FCPL’s Favorite Books of 2026 (So Far. . .) - PART ONE

With summer ending and marking the half-way point of the year, we are sharing our favorite books of 2026 (so far). Take a look at what we’ve been reading at FCPL and see if your favorite book made our list!

FCPL staff members have shared their top book recommendations from their reading lists so far this year. The selections cover a wide range of genres, from biographies and children's literature to science fiction. 

Based on the staff's favorites, the top-ranked genre was Mystery/Psychological/Thriller, closely followed by Science Fiction in second place, while Fantasy, Horror, and Literary Fiction all tied for third. 

When it comes to format, the team showed a strong preference for traditional print, with over half of the favorite titles read as physical books, and audiobooks coming in as the next most popular choice

This is a very long list, so we're going to break it up into multiple blog posts.

Now on to the books themselves! 

Mystery/Psychological/Thriller

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026)

Recommended by Jessica, Information Specialist, Denmark Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: The story follows Natalie Heller Mills, a "tradwife" social media influencer, who wakes up one day in the 19th century, where she must learn how to live without modern society.

Why they recommend it: “The author's writing of the main character's voice is immensely entertaining and lyrical yet propulsive and blunt. Natalie is a character who you find is putting you through a rollercoaster of emotions as you read. First you hate her, then you feel pity for her, then despise her only to feel sympathy for her, and so on. The underlying message of the novel, to be present in life rather than online, is an important one in today's world. This book messes with your head in the best yet most disturbing way. One of the impending questions Natalie has is did she really time travel back to 1855, leaving her 6-month pregnant modern “tradwife” life, or was she kidnapped and is being gaslit into thinking she woke up in 1855 with an entirely different yet hauntingly familiar family and house all for a reality tv show. Or is she in some kind of afterlife created by God, that He placed her there for a purpose she doesn't know yet. The book flips between modern day, Natalie's past, and 1855 which the author blends nicely throughout the book, pulling you into Natalie's reality.”

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (2024)

Recommended by Gretchen, Youth Specialist, Denmark Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: A thriller driven by themes of identity, ambition, and survival. The story focuses on Evie Porter, a con artist navigating a complex web of deception and danger.

Why they recommend it: This fast-paced and engaging mystery features an entertaining, lovable cast of characters who aren't always who they seem.

Listen For The Lie by Amy Tintera (2024)

Recommended by Haguer, Information Specialist, Cumming Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend’s blood, and now everyone thinks she is a murderer. Years later, after moving away to start a new life, Lucy returns to the place she vowed to never step foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one who did it.

Why they recommend it: Blending dark humor, psychological suspense, and podcast-style storytelling, this engaging and unpredictable read keeps you questioning every character and version of the truth right up until the very end.

One of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose (2022)

Recommended by Leena, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: The Real Housewives meets murder in this deliciously savage and wildly entertaining thriller.

Why they recommend it: Set in Buckhead, Atlanta, this engrossing and fast-paced story is packed with drama and mystery, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end.

Hide and Seek by Søren Sveistrup (2026)

Recommended by Morgan, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks

Read the physical book.

What is it about: Detectives Naia Thulin and Mark Hess investigate a missing woman who received text messages of a childhood counting rhyme, tying back to a brutal thirty-year-old cold case.

Why they recommend it: “If you like a fast-paced mystery/thriller with a creepy atmosphere that will keep you guessing until the end, this is the perfect pick. The story follows two detectives as they work to solve a series of kidnappings and murders around Copenhagen. It's Nordic noir at its finest! The mystery is the most intriguing aspect of this book. I couldn't put this book down because I simply needed to know what was going to happen! This is the second in a series by Sveistrup that follows the same detectives. The first book, The Chestnut Man, is an all-time favorite of mine! Both books have also been adapted into the Netflix show The Chestnut Man.”

Science Fiction/Speculative Fiction

Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove (2025)

Recommended by Isa, Information Specialist, Cumming Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: A dazzling, heartfelt odyssey that probes what it means to be one of society's monsters—and explores the many types of friendship that make us human.

Why they recommend it: Set in space, it offers a fresh, unique spin on classic monsters by combining traditional horror elements with an incredibly loveable cast of characters.

Slow Gods by Claire North (2025)

Recommended by Brittany, Circulation Supervisor, Hampton Park Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: This space opera is a galaxy-spanning tale ​of one man's impossible life charted against the fate of humanity amongst the stars

Why they recommend it: While the premise promises classic space opera elements—complete with spaceships, cosmic events, space battles, and planetary politics—Claire North's novel truly stands out through its remarkably vivid, evocative prose. Following an accident, the protagonist grapples with their identity and personhood. Though seemingly detached from humanity, dangerous, and prone to violence, viewing the universe through their eyes makes for a deeply compelling and emotional journey. Beyond the thrilling space adventure, the narrative offers a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human, examining love in all its forms, loss, friendship, and self-discovery across diverse worlds. Ultimately, the space opera setting serves as the perfect vehicle for such a moving examination of relationships and humanity. Brittany read this book in January and it still sticks with her. She wants to re-read it before the end of the year, but this time in audio.

God's Junk Drawer by Peter Clines (2025)

Recommended by Shannon, Information Specialist, Denmark Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: Set at the dawn of time, this mind-bending tale of adventure and mystery unfolds in a land filled with dinosaurs, Neanderthals, and aliens.

Why they recommend it: Blending elements of Jurassic Park, Timeline, and a Land of the Lost premise, this book is an engaging, well-balanced read—striking the right chord without being overly gory, excessively fantastical, or weighed down by dense sci-fi. The gripping plot follows a protagonist who tries to go back 30 years but accidentally transports several college students along, forcing them to fight off dinosaurs, navigate unknown prehistoric dangers, and survive non-stop action that makes it nearly impossible to put down.

Meet Us by the Roaring Sea by Akil Kumarasamy (2022)

Recommended by Callan, Information Specialist, Denmark Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: A haunting exploration of memory, technology, and the power of human connection in a near-future world.

Why they recommend it: “Elements of memory, compassion, sacrifice, and humanity are interwoven in a floaty narration style as the narrator tries not to lose herself in grief while training an all-consuming AI model at work and translating an equally consuming Tamil document (which passages from comprise the other half of the chapters) of female medical students trying to create radical empathy in her free time. These twin projects prepare her for and complicate her feelings on the tragedies and blessings she faces throughout the novel. I am a sucker for second person narration--which can be hard to find-- and its ability to suck you into the main character's shoes. It is dreamy, inventive, and thought-provoking. The way the two stories interweave, especially towards the end and the legacy of war and the wounds it leaves. The story of Yaadra will stick with me for a long time, as it stuck with all the characters in Roaring Sea who saw the broadcast for themselves." 

Check back soon for Part Two featuring our Fantasy and Literary Fiction picks! 

Jessica Dillard

Information Specialist

Denmark Library

Forsyth County Wins Statewide Reading Challenge!

Congratulations, FCPL patrons: You did it again!  

In addition to being the "busiest library system" in Georgia—with Sharon Forks, Post Road, and Cumming Library holding the top three spots statewide for highest circulation—our community has earned another major bragging right.

Forsyth County Public Library won the statewide Georgia Reads for America250 Beanstack Reading Challenge!

People are going to wonder what's in the water here. 

FCPL patrons achieved the highest per-capita sign-ups in the state, logging 1,576 books and completing 4,270 activities by the 4th of July. The initiative—co-sponsored by the Georgia Public Library Service, the Georgia Council on Literacy, and the Georgia Municipal Association—was designed to foster civic literacy and historical inquiry in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Clearly, Forsyth County showed up. 

A Special Guest for an Incredible Milestone

To honor our community’s achievement, children's author, literacy crusader, UGA grad, and Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell is making a special visit to the Cumming Library on Monday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m.

Malcolm will help us celebrate by reading his latest book, Hey, Georgia—part of the Georgia Reads for America250 book list—signing books, and posing for photos with attendees. Numerous community leaders and students from Cumming Elementary School are also expected to attend. 

“His story is so inspiring—he’s like the Georgia Dolly Parton of literacy,” said Library Director Adrianne Junius, a fellow UGA alumnus. “It’s perfect that this celebration coincides with Georgia Reads Day and National Library Card Sign-Up Month. There is no better way to celebrate our community than alongside someone who shares our passion for reading.”

State Librarian & Vice Chancellor for Public Libraries Angela Stanley added her congratulations: “We're looking forward to celebrating this community of avid readers! We are deeply grateful for our partnership with the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Strategy (formerly the Governor's Office of Student Achievement) to build literacy across Georgia and share the magic of libraries.”

Thank you to every patron who joined this reading challenge, logged a book, completed an activity, and helped bring this honor home to Forsyth County! 

Note: Due to space constraints, seating is limited for the September 21 Read with Malcolm Mitchell storytime. Free event passes will be distributed on-site on a first-come, first-served basis starting 30 minutes prior to the event.

Leslie Marinelli

FCPL Communications Manager

Behind the Scenes: How Unreadable, the Library's Podcast, is Made

“Hello and welcome to Unreadable, the official Forsyth County Public Library podcast for news, upcoming programs, and recommendations. I’m your host, Ross Gericke, the branch manager at Hampton Park.”

Regular listeners to the library’s podcast will likely be familiar with this opening and Ross’s voice. But, have you ever wondered how Unreadable is made? 

History

The podcast was started in 2018, and for a long time, it was a one-man-show. Ross recorded, edited, and released the podcast for the library. 

Early episodes covered The Great American Read, Ghost Hunting, and library resources. Listenership started pretty strong, and this trend continued into 2019. Episodes in 2019 included staff recommendations, interviews with authors Martha Hall Kelly and Jeff Shaara, as well as an interview with professor Dr. Larry J. Young, and an audio drama adapted by Sharon Fork Library’s Alicia Cavitt.

However, it was in 2020, as you can imagine, that the podcast saw a huge spike in listeners. In addition to episodes about library resources and reading challenges, the podcast became an important avenue for disseminating information about virtual programming and reopenings. The episode from April 2020 about virtual programming remains one of our most downloaded episodes of all time.

As lockdowns relaxed and people returned to work and school, 2021 saw a dip in listeners, despite having some of the library’s most beloved episodes, including “A Ride on the Bookmobile” and “The Life Cycle of a Book,” both of which provided behind the scenes looks at the inner workings of the library. In 2022, the podcast took a short hiatus in order to give host and editor Ross a much needed break, and towards the end of the year, a podcast team was formed to help Ross produce the podcast. Despite this break, the podcast’s listenership continued to grow.

In 2023 and 2024, Unreadable saw continued growth. Episodes highlighted programs like the Summer of Jane Austen, Stokerfest, Diwali celebrations, and ghost hunting in the library. Authors Chitra Divakaruni, Lisa Wingate, and Benjamin Herold were all interviewed by Ross during this time, too. 

It is only this past year, 2025, that the Library saw downloads that surpassed its 2020 numbers. Episode highlights from 2025 include an interview with Shelby Van Pelt for Forsyth Reads Together and the Dedication of Denmark Library. As of July 2026, the podcast has 78 episodes!

Most Downloaded Episodes as of July 1, 2026

1. Color Our World: Your Summer Reading 2025 Guide
2. Summer is Back in 2022!
3. Adventure Awaits, Your 2024 Summer Reading Preview
4. Virtual Programming and Services (2020)
5. Forsyth Reads Together with Shelby Van Pelt (2025)
6. Summer Reading in 2020
7. Winter Reading Challenge 2025
8. Census 2020
9. Ghost Hunting at the Library (2025)
10. Winter Reading Challenge 2024

You may have noticed a few trends with our most downloaded episodes. Our Summer Reading episodes are our most popular! This is not surprising since they cover the Summer Reading theme, prizes and grand prizes, and popular events.

The Process

So, what does it look like to make a podcast? 

Well, for starters, this is what Ross sees:

And this is what the editor sees: 

But, let’s start from the beginning. For Unreadable, podcast episodes fall into a few categories: reading challenges, author interviews, book recommendations, and peeks behind the scenes. Many episodes are connected to events and feature interviews with presenters or library staff.

Usually, the podcast team meets a few times a year and maps out what episodes we’d like to do. As the team is made up of staff from different branches, we often ask if there are any library events that would be interesting to talk about or to talk to their presenters. One episode staple is an interview with the Forsyth Reads Together author, who visits Forsyth County for an author talk. This used to be a once-a-year event, but it has become so popular in our community, we started offering multiple events a year beginning in 2025.  

For author interviews, FCPL's Programming Manager Sarah Brubaker often helps coordinate scheduling the interviews. She is also a frequent guest on the podcast for our reading challenge episodes. 

After an interview is scheduled, Ross will read the author’s or presenter’s book and prepare a list of questions. For other episodes, like “Ghost Hunting at the Library,” Ross had a more hands-on interview, where he recorded the active ghost hunt and interviewed the ghost hunter in-person afterwards.

After an interview, the files are then given to the editor (me!). I edit the audio, adjusting the sound levels and removing any pre- and post- interview chat. I try to keep the audio as intact as possible, so that listeners can enjoy the natural flow and rapport. Occasionally I clip out flubs or retakes of questions.

Once I have edited the audio, adding Ross’s introduction and outro, I listen to the episode multiple times to make sure the timing is right for the opening music, the transitions are smooth, and there are no weird audio anomalies. I listen MANY times, not only to edit but also to create a transcript. Google Meet generates a transcript, but it often needs a lot of editing.

After an episode is done, it goes back to Ross for approval. Then I export the audio and upload it to our podcast hosting website. There I add a description of the episode as well as any links to events. 

The transcript becomes a blog post, so that anyone wishing to access the audio and text-form of the podcast can. 

Finally, we coordinate with the Communications Department to create graphics, proofread the podcast show notes and blog posts, and promote the episode on social media and the Library's website.

Then at last, dear listener, you find it and enjoy it!

Brittany
Circulation Supervisor
Hampton Park Library

The Sea Child by Linda Wilgus

If you are looking for a story with a multi-genre feel, you might enjoy The Sea Child by Linda Wilgus. There is action, adventure, romance, and intrigue—all with a strong female protagonist, a heart-warming rogue, and a hint of magical realism. 

The setting is nineteenth century England and begins with all the intrigue swirling around the newly returned young widow Isabel to the small town she grew up in. She can’t seem to shake her past as she settles into her new life living on the outskirts of town. 

As Isabel starts to get acquainted with people in the town she learns of the unrest in the area and the opposing sides that soon try to draw her in. Unintentionally, she is soon stuck in the middle of the unrest and must choose a side. 

This seaside town and its inhabitants allow Isabel to find a new freedom being herself. But in the process, she must face the mysteries tied to her past. With some sea-faring adventures and budding friendships this is a warm-hearted and adventurous read. 

Arlene Melton

Information Services Supervisor

Cumming Library

The Man of the Revolution

Just after midnight on April 18, 1775, a rider galloped up to a parsonage to deliver a message—“The regulars are coming”—and issue a warning. General Gage of the British army had ordered troops to march on Lexington and Concord and arrest two of the most incendiary patriots in the colony of Massachusetts: Samuel Adams and John Hancock. The following morning saw the Battle of Lexington and Concord fought, setting the American Revolution into motion. Thanks to that midnight rider, Paul Revere, and his warning that April night, Adams and Hancock were able to escape the British troops. 

In The Revolutionary Samuel Adams, author Stacy Schiff takes readers back to this moment in time and beyond. Her subject is Samuel Adams, the second cousin of John Adams. Thomas Jefferson called Samuel 'the earliest, most active, and persevering man of the Revolution.' When John traveled to France to request funds for the war, the French greeted him with a hero's welcome until they found out that 'the famous Adams' was his cousin, Samuel.

Schiff does a thorough job of describing colonial life and the tensions that built with increasing ferocity until war broke out in 1775. Samuel Adams was in the thick of it, writing anonymous letters to various Boston newspapers, taking part in committees, and seizing any opportunity to lambast the British - all with the goal of liberty in mind. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, he was one of the first to identify liberty from Great Britain as an objective for the American colonies. He was truly the man of the Revolution.

Two hundred and fifty years have passed since Samuel Adams signed the Declaration of Independence. Though we cannot stand in the room with the Continental Congress or take part in committees to establish the American colonies as separate from Britain, we can celebrate America’s milestone anniversary through the Georgia Reads for America 250 Challenge. Read about Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and others who made their mark on American history. 

Melissa Gunter

Outreach Specialist

Introducing the Essential Resources Brochure

Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) is your Resource, Connection, Destination, and Workplace. 

We hope to always be your first stop, whether you are looking for reading recommendations, printing help, or a fun program to attend with the whole family. Your needs are our priority—and this includes the needs that may be more tender than others. 

Your library has created an Essential Resources brochure to provide for needs that ordinary library resources may be unable to meet.  

The Essential Resources brochure contains the contact information of help hotlines, transportation means, food banks, job help, housing, temporary shelters, long term shelters, divorce and grief share, financial aid, and clothing resources. These programs are run by passionate individuals who are eager to provide assistance to everyone they can. If you find yourself seeking out financial assistance, transportation, temporary housing, or other tender needs, please visit any of FCPL’s branches to receive an Essential Resources brochure with information on how to reach these organizations.

If you are unable to visit in person, we encourage you to check out our Community Resource Guide, which is available for free on our eResources webpage. This resource is provided by United Way and is accessible 24/7. You also are welcome to contact us during our hours of operation, and we are more than happy to provide you with assistance over the phone or via email.

We understand how hard life can be, and we want you to know that you are not in this alone! Your library is here to help you.

Brianna

Information Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

Build-A-Book at Post Road Library

A custom made version of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Have you seen people ripping the covers off of their paperback books, just to reattach the most beautiful hardback cover to it? Do you ever have the urge to buy books with sprayed edges, but they just haven’t come out with a version of your favorite book with them yet? Are you creative and like repurposing things? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Post Road Library’s Build-A-Book program series is right for you!

Build-A-Book is a series consisting of four separate programs throughout the month of August that will take you through all of the steps of rebinding a book into your dream creation. 

Week one will teach you how to make endpapers and DIY book cloth.  

The second week will help you learn how to construct the hardback case with your book cloth and attach it to a text block using the endpapers from week one. 

For week three you can bring back your freshly bound book with a blank cover to decorate and add embellishments. 

During the final program in this series, you will be creating a custom splashed edge to match your book.

Bring your own book to customize, or if you don't have that special book yet, use a library-provided book for practice. 

Coming to each session is recommended for the full learning experience, but not required. 

This program series will be held on every Thursday of the month of August, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Post Road Library. View the entire series with all of the details on our website.

Please note: this event will require event passes. Event passes are free and available to interested participants on the day of the program. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting 30 minutes before the event start time. 

Look ahead for a sneak peek at some of the parts of this project!

Construction of the hardback case for your book.

Painting the edges of your book.

After learning how to rebind a paperback, the sky is the limit! Rebind your favorites at home, but leave the library books as they are! If you do rebind one of your books, we would love to see it. Tag us on social media at @FoCoLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, or Threads.

Sarah Spiller
Information Specialist
Post Road Library

Dino Art Giveaway!

This summer, paleoartist Daniel Eskridge displayed his artwork at the Denmark Library, perfectly complementing our dinosaur theme. He also presented a program explaining paleoart and how artists collaborate with scientists. Following this, he generously offered to share his work with Forsyth County Public Library patrons.

Beginning Friday, July 24, each branch will offer patrons a chance to win a stretched canvas of one of Daniel’s pieces. Every time a patron visits a library branch, they can enter the drawing for the specific artwork displayed at that location. Winners will be notified on August 6.

Thank you to Daniel for sharing his talents with FCPL and our community.

Sarah Reynolds
Branch Manager
Denmark Library

30 Years of the Forsyth County Public Library Card

What does your Forsyth County Public Library card look like? 

Is it mostly white or teal? Does it have the old FCPL logo with stars and an open book on it or the current, stylized FC book logo? Or is it one of our special, limited-edition cards? 

In honor of FCPL's 30th Anniversary in 2026 of being our very own single-county, independent library system (July 1st is our Independence Day!), I thought I'd share what our library card designs have looked like over the years. 

1996

The very first Forsyth County Public Library card design was teal with all our contact information on the front of the card. Behold, a rare view of an O.G. teal key tag spotted in the wild. Very few of these teal key tags survive today.

2001 

Around 2001, the renewal line phone number changed. We must have had a large inventory of these cards because for the next few years, new patrons received the original card, but with a sticker over the outdated information. I'm not sure what glue was used, but this is my card (below) and the sticker hasn't peeled in 25 years! 

2005

White became the new teal, and a new card with our first logo and an updated web address was born in 2005! 

2015

As often happens, time passes and logos are updated. It had been 10 years since our last card design, and during that time period we had also built and opened two new branches (Hampton Park Library in 2010 and Post Road Library in 2013)! The new card featured our new logo and tagline on the front and all 4 library branches on the back. 

2017

Macaroni Kid partnered with FCPL in 2017 to sponsor the "My First Library Card" art contest where kids were encouraged to submit their designs for a new library card. Two winners, Samantha and Kavya, created the winning designs.

2020 

When it was time for our next library card order in 2020, we added our updated mission statement to the front: "FCPL champions literacy, lifelong learning, and personalized service to all patrons." 

2021

FCPL celebrated our 25th anniversary as an independent library system in 2021! New, limited-edition  library cards commemorated this milestone and we saw a record-breaking 700 new registrations that year!

2024 

For our next library card order in 2024, FCPL created three new card designs and asked our patrons to vote for their favorite. The voting was intense and patron opinions were shared with each and every one of us, but the majority spoke. Our current colorful collage with the smiling face of one of our staff was voted the clear winner.

2026

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of America's founding, Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) sponsored a commemorative, limited-edition Georgia Reads for America 250 library card and provided all libraries in Georgia with 2500 of them. These are currently available now—while supplies last—for no replacement fee! Visit your local branch to get yours before they're all gone. 

Do you have a favorite design? Which of these cards do you currently have in your wallet? 

Jennifer 

Information Specialist

Hampton Park Library 

Meet Jessica—FCPL's Latest Library Limelight!

Get to know Jessica, Information Specialist (MLIS), at the Denmark Library!

Although she was born in South Florida, Jessica considers Canton, Georgia, her true hometown, having moved there at the age of two. After spending two decades in Canton, she has since lived in various parts of North Georgia, including Dawsonville and her current home of Clermont.

Being a librarian was her dream job as a child, but she never seriously considered it until she lost her job in archives when COVID hit. She was in the midst of her MLIS degree when she decided to apply for library positions. “If only 8-year-old me could see me now!” says Jessica.

If she could describe her role in five words or fewer, it would be: “Curating stories, connecting our community.” She finds being an Information Specialist unique because every day brings a fresh experience. In her six years at FCPL, she has never had the same day twice. Whether it’s a meaningful patron interaction, a shared moment with her coworkers, or a unique program, there is always something exciting happening.

Another unique part of her role is that she has been able to experience the Youth Services side of things. While Information Specialists focus on adult programming and services, they get to test their youth knowledge while covering the Ask Us desk or roaming the branches. After ending the day with sore legs from assisting with a Youth Services program, she has a newfound respect for how much energy, time, and love goes into their program planning and execution.

Her favorite part of her job is her coworkers. Regardless of how her morning begins, they consistently make coming to work a joy. “I’m particularly grateful for the Denmark branch team—the process of opening that location brought us together in a way that feels incredibly unified,” said Jessica.

She highly values the interactions she has with patrons. Being in a public-facing role, she has been asked some of the most interesting questions that sometimes lead her on a hunt for an answer. Her favorite questions will always be focused on book recommendations. “The excitement of being able to match a person with a book is the best feeling,” exclaims Jessica.

Jessica studied abroad in Berlin in 2018 and calls it one of the best experiences she has had. She took classes on German history and language, involving daily field trips around the city and surrounding areas to historical sites. “I’ll never forget the day one of my professors brought a small group of us to a tiny park on the outskirts of Berlin,” Jessica recalled. “He led us to the entryway of a crypt where we could still see bullet holes from WWII, dating back to when a German soldier sought refuge from chasing Russian forces.”

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with her family, including her two rescue dogs. Before having her daughter last year, she had just started quilting, and hopes to pick that back up soon. Now that she lives further north, she is hoping to explore the nearby state parks.

After studying history in college, Jessica reads mostly nonfiction, particularly history and memoirs or biographies. Every now and then she will pick up a historical fiction, thriller, or horror novel as a palate cleanser. Jessica just started listening to This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History by Beverly Gage, and recently finished The Hidden History of the White House: Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments by Corey Mead. Audiobooks are her go-to since her commute is an hour each way, though she still enjoys a physical book when she is on vacation and has time to sit down and read.

Thank you, Jessica, for sharing both your journey towards joining FCPL and the experiences that make you unique! We appreciate your dedication to tracking down the answers to patron questions, helping out across departments, and bringing your knowledge of history to FCPL.

Sara Higgins 
Communications Specialist

Celebrate Georgia 250 with Library of Congress’ Roadmap to Reading

Every year, a list of books representing the literary heritage of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is distributed by the Library of Congress’s Center for the Book during the National Book Festival. 

Each book is selected by a local Center for the Book or state library. Books may be written by authors from the state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state’s culture and heritage. This list began with mostly books for young readers, but an adult list was added in 2022, so each year, states pick both a Young Readers’ Selection and an Adult Readers’ Selection.

With the National Book Festival approaching in August, we are taking a look back on last year’s selections for Georgia.

Young Readers’ Selection 2025

The Peanut Man by Carmen Agra Deedy is a picture book that tells the story of a Cuban refugee and her joy in an unexpected encounter that connects her beloved home in Havana with her new home in Atlanta, based off of Carmen’s own life. 

With luminous illustrations by the award-winning artist Raúl Colón, this story of immigration, of being displaced and finding a connection to home, reminds us how much alike we humans are, regardless of culture, color, or creed.

Adult Readers’ Selection 2025

There is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America by Brian Goldstone is a nonfiction book telling the story of the working homeless. 

In this gripping and deeply reported book, Brian Goldstone plunges readers into the lives of five Atlanta families struggling to remain housed in a gentrifying, increasingly unequal city, illuminating the true magnitude, causes, and consequences of the new American homelessness–and shows that it won’t be solved until housing is treated as a fundamental human right.

Visit Georgia Center for the Book to see previous years’ honorees.

Jessica Dillard
Information Specialist
Denmark Library

Unreadable Podcast Transcript - July 2026

In this episode Ross speaks with Brandon Mull, bestselling author of the middle grade fantasy series Fablehaven. Brandon talks about his writing career, his many different novels and series, as well as his newest middle grade epic fantasy Forbidden Mountain which came out this year. Brandon Mull will be visiting the Forsyth Conference Center in person on July 25th at 3:00 pm. You can reserve your spot via our website.

Adult Fiction Staff Pick: Of Monsters and Mainframes

Of Monsters and Mainframes is an unexpectedly delightful serving of classic monsters, space, robots, horror, comedy, and a sweet side of found family. Once you pick up this book, you will have finished it and you won’t be able to determine if your stomach hurts from laughing or crying. 

On her maiden voyage the luxury cruise spaceship, Demeter, wakes up from a power down with all her passengers dead. The only survivor remaining is Dracula. When she reaches her destination, she is named a ghost ship by humanity and once her name is besmirched and it is hard to clear it. Not to mention all the succeeding voyages end in disaster one way or another. With the help of a slew of monsters and her fellow med-bay AI, Steward, Demeter must clear her name before she is decommissioned for good. 

As someone who is typically interested in horror and less so in science fiction this had everything I could want in a book! I have named this book to be my favorite of last year and recommend it to any horror, sci-fi, or comedy fan. It is also a fairly quick read despite the number of pages, due to the dialogue text sprinkled throughout as the AI characters interact with each other. 

Recommended for fans of: Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie, and All Systems Red by Martha Wells.

Isa
Information Specialist
Cumming Library

Collection Highlights: America 250 Edition

Hello from your Collection Development team! We are excited to share some of our favorite recent titles, trending genres, and author read-a-likes.

AMERICA 250: Easy Fiction and Easy Nonfiction

Rebecca the White House Raccoon by April Genevieve Tucholke

A raccoon in the White House during the Coolidge presidency? Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

Sing the 50 United States! by Dr. Seuss

In this newly discovered book written by Dr. Seuss, YOU can join along as the Cat in the Hat puts together a map of the United States of America.

Bald Eagles by Gail Gibbons

A beloved author’s take on a beloved animal.

What Emma Wrote by Ann Koffsky

A picture book biography of the remarkable woman who wrote the famous poetry lines: “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

AMERICA 250: Juvenile Fiction and Juvenile Nonfiction

My Bicentennial Summer by Greg Neri

Recounts the author’s wacky 1976 family road trip across the U.S.A.

Weird, Wild, and Rare: Extraordinary Animals of the United States by Elizabeth Eakes

Filled with fun facts, this book would be great for Weird But True! fans.

The Declaration Decoded by Katie Kennedy

A historian guides kids through the Declaration of Independence, sentence by sentence.

Five Days at the Hotel Adams by Hailey Alcaraz

Part of the new American Stories for Gutsy Girls series—will it become this generation’s Dear America? And speaking of Dear America, A Journey to the New World and The Winter of Red Snow just got reprints with fancy new covers.

AMERICA 250: Teen Nonfiction

• America Celebrates: The Most Incredible and Influential People, Places & Events of the Last 250 Years by Aubre Andrus
• America as It Happened: A Moment-By-Moment Journey Through Time, from Prehistory to the Present Day
• America's Founding Myths...and What Really Happened by Christy Mihaly
• Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary by Martha Brockenbrough
• George Washington, A Revolutionary Life by Tim Grove

AMERICA 250: Teen Fiction

• After My Brother Sam by James Lincoln Collier (Yes! My Brother Sam is Dead now has a sequel!!)
• Alex & Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa de la Cruz
• American Treasure Hunters series by Andrew Dare (New series alert!! Historical Fiction aimed at high school boys!)
• The Hunt for Confederate Gold
• The Boston Tea Party Conspiracy
• Hamilton and Peggy: A Revolutionary Friendship by Laura Elliott
• Loyalty by Avi

AMERICA 250: Adult Fiction

• Founding Mothers books by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
• America’s First Daughter
• A Founding Mother
• My Dear Hamilton

Side note: Don’t miss the collaborative novel they contributed to, Ribbons of Scarlet, about the French Revolution!

• A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon
• Harbor of Spies series by Megan Soja:
• Spark of the Revolution
• Secrets of the Revolution
• Scars of the Revolution
• The Line of Splendor by Salina Baker
• Mrs. Benedict Arnold by Emma Parry
• Storm Tide by Wilbur Smith

AMERICA 250: New Narrative Nonfiction Titles 

• Centennial: The Great Fair of 1876 and the Invention of America’s Future by Fergus Bordewich
• The Summer of Death: The Great Heat Wave of 1936 and the Making of Modern-Day America by Geoff Williams
• The Hardest, Longest Race: Henry Ford and the Cross-Country Contest That Changed America by Eric Moskowitz
• Cocked and Boozy: An Intoxicating History of the American Revolution by Brooke Barbier 
• Kingdom of Devils: A Tale of Murder in the Shadow of the American Revolution by Katherine Grandjean
• Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution by Denise Kiernan

Be sure to check out the official Georgia Reads list!