Tag fiction

A colorful illustrated cover shows many children framed by sprays of flowers, with the title above them.

Reading List for Trans Visibility

ashbakerhcls
A colorful illustrated cover shows many children framed by sprays of flowers, with the title above them.

By Ash B.

Since 2009, March 31 has been recognized internationally as Transgender Day of Visibility. Created by trans community member Rachel Crandall-Crocker, the day is meant to spark hope and spread awareness of trans lives, especially through trans joy. 

General awareness of trans-ness has increased in the past 15 years; however, visibility does not always mean progress. Over the past three years, Americans (across all political parties) have grown less supportive of policies that support trans people (ex. protection against job and housing discrimination) and more supportive of policies that cause harm and restrict trans rights, particularly relating to athletics, restrooms, and healthcare (Pew Research).

The majority of Americans, particularly those aged 50+, report they do not personally know a transgender person. Perhaps that’s why the trans community has become such an easy target for disinformation and scapegoating. If a sizeable majority of the population personally knew trans and nonbinary people – truly knew us, as peers and coworkers and friends, as humans trying to live our lives as best we can – then perhaps we would be guaranteed more safety and bodily autonomy.

In the spirit of trans joy, all are invited to celebrate the trans community at the following events: 

This Friday (Mar 28), join HCLS for a free Trans Day of Visibility celebration hosted by the Howard County LGBTQIA+ Commission, in partnership with the Office of Human Rights and Equity. The event takes place at the Elkridge 50+ Center from 4 – 7:30 pm with read-alouds, arts and crafts, games, and a dance party. More info here. 

On Monday, March 31, 10 am – 12 pm & 3 – 5 pm, join us at Central Branch to make buttons, zines, collages, and vision boards. From 4 – 5 pm, a representative from Community Allies of Rainbow Youth (CARY) shares resources and answers questions.

Below is a robust roundup of titles from our collection, most of them authored by trans people. Regardless of your gender identity and personal background, there’s something here for everyone; I hope you check one out and learn something new! 

Trans 101 Information

Anthologies to Better Understand Transgender Experiences

Trans History

If You’re a Parent (whether or not you currently have a trans child) 

Inclusive Picture Books

Middle Grade Fiction

Young adult novels & graphic novels

Adult Fiction

Need more book recommendations? Feel free to contact us, and if we don’t own a title you’re looking for, you can Suggest an Addition to the Collection.

For more resources and organizations to connect with, here are the resource lists from Community Allies of Rainbow Youth and PFLAG Howard County.

Ash is an Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Central Branch with a passion for information literacy and community engagement. They love music, gardening, hiking, and cuddling with their golden retriever.

A series of four long ovals stretch horizontally show Asian motifs in first, second, and fourth shapes. The third shows skyscrapers against a bright blue sky.

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

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A series of four long ovals stretch horizontally show Asian motifs in first, second, and fourth shapes. The third shows skyscrapers against a bright blue sky.

by Eliana H.

Nature versus nurture is a discussion that has been happening throughout most, if not all, of our scientific history. What are the components that form us as people – who we are and who we become? In Real Americans, author Rachel Khong explores this age-old argument in a new way, spanning across three generations of a single family. 

After a scene-setting prologue that is explained in more depth toward the end of the book, readers meet Lily Chen, who is barely eking out a life in New York City as the world braces for a new millennium and the potential hazards of Y2K. She grew up in Florida, raised by scientists who fled China during the Cultural Revolution. At a holiday party hosted by the media company where she is an unpaid intern, Lily unexpectedly meets Matthew, her boss’ nephew. Despite their many differences and Lily’s hesitations over these differences, Lily and Matthew fall in love. Only as they are poised to get married does Lily learn just how wide the gulf is between her own upbringing and Matthew’s. He is not only wealthy; Matthew is the heir to a pharmaceutical family fortune and has been using a different last name to distance himself from them. After a number of miscarriages, Lily and Matthew are able to use IVF to conceive, but shortly after their son is born, Lily discovers a secret connection between her mother and Matthew’s father. She refuses to remain connected with either of their parents and forces Matthew to choose between them. 

The book then jumps to 2021, shifting to the perspective of Nick, the child Lily has moved across the country and raised on her own, now 15 years old. After growing up believing that his father wants nothing to do with him, a turn of events leads to Nick suddenly being able to connect with the father he’s never known. As he deals with growing up, coming of age, and choosing a college, Nick finds himself lying to his mother with barely a thought while struggling to find his place and identity. Events come to a head with Nick confronting both of his parents, and eventually choosing to disconnect from each of them in turn. 

The final section of Real Americans moves further forward to 2030, where readers find Mei, Lily’s mother, following her grandson around San Francisco. Nick is working for a biotechnology startup, and Mei is reflecting on her own life and the choices that have brought her to this point. After an encounter in a drug store, Nick begins spending time with his grandmother. Mei shares her story with Nick, asking him to pass along her words to Lily in hopes of reconnecting. Mei’s tale brings the family’s story full circle, and lingering questions are answered. 

Throughout each generation, members of the Chen family find themselves grappling with what level of choice and control we should have over genetic characteristics in ourselves and future generations. What would it look like to be able to screen out “undesirable” traits? What would the repercussions be? What are our responsibilities? An element of seeming magic, particularly relating to time, also threads through the book. Although portions of the story are somewhat predictable, Real Americans offers a sweeping family epic that invites readers to consider ethical questions which may become pressing sooner rather than later. If you are able to suspend some disbelief, you will find yourself carried along through the ebbs and flows of a multifaceted family as you ponder the origins of fortune for each of us. 

Real Americans by Rachel Khong is available in print, large print, e-book, and e-audiobook.

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).

The book cover shows a city skyline reflected in water in the moonlight, with several small boats approaching, one with a passenger facing the shore.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Kristen B. Leave a comment
The book cover shows a city skyline reflected in water in the moonlight, with several small boats approaching, one with a passenger facing the shore.

by Kristen B.

Sometimes, a quirky book comes into your life at just the right time. Water Moon was that book for me recently, during a high-stress time. It’s a delightful, cozy sort of fantasy set in a Japanese-inspired mythology, and it feels like an anime show that could air on a Saturday morning.

As the story opens, Ishikawa Hana is ready to take the reins of her family’s pawnshop when her father retires. It’s an unusual shop; only people who need it can find it, sitting tucked next to a popular ramen restaurant. The shop allows people to bargain away their greatest regrets. Kei is a nuclear physicist who is in Japan to work on the Super-K conductor looking for neutrinos. He’s in Tokyo for ramen – and hoping for a little wish fulfillment. Kei stumbles into the pawnshop and finds Hana standing amid ransacked wreckage.

Hana’s father has disappeared, on the run from mysterious figures who collect the regrets that are bargained away every month. The Shiikuin have no mercy for those who stray outside their roles. Hana’s father, Ishikawa Toshio, seems to have stolen one of the regrets, which take the shape of brightly-colored birds, and fled. When Kei wanders in looking for ramen, he immediately offers Hana all the help he can.

Hana then introduces Kei to the world on the other side of the puddle, where magic has its own rules that run counter to everything Kei thinks he knows. The two adventure through dreamlike sequences in a rather episodic manner, which made me think it would be a great animated show. They visit Hana’s grandmother’s tea house, explore the floating Night Market, and experience falling through a paper door and being folded like origami, among other memorable vignettes. All the while, Hana and Kei try to stay one step ahead of the cruel monsters on their trail.

While they are running and solving puzzles, Hana constantly tells Kei that things are not what they seem. The two have an instant connection and spend the course of the story falling in love while being sure they can’t be together. Hana is engaged to a childhood friend, and Kei is from our world, not hers. But, the story wonders, what is the price of happiness? What duty do we owe to how things are “supposed to be?” How do you set aside expectations so you can truly live your most authentic life?

All these weighty questions are wrapped up in spare, lovely prose and a fast-moving plot. You keep reading to find out how they escape the next pickle, always looking for Hana’s missing parents – and the answer to how you get to be with the one you love. Things might not be as they seem, but the resolution is wonderfully, romantically satisfying.

Water Moon is available from HCLS in print and as an e-book and e-audiobook on Libby.

Kristen B. is a devoted bookworm lucky enough to work as the graphic designer for HCLS. She likes to read, stitch, dance, and watch baseball (but not all at the same time).

A collection of flowers wrapped in florist paper hide the person holding them, so you really only see the hands and blue clothing. All done in pastel illustration.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer 

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A collection of flowers wrapped in florist paper hide the person holding them, so you really only see the hands and blue clothing. All done in pastel illustration.

by Piyali C.

Clover Brooks’ first encounter with death was when she was just five years old. Clover’s kindergarten teacher died suddenly in front of a roomful of kindergartners. The other children screamed and cried; little Clover gently touched the hand of the deceased teacher. At age 6, Clover lost both her parents in an accident overseas and was raised by her erudite grandfather in Manhattan, NY. Her quiet grandfather’s expression of love did not involve hugs or display of emotions, his love for Clover was of a deeper kind. He encouraged her to think, be curious, and love books. An introvert by nature, Clover embraced her grandfather’s love of solitude. She is perfectly content (or so she thinks) to spend her days reading in her apartment with her bulldog, George, and two cats, Lionel and Lola.

We meet Clover Brooks thirteen years after her grandfather’s death. She lives in the same apartment where she grew up, surrounded by her grandfather’s possessions that she does not want to get rid of, and almost friendless except for one 87-year-old neighbor, Leo, who was also her grandfather’s friend. After her grandfather died alone in his office while Clover was traveling the world, she chooses the profession of a death doula. Clover, who has a degree in thanatology (the scientific study of death and the practices associated with it), can bring solace to a tired and scared soul as they get ready to move on to eternal rest.

However, she cannot quite figure out how to connect with the living. 36-year-old Clover’s social life, when she is not sitting by the bedside of a patient, is limited to attending death cafes all around New York. Death fascinates her but not in a morbid way, as she sees death as a transition. This transition is often scary. Clover tries to ease it by being present, listening, and talking to the patient and their family. She is comfortable with the process of death. It is life that she cannot understand. How does one live their life meaningfully, without regret? At one such cafe, Clover comes across Sebastian who needs her help to prepare his grandmother Claudia for her imminent death. While Clover helps Claudia, an esteemed photojournalist, prepare for her transition, Claudia, along with a new neighbor, Sylvie, teach Clover how to live, connect with fellow humans, and even open her heart to love. 
 
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer is about finding the courage to live one’s best life, which is only possible if one can let go of past regrets. This story is about showing grace not only to others but also to one’s own self. Clover’s loneliness, her yearning to understand other fellow human beings, her tentative attempts at friendship, her regrets, her compassion for the dying, and ultimately, her growth and her freedom from her past endeared her to me. I cannot say I loved Clover at the start of the novel but she grew on me. She came out of the pages of the book and became real. I believe Clover’s story would generate an interesting discussion in book clubs.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer is available in print, e-book, and e-audiobook.

Piyali is an instructor and research specialist at HCLS Miller Branch, where she facilitates two book discussion groups: Light But Not Fluffy and Global Reads. She keeps the hope alive that someday she will reach the bottom of her to-read list.

The image depicts the main characters of the book, John and Emily, against the backdrop of a Wordle puzzle spelling out the title. Emily holds her cell phone her hand and has the other hand in John's hair; he is embracing her.

A Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James

Alex Higgins Leave a comment
The image depicts the main characters of the book, John and Emily, against the backdrop of a Wordle puzzle spelling out the title. Emily holds her cell phone her hand and has the other hand in John's hair; he is embracing her.

by Alex H.

Calling all Wordle lovers! A Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James is perfect for anyone who enjoys New York Times word games, quaint small towns, and romances that are light and fluffy but still have a touch of angst to keep things exciting. 

Emily, a young woman living on Prince Edward Island, desperately wants to find her dream job. She’s not quite sure what that is yet, but certainly it must be something creative and exciting in a big city, not…well, not working as a receptionist at a mechanic’s shop in small-town Canada. While she tries to figure that out, she’s working on achieving a 365-day streak on Wordle. One disastrous night puts her streak in peril, but she saves it with help from the most unlikely source—her coworker, John, whom she’d previously written off as irritating and aloof. Of course, we the readers know that his quiet and unassuming demeanor is just an act, and Emily soon finds that he’s not so bad after all. Maybe he’s even…attractive? And fun to be around?!

While Emily tries to find her place in the world and maintain her Wordle streak, her romance with John heats up and makes her wonder if the dream life she’s been searching for has been in front of her this whole time. I enjoyed this book not because it reinvents the wheel, but because it delivers what it promises—a quick and easy romance with plenty of quirky characters and Wordle shenanigans. Sometimes you want a book that’ll keep you entertained for a few hours without using too much brain power, and this book perfectly filled that need for me.  

That’s not to say that this book is just a bunch of fluff, however. Amy James did a great job depicting Emily’s tumultuous emotional journey as she redefines what her “dream” life looks like. Sometimes Emily made decisions that made me want to tear my hair out, but her anxiety about figuring out what happiness looks like to her was deeply relatable. Who among us hasn’t worried about whether we’ve chosen the right path in life? 

Come for the promise of fun, ironic Wordle games, and stay for the surprisingly heartfelt exploration of a young woman trying to figure out her place in the world. Plus, who knows? You might learn a new Wordle strategy or two—I certainly did! 

A Five Letter Word for Love is available from HCLS in print and as an e-book.

Alex is a part-time Customer Service Specialist and Passport Agent at the Glenwood Branch. When she’s not at the library, she likes to crochet cute animals, read all the horror and romance books she can get her hands on, and write stories about things that go bump in the night. 

A left hand appears floating in a lava lamp, with bright blue bubbles. All set against a black background, with lettering in golden yellow.

Grady Hendrix Books: Horror and Humor

Angie Engles Leave a comment
A left hand appears floating in a lava lamp, with bright blue bubbles. All set against a black background, with lettering in golden yellow.

by Angie E.

The newest Grady Hendrix book, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, is out but a lot of people have already reserved it. While waiting on the holds list, you may want to re-familiarize yourself with his previous works or start fresh, you can always start with We Sold Our Souls or My Best Friend’s Exorcism.

Grady Hendrix is renowned for his ability to mix spine-chilling scares with biting wit and heartfelt humanity. Born in South Carolina and based in New York City, Hendrix has carved a place in the literary world by revitalizing classic horror tropes with a fresh, often darkly comedic twist. His novels, such as Horrorstör (a haunted IKEA-esque nightmare) and The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires (suburban-mom vs. ancient-evil), have earned him a cult following for their nostalgic charm, social commentary, and genre-bending creativity.   

If Black Sabbath and Stephen King ever had a love child, it would be We Sold Our Souls, flowing with distortion, saturated in dread, and rocking a leather jacket. Hendrix’s novel is a wild, riff-loaded joyride through the dark side of fame, where the price of stardom isn’t just your soul… it’s way messier. Kris Pulask, once a guitarist for the 1990s metal band Dürt Würk, is a down-and-out hotel night manager. When her ex-bandmate emerges as a superstar solo act, Kris uncovers a menacing plot involving Faustian deals, creepy contracts, and a conspiracy that makes Spinal Tap’s exploding drummers look tame.

Hendrix cranks the amp to 11, mixing gnarly horror with a love letter to metal’s rebellious spirit. Kris is a hero you’ll root for (think Alien’s Ripley with a Gibson SG) in a quest that is equal parts hair-raising and headbanging. Don’t let the gore and guitar solos fool you, though; beneath the blood-splattered surface lies a sharp critique of sellout culture. Hendrix nails how the music industry (and capitalism in general) chews up artists and spits out hollowed-out souls. It’s smart, savage, and uncannily uplifting, like a mosh pit that leaves you bruised but grinning. 

And if you’re left wanting more and Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is still on hold, there is also My Best Friend’s Exorcist. The Exorcist meets Clueless in Hendrix’s loving ode to the 80s, with a John Hughes-level devotion to teen angst. Hendrix nails the era’s aesthetic like a crimped hair goddess: think demonic possession via Jell-O Pudding Pops, exorcisms with soundtracks by Whitesnake, and a villainous priest who probably shops at Spencer’s Gifts. The horror is gruesome, but the heart is pure ’80s cheese. 

Hendrix’s work frequently explores themes of community, resilience, and the everyday fears of modern life, all while delivering page turning plots and memorably offbeat characters. A long-time horror enthusiast, he also wrote the nonfiction bestseller Paperbacks from Hell, a fond deep dive into the wild world of 1970s and ’80s horror paperbacks. In 2023, he snagged the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel for How to Sell a Haunted House, proving his gift for turning even the most absurd ideas into emotionally resonant tales. You can’t go wrong, really, with any of his books.

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.

The book cover, a black and white photograph, shows a woman reaching with both hands behind her bare back to fasten, or possibly unfasten, her brassiere.

In One Person by John Irving

Angie Engles Leave a comment
The book cover, a black and white photograph, shows a woman reaching with both hands behind her bare back to fasten, or possibly unfasten, her brassiere.

by Angie E.

John Irving’s In One Person is a moving and powerful exploration of identity, sexuality, and the quest for acceptance. At its heart is Billy Abbott, a bisexual man reflecting on his life. The novel chronicles Billy’s life from age 13 in the 1950s to his late 60s in 2010. Rather than following a strict chronological order, Irving skillfully weaves the narrative, shifting between pivotal moments in Billy’s journey to create a more authentic, lifelike portrayal. 

From Miss Frost, the enigmatic librarian who plays a pivotal role in Billy’s awakening, to Richard Abbott, his stepfather and a source of guidance and support, each character is richly drawn and adds depth to the narrative. Irving’s portrayal of these relationships is nuanced, highlighting the importance of connection and the impact of those who accept and understand us. 

Irving does not shy away from addressing the prejudices and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Through Billy’s eyes, readers witness the AIDS crisis, shifting attitudes towards sexuality, and the enduring struggles for acceptance. In One Person’s exploration of these themes is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, offering a candid look at the progress made and the work that remains. 

Fans of John Irving will recognize his signature style: the blend of humor and tragedy, the richly detailed settings, and the intricate plotting. Irving’s ability to create a world that feels both specific and universal is on full display, making Billy’s journey relatable to readers from all walks of life. 

When I first read In One Person I was incredibly drawn to how Billy goes to the library (thus meeting Miss Frost) seeking novels about “crushes on the wrong people.”  She starts him out with Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but expresses less confidence in giving him Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones, something I both love and laugh at at every time. Anyone who has ever had a crush on the “wrong person” will probably crush, even if just for a bit, on this too.

In One Person by John Irving is available from HCLS in regular print and large print.

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.

A half and half cover of two apartment windows shows a man all in black upside down and a young woman in a shirt and green pants in sunshine on the other.

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

Angie Engles Leave a comment
A half and half cover of two apartment windows shows a man all in black upside down and a young woman in a shirt and green pants in sunshine

by Angie E.

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine is a fang-tastic blend of humor, romance, and supernatural charm that leaves you thirsting for more. From the very first page, this novel sinks its teeth into you with witty banter and irresistible characters. Our protagonist, Cassie Greenberg, is an artist struggling to make ends meet in Chicago. Just when her situation seems dire, she stumbles upon an unbelievable Craigslist ad for a rent-free apartment. The catch? Her new roommate is Frederick J. Fitzwilliam, a suave and sophisticated vampire who’s been asleep for a century. 

Levine does a magnificent job weaving modern-day struggles with age-old vampire lore. The chemistry between Cassie and Frederick is electric, with their playful interactions and evolving relationship keeping readers hooked. Cassie’s vibrant personality and Frederick’s old-world charm make for a delightful contrast, and their journey from strangers to something much more is heartwarming and full of surprises. The novel’s humor shines through in every chapter. Whether it’s Cassie teaching Frederick the wonders of modern technology or Frederick’s awkward attempts to fit into the 21st century, the laughs come naturally and frequently. The supporting characters add depth and color to the story, each bringing their own quirks and perspectives. 

My Roommate is a Vampire isn’t just a lighthearted romp; it also explores deeper themes of acceptance, adaptation, and finding one’s place in an ever-changing world. Levine’s writing is sharp, clever, and full of heart, making it easy to get lost in Cassie and Frederick’s world. Perfect for fans of paranormal romance and anyone looking for a feel-good story with plenty of humor, this tale makes you believe in love that transcends time. 

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine in print and as an e-audiobook. And you can continue the fun with My Vampire Plus-One.

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.

A stack of the books referred to in the blog post, with a blue and white coffee mug on top that says "Read Jewish Books."

Another Year Full of Reviews & News!

Admin Leave a comment

We launched Chapter Chats in 2020 as a way to stay in touch with our community during the Covid pandemic. We’re still here and doing better than ever! 2024 was Chapter Chats’ best year yet – our 147 posts garnered more than 34,400 views from 24,400 visitors. Thank you for making us part of your online reading!

The Marvel franchise is still apparently a force to be reckoned with, as a look at an older TV series was far and away the top post for the year (with more than 1,200 views): Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

The next Top Ten entries included:

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The book cover depicts a woman in a red coat from an overhead view, walking down a frozen path with icy trees on either side of the path.
A stack of the books referred to in the blog post, with a blue and white coffee mug on top that says "Read Jewish Books."

The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan: This debut novel is set in Bintang, Kuala Lumpur during the British rule and Japanese occupation of Malaysia.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon: In 1789 Maine, an unexplained death pushes the sleepy town of Hallowell into an intricate legal battle, full of conspiracy, power plays, and intrigue.

The Shadow Children Series: The Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix has an entirely new feeling and meaning now that we have experienced something similar.

Community Building with Mah Jongg: The community is the heart of the library, and in February we marked the second anniversary of one such community building activity: Mah Jongg Meet Up.

Global Neighbors series: Lunar New Year: We learned about Korea in May, about India in October, and we glimpsed the rich cultural heritage of China with Lunar New Year.

Jewish Joy: Windows & Mirrors during Jewish American Heritage Month: A look at ordinary people who happen to be Jewish, living their lives, finding humor and, most importantly, their happily-ever-afters.

Get “Schooled” on the Board of Education: Even if you do not have school-aged children, the well-being and success of students and staff should be the concern of the entire community.

Inspiring Laughter: A review of Leslie Jones’ memoir that takes you along for a wildly candid, gritty, and funny ride.

Donate Your Gently Used Books and Support a Good Cause: A quick overview about donating your books to the Library.

Studying to Succeed: Do you ever wonder where all those navigation tabs at hclibrary.org go? One of the answers is homework help!

Here are a few equally excellent posts that maybe you missed:

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A group of odd but friendly creatures perch on a rock in an alien swamp.
Several figures in Star Trek uniforms are groups in a light stream, with space ships and planets in the background.

A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark: It’s an alternative history, magical, buddy cop, police procedural romp of a story, complete with a little romance.

The Perfect Stories of Claire Keegan: “Long short stories,” as Keegan refers to them, are the ideal length for busy times and for reading again and again. Every word is perfect.

Cozy Graphic Novels About Being Friends: If your children love reading about friendship, mystery, and character growth, take a chance with the middle grade graphic novel, Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures and Treasure in the Lake.

Cerritos Strong!: This show is truly a love letter to the Star Trek franchise. It is filled with humor, adventure, heart, and more than a starbase full of legacy references.

And still, the most viewed post since Chapter Chats began: How to Bypass the News Paywall with Your Library Card.

Consider joining the more than 300 folks who subscribe, so you never miss a Chapter Chats post.

Happy New Year!

A bright modern illustrated cover shows a woman in a purple long sleeved swim suit walking with a long surfboard, and a guy in shirt and shorts looking her way. The background is sky blue with the suggestions of waves in lighter blue wavy lines.

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding 

madammommy Leave a comment
A bright modern illustrated cover shows a woman in a purple long sleeved swim suit walking with a long surfboard, and a guy in shirt and shorts looking her way. The background is sky blue with the suggestions of waves in lighter blue wavy lines.

Are you an ardent admirer of the fiery Elizabeth Bennet and broody Fitzwilliam Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice? Are you exhausted with all the holiday chores and need some delicious brain candy? I have just the book for you! Pick up (or put a hold on) Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding.  

Twenty-five-year-old Lizzy Bennet, smart, spunky, and courageous, aspires to become a foreign correspondent for a renowned newspaper. Her dream seems almost within reach when she gets accepted into the School of Journalism at Columbia University. However, Mr. Bennet suffers from a heart attack before Lizzy can tell her family about her college acceptance. Lizzy must put her dreams on hold and defer her semester at Columbia so she can manage their family business, Bennet Bakery, in East Hampton.

Her older sister, Jane, is a teacher at an elementary school. Lydia is a social media influencer, Kitty is an aspiring business professional, and Mary is a climate activist. Mrs. Bennet is a self-proclaimed entrepreneur with hundreds of impractical business initiatives, leaving Lizzy as the glue who holds her chaotic family together. Her work starts at dawn as she fires up the oven, but only after Lizzy surfs every morning to cope with the chaos and frustration of her present circumstances. Lizzy loves her quirky family too much to leave them in a lurch, but she has outgrown the parochial East Hampton where rich Manhattanites descend every summer, party till dawn, and then leave in August.

Will Darcy is a business magnate who accompanies his dearest friend Charlie Pierce to his sister’s summer rental at East Hampton. Will’s goal is to prevent gold diggers taking advantage of the affable Charlie and to keep him focused on his work. Darcy and Lizzie’s paths cross when Charlie, accompanied by Will, walks into Bennet Bakery. He tastes their mouthwatering sour cherry muffins, lays his eyes on Jane, and falls in love. Will Darcy is ready to protect Charlie from the likes of Jane Bennet, who (according to him) is after Charlie’s money. It is infuriating to Will that Charlie, instead of wising up, tries to set him up with Jane’s fiery sister, Lizzy. He considers Lizzy to be a complete mess but inevitably falls for her charms.

And the rest is history. The chemistry between Lizzie and Will is absolutely electrifying as they surf together, glare at each other, fight their feelings for each other, misunderstand each other’s intentions, and finally overcome their pride and prejudice to find their way towards each other. 

As a lover of Austen, and especially Pride and Prejudice, I am always wary of reading retellings because I judge them hard. This modern retelling, with its interesting take on the well-known and much-loved plot and characters of my beloved original, won my heart. I have been suggesting this book to all my fellow Austen lovers whether they ask for my suggestion or not! 

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding is available in print format. 

Piyali is an instructor and research specialist at HCLS Miller Branch, where she facilitates two book discussion groups: Light But Not Fluffy and Global Reads. She keeps the hope alive that someday she will reach the bottom of her to-read list.