Best Community Books December 2024

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is a heartwarming tale of family, community, and the power of determination. Set in a bustling Harlem brownstone, five siblings band together to save their beloved home from an unexpected eviction notice. With charm, wit, and a dash of mischief, the Vanderbeeker children hatch a series of endearing schemes to win over their curmudgeonly landlord. Karina Yan Glaser’s debut novel captures the essence of childhood wonder and the unbreakable bonds of family, leaving readers with a cozy, feel-good story that lingers long after the last page.

The Woman Next Door

Hortensia and Marion, two widows in their eighties, are neighbors in an upscale Cape Town suburb. Despite their proximity, they’re bitter rivals, their animosity fueled by decades of racial tension and personal grudges. As life throws unexpected challenges their way, these headstrong women find themselves reluctantly drawn together. Through sharp wit and poignant moments, Omotoso explores the complexities of aging, prejudice, and the possibility of reconciliation. A touching tale that reminds us it’s never too late for second chances.

Good Hope Road

Sarah Brandt never expected to find solace in the dilapidated farmhouse on Good Hope Road. Fleeing a troubled past, she’s drawn to the quiet strength of the old place, its weathered boards holding secrets of generations past. As she uncovers hidden letters and faded photographs, Sarah feels a connection to the women who came before her, their hopes and struggles echoing her own. With each passing day, she finds herself healing, learning to trust again, and maybe, just maybe, opening her heart to the possibility of love in this small town that’s beginning to feel like home.

Good Harbor

Kathleen Levine’s life is unraveling. Battling breast cancer and reeling from her best friend’s betrayal, she retreats to the idyllic seaside town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. There, she meets Joyce, a librarian facing her own midlife crisis. As they walk the beaches of Good Harbor, a deep friendship blossoms, offering solace, laughter, and unexpected healing. Diamant’s poignant tale explores the power of female bonds, the complexities of marriage, and the resilience of the human spirit. A heartwarming story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever needed a friend to lean on.

Us Against You

In the small hockey town of Beartown, tensions simmer beneath the surface. Fredrik Backman’s “Us Against You” delves deeper into the community’s soul, exploring loyalty, rivalry, and redemption. As the local team faces extinction, old wounds reopen and new alliances form. Backman’s prose is both raw and tender, capturing the essence of human nature with startling clarity. I found myself completely absorbed, rooting for characters I’d grown to love. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, reminding us of the power of unity in the face of adversity.

There There

In this raw and powerful debut, Tommy Orange weaves together the stories of twelve Urban Indians in Oakland, California. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways as they journey to the Big Oakland Powwow. Orange’s unflinching prose exposes the harsh realities of Native American life, while also celebrating resilience and identity. I was deeply moved by the characters’ struggles and triumphs. This novel left me pondering the complexities of heritage and belonging long after I turned the final page.

Beartown

In the depths of a Swedish forest, where winter’s grip never truly loosens, lies Beartown – a community on the brink. Hockey is their lifeline, their passion, their everything. As the junior team prepares for a crucial game, hopes soar and tensions simmer. But when a shocking incident shatters their fragile unity, the town must confront its darkest secrets and deepest fears. Backman’s prose cuts like ice, revealing the raw humanity beneath small-town facades. A powerful exploration of loyalty, dreams, and the price we pay for belonging.

Tortilla Flat

Steinbeck’s “Tortilla Flat” is a charming tale of friendship and mischief set in post-World War I Monterey. Danny inherits two houses and suddenly finds himself the leader of a ragtag group of paisanos. Their days are filled with wine, laughter, and philosophical musings that border on the absurd. As I read, I couldn’t help but smile at their antics and ponder the deeper questions of loyalty and purpose. It’s a bittersweet ode to simpler times, with characters that linger in your mind long after the last page.