Athena's Holiday Recommendations

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The Anthropocene Reviewed (Signed Edition): Essays on a Human-Centered Planet By John Green Cover Image
$28.00
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ISBN: 9780525555216
Published: Dutton - May 18th, 2021

This collection takes a close look at very specific topics humans have influenced and combines them with Green’s personal life. It is abundantly clear that a considerable amount of research went into this book. A truly compelling read, this book offers readers a chance to reflect on life and learn more about the world in a way that does not feel overwhelming. For a non-fiction book, it reads as smoothly as Green’s previous fiction works.


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Anne of Green Gables (Puffin in Bloom) By L. M. Montgomery, Anna Bond (Illustrator) Cover Image
By L. M. Montgomery, Anna Bond (Illustrator)
$17.00
ISBN: 9780147514004
Availability: Not In Stock - Usually Available in 1-5 Days
Published: Puffin Books - August 28th, 2014

What I love most about Anne Shirley is her optimism and imagination. Anne turns everyday tasks into adventures that should be celebrated. I loved watching Anne grow with every new experience and with every mistake she made. The first book of this series covers Anne from the ages of 11 to 16 and is a great book for readers of all ages. If you want a feel good book, this is perfect!


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A Darker Shade of Magic: A Novel (Shades of Magic #1) By V. E. Schwab Cover Image
$17.99
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ISBN: 9780765376466
Published: Tor Books - January 19th, 2016

I have yet to read a V.E Schwab book I didn’t like, and this is no exception. The concept of 4 Londons existing in different worlds with different relationships to magic is interesting enough as it is. Add a royal messenger/smuggler who accidently brings a forbidden object back to his own world and you have an irresistible tale! If you are looking for an exciting high fantasy series, this is perfect!


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Next Year in Havana By Chanel Cleeton Cover Image
$15.00
ISBN: 9780399586682
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Berkley - February 6th, 2018

Multi-generational stories are always fascinating to me. This story follows our main character as she visits Cuba for the first time, and her grandmother in the 1950s, leading up to her leaving Cuba. This story really examines family dynamics and one’s own identity. Cleeton also wrote 3 other books following this family, which can all be read as standalones if desired.


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I'll Give You the Sun By Jandy Nelson Cover Image
$11.99
ISBN: 9780142425763
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Dial Books - October 27th, 2015

What I love most about this book is the duel perspectives. This story follows twins Jude and Noah, but at different times of their life (Noah at 13 and Jude at 16) surrounding a large event that shapes their relationship. This book is a great example of how character POV influences our opinions when reading. I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN is beautiful and has an absolutely stunning utilization of imagery, especially when discussion emotions.


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Little Women (Puffin in Bloom) By Louisa May Alcott, Anna Bond (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Louisa May Alcott, Anna Bond (Illustrator)
$17.00
ISBN: 9780147514011
Availability: Not In Stock - Usually Available in 1-5 Days
Published: Puffin Books - August 28th, 2014

After over 150 years, LITTLE WOMEN is still able to resonate with its readers. The antics and adventures of the March sisters not only make the book compelling but relatable as well. It’s clear why this book has had 4 movie adaptations in the last 90 years. I read this in preparation of the 2019 movie and was absolutely blown away. This edition contains both LITTLE WOMEN and GOOD WIVES (the whole story!).


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Howl's Moving Castle (World of Howl #1) By Diana Wynne Jones Cover Image
$11.99
ISBN: 9780061478789
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Greenwillow Books - April 22nd, 2008

I fell in love with HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE after watching the Studio Ghibli movie (as I am sure most people have). When I realized it was based off a book I had to pick it up and I was not disappointed. This book is so whimsical and funny. It carries the same magical feel as the movie while adding a slightly more complex and better explained story line. A great book for kids and adults!


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Legend By Marie Lu Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9780142422076
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Speak - April 16th, 2013

This is one of my favorite dystopian books of all time. I know a lot of the time with YA dystopian it can feel like the plot is very recycled, but that isn’t the case with LEGEND. This story is based in a futuristic America where the country is now split in two and rising oceans have changed borders. June and Day have such and interesting dynamic and it made it so hard to put the book down!