FCPL's Favorite Books of 2026 (So Far...) - PART THREE

Welcome to the third and final installment of FCPL's Favorite Books of 2026 (So Far), featuring book recommendations by our staff, organized by genre. 

Contemporary Fiction

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025)

Recommended by Sarah, Branch Manager, Denmark Library

Listened to audiobook

What is it about: A darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death.

Why they recommend it: Featuring exceptional writing and meaningful themes, this story is filled with humor and heart—plus a cat whose inner thoughts you get to hear! The audio edition is fantastic, and Unlikely Animals by the same author was just as delightful.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024)

Recommended by Kim, Branch Manager, Post Road Library

Read the eBook

What is it about: A darkly funny and moving novel about Phoebe Stone, a recently divorced woman who arrives at a luxury Rhode Island hotel intending to end her life, only to be mistaken for a guest at a massive, chaotic destination wedding.

Why they recommend it: It approaches sensitive subjects through a witty lens, featuring deeply thought-provoking interactions between the protagonist and various characters.

Biography/Memoir

The Boys in the Light by Nina Willner (2025)

 

Recommended by Julie, Youth Services Supervisor, Cumming Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: It follows the parallel journeys of Company D and Eddie Willner, the author’s father, as they are caught up on two sides of World War II.

Why they recommend it: An incredible true story highlighting the remarkable strength of two boys surviving Nazi cruelty, as well as the compassionate soldiers who rescued them. The reality of what they endured is almost unimaginable, making this harrowing true account all the more powerful and exceptionally well told.

Classic

Middlemarch by George Eliot (1871)

Recommended by Ellie, Youth Specialist, Sharon Forks Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: A sweeping Victorian realist novel set in an 1830s fictional English town, exploring marriage, ambition, and social reform. It follows Dorothea Brooke's failed, idealistic marriage to the elderly scholar Casaubon and Dr. Lydgate's financial ruin due to his shallow wife, Rosamond.

Why they recommend it: Virginia Woolf famously described Middlemarch as "one of the few English novels written for grown-up people." Eliot excels at crafting complex characters and revealing profound depth within life's everyday moments. Through its exploration of character desires and choices, the novel thoughtfully examines how significantly society shapes an individual's life. At roughly 880 pages, it is lengthy, but truly worth every second.

Children’s Literature

Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate (2026)

Recommended by Riley, Collection Support Aide, Hampton Park Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: A stunning middle grade standalone novel-in-verse about compassion, resilience, and surprising friendships, following a dog named Wombat in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire.

Why they recommend it: This story is absolutely adorable! Seeing dual perspectives from both Wombat and her soul human was truly wonderful. Written as a novel in verse, it is a fast-paced read filled with immense heart and emotion, packing so much narrative power into very few words.

Historical Fiction

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower (2020)

Recommended by Morgan, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks Library

Read the eBook

What is it about: A cozy, witty historical fiction series presented as the unedited journal entries of a young woman named Emma. Set in 1883 London, it follows her daily life, financial struggles, and eccentric neighbors.

Why they recommend it: “Told in the form of the protagonist's journal entries, this series set in 1883 London just oozes charm. Blending historical fiction, romance, and humor with a touch of magical realism, Emma M. Lion is the most Jane Austen-esque heroine I have read in a long time. Emma is such a charming, witty narrator. The love interests are all charming in their own ways. Even the characters you're not meant to like are so funny that it's kind of endearing! I've been reading the eBooks, but I have heard that the audio is exceptional!”

That concludes our three part series. If you're just joining us, catch up on PART ONE and PART TWO, and let us know in the comments if any of our choices were your favorites this year too!   

Jessica Dillard

Information Specialist

Denmark Library

Marvin's World of Wonder at Sharon Forks Library

2026 ended up being a very exciting year for Marvin the Mouse, the Sharon Forks Library mascot. He found his calling to travel across the globe, then shared his experience of world culture, traditions, cuisine, and language with all the kids during Storytime at Sharon Forks through the Marvin’s World Travels series.

This entire series was the brain child of Ms. Stephani. She had the brilliant idea to include my love for languages and world culture in Storytime, and before we knew it, Marvin was on a plane with his boarding pass and suitcase!

Guest presenters, who are native speakers of various languages, shared their language and culturally significant objects from the country they represent for “show & tell.” This brought far off countries into the palms of our young patrons and their families. 

We had presenters who hailed from China, French Canada, Japan, Korea, Maharashtra (India), Tamilnadu (India), and Ukraine.

A big heartfelt thank you to all the guest presenters. We could not have done this without your time and effort. Thank you so much! 

The series was loved by one and all, and we started getting requests from parents to grow this series for elementary-aged kids. 

With Marvin's recent graduation from preschool to elementary school, the timing was perfect for the Marvin's World Travels program to evolve into World Of Wonder (WOW)—an interactive monthly series designed for elementary explorers who are ready to see the world without leaving the library.

WOW is a version of Marvin’s World Travels series geared towards older kids, with more of a focus on geography, history, and culture through hands-on crafts and activities. In September, Marvin traveled to Russia, and he has a fabulous itinerary lined up for the rest of the year! 

Our next adventure for elementary-aged students is on Thursday, October 22, 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Sharon Forks Library. Join us to "land" in a brand-new country and uncover its unique secrets. From the ancient stories that shaped its history to the languages spoken on its streets, we’ll dive deep into what makes every culture special. 

Want even more World Languages for your kids? Your Forsyth County Public Library card gives you FREE access to LOTE4Kids. Read and watch youth story titles and enjoy learning activities in a variety of languages. Each title is also available in English.

Ms. Anu

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

Adult Nonfiction Staff Pick: No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard

No One’s Coming: The Rogue Heroes Our Government Turns to When There’s Nowhere Else to Turn by Kevin Hazzard

This is a fascinating nonfiction account of how a small aviation company became a crucial support group for not just the United States but nations around the world. Their company initially grew by flying dangerous cargo that no one wanted to. These included explosives and other potentially volatile and flammable items, as well as, emergency medical evacuation missions.

In 2014, the world's largest Ebola outbreak was occurring in Africa. Two medical volunteers had contracted Ebola and were needing to be returned to the United States for treatment. No one had ever done something like this before and almost no one wanted to. The Ebola virus can have up to a 90% fatality rate if patients do not receive treatment. Thankfully, Phoenix Air had created a prototype of an airtight container that could be fit onto an airplane. Phoenix Air was requested to create a version that could house a contagious patient along with the medically necessary gear to treat them while enroute. Considering the length of the flight and all the material needed, it would need to be able to fit in a large airliner.

A group of experts were pulled together to create, test, and prepare for this never before done feat. An older version plane was acquired that could load the hospital container in and out of the cargo hold. Beyond the container, the plane had to be equipped with air tight containment system for the medical team to enter and exit the container. Time was of the essence and little time allowed for testing.

In July, 2014, the first of two flights left Atlanta for Liberia to collect the first patient and return them to Atlanta so they could be treated at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Due to space constraints, only one patient could be taken. This trip would have to be made twice.

You may remember the headlines and the fear of bringing Ebola to the States. The book details the history of the airline company, the engineering requirements, and the selfless souls who risked their lives to save others.

Joan Dudzinski

Branch Manager

Cumming Library