What We’re Reading Staff Picks (9/27/23)

Want to read with us? Check out our latest staff picks and dive into what we’re reading now!

Amanda’s Pick: PROJECTIONS by S. E. Porter | 9780765396778 | 2/13/24

Love may last a lifetime, but in this adult debut, dark historical fantasy, the bitterness of rejection endures for centuries.  A dead woman narrates her tale of vengeance on the man who murdered her in this uniquely weird and wonderful fantasy that will be great for fans of China Mieville and Jeff Vandermeer.

Available for download on Edelweiss know more and NetGalley know more. LibraryReads votes due by January 1st.

Emily’s Pick: INFINITY ALCHEMIST by Kacen Callender | 9781250890252 | 2/6/24 

Kacen Callender is the acclaimed author of a wide variety of books, including queer contemporary YA romance, adult fantasy, and middle grade novels, and now they are venturing into YA fantasy with INFINITY ALCHEMIST. As soon as I read in the keynote that this book is “dark academia, but burn the magic school down,” I was hooked. This spellbinding novel is about three young alchemists searching for the book that is at the center of everything (and is rumored to be the source of unimaginable power) and finding unexpected love along the way. I’m truly enchanted by Callender’s writing, and I’m thoroughly enjoying this high-stakes adventure they’ve created.

Available for download on Edelweiss know more and NetGalley know more.

Samantha’s Pick: THE FORTUNE SELLER by Rachel Kapelke-Dale | 9781250286130 | 2/13/24

I have been a huge Rachel Kapelke-Dale fan since her debut THE BALLERINAS, and was so excited for a campus-set coming-of-age story about a toxic group of friends. And this certainly did not disappoint. This is the story of Rosie Macalister who does not fit in with her wealthy friends at Yale. They all met freshman year through the equestrian team, and have been inseparable ever since. But when Rosie comes back from a year studying abroad, a new girl joins the group. Annelise is unlike anyone Rosie has ever met. But since her arrival, money has gone missing, the girls are fighting more, and their little group starts to fall apart, leading to a devastating consequence. After graduation, Rosie decides to uncover the truth behind Annelise and what really happened. I was absolutely glued to the dynamics between these girls. The writing is captivating and suspenseful and will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Available for download on Edelweiss know more and NetGalley know more. LibraryReads votes due by January 1st.

Michelle’s Pick: THE UPSTAIRS DELICATESSEN: On Eating, Reading, Reading About Eating, and Eating While Reading by Dwight Garner | 9780374603427 | 10/24/23

A delightful, funny, and charming memoir about this New York Times critic and author’s ever-evolving relationship with food and books. This is the product of a lifetime of obsessively reading, eating, and every combination therein. Garner begins with his childhood when his father introduced him to his famous peanut butter and pickle sandwich, then moves on to recount the story of his marriage to a chef from a foodie family and how this completely opened his eyes to all the foods he was missing out on. He also talks about the books and meals closest to his heart and shares the voices of great writers that fill his mind as he moves through his day. This is a book to be savored, though it may just whet your appetite for more.

Available for download on Edelweiss know more.