Staff Picks: Elisha Katz’s Favorites

The Great Library series was the only series that came close to filling the void left behind when I finished the Harry Potter books at age 16. Rachel Caine rewrites history with an alternate world where the Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time and is now a presence in every major city, governing and censoring the flow of knowledge to the people. The diverse cast of characters felt like people I could befriend, even love. I will continue to recommend this book for the rest of my life! Can someone please turn it into a movie?!

Emmy Harlow left her magic and the town of Thistle Grove behind in the hopes of finding herself after Gareth Blackmoore broke her heart. When she returns to judge a spellcasting tournament, she bonds with Linden and Talia, two other witches who were also scorned by Gareth. The witches band together to exact revenge, but as hijinks ensue, Emmy begins to fall for Talia. Emmy will need to sort out her feelings about home, Gareth, and Talia, all while stepping up as tournament arbiter, a role she never asked for but one that will show her the kind of power she truly has. You’ll be itching to visit the “Halloweentown”–esque Thistle Grove, to meet “Sabrina”–like characters, and to enjoy a sizzling “L Word” level romance and “John Tucker Must Die” revenge plan.

This book took me out of my COVID reading slump and blasted me into my best reading year yet. Perhaps it’s because the stories are short and committing to reading one or two at a given moment was an easier feat than reading an entire novel. Or perhaps the stories are so wild and entrancing that I couldn’t help but continue to pick it up. Either way, don’t let the title confuse you into thinking I’m recommending another fantasy book. This collection of unforgettable true short stories gathered by the hit storytelling podcast The Moth is about finding moments of beauty, clarity, and everyday magic in the face of seemingly impossible situations. From a fifteen-year-old saving a life in Chicago to a mother of triplets trekking to the North Pole to a ninety-year-old Russian man recalling his standoff with the KGB, these storytellers attest to the variety and richness of the human experience, and the shared threads that connect us all. With honesty and humor, they stare down their fear, embrace uncertainty, and encourage us all to be more authentic, vulnerable, and alive. From a fifteen-year-old saving a life in Chicago to a mother of triplets trekking to the North Pole to a ninety-year-old Russian man recalling his standoff with the KGB, each story made me pause to contemplate my life and the lives of others that are so full of awe and wonder.

If you’re reading this list, chances are that you have a bookish life. (Or you’re my family. Hello, family!) You may even be a bit of a Nina Hill yourself. And while you may be content with your bookish life, what you and Nina will learn is that you can make whatever plans you want, but life still happens. It’s time for Nina to come out of her shell and it’s going to take a brand-new family, a persistent suitor, and ice cream to make her turn her own fresh page. Read this book and I can promise deep belly laughs and that you’ll learn some bizarre and fun trivia facts. (Did you know that Lois Lane won a Pulitzer?)