July 2018 All-Stars

Whether it’s literary fiction, mystery, poetry, or graphic novels, these books all have the same thing in common: multiple starred reviews!

THE GOLDEN STATE by Lydia Kiesling
“Kiesling’s intimate, culturally perceptive debut portrays a frazzled mother and a fractious America, both verging on meltdown. But perhaps best of all is her thought-provoking portrait of a pioneer community in decline as anger and obsession fray bonds between neighbors, family, and fellow citizens.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“There’s so much to love about this novel… Strongly recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary literary fiction and can handle a few swear words.” — Library Journal, starred review

BONE ON BONE by Julia Keller — 3 starred reviews!
“Keller can spin a mystery plot with the best of them, but it’s her full-bodied characters and the regard they have for one another that really sets her crime fiction apart: a bride’s back-of-the-hand caress of her new husband’s cheek, and his response, is a moment that will linger in memory long after the crime is solved.” — Booklist, starred review

“Beautifully written… This thoughtful, painfully empathetic story will long linger in the reader’s memory.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“This haunting, thought-provoking story proves Keller is one of a kind. Readers of Julia Spencer-Fleming’s mysteries of communities torn apart by crime may also want to try.” — Library Journal, starred review

CITY OF INK by Elsa Hart
“Rich in period detail, a sharply rendered exotic setting, and a web of well-crafted plots, Li Du’s third novel will appeal to fans of historical mysteries by Lisa See, Laura Joh Rowland, and Abir Mukherjee.” — Booklist, starred review

“Superb… As always, Hart excels at making even walk-on characters fully realized and at combining a gripping whodunit plot with a vivid evocation of the period. This entry solidifies her status as a top-notch historical mystery author. ” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

SUNRISE HIGHWAY by Peter Blauner
“Blauner excels with strong, realistic characters, believable police work, and smart, propulsive dialogue. A highly readable and unnervingly close-to-home view of power in the service of evil.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“…an action-packed and plot twist–laden thriller. Exploring such subjects as police corruption, misogyny, and racism, this is a page-turner of the highest order.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

SMALL ANIMALS: Parenthood in the Age of Fear by Kim Brooks
“Compassionate and empathetic, appalled and angry, this fierce, intimate blend of memoir, reportage, and critique is essential reading for parents, policymakers, and all others concerned about our children and their future.” — Library Journal, starred review

“Parents who are seeking advice, rather than reflection, will appreciate the vast number of other titles Brooks cites throughout the book. SMALL ANIMALS belongs on the shelves of every public library. ” — Booklist, starred review

NEW POETS OF NATIVE NATIONS by Heid E. Erdrich
“Erdrich, an Ojibwe writer and scholar, goes some way toward rectifying a noticeable dearth of anthologies of contemporary Native poets with this essential volume.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“An immensely important anthology that belongs in every library.” — Booklist, starred review

ARAB OF THE FUTURE 3: The Circumcision Years: A Childhood in the Middle East, 1985-1987 by Riad Sattouf
“An excellent addition to a series that for years to come is sure to engage readers of history as seen through a child’s eyes. ” — Library Journal, starred review

“Magnificent… This is essential reading both for graphic novel fans and to provide human context to global political conflicts.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

SABRINA by Nick Drnaso
“More indictment of modern life than satire, and almost sure to be one of the most discussed graphic novels of the year—if not the next several, this should skyrocket Drnaso to the top tier of comics creators today.” — Library Journal, starred review

“Drnaso’s subtly penetrating work is an incisive depiction of emotionally stunted men who don’t need a tragedy to display the symptoms of trauma victims.” — Booklist, starred review