Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

• "An interesting and disturbing take on what humanity is capable of when the government is able to manipulate the public." - Lindsey Hebert 

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

• "It is like The Handmaid's Tale, The Crucible, and The Hunger Games were mashed together. I loved the audiobook!" - Lindsey Hebert

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary by Alicia Brattin 

• NWP-A teacher consultant publication!

• "Myths, fairytales, and legends have stood the test of time because they ring of truth. They have been rewritten and fractured, but they sing to us. This collection of poetry is inspired by such tales and legends, but with touches of modern love and heartbreak." - Alicia Britain 

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

• Recommended by Sarah Arceneaux ​

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

• "My favorite book this year. 5 stars. Despite starting off a bit slow and strange, this novel turns into a beautiful gut punch that left me thinking about it for months after I finished it. A great read for those who enjoyed the powerful themes of The Handmaid’s Tale."  - Carmen Soileau

 Money, Lies, and God by Katherine Stewart 

• "5 stars. The historical perspective of this book brings together the undercurrents of power acquisition and makes me question everything. Well-researched and illuminating!" - Michelle Salts ​

The Searcher and The Hunter both by Tana French

• "5 stars. Read these in this order. The excellent writing caught me; the characters wouldn’t let me go. Great story telling!" - Michelle Salts ​

Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart by Gennarose Nethercott

• ​"4/5 stars; This book was heart-wrenchingly good. In my mind, it’s a compilation of stories meant to bend the mind and question the soul of humanity while offering a nostalgic reminder of intimate moments shared in our lives. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a glance into their past life experiences, those interested in sociology/psychology, and those interested in folklore. I chose this book above all others I’ve read this year because it was easy to digest in short bursts and it altered my perception of my life while still being entertaining." - Chelsie Sanders 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

• ​"Mystery with varying POV’s and timelines. Five stars, no notes." - Michelle Kreamer 

The Education Wars: A Citizen's Guide and Defense Manual by Jennifer C. Berkshire and Jack Schneider

• ​"5 stars. A must read for public school educators and advocates." - Michelle Kreamer 

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie 

• ​"4/5 stars; This book is Suicide Squad meets epic fantasy. It’s a fun, easy read for fantasy fans." - Megan Breaux 

Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman 

• ​"It’s a magical realism, historical fiction. Takes place in plague-era France. It follows a disgraced knight named Thomas on a pilgrimage with a young girl with magical powers. There’s biblical mythology throughout and it’s just so beautifully written. It left me terrified at times and in tears by the end. A solid 4.5 out of 5." - Georgia Elliott 

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

• "Despite the cursing, this is an amazing story to show who J.D. Vance is and how he grew up.  What a story, of not just him, but a whole group of people.  A must read.  So many lessons to learn." - Sarah Arceneaux

The Best of Richard Matheson Short Story Collection, 1950s

• ​"In the vein of Twilight zone and Black Mirror. In fact, the episode with the monster on the wing of the plane is from this collection. I recommend it to anyone that loves a good twist. Short and to the point stories. 4.7 stars." - Matt Canone 

The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah 

• "You will find pieces of yourself sprinkled in the dust that magically lifts off of these pages. I felt that I was walking hand in hand with Elsa as she battles through the hand she was dealt in life. This book will remind you that we are resilient and unbreakable. When the world seems determined to take everything away, fight for dignity, family, and hope!​" - Molly Jumonville 

House of Salt and Sorrow by Erin A. Craig 

• "A twist on the classic fairytale, “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.”Between the glittering parties and shimmering shoes, accidents have claimed four of the twelve Highmore house daughters. Is the family cursed? Or is there something darker at play? Perfect for anyone who likes a little magic with their mysteries." - Alicia Brattin ​

A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny

• Recommended by Kara Rutherford  ​

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

• Recommended by Kara Rutherford 

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

• Recommended by Kara Rutherford