 I’ve read a few of Frieda McFadden’s thrillers, and while I always appreciate the wild ride she takes the reader on, I usually find her protagonists a bit exhausting. It's like I'm being held hostage by someone with no chill and a lot of secrets, very superficial, materialistic, and frankly naïve people. That said, The Teacher was a standout for me. Easily my favorite of hers so far.
The pacing was sharp, the tension was just the right amount of unhinged, and the characters were compelling enough that I didn't feel the urge to throw my Kindle across the room (a genuine concern with some of her more frustrating narrators). Best of all were the twists, those classic McFadden whiplash but with extra polish. And that final twist in the last couple of pages? Perfectly nasty. Totally blindsided me in the best way. If you’re new to McFadden or looking for a gateway into her particular brand of domestic chaos and psychological suspense, this is the one I’d recommend. Get the book at the library or download the audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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 Sadie by Courtney Summers is one of those rare books where the format is just as powerful as the story itself. I tend to bounce between print and audio depending on what I’m doing, but for this one, the audiobook is absolutely the way to go. It uses a full cast and leans hard into the true crime podcast structure, which makes it feel chillingly real.
The novel alternates points of view between Sadie, a girl on a desperate, rage-fueled journey to track down her sister’s killer, and West McCray, a podcast host trying to piece together what happened after Sadie disappears. This shift between her raw, vulnerable narration and his more removed, investigative voice builds a slow-burn tension that’s impossible to shake. It’s like living inside two timelines at once—one spiraling forward with Sadie’s determination, and the other chasing her ghost. Both formats—print and audio—are strong, but the audiobook takes it to another level. It’s immersive, unsettling, and emotionally devastating in the best way. If you’re looking for something gripping and unforgettable, Sadie delivers. The library has the book in print, but I really recommend the audiobook, which you can download with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Internment by Samira Ahmed is one of those books that grabs you by the shirt and demands your attention like a warning siren you’d be a fool to ignore. It’s set in a disturbingly plausible near-future America where Muslim citizens are forced into internment camps by a xenophobic government emboldened by fear and nationalism. And yes, it’s fiction, but the kind that makes your stomach drop because you know it’s built on the bones of history and world events.
The story follows Layla Amin, a seventeen-year-old girl who refuses to accept the new regime’s cruelty. She and her family are sent to one of these camps, but Layla isn't going to be kept down. What unfolds is part dystopian rebellion, part raw teenage coming-of-age, and part love letter to resistance itself. Layla is fiery, flawed, and deeply human, and her voice is the driving force of the novel that feels both personal and revolutionary. Ahmed doesn’t pull punches. The prose is sharp and emotionally charged, and she forces the reader to confront how easily democracies can tip into tyranny when fear is weaponized. The villains in this book aren’t cartoonish, they're blandly bureaucratic, smiling fascists in polos and slacks. If you're a fan of The Handmaid’s Tale, 1984, or They Called Us Enemy, this one belongs on your shelf. It’s not comfortable, but it’s necessary. And in a time when book bans and hate speech are on the rise, Internment dares to ask the question: what will you do when it's at your door? Will you know? Get the book at the library, or check out the eBook or audiobook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  I Was a Teenage Slasher is an entertaining, clever, and surprisingly funny read. It plays with all your favorite classic horror tropes like teens making questionable choices, creepy villains lurking around every corner, and plenty of suspenseful scares, but still manages to feel fresh, never taking itself too seriously. Told from the unique perspective of the sympathetic slasher himself, the narrative is packed with humor, relatable characters, and even some intriguing mystery-solving elements that keep you turning the pages. Fast-paced and genuinely fun, this book is perfect for a late-night read, especially if you're into horror novels that wink knowingly at the reader while still delivering plenty of thrills. Highly recommended!
Get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card! Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak is one of those books that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. It follows Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the cops at a summer party. What no one knows is that something terrible happened to her that night, something she can’t bring herself to talk about. As the school year drags on, she withdraws more and more, struggling with trauma, isolation, and the weight of staying silent.
Anderson’s writing is raw and honest, perfectly capturing what it’s like to feel unheard and alone. Melinda’s journey is heartbreaking but also incredibly powerful as she slowly finds her voice through art. It’s a tough read at times, but that’s what makes it so important. Despite its message, Speak has been challenged and banned in schools because of its themes of sexual assault and mental health. Some argue it’s “too mature” for teens, but honestly, that’s exactly why it should be read. Pretending these issues don’t exist doesn’t protect kids, it just leaves them unprepared to deal with them in real life. This book is a must-read, not just for teenagers but for anyone who’s ever felt silenced or ignored. Speak is about survival, resilience, and the power of speaking up, which makes banning it all the more frustrating. Instead of taking it off shelves, we should be making sure everyone has access to stories like Melinda’s. because they matter. Get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. The library has the graphic novel available for checkout, and you can get the eBook graphic novel. 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  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.  The Poet X is a powerful story told in verse about Xiomara, a Dominican-American teen who finds her voice through poetry. Caught between her strict religious upbringing and her need for self-expression, she pours her thoughts into her notebook, using poetry to figure out who she really is.
Acevedo’s writing is raw and emotional, making Xiomara’s journey feel real and relatable. The book has been banned in some schools because it talks about sexuality, religion, and standing up for yourself, but that just makes it even more worth reading for adults and youth alike. If you love stories about finding your voice and pushing back against expectations, this one’s for you. Reserve it at the library or get the audiobook with your SPL card. 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 |
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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