Reading Beyond Your Comfort Zone

by Barnhill, Kelly Regan

Book - 2016

Admittedly this middle grade book had the advantage of being a fantasy novel, I include it on my list because you'll find it in the children's section. Bu...Show more Admittedly this middle grade book had the advantage of being a fantasy novel, I include it on my list because you'll find it in the children's section. But just because it's suitable for middle graders doesn't mean it's unsuitable for adults. I am so down for a fantastical world of moon magic, a swamp monster and miniature dragon friends, and an epic misunderstanding. This book is wonderfully written with memorable characters and leaves a lasting impression. Show less

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The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

An Oral History

by Offerman, Nick

Downloadable Audiobook - 2018

I highly recommend listening to this book. The authors read their love story to the listener with humor, cheek, and obvious love for their partner. If you are even a mild fan of either or both of these authors, take a chance on this one. I highly recommend listening to this book. The authors read their love story to the listener with humor, cheek, and obvious love for their partner. If you are even a mild fan of either or both of these authors, take a chance on this one. Show less

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With the Fire on High

by Acevedo, Elizabeth

Downloadable Audiobook - 2019

Another book for which I highly recommend the audiobook, the author reads this book to perfection. She is a highly skilled storyteller in more than ways than one! Another book for which I highly recommend the audiobook, the author reads this book to perfection. She is a highly skilled storyteller in more than ways than one! Show less

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Starfish

by Fipps, Lisa

Book - 2021

I love books because they present the reader with a chance to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. It gives us perspectives we might not have had otherwis...Show more I love books because they present the reader with a chance to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. It gives us perspectives we might not have had otherwise. This was not one of those books for me, for me it was the opposite, a chance to see myself and my own story told. Show less

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Fifty Words for Rain

A Novel

by Lemmie, Asha

Book - 2020

Simply put, this book is magic. The author folds you into this realistic fiction world so well you hardly know it's happening; it is some of the best world building and atmosphere that I have encountered outside of Fantasy. Simply put, this book is magic. The author folds you into this realistic fiction world so well you hardly know it's happening; it is some of the best world building and atmosphere that I have encountered outside of Fantasy. Show less

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Greenglass House

by Milford, Kate

Book - 2014

A fantasy book that reads like realistic fiction. This middle grade book is a story to lose yourself in on a cold winter night and the setting is as much a character as the rest of them. Chef's kiss! A fantasy book that reads like realistic fiction. This middle grade book is a story to lose yourself in on a cold winter night and the setting is as much a character as the rest of them. Chef's kiss! Show less

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Dear Girls

Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living your Best Life

by Wong, Ali

Downloadable Audiobook - 2019

If you don't generally read biographies or tend to stay far away from an author who thinks their life has had enough lessons to fill a book before they hi...Show more If you don't generally read biographies or tend to stay far away from an author who thinks their life has had enough lessons to fill a book before they hit 40, I suggest you take a chance on this one. Full of wit humor and insight it is well worth the read! The author does warn her girls "do not read this book until you are over twenty-one." and this one is definitely for the adults. Show less

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City of Ghosts

by Schwab, Victoria

Book - 2018

Again, a middle grade fantasy book is not a stretch for me to get into, especially considering this book is spooky and at times dark, and written by one o...Show more Again, a middle grade fantasy book is not a stretch for me to get into, especially considering this book is spooky and at times dark, and written by one of my favorite authors. A young girl, daughter to tv ghost hunter and debunker, and she's the only one who can actually see ghosts? This series is a fun one to dive into. Show less

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Beyond the Gender Binary

by Vaid-Menon, Alok

Book - 2020

This book is a great primer and introduction to the non-binary and gender non-conforming experience. It is quite short and thus has it's limitations, but ...Show more This book is a great primer and introduction to the non-binary and gender non-conforming experience. It is quite short and thus has it's limitations, but as someone who tends to get tired of non-fiction books this is a lovely fast read. Alok is a skilled speaker and poet and they put their skills to good use here. For anyone who seeks to understand others or to feel seen, this is a beautiful place to start. Show less

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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

A Novel

by Zevin, Gabrielle

Book - 2014

Loving and bittersweet, this realistic fiction book will warm your heart as fast as break it, but never leave you without a glimmer of hope. Loving and bittersweet, this realistic fiction book will warm your heart as fast as break it, but never leave you without a glimmer of hope. Show less

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The Deepest Well

Healing the Long-term Effects of Childhood Adversity

by Burke Harris, Nadine

Book - 2018

An eye opening book about the lifelong effects of trauma and adversity on our bodies. This book is an opportunity for personal exploration and explanation; and a deeply telling book on the importance, and privilege, a peaceful childhood is. An eye opening book about the lifelong effects of trauma and adversity on our bodies. This book is an opportunity for personal exploration and explanation; and a deeply telling book on the importance, and privilege, a peaceful childhood is. Show less

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Home Baked

My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco

by Volz, Alia

Book - 2020

I found it deeply fascinating to learn about another side of San Francisco history from someone who was born into it and with such access to those who lived/thrived in it. I found it deeply fascinating to learn about another side of San Francisco history from someone who was born into it and with such access to those who lived/thrived in it. Show less

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Last Night at the Telegraph Club

by Lo, Malinda

Book - 2021

This historical fiction is masterfully written and yet runs the risk of being overlooked due to it's presence on the Young Adult shelf. Many write the who...Show more This historical fiction is masterfully written and yet runs the risk of being overlooked due to it's presence on the Young Adult shelf. Many write the whole genre off because of what it was when we were young, but you miss out if you do. This historical fiction gives the reader a detailed view of another version of historic San Francisco. Set in the mid 1950's this coming of age tale set in Chinatown is wonderful. Show less

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Get A Life, Chloe Brown

A Novel

by Hibbert, Talia

Book - 2019

This book was one of the few times I have read a romance novel completely by choice. I don't have the patience to deal with a "Mary Sue" or a la...Show more This book was one of the few times I have read a romance novel completely by choice. I don't have the patience to deal with a "Mary Sue" or a lack of representation, and because this book promised to turn away from both those clichés I gave it a chance and I'm glad I did! Show less

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