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Recommended Reads

February 2025

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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. MaasÌýis a spellbinding retelling of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale. The story follows Feyre, a young huntress who accidentally kills a faerie wolf and is taken to the magical land of Prythian by Tamlin, a powerful fae lord. Initially fearful and resentful, Feyre's perceptions of the fae begin to change as she discovers the beauty and complexity of their world. As she and Tamlin grow closer, Feyre learns of an ancient curse threatening Prythian and must find the strength to save the land and the people she has come to love. This novel masterfully weaves romance, fantasy, and suspense, with themes of growth, self-discovery, and the power of love.

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Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown

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If you're a fan of Dr. Brené Brown's work, you won't want to miss her bookÌýBraving the Wilderness. While it differs from her previous books, it offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective. InÌýBraving the Wilderness, Brown shifts her focus from the familiar theme of "The Man in the Arena" to a powerful quote by Maya Angelou: "You are only free when you realize you belong no place — you belong every place — no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great." Initially, Brown struggled to understand and accept this quote, but true to her nature, she wrestled with it and explored its deeper meaning. One of the great things about Brown's work is that she encourages readers to ask questions and reflect on their own thoughts as they read, and this book is no different. She delves into political and corporate culture, but without pushing her own political views, encouraging readers to move beyond the dichotomy of "either, or" and embrace the concept of "and, both." Brown's storytelling in this book has a different feeling compared to her other works, but it remains engaging and insightful. If you're looking for something that will challenge your thinking and inspire you,ÌýBraving the WildernessÌýis a must-read. You'll encounter insights like "People Are Harder to Hate Close Up. Move In," "Speak Truth to Bullshit. Be Civil," "Hold Hands. With Strangers," and "Strong Back. Soft Front. Wild Heart" Whether you prefer a hard copy or an audiobook, there's no excuse not to check it out, as we have both options available at the library and through the Libby app.

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Life, Loss and Puffins by Catherine Ryan Hyde

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Life, Loss, and Puffins by Catherine Ryan HydeÌýis a heartwarming and profound novel about grief, hope, and the beauty of unexpected friendships. The story follows Ru Evans, a thirteen-year-old prodigy with an eidetic memory, who faces the loss of her mother and the prospect of living with her unpleasant aunt. Seeking escape, Ru embarks on an impulsive road trip with her new friend Gabriel, a seventeen-year-old outsider. Their journey takes them from California to Canada, where Ru hopes to see Atlantic puffins in the wild. Along the way, they discover the joys of friendship, found family, and the freedom of living life on their own terms. This novel beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of human connection. This title is one of the 2025 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Reads read-alike suggestions.

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Building a Non-Anxious Life by Dr. John Delony

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Anxiety is something most people encounter at some point in their lives. If you're one of those people, Dr. John Delony's book is an invaluable resource. He expertly delves into the reasons behind our struggles with anxiety, examining how changes in our culture, such as the political climate and the advent of cell phones, play a role. Dr. Delony discusses how our world is now inundated with bad news, affecting how we perceive and process information. What sets this book apart is Dr. Delony's non-judgmental approach to anxiety. Having been on his own journey, he makes the topic relatable, and his vivid, memorable stories drive his points home. He explains that our internal alarms, meant to keep us safe, can go awry, leading to anxiety when they overreact or become hard to manage. Instead of numbing anxiety, he encourages us to listen to it and understand why our body feels unsafe. He even suggests that anxiety can become an addiction or habitual behavior. The book is filled with thought-provoking questions, empowering readers to make good choices for their mental health. His perspective emphasizes the power we hold with the choices we make, urging us to be accountable for the stress we allow into our lives. This book is more than just a read; it's a guide to introspection and life evaluation, touching on all aspects of your life, from home and family to events you attend. Dr. Delony also references Brené Brown, making it a must-read for her fans. Highly recommended, this book is essential for anyone looking to understand and manage anxiety effectively.