“The Fox Wife” by Yangsze Choo. “Choo might be incapable of writing a bad book. Her latest is impossible to put down. Choo transports readers to historic China, intertwining the lives of a vengeful fox-shifter and a lonely detective with an eye for the supernatural. The characters’ tragedies and desires drew me in just as much as the masterful prose and immersive history.”
— Melinda, Issaquah Library
“The Kamogawa Food Detectives” by Hisashi Kashiwai. “I didn’t expect a small book to pack such a punch, but it did. Readers follow a father-daughter duo who run an unusual cafe to help guests find peace. The menus are tailor-made for their clientele and include nostalgic dishes from the person’s past. This was the sweetest book I’ve read in a while.”
— Emily, KCLS Service Center
“Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books” by Kirsten Miller. “This hot take on current events takes place in small-town Georgia, where several citizens have formed a committee to ban books from libraries. Lula, the head of the committee, starts her own little library stand with books she finds wholesome, only to find someone’s been replacing her titles with controversial ones. Miller presents multiple sides to this funny and timely story about the right to read what we choose.”
— Laura, Burien Library
Adult nonfiction
“Sharks Don’t Sink” by Jasmin Graham. “A poignant and honest memoir about a young shark scientist’s career path and the barriers she has faced along her journey. Graham’s enthusiasm for sharks is contagious, and she presents scientific concepts in an accessible way with fantastic storytelling.”
— Chris, White Center Library
“There’s Always This Year” by Hanif Abdurraqib. “Abdurraqib has a stunning way with language — his background in poetics is clear in his new book, ‘There’s Always This Year.’ In his distinctive voice, Abdurraqib guides readers through an insightful meditation on sports, home, legends and community.”
— Kathleen, Kirkland Library
“It’s Okay Not to Look for the Meaning of Life” by Jikisai Minami. “The easy-to-read philosophy I never knew I needed. Minami helps take the pressure off the expectations we set for ourselves or feel obligated to meet. This collection of short essays covers questions about self, relationships and facing death.”
— Jessica, KCLS Service Center
“Legacy” by Uché Blackstock. “Dr. Blackstock gives readers a thought-provoking look into the deep inequities of U.S. health care. She hails from a family of physicians — both her sister and her mother are also doctors. Dr. Blackstock expertly weaves facts and personal experiences into her memoir, shining a much-needed light on the racism and systemic inequities that Black patients and physicians continue to face in America.”
— Danielle, Shoreline Library
“Why We Read” by Shannon Reed. “As a lifelong reader, discovering this book felt like making a new friend or a connection with a stranger in line who shares similar passions. Reed seeks to identify, expand and free us from unnecessary rules or fears we might have about what we should or shouldn’t be choosing to read. Her subtle humor and wisdom would have anyone wishing they could meet her for coffee to chat about books.”
— Ben, Kenmore Library