Hardback

Meet the book that inspired our store! Author Meik Wiking runs the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark (home to the world's happiest people) and wrote this little gem summing up observations from his research about happiness. A joyful, beautiful little book--highly recommended! Recommended by: Brie

Hardback

A hilarious memoir--or rather, requiem--to a Minnesota professor's experiences working as a waiter at Surly Brewing in Minneapolis. Highly recommend! Recommended by: Brie

CD-Audio

This novel is an exploration of nature vs. nurture. Josie did not have a great childhood, but was she born deceptive. Or, did her environment force her to become that way in order to survive? An absolutely WILD ride, and I honestly loved every minute of it. Recommended by: Ginny

Paperback

Sweep is the story of Nan, a girl who climbs and cleans chimneys, and Charlie, the creature that a loved one sent to protect and teach her. This story is about love and kindness, loyalty and justice, good and evil. It's a coming-of-age story with a touch of magical realism. It's about loving and learning from those who are different from you. I fell in love with Nan and Charlie, and they will stay in my heart for a long time. Recommended by: Ginny

Paperback

This short epistolary novel is like a warm hug on a dreary day. It is a beautiful homage to books, friendship, and the art of letter writing. Recommended by: Ginny

Paperback

A heart-warming journey of two unlikely friends traveling across the world to find themselves. Recommended by: Brie

Paperback

Kuang explores a ton of themes in this novel - found family, colonialism, race, identity (both collectivist and individual), greed, capitalism, privilege, power, and probably at least five others that I forgot to mention. No matter what, this book makes me think a lot about myself and about the world. Everyone should read this book. Recommended by: Ginny

Paperback

The story of one particular crime and its lasting impact on a group of people,--and it's also about race, gender, the legal system, class, friendship, and loyalty. The writing is absolutely superb, especially when Makkai's protagonist, Bodie Kane, breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader. Of course, she's not really addressing the reader -- she's addressing a suspect. It's wildly creative, and I loved it. Recommended by: Ginny

Paperback

Set in a small Minnesota town in 1977, this novel is based on the unsolved case of two missing and murdered young girls. Written by Minnesota author, Jess Lourey - a well-crafted book with outstanding narration. Recommended by: Ginny

Hardback

A debut novel by the author, female physician, Dr. Mukerji. Set in the post-Industrial Revolution, the protagonist, Dr. Lydia Weston, is a female physician in 1875 and a woman ahead of her time. She assists in a murder investigation when one of her patients goes missing and is presumed to be the victim. Plot twists, character development, and a strong sense of setting make this a great read. Recommended by: Ginny

Paperback

A Prohibition-era mystery involving a female private investigator deeply embedded in a sting operation on Enchanted Hill. Plenty of plot twists and puzzles abound for an enjoyable read. Recommended by: Brie

Hardback

A young adult story about strong, fierce young women who stand up and fight for what they believe in and what they know to be right and true. Through the eyes of Perry Firekeeper-Birch, I learned so much about The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - what it is, what it isn't, where it falls short, and how people have avoided it and taken advantage of its loopholes. This novel was a wonderful mixture of a suspenseful plot with outstanding characters that evolved over the course of the story. It is captivating and moving, and I never wanted to put it down. Recommended by: Ginny