Spring 2025 Picks for Adults

55 Books Found

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  • All the Beauty in the World

    Bringley masterfully writes about grief, healing, and wonder as he takes his readers on a behind-the-scenes journey through the community that works in one of the world’s greatest museums. | Daniel Anger, Collections Access & Discovery

    Cover of All the Beauty in the World
  • American Scary

    Dauber offers an encyclopedic look at the horror genre in the U.S., starting in the 1600s. A must-read for horror fans, it explores historical events that inspired both famous and lesser-known scary works. | Rachel Kahn, Yorkville

    Cover of American Scary
  • Asunder

    This astounding adult fantasy crafts an intricate, fleshed out world where new gods play politics and magic to cement their power. Tender, sophisticated, and bursting with ideas you've never seen before. | Mya Matteo Alexice, Hudson Park

    Cover of Asunder
  • An Autobiography

    An Autobiography is an important snapshot of radical politics in the '60s and ‘70s. The story of Davis’s trial is powerful, but even more rewarding is following her development as an intellectual and activist. | Julian Rivas, Sedgwick

    Cover of An Autobiography
  • Before We Were Yours

    An emotionally intense historical fiction novel about discovering your family history when it was kept from you your whole life. | Grace Deas, Edenwald

    Cover of Before We Were Yours
  • Blackout

    In this fast-paced time travel thriller, three Oxford researchers from 2060 are trapped in 1940s Britain with no way back. Witty and thought-provoking, it will leave readers eager for the sequel, All Clear. | Anne Rouyer, Mulberry

    Cover of Blackout
  • Book and Dagger

    For fans of spy thrillers and evocative nonfiction that reads like fiction. Learn the forgotten history of WWII academics and librarians that finally gives them the respect they're due. | Elizabeth Graham, Epiphany

    Cover of Book and Dagger
  • The Book of Lost Friends

    Imagine if you learned the town moved to was connected to a deeper, darker history. One that some members of the town would prefer remained hidden. Can Benny educate everyone while avoiding town authorities? | Grace Deas, Edenwald

    Cover of The Book of Lost Friends
  • Bury Your Gays

    Alacritously harmonizing wit and horror, Chuck Tingle furnishes a sobering commentary on the state of LGBT erasure and monetization in contemporary media. | Emily Petit, Inwood

    Cover of Bury Your Gays
  • Buster

    What is a dog's idea of a good person? Peer briefly into the mind and life of Buster the boxer in this bittersweet, gritty and surprising novella from crime writer George Pelecanos. | Melissa Koszer, Spuyten Duyvil

    Cover of Buster
  • The Cold Cold Ground

    In 1981 Belfast, amidst the hunger strikes and car bombs, a Catholic detective hunts a serial killer targeting gay men. Gritty, harrowing, and darkly humorous, this series is perfect for fans of Say Nothing and Tana French. | Anne Rouyer, Mulberry

    Cover of The Cold Cold Ground
  • The Disney Revolt: The Great Labor War of Animation's Golden Age

    Fans of Defunctland will love to get more history about this entertainment giant, as well as a firsthand look at what forming a union looked like under Uncle Walt. | Atticus Sutcliffe, City Island

    Cover of The Disney Revolt: The Great Labor War of Animation's Golden Age
  • Double Fold

    A comprehensive, though not always favorable, look at the secret history of newspaper archives, written in Baker's inimitable style. | Jenny Baum, Jefferson Market

    Cover of Double Fold
  • Enter Ghost

    Sonia returns to Haifa after a failed love affair, joining a West Bank Hamlet production. Amid checkpoints and tensions, she confronts her family's history and questions if the play’s meaning lies in the actors’ real suffering. | Hal Schreive, 53rd St

    Cover of Enter Ghost
  • Etymologies and Genealogies

    A bold classic in medieval European literature since 1983. Bloch links 12th-century romance with social shifts in nobility, urbanism, and grammar. Essential reading for a deeper understanding of medieval European literature. | Andrew Fairweather, Seward Park

    Cover of Etymologies and Genealogies
  • Faebound

    Queer normative romantasy featuring deep mythology and a diverse cast of characters. El-Arifi pens a captivating tale encompassing generational trauma, the effects of an inherited war, and the dangers of erased histories. | Azaliyah Molina, Bronx Library Center

    Cover of Faebound
  • The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity

    A tale of romance between a boy who looks like a delinquent and a girl from a private academy. Readers who enjoy heartwarming scenes will appreciate the developing bonds between friends, family, and romantic interests. | Angel Vega, Belmont

    Cover of The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
  • The Fury

    A masterfully paced thriller about a reclusive ex–movie star and her famous friends whose spontaneous trip to a private Greek island is upended by a murder. | Aspasia Katerinis, SNFL

    Cover of The Fury
  • Glory Days

    Have you ever wondered how Super Mario navigates bad back issues? Or how a supervillain makes friends as an adult? Simon Rich weaves hysterical hypotheticals about aging millennials that will leave you cackling! | Ashley Zeidner, Stapleton

    Cover of Glory Days
  • Golden Kamuy

    Immortal Sugimoto is a war hero who finds himself scrambling to find stolen gold to keep a promise to a childhood friend. A thrill ride for manga fans seeking an action-packed and humorous read. | Angel Vega, Belmont

    Cover of Golden Kamuy
  • The Hearing Trumpet

    Written by a Surrealist master, this whimsical novel follows 92-year-old Marian Leatherby in a nursing home filled with strange houses, the occult, and a possible Holy Grail. For fans of Angela Carter and twisted fairy tales. | Rachel Kahn, Yorkville

    Cover of The Hearing Trumpet
  • Highgate Cemetery Murder

    In this dark, suspenseful Victorian mystery (with a hint of romance), ex-nurse Gemma Tate teams with Detective Sebastian Bell to solve her brother’s murder. A moody, emotional read for fans of Andrea Penrose and C.S. Harris. | Anne Rouyer, Mulberry Street

    Cover of Highgate Cemetery Murder
  • Hue and Cry: Stories

    A collection of stories about African Americans which tackle issues like work, racism, loneliness, a bright young woman with a tortured soul. These stories resonate with all of us and are timelessly relevant. | Wilsa Rhuma, SNFL

    Cover of  Hue and Cry: Stories
  • I Who Have Never Known Men

    This novel is a surreal, emotional, and haunting exploration of what it means to be human, to be a woman, in a mysterious post-apocalyptic world. Once you start this speculative fiction, you won’t be able to put it down. | Marlisa Bongiovanni, Center for Educators & Schools

    Cover of I Who Have Never Known Men
  • The Indian Card: Who Gets to Be Native in America

    Using statistics and personal experience, a Lumbee woman invites readers to reflect on how historical interpretations of indigeneity affect tribal members - and those who face barriers to enrollment - in modern times. | Emily Petit, Inwood

    Cover of The Indian Card: Who Gets to Be Native in America
  • The Interestings

    The Interestings follows a group of teens who met at a 70s summer camp, exploring their complex relationships with each other, class, art, and power. You'll connect with each character and feel deeply for their shared journey. | Lily Rubenstein, Ottendorfer

    Cover of The Interestings
  • The Jellyfish

    Odette is haunted by a jellyfish blocking her vision. As she accepts help from loved ones, she finds hope after losing her sight. Beautifully illustrated, deeply touching, and, ultimately, hopeful. | Scarllet Veras, Soundview

    Cover of The Jellyfish
  • The Last Tale of the Flower Bride

    A couple’s fantastical marriage unravels in the halls of the bride’s childhood home. Gripping and lush in prose, this dark fairy tale explores what happens when lies become reality. | Kristen Strmel, St. George

    Cover of The Last Tale of the Flower Bride
  • Love in a F*cked-up World

    A book to pick up when you're feeling lonely or sad or scared in this world. Spade has endless knowledge to offer. For those interested in the self-help genre wanting more. For lovers of bell hooks and Mariame Kaba . | Matt Balik, 125th Street

    Cover of  Love in a F*cked-up World
  • A Love Song for Ricki Wilde

    Former Atlanta socialite Ricki moves to Harlem to open a flower shop, where a mysterious jazz musician sparks a time-bending romance. A sultry, sweet pick for fans of V.E. Schwab and great NYC stories with Black characters. | Rebecca Donsky, Staten Island Network

    Cover of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde
  • Lovely One

    Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, shares her extraordinary journey, from her family’s rise from segregation to her confirmation on the nation’s highest court in one generation. | Aspasia Katerinis, SNFL

    Cover of Lovely One
  • Made for People

    Earley emphasizes that true friendship is an art and a discipline and gives readers the tools and habits to maintain lasting community. | Daniel Anger, Collections Access & Discovery

    Cover of Made for People
  • My Poison Princess is Still Cute

    A demon princess who spews poison when her emotions are intense and an immortal human knight are forced to marry to end conflict between their people. Readers looking for a relaxing and humorous new manga will enjoy! | Angel Vega, Belmont

    Cover of My Poison Princess is Still Cute
  • Never Say You Can't Survive

    Anders offers helpful writing tips to breathe life into your characters and their worlds whilst discussing the power of writing, fiction and creation when the world feels overwhelming. | Vanessa Carrasco, 67th Street

    Cover of Never Say You Can't Survive
  • Night Flyer

    A fresh look at Harriet’s faith by diving into 19th century Black women’s religious culture. Miles peels back the mysticism surrounding Tubman and situates her among the great thinkers and strategists of her time. | Qualia Sway, Belmont

    Cover of Night Flyer
  • The Notorious Gig

    Tired of the 9-5 grind? If you're creative and crave freedom, Roberts offers insights into an alternative path. Via this read, you’ll find a journey that’s created, branded, and managed by you and your skill sets. | Mia Washington, Morningside Heights

    Cover of The Notorious Gig
  • The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love

    Jane Austen meets Terry Pratchett in this swashbuckling trek across eighteenth-century Western Europe! Add a dash of forbidden love and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind adventure for the ornithologist in all of us. | Emily Petit, Inwood

    Cover of The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love
  • Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl

    A gorgeous queer magical realism story about Paul/Polly, a shapeshifting college student navigating the early 90s. A love letter to the time and a heartfelt character study of someone finding their place in the world. | Liz Baldwin, SNFL

    Cover of  Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl
  • Plantains And Our Becoming: Poems

    Afro-Latina Marte explores Dominican and Haitian identities, celebrating the Black diasporic experience. Her work addresses themes like self-love, displacement, trauma, and ancestral knowledge. | Aspasia Katerinis, SNFL

    Cover of Plantains And Our Becoming: Poems
  • The Postcard

    Stitched together piece by piece from the archive, Berest's "roman vrai" is heartbreaking and engrossing, as she rediscovers and investigates the devastating family history of her ancestors who were murdered at Auschwitz. | Lily Rubenstein, Ottendorfer

    Cover of The Postcard
  • The Radiance of the King

    A broke white man with lots of debts and bad luck landed in a remote town in Africa determined to meet the king. He meets and befriends a beggar who serves as his guide. These two embark on a long journey full of humor, unexpected twists and turns. This fantastic tale will delight those interested in classic world literature and magical realism. | Wilsa Rhuma, SNFL

     

    Cover of The Radiance of the King
  • Ruined

    For readers and viewers of Bridgerton alike, this tender and feel-good regency-set graphic novel contains a slow-burn marriage of convenience, "sisters of a finer kind," and heartwarming character arcs for all involved. | Rachel Crook, SNFL

    Cover of Ruined
  • Schnooks, Crooks, Liars & Scoundrels

    A political humorous commentary highlighting the absurdity of recent political misconduct. You might not agree with the author's viewpoints but I might get a chuckle either way. | Debra Behr, Todt-Hill Westerleigh

    Cover of Schnooks, Crooks, Liars & Scoundrels
  • Shakespeare's Roman trilogy

    Cantor’s study of Shakespeare's Roman plays, shaped by Nietzsche, Hegel, and others, reflects a lifetime of insight into the fall of the ancient world, offering inspiration for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare. | Andrew Fairweather, Seward Park

    Cover of Shakespeare's Roman trilogy
  • Smoke And Ashes

    Ghosh explores the opium trade's role in British imperialism, revealing surprising facts about China, India, and Western wealth. The human toll - in war, famine and addiction - and modern parallels are shared with a novelist's touch. | Hal Schreive, 53rd Street

    Cover of Smoke And Ashes
  • The Spellshop

    A cozy fantasy with a sassy talking plant and mythical magical friendships. So cozy that you should not be surprised if while reading you suddenly find yourself sipping tea under a fuzzy blanket on a comfy rocking chair. | Melissa Koszer, Spuyten Duyvil

    Cover of The Spellshop
  • That Noble Dream

    Novick traces the evolution of the American historian's role offering vital insight into the changing historical profession for those interested in "the history behind the history." | Andrew Fairweather, Seward Park

    Cover of That Noble Dream
  • This is How You Lose the Time War

    In this lush, epistolary sci-fi novella, warring agents Red and Blue weave a love story through taunting letters and thrilling encounters. A cult favorite for fans of sapphic enemies-to-lovers and poetic prose! | Scarllet Veras, Soundview

    Cover of This is How You Lose the Time War
  • To Anyone Who Ever Asks

    A music bio for the ages: the little-known Converse led a fascinating NYC life, penning hauntingly clever songs, until her still-unsolved disappearance at age 50. For anyone who's chased a truly original creative life. | Suzanne Lipkin, LPA

    Cover of To Anyone Who Ever Asks
  • Twenty-Five women who shaped the Italian Renaissance

    Ray highlights overlooked women like Artemisia Gentileschi and Moderata Fonte, sharing real-life accounts of artists, writers, and innovators who refused to be silenced. Thoroughly researched and insightful. | Rachel Kahn, Yorkville

    Cover of Twenty-Five women who shaped the Italian Renaissance
  • Unlock Your Aesthetic

    This book, full of color and style, is a guide to identifying and expressing your personal aesthetic through various tools and mediums. A must-read for artists and creators refining their personal expression. | Vanessa Carrasco, 67th Street

    Cover of Unlock Your Aesthetic
  • Unruly

    A fun, informative journey through the British monarchy up to the Elizabethan era. Laugh-out-loud moments and rich history. Highly recommend the e-audiobook read by the author for an even more enjoyable experience! | Debra Behr, Todt-Hill Westerleigh

    Cover of Unruly
  • The Vet's Daughter

    A surreal story with an unrelentingly dark atmosphere - like a gothic fairytale. As Alice tries to escape from her sinister homelife, she discovers something else, leading to a fantastical ending readers will not forget. | Marlisa Bongiovanni, Center for Educators & Schools

    Cover of The Vet's Daughter
  • Weapons of Math Destruction

    Algorithms do more than just show our favorite online content. Sometimes they silence the public. More timely than ever. | Andrew Oppenheimer, Port Richmond

    Cover of Weapons of Math Destruction
  • Woodworm

    Translated by Sophie Hughes and Annie McDermott | A lush and haunting intergenerational story of women burdened by monsters, ghosts, and wealthy neighbors. The house thrives in its role as a main character. | Jessica Cline, Picture Collection

    Cover of Woodworm