Ever wished your favorite book could be real? Dreamed of meeting the characters? Be careful what you wish for—because on Addington Isle, fiction is far less deadly than reality.
In Winterset Hollow, a group of friends visits the setting of their favorite childhood book—a whimsical tale of talking animals and their end-of-summer festival. Think The Wind in the Willows or Winnie-the Pooh. But the truth behind the story is far darker than they ever imagined. Barley Day isn't just a celebration—it's a hunt. And they're the prey. Thrilling, terrifying, and full of surprises, Winterset Hollow delivers unforgettable and sympathetic characters on both sides, shocking twists, and a climax that will leave you gasping. On Barley Day, there’s only one rule: run. Maybe you've never heard of this book, but if you spend any time on social media, you've seen the author's quotes. He's become quite famous for his wit. You should read his book, it's one of my favorites. Reserve it here. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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The Sympathizer is a thrilling mix of spy thriller and historical drama set during and after the Vietnam War. The nameless narrator—a conflicted double agent—struggles with divided loyalties between communist Vietnam and capitalist America, all while delivering sharp, sarcastic insights. With twists, dark humor, and a deep dive into identity and betrayal, this book is a solid, thought-provoking read that hooks you from the beginning and keeps you on your toes, never knowing where it will go.
Reserve the book from the library or get the eBook with your SPL card. Viet Thanh Nguyen won the Pulitzer for this novel and well as many other awards, and he certainly deserved all of them! It has since been made into an HBO series starring Robert Downey Jr. playing multiple roles that the narrator meets during his life. Hoa Xuande of Cowboy Bebop plays our narrator, and Sandra Oh also stars. The showrunner and director of several episodes is Park Chan-wook, famous for Decision to Leave and the Vengeance Trilogy (Oldboy, Lady Vengeance, and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance) which can be viewed on Kanopy with your SPL card at the time of this post. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian Redshirts by John Scalzi is a riot! This absurdly funny, meta sci-fi adventure is about a bunch of low-ranking space crew members who realize they're basically cannon fodder. I'm serious, they die a lot. As they try to figure out what's going on, they stumble on this completely bananas truth about their universe.
It's a quick, fun read with tons of witty jokes, crazy plot twists, and a lot of affection for (and playful jabs at) old-school sci-fi. Ever wonder why those random background characters always bite the dust in space? This book totally gets you. Sound like your jam? Reserve it at the library here or download the eBook with your SPL card here. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian True Grit by Charles Portis isn't just your typical Western; it's a fantastic story of revenge, but also surprisingly funny and touching. Told from the point of view of the super-independent 14-year-old Mattie Ross, it's all about her going after the guy who killed her dad. She hires Rooster Cogburn, a tough, one-eyed US Marshal, and their unlikely team-up is what makes the book so great. Portis's writing is a joy to read – really witty and descriptive. Sure, it's a revenge story, but the characters, especially Mattie (she's amazing!) and the wonderfully grumpy Rooster, are what make this book unforgettable. True Grit is a timeless story about courage, determination, and how complicated justice can be, and it's told brilliantly. I'm not usually into Westerns, but I loved this one. Highly recommend!
Reserve the library book (also in Large Print) or use your SPL card for the audiobook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian Night by Elie Wiesel is a gut-wrenching, raw glimpse into one of history's darkest periods. In this memoir, Wiesel pulls no punches as he recounts his harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, making the reader feel every moment of despair, shock, and lingering disbelief. The narrative is both sparse and powerful, reflecting the stark reality of life in the concentration camps without ever drifting into unnecessary embellishment. Despite its brevity, the book packs an emotional punch, urging you to reflect on humanity, the loss of innocence, and the capacity for both cruelty and resilience. It’s a tough, unforgettable read that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
Would you like to read this? Click here to reserve! With your SPL card, the eBook and audioboook are also available to reserve. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian Jon Ronson's So You've Been Publicly Shamed takes you on a wild ride through the crazy world of online humiliation. With a mix of dry humor and real-life stories, Ronson shows how one small mistake online can blow up into a huge scandal. His funny yet honest take makes you laugh while also leaving you uneasy about the power of cancel culture and internet mobs. This book is a really interesting look at the ups and downs of social media—one that sticks with you long after you've finished reading. If you're online at all, you should read it. I've loved all of Ronson's work and eagerly await all of his upcoming releases.
Click here to reserve this eBook with your Spencer Public Library Card. If you would prefer a physical copy, we can get one through Interlibrary Loan. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian The Devil Takes You Home by Gabino Iglesias is a raw, gut-punch of a story that’s equal parts crime thriller, horror, and heartbreaking drama. It follows Mario, a grieving father drowning in debt after his daughter's illness. Desperate to make things right, he takes a job with a cartel, and things spiral into a brutal nightmare. Think Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul with a sprinkle of supernatural.
The writing is sharp and vivid, pulling no punches as it dives into grief, faith, classism, racism, and the ugly choices people make when life leaves them no way out. It’s dark, gripping, and totally unforgettable—perfect if you’re into gritty, no-holds-barred fiction that keeps space in your brain forever. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian Interested? Click here to reserve! An audiobook version is available to reserve with your SPL card as well. After 30 years in prison for causing a child's death, Vincent King is finally released. He went to jail at 15, turned in by his best friend, Walk, who’s now the local chief of police. Walk keeps an eye on Vincent’s ex-girlfriend, Star, a struggling drug addict, and her kids: 13-year-old Duchess, who’s had to grow up too fast to care for her little brother, Robin.
They all still live in the same small California town where it all started. Then, a body is found. Secrets unravel, tensions rise, and the big question looms: who did it? We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is an emotional rollercoaster of a crime thriller with so much heart. It’s got a gripping plot, but what really stands out are the unforgettable characters, especially Duchess, the tough-as-nails, complex girl the story revolves around. The writing is beautiful, full of raw emotion and small-town drama, with twists that keep you hooked. It’s heartbreaking and hopeful all at once—a truly memorable read. If you love character-driven stories with a side of suspense, don’t miss this one! It may be my favorite book ever. We have it available to reserve, plus Large Print and Audio CD copies for checkout. How about a downloadable audiobook or ebook? No, really. Read it. Please. Then come and tell me what you thought. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian Misha Byrne is a rising star. He's nominated for an Oscar. His TV show is a hit. Now the studio wants him to kill off the gay stars of his show on the season finale. He's not down with the idea, and suddenly he's being stalked by the monsters of his previous films. It's a delightfully inclusive story where love wins, but we still get blood, guts, and evil lambs.
This was everything you’d hope for from the legendary author. It takes the classic horror trope and gives it a twist, delivering a story that’s as funny and weird as it is touching and empowering. The blend of campy horror, sharp social commentary, and genuine emotion makes it a standout. If you’re a fan of Chuck Tingle or just want a unique and entertaining read with a ton of feels. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! Or if you prefer, eBook and audiobook. Yeah, it's really long. But, Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky is a wild, dark ride. It’s all about Raskolnikov, this broke student who murders someone and then spirals into guilt and some seriously deep thoughts about right and wrong, all while balancing a ton of drama with his family and friends, plus dodging the law.
The story is intense but also super gripping, and you can’t help but get pulled into his messed-up head. It’s got big ideas about human nature and justice, but it’s also just a really good story. Definitely worth a read if you’re up for something heavy but unforgettable. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! Use your SPL to reserve the eBook or audiobook if you prefer those formats. |
The SPL StaffWe work here at the library, and we’re into all kinds of books! How Do I Get These Books?See our Quickstart Guides page for information on how to use the online catalog and how to get eBooks and audiobooks for your specific device. You can also contact us there if you need more help!
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