NLW Staff Picks: Tonia & Laura

 

Tonia

 

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy

I went into Sipsworth without knowing anything about it—I often like to let the audiobook queue surprise me—and I’m so glad I did. This turned out to be one of the most heartwarming and quietly profound stories I’ve come across in a long time. It follows 83-year-old Helen, a widow who returns to her English hometown after the devastating loss of both her husband and son. She’s a woman who, in many ways, believes her life is winding down—lonely, disconnected, and unsure of what comes next.

Then, through an unexpected and simple encounter with a mouse, everything begins to change. What unfolds is a tender story about grief, resilience, and how life still has the capacity to surprise us, even in the most unassuming ways. I loved Helen’s character—she felt real, thoughtful, and quietly brave. I still find myself thinking about her from time to time, which to me is the sign of a truly special book. If you enjoy stories with emotional depth, small joys, and gentle transformations, Sipsworth is well worth the read—or listen.

 

Laura

 

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio may be my favorite book I've read in awhile. Who wouldn't love a book where you can send your husband to the attic and once he turns on the light, he disappears and a new model comes back?! Think of the possibilities! He's chewing too loud, swishing his drink around his mouth like mouthwash, talking on and on in that annoying mansplaining way, whatever--Honey, can you go and check on the light in the attic? Boom, new man. It wasn't all fun and games, however, as she eventually loses the man she likes when he goes into the attic without being sent. Then she has to go out into the real world and try to find him. Overall, a fabulous book with a very imaginative premise. 5 Stars!”

 

All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman is a brand new book by a first time author. Florence is the former lead singer of a girl band and single mother to 10 year-old Dylan. Her ex pays for, and insists, that their son attend a ritzy school that, shall we say, caters to a different sort of clientele. Florence suffers through until the child heir to a frozen foods fortune, and bully to her son, disappears on a field trip. Dylan becomes the prime suspect and Florence will do ANYTHING to clear his name. Fast-paced and a real page-turner!

 

Other picks:

 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

Catch You Later by Jessica Strawser

Finding Sophie by Imran Mahmood