As a bookstore owner, I read a lot of books before they come out, so my recommendations are fun for the previews I can give by also frustrating because you can’t always run out and get a copy right now. I love meeting authors, learning about books from customers, and working with the fantastic crew that run our shop in Davidson. Here’s what I’ve read recently and am currently reading:

Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus

Put this on your to-be-read ASAP! For fans of A Man Called Ove, this is a heart-warming story centered on a 1950’s chemist struggling to work within the narrow confines that the patriarchy has given her.

Sharks in the Time of Saviors, Kawai Washburn

This is an aching ode to contemporary Hawaiian culture.

The Extraordinaries, TJ Klune

TJ Klune is an entertaining writer for YA fans, even though I first “met” him as the author of The House in the Cerulean Sea (which I adored). Similarly playing with magical realism, our protagonist underestimates his potential as a kid navigating the world with ADHD.

Bright Dead Things: Poems, Ada Limon

Incredibly accessible and yet spellbinding poetry.

The Many Daughters of Afong Moy, Jamie Ford*

I’m only a chapter in but have already been mesmerized by the acknowledgments and prologue alone! This promises to be wonderful historical fiction about a progressive Chinese woman during WWII. I see parallels to Lessons in Chemistry and several trusted book-friends highly recommend it.

*This novel will be released on June 28^th and in the Library’s collection soon.