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SPPL 2023 Staff Recommendations

Several of Saint Paul Public Library's staff are excited to share their favorite reads of 2023 with you! To explore this list:

  • Hover over the book cover to learn more about each staff's recommendation.
  • Use your computer's search function (ctrl + F, ⌘ + F) to search books by the following features:
"This is a beautiful graphic memoir of a very successful illustrator's awkward middle school years and a trip to Europe that changed his life. It's got young love and learning all about new perspectives while growing up, done in a very beautiful art style with drama that engages readers young and old.

Recommended for 4th grade and up readers who want to read a little romance."

Recommended by: Matthew, Rondo

Features of this book:
Love & Romance, Eye-Opening Perspectives

#teens #tweens #graphicnovels

"Becky Chambers envisions a gentler, more hopeful future for humanity by asking what humans really need.

Recommended for: anyone who likes science fiction or who needs a bit of hope."

Recommended by: Isaac, Riverview

Features of this book:
Rather Short, Beautiful Prose/Well Written, Geeky & Nerdy, Philosophical, Adventure, Science Fiction & Speculative Fiction

"A unique take on the fantasy genre with great characters.

Recommended for: people who like fantasy."

Recommended by: Lorenzo, Merriam Park

Features of this book:
Adventure, Fantasy, Engrossing & Immersive

#ebook

"Read it while at a cabin on a lake; favorite of books by this author; appreciated importance of family that author expresses.

Recommended for: those who like biographies about family connections and set in Minnesota."

Recommended by: Maura, Merriam Park

Features of this book:
Humor, Family Affairs, Biography

#memoir

Recommended by: Leslie, Merriam Park

Features of this book:
Family Affairs, Intergenerational & Multigenerational, Mystery and Intrigue

"This book made me laugh. I love a fun picture book.

Recommended for: kids and adults who enjoy picture books."

Recommended by: Aura, Rice Street

Features of this book:
Humor, Rather Short, Light-hearted, Fantasy

#picturebook

"Did YOU know there were so many types of hugs?

Recommended for: Everyone"

Recommended by: Heather, Riverview

Features of this book:
Light-hearted, Cozy, Intergenerational & Multigenerational, Love & Romance

#picturebook

"Well-researched engaging critique of social media's immense reach, lackadaisical design/support, and its negative effects thereof.

Recommended for: Anyone at least mildly curious/concerned about current events on a global scale."

Recommended by: Alaina, Merriam Park

Features of this book:
Educational, Culture, Stories from Around the World, Engrossing & Immersive

#nonfiction, #ebook, #audiobook

"Unexpected, unique story that showcases how a reader's mind shapes and deepens a life.

Recommend for: literary fiction readers."

Recommended by: Alaina, Merriam Park

Features of this book:
Rather Short, Beautiful Prose/Well Written, Philosophical, Emotionally Devastating, Artsy, Intense

"Everything about this picture book is perfectly curated and crafted. The shining gold of the title on the cover page. The illustrations of the girl dreaming of Dim Sum are adorable. It's such a delightful read and can teach children about foods that they may not be familiar with...which should then be followed with a trip to a Dim Sum Restaurant. Go and read it now!

Recommended for: Families, children's librarians, elementary teachers, people who enjoy looking at really adorably illustrated children's books!"

Recommended by: Laura, Saint Anthony Park

Features of this book:
Humor, Light-hearted, Culture

#picturebook

"I read this series (there are at least 3) together with my elementary school age daughter, and it was delightful for both of us.

Recommended for: Grade school kids and their parents, and anyone who ever imagined their toys had lives of their own.

Recommended by: Becky, Materials Management Center

Features of this book:
Adventure, Light-hearted, Cozy

#kids, #tween, #gradeschool

"These books are the perfect blend of my two favorite genres fantasy and horror with complex devious, dark, and twisted creatures. Robert C. Cargill has a masterful gift for haunting imagery and gore, and at the same time his horror has a beautiful beating heart, albeit a bloody one.

Recommended for: Fans of Neil Gaiman, Grimms Fairytales, H.P. Lovecraft, more generally adult fiction that doesn't have happy endings. Lovers of creatures, folklore, and the supernatural horror."

Recommended by: Coral, Admin

Features of this book:
Thrilling Plot Twists, Emotionally Devastating, Dark and Twisted, Engrossing & Immersive, Fantasy

"Main character is a English professor and department chair which my mom was. Humorous as well as heart touching.

Recommended for: Those who like novels set in a college and has enjoyed previous books by this author"

Recommended by: Maura, Merriam Park

Features of this book:
Humor, Rather Short, Homegrown Stories (from MN)

#localauthor

"This was an immersive, thought-provoking read with an intriguing setting and fascinating characters.

Recommended for: People who like historical fiction with complex characters, fans of the 'Wolf Hall' trilogy might enjoy this."

Recommended by: Becky, Materials Management Center

Features of this book:
Love & Romance, Eye-Opening Perspectives, Beautiful Prose/Well Written, Philosophical, Historical, Culture, Engrossing & Immersive

"Everything for Everyone is fiction, but as you are reading it you forget that pretty instantaneously. It is told as a series of interviews with members of the New York Commune who took part in the revolution of the 2050s, and you learn about their struggles, triumphs, and intricacies of their daily life. It really made me think about what's possible and what might happen in the world, and how impossibly human we will continue to be as we move through history.

Recommended for: Speculative fiction fans, activists, and people who are disillusioned!"

Recommended by: Genna, Merriam Park

Features of this book:
Science Fiction & Speculative Fiction, Intense

"This novel is tough and funny and will make you feel transported to 90s Northern Ireland. I had a hard time saying goodbye to the characters when it was over-- I want a sequel about the narrator's next adventures.

Recommended for: Readers looking for something engrossing that isn't pure fluff or pure tragedy."

Recommended by: Alice, Rondo

Features of this book:
Humor, History-adjacent, Stories from Around the World, Intense, Engrossing & Immersive, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized

"Not only is Viola Davis a fantastic writer/storyteller, she has a compelling (painful, beautiful) story to tell. And her voice narrating the audiobook makes it feel conversational and real. This is up there on my 'best ever' audiobook listens. I loved it.

Recommended for: Any teen or adult wanting to dive deep into another person's life experience."

Recommended by: Marika, Central

Features of this book:
Eye-Opening Perspectives, Beautiful Prose/Well Written, Family Affairs, Culture, Exploration of Identity, Intense, Engrossing & Immersive, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized, Read by the Author (for audiobooks)

#audiobook, #memoir

"Some of the most beautiful prose that packs an emotional wallop. Cried multiple times and finished in just one day!

Recommended for: someone who wants to read literary fiction and new voice but doesn't want to spend 3 weeks getting through a 400-pager."

Recommended by: Maureen, Central

Features of this book:
Rather Short, Beautiful Prose/Well Written, Philosophical, Emotionally Devastating, Family Affairs, Historical, Essays and Short Stories, Stories from Around the World, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized

"I loved listening to this book, and have now started recommending it to anyone who works with women athletes (or cares about them.) I resonated with the review that called it 'part memoir, part manifesto.' It was brilliant.

Recommended for: Anyone who runs, enjoys spectating the sport of running, or loves someone who runs -- especially female runners."

Recommended by: Marika, Central

Features of this book:
Eye-Opening Perspectives, Science-y, Sports!, Educational, Read by the Author (for audiobooks)

#audiobook, #memoir

"It was exactly the kind of story I needed when I was the character's ages (14-17).

Recommended for: Teens, adults, folks questioning their sexuality/gender identity"

Recommended by: Jaye, Merriam Park

Features of this book:
Love & Romance, Light-hearted, Exploration of Identity, Cozy, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized, Humor, Artsy

#teens, #graphicnovel

"Beautiful story, beautiful writing. This picture book like many others proves that picture books are for all ages.

Recommended for: Everyone."

Recommended by: Heather, Riverview

Features of this book:
Beautiful Prose/Well Written, Intergenerational & Multigenerational, Eye-Opening Perspectives

#picturebook

"It's not my favourite, but my most-recent horror read. I listened to it as an audiobook and found it thoroughly enjoyable.

Recommended for: People who like dramatic horror where the stakes are high, and the descriptions are lavish."

Recommended by: Rhica, Central

Features of this book:
Intense, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized, Engrossing & Immersive, Dark and Twisted, Audiobook , Fantasy , Mystery and Intrigue, Beautiful Prose/Well Written

#audiobook

"I couldn't put this book down. It kept me guessing and intrigued. It flashed back and forth from the narrator's present day (mid-forties) to her time at a boarding school when her one-time roommate was murdered. Wrongful convictions? Everyone's a suspect? Yes, please, more of that.

Recommended for: People that are into thriller-murder-mysteries but also touch on relevant social and cultural topics."

Recommended by: Laura, Saint Anthony Park

Features of this book:
Family Affairs, Mystery and Intrigue, Engrossing & Immersive

"I went in expecting a light fantasy read, but this book consumed me form the moment I picked it up. I loved the pacing, the characters and the theme of found family.

Recommended for: Adults"

Recommended by: Mai, Arlington Hills

Features of this book:
Fantasy, Mystery and Intrigue, Intense, Engrossing & Immersive, Emotionally Devastating

"This book did a great job of showing that there are times that the library should be loud. It is also just a fun read aloud story.

Recommended for: Kids with loud voices, kids who visit the library, people wanting to do storytime, and parents."

Recommended by: Aura, Rice Street

Features of this book:
Eye-Opening Perspectives, Humor, Rather Short, Educational, Light-hearted

#picturebook

"Hard to put down science fiction thriller, with the added bonus of having really interesting social commentary.

Recommended for: People interested in queer science fiction. Fans of 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy"

Recommended by: Marco, Central

Features of this book:
Thrilling Plot Twists, Emotionally Devastating , Science Fiction & Speculative Fiction, Culture, Intense

"A mix of all the types of books I enjoy. Even though it was a memoir/biography about growing up Mexican-American, I could relate to a lot of it and really empathized with the author. Great illustrations too.

Recommended for: Especially Gen Xers for the cultural references but really anyone 4th grade and up who enjoys graphic novels."

Recommended by: Savitri, Bookmobile

Features of this book:
Humor, Culture, Sadness-sweet, Intergenerational & Multigenerational, Adventure, Family Affairs, Exploration of Identity

#graphicnovel, #teens

"Yes, this is where the Mindhunter series came from. Diving into the politics of creating the serial crime unit is interesting. All the techniques and suspect profiles to catch serial killers were developed by this unit and largely led by one man: John Douglas. He answers questions people often ask: why did this killer do what they did? He can also often tell you why the killer killed in a certain way. It's fascinating to think that this man is still alive. These techniques were developed recently with the aim of catching a killer before they kill again.

Recommended for: Any true crime nerd who likes a good psychological deep dive. There is a series of books for the truly dedicated."

Recommended by: Cindy, Central

Features of this book:
Philosophical, Dark and Twisted, Educational, Exploration of Identity

"Well written non-fiction that uses family stories and historical documents in a one-block radius to tell the story about Chinese exclusion -- in the US but also in her family.

Recommended for: Folks who love place-based stories and history."

Recommended by: Maureen, Admin

Features of this book:
Historical, History-adjacent, Educational, Family Affairs, Culture, Exploration of Identity

"I love books that explore the big picture because it gives perspective and leads one to reflection and dreaming and for me comfort. I love mystery.

Recommended for: Everyone"

Recommended by: Heather, Riverview

Features of this book:
Artsy, Philosophical, Stories from Around the World

#picturebook

"These books are the perfect blend of my two favorite genres fantasy and horror with complex devious, dark, and twisted creatures. Robert C. Cargill has a masterful gift for haunting imagery and gore, and at the same time his horror has a beautiful beating heart, albeit a bloody one.

Recommended for: Fans of Neil Gaiman, Grimms Fairytales, H.P. Lovecraft, more generally adult fiction that doesn't have happy endings. Lovers of creatures, folklore, and the supernatural horror."

Recommended by: Coral, Admin

Features of this book:
Thrilling Plot Twists, Emotionally Devastating, Dark and Twisted, Engrossing & Immersive, Fantasy

"1. the cover, 2. it defies a genre -- science fiction, identity, generational trauma, spooky mystery, coming-of-age, queer love story.

Recommend for: Anyone who's looking for something unique and different. Would also offer a content warning re: historical/generational trauma, especially for SE Asian readers"

Recommended by: Maureen, Admin

Features of this book:
Love & Romance, Thrilling Plot Twists, Emotionally Devastating , Family Affairs, Artsy, Science Fiction & Speculative Fiction, History-adjacent, Exploration of Identity, Engrossing & Immersive, Mystery and Intrigue

"Gorgeous illustrations and a fun library story. Klassen tweeted: "last year in a library in Alaska I read a folk tale in a random book on a random shelf & have been thinking about it since & today i wrote the librarian w/ no book title or author & in 2 hrs i had a scan of the story & cover in my inbox - librarians should be running everything." -Jan 9, 2019!

Recommended for: kiddos & the young at heart"

Recommended by: Alicia, Merriam Park

Features of this book:
Humor, Rather Short, Artsy, Mystery and Intrigue

#picturebook

"This was a gorgeous book that packed a lot of emotional punch in a slight package. It's a quick read that nonetheless left me pondering the characters for days afterwards.

Recommended for: Someone looking for a short but impactful read, featuring a deceptively cozy setting (Ireland around Christmastime) inhabited by complicated interpersonal dynamics."

Recommended by: Becky, Materials Management Center

Features of this book:
Eye-Opening Perspectives, Emotionally Devastating , Historical, Exploration of Identity, Stories from Around the World, Cozy, Engrossing & Immersive, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized

"Really well drawn and powerful sequel to 'Hey Kiddo'. I read this as soon as it came out and the story has stuck with me.

Recommended for: Memoir, biography, graphic novel lovers. Teen and older. The content can get pretty dark but it has lighter moments."

Recommended by: Savitri, Bookmobile

Features of this book:
Humor, Eye-Opening Perspectives, Family Affairs, Culture, Exploration of Identity, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized

#graphicnovel, #memoir, #teen

"I love Maria Bamford's ability to take on a serious topic (her mental health) and still make me laugh-out-loud. I was a fan of her comedy before reading her memoir, but now I appreciate her even more.

Recommended for: Comedy fans, and anyone who has dealt with or knows someone who has dealt with mental health issues (which I would guess would be everyone)."

Recommended by: Betsy, Sun Ray
(also recommended by Laura, Saint Anthony Park and Jonathan, Materials Management Center)

Features of this book:
Humor, Eye-Opening Perspectives, Exploration of Identity, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized, Read by the Author (for audiobooks), Mental Illness, Addiction, Pugs

#memoir

"Believe it or not, I had never read this book before! I saw Aaron Sorkin's stage production of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and thought it was brilliant. Dove into the book to see where the storytelling diverged. It's really a chilling and frustrating snapshot of America at the time. It is sadder recognizing things have not changed much. The hoods have been put away but hatred still runs deep. The way Scout gently makes a grown man back away from the planned lynching was artful. It also makes one appreciate a good southern accent with all seriousness.

Recommended for: Adults who are ready for some sadness and emotional reckoning centered around racial justice."

Recommended by: Cindy, Central

Features of this book:
Emotionally Devastating , Family Affairs, History-adjacent, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized, Eye-Opening Perspectives

"I loved absolutely everything about this book. 'An electrifying narrative set at a present-day boarding school for Deaf high school students, where they find love and friendship and battle a series of injustices. . . . Nović offers an unforgettable homage to resilience. This is brilliant.' - Publishers Weekly

Recommended for: Anyone. Everyone!"

Recommended by: Heather, Hayden Heights

Features of this book:
Humor, Love & Romance, Adventure, Eye-Opening Perspectives, Thrilling Plot Twists, Beautiful Prose/Well Written, Philosophical, Family Affairs, Educational, Culture, Exploration of Identity, Engrossing & Immersive, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized, Multiple Narrators, Emotionally Devastating, History-adjacent, Mystery and Intrigue, Intense

"I love books that experiment with style and this book took me in a new direction.

Recommended for: Anyone interested in experimental fiction and who doesn't want to know what happens."

Recommended by: Isaac, Riverview

Features of this book:
Love & Romance, Thrilling Plot Twists, Beautiful Prose/Well Written, Emotionally Devastating, Family Affairs, Science Fiction & Speculative Fiction, Historical, Mystery and Intrigue

"I am both queer and autistic and this book was brilliant at explaining the autistic experience both from a queer and bipoc perspectives. It talks about intersectionality and the experiences of autistic people.

Recommended for: People who are autistic, people who love autistic people, and people who want to learn more and engage with people of neurodiversity with more understanding."

Recommended by: Francesca, Highland Park

Features of this book:
Eye-Opening Perspectives, Educational, Culture, Exploration of Identity, Read by the Author (for audiobooks)

#audiobook

"I couldnt put this book down once I started it. I love Science Fiction and Horror and this book has plenty of both!

Recommended for: Fans of Horror and Sci-FI"

Recommended by: Max, Highland Park

Features of this book:
Geeky & Nerdy, Science-y, Philosophical, Dark and Twisted

"I wanted to learn about Irish history and this book informed me about more events than I thought possible.

Recommended for: Anyone interested in Ireland or history, and especially Irish history."

Recommended by: Isaac, Riverview

Features of this book:
Eye-Opening Perspectives, Rather Long, Beautiful Prose/Well Written, Emotionally Devastating , History-adjacent, Culture, Exploration of Identity, Stories from Around the World, Intense

#nonfiction

"This was one of the most creative and original books I've read recently. It's got intrigue, race, identity, writing and the world of publishing and moves so quickly! It is sharp and biting, heartbreaking and funny, too.

Recommended for: writers and wanna-be writers and literary people, anybody who likes unreliable narrators."

Recommended by: Maureen, Admin

Features of this book:
Thrilling Plot Twists, Philosophical, Educational, History-adjacent, Culture, Exploration of Identity, Dark and Twisted, Intense, Engrossing & Immersive, Humor, Unreliable Narrator

"It took me by surprise with a fun, interesting concept executed well and engaging characters, all of which helped me through a difficult part of my year.

Recommended for: Anyone who's looking for fantasy with romantic elements and interesting magic."

Recommended by: Idris, Highland Park

Features of this book:
Love & Romance, Adventure, Thrilling Plot Twists, Artsy, Science Fiction & Speculative Fiction, Emotionally Devastating, Fantasy, Exploration of Identity, Engrossing & Immersive, Multiple Narrators, Distinctly Voiced & Well-Characterized, Humor

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