February is 29 days long this year, and if you’re anything like us, this feels like a sign to read for 24 extra hours this month. Looking for the right tale to sweep you away? Consider these books recommended by our staff. Simply click on a title to place a hold request.
Want even more curated recs from our staff? Check out our What We’re Reading page, or complete a short form and we’ll email you a list of personalized recommendations.
Heather says:
“This memoir was written by former Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters founder Dave Grohl. From the death of Nirvana’s lead singer, Kurt Cobain, to the rise of the Foo Fighters, Dave’s love of music and sense of humor have carried him through the highs and lows of the 1980s punk scene, the 1990s grunge explosion, and into the present day. I highly suggest the audiobook version to really hear the story in Dave’s own voice.”
David says:
“A baby is born to a single mother in Philadelphia at the same moment that Voyager 1 is launched into space. As a child, Adina realizes that she has knowledge of a distant planet, and, once the fax machine is invented, she begins sending transmissions to her extraterrestrial relatives about the humans she interacts with every day. Bertino’s writing is never sentimental, and it shines in Adina’s dispatches about the human experience. Through Adina, Bertino shows that the act of belonging can be a lifelong quest. This book will make you see the world a little differently, and it may even make you feel a little less isolated.”
Sara says:
“Clover’s a dedicated death doula who rarely tries finding work-life balance, remaining focused on preparing clients for the end of life. I like how she remains true to herself, always normalizing death and dying, but to most she comes across as odd. Having more exposure to death than family and socializing, her interactions with the living are sometimes cringey. Introverted readers will feel her pain as she tries and struggles with expelling the energy required to foster new relationships. Her inner circle is small, yet her strong devotion and attachment to those few will tug at your heartstrings as she moves beyond past regrets.”
Jennifer says:
“The physical edition of this book is great, but the audiobook is outstanding! With its sound effects, snippets of songs, and Bono’s charming Irish lilt, this is a captivating listen. I believe even non-fans will enjoy hearing Bono describe his early years, the people and experiences that shaped him, and his lesser known second job as an activist. Perhaps most impressive is that he tells his story without ridiculing another soul, though he’s surely met at least a few people who deserved it. This was worth every second of the 20+ hours I spent listening to it.”
Sarah says:
“This is the story of a messy, complicated family. A young man named Jenry who was raised by a single mother is searching for information about his deceased father when he learns from his paternal grandfather that he actually has two mothers. The hidden story of Jenry’s life is then revealed to him by different members of his family, forcing him to grapple with the consequences of their long-held secrets. I really enjoy stories told through multiple perspectives, and the ups and downs of Jenry’s journey of self-discovery felt so realistic.”