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General Recommendations

SJPL Staff's Top Books of 2024

By:

SJPL_helen

San José Public Library

Staff-created list

Before the new year, let's see SJPL library staff's Top Reads this year! You'll find books of all genres, format, and types!

By:

SJPL_helen

San José Public Library

1-25 of 51 items

1-25 of 51 items

On Call

On Call

A Doctor's Journey in Public Service

by Fauci, Anthony S.

Book - 2024

I read this book in traditional print. It was fascinating to read the memoir of someone who has been in the forefront of American responses to AIDS, covid, and other health crises. - Sarah K. I read this book in traditional print. It was fascinating to read the memoir of someone who has been in the forefront of American responses to AIDS, covid, and other health crises. - Sarah K. Show less

I read this book in traditional print. It was fascinating to read the memoir of someone who has been in the forefront of American responses to AIDS, covid, and other health crises. - Sarah K. I read this book in traditional print. It was fascinating to read the memoir of someone who has been in the forefront of American responses to AIDS, covid, and other health crises. - Sarah K. Show less

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Deliberate Cruelty

Deliberate Cruelty

Truman Capote, the Millionaire's Wife, and the Murder of the Century

by Montillo, Roseanne

Book - 2022

After watching Capote vs. the Swans, I was intrigued by Truman Capote and his life. This gave a different perspective than the usual ones, and it included true crime which is a win in my opinion! - Kristen After watching Capote vs. the Swans, I was intrigued by Truman Capote and his life. This gave a different perspective than the usual ones, and it included true crime which is a win in my opinion! - Kristen Show less

After watching Capote vs. the Swans, I was intrigued by Truman Capote and his life. This gave a different perspective than the usual ones, and it included true crime which is a win in my opinion! - Kristen After watching Capote vs. the Swans, I was intrigued by Truman Capote and his life. This gave a different perspective than the usual ones, and it included true crime which is a win in my opinion! - Kristen Show less

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Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

by Weatherford, Jack

Downloadable Audiobook - 2010

I listened to this book. It was a fascinating read! I was shocked by how progressive Genghis Khan was and how his empire significantly shapes our world still to this day. - Sarah M. I listened to this book. It was a fascinating read! I was shocked by how progressive Genghis Khan was and how his empire significantly shapes our world still to this day. - Sarah M. Show less

I listened to this book. It was a fascinating read! I was shocked by how progressive Genghis Khan was and how his empire significantly shapes our world still to this day. - Sarah M. I listened to this book. It was a fascinating read! I was shocked by how progressive Genghis Khan was and how his empire significantly shapes our world still to this day. - Sarah M. Show less

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Ninth House

Ninth House

by Bardugo, Leigh

Downloadable Audiobook - 2019

It's a dark academia fantasy set at Yale, focusing on a strident young woman who can see the ghosts that roam its halls. Her job is to keep the magical se...Show more It's a dark academia fantasy set at Yale, focusing on a strident young woman who can see the ghosts that roam its halls. Her job is to keep the magical secret societies in check while trying to solve both a murder and the disappearance of her mentor. It's dark, vibrant, and kept me hooked. - Mary Show less

It's a dark academia fantasy set at Yale, focusing on a strident young woman who can see the ghosts that roam its halls. Her job is to keep the magical se...Show more It's a dark academia fantasy set at Yale, focusing on a strident young woman who can see the ghosts that roam its halls. Her job is to keep the magical secret societies in check while trying to solve both a murder and the disappearance of her mentor. It's dark, vibrant, and kept me hooked. - Mary Show less

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The Familiar

The Familiar

A Novel

by Bardugo, Leigh

Book - 2024

This was a fun fantasy read! Taking place during the Spanish Inquisition, this story is about an underground tournament of people who have magical abiliti...Show more This was a fun fantasy read! Taking place during the Spanish Inquisition, this story is about an underground tournament of people who have magical abilities and they compete to win the favor of a general who may help elevate the winner's status and possibly a better life. - Justin Show less

This was a fun fantasy read! Taking place during the Spanish Inquisition, this story is about an underground tournament of people who have magical abiliti...Show more This was a fun fantasy read! Taking place during the Spanish Inquisition, this story is about an underground tournament of people who have magical abilities and they compete to win the favor of a general who may help elevate the winner's status and possibly a better life. - Justin Show less

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Bea Wolf

Bea Wolf

by Weinersmith, Zach

Book - 2023

This is NOT the Beowulf you trudged through in English Lit. This children's graphic novel is as much fun for adults as it is for kids. A group of candy lo...Show more This is NOT the Beowulf you trudged through in English Lit. This children's graphic novel is as much fun for adults as it is for kids. A group of candy loving kids in a treehouse take on their curmudgeonly, fun hating neighbor in this tale that uses the same meter as the original alongside stunning illustrations for a delightfully imaginative spin on a story almost as old as time. Bonus, at the end of the books is one of the best and most understandable descriptions of the history of Beowulf I've ever come across. I think I'm gonna get a Bea Wolf tattoo... - Nina Show less

This is NOT the Beowulf you trudged through in English Lit. This children's graphic novel is as much fun for adults as it is for kids. A group of candy lo...Show more This is NOT the Beowulf you trudged through in English Lit. This children's graphic novel is as much fun for adults as it is for kids. A group of candy loving kids in a treehouse take on their curmudgeonly, fun hating neighbor in this tale that uses the same meter as the original alongside stunning illustrations for a delightfully imaginative spin on a story almost as old as time. Bonus, at the end of the books is one of the best and most understandable descriptions of the history of Beowulf I've ever come across. I think I'm gonna get a Bea Wolf tattoo... - Nina Show less

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Into Thin Air

Into Thin Air

A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster

by Krakauer, Jon

Book - 1997

I listened to the audio book narrated by Philip Franklin, and it was wonderfully read. Its a harrowing story of what drives people to attempt to conquer n...Show more I listened to the audio book narrated by Philip Franklin, and it was wonderfully read. Its a harrowing story of what drives people to attempt to conquer nature and the struggle for survival when nature is inevitably stronger. It documents the deadly 1996 Mount Everest climbing season, told by a journalist accompanying a group of climbers as they make their attempt on the summit. -Samantha Show less

I listened to the audio book narrated by Philip Franklin, and it was wonderfully read. Its a harrowing story of what drives people to attempt to conquer n...Show more I listened to the audio book narrated by Philip Franklin, and it was wonderfully read. Its a harrowing story of what drives people to attempt to conquer nature and the struggle for survival when nature is inevitably stronger. It documents the deadly 1996 Mount Everest climbing season, told by a journalist accompanying a group of climbers as they make their attempt on the summit. -Samantha Show less

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The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

by McBride, James

Book - 2023

As is my habit, I read the best releases of any given year after their published year when those hold lines die down. I have read nearly every James McBri...Show more As is my habit, I read the best releases of any given year after their published year when those hold lines die down. I have read nearly every James McBride book, and this one did not disappoint. Reading a great American novel about the redemptive powers of empathy and community was such a comfort this year. -Elizabeth I read the hardcopy and listened to the audiobook. They were both wonderful! Mr. Everett takes us through all the emotions: I laughed, I cried, I raged, and I wondered. -Nga Show less

As is my habit, I read the best releases of any given year after their published year when those hold lines die down. I have read nearly every James McBri...Show more As is my habit, I read the best releases of any given year after their published year when those hold lines die down. I have read nearly every James McBride book, and this one did not disappoint. Reading a great American novel about the redemptive powers of empathy and community was such a comfort this year. -Elizabeth I read the hardcopy and listened to the audiobook. They were both wonderful! Mr. Everett takes us through all the emotions: I laughed, I cried, I raged, and I wondered. -Nga Show less

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The Wishing Game

The Wishing Game

A Novel

by Shaffer, Meg

Book - 2023

What first drew me in was the pretty cover, but the story quickly hooked me. The storytelling makes you really invested and root for the main character, a...Show more What first drew me in was the pretty cover, but the story quickly hooked me. The storytelling makes you really invested and root for the main character, and makes you remember joys of reading and wishing to be transported into the colorful worlds of a story that you really love. -Amritha Show less

What first drew me in was the pretty cover, but the story quickly hooked me. The storytelling makes you really invested and root for the main character, a...Show more What first drew me in was the pretty cover, but the story quickly hooked me. The storytelling makes you really invested and root for the main character, and makes you remember joys of reading and wishing to be transported into the colorful worlds of a story that you really love. -Amritha Show less

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Daughter of the Bone Forest

Daughter of the Bone Forest

by Skye, Jasmine

Downloadable Audiobook - 2024

This is a criminally underrated queer YA fantasy! The magic system was one of the most unique and captivating I've read in years. The animal shifting give...Show more This is a criminally underrated queer YA fantasy! The magic system was one of the most unique and captivating I've read in years. The animal shifting gives me grown-up Animorph and animagus vibes, and is great for anyone who has ever wondered what it's like to become a squirrel. Queerness is inherent to the world's magic system, and results in beautifully nuanced depictions of queer friendship and found family. -Holly Show less

This is a criminally underrated queer YA fantasy! The magic system was one of the most unique and captivating I've read in years. The animal shifting give...Show more This is a criminally underrated queer YA fantasy! The magic system was one of the most unique and captivating I've read in years. The animal shifting gives me grown-up Animorph and animagus vibes, and is great for anyone who has ever wondered what it's like to become a squirrel. Queerness is inherent to the world's magic system, and results in beautifully nuanced depictions of queer friendship and found family. -Holly Show less

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Leviathan Wakes

Leviathan Wakes

by Corey, James S. A.

Book - 2011

It's a great engaging read with interesting characters and really strong world building. -Binh It's a great engaging read with interesting characters and really strong world building. -Binh Show less

It's a great engaging read with interesting characters and really strong world building. -Binh It's a great engaging read with interesting characters and really strong world building. -Binh Show less

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The Golden Enclaves

The Golden Enclaves

A Novel

by Novik, Naomi

Book - 2022

This is the third book in a trilogy but each book gets better and better. This final book is roller coaster of emotions. -Sue This is the third book in a trilogy but each book gets better and better. This final book is roller coaster of emotions. -Sue Show less

This is the third book in a trilogy but each book gets better and better. This final book is roller coaster of emotions. -Sue This is the third book in a trilogy but each book gets better and better. This final book is roller coaster of emotions. -Sue Show less

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Unflattening

Unflattening

by Sousanis, Nick

eBook - 2015

This is a gorgeously crafted graphic novel about perception and the concept of "self." Sousanis utilizes the comic genre to connect theory with ...Show more This is a gorgeously crafted graphic novel about perception and the concept of "self." Sousanis utilizes the comic genre to connect theory with aesthetics, and comments on the importance of art in human understanding across all fields of knowledge. I read a physical copy, but the art is in black and white, so it looks great on eReaders as well! -Louie Show less

This is a gorgeously crafted graphic novel about perception and the concept of "self." Sousanis utilizes the comic genre to connect theory with ...Show more This is a gorgeously crafted graphic novel about perception and the concept of "self." Sousanis utilizes the comic genre to connect theory with aesthetics, and comments on the importance of art in human understanding across all fields of knowledge. I read a physical copy, but the art is in black and white, so it looks great on eReaders as well! -Louie Show less

A downloadable eBook from Ebsco available to San Jose Library customers

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All the Glimmering Stars

All the Glimmering Stars

A Novel

by Sullivan, Mark T.

Book - 2024

I like to read Historical Fiction so I learn a little in each book. This is based on a true story in Uganda during the 1990s. Very hard read, but worth it. -Joanne I like to read Historical Fiction so I learn a little in each book. This is based on a true story in Uganda during the 1990s. Very hard read, but worth it. -Joanne Show less

I like to read Historical Fiction so I learn a little in each book. This is based on a true story in Uganda during the 1990s. Very hard read, but worth it. -Joanne I like to read Historical Fiction so I learn a little in each book. This is based on a true story in Uganda during the 1990s. Very hard read, but worth it. -Joanne Show less

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The Dry

The Dry

A Novel

by Harper, Jane

Downloadable Audiobook - 2017

I listened to this as an audiobook. The narration was very good - the book is set in Australia and I enjoyed the accents and the insight into life in the ...Show more I listened to this as an audiobook. The narration was very good - the book is set in Australia and I enjoyed the accents and the insight into life in the Outback. The mystery was also well done. I liked it so much I've now listened to all the US editions of Jane Harper's books. -Molly Show less

I listened to this as an audiobook. The narration was very good - the book is set in Australia and I enjoyed the accents and the insight into life in the ...Show more I listened to this as an audiobook. The narration was very good - the book is set in Australia and I enjoyed the accents and the insight into life in the Outback. The mystery was also well done. I liked it so much I've now listened to all the US editions of Jane Harper's books. -Molly Show less

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The Last Phi Hunter

The Last Phi Hunter

by Goldenberg, Salinee

Book - 2024

It is a truly unique blend of fantasy and folklore (South East Asia). The characters are vivid and the world building is *chef's kiss*. I was engrossed from start to finish. -Rebekah It is a truly unique blend of fantasy and folklore (South East Asia). The characters are vivid and the world building is *chef's kiss*. I was engrossed from start to finish. -Rebekah Show less

It is a truly unique blend of fantasy and folklore (South East Asia). The characters are vivid and the world building is *chef's kiss*. I was engrossed from start to finish. -Rebekah It is a truly unique blend of fantasy and folklore (South East Asia). The characters are vivid and the world building is *chef's kiss*. I was engrossed from start to finish. -Rebekah Show less

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The Dead Cat Tail Assassins

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins

by Clark, P. Djèlí

Book - 2024

Wonderfully inventive Steam Punk Fantasy with great character development and skillful world building. -Kurt Wonderfully inventive Steam Punk Fantasy with great character development and skillful world building. -Kurt Show less

Wonderfully inventive Steam Punk Fantasy with great character development and skillful world building. -Kurt Wonderfully inventive Steam Punk Fantasy with great character development and skillful world building. -Kurt Show less

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None of This Is True

None of This Is True

A Novel

by Jewell, Lisa

Book - 2023

A gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of deception, obsession, and the dark side of social media. The story centers on Alix, a popular...Show more A gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of deception, obsession, and the dark side of social media. The story centers on Alix, a popular podcaster, who becomes intrigued by Josie, a mysterious and troubled woman who claims to have a deep connection to Alix's life. As the plot unfolds, hidden secrets emerge, and the lines between truth and manipulation begin to blur, culminating in shocking twists. I read this book both on Kindle using Libby and a physical book. -Elizabeth Show less

A gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of deception, obsession, and the dark side of social media. The story centers on Alix, a popular...Show more A gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of deception, obsession, and the dark side of social media. The story centers on Alix, a popular podcaster, who becomes intrigued by Josie, a mysterious and troubled woman who claims to have a deep connection to Alix's life. As the plot unfolds, hidden secrets emerge, and the lines between truth and manipulation begin to blur, culminating in shocking twists. I read this book both on Kindle using Libby and a physical book. -Elizabeth Show less

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Encore -- By the sword / Mercedes Lackey.

https://linkencore.iii.com/iii/encore/record/C__Rb13522953__Sby%20the%20sword%20mercedes__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&suite=def

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This was a year of re-reads for me. I normally *rarely* allow myself to re-read books, because my TBR pile is the *real* neverending story. However, my me...Show more This was a year of re-reads for me. I normally *rarely* allow myself to re-read books, because my TBR pile is the *real* neverending story. However, my mental health took a couple of hits this year, so to continue doing what I love to do - read - I needed to return to some comfort reads. "By the Sword" by Mercedes Lackey is one of those comfort reads. More accurately, her multitude of books based on the fictional land of Valdemar are comfort reads. Of the ones I read this year, though, By the Sword is my favorite because it ties together the very insular people of Valdemar with those in neighboring kingdoms, and meshes the world of Valdemar with the Shin'a'in featured in the first Mercedes Lackey books I ever read, "Oathbound" and "Oathbreakers," which carry a lot of sentimentality with their role of introducing me to this prolific and famed sci-fi/fantasy author. "By the Sword" follows the life of Kerowyn - the granddaughter of Kethry, one of the protagonists in the Oathbound series - and her origins as a young student fighter to mercenary warrior which lead her ultimately to Valdemar and its cause. I enjoy the portrayal of Kero as a strong, self-sufficient woman. She is a leader - thrust into the role, but more than competent nevertheless - and a fighter with morals, but still mercenary enough to ensure her people are properly recompensed and provided for. And best of all (in my opinion), she is *not* a victim/survivor of assault. I find this "trope" too often in fiction, even in many of Mercedes Lackey's own books, and I feel as if its very common presence in fiction tends to normalize it, as fiction tends to normalize or even inspire many other things in science and society. Iterations of AI, cell phones, space travel, robots, etc., existed in fiction long before their actualization in the modern world. So if fiction can influence the way of the future, I wish there was more fiction with protagonists like Kerowyn to inspire current and future generations of children. -Julianne Show less

My Murder

My Murder

by Williams, Katie

Book - 2023

From the first page I was engrossed. It is a really strange mystery that winds through Lou's life before and after her murder, and government-funded clone...Show more From the first page I was engrossed. It is a really strange mystery that winds through Lou's life before and after her murder, and government-funded clone-resurrection. You get to see how flawed she is, how flawed the people who remade her are, and what that means when your life has been "made to order". -Megan Show less

From the first page I was engrossed. It is a really strange mystery that winds through Lou's life before and after her murder, and government-funded clone...Show more From the first page I was engrossed. It is a really strange mystery that winds through Lou's life before and after her murder, and government-funded clone-resurrection. You get to see how flawed she is, how flawed the people who remade her are, and what that means when your life has been "made to order". -Megan Show less

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Penance

Penance

A Novel

by Clark, Eliza

Book - 2023

It is not for the faint of heart. If you were on Tumblr or any other social media in the early 2010's, this book will have you laughing, cringing, and fee...Show more It is not for the faint of heart. If you were on Tumblr or any other social media in the early 2010's, this book will have you laughing, cringing, and feeling deeply uneasy. It is a meta look at True Crime Journalism, True Crime Fandom, and the cruelties that teen girls can inflict on their only friends, especially when the adults that were meant to protect them completely fail. -Megan Show less

It is not for the faint of heart. If you were on Tumblr or any other social media in the early 2010's, this book will have you laughing, cringing, and fee...Show more It is not for the faint of heart. If you were on Tumblr or any other social media in the early 2010's, this book will have you laughing, cringing, and feeling deeply uneasy. It is a meta look at True Crime Journalism, True Crime Fandom, and the cruelties that teen girls can inflict on their only friends, especially when the adults that were meant to protect them completely fail. -Megan Show less

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Before We Were Innocent

Before We Were Innocent

by Berman, Ella

Book - 2023

Three wealthy teen girls, Bess, Joni, and Evangeline, go on a vacation to Greece to celebrate graduating high school. Only two make it out alive. These tw...Show more Three wealthy teen girls, Bess, Joni, and Evangeline, go on a vacation to Greece to celebrate graduating high school. Only two make it out alive. These two women, with their lives irreparably changed, go their separate ways until 10 years to the date of their friend's death. One asks a favor of the other, opening old wounds and prompting a new look into the case to ask: was Evangeline's death really an accident? -Megan Show less

Three wealthy teen girls, Bess, Joni, and Evangeline, go on a vacation to Greece to celebrate graduating high school. Only two make it out alive. These tw...Show more Three wealthy teen girls, Bess, Joni, and Evangeline, go on a vacation to Greece to celebrate graduating high school. Only two make it out alive. These two women, with their lives irreparably changed, go their separate ways until 10 years to the date of their friend's death. One asks a favor of the other, opening old wounds and prompting a new look into the case to ask: was Evangeline's death really an accident? -Megan Show less

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The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot

by Brown, Peter

Book - 2024

Short chapters, fun illustrations, and a heartfelt story. My kindergartner loved it, I loved it, and it’s also a Silicon Valley Reads 2025 pick. Win-win-win. -Julie Short chapters, fun illustrations, and a heartfelt story. My kindergartner loved it, I loved it, and it’s also a Silicon Valley Reads 2025 pick. Win-win-win. -Julie Show less

Short chapters, fun illustrations, and a heartfelt story. My kindergartner loved it, I loved it, and it’s also a Silicon Valley Reads 2025 pick. Win-win-win. -Julie Short chapters, fun illustrations, and a heartfelt story. My kindergartner loved it, I loved it, and it’s also a Silicon Valley Reads 2025 pick. Win-win-win. -Julie Show less

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Encore -- The soul solution : a guide for brilliant, overwhelmed women to quiet the noise, find their superpower, and (finally) feel satisfied / Vanessa Loder.

https://linkencore.iii.com/iii/encore/record/C__Rb49987322__SThe%20Soul%20Solution%20__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&suite=def

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The Soul Solution by Vanessa Loder is a deeply transformative book that provides practical and spiritual tools for reconnecting with your true self and fi...Show more The Soul Solution by Vanessa Loder is a deeply transformative book that provides practical and spiritual tools for reconnecting with your true self and finding greater fulfillment in life. Loder's insights are compassionate and empowering, offering a mix of personal stories, research, and exercises that help readers break free from societal expectations and live authentically. I read the paperback version and also listened to the audiobook, which added a personal touch with Loder's warm and engaging narration. I recommend this book in either format—both are excellent for reflecting on your own journey and learning how to embrace a life guided by intuition and purpose. -Wendy Show less

How Far the Light Reaches

How Far the Light Reaches

A Life in Ten Sea Creatures

by Imbler, Sabrina

Downloadable Audiobook - 2022

Imbler deftly weaves marine biology and memoir, telling her story and relating it to ten different sea creatures. Really thoughtful and beautiful. I listened to the audiobook on Libby, and Imbler has a very soothing voice. -Emma Imbler deftly weaves marine biology and memoir, telling her story and relating it to ten different sea creatures. Really thoughtful and beautiful. I listened to the audiobook on Libby, and Imbler has a very soothing voice. -Emma Show less

Imbler deftly weaves marine biology and memoir, telling her story and relating it to ten different sea creatures. Really thoughtful and beautiful. I listened to the audiobook on Libby, and Imbler has a very soothing voice. -Emma Imbler deftly weaves marine biology and memoir, telling her story and relating it to ten different sea creatures. Really thoughtful and beautiful. I listened to the audiobook on Libby, and Imbler has a very soothing voice. -Emma Show less

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