The holidays have always meant extra reading time for me. Without large family gatherings, this is even truer this year. With so many amazing new books this year, why not make the best of a bad situation and settle into the coziest spot you can find with one of the Peter White Public Library’s new books. We have new books to suit any taste, from the history buff, to the Netflix binge watcher.

“A Promised Land”

Barack Obama

921 Obama

This first of two volumes needed for Obama’s presidential memoirs, A Promised Land is one of the most talked about books of the year for a reason. President Obama is a skilled writer, and allows readers into the innermost workings of the White House during his first years as president, as well as his own thoughts. His prose ranges from humorous to deeply philosophical and speaks to the message of hope he campaigned on. This first volume is by no means an easy read, clocking in at over 500 pages, but it is not one to miss for fans of history or autobiographies.

“One by One”

Ruth Ware

MYS WARE

Ruth Ware is frequently hailed as the modern Agatha Christi, and their similarities really shine through in her latest release. One by One, which is reminiscent of And Then There Were None, follows a doomed corporate retreat in a ski chalet bursting with smart technology. But the retreat becomes less about securing promotions and more about getting out alive, after an avalanche strands the group and it begins to dwindle, one by one. With its chilly setting and mounting suspense, this book is the perfect winter thriller to read from the warmth of your own house.

“This Book Will Make You Kinder: An Empathy Handbook”

James Henry Garrett

177.7 GA

It’s been a long year and, perhaps through all of the turmoil, you have found that you are souring a little on those around you. Build up your empathy with this heartwarming illustrated guide to being a more empathetic, kind person. Garrett teaches his lessons through his signature animal cartoons that help show a deeply human trait in a bemusing way. After a long day dealing with frustrating coworkers, customers, or family members, it can be hard to remember your empathy. This book will certainly make you kinder, but it might also make you happier as you move past old resentments, something we all need in the upcoming year.

“The Queen’s Gambit”

Walter Tevis

FIC Tevis

If you have been enjoying the Netflix adaptation of The Queen’s Gambit, then you will be thrilled to learn that PWPL has added this title about a female chess prodigy who struggles to overcome addiction. Tevis wrote the story in 1983, an early testament to female geniuses who are often overlooked in favor of their male peers. Viewers of the television show will notice many similarities and differences between the two, but the book is a truly enjoyable story as a stand-alone read. The novel is engrossing and entertaining, while also being fastidiously accurate about the details of chess playing. If you have been missing the strategy of game nights you used to hold pre-pandemic or are ready to delve into a new world, then The Queen’s Gambit might be for you this holiday season.

By Dory Shaffer

Reference Department