On the shelves - Sept. 17

The books listed below are now available for checkout at the Clovis-Carver Public Library. The library is open to the public, but patrons can still visit the online catalog at cloviscarverpl.booksys.net/opac/ccpl or call 575-769-7840 to request a specific item for curbside pickup.

“Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most” by Miroslav Volf, Mathew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz. This book was given in memorial of Beth Nelson. What makes a good life? The question is inherent to the human condition, asked by people across generations, professions, and social classes. Volf, Croasmun, and McAnnally-Linz chart out this question, providing readers with jumping-off points, road maps, and habits of reflection for figuring out where their lives hold meaning and where things need to change.

“Like a River” by Granger Smith. This book was given in memorial of Beth Nelson. On June 4th, 2019, country music singer Granger Smith was enjoying a final evening with his kids before heading to Nashville for the CMT Music Awards and his next tour. While helping his daughter London with her gymnastics, his youngest son fell into their pool. Granger did everything he could to get to him, but he was too late. Despite his best effort to get back on stage with a smile and song, it was all a façade. On the inside he was dying. Fortunately, that's not how his story ended. And now he is compelled to help people all around the world find strength, peace, and hope on the other side of tragedy.

“An Atomic Love Story” by Shirley Streshinsky and Patricia Klaus. This book was given in memorial of Beth Nelson. In the early decades of the 20th century, three highly ambitious women found their way to the West Coast, where each was destined to collide with the young Oppenheimer. Although each were connected through their relationship to Oppenheimer, their experiences reflect important changes in the lives of American women in the 20th century.

“The Secret to Happiness” by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Fired from her dream job after making a colossal mistake, Callie Dixon escaped to her aunt's home on Cape Cod for time to bounce back. Except time isn't going to help because Callie's bounce has up and left. Things go from bad to worse when Callie's cousin Dawn drags her to a community class about the secret to happiness. Happiness is the last thing Callie wants to think about right now, but instructor Bruno Bianco is relentless. Bruno insists that hitting rock bottom is the very best place to be. But if that's true, how is it supposed to help her figure out what has been missing from her life all along?

“Vampires of El Norte” by Isabel Cañas. As the daughter of a rancher in 1840s Mexico, Nena knows a thing or two about monsters—her home has long been threatened by tensions with Anglo settlers from the north. But something more sinister lurks near the ranch at night, something that drains men of their blood and leaves them for dead. Something that once attacked Nena nine years ago. Believing Nena dead, Néstor has been on the run from his grief ever since, moving from ranch to ranch working as a vaquero. But no amount of drink can dispel the night terrors of sharp teeth.

“After That Night” by Karin Slaughter. Fifteen years ago, Sara Linton’s life changed forever when a celebratory night out ended in a violent attack that tore her world apart. Since then, Sara has remade her life. A successful doctor, engaged to a man she loves, she has finally managed to leave the past behind her. Until one evening, on call in the ER, everything changes. Sara battles to save a broken young woman who’s been brutally attacked. But as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Dani Cooper’s assault is uncannily linked to Sara’s. And the past isn’t going to stay buried forever.

— Summaries provided by library staff