New books at the Havre-Hill County Library

by Havre-Hill County Library Staff

  Following are some of the newest titles at Havre-Hill County Library.

New fiction

“Whereabouts” by Jhumpa Lahiri. This Pulitzer Prize-winning author’s first new novel in nearly a decade follows a year in the life of an unnamed narrator in an unnamed city. Torn between stasis and movement, between the need to belong and the refusal to form lasting ties, she realizes she’s lost her way. Until one day at the sea, both overwhelmed and replenished by the sun’s vital heat, her perspective will abruptly change.

“The Hour of the Witch” by Chris Bohjalian. A young Puritan woman named Mary plots to escape her violent marriage in a time when every neighbor is watching for signs of the devil. When their eyes and accusing fingers turn toward her, Mary must fight to escape not only her marriage, but also the gallows.

“Local Woman Missing” by Mary Kubica. Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her 6-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen. After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold. Eleven years later, Delilah returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find.

“What’s Mine and Yours” by Naima Coster. A school’s integration sets off a chain of events that will tie together the families of two of its students for the next 20 years. Gee’s mother is determined to give him the tools he’ll need to survive in America as young Black man. Noelle’s mother is a white woman who refuses to see her half-Latina daughter as anything but white. Each determined to give their child a better life, they will make choices that will haunt their families for decades to come.

New non-fiction

“Girl Decoded: A Scientist’s Quest to Reclaim Our Humanity by Bringing Emotional Intelligence to Technology” by Rana el Kaliouby and Carol Colman. The majority of human communication is conveyed through nonverbal cues; but facial expression, tone of voice, body language are all lost when we communicate with others through our smartphones and other devices. To combat this fundamental loss of emotional intelligence online, el Kaliouby cofounded Affectiva, the pioneer in the new field of Emotion AI. But decoding herself, learning to express and act on her own emotions, would prove to be el Kaliouby’s biggest challenge.

“Dirty Gold: The Rise and Fall of an International Smuggling Ring” by Jay Weaver, Nicholas Nehamas, Jim Wyss, and Kyra Gurney. In 2017, a team of federal agents arrested Juan Pablo Granda, Samer Barrage, and Renato Rodriguez. The trio, who came to be known as “the three amigos,” had built a $3.6 billion dollar business in metals trading—mostly illegal Peruvian gold mined in the rain forest. “Dirty Money” follows the trail of these three traders to lead us into a sprawling criminal underground that has never been in full view.

“Come Fly the World: The Jet-Age Story of the Women of Pan Am” by Julia Cooke. Cooke weaves together the real-life stories of a memorable, “Mad Men”-era cast of characters — from a science major who decided life in the lab was not for her, to one of the relatively few Black stewardesses of the time — as she shines a light on the role the stewardesses of Pan Am played in the Vietnam War.

“Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica’s Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night” by Julian Sancton. In 1987, the good ship Belgica set sail for the uncharted end of the earth: the icy continent of Antarctica. The expedition went terribly awry — with the ship frozen in ice, and the crew trapped inside for the entire sunless Antarctic winter. What follows is a story equal parts maritime thriller and gothic horror.

New young adult books

Have you entered the Grishaverse yet? Netflix’s newest adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s universe continues with “Rule of Wolves,” the second book in the “King of Scars” series. If you haven’t entered this lush and brutal world, your librarian can point you in the right direction. For everyone else, the wolves are circling and a young king faces his greatest challenge. 

“Yolk” by Mary H. K. Choi, delves into sibling relationships. Growing up, Jayne and June Baek were thick as thieves. However, three years separating them, the two girls grew apart. As adults, they want nothing to do with each other. Then again, how far would estranged sisters go to save one of their lives? 

In need of a little romance? Sophie Gonzales’s “Perfect on Paper” is being touted as an electrifying love story. Darcy Phillips provides anonymous love advice. While she mostly uses her power for good, she doesn’t always see things clearly. When love is involved; feelings, confusion, and even blackmail can follow.

New children’s books

“Outside, Inside” is a picture book written and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. A reflection of the year of the pandemic from the point of view of a little girl. Beautifully illustrated, and thoughtful to the last word. 

“My Monster and Me” is a picture book written by Nadiya Hussain and illustrated by Ella Bailey. A gentle conversation opener about living with a “worry monster.” Inspired by the author’s own lifelong relationship with anxiety.

“Once Upon a Dragon’s Fire” is a picture book written and illustrated by Beatrice Blue. How did dragons get their fire? It all began in a magical kingdom, where a fearsome dragon stalked the land. Find out how two kids’ determination to save their village led to a friendship that will warm the hearts of dragon lovers everywhere!

“The Roanoke Colony: America’s First Mystery” is a History Comics graphic novel written and illustrated by Chris Schweizer. Over a hundred years before the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, the first English settlers established Roanoke. Without warning, all of its inhabitants abandoned their homes and possessions and disappeared. A case filled with battles, pirate ships, scheming businessmen, and a ruthless queen. Fans of the “I Survived …” series are sure to be intrigued by this enigmatic incident in our nation’s history. 

“Starfish” is juvenile novel written in verse by Lisa Fipps. Ever since Ellie made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she has been bullied about her weight. In order to cope, she tries to live by her list of rules, which are all about not standing out. She finds solace in her swimming pool, where she can stretch and take up as much space as she wants. Ellie collects allies in the form of a new neighbor who doesn’t judge, and a new therapist who knows how to laugh at the right things. A debut title that confronts fat shaming and its effects head on, and will speak to anyone who’s been made to feel “less than.” 

These books and many more are available at the Havre-Hill County Library. Call us at 265-2123, email us at [email protected], or reach out to us on Facebook, and we can make recommendations for your next read. You can also browse our entire catalog at havrehilllibrary.org. Contactless pickup is available. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. And don’t forget to check out http://montanalibrary2go.org for our digital collections of audiobooks and e-books.