Jaclyn's Picks
To be made “Pretty” means everything to Tally; to join her friends in Prettyville and not have a care in the world. But when Shay shows up just before Tally’s undergoes her Pretty surgery, her world is flipped upside down with rebel camps and government secrets. Maybe being Pretty isn’t all it seems. Filled with incredible world building in a future of unrealistic beauty standards and secretive government control, what’s not to love?
This book portrays such a beatiful take on the roots and history of agriculture in America. Told through thoughtfully researched stories and perspectives, the author takes a deep dive into the history of Indigenous, Latinx, Black, and Asian American agriculture in America. She shows us that organic and regen. ag. are not new concepts to the people of this land and we have so much to learn from the minorities that were pushed aside by colonial agendas.
No matter how small you feel in this world, you are capable of making a universal difference. This beautifully illustrated story takes you on an other worldly journey into tiny realms where even the littlest acts can create the greatest difference. A wonderful story for any age!
The Queens of Renthia trilogy is the fantasy story I've been searching for my whole life. Strong yet flawed female leads, villages and queendoms built into the treetops, adventure and gorgeous world-building with magic and dark/(semi)evil fae creatures. What else could you want?
In memory of the late Buddhist monk, peace activist (and so much more), Thich Nhat Hanh left an incredible legacy. One of my favorite lessons he left with us is the importance of our Earth and our role in saving her. In this last work of his, it is a collaboration and collection of his teachings and lessons on how finding mindfulness and zen is the first step we can take in order to save our planet.
A collection of stories, lore, and tales passed down through time; collected and discussed by Dr. Estes to awaken the wild woman archetype lying dormant (or not so dormant) in all of us. A collection that will surely reconnect you with ancestors and memories you didn't know you had forgotten. This book is a call to anyone and everyone who is ready to awaken their innate, wild, and natural self.
(This book cannot be returned.)
The Wild Wood begins with an artist living in the Canadian woods trying to reconnect with her art and heal from her past. As the story progresses it begins to contort and turn into a twisted tale of surreal and dream like experiences with the creatures living in the woods. The forest creatures are calling through her dreams and artwork, as she may be their last hope for survival; and they may be her only hope for healing.
A beautiful and haunting retelling of a Russian folklore. Katherine Arden had me wrapped up in this story from the first page. Vasya is a young girl determined to carve her own path in the world, befriending the local spirits of her forest and home. When her stepmother attempts to send Vasya away, she must call on her connection with the Spirit of Death to rescue her villiage. A super great winter read that shines a light on historic Russia with a folklore twist.
If you love Mother Earth you will love this collection of essays, poems, and brilliant writings collected into one book. Empowering, touching, and heartbreaking; this book brought me tears and at the same time made me so hopeful for the future and the good people speaking out for nature.
A dream-like fantasy with a twisting and unraveling mystery that will keep you engaged page by page. I immediately fell in love with the setting, and though I don't usually reach for mysteries, this one was such a treat. I highly reccomend you take the plunge and get lost in the halls of the labyrinth with Piranesi.