One of Us is Lying, by Karen McManus, is one of the most popular and intriguing mystery books of the last few years. Centered in the small town of Bayview California, McManus’s quick paced writing and addicting style allow readers to get invested from the very beginning. High schoolers Abby, Nate, Bronwyn, and Cooper find themselves in detention with Simon Keheller, the creator of Bayview High’s gossip app, ‘About That,’ which is known for spilling destructive and deadly secrets about Bayview’s students.
Summary: An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon is a compelling work of fiction set on a generational spaceship, the HSS Matilda, where society is divided by race and class, echoing the injustices of America. The story follows Aster, a dark-skinned healer who discovers secrets about the ship's past while navigating a hierarchy that mirrors the worst aspects of slavery.
Summary: Into the Wild tells the story of 23-year-old Chris McCandless, who in April of 1992, hiked into the Alaskan wilderness. The biography is written by Jon Krakauer, who found McCandless’ story to be strikingly similar to his own. Krakauer recounts McCandless’ life, from his graduation from Emory to his denouncing of his identity and possessions. Then, of his explorations into the wild and his brief encounters with others.
Summary: 1984 follows Winston Smith, a party member living in the dystopian future of Oceania. Through Winston’s perspective, we learn the government has full control over everyone and everything. Led by Big Brother, the government not only controls what people experience, through government-made media and propaganda, but also controls the people themselves, through surveillance, language, and the absence of individuality.
Summary: Grendel presents itself as a parallel novel to the first ever epic of Beowulf, telling the story of the monster Grendel. Grendel lives in an isolated cave with his mother, whom throughout the novel, he is unable to communicate with. Eventually, Grendel begins to wander further outside the cave, encountering humans. At first, he tries to befriend them. However, he is only seen as a monster and the humans attack him.
The Do-over follows Emilie, a teenage girl who is forced to relive the worst Valentine's Day over and over again. Each day she wakes up and it’s February 14th again, and the same things always seem to happen no matter what she does to change it.
Summary: Lennie loves magic and she wants to get as good as possible. But when she and her brother are invited to compete in challenges to become the prime wizard she has to agree. So she tries her best to be chosen. Then learns just how unfair Wizardmatch can be.
Summary: In this continuation of Saint Young Men, the new season brings a host of new experiences. Jesus and Buddha tackle sports, celebrate holidays, and explore Japanese tourist landmarks, all with theological puns and cultural references. The juxtaposition of divine beings and mundane daily life brings a fresh and interesting take on the slice-of-life genre. This volume further develops a wholesome friendship, cozy moments, and the unique perspectives of the protagonists.
Summary: Volume 2 of Saint Young Men opens with the event of Christmas and Jesus’ birthday, where a misunderstanding leads to funny and surprising outcomes. As the seasons change, Jesus and Buddha experience sickness, new ways to stay active, shopping and haircuts. The pair continue to explore the human realm through their Japanese apartment while concealing their divine identities. Hikaru Nakamura mixes comedy, religious references, and slice-of-life into a unique and heartwarming story.
Summary: In this volume, winter brings about a set of new experiences for Yotsuba and friends. The introduction of the kotatsu, banana smoothies, and rock hunting bring about a cozy and fun series of chapters. Kiyohiko Azuma’s art shines through with the unique and funny facial expressions, detailed backgrounds, and simplistic but sophisticated shading, bringing life to the characters. The volume also introduces themes of change, presenting a cohesive blend of chapters and a heart-tugging ending.
