
January 30, 2025
Our Library’s Top Shelf List is our annual selection of must-read books—ten outstanding titles that have captivated and inspired our staff. Carefully chosen for their exceptional storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and lasting impact, these books represent the best of what we’ve read and loved.
Each selection reflects the thoughtful consideration of our librarians, showcasing books that have moved, challenged, and inspired us. Spanning fiction and nonfiction, they offer fresh perspectives, unforgettable narratives, and compelling ideas that stay with you long after the final page.
We invite you to explore these standout recommendations and discover why they’ve earned a place on our 2025 Top Shelf.
James by Percival Everett
Few novels successfully reimagine a beloved classic while adding new depth and perspective, but James does so brilliantly. I loved this book for its inventive and original retelling of an American classic. Thought-provoking and lyrical, with a dash of humor for balance, it was so engaging that, shamefully, I enjoyed it even more than Huck Finn itself.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a poignant and masterful exploration of storytelling, creativity, grief, identity, and the complexities of human connection. Through its richly developed characters and the intricate world of game design, Zevin captures the highs and lows of collaboration, ambition, and friendship, celebrating the power of art, imagination, and diverse representation in a moving and unforgettable story.
Trust by Hernan Diaz
Brilliantly constructed, Trust challenges the very nature of truth and storytelling, inviting readers to reconstruct events through layered and sometimes conflicting narratives. I loved reading the different perspectives of the same events in Trust. The reader must piece together the story from differing accounts.
Tom Lake by Anne Patchett
With vivid prose and an enchanting story, Tom Lake gently reminds us of the enduring importance of family, love, and human connection. Touching on themes of romance, the arts, sisterhood, and motherhood, it radiates warmth and sunlight, leaving a lasting impression with its poignant quotes and deeply felt moments.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Powerful suggestion that the evolution from a play-based childhood to one that is screen-based has created social and mental ills for a generation. Loads of data to back up the claims, offering a compelling and urgent call for rethinking how we raise and nurture children in the digital age.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
This is the kind of book you can re-read and discover something new each time. With rich characters and a vividly drawn setting, McBride masterfully weaves history, mystery, and humanity into a story both timely and timeless. It’s a rare work of literary fiction that combines compassion and community, leaving you with a sense of optimism in a complex world.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Demon Copperhead is a masterful reimagining of David Copperfield, set against the backdrop of Appalachia's opioid crisis and told through the voice of an unforgettable protagonist. With textured prose and deep empathy, Kingsolver delivers a heartbreaking yet uplifting story rich in resilience, vulnerability, and sharp social commentary.
The Wager by David Grann
Non-fiction that reads like fiction. A fascinating and incredibly well-researched exploration of mutiny, murder, and empire that is nothing less than a page-turner. Grann’s masterful storytelling brings history to life with vivid detail and narrative drive, making this a gripping and immersive read from start to finish.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
This magical realism rom-com follows Clementine as she navigates grief and a crossroads in her life, moving into a magical apartment that helps her heal. Set during a summer in NYC, which feels like another character in the story, it beautifully captures the city’s charm as the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt love story, reminiscent of The Lake House.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
This sharp and chilling historical mystery, set in 18th-century America, follows a compassionate and empowered protagonist inspired by real-life midwife Martha Ballard. With its vivid portrayal of a distant yet relatable time, the novel delivers both knowledge and emotional resonance, leaving a lasting impression.