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River Bend Booksellers Staff Picks

Jillian: Fire Exit by Morgan Talty

"Fire Exit is devastatingly beautiful. Talty's writing is exacting/hopeful, blending sorrow with love and humor, a rare & masterful gift. I loved his story collection Night of the Living Rez, which read like a memoir, intimate and honest. So I dove for this with both hands.

This book is about family-belonging, bloodlines, secrets, culture, heritage and legacy... but mostly humanity, what unites us and how to treasure that. I implore you to pick it up!"

Maggie: Funny Story by Emily Henry

"Emily Henry does it again! Funny Story is more than just a romance book, diving into themes of family dynamics, friendship, and community. It is filled with witty dialogue and perfect punchlines, great for someone looking for a fun summer read.

If you love a rom-com that makes you laugh out loud that also has depth and emotion, this book is for you! "

Renee: The Rom-Commers by Katharine Center

"This book is a love letter to those who love romcoms! I was fortunate enough to access the advanced listening copy and as soon as it ended I started it over, which never happens. There is banter, forced proximity, silliness, but also depth and the question of where your dreams fall in the priority list of life.

Do yourself a favor and let it be your perfect summer feel-good read!"

Zoe: Did I Ever Tell You? by Genevieve Kingston

"A heartbreakingly beautiful story of a mother's love from beyond the grave that you will refuse to put down.

Kingston writes like a seasoned professional, every sentence remains in your mind as her memoir progresses. Every chapter that passed, I wanted to tear up and tell my mom I love her!"

Amy: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

"Don't make the mistake of passing on this book because you aren't a David Copperfield fan. Kingsolver's ability to make you laugh out loud while simultaneously breaking your hear will draw in any reader. I fell in love with Demon and his friends. Now it's your turn!"

Grace: Just Kids by Patti Smith

"This book follows a young Patti Smith through her early adult years, as she moves to NYC in hopes of becoming an artist.

Just Kids is beautifully written, and a must-read for fans of her work!"

Tess: Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

"This book is a colossal undertaking, but it’s written so well that it’s completely immersive and engaging the entire time. I was hooked completely from the first page, and the dynamics of all of the A-Hamm Chain Gang members make you invested in the characters’ fates. The ending left me speechless.

If you’re looking for a dystopian book that provides impactful commentary on our world today, this is for you."

Emily: A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

"A fun, smart reimagining of a classic story. An unnamed millennial protagonist becomes a magical girl at age 29 and fights the evils of the world — but in her case, these are credit card debt, climate change and the crushing pressure of trying to find life's purpose in a world that doesn't live up to what was promised. Perfect for those who grew up with stories like Sailor Moon and wonder how these characters would adapt to a modern world. I both laughed and cried at the reveal of the protagonist's power - she is truly the perfect millennial magical girl."

Taryn: Homebody by Theo Parish

"This is probably the most approachable YA graphic novel I've read about gender identity and exploration. Follow Theo's journey of coming home to themself against a captivating purple color scheme."

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