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General Recommendations

Best Books of 2019 for Adults

By:

Chapel_Hill_AdultStaff

Chapel Hill Public Library

Staff-created list

Our staff here at Chapel Hill Public Library <3 making book recommendations, so naturally we had to continue our tradition and make a year-end 'best of' list! We hope you'll love our favorite new releases from 2019 as much as we do.

By:

Chapel_Hill_AdultStaff

Chapel Hill Public Library

1-25 of 38 items

1-25 of 38 items

An American Summer

An American Summer

Love and Death in Chicago

by Kotlowitz, Alex

Book - 2019

Two recommendations! Well written. Empathetically documented. Kotlowitz (There are No Children Here – also recommended) interviewed all manner of folk (vi...Show more Two recommendations! Well written. Empathetically documented. Kotlowitz (There are No Children Here – also recommended) interviewed all manner of folk (victims and their families and friends, perpetrators, teachers, social workers…) about violent crime in Chicago’s South Side during the summer of 2013. No doubt, this is difficult subject matter, but important (and I believe necessary) for those of us so far removed. - Krystal and Rachel W. Show less

Two recommendations! Well written. Empathetically documented. Kotlowitz (There are No Children Here – also recommended) interviewed all manner of folk (vi...Show more Two recommendations! Well written. Empathetically documented. Kotlowitz (There are No Children Here – also recommended) interviewed all manner of folk (victims and their families and friends, perpetrators, teachers, social workers…) about violent crime in Chicago’s South Side during the summer of 2013. No doubt, this is difficult subject matter, but important (and I believe necessary) for those of us so far removed. - Krystal and Rachel W. Show less

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Animal Beauty

Animal Beauty

On the Evolution of Biological Aesthetics

by Nüsslein-Volhard, C.

Book - 2019

Incredible watercolor illustrations and exploration of how aesthetics function in the animal world. - Dale Incredible watercolor illustrations and exploration of how aesthetics function in the animal world. - Dale Show less

Incredible watercolor illustrations and exploration of how aesthetics function in the animal world. - Dale Incredible watercolor illustrations and exploration of how aesthetics function in the animal world. - Dale Show less

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The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

by Waxman, Abbi

Book - 2019

Book nerds will feel strong kinship with the engaging, introverted Nina Hill, who loves books, trivia, and staying home. My hero! - Tracy Book nerds will feel strong kinship with the engaging, introverted Nina Hill, who loves books, trivia, and staying home. My hero! - Tracy Show less

Book nerds will feel strong kinship with the engaging, introverted Nina Hill, who loves books, trivia, and staying home. My hero! - Tracy Book nerds will feel strong kinship with the engaging, introverted Nina Hill, who loves books, trivia, and staying home. My hero! - Tracy Show less

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The Bride Test

The Bride Test

by Hoang, Helen

Book - 2019

A steamy and emotional romance featuring a main character who is on the autism spectrum, from the best-selling author of The Kiss Quotient. - Anita A steamy and emotional romance featuring a main character who is on the autism spectrum, from the best-selling author of The Kiss Quotient. - Anita Show less

A steamy and emotional romance featuring a main character who is on the autism spectrum, from the best-selling author of The Kiss Quotient. - Anita A steamy and emotional romance featuring a main character who is on the autism spectrum, from the best-selling author of The Kiss Quotient. - Anita Show less

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Bringing Down the Duke

Bringing Down the Duke

by Dunmore, Evie

Book - 2019

Lest you think historical romance is always set in the Regency ballrooms of Mayfair, Dunmore's debut is here to prove you wrong -- set in 1870s Oxford and...Show more Lest you think historical romance is always set in the Regency ballrooms of Mayfair, Dunmore's debut is here to prove you wrong -- set in 1870s Oxford and focusing on the women's suffrage movement, reading this felt like a breath of fresh air. (And the hero's still a duke, so if that's your thing, you can have your cake and eat it, too.) - Martha Show less

Lest you think historical romance is always set in the Regency ballrooms of Mayfair, Dunmore's debut is here to prove you wrong -- set in 1870s Oxford and...Show more Lest you think historical romance is always set in the Regency ballrooms of Mayfair, Dunmore's debut is here to prove you wrong -- set in 1870s Oxford and focusing on the women's suffrage movement, reading this felt like a breath of fresh air. (And the hero's still a duke, so if that's your thing, you can have your cake and eat it, too.) - Martha Show less

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Catch and Kill

Catch and Kill

Lies, Spies, and A Conspiracy to Protect Predators

by Farrow, Ronan

Book - 2019

A stark and compelling view into how powerful figures hid wrongdoings up to and through the #MeToo era. - Megan A stark and compelling view into how powerful figures hid wrongdoings up to and through the #MeToo era. - Megan Show less

A stark and compelling view into how powerful figures hid wrongdoings up to and through the #MeToo era. - Megan A stark and compelling view into how powerful figures hid wrongdoings up to and through the #MeToo era. - Megan Show less

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Curious Toys

Curious Toys

by Hand, Elizabeth

Book - 2019

Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand has the vibe of Devil in the White City, as it blends real events and characters (Riverview Amusement Park, Chicago, ca. 19...Show more Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand has the vibe of Devil in the White City, as it blends real events and characters (Riverview Amusement Park, Chicago, ca. 1915, Charlie Chaplin, Henry Darger) with the fictional search for a serial killer of young girls. Main character Pin is a story unto herself, as she willingly dresses as a boy for safety and considers her attraction to another female character. In these dangerous times, Pin looks for an ally to catch a killer. Who can she really trust? How far will she have to go to stop the killing? - Sharon Show less

Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand has the vibe of Devil in the White City, as it blends real events and characters (Riverview Amusement Park, Chicago, ca. 19...Show more Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand has the vibe of Devil in the White City, as it blends real events and characters (Riverview Amusement Park, Chicago, ca. 1915, Charlie Chaplin, Henry Darger) with the fictional search for a serial killer of young girls. Main character Pin is a story unto herself, as she willingly dresses as a boy for safety and considers her attraction to another female character. In these dangerous times, Pin looks for an ally to catch a killer. Who can she really trust? How far will she have to go to stop the killing? - Sharon Show less

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Daisy Jones & the Six

Daisy Jones & the Six

by Reid, Taylor Jenkins

Book - 2019

Three recommendations! This is one of those books so clever in its conceit and so assured in its execution that you just spend the time you’re reading mar...Show more Three recommendations! This is one of those books so clever in its conceit and so assured in its execution that you just spend the time you’re reading marveling at the skill of the author. It’s the story of a fictional ‘70s rock band, told in the style of an oral history, and it’s so immersive and compelling that you often find yourself forgetting this wasn’t a real band and wishing you could go look their music videos up on YouTube. - Martha, Krystal, and Tracy Show less

Three recommendations! This is one of those books so clever in its conceit and so assured in its execution that you just spend the time you’re reading mar...Show more Three recommendations! This is one of those books so clever in its conceit and so assured in its execution that you just spend the time you’re reading marveling at the skill of the author. It’s the story of a fictional ‘70s rock band, told in the style of an oral history, and it’s so immersive and compelling that you often find yourself forgetting this wasn’t a real band and wishing you could go look their music videos up on YouTube. - Martha, Krystal, and Tracy Show less

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The Deep

The Deep

by Solomon, Rivers

Book - 2019

I would strongly recommend this novella to those who are interested in exploring themes of generational trauma and racial justice from a new perspective. The writing is beautiful and thoughtful, at times almost ethereal. - Maia I would strongly recommend this novella to those who are interested in exploring themes of generational trauma and racial justice from a new perspective. The writing is beautiful and thoughtful, at times almost ethereal. - Maia Show less

I would strongly recommend this novella to those who are interested in exploring themes of generational trauma and racial justice from a new perspective. The writing is beautiful and thoughtful, at times almost ethereal. - Maia I would strongly recommend this novella to those who are interested in exploring themes of generational trauma and racial justice from a new perspective. The writing is beautiful and thoughtful, at times almost ethereal. - Maia Show less

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Digital Minimalism

Digital Minimalism

Choosing A Focused Life in A Noisy World

by Newport, Cal

Book - 2019

My new hymn book. I was headed in this direction already, but I took much more away from it than, "use optional technology less." It's really ab...Show more My new hymn book. I was headed in this direction already, but I took much more away from it than, "use optional technology less." It's really about living a more intentional life on a larger scale... in a very digestible way. I knocked a star off only because the anecdotal representation skewed middle/upper class. - Krystal Show less

My new hymn book. I was headed in this direction already, but I took much more away from it than, "use optional technology less." It's really ab...Show more My new hymn book. I was headed in this direction already, but I took much more away from it than, "use optional technology less." It's really about living a more intentional life on a larger scale... in a very digestible way. I knocked a star off only because the anecdotal representation skewed middle/upper class. - Krystal Show less

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Elements of Fiction

Elements of Fiction

by Mosley, Walter

Book - 2019

This is not a guidebook but a reflection and passing on of hard-learned wisdom. I appreciated his original takes on common themes, straightforward langua...Show more This is not a guidebook but a reflection and passing on of hard-learned wisdom. I appreciated his original takes on common themes, straightforward language, and his illustrative examples, which helped me understand those themes more deeply than I did before. - Maia Show less

This is not a guidebook but a reflection and passing on of hard-learned wisdom. I appreciated his original takes on common themes, straightforward langua...Show more This is not a guidebook but a reflection and passing on of hard-learned wisdom. I appreciated his original takes on common themes, straightforward language, and his illustrative examples, which helped me understand those themes more deeply than I did before. - Maia Show less

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Evvie Drake Starts Over

Evvie Drake Starts Over

by Holmes, Linda

Book - 2019

Recently widowed, Evvie's small-town Maine neighbors want to help her move on, but Evvie's got a secret. Can her tenant help her live again? Charming! Delightful! Sweet! Utterly appealing! - Tracy Recently widowed, Evvie's small-town Maine neighbors want to help her move on, but Evvie's got a secret. Can her tenant help her live again? Charming! Delightful! Sweet! Utterly appealing! - Tracy Show less

Recently widowed, Evvie's small-town Maine neighbors want to help her move on, but Evvie's got a secret. Can her tenant help her live again? Charming! Delightful! Sweet! Utterly appealing! - Tracy Recently widowed, Evvie's small-town Maine neighbors want to help her move on, but Evvie's got a secret. Can her tenant help her live again? Charming! Delightful! Sweet! Utterly appealing! - Tracy Show less

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Flamebringer

Flamebringer

by White, Elle Katharine

Book - 2019

White sure knows how to pull on all the heartstrings. This is a great conclusion to the series, and the last fourth of the book was breakneck, heartstopping action. I do recommend reading the series in order, so start with Heartstone! - Maia White sure knows how to pull on all the heartstrings. This is a great conclusion to the series, and the last fourth of the book was breakneck, heartstopping action. I do recommend reading the series in order, so start with Heartstone! - Maia Show less

White sure knows how to pull on all the heartstrings. This is a great conclusion to the series, and the last fourth of the book was breakneck, heartstopping action. I do recommend reading the series in order, so start with Heartstone! - Maia White sure knows how to pull on all the heartstrings. This is a great conclusion to the series, and the last fourth of the book was breakneck, heartstopping action. I do recommend reading the series in order, so start with Heartstone! - Maia Show less

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Get A Life, Chloe Brown

Get A Life, Chloe Brown

by Hibbert, Talia

Book - 2019

This is a cute romance novel about a relationship between Chloe, who is struggling to maintain her independence in the face of her fibromyalgia, and Red, ...Show more This is a cute romance novel about a relationship between Chloe, who is struggling to maintain her independence in the face of her fibromyalgia, and Red, her neighbor who initially seems to have a grudge against her. This novel manages to touch on class, chronic illness, emotional abuse, and race while maintaining a sweet and warm tone. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, especially those who enjoyed Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient. - Rachel W. Show less

This is a cute romance novel about a relationship between Chloe, who is struggling to maintain her independence in the face of her fibromyalgia, and Red, ...Show more This is a cute romance novel about a relationship between Chloe, who is struggling to maintain her independence in the face of her fibromyalgia, and Red, her neighbor who initially seems to have a grudge against her. This novel manages to touch on class, chronic illness, emotional abuse, and race while maintaining a sweet and warm tone. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, especially those who enjoyed Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient. - Rachel W. Show less

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How to Be An Antiracist

How to Be An Antiracist

by Kendi, Ibram X.

Book - 2019

An utterly compelling and insightful examination of how racism intersects with culture, history, and self, and how we can all work to create a more just and equitable society. - Megan An utterly compelling and insightful examination of how racism intersects with culture, history, and self, and how we can all work to create a more just and equitable society. - Megan Show less

An utterly compelling and insightful examination of how racism intersects with culture, history, and self, and how we can all work to create a more just and equitable society. - Megan An utterly compelling and insightful examination of how racism intersects with culture, history, and self, and how we can all work to create a more just and equitable society. - Megan Show less

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The Huntress

The Huntress

by Quinn, Kate

Book - 2019

The market for WWII fiction is veeeery crowded, but this one is still worth reading; it's set post-war, following a group of intrepid Nazi hunters as they...Show more The market for WWII fiction is veeeery crowded, but this one is still worth reading; it's set post-war, following a group of intrepid Nazi hunters as they search for the former mistress of an SS officer -- known to them only as The Huntress -- who committed war crimes. It's not a short book, but it's gripping and compelling and thoroughly satisfying. - Martha Show less

The market for WWII fiction is veeeery crowded, but this one is still worth reading; it's set post-war, following a group of intrepid Nazi hunters as they...Show more The market for WWII fiction is veeeery crowded, but this one is still worth reading; it's set post-war, following a group of intrepid Nazi hunters as they search for the former mistress of an SS officer -- known to them only as The Huntress -- who committed war crimes. It's not a short book, but it's gripping and compelling and thoroughly satisfying. - Martha Show less

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I Like to Watch

I Like to Watch

Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution

by Nussbaum, Emily

Book - 2019

Even if you're not already familiar with Nussbaum's work as a critic for The New Yorker, you'll be able to enjoy her deep-dive into television history and popular culture. - Megan Even if you're not already familiar with Nussbaum's work as a critic for The New Yorker, you'll be able to enjoy her deep-dive into television history and popular culture. - Megan Show less

Even if you're not already familiar with Nussbaum's work as a critic for The New Yorker, you'll be able to enjoy her deep-dive into television history and popular culture. - Megan Even if you're not already familiar with Nussbaum's work as a critic for The New Yorker, you'll be able to enjoy her deep-dive into television history and popular culture. - Megan Show less

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In the Dream House

In the Dream House

A Memoir

by Machado, Carmen Maria

Book - 2019

This is a recently released memoir from Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties. The memoir centers around Machado’s relationship with ...Show more This is a recently released memoir from Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties. The memoir centers around Machado’s relationship with an emotionally abusive woman, whom she often visited in a house she calls “The Dream House.” The narrative is fragmented and feels as though Machado is telling you incidents as she recalls them, in waves. While Machado has her own unique style, fans of Maggie Nelson’s Bluets and Jenny Offill’s Dept. of Speculation will likely enjoy this memoir as well! - Rachel W. Show less

This is a recently released memoir from Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties. The memoir centers around Machado’s relationship with ...Show more This is a recently released memoir from Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties. The memoir centers around Machado’s relationship with an emotionally abusive woman, whom she often visited in a house she calls “The Dream House.” The narrative is fragmented and feels as though Machado is telling you incidents as she recalls them, in waves. While Machado has her own unique style, fans of Maggie Nelson’s Bluets and Jenny Offill’s Dept. of Speculation will likely enjoy this memoir as well! - Rachel W. Show less

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Kid Gloves

Kid Gloves

Nine Months of Careful Chaos

by Knisley, Lucy

Graphic Novel - 2019

This graphic novel memoir chronicles ~2 years of the author's journey to becoming pregnant, pregnancy, harrowing childbirth, and new motherhood. Lots of i...Show more This graphic novel memoir chronicles ~2 years of the author's journey to becoming pregnant, pregnancy, harrowing childbirth, and new motherhood. Lots of interesting/frustrating/scary medical info incorporated in a really accessible way. Might be too much for first time pregnant moms, but really, really well done. - Karin Show less

This graphic novel memoir chronicles ~2 years of the author's journey to becoming pregnant, pregnancy, harrowing childbirth, and new motherhood. Lots of i...Show more This graphic novel memoir chronicles ~2 years of the author's journey to becoming pregnant, pregnancy, harrowing childbirth, and new motherhood. Lots of interesting/frustrating/scary medical info incorporated in a really accessible way. Might be too much for first time pregnant moms, but really, really well done. - Karin Show less

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LaGuardia

LaGuardia

by Okorafor, Nnedi

Graphic Novel - 2019

This is an allegory about fear and prejudice, but it is not a hopeless story. It is full of love and life and growth. I highly recommend this to fans of ...Show more This is an allegory about fear and prejudice, but it is not a hopeless story. It is full of love and life and growth. I highly recommend this to fans of futuristic scifi, afrofuturism, and those interested in a new way to explore issues of prejudice and immigration. - Maia Show less

This is an allegory about fear and prejudice, but it is not a hopeless story. It is full of love and life and growth. I highly recommend this to fans of ...Show more This is an allegory about fear and prejudice, but it is not a hopeless story. It is full of love and life and growth. I highly recommend this to fans of futuristic scifi, afrofuturism, and those interested in a new way to explore issues of prejudice and immigration. - Maia Show less

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Magic for Liars

Magic for Liars

by Gailey, Sarah

Book - 2019

This was pitched to me as "Dashiell Hammett goes to Hogwarts" which is a perfect description -- it's a noir mystery, with magic. And it's just plain fun! - Martha This was pitched to me as "Dashiell Hammett goes to Hogwarts" which is a perfect description -- it's a noir mystery, with magic. And it's just plain fun! - Martha Show less

This was pitched to me as "Dashiell Hammett goes to Hogwarts" which is a perfect description -- it's a noir mystery, with magic. And it's just plain fun! - Martha This was pitched to me as "Dashiell Hammett goes to Hogwarts" which is a perfect description -- it's a noir mystery, with magic. And it's just plain fun! - Martha Show less

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Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed

by Gottlieb, Lori

Book - 2019

Really, shouldn't we all? Lori does an amazing job of using both patient examples and her own therapy to explain how it works and why we could all use a therapist in our lives. - Tracy Really, shouldn't we all? Lori does an amazing job of using both patient examples and her own therapy to explain how it works and why we could all use a therapist in our lives. - Tracy Show less

Really, shouldn't we all? Lori does an amazing job of using both patient examples and her own therapy to explain how it works and why we could all use a therapist in our lives. - Tracy Really, shouldn't we all? Lori does an amazing job of using both patient examples and her own therapy to explain how it works and why we could all use a therapist in our lives. - Tracy Show less

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Milkman

Milkman

by Burns, Anna

Book - 2019

Winner of the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Beautiful stream-of-consciousness prose tells a coming-of-age tale about an unn...Show more Winner of the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Beautiful stream-of-consciousness prose tells a coming-of-age tale about an unnamed young woman struggling to keep her maybe-boyfriend a secret from her small-town neighbors in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. - Dale Show less

Winner of the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Beautiful stream-of-consciousness prose tells a coming-of-age tale about an unn...Show more Winner of the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Beautiful stream-of-consciousness prose tells a coming-of-age tale about an unnamed young woman struggling to keep her maybe-boyfriend a secret from her small-town neighbors in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. - Dale Show less

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Never Have I Ever

Never Have I Ever

by Jackson, Joshilyn

Book - 2019

You know Jackson's exquisite southern family dramas, but here she incorporates nail-biting suspense that'll leave you breathless. Don't look now, but Amy & Roux are playing cat and mouse, and only one can win. - Tracy You know Jackson's exquisite southern family dramas, but here she incorporates nail-biting suspense that'll leave you breathless. Don't look now, but Amy & Roux are playing cat and mouse, and only one can win. - Tracy Show less

You know Jackson's exquisite southern family dramas, but here she incorporates nail-biting suspense that'll leave you breathless. Don't look now, but Amy & Roux are playing cat and mouse, and only one can win. - Tracy You know Jackson's exquisite southern family dramas, but here she incorporates nail-biting suspense that'll leave you breathless. Don't look now, but Amy & Roux are playing cat and mouse, and only one can win. - Tracy Show less

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The Nickel Boys

The Nickel Boys

by Whitehead, Colson

Book - 2019

Two recommendations! This book is heart AND gut wrenching. Be prepared for many feelings. The story is solid, though, and really worth a read. I am still ...Show more Two recommendations! This book is heart AND gut wrenching. Be prepared for many feelings. The story is solid, though, and really worth a read. I am still reeling from an unexpected turn of events. Just like Underground Railroad, this one sticks with you. Colson Whitehead… so good. - Krystal and Tracy Show less

Two recommendations! This book is heart AND gut wrenching. Be prepared for many feelings. The story is solid, though, and really worth a read. I am still ...Show more Two recommendations! This book is heart AND gut wrenching. Be prepared for many feelings. The story is solid, though, and really worth a read. I am still reeling from an unexpected turn of events. Just like Underground Railroad, this one sticks with you. Colson Whitehead… so good. - Krystal and Tracy Show less

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