LYRICAL and poignant, this is an iconic fantasy fiction ripe for rediscovery. The story follows Sybel, who lives in the forest with a group of majestic and strange beasts. She is cold and withdrawn, caring nothing for other people until she is given a baby to raise. Sybel discovers that the world of man and magic is full of both love and deceit, and the possibility of more power than she can imagine. Patricia McKillip’s dream-like prose makes all of the emotions feel sharp, clear and true.

 

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (2007)

WORLD-renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami documents a major transition in his life – from the owner of a jazz bar to a long-distance runner. This is a journal, full of vivid recollections and insights, illustrating the magic that happens when a man decides to choose himself – despite the hardships. The wordsmith captures the intersection of his interests – running and writing – highlighting the eureka moment when he decided to become an author.

 

Left Neglected (2011)

SARAH NICKERSON has the perfect family, a dream home and a thriving career. However, there are parts of her that she ‘neglects’, albeit unknowingly. Until one fateful experience forces her to face them. Now, as she wills herself to regain her independence and heal, Sarah must learn that her real destiny may in fact lie far from the world she imagined for herself. Lisa Genova waves an emotional tale that is sure to hit home.

 

The Drama Llama (2022)

THIS wonderful book, suitable for tots up to five years, validates anxiety as an emotion. Alex Allen, like lots of children, is worried about dancing badly or getting a wrong answer in class. But every time he worries, a real-life llama appears! And the more Alex worries, the bigger the llama grows, which starts getting him into all sorts of trouble. This heart-warming and hilarious tale by Rachel Morrisroe offers some great advice in an easy-going style.

 

An Appetite for Miracles (2023)

Award-winning author Laekan Zea Kemp brings alive teenage angst in this young adult fiction. Danna Villarreal’s grandfather is slowly losing himself as his memories fade, and Raúl Santos has been lost ever since his mother was wrongly incarcerated. When they meet, sparks fly immediately and they embark on a mission to heal her grandfather...and themselves. Because healing is something best done together–even if it does not always look the way we want it to.

The books are available on Amazon.