With Halloween and the fall season upon us, I have chosen to forgo the usual recommendations of horror and monster titles from the library. This month we’ll have a dash of witches in the past, present, and future. These unusual witch-themed titles are available to enjoy in physical and digital formats.
Hour of the Witch, by bestselling author Chris Bohjalian, examines modern themes in a historical setting, reading more like a page-turning thriller than your typical 17th century-set historical novel.
Mary, whose husband, Thomas, is twice her age, has suffered for five years and the abuse from alcoholic Thomas has come to a head. Her petition for divorce could not come at a worse time as mass hysteria, toxic masculinity, and the discovery of items associated with witchcraft buried in her garden all rear their ugly heads. All of which propels Mary towards a life-altering event.
Megan Giddins, whose previous book was a 2020 NPR Best Book, has just come out with Women Could Fly.
Giddins’ tale brings us to a near-future dystopia that feels a bit too close for comfort. This future limits women to either marry by 30 or register to be monitored with limited freedoms, and likely to be accused of witchcraft. Josephine’s mother, who disappeared years ago, left a will that makes a dangerous request of the 28-year-old. This one is perfect for fans of Octavia Butler or The Handmaid’s Tale.
The Russian folklore of Baba Yaga the witch is restructured in The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore.
In 1560, we meet half-mortal and half-goddess Yaga who helps those who seek her out at night, with illness, love, and ailments. A victim of slow poisoning who asks her for aid turns out to be the tsar’s wife, which throws Yaga into the political turmoil that is Tsar Ivan the Terrible’s reign. Combining fantasy and history, Yaga finds herself trying to save her beloved country from a monster.
Novels that revolve around witches can be lighthearted as well. Celestine Martin brings us Witchful Thinking, the first book in the “Elemental Love” series.
Even though Lucy casts magic spells and can read tealeaves, her life in a seaside town where the supernatural is the norm has been mostly dull. With her 10-year high school reunion on the horizon, Lucy feels the pressure to have accomplished more in life. When she meets up with former crush, Alex, things might finally spice up as he asks for her help in flipping a recently inherited cottage.
The One Book One San Diego titles have been announced and the La Mesa Branch Library is celebrating with different events for adults, teens, and children. Check our events page at sdcl.org for full details on each event.
We have reintroduced our math coaching program, with a volunteer helping K-12th graders with their math homework.
Call for details and registration at (619) 469-2151.
Photo credit: Pixabay.com
