Discover the latest literary gems with our “Wednesday Wisdom”. Ali Hazelwood’s “Bride” unveils a tantalizing blend of vampyre allure and werewolf intrigue, while Tommy Orange’s “Wandering Stars” delves into the enduring impact of historical injustices. Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” portrays the resilience of female heroes, and Dolly Alderton’s “Good Material” navigates the complexities of adulthood with wit and charm. Megan Nolan’s “Ordinary Human Failings” unravels a gripping tale of family secrets and societal scrutiny.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Bride by Ali Hazelwood throws a sassy vampyre, Misery Lark, into a marriage of fangs and fur with a distrustful werewolf Alpha. Forced together for a historic alliance, sparks fly as Misery hides a personal vendetta while navigating life with a brooding wolf who questions her every move. This paranormal romance is a thrilling enemies-to-lovers tale with a bite.
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
In “Wandering Stars,” Tommy Orange continues the story from his acclaimed book “There There.” It explores the aftermath of historical traumas like the Sand Creek Massacre and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. In 1864, a survivor named Star is forced into English and Christianity by a prison guard. Decades later, Star’s son Charles suffers at the same school. In modern-day Oakland, Opal struggles to help her family heal after a shooting, while her nephew Orvil grapples with trauma and her other nephew, Lony, tries to connect with his heritage. Orange’s powerful storytelling exposes the ongoing impact of America’s mistreatment of Indigenous people.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
In the 1960s, Frankie, a young nursing student, discovers a new world beyond her sheltered upbringing in California. Inspired by the idea that women can be heroes, she joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War, following her brother’s footsteps. Amidst the chaos of war, Frankie experiences the bonds of friendship, the harsh realities of combat, and the challenges of returning home to a divided America. “The Women” tells her story, highlighting the courage and sacrifice of women in wartime.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Andy, a struggling comedian, finds himself crashing at his friends’ place after a heartbreaking breakup. At 35, he’s questioning why life hasn’t fallen into place. Amid career setbacks and dwindling friendships, he tries to make sense of his shattered relationship. Dolly Alderton’s new book explores love, friendship, and the challenges of adulthood with warmth and humor. It’s a relatable tale about finding connection, facing hardships, and understanding our own stories.
Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan
In 1990s London, Tom Hargreaves is a successful reporter with big dreams. He doesn’t think much of regular people, or “peasants,” as he calls them. One day, he discovers a big story: a child has been found dead on a London estate. The grieving parents are loved by everyone, but suspicion falls on a reclusive Irish family, the Greens. Carmel, a member of the Green family, is beautiful but troubled. She had dreams once, but life and love didn’t go as planned. Now, she’s stuck in a cycle of disappointment and secrets, with nowhere to turn. As the police close in on a suspect and the media hunts for a scapegoat, Carmel must confront the truths that have haunted her family for generations.