I read mostly fiction and mystery from all around the world with a lot of non-fiction history and social issues thrown in. Anything that someone tells me is good. I am a sucker for peer book pressure.
Shane's Picks by Category: Mystery, Romance & Sci-Fi, Fiction & World Fiction, Non-Fiction, Kids & YA, For Eclectic Taste
All of Shane's picks here (in one giant list).
Watch for this book on the awards lists! This collection of short stories by debut Kansas City author Kenan Orhan is a powerhouse of a book that will pull your emotions in a thousand directions. This is a collection of what I love most about short stories with inventive and interesting point of view characters, an array of beautiful landscapes and settings, and something new on every page to twist your emotions.
I picked Counterfeit up on a whim and was completely hooked after the first chapter. Such a gem! So twisty and intriguing. This is a perfect read if you want to be thoroughly engrossed in a book from cover to cover (vacation or staycation perfection).
I could read this series forever and ever! There is just something so magical about the connection between two incredibly well written characters that gives me such joy while reading these books. The curiosity and wonder this book holds will affect any reader. Do yourself a favor and read Becky Chambers.
I have been blown away by James Hannaham's writing before. If you are not on this fan train, you need to be! Hannaham's writing is in a league of its own. He creates characters like Carlotta that make you want to be in their world. I give a shit about what happened to Carlotta! I hope you do as well.
Goldie Taylor's memoir The Love You Save will fill you with hope. Reading about a St. Louis that I did not know was something that I think everyone would gain power from experiencing. Finding the courage to combat hardship and harrowing acts, Goldie finds the grace and words to get us all through.
I picked this book up after several customers recommended I add it to my stack. I am so glad I did! I loved the story, the characters, the mystery, everything! I could not put this book down. I love a closed-room mystery and love historical mysteries that are well done. Spice that up with a lot of queer characters and you have Lavender House. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up!
Absolutely stunningly beautiful! For fans of historical fiction and sweeping family sagas, you will find yourself enveloped in a story quite unlike any you have read. I will be thinking about Pinto and Osman for a long time. I also love a book that gives so much and is "sweeping" but manages to do that in under 400 pages. I think we call that a gem of a novel.
Amelia Possanza is fantastic! Read this book!
If you have not yet read a book by S.A. Cosby, stop what you are doing and read this book right now! I am a big fan for a very good reason. He writes mysteries that have such a unique and sensitive nature. I love his characters so much, and I love seeing the journey that they go through to the very surprising end. Cosby is a master! (This book might have some trigger warnings for readers, but I promise the journey helps with the reader experience)
I am always completely in awe of James McBride! He is one of my absolute favorite authors. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is another masterpiece.
I love a multi-generational sweeping family saga. Bestselling author Edan Lepucki has crafted a true gem.
The genre that is really doing incredible things to me right now is poets writing non-fiction. If you want to read a book where every word seems masterfully chosen, this is the book for you. Roger Reeves is incredible and this book will make you see the world from a different angle.
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Email or call for availability and/or price.
I am so excited for readers to go back to the past with Lori Rader-Day! Lori is one of my favorite mystery authors. All of her books will keep you on the edge of your reading chair and Death at Greenway is no exception. More than just the plot, you will also fall in love with her characters. If you love to imbibe while reading, I invented a drink that is an Earl Grey tea twist on a White Russian that will definitely assist in your reading pleasure.
Sheeee's back! If you have talked to me for more than five minutes, I have probably told you how much I love Maud. This sequel is the thing that I have most been looking forward to since I finished reading the first Maud collection. These make great gifts for people that you want to warn that you are not to be crossed.
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This book is everything that you want it to be. I absolutely fell in love with Sven and the incredible people and creatures that he meets along his rather unique journey. The landscape is sparse and at times bleak, but there is something about this book that has so much light. I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down.
Email or call for availability and/or price.
Email or call for availability and/or price.
Razorblade Tears is the book of the summer! Following the incredible success of Blacktop Wasteland last year, Cosby follows up with this incredible "rural noir" hit. The precision and perfection with which he writes his characters is incredible and a complete bonus to a story that will draw you in from page one. Cosby is a power hitter that you need to add to your bookshelf!
(This book cannot be returned.)
