 This book goes hard. Really hard. S.A. Cosby takes us to a small Southern town with big secrets, and the result is a gritty, emotional rollercoaster that’s part murder mystery, part social commentary, and completely impossible to put down.
The story follows Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff in a deeply divided Virginia county, as he investigates a horrifically disturbing crime. What starts as one murder quickly unravels into something much darker, and Titus ends up confronting not just a killer, but the deep-rooted racism and hypocrisy baked into the town's history. Cosby's writing is sharp, raw, and real. He’s got a way with words that hits you right in the gut. One minute you’re caught in a tense shootout, the next you’re reflecting on trauma, justice, and what it means to do the right thing in a messed-up world. Titus is a total standout, flawed, principled, tired, but relentless. He’s the kind of character you root for because he’s trying so hard in a place that’s actively working against him. If you’re into crime thrillers with depth, soul, and a little blood on the page, All the Sinners Bleed is your book. S.A. Cosby is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Get it at the library or download the audiobook or eBook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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 Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy is one of those classic novels that genuinely lives up to the hype. It dives into messy relationships, complicated emotions, and the pressures of society in 19th-century Russia. At the center is Anna, whose intense affair with Vronsky pulls her into a spiral of love, heartbreak, and loneliness.
What makes the book special is how deeply Tolstoy explores his characters. Anna feels real, flawed, and relatable, even if some of her choices are difficult to understand. There's also Levin, a character wrestling with his own questions about life's meaning, providing a thoughtful contrast to Anna's intense storyline. Sure, the book is lengthy, and Tolstoy sometimes spends considerable time discussing farming, politics, or philosophy, which can slow things down. However, these moments teach you a lot about Russian history, politics, and society in the 1870s, adding important layers to the story and making it more than just romantic drama. In the end, Anna Karenina is about real people struggling with love, society, and themselves. It’s the kind of novel you keep thinking about long after you've finished reading it, and it's definitely worth giving a shot. It’s certainly one of my favorite books! Reserve it at the library or get the audiobook or eBook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Alice Walker’s The Color Purple is raw, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, a story about pain, resilience, and finding your voice. Told through letters from Celie, a young Black woman in the early 1900s South, the novel takes you through her journey of surviving abuse, forced marriage, and oppression while slowly discovering her own strength.
Celie’s life starts out brutal, she’s abused by the man she thinks is her father, married off to an even crueler man, and separated from her sister and children. But as the novel unfolds, she finds hope and power through relationships with incredible women like Shug Avery, a glamorous and free-spirited blues singer, and Sofia, who refuses to let anyone push her around. Their presence helps Celie realize she doesn’t have to be silent, and watching her transformation is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Walker doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The novel tackles heavy issues, racism, sexism, sexual violence, and LGBTQ+ identity with honesty. And that’s exactly why it has been banned and challenged so many times. Some people claim the content is too explicit or controversial for schools, but the reality is that The Color Purple tells stories that often get ignored or erased. It’s not just a novel; it’s a voice for people who’ve had to fight to be heard. Even with all the backlash, the book has remained a classic, inspiring a movie, a musical, and generations of readers. If you’re looking for a novel that’s emotional, thought-provoking, and empowering, The Color Purple is absolutely worth your time. And if a book keeps getting banned, that’s usually a sign it has something important to say. Get the book at the library or download the audiobook or eBook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  So here’s the deal with The Passage: it looks like just another vampire apocalypse story, but it’s really not. Cronin takes that whole “government experiment gone wrong” thing, cranks it up, and suddenly the world’s overrun by these horrifying “virals” that are basically vampires on steroids. The book starts in our world, spirals into chaos, and then BAM! We’re a hundred years in the future with the scattered leftovers of humanity trying to survive behind walls and flickering lights.
What surprised me is how big this book feels. It’s not just jump scares and monster attacks (though there are plenty). It’s more like The Stand meets The Road. It’s about family, community, sacrifice, and that tiny little ember of hope people keep dragging forward even when everything is telling them to give up. Amy, the mysterious girl at the heart of it all, is less a character sometimes and more like a beacon, quiet, unsettling, but central to everything. If you’re into survival horror with a literary edge, this is it. It’s grim, it’s scary, it’s occasionally hopeful, and it lingers with you. Honestly, it feels less like reading a vampire novel and more like being dropped into a myth that spans generations. Get the book at the library or download the audiobook or eBook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Friday Night Lights isn’t just a book about high school football, it’s about how a whole town’s identity gets wrapped up in a game. H.G. Bissinger follows the 1988 Permian Panthers in Odessa, Texas, showing how the town lives and breathes for Friday night football. But it’s not all touchdowns and glory. The book digs into tough topics like racism, economic struggles, and the insane pressure these teenage players face.
What makes this book so powerful is that Bissinger doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He captures the highs and lows of small-town football culture, the way people treat these kids like heroes one minute and disposable the next. The players aren’t just athletes; they’re real people with complicated lives, and the book gives them the depth they deserve. Of course, because Friday Night Lights deals with real issues, it’s been banned in some schools. Complaints usually focus on its language or tough themes, but banning it just avoids the uncomfortable conversations it sparks—conversations that are still relevant today. It’s frustrating that a book showing the reality of sports culture and small-town America gets censored just because it’s not always pretty. Even if you’re not into football, this is a gripping, sometimes unsettling read that goes way beyond the game. It’s about dreams, pressure, and what happens when winning is everything. Definitely worth picking up. Get the eBook or audiobook. If you prefer a physical copy, talk to us about interlibrary loan. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is one of those rare books that's genuinely unlike anything you've read before. It's creepy, mind-bending, and totally unique, mixing psychological horror with an experimental approach to storytelling that keeps you guessing from start to finish.
On the surface, the story is about a family whose new home turns out to be mysteriously larger on the inside than on the outside, strange rooms and hallways appear, leading into darkness. But that's only the beginning. Danielewski tells the story through multiple layers: footnotes upon footnotes, scattered fragments, and pages that twist and turn physically as much as the narrative itself. The complexity of the print and layout is actually one of the book's biggest strengths. Weird formatting, sideways text, pages with only a few words, and chaotic notes all mimic the confusion and anxiety experienced by the characters. It’s not just a style choice, it's a clever way to pull you deeper into the weirdness, making reading feel like you're actually exploring a dark, unpredictable maze. Sure, the unusual style might throw off readers looking for something more straightforward, but if you're open to something different, that complexity pays off big time. It makes the experience feel fresh, immersive, and unforgettable. Overall, House of Leaves is creepy, fascinating, and creatively daring. It sticks with you long after you've finished, making you question what's real and what isn't. If you like books that challenge you and keep you on your toes, definitely give this one a try. This is a book you definitely need a physical copy to read. Reserve it at the library here. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Jodi Picoult’s Nineteen Minutes tackles school shootings, bullying, and the way a community reacts when tragedy strikes. The story focuses on Peter Houghton, a kid who’s been bullied for years, and Josie Cormier, his former best friend who’s now part of the popular crowd. When Peter finally snaps and commits a mass shooting at his high school, the book digs into the events leading up to it, exploring perspectives from students, parents, and even the legal system.
Picoult is known for diving into tough, emotional topics, and she doesn’t hold back here. She doesn’t excuse Peter’s actions, but she does force you to think about how constant bullying and social pressures can push someone over the edge. The shifting timelines and multiple viewpoints can be a bit much at times, but they help paint a full picture of the situation. One of the most interesting (and controversial) things about Nineteen Minutes is that it’s been banned in some schools. Probably because it doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like violence, bullying, and even some sexual content. But honestly, that’s exactly why it’s an important book—because it makes people think and sparks necessary conversations about mental health, school culture, and the warning signs we often ignore. If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good read, this isn’t it. But if you want something powerful, thought-provoking, and painfully relevant, Nineteen Minutes is definitely worth your time. Fun fact, did you know that you pronounce her last name PEE-coe? We have the book available in regular and large print, or opt for eBook or audiobook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Sam DuChamp is the author of spy thrillers that sell, but he's no Tom Clancy. He invents a new character, Quichotte, an aging representative of a pharmaceutical company obsessed with reality TV. He has fallen in love with the host of a young daytime TV show and is convinced that she will feel the same. He even imagines a son, Sancho, into existence, and they climb into Quichotte's beat-up car, heading toward New York City on a surreal journey to meet his future bride without knowing that she has secrets of her own. The narrative switches between Sam and Quichotte, who are more alike than not, showing that Sam is using his character to work out his own demons. Or perhaps, where does fiction end and reality begin?
I loved this book. LOVED. Reserve the book here or download the audiobook with your SPL card here. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Allen Eskens’ The Quiet Librarian is one of those books you just can’t put down. Think The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah with a tiny sprinkle of John Wick.
The story follows Hana Babic, a quiet, mousy, unassuming librarian in Minnesota with a dark, complicated past. When her best friend is murdered, Hana suddenly finds herself responsible for a young boy and pulled into a web of danger tied to a life she thought she’d left behind. Back during the Bosnian War, she was a teenage resistance fighter known as the Night Mora, a figure who became something of a boogeyman to the oppressing army. She buried that part of herself long ago, but now it’s all bubbling back up as she tries to protect the boy and figure out what really happened to her friend. What really makes this book stand out is Hana. She’s complex, brave, and haunted in a way that feels totally real. Watching her shift from someone who just wants to stay invisible to someone who has no choice but to face her past is both powerful and heartbreaking. Eskens does a fantastic job weaving together past and present, showing how trauma leaves its mark, but also how strength and healing can grow from it. The writing is sharp, the pace is spot-on, and the emotional moments really land. If you’re into stories about hidden identities, strong women, and a bit of mystery with real emotional weight, The Quiet Librarian is 100% worth the read. Reserve the book at the library here. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Patricia McCormick’s Sold tells the heartbreaking story of Lakshmi, a 13-year-old girl from Nepal who is unknowingly sold into human trafficking. The book is written in short, poetic vignettes that make it a fast read, but don’t be fooled, it packs an emotional punch.
McCormick doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s part of what makes Sold so powerful. It’s raw, gut-wrenching, and painfully real. She did her research, interviewing survivors and aid workers, and you can feel that authenticity in every page. The book doesn’t just highlight the horrors of trafficking; it also shows incredible resilience and the fight for survival. Unsurprisingly, Sold has been banned in many schools. Some claim it's too graphic or inappropriate for young readers, but honestly, that’s the point. Human trafficking is a harsh reality, and books like this shine a light on an issue that people often prefer to ignore. Instead of banning it, we should be talking about it. Yes, it’s a tough read. Yes, it will probably make you cry. But it’s also one of the most important books you’ll ever pick up. If you like stories that challenge you and open your eyes to real-world issues, Sold is absolutely worth reading. Reserve the book at the library or get the eBook or audiobook at the library. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Wow. This book is a trip. If you’re looking for a straightforward horror story, this isn’t it. But if you love psychological horror that keeps you second-guessing everything, The Last House on Needless Street is an absolute must-read.
The story centers around Ted, a recluse who lives in a boarded-up house near the woods with his cat, Olivia (who has her own chapters... yes, really), and his daughter, Lauren, who sometimes just… disappears. Then there’s Dee, a woman determined to figure out what happened to her missing little sister, who vanished years ago. The way these threads come together is nothing short of mind-blowing. The writing is unsettling in the best way. It messes with your head, making you question every character and every detail. And when the truth starts to unfold? It’s equal parts shocking, heartbreaking, and completely brilliant. Ward does an incredible job exploring trauma and survival in a way that sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading. That said, this book isn’t for everyone. It’s slow at times, and the multiple perspectives (especially the cat’s) can feel disorienting. But if you stick with it, the payoff is so worth it. Final thoughts? This is one of those books that lingers in your brain, making you want to reread it just to catch all the clues you missed. Creepy, emotional, and totally unique, I highly recommend it. Get the book at the library or download the eBook or audiobook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  After his wife is killed in a mass shooting, Aaron discovers a mysterious hotel receipt, sending him on a desperate quest for answers in Ronald Malfi's Come With Me. His search unravels Allison's secrets and exposes a terrifying truth. Malfi is the master of creating chilling atmosphere where the familiar becomes sinister, and the setting itself amplifies the dread. The novel delves deep into the characters' heads, exploring their vulnerabilities and hidden darkness. The pacing builds suspense to a fever pitch, delivering unexpected and impactful scares. While touching on genre tropes, Malfi's unique voice and fresh twists keep readers guessing. He has easily become one of my favorite authors. Come With Me is a captivating and thought-provoking read for those that like a spooky thriller, tapping into our deepest fears.
Want to read it? Reserve the book at the library, or the eBook with your SPL card.  This book is a heartfelt, emotional story that weaves together history, love, and loss in a really touching way. Set in Seattle, it follows Henry Lee, a Chinese American man who, in 1986, comes across a piece of his past when he learns about belongings found in the old Panama Hotel, items left behind by Japanese American families sent to internment camps during World War II. This discovery brings back memories of his childhood, especially his friendship (and first love) with Keiko, a Japanese American girl.
The story jumps between the 1940s and the 1980s, showing young Henry dealing with racism, family pressure, and the heartbreak of being separated from Keiko. At the same time, older Henry is trying to come to terms with his past and figure out what it all meant. The writing is simple but really effective, and Ford does a great job of making you feel the emotions of the characters. While some parts of the story are predictable, the book has a lot of heart. It’s bittersweet, just like the title suggests, and it sticks with you long after you finish. If you like historical fiction with strong emotional depth, this is definitely worth a read. Get the book at the library! Or if you prefer, download the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  I went into this expecting a boy-and-his-dog story, but it turned out to be so much more. At its heart, it’s about a boy who idolizes his late grandfather. His father walked out, his mother is struggling with a back injury that’s led to opioid addiction, and they live in extreme poverty. He’s doing everything he can to keep their hardships hidden from others, fearing intervention from protective services, while desperately trying to hold onto the property his grandfather left him.
An incredible read. Want to read it? Click here to reserve! Or if you prefer, get the eBook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  It's 1348, and the Black Plague is decimating Europe. In France, a disgraced knight rescues a girl from a grim fate among the dead. She claims the plague is just the beginning; Lucifer and his fallen angels are preparing to wage war on Earth. She's headed to Avignon (where the Pope resided at the time) because destiny calls. The knight is intrigued. Will he join her and act as her protector? They also pick up a drunken priest along the way. The girl herself… is she delusional, or is she truly a voice of God?
Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman is fantastic. It's a rich blend of fantasy, heavy on religious symbolism, with a touch of horror and historical fiction. It crosses genres so effectively, and I highly recommend it. Click here to reserve the audiobook for download with your library card. Prefer a physical copy? Ask us to interlibrary loan one! Aimee Clark, IT Librarian |
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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