hitler's rise to power as experienced by William Dodd (American ambassador to Germany) and his family.

The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan-  Amy writes about the activities of birds in her backyard with beautiful illustrations she made.  It was a relaxing read that made me want to take time to enjoy the birds in my yard.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman -This was an engaging look into the power of friendships.  There are a lot of great quotes in this book as it explores friendships, art and emotional bonds that support.

Bringing Nature home: How you can sustain wildlife with native plants by Doug Tallamy.  This is a thought provoking look at the critical relationships between native plants and animals and how we can support them in our own backyards.

Conclave by Robert Harris  - A timely read about the process of selecting a new pope. 

Betty, Circulation Assistant and Reference Assistant

Eating Salad Drunk: Haikus for the Burnout Age by Comedy Greats- A quick read that made me laugh out loud several times. 

My Friends by Erik Backman- Because I love him and everything he writes... such a touching look at friendship.

Everything is Tuberculosis- A follow-up to my love of the book Epidemics and Society, what can I say - fascinating.

Shakespeare - The Man Who Pays the Rent - by Judi Dench -This was recommended as a good listen by a 13 year old patron.  I loved listening to Judi reminisce, explain plays, and perform portions of her favorite roles. It was a listen that I didn't want to end!

Beneath A Scarlet Sky- WWII historical fiction based on a true story - if you liked The Nightingale you will like this one. 

Megan, Circulation Assistant and Reference Assistant
James by Percival Everett - This book is cleverly written.  I enjoyed how this classic was framed to center around Jim (James).

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn -  This book has strong female characters and is a great mystery.  I also enjoyed how the author told the story though multiple perspectives.

Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze - Laugh out loud funny!