Buttonwood's Best of 2020
O'Farrell brings to life the world of Agnes; her husband, her children, and her grief. The story opens with young Hamnet searching frantically for help when his sister Judith becomes suddenly ill. His race through town sets the stage for this often poetic account of a family's life. There are whole passages I wish I could quote here. A unique voice and a unique take on the myth of Shakespeare.
-Kristine
As Franny Stone embarks on a journey to follow the last arctic terns on their final migration, she convinces a fishing boat to bring her along to locate the few fish left in the ocean. Once on board, Franny's dark past starts to unfold. This book deals with so many elements - science, nature, family, love and loss - in such a beautiful way. A true page turner. Charlotte McConaghy's beautiful writing will have you rereading passages and savoring this story.
-Mary Kay
This is an incredible novel, with Washburn artfully weaving a heart-wrenching family saga together with detailed legends of the Hawaiian Gods and stories of Hawaiian tradition. It forces everyone who reads it to think deeply about salvation, about family, and about what it means to survive. From the moment I started reading I knew that the end was going to come too quickly; it has been a long time since I have read something so unique, something so refreshing, or something that made me reflect so deeply. I look forward with great anticipation to seeing what Kawai Strong Washburn does next.
-Abby
An engrossing story that delves into identity and the emotions that “home” brings out in everyone.
-Kathy
A strange and wonderful little book. On the whole it is a simple story of transcendentalism and abduction but Clarke wraps it so completely in this fantastical world it becomes quite magical. I was immediately swept up in Piranesi’s sense of place, wandering with him through the labyrinth of halls, gazing at statues, and listening to the tides.
-Kristine
A strong debut novel revolving around the aftermath of a terrorist attack in India. A Burning focuses on three characfters on the outside of society who will do anything to better their standing, even if it means one of them will lose their lives.
-Jill
There are not enough words to describe the grace of Addie LaRue. It is a story about life above all, and a story of a life that doesn’t end. Addie has lived forever, and yet every page brings something new. The words themselves are a masterpiece, and I found myself staring at the page in awe – in contemplation – more than a few times.
-Hadley
An incredible collection of true stories of resilience and hope.
-Katie
A compelling read that I will not forget. Kolher weaves a story that evokes empathy and much needed understanding about mental illness and the effects on a family. The integration of learning about the science and the mental health system is insightful. Readers who enjoyed The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and Educated will devour this book.
-Kathy
Stephen Kiernan does not disappoint with his new book. He takes a little-known bit of history and spins a romantic novel that entertains and educates. It covers the Manhattan Project and organ construction, an unusual intersection of interests. It is a good read.
-Sarah
A REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK AND INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Often hilarious and ultimately very touching.” —People
“Have you ever read a book that made you want to hug the author?” —Reese Witherspoon
“This unrestrained memoir is a transporting experience and one of the mo
“The perfect summer read” (USA TODAY) begins with a shocking tragedy that results in three generations of the Adler family grappling with heartbreak, romance, and the weight of family secrets across the course of one summer.
“Rachel Beanland is a writer of uncommon wit and wisdom, with a sharp and empathetic eye for character.
An Instant New York Times Bestseller
A New York Times Notable Book
One of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of 2020
NOMINATED FOR THE 2021 HUGO AWARDS AND THE 2020 NEBULA AWARDS FOR BEST NOVEL
From the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Resistance Reborn comes the first book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas and woven into a tale of celestial prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic.
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“A riveting depiction of hard-won female empowerment that weaves together meticulous research, unsolved murder—and an unforgettable young heroine.” —The Washington Post
The Handmaid’s Tale meets Alice in Wonderland in this gripping and imaginative historical novel about a shunned orphan girl in 16th-century England who is ensnare
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! AS HEARD ON NPR MORNING EDITION AND ON BEING WITH KRISTA TIPPETT
“Leavitt has crafted an irresistible portrait of midlife ennui and the magic of breaking free.”
—People
“With or Without You is a moving novel about twists of fate, the shifting terrain of love, and coming into your own.
A TODAY SHOW #ReadWithJenna BOOK CLUB PICK!
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER
Yaa Gyasi's stunning follow-up to her acclaimed national best seller Homegoing is a powerful, raw, intimate, deeply layered novel about a Ghanaian family in Alabama.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES
A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB YA PICK
Filled with all of the action, emotion, and lyrical writing that brought readers to Sky in the Deep, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young returns with Fable, the first book in this new captivating duology.
In June of 1940, when Paris fell to the Nazis, Hitler spent a total of three hours in the City of Light—abruptly leaving, never to return. To this day, no one knows why.
An instant New York Times Bestseller
A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!"A thrilling debut that deserves your attention." –Ron Charles, the Washington Post
This "beautiful novel . . .
A People Book of the Week & a Kirkus Best Nonfiction of the Year
An exquisite and inspiring memoir about one mother’s unimaginable choice in the face of oppression and abuse in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER!
A 2021 Alex Award winner!
The 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner!
An Indie Next Pick!
One of Publishers Weekly's "Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2020"
One of Book Riot’s “20 Must-Read Feel-Good Fantasies”