Book Recommendations from Library Staff
December 1, 2025
We hope you have time during winter break to relax and enjoy a good book. If you need a recommendation, you're in luck! Library staff are avid readers and we welcome the opportunity to share our favorite books.
We have compiled a list of recommended books, with genres ranging from mystery to fantasy, history to action, with some popular culture thrown in. We hope you find one (or more than one!) that appeals to you.
Happy reading!
Mister Magic by Kiersten White
This dark supernatural thriller takes an interesting look at religious cults and how it impacts the children raised in these environments.
Recommended by Brenna McNulty
One Dark Window/Two Twisted Crowns Duology by Rachel Gillig
This duology is a great choice for someone who isn't necessarily into the thriving Romantasy genre but likes a little bit of romance and a lot of fantasy with a unique magic system and excellent worldbuilding. The vibes are gothic, dark, and medieval--sort of Grimm's Fairy Tales-esque--making it lovely to curl up with on a cold night with a cup of tea. The first book got me out of a months-long reading slump so I am always quick to recommend it!
Recommended by Anna Helmig-Smith
Kent State: An American Tragedy by Brian VanDeMark
This book seemed somehow timely, with soldiers in the streets again doing a job for which they are not trained. Also, after 50+ years one guardsman who was present on May 4, 1970, reveals how the firing that fateful day began. Not light reading, but important. The author provides context for the events, and humanizes all those involved while not shying away from assigning responsibility where it is due.
Recommended by Marty Jenkins
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
Makes you think! -- especially with future AI implications.
Recommended by Lisa Bleeke
The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe
A con-artist trying to escape an active bank robbery alive. Full of action, danger, and interesting characters.
Recommended by Aaliyah Williams
Power Places and the Master Builders of Antiquity by Frank Joseph
Frank Joseph wrote a number of books on Ancient Cultures. "Atlantis in Wisconsin", "The Lost Pyramids of Rock Lake". I like reading about ancient cultures.
Recommended by Chris Nimmer
Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres by Kelefa Sanneh
Fantastic overview of popular music full of fascinating insights, even (or maybe, especially) within the sections about genres that you may not know much about. Recommended for literally anyone who likes music.
Recommended by Adrienne Savage
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Reading this book feels like a warm hug, making it the perfect read for winter! Filled with a hilarious cast of characters, witty one-liners, magic, romance, and found family, this book has everything you could possibly want. It will make you laugh, cry, and leave you with a sense of comfort and belonging. I can't recommend it enough!
Recommended by Danni Grottla
The Ritual Bath by Faye Kellerman
The first book in the Decker/Lazarus series introduces engaging and likable characters while untangling a twisted and compelling murder mystery.
Recommended by Leigh Duncan
Circle of Days by Ken Follett
Great story set around the building of Stonehenge.
Recommended by Greg Jones
Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
This is an interesting read with more to say about social conditions in the South in the 90s than it does about vampires. Although there is still some blood and gore, if that is your thing.
Recommended by Shannon Michalak
The Case of Wagner: a Musician's Problem by Friedrich Nietzsche
Nietzsche writes a scathingly bitter analysis of Wagner's effect on the direction of Germany's philosophical and cultural life. Nietzsche appreciates the the quality of Wagner's soundscapes but disagrees with Wagner's direction. In Nietzsche's view, Wagner wallows in decadent nostalgia and suggests that Wagner's efforts to evoke passive fantasy rather than using his talent to produce social and cultural change were misused. The read is interesting because it provides a critical perspective of Wagner's influence on opera just 5 years after his death.
Recommended by Phil Flynn
More recommendations:
Lucky Girl by Allie Tagle-Dokus
Girl at War by Sara Novic
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore
