Kerry's Favorites
This story draws on the real life events of the second Sino-Japanese war to tell the story of Rin, a poor orphan who beins training at an elite academy. When her country is drawn into a brutal war and Rin is called to fight, she must decide how far she'll go to save her homeland This story waves together magic, a dark drug epidemic, and the horrors of true wartime events. If you're looking for morally grey protagonists(!) and an unpredictable story this is for you!
- Kerry
Holly Darling, granddaughter to Wendy Darling, does everything in her power to save her own daughter after she's been kidnapped. This novel is a terrifying retelling of Peter Pan. It is a mixture of surrealism and fantasy, and will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a definite read if you're ready to shatter the fantasy of Peter Pan.
- Kerry
You know a book is good when you stay up waayy too late, saying "just one more chapter"! Tag along with Bree as she gets involved in a secret magical society at her college. I love the way Deonn examines race, privilege, and class through a magical lens, specifically how and who has it. A lot of adventure, a touch of romance, and a bit of self discovery makes Legendborn your next great read!
- Kerry
After bonding over their love of video games as kids, Sam and Sadie turn their passion into a career, designing and writing video games together. This novel spans decades of their lives, following them as they fall in and out of friendship, love, and careers. I love how the author captures the excitement of the tech boom of the 90s and early 00s. Such an engaging read! A perfect blend of nerdiness and nostalgia.
- Kerry
This memoir had the unique effect of making me both sad and hungry. Lead singer of the alt pop band, Japanese Breakfast, Michelle Zauner takes readers through the gut-wrenching and, at times, frustrating journey of her mom's battle with cancer. This struggle, along with Michelle's experience growing up Korean-American, is woven together and anchored by her relationship to Korean food. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll empathize. Have snacks handy!
- Kerry
I really enjoyed this novel, a coming-of-age story set at the dawn of the millennium. We follow Isabel, starting in 1998, as she finishes out her last year of college. Through Isabel, we explore the nature of power, sexuality, independence, and the ethical dilemmas of growing up. Perfect for fans of Sally Rooney, this slice of life read is a refreshing adventure!
- Kerry
A magic school hidden in the shadows of NYC. A band of magical misfits. A portal to another world. A dark and dangerous secret to unravel. What more could you want in a book? This is the start of the Magicians Trilogy and it only gets more intriguing from here. I highly recommend for fantasy readers looking for a rich series to sink their teeth into.
- Kerry
Two ballerina sisters have been chased by tragedy their whole lives. When another tragic accident happens at their ballet school, it invites a strange man into their lives. This stranger sends their poised lives into a tailspin, forcing the sisters to confront long hidden secrets.
I loved this read! Compelling and spooky, this book is perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn.
- Kerry
A heart wrenching and eye opening read, Daughters of the New Year tells the stories of five generations of Vietnamese women, told in reverse order, moving backwards in time. E.M. Tran dives into the cultural nuances of being a Vietnamese woman during different eras, as well as explores the ever-complicated nature of mother/daughter relationships.
I was moved to tears a few times while reading this book - a poignant read!
- Kerry
This book is so deliciously written, you can't help but gobble it up!
Gabrielle leads readers through her unconventional journey of becoming a chef, sparing no details for all the bumps along the way.
This is the type of book you read once and immediately start recommending to everyone you meet - it's that good!
- Kerry