Club Newsletters
2023
SPRING
2021
SPRING
SUMMER
SUMMER
FALL
FALL
WINTER
WINTER
2022
SPRING
SUMMER
2020
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
FALL
WINTER
WINTER
Fiction
Our Missing Hearts
by Celeste Ng
Celeste Ng creates a fictitious yet terrifyingly real future where economic and health crises lead to political violence and racial backlash. We meet a Chinese American family caught in the middle of all of this, one whose desire to stay under the radar is threatened when the mother’s poetry starts to speak for the resistance. Ng’s novel explores our deepest fears and our deepest humanity, and the role that art and books can play in centering our democracies. Booklist says in its starred review “As lyrical as it is chilling, as astonishing as it is empathic, Our Missing Hearts arguably achieves literary perfection.” Don’t miss this. —Casey
The Marriage Portrait
by Maggie O’Farrell
Ithaca
by Claire North
Lessons
by Ian McEwan
Poetry
Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light
By Joy Harjo
Poet Laureate Joy Harjo has selected 50 of her best poems from the past 50 years for this truly evocative and intimate collection of poetry. With her attention finely tuned to heritage, femininity, and our relationship with nature and sense of place, Harjo takes us on a journey through her youth as she discovers her own voice, up into her adulthood as she contemplates the deeply human truths of the present. Heart-wrenching and hopeful, this collection is unforgettable. —Magnolia
The World Keeps Ending, and the World Goes On
by Franny Choi
Magnolia: Poems
by Nina Mingya Powles
Alive at the End
of the World
by Saeed Jones
Graphic
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands
By Kate Beaton
Kate Beaton is one of my favorite comic artists of all time, and I am so pleased that she is back with a new book! Ducks is very different from her other work, although it has her characteristic playfulness and wry wit; it’s a quiet, autobiographical story, full of introspection and deep yearning for home. Ducks is a great graphic novel for both her die-hard fans and for those who are looking for some serious, good storytelling.
—Jax
The Night Eaters
by Marjorie Liu
Sensory
by Rebecca Ollerton
Shuna’s Journey
by Hayao Miyazaki
Romance
Partners in Crime
by Alisha Rai
This book has everything you could want in a contemporary romance: Snappy dialogue between protagonists who actually have chemistry, a diamond heist in the City of Sin, an empathetic and endearing male lead, and a whip-smart female lead who bucks the TSTL (Too Stupid to Live) trope. Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Kristen Callihan, or Misa Sosa. Spice level: 3 chili peppers. —Lindsay
The Rewind
by Allison Winn Scotch
Mistakes Were Made
by Meryl Wilsner
Court of the
Vampire Queen
by Katee Robert
Mystery & Suspense
Killers of a Certain Age
By Deanna Raybourn
Start with four badass women in their sixties, best of friends, who also happen to be top-notch assassins. Mix in a super-secret organization, a retirement cruise, and a nefarious plot to kill them all. Result: a fast-paced and exciting suspense thriller that’s full of laugh-out-loud moments. Our heroes are not willing, or capable, of going quietly into the night. Once you pick this up, it will be hard to put down. A super fun read! —Trey
Box 88
by Charles Cumming
Any Where You Run
by Wanda M. Morris
Never Name the Dead
By D.M. Rowell
Science Fiction & Fantasy
The Genesis of Misery
by Neon Yang
Misery Nomaki, possessed of vast powers, is thrust into the limelight when the people in the moon colony where she lives, start to think of her as the Last Messiah. Now she must confront the path laid before her: a war between the Faithful and the Heretics, and she is at the center of it all. She is this generation’s Joan of Arc—in space! I loved the fresh approach to LGBTQ+ representation. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a futuristic twist on a classic tale. —Kailey Jo
The Hollow Kind
by Andy Davidson
Thistlefoot
by GennaRose Nethercott
The Spare Man
by Mary Robinette Kowal
Nonfiction
Feels Like Home:
A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands
by Linda Ronstadt
Ronstadt’s gorgeous book, Feels Like Home: A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands, is an invitation like no other. Her collaboration with Lawrence Downes and Bill Steen merges language, image, food, and family in a sweet reveal of her Mexican-American heritage. This book gently and powerfully showcases Ronstadt’s abiding emotional attachment to past and place. —Kären
Inciting Joy
by Ross Gay
A Girlhood
by Carolyn Hays
What If? 2
By Randall Munroe
Biography & Memoir
Stay True
by Hua Hsu
Like the best of memoir, Stay True contains multitudes; it’s a coming-of-age story, a grief narrative, an ode to friendship, a history lesson, a musical tribute, a capture of a moment and an awakening to it. In the mid-’90s, Hua Hsu started at UC Berkeley and became friends with Ken, both of them Asian but a study in opposites—beautiful, inseparable ones whose time together ended too quickly with Ken’s violent death. What follows is their story, both finite and all-encompassing. I loved it. —Melinda
Dinners With Ruth
by Nina Totenberg
Bad Indians
by Deborah A. Miranda
Nerd
by Maya Phillips
History & Politics
Brave Hearted:
The Women of the American West
by Katie Hickman
The American conception of the Wild West, those decades of rapid western expansion that wrought great change, opportunity, chaos, and death across this nation, is so often one of masculine identity. But what of the women? In Brave Hearted, Katie Hickman tells stories of women who chose to leave everything behind for a new life, making the western expansion of America possible; and of Indigenous women whose resistance and courage reverberate to this day. Fascinating and perfect for history lovers or anyone looking for a good western. —Jax
Magnificent Rebels
by Andrea Wulf
Raising Them Right
by Kyle Spencer
Becoming Abolitionists
By Derecka Purnell
Science & Nature
The Milky Way
by Moiya McTier
Writing from the autobiographical perspective of the galaxy which we inhabit—the Milky Way—Moiya McTier’s playful approach to hard science makes complex ideas easily digestible. Much is explained by our sassy narrator, from the formation of our galaxy and the physics and chemistry within it to the very end of all things. A great read for people curious about science who don’t want to get bogged down by technical jargon. —Eli
The Biggest Ideas in the Universe
by Sean Carroll
In Search of Mycotopia
by Doug Bierend
A Bigger Picture
by Vanessa Nakate
Mind, Body & Spirit
The Song of the Cell
by Siddhartha Mukherjee
In his new book, physician, biologist, and lauded author Mukherjee displays more of the depth, humanity, and approachable intellect that readers have come to expect from him. Having previously tackled the topics of cancer and genetics, Mukherjee now focuses on cells. While some of what he covers is fairly rote, his personal stories and anecdotes about lesser known historical figures make for a thoroughly engaging read. I found the sections on the latest advances in cellular medicine to be particularly intriguing, Mukherjee’s passion for his work leaps off the page, and it’s infectious. —Jade
Magnificent Rebels
by Andrea Wulf
Rest Is Resistance
by Tricia Hersey
Life Is Hard
by Kieran Setiya
Music & Performing Arts
Making a Scene
by Constance Wu
In one essay of this remarkable memoir, actress Constance Wu admits that her first passion was writing before turning to drama, and thank goodness for us that she found she could do both, because she is an excellent writer and so much fun. This is more than an actor’s journey (although there's plenty of that here to satisfy); it’s a work of art and a call to arms for those who struggle to find their spot in the light. Her humor, intelligence, and empathy shine through this wonder of a book—one that is as important as it is enjoyable. —Melinda
This Is What It Sounds Like by Susan Rogers
& Ogi Ogas
Mr. B
by Jennifer Homans
Nerd
by Maya Phillips
Art, Craft & Photography
Bay of Life
by Frans Lanting & Chris Eckstrom
Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom, the award-winning and world-renowned photographer/writer team, have brought their gorgeous work and editorial vision home to the Monterey Bay in this stunning collection that highlights the vibrant ecosystems of our area, from the waters to the redwoods. I have long admired Lanting’s wildlife and nature photography, so to have our own area, its inhabitants, and its changing dynamics so beautifully captured and honored, I cannot think of a better gift for Santa Cruzans everywhere. —Melinda
Embroidery
by Natalie Chanin
Close Knit
by Laerke Bagger
Last Light
by Richard Lacayo
Home & Garden
American Roots
by Nick McCullough
Home gardeners will find so much to love in this beautiful new book, which profiles 20 gardens (and the people who designed them) across America. From those on vast amounts of land to those in small spaces, each modern home garden in the book is thoughtfully designed and tended to, whether filled with flowers, vegetables, potted plants, or any number of combinations. I found so many ideas and much inspiration (especially from the profile of Keith Robinson’s garden), but also just truly enjoyed reading about people who love gardening as much as I do. —S.B.
Living in the Forest
by Phaidon Editors
Beyond the Garden
by Dana Davidsen
Plant Coach
by Nick Cutsumpas
Cookbooks & Food Writing
Smitten Kitchen Keepers
by Deb Perelman
Perelman excels at making accessible-but-interesting dishes that are delicious and satisfying. Her goal with her Smitten Kitchen blog has always been to create “recipes worth repeating” and although many of us believe she has already accomplished that (my stained and spattered copies of her first two books are testaments), it is the stated aim of her new book as well. And what a great collection it is! Standouts include Carrot Tarte Tatin, Crispy Oven-Pulled Pork, Fettuccine with White Ragú, Thick Molasses Spice Cookie, and Better-Than-Classic Pound Cake. No doubt, it’s a keeper. —S.B.
Dinner in One
by Melissa Clark
Tanya Holland’s California Soul
by Tanya Holland
Diasporican
by Illyanna Maisonet
Travel, Adventure & Sports
28: A Photographic Tribute to Buster Posey
by Brad Mangin
I had a huge smile on my face (and sometimes tears in my eyes) turning the pages of this fantastic book that celebrates the future Hall of Famer, catcher Buster Posey. Full-page photos span his entire career with the San Francisco Giants, from his rookie season to his retirement at the end of last season, and celebrate moments, big and small, at the ballpark. Essays by Hunter Pence, Sergio Romo, and Matt Cain, among others, give insight into what it’s like being Buster’s friend and teammate and confirm that Posey is as humble as he is competitive. 28 is sure to thrill any Giants fan. —S.B.
Path Lit by Lightning
by David Maraniss
Africa Is Not a Country
by Dipo Faloyin
Four Wheels and a Board
by Betsy Gordon
Picture & Board Books
Catch That Chicken
Written by Atinuke; Illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
Lami’s love for her chickens will liven up everyone’s storytime. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the familiar mayhem and antics in this delightful board book, with full-page spreads of colorful illustrations that are rich with family and community. Loving lessons about leaning into your own giftedness and being unapologetically “you” are themes we all need to learn, no matter how old we are. —Jenny
Still This Love Goes On
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Walter Had a Best Friend
Early Readers
Oh, Sal
by Kevin Henkes
Not since Ramona Quimby have I fallen quite so in love with a book family. In this companion to his Billy Miller stories, Kevin Henkes lets us delight in each character while giving us a peek into just two very special days. With a new baby and a family visitor in the house, Sal feels somewhat overlooked, especially when she loses something very dear to her (favorite underwear!). Sal's personality comes bursting through these pages, and the warmth and humor of this kindhearted family makes this story ideal for a young reader or a family read-aloud. —S.M.C.
The Greatest in the World
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party: Book 1
The Flamingo
Middle Grade
Frizzy
Written by Claribel A. Ortega
Illustrated by Rose Bousamra
Frizzy is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel for anyone who has ever had to justify their own appearance. I instantly connected with Marlene’s challenge in trying to be herself amidst a whirlwind of adults, peers, and family members pressuring her to conform. I reveled in all of her successes as she learned to stand up for herself, and I couldn’t put the book down until I knew she’d be okay. —Yves
Odder
A Seed in the Sun
The Vanquishers
Young Adult
How to Excavate a Heart
by Jake Maia Arlow
Freshly out of a messy breakup, Shani is ready to dive into her month-long Washington, DC, internship, studying her actual true love: fish. However, this winter break plan is suddenly interrupted when Shani’s mom bumps into a girl with her Subaru—namely, fellow scientist May—and possibly creates the perfect meet-cute. A wonderful mix of Jewish holiday representation with two lesbian scientists and a cute corgi. What else could you ask for? —Andrea
Twelfth Grade Night
I was Born For This
Maybe An Artist