December 2024

Chris’ Audiobook Picks:

 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) god of woods

When 13-year-old Barbara goes missing from her cabin at an Adirondack wilderness camp in the summer of 1975, it reopens the unsolved case of the disappearance of her brother Bear, 14 years earlier. Both are children of the camp’s owners, the wealthy Van Laar family. This mystery/family saga is underpinned with an exploration of the dichotomy of the camp owners to the local townspeople who work for them. Available for download on Libby and Palace.

 


 

The Bookbinder by Pip Williams (2023) Bookbinder

Set in 1914 England, Peggy and Maude are twin sisters who work at the bindery for the Oxford University Press. World War I has begun and the community is impacted both by the arrival of Belgian refugees and the loss of young men to fight at the front. Since the loss of their mother, Peggy has felt an obligation to take care of her sister and has prioritized that responsibility over her own desire to further her education. This book is a satisfying read/listen for those who enjoy historical fiction and root for the underdog. Available for download on Libby.

 


 

Jill’s Pick:

The General and Julia by Jon Clinch (2023)  genral and Julia

With two weeks left to live and residing in upstate New York, Ulysses S. Grant reflects on his life while in the throes of completing his memoirs.  In a beautifully written narrative, Clinch captures the pivotal moments of Grant’s life while he wrestles with his legacy.  Great historical fiction.  

 


 

 


Laura’s Pick:

Buried deep: and other stories by Naomi Novik (2024) buried deep

Featuring a short story set in the world of Novik’s Scholomance series, this captivating collection is a must-read. From the dragons of ancient Rome to a reimagining of Pride and prejudice, explore places both familiar and unknown and get a sneak peak at the setting of her forthcoming novel. 

 


 

 

 

John’s Picks:

By & By by Caamp (2019) By by

The second studio album by the folk band, Caamp (also stylized as CAAMP).  It was released just a year after their debut record under Mom + Pop Music out of New York City.  The song, “Peach Fuzz,” was released as a single.  The album as a whole has received positive reviews from music critics.   

 


 

 

As it Ever Was, So it Will be Again by the Decemberists (2024) Decemberists

The ninth studio album by the indie rock band and their first of new material in six years.  A double album, it was considered a return to form by industry peers.  The final track, “Joan in the Garden,” is a nineteen-minute long form song inspired by Joan of Arc that crosses multiple genres.



 

 

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) Deadpool wolverine

The third (and potentially final) film in the Deadpool series and the first to be officially incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Ryan Reynolds returns as Wade Wilson/Deadpool and is joined this time by Hugh Jackman, who reprises his role as Logan/Wolverine.  In the film, Deadpool teams up with Wolverine to save his universe from being erased.  Violent and comedic, the film made over a billion dollars and has become the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time.

 


 

 

Lauren’s Pick:

Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland (2024) five broken blades

Five of the most skilled assassins, liars, and strongmen have been given a near-impossible task: kill King Joon, said to be immortal. Others have tried and failed, but these assassins have a plan, and are bound by a desire for revenge. Despite it all, romance blossoms against this background of treachery, but can it stand when they know they can’t trust one another? For trust each other they must, if they are to succeed.