What We’re Reading: The Lightkeepers

The LightkeepersTitle: The Lightkeepers

Read by: Julie Humphrey

Author: Abby Geni

Genre: literary fiction, mystery

Why did you choose to read this book? 
The main character is a nature photographer who travels to live on a remote island off the California coast with a few biologists who study animals there. I’m interested in travel, photography, and wildlife so it sounded like a good fit for me. It was also described as “part mystery and part ghost story” which intrigued me.

What did you like about it?
It’s beautifully written and I really loved the descriptions of sea creatures, wildlife, and the harsh realities of the natural world.  I liked the mysterious elements and learning about the narrator’s family and her past.

Was there anything noteworthy about the book?
It is very engaging, suspenseful, ominous, and dark. Violent, unsettling tragedies occur which mirror the cruel landscape and setting of the book.  I’ll also never think about seagulls in quite the same way again. 

Who would you recommend the book to?
Fans of nature writing, literary fiction, mystery, and suspense.  I look forward to following this author and reading her collection of short stories as well.

What would you pair this book with?
A hot cup of tea! It was always windy, cold, and damp on the island. The cabin where they lived didn’t have proper heating so they were always bundled in layers to stay warm.

Want to read this book? Find it here in our library.

What We’re Reading: Soulless

This book was read by Courtney Bippley who is a Reference Librarian at the Main Campus Library.

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Why did you choose to read this book?

I’m doing the POPSUGAR reading challenge this year so I read this book to fulfill the steampunk novel requirement.

 

What did you like about it?

I enjoyed the main character who, unmarried, is considered to be a spinster but never lets that stop her from doing what she wants. She is a heroine who is very direct in thought, speech, and action, which is refreshing.

 

Did it remind you of any other book, or a movie?

It reminded me of the movie Pride and Prejudice and Zombies because of the historical/fantasy mash up aesthetic. I do realizes that they are set in different historical eras but the juxtaposition of the old fashioned clothes and manners against the fantasy elements (and the bloodier aspects of the plot) are very similar.

Who would you recommend the book to?

Anyone who likes steampunk books or a nice paranormal romance with some historical romance flavor.

What would you pair this book with?

A parasol to stylishly provide some shade for you and your book as you walk in the park and kill vampires.