A WEEK IN WINTER
By Maeve Binchy
January is a time for new beginnings, and this heartwarming novel tells the story of Chicky Starr, who transforms a dilapidated mansion on the Irish coast into a cozy winter retreat. Follow the lives of the diverse guests who arrive seeking solace and connection. Binchy weaves each character’s tale of love, loss, and longing into one whole, highlighting the enduring power of human connection and fresh starts.
THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY
By Matt Haig
As we start a new year, many of us confront the ageold question of “what if?” Here, that question is posed through a journey of one woman’s life, all housed within the walls of a magical library. Each book in the library represents a different life she could have lived. Haig offers a meaningful look at the choices we make and the possibility of second chances, reminding us that even familiar paths can hold unexpected turns.
A POINT OF BEAUTY
An excellent way to start the New Year is to seek a more profound understanding of the human experience and discover new ways to find meaning and purpose in your life. “A Point of Beauty” is a collection of true stories from The Moth - a renowned storytelling organization - featuring diverse personal narratives. Each story explores the theme of finding beauty in unexpected places while delving into various human experiences - from heartbreak and loss to joy and triumph.
THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY
By Alix E. Harrow
Jump into the new year by embracing the unknown with a fantasy that transports you to countless worlds. Harrow invites you to step through the pages and explore the infinite possibilities of the universe. The adventure follows January Sarton as she discovers a hidden door in her childhood home, leading to a world of wonder and danger. She unlocks a new realm with every book she reads, encountering mythical creatures, ancient civilizations, and extraordinary people.
WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE
By Maria Semple
For many, the New Year represents personal growth. For a humorous exploration of how shifting perspectives can become a thread that unravels into a deeper understanding of oneself, follow the mystery of Bernadette Fox, a brilliant but eccentric architect who disappears. Her daughter, Bee, sets out to find her, uncovering a story of family, ambition, and the importance of embracing change.
LULA DEAN’S LITTLE LIBRARY OF BANNED BOOKS
By Kirsten Miller
The New Year is the perfect time to expand our minds and challenge our perspectives - and books are the ideal gateway. In this quirky novel, set in 1939 Texas, we follow Lula Dean, a spirited young woman who defies societal norms by opening a secret library of banned books. As she shares these forbidden stories with her community, she sparks a movement that challenges censorship and empowers individuals to think critically.
SOUL SHIFT
By Rachel Macy Stafford
If you want a fresh start this New Year, this book offers a roadmap for readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. By encouraging us to embrace change and let go of the past, we can cultivate a more fulfilling future. The book includes practical tools as well as inspiring insights. A way to help us break old patterns, overcome obstacles, and rediscover passions.
PRODIGAL SUMMER
By Barbara Kingsolver
As we begin a new year, it is a perfect time to offer hope for a more sustainable and harmonious future. “Prodigal Summer” invites readers to consider their place in the world and cultivate a more profound sense of empathy and compassion. The novel is set against the backdrop of rural Appalachia, where three interconnected stories explore themes of nature, family, loss, and love. Kingsolver weaves these stories together, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living things and the idea that we are all part of a larger ecosystem, so every action has ripple effects.
