What Your Neighbors Read in 2022
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
From Christy: "If Emily Henry writes a book, I will read it. If Emily Henry writes a book about the publishing industry, I will read it in one sitting. Book Lovers didn't disappoint! I loved the use of the enemies to lovers trope. A very New York City woman gets dragged to a small town and subsequently forced to slow down and take a breath. It might sound like a Hallmark movie plot and that is entirely intentional. It's got the quaint small town, curmudgeonly hot guy, and the meddling siblings with added spice. I count this as a must read for Emily Henry fans and anyone looking for a good summer romance."
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Sarah G says, "This is a compulsively readable whodunnit with themes of gender identity and beekeeping. Picoult and Boylan are both terrific writers and their collaboration is seamless."
The Problem with Prophecies by Scott Reintgen
From Lizzy: "Celia Cleary is a middle schooler who sees a vision that a boy in her class is going to die so she goes on a mission to save him. But fate doesn't like to be thwarted so she has to KEEP saving him. It sounds dark but it isn't. Reintgen's characters are hilarious and charming, from Celia's loyal-social-justice-warrior friend to her quirky-famous-foodie friend to her grandma/prophecy mentor. The middle school emotions and scenarios are relatable. It's the perfect age-appropriate story that every middle grade reader will love. I can't wait to see where this series goes from here!"
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Lowen is a struggling writer who she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night her family was forever altered. Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her.
Art of the State: Celebrating the Visual Art of North Carolina by Liza Roberts
This beautiful and informative volume illustrates the vitality and importance of North Carolina's contemporary art scene, showcasing the creation, collection, and celebration of art in all its richness and diversity. Featuring profiles of individual artists, compelling interviews, and beautiful full-color photography, this book tells the story of the state's evolution through the lens of its art world and some of its most compelling figures. Liza Roberts introduces readers to painters, photographers, sculptors, and other artists who live and work in North Carolina and who contribute to its growing reputation in the visual arts. The result is the most comprehensive, informative, and visually rich story of contemporary art in North Carolina.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil coparenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date. But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life—and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Sunny the Sideloader by Anne & Louise Jordan
Follow Sunny the Sideloader, a recycling truck, on his first day at work. Sunny is so excited about his new job he forgets to listen to instructions. He zooms around town, scooping up bins and plopping them down, spilling trash behind him. Meanwhile, the other trucks look everywhere for Sunny. Children will enjoy learning the trucks’ names, colors, and jobs—and in the process, they will learn about waste disposal. They will pour over the unique photographic illustrations and discover fascinating details. The perfect book for truck lovers and young environmentalists.
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles—the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become.” She details her most valuable practices, like “starting kind,” “going high,” and assembling a “kitchen table” of trusted friends and mentors. With trademark humor, candor, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness.
Going Rogue: Rise and Shine Twenty-Nine by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum knows that something is amiss when she turns up for work at Vinnie’s Bail Bonds to find that longtime office manager Connie hasn’t shown up. Stephanie’s worst fears are confirmed when she gets a call from Connie’s abductor. He says he will only release her in exchange for a mysterious coin that a recently murdered man left as collateral for his bail. Unfortunately, this coin, which should be in the office—just like Connie—is nowhere to be found. The quest to discover the coin, learn its value, and save Connie will require the help of Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur, her best pal Lula, her boyfriend Morelli, and hunky security expert Ranger. As they get closer to unraveling the reasons behind Connie’s kidnapping, Connie’s captor grows more threatening and soon Stephanie has no choice but to throw caution to the wind, follow her instincts, and go rogue.
Creepy Crayon! by Aaron Reynolds
Jasper Rabbit has a problem: he is NOT doing well in school. His spelling tests? Disasters. His math quizzes? Frightening to behold. But one day, he finds a crayon lying in the gutter. Purple. Pointy. Perfect. Somehow…it looked happy to see him. And it wants to help. At first, Jasper is excited. Everything is going great. His spelling is fantastic. His math is stupendous. And best of all, he doesn’t have to do ANY work! But then the crayon starts acting weird. It’s everywhere, and it wants to do everything. And Jasper must find a way to get rid of it before it takes over his life. The only problem? The creepy crayon will not leave.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens.
