We asked you which books you recommend and you delivered! Check out this list of your top recommendations. Thanks for reading with us this year, Spokane!
The Women by Kristin Hannah
“In the panel discussion with a gathering of 30 senior adults, we had great feedback especially from veterans who had been in Vietnam. They shared some of the experiences upon their return (with tears in their eyes). Very heart wrenching history brought to the forefront again.” – Kim
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
“It’s a beautiful story about goodness of mankind.” – Mary
“Wonderful characters and setting; really interesting twists and surprises.” – Yvonne
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Series) by Matt Dinniman
“This is hands down, the best book series I have ever read. Disguised as a hyper-masculine, apocalyptic, action-packed gore fest, this series is actually an emotionally intelligent, feminist, anti-capitalist, apocalyptic, action-packed gore fest. It is absolutely fabulous. It’s hard to keep me guessing, but I had no idea how this was going to go and I love that! I have been listening through Audible and the audiobook narrator, Jeff Hays is phenomenal. He has a distinctive voice, yet all his characters are unique. He even has to voice a character that changes form every book and he still makes him sound like that character, but in a new form. This is also a credit to Matt’s writing, keeping characters growing yet consistent, changing and learning, yet recognizable. It is absolutely evident that all of the characters are fully fleshed out beings facing their own challenges and adding to the story of the main character. You fall in love with someone on page one and hate them 3 books later and vice versa. It leaves you wanting more, not just of Carl’s story, of all their stories. I started rereading it immediately and I’m just as riveted as the first time. The series has 7 books so far and isn’t done yet, we’re just getting started!” – Amanda
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
“Mr. Backman always gives us beautiful, broken characters with storylines that make me cheer for them through my tears.” – Lori
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
“Could not put it down. Science and space and a trip to Alpha Centauri. One of the best books I’ve ever read. A vivid imagination. Will even go to the movie!” – Mary
“The book doesn’t hold your hand through its complicated science, but still explains it in a way you can keep up with. I don’t usually love first person writing but this is my favorite book and the first person actually lends to the story. The story is very based in reality while still being interesting science fiction, and is incredibly heartfelt.” – Kira
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
“A terrific story about hope and grief and loss that would be great, even if one of its central characters weren’t a thoughtful captive octopus!” – Skyler
“Great mystery…great characters including the octopus. I know it’s been made into a movie coming out next year. Sybil Shepard plays the main character…I personally have given out dozens of Shelby’s books as gifts.” – Soozie
Gideon the Ninth by Tasmyn Muir
“It’s this sapphic, necromancer-packed sci-fi fantasy set way in the future, and the first book is basically a locked-room whodunnit murder mystery with an enemies-to-lovers vibe simmering under all the bone magic and sarcasm. It’s not smutty at all, just stupidly romantic in this intense, sideways, emotionally loaded way. The whole thing is funny, heartbreaking, and ridiculously compelling. If ‘lesbian space necromancers solving murders while being disasters about their feelings’ sounds even a little fun, you have to read it. The whole series is awesome. Can’t wait for Alecto the Ninth. If you need another reason, it reminds me of the Thursday Next series.” – River
Patriot: A Memoir by Alexei Navalny
“Navalny’s story about opposing Russian oligarchy, published posthumously, is an important lesson for all of us about hope for a better world.” – Madonna
“His deep devotion to democracy in the face of a dictator is incredible. Despite the unthinkable circumstances, he was optimistic until the end.” – Julie
Weyward by Emilia Hart
“3 generations of Weyward women (witches) from 1600-2000’s. Great writing and great stories. Highly recommend!” – Heather
The Correspondent by Virginia Evar
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
“I’d never been much of a memoir person, but Jennette McCurdy‘s darkly funny observations about life with a domineering, abusive parent (and then a domineering, abusive showrunner) kept me interested throughout…” – Neal
My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner
“Very intense book. Get to know the real person.” – Tina
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
“SOTR is an excellent prequel to the beloved Hunger Games series. This novel takes place at the 50th hunger games, also known as the second quarter quell. The main protagonist is Haymitch Abernathy, who many fans know as the drunken mentor of district 12 in the original series. SOTR is excellent because many hardcore fans already knew how this novel was going to end, but we never knew how that came to be. Suzanne Collins also provides a great use of propaganda in this novel by showing what really happens in the games compared to what is shown to the public, which is a strong theme in today’s events across the world. Absolute tearjerker, breathtaking, and a great read for returning and new fans alike.” – Jennyfer
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
“It was different, unexpected, and wonderful.” – Heidi
Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
“The best opening 35 pages for a novel I have ever possibly read.” – Dan
“Lands again and again on your heart.” – Cara
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
So Far Gone by Jess Walter (local author!)
“His novels are funny, sad, though-provoking, and just all around great! Love his writing.” -Yvonne
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White
“Omg I love this book!! It just captivates trans and female rage so well, and it’s even better with the Gothic themes!! Very good highly recommend!!”
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“I want EVERYONE to read The Serviceberry!!! It’s short, but it’s SOOOO meaningful and impactful!!!”
Heart the Lover by Lily King
“Moving and funny, about smart, nice, funny people and the joys and tragedies life hands them.” – Sally
“Beautifully written, haunting story of lost love.” – Maria
