Since we’re all stuck at home for the foreseeable future, travelling through the pages of a book makes for an excellent virtual vacation. Here's our featured title for this month.
His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie
His Only Wife is a coming of age story set in modern day Ghana in which a young woman, Afi, is married in absentia to Eli, a wealthy man. His family wants to separate him from a woman of which they do not approve and believe a young biddable wife will do the trick. The problem is, once Afi starts her new life, her eyes begin to open to the variety of ways in which it could be so much more. Despite the setup, this is no fairytale, but a transporting read that takes the reader into the lives of Ghanaian women. The story offers plenty to think about and discuss, making it a great choice for book groups. His Only Wife is available for immediate download on Hoopla.
New & Upcoming
Start off the new year with some great new releases such as the stunning new thriller,
Girl A by Abigail Dean or
The Nature of Fragile Things, by Susan Meissner, set during the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake.
Looking forward to spring, there are plenty of books to fill your hold queues including a new book from Paula McLain,
When the Stars go Dark, a crime novel set in Northern California. The prolific Chris Bohjalian offers a new historical thriller set in 1660 Boston,
The Hour of the Witch.++
Check this Out!
Have you been binge watching Firefly Lane on Netflix?
What We’re Reading
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
First up a content warning: If you have difficulty reading about medical conditions, childbirth, or descriptions of a pandemic, I would not recommend you read this book. But, if you are okay with those topics and enjoy historical fiction, reading about the lives of women and children, or are curious about the 1918 pandemic, then you should absolutely read this book. It’s a surprisingly fast read, taking place over the span of three days in a Dublin maternity/fever ward. It’s not a happy book by any means, but it brims with determination and empathy. It reminds the reader that we’ve been here before, in fact we’ve been through worse, and yet life continues on in all its painful and beautiful glory.
For More Reading Suggestions:
- 26 February releases recommended by Buzzfeed
- Best SciFi and Fantasy Books out in February from io9
- February Earphones Award Winners from Audiofile Magazine
- 10 Must Read Black History Month Recommendations from USA Today
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Virtual Book Buzz (February 27 at 1 p.m.)
Looking for more reading inspiration? Join us for Virtual Book Buzz on Zoom as we share a selection of upcoming releases for a variety of readers, along with a few recommendations you can check out now.
Learn more