This book is epic in both page count and its sheer literary scale. This examination of a family at literal crossroads in their own lives as well as in the culture of America at that time is like no other book I have ever read. Franzen explores themes of family, fidelity, coming of age, and religion just to name a few and he does this by weaving together a story about people who belong to each other but want to belong to themselves as well.

Charles Spencer pulls back the curtains on the boarding school experience with his new book "A Very Private School". Recalling his own story along with his classmates‘, he starts with his early years as a child, one where he was very happy being with his family every day. But the tradition of sending your children away for school impacts him and at age 8, he is sent to Maidwell. Using his own memories, he shows us the horrors he had to face.

Living in Las Vegas, I seek to escape the high rolling city as much as possible. The Sierra Nevadas calm my soul and appeal to me like no other place on Earth. Brent Underwood truly captures the lore, soul and call of this area. It might not be an easy place to live, but it sure as hell is worth it.

This is an intense debut novel, not just because of the mystery intruder aspect, but because of the way the mother is treated by the authorities, the public, and her own family after it is all over. You get the high tension of the actual event, occurring second by second within that small space, but then you get the second act that actually felt more terrifying to me as a woman.

A fun summer romance that I highly recommend! Some of my fav tropes - fake relationship, second chance, slow burn! The Christina Lauren writing duo always deliver great romances that are fun and have something to say at the same time. I loved the family nature of this book, showing both the good and bad sides of families, something that all readers can relate to. The book is funny, touching, sweet, and filled with the intelligent banter.

Here is a romance for all my fellow outdoorsy girls! You‘ve got the unique birding angle (which I loved), a cinnamon roll in the form of John, fake dating, and spicy fun times. Plus, as a middle aged reader, seeing someone close to my own age was fabulous!! This book will be the perfect addition to your summer reading list. Bring your binoculars and fly away with this fun romance.

Mary Austin was an American writer and one of the early nature writers of the American Southwest. Her book, The Land of Little Rain, written in 1903, describes the fauna, flora, and people of the region between the High Sierra and the Mojave Desert of southern California. As this area of the country is not far from where we live in Vegas, I decided I would like to go and see these areas and visit her home in Independence, CA.

This might be the weirdest book I have ever read and I could not put it down! This book was disturbing, funny and thought provoking all at the same time - a unique work of social commentary for sure! Scott Guild takes on corporate overreach, corrupt governments, and both the upside and downside of the online world in such a singular way that the reader cannot help to see our own current state of affairs reflected right back at us.

I loved every character in this book! I felt like I not only had a wonderful reading experience, but that I learned so much about the world of adoption, through the eyes of the birth parents, adoptive parents and the children. By giving the reader multiple timelines as well as allowing us to understand each character, Laurie Frankel really knocks this novel out of the park! Family is truly the center of this story.

I absolutely adore P. Djèlí Clark and this book did not disappoint! It's full of adventure, great characters, awesome world building, and lots of humor. What I love about Clark is that he can pack a lot into a shorter story. If you read Ring Shout, Master of Djinn, or any of his short stories, you know this is true. Thank you to Tor for an early copy of this book!

How can you describe this book as anything more than a masterpiece? Nearly 55 years after it was first published, Morrison's story of Pecola is unforgettable and tragic, one that everyone should experience at least once. Everytime I read a Morrison book, I come away with a different perspective, insight, another "aha" moment, and The Bluest Eye is one that hits me that way with each rereading.

This is a uniquely written book, told in the form of letters, notes, journal entries and cell phone recordings, some of which end quite abruptly. Filled with twists, turns and secrets, this is a slow building story, but as the mystery and tension piques, the reader will be quickly turning the pages to find out more. I loved how the author uses the multiple POVs and the unreliable narrator trope to deftly keep you guessing.

The story of these two families is one I will not soon forget. This book is a wonderful example of how historical fiction can be when it is done well. Spence-Ash weaves a story using real events with one that reflects on family, love, grief and compassion. I fell in love with the characters in this book as they grew in their stories. The multiple POVs and the over 3 decades long story really allows the reader to become a part of both families.

Percival Everett takes the story of Huck Finn and rewrites it from Jim‘s perspective. James is not the illiterate slave in Twain's book, but an educated, intelligent, and complicated man. James is given a complete backstory, showing us a man who feels and loves deeply, who struggles with his lot in life, the joy and the anger he feels, often at the same time. I know it is only March, but I am comfortable saying that this is my book of the year.

What a smart work of historical fiction! Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, based this on an actual relative of hers, Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott. Ferguson worked on this for nearly two decades, doing research, digging into that time period, and you can hear Sarah's voice in the character. Margaret is such an inspiration. She is not afraid to speak up even if it costs her dearly, as she will never compromise what she wants.

For all the lovers of K-Pop and K-Dramas and if you read Chu's previous novel "The Stand In", you will find this one to be a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the build up, the drama, and the sweetness of this story. Ari is a fabulous strong FMC character and Jihoon is literally the personification of a cinnamon roll. Getting an inside look at what it takes to be a pop idol was an added bonus.

We all know her as "The Mistress of the Dark", but what about the woman behind the persona. Peterson takes us all the way back. From a terrible burn incident at 18 months old that nearly cost her her life, to being a 17 year old showgirl in Vegas, to a stint making films in Europe, to learning the ropes of comedy as a part of The Groundlings, she never let fear or doubt get in her way even though success was just out of her reach.

On 90210 in the 90s, we got the full spectrum of teenage stereotypes. Were you a Kelly, Brenda, Brandon or Dylan? Who would you want to date? While the good guy/girl was the right choice, that "bad boy/girl" was always a temptation. The character of Dylan was that "bad boy". But if you looked deeper at the character, Perry was able to perfectly toe the line of raging rebel and sad boy, making a mark on the viewers who fell in love with him.

Chita Rivera is an American treasure, having won 3 Tony Awards, received the Kennedy Centers honor and was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her career spans decades, starring in some of the most memorable shows of all time - West Side Story, Chicago, and Bye, Bye Birdie. Chita holds nothing back as she talks about her childhood, career, lovers and family, and she does this with the wit, humor, and charm that she is known for.

I love a good small town romance and this one uses the "fake dating" trope so well. Sage is a wonderful character and how can you resist Fisher. Both characters have in-depth backstories, are highly relatable, and the side characters in the book, especially Sage's brothers, really make you feel like you are a resident of Spunes. Filled with fun and sexy scenes, lots of food references, and some of the sweetest farm animals in the world.

This was a powerful look at the sin of slavery and how communities are still affected by it today. McGill uses his nights in those cabins to show the impact to the story of the people who suffered under slavery, but also to help the reader understand the bond that the enslaved people had to each other. I really enjoyed when he discusses the meetings he had with historians and preservationists, seeing how each group tells the story.

I keep going back to the significance of the cover. This is not RuPaul the Drag Queen or RuPaul the Pop Star or RuPaul the Model. This is RuPaul in his own skin, his own story, his own soul. I was not expecting the amount of introspection this memoir contained, but I loved how it was mixed with the humor and wit that RuPaul is known for. The book is a message of how self-acceptance and love can bring you everything you ever dreamed of.

I know many of us still struggle with the initial days of COVID, and while very few novels have successfully navigated this time, Fourteen Days is one that definitely does. By bringing together all of these powerful authors, Atwood and Preston put together a story that brings us back to not only that time of uncertainty, but to that time where the world was asked to slow down and take care of each other.

Mel Brooks is an American treasure. He is the mastermind behind some of the funniest films, television, and Broadway productions of all time. "All About Me!" chronicles his life, from his childhood in Brooklyn to the heights of success in entertainment. What appealed to me most about this book was his work ethic. He may be one of the hardest working entertainers in history.

Hardin shows us how her life completely fell apart, but then shows us how she was able to claw her way back. Her addiction literally cost her everything: her home, her credibility, her freedom and her children. She was in the pit of despair, but her desire to get her children back and win their forgiveness was her driving force. Everything she did was for that one goal: being a dependable and loving mother to her boys.

This is probably one of the most original stories I have read in a long time. What a genre mash-up: romance, time travel, spec fic, historical fiction just to name a few! And it shouldn't work, but it totally does. It does so well. I am smitten with all the characters in this novel, especially Graham Gore. Your heart will swoon, you will laugh from the fish out of water moments, and you will cry from the pain the characters experience.

With the #MeToo movement, women are feeling empowered to speak out against men who have harassed or been violent to them. Careers, relationships and reputations destroyed for bad behavior that has finally come back on the perpetrators. This book is written from both perspectives, allowing the reader to get inside each of their mindsets as the situation plays out. You get an up close and personal view of the damage done.

I have been a fan of magic since I was a little girl, and living here in Las Vegas has given me the chance to see some of the best magicians in the world. And in Valentine‘s Day, my husband took me to see Piff the Magic Dragon. You may know Piff from America‘s Got Talent or Penn and Teller‘s Fool Us. He has a fabulous show at The Flamingo on the Las Vegas Strip AND he has an equally fabulous book of magic.

While this is being comped to Daisy Jones and the Six, I also would use this as a readalike for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. This had more of a mystery feel as opposed to a dishy tell-all story, and I actually really liked that! I also enjoyed how the author builds the relationships with the characters slows, just as Mari had to build her relationships with Anke and the other players in the story to gain their trust.

Holy forkballs this book was so disturbing and so good! If you are squeamish, you may find it difficult to get past the idea of cannibalism, but if you can, the message of this book comes through loud and clear. The dehumanization of certain individuals, the blight of factory farming, capitalism coming above everything else, and the fragile state of the world due to our own gross abuse of our environment.

Wow, wow, wow!!! This is one of the best pieces of historical fiction I have ever read. Kristin Hannah expertly takes the reader into a tumultuous and dangerous time, putting us directly into the heart of the war. It is also deeply intimate and personal, allowing us to see examples of the friendships formed and the love affairs that happen while under such intense conditions.

I am embarrassed to say that I bought this book when it first came out and never got around to reading it until now, having viewed the film adaptation of this a week ago. What an incredible story! I actually preferred the way the book was set up, as it allowed me to better understand all the characters and the conspiracy itself. David Grann is a master storyteller, and has the ability to discuss history in a way that keeps the pages turning.

Key goes in depth into the affair itself, his own failures as a husband, and his struggle with his faith, and he does this with introspection and humor. As someone who went through a devastating end to my first marriage, I appreciated seeing my own feelings reflected by the author. Modern marriage along with the temptations of the world is an increasingly difficult thing, and Key's acknowledgement of these issues is what resounded most with me.

I love a messy family story and this one hit all the right notes for me! Using the story of Cain and Abel to create a realistic portrayal of family, Adrienne Brodeur builds a complete portrait of a family that is flawed yet strong at the same time. I loved the multiple POVs from each main character as it let me see their own internal monologues, justifications and thought processes.

Are you watching the big game today? Rooting for anyone or just in it for snacks and commercials? Since the game is here in Vegas, the entire city is psyched! I work at The Neon Museum and our signs were used for the cover of the Super Bowl program!!!

Here are a couple great reads about Sin City. Chronicles Of Old Las Vegas gives the history of Vegas from the beginning through present day, and Haunted Las Vegas is a spooky good time!

This is a dual POV book from both Cory's and Emer's perspectives and what a story it is. You have the power struggle between mother and daughter coinciding with the temptation that Rolo offers. This dynamic makes for great storytelling and character development, paying homage to the original myth. This book also delves into sex, addiction, exploitation, and other more modern issues setting this firmly in current times.

Great use of tropes in this book: grumpy vs. sunshine, enemies to lovers, and workplace romance, which are some of my favorites. I loved the competition that they had with one another as they try to save the hotel. So many fun misunderstandings, comedies of errors, and missed opportunities making for a slow burn and well developed relationship between the two. A sweet romcom that readers will enjoy!

Dark academia, supernatural occurrences, and a gothic atmosphere combine together with some very spicy romance to create a fun read! I loved Corvina and her backstory, especially her relationship with her mother, and Vad is a strong, forbidden, dark, romantic character. I loved the multiple references to other gothic authors (especially Poe), and the images throughout the book added to the whole experience.

This near-future work of speculative fiction really struck a chord with me. It puts a spotlight on issues like immigration, sexism, racism, and xenophobia through an incredibly original storyline. Skyhorse perfectly captures the way that fear of “the other” can be used to create distrust amongst people in their own communities. I could feel the anger welling up inside of me as I read this because I recognize these tactics being used today.

Before I even go into this review, I gotta tell you I love Leslie Jones! She is one of the funniest women in the business and one of my all-time favs on SNL. She's killing it on The Daily Show and her social media is the best. And this memoir embodies the reason why I admire her so much...she worked her a** off to get to where she is. She doesn't take the edge off of anything she went through, making this feel like you are sitting with her.

This is the memoir of Adele Crockett Robertson, also known as "Kitty", found by her daughter after she passed away in 1979 and published in 1995. It documents the years she worked tirelessly to save the family apple orchard during the Great Depression. While decades have separated us from this history, the story itself is timeless.

An excellent family thriller that will keep you guessing til the very end. So many secrets, clues and misdirections, multiple POVS and timelines, and plenty of drama to make this a well plotted story. Loved the small town setting, the house itself (which felt like a character of its own), and the unreliable narrator to wrap everything into a thrilling ride.

With the arrival of the movie adaption, "American Fiction", I knew I wanted to read the original story prior to viewing and I am so glad I did. I was not prepared for how much I loved this novel. This may be one of the best satires I have ever read, but also includes family drama and a clear eyed view of the publishing industry in general.

This story spans several decades, family members and countries in an epic way. Filled with family love, historical references, family trauma, plenty of drama and a fair amount of humor, Han delivers a wonderful story about family and the secrets we keep in order to protect them, or so we think. I loved how matter of fact Jeonga is and the squabbling she has with her sisters is so realistic and part of what gives this book so much heart.

I had to pick this one up because of all the buzz around it. With a movie based on it coming out in a couple weeks, to the rumors of this being written by Taylor Swift under a pseudonym, to the mysterious identity of author Elly Conway, this has been one on the minds of a lot of people. I wanted to of course read the book before I see the movie.

What a fresh take on a modern marriage! I love the topics this book delves into: polyamorous relationships, raising kids, work/life balance and following our passions. This novel takes a look at all of these ideas without turning it into a messy drama, just lots of self-discovery and personal growth. If you are looking for a book club read, this may be one to consider as there is a lot to dig into and discuss.

The Lamar and Hayden Valley areas are known a the American Serengeti. The open plains, the wildlife, the understanding of America as an amazing landscape. If you have seen this, it can be hard to believe that we almost lost it in the late nineteenth century. George Bird Grinnell is one of the men we can thank for saving this precious resource. He recognized that without proper conservation, the American West would be plundered into devastation.

Romantasy is top of mind for many of us right now. With that being said....THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE! This book is everything I want and love in this genre. A strong FMC, a fantastic love interest, vampires, family drama and a war that could could destroy it all. The plot is smart and moves at a good pace, the dialogue and banter is some of the best, and the world building is well done without overwhelming the storyline.

As with any true crime book, I also feel it is important to tell the story of the victims, which I think the author took great care with. The brazen nature of his murders, and the fact that he was able to continue for so long taking as many people as he did was both disturbing and chilling. True crime readers will find this takes you right into the heart of a cold blooded killer.

As someone who lives in Las Vegas, I am always up for a book set in the city I love, especially the way Bohjalian uses the extraordinary Red Rock Canyon area as a second setting throughout. It's clear that Bohjalian did extensive research into not only the city itself, but also the crypto industry and unsavory politicians who are on the take. This multi faceted thriller incorporates all of that into a fast-paced story.