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's 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?
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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

John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a short but unforgettable story about two friends, George and Lennie, trying to make a better life for themselves during the Great Depression. They dream of owning land, but life doesn’t go easy on them, and things take a heartbreaking turn.

The book has been banned in some schools because of its language, racial slurs, violence, and tough topics like sexism and disability. Some think it’s too harsh, while others say it’s an important look at the struggles of the time.

No matter how you feel about it, Of Mice and Men is one of those books that stays with you. It’s about friendship, dreams, and how unfair life can be—but that’s what makes it so real.

Check it out at the library. Get the audiobook narrated by Gary Sinise or the eBook. We also have the DVD of the movie starring Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. 

​Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

Blood Meridian throws you headfirst into a brutal and beautiful world where violence is the law of the land, a far cry from the usual Western stories. The Kid's journey with a group of scalp hunters is nothing compared to the terrifying Judge Holden, a figure of pure, chilling chaos, whose presence hangs over the story like a dark cloud. McCarthy's writing, epic and mesmerizing, turns the landscape into a nightmarish vision, a desolate and unforgiving place where good and evil lose all meaning. This is a story without heroes or redemption, a raw and uncompromising experience that, despite its darkness, stays with you long after you finish it, forcing you to face the darkest parts of human nature and the brutal truth of history.

Get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. If you prefer a physical copy, contact us about interlibrary loan.

​Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those books that sticks with you. Set in the 1930s South, it’s told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a curious, sharp kid growing up with her brother Jem and their dad, Atticus. When Atticus, a lawyer, defends a Black man falsely accused of a crime, Scout starts to see the ugly side of the world—racism, injustice, and the way people refuse to do what’s right.

Harper Lee’s writing is simple but powerful, making big themes like racism, morality, and empathy easy to connect with. At its core, it’s about growing up and realizing the world isn’t always fair, but that standing up for what’s right still matters.

The book has been banned and challenged in some schools for its discussions of race, language, and tough topics. Some people think it’s too controversial, but others see it as an important read for understanding history and injustice.
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Whether you’re reading it for the first time or coming back to it, To Kill a Mockingbird is a book that makes you think, feel, and see things a little differently.

Reserve the novel in regular or Large Print. Or, download the eBook or audiobook narrated by Sissy Spacek. We also have the classic movie starring Gregory Peck available on DVD for checkout.

​Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

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

In 1975, a 13-year-old girl from a wealthy family vanishes from a summer camp. Oddly, her older brother disappeared from the same camp 14 years earlier. To make things even stranger, her parents own the camp.

This story dives into class divides—the wealthy camp owners, their privileged friends, and their children who attend, contrasted with the local workers hired to maintain the camp and its grounds. It’s a tale of power, privilege, and the secrets that simmer beneath the surface.

This was such a gripping, eerie read. The mix of mystery and atmosphere totally pulls you in, and the creepy, woodsy vibes blows you away. The story keeps you guessing, and the characters feel so real. If you’re into dark, twisty tales with a lot of feels, this is your book. 

​Aimee, IT Librarian

​Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! We even have it in Large Print! Use your SPL card to reserve the eBook or audiobook.

It's Huck Finn, but through the eyes of Jim.

James by Percival Everett is a clever, thought-provoking story about identity and truth. With gorgeous prose, wit, and feels, it pulls you into a familiar journey with new twists and emotional depth. Everett’s personal stamp makes this a smart, engaging read that sticks with you long after you’re done.

Aimee, IT Librarian

​Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! We even have it in Large Print! You can also reserve the eBook or audiobook for download with your SPL card!