With social distancing, people have been asking for a lot more book recommendations than they usually do, and one of the most common requests I get is for “just plain good books.”

This is a pretty tall order, because there are just so many. But, to start you off, here are a few of our newest books, guaranteed to keep you hooked with their amazing stories.

If you need more recommendations, call the reference desk at 906-228-9510 ext. 3 or request a Library in a Bag full of personalized selections online at pwpl.info.

“Betty”

Tiffany McDaniel

FIC MCDANI

Betty, is a truly stunning novel that follows the life of young Betty Carpenter through her own writing as she struggles with her brutal family history. Set in the impoverished, but naturally beautiful foothills of the Ohio Appalachians, and inspired by the brave women in McDaniel’s own family, Betty’s story is not one you will soon forget. You will be captivated and inspired by the lyrical prose that weaves poetry, folklore, newspaper stories, and scripture into her devastating story.

At almost 500 pages, “Betty” is an intimidating read, but the pages almost turn themselves as you follow Betty and her family’s struggles.

“The Wife Upstairs”

Rachel Hawkins

FIC HAWKINS

‘The Wife Upstairs,” Rachel Hawkins’ debut novel, combines haunting gothic atmosphere with sweet southern charm in the creepiest way possible. This modern take on Jane Eyre retains all of the unease of the original, while still bringing something new to the table.

The story follows Jane, a woman of little means and a mysterious past, who has recently moved to Birmingham, Alabama. She works as a dog walker in a wealthy neighborhood and catches the attention of Eddie, a mysterious and brooding widower. Both are looking to hide from their past, but find that can be easier said than done. For thrilling twists, an eerily perfect setting, and a thoroughly surprising ending, pick ‘The Wife Upstairs’ up today!

“The Captive”

Fiona King Foster

FIC FOSTER

While spring may be on its way, or so they tell me, February is still the depths of winter up here. Which makes it the perfect time for chilling novels in chilling settings. The premise of “The Captive” is beyond imagination, but still somehow too close for comfort. Set in a dystopian world where access to technology like phones and vehicles is highly restricted, readers are introduced to Brook Hollande and her family, who work hard on their remote cranberry farm to make ends meet.

When Brook learns that a dangerous gang leader is nearby, she set out to capture him, and swiftly does. She holds him captive at her family’s farm and pushes them into a grueling hike to turn him in to authorities for a reward, keeping the reason she fears him so much hidden from readers and her family until the jaw-dropping conclusion.

“Riot Baby”

Tochi Onyebuchi

SCI-FI ONYEBUC

I don’t want to give away too much about this tightly plotted novel with a science fiction edge. The story begins with the birth of Kev, the titular “riot baby,” in midst of the 1992 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles.

Born into chaos, Kev lives a life of wild ups and downs, living in prison for a period, and always in the shadow of mysterious powers wielded by his sister, Ella.

Like “The Captive,” “Riot Baby” is set in a world that while dystopian, feels very, very real.

At under 200 pages, this slim novel is perfect if you are looking for an exciting unreal journey, but don’t want to take on one of our larger books.

— Dory Shaffer, Reference Department