Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
The Lifeguards by Amanda Eyre Ward
Library Book Club choice – November 2024
The bonds between three picture-perfect, viciously protective mothers are tested when their sons uncover a horrible crime in Austin’s Zilker Park. While this wasn’t our favorite book, we loved the strong sense of place—especially since it’s right down the road from us! Once you read it, let us know who your favorite character(s) were. I bet it’s not the protagonist!
The Hunter by Tana French
Becky Bennett, library board member
Retired Chicago detective Cal Hooper has lived in a tiny community in western Ireland for just over two years. He has a girlfriend, Lena, and a young apprentice, Trey, whom he considers a daughter. When Trey's worthless father Johnny blows back into town with a scheme to swindle a visiting Englishman and he recruits most of the town's men into the scam, Cal follows along in order to protect Trey. It is soon apparent that the Englishman is not the one getting swindled. When Trey happens on a body near her family's home, Cal and Lena have to think and act quickly to keep Trey safe. I love the Irish voices in French's writing and her beautiful descriptions of rural Ireland. The story's suspense will keep you turning pages right up to the hair-raising end.
The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial by Dave Lipsky
Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library
In this serious yet witty and accessible nonfiction book, New York Times-bestselling author Lipsky explores how “anti-science” became so vitriolic in American life. As he explains it, it started with climate denial, and there have been serious consequences. This is an unusual book, but highly enlightening.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Amie Cuvelier, library staff
A lush cottagecore tale is full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love. This upbeat and whimsical cozy fantasy is perfect if you need something lighthearted and diverting. A little rebellion, a little romance, and a lot of fun.