Every Happiness

Shah, Reena. Every Happiness. 2026. 320p. ISBN 9781639733002.

Deepa and Ruchi are only twelve years old when they form an inseparable bond at their Catholic school in India. As they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood, their relationship becomes a complex tapestry of shared secrets, intense intimacy, and the quiet pressure of societal expectations. While they strive to carve out their own identities, their connection is increasingly defined by a simmering undercurrent of jealousy and desires that remain unspoken, yet deeply felt.

The move to America marks a radical shift in their lives as they settle into the suburbs of Connecticut. However, the American Dream presents unexpected challenges; Deepa struggles with an emotional distance from her daughter, while Ruchi finds herself overcompensating with her son. As a widening class gap and conflicting family loyalties begin to fray their lifelong bond, Ruchi uncovers a perilous secret regarding the source of Deepa’s husband’s wealth. With their reputations and futures at stake within their tight-knit immigrant community, both women must decide if their friendship can survive a truth that threatens to dismantle everything they have built.

Fans of contemporary realistic fiction will appreciate Every Happiness because it offers a nuanced look at the immigrant experience and the evolution of long-term friendships. The narrative explores themes of cultural identity, class disparity, and the heavy weight of family legacy, making it an excellent choice for readers interested in sociology or character-driven dramas.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 30

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 30. 2024. 200p. ISBN 9781974749829. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Exhausted by the immense effort required to contain Satan in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 29, Shemihaza has shockingly transferred her pivotal role to Shiemi, reuniting her with Rin and the other stunned Exwires. Though the sealing ritual was completed, the demonic lord proved too powerful; Satan transformed in order to survive the sealing attempt. His form is now colossal, interwoven with the earth itself, and his heart is protected deep within the center of a vast, unbreachable fortress.

This catastrophic failure forces the Exorcists and Exwires of the Knights of the True Cross to regroup quickly and ready themselves for a desperate, renewed assault on Satan’s stronghold. However, the battle lines have never been clearer—or more dangerous. This time, the true difficulty will not just be the immense demonic presence, but the realization that the nefarious forces of the Illuminati are now mobilized and actively defending their father, setting the stage for an all-out war between the world's most powerful factions ...

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol 31.

The History of Money: A Story of Humanity

McWilliams, David. The History of Money: A Story of Humanity. 2024. 416p. ISBN 

The history of humanity is profoundly and inextricably linked to the history of money. According to leading economist and author David McWilliams, no single innovation has so thoroughly defined our evolution or dramatically altered the direction of global history. Yet, despite its primacy, most people do not truly understand money. McWilliams argues that money is central to every facet of civilization, extending far beyond simple commerce into the political and artistic spheres.

Money defines not only the transactional relationships between worker and employer, or buyer and seller, but also the bond between the governed and the governor, the state and the citizen. It unlocks pleasure, puts a price on desire, art, and creativity, motivating us to strive, achieve, invent, and take risks. Simultaneously, money reveals humanity’s darker side, invoking greed, envy, hatred, violence, and enabling colonialism. Readers travel on a global journey, from its birthplace in ancient Babylon to the beginning of trade along the Silk Road, from bustling Marrakech markets to the towering heights of Wall Street. Along this timeline, we meet innovators, emperors, frauds, and speculators who have repeatedly disrupted society and transformed human existence.

Filled with memorable anecdotes, this is an essential, extremely readable history of humanity's single most consequential invention. Readers interested in economics, global history, finance, and political theory will appreciate the deep cultural and systemic power currency holds, making complex economic history accessible and engaging for all.

The Parent Trap

Kästner, Erich. The Parent Trap. 2014. 137p. ISBN 9781782690559.

Summer camp takes an incredibly strange turn when Louise, a girl with long, curly locks from Vienna, and Lottie, a girl who wears severe plaits from Munich, meet for the very first time and discover they are the spitting image of each other. Aside from their hairstyles, the two girls are identical. Filled with curiosity about the secret behind their uncanny resemblance, Louise and Lottie devise a daring plan: they will swap lives.

When the holiday ends, the girls switch identities: Louise travels to Munich as Lottie, and Lottie travels to Vienna as Louise. Thrust into unfamiliar families, schools, and cities, they attempt to navigate two very different worlds while desperately trying to keep their shocking secret hidden. Their adventure to uncover the truth about their shared origins begins as a thrilling game but quickly becomes a complex emotional journey of identity, family, and what it truly means to belong.

This classic story is a timeless read for fans of family and friendship fiction and will resonate particularly with readers who love identity swap narratives. It appeals to those who enjoy gentle, heartwarming mysteries centered on family secrets and the themes of growing up, belonging, and exploring different lives. Its enduring appeal lies in the fun premise, the suspense of maintaining the deception, and the emotional connection forged between the two girls, making it a perfect recommendation for young readers seeking adventure and heart.

The Hidden

Rogers. Matt. The Hidden. Book 4 of the Black Force Shorts series. 2018. 140p. ISBN 9781980824084.

Twenty-three-year-old Will Slater is a prodigious operative for Black Force, a shadowy government division, and in just six months, he's already carved a ruthless reputation in the murky criminal underworld. Driven by a relentless work ethic and a clear death wish, Slater constantly pushes the boundaries of what a young agent can achieve. However, his next assignment takes him deep into the heart of domestic corruption. On a cold evening in Chicago, Slater is tasked with investigating a powerful, corrupt police commander named Ray D’Agostino. To get close to D'Agostino and uncover his secrets, Slater deliberately allows himself to be arrested. Plunging himself into the dangerous confines of the correctional system, Slater is about to learn exactly where his limits lie, and just how far he’s willing to push himself to ensure the job gets done.

This book is perfect for readers who love modern espionage thrillers and dark, high-stakes undercover narratives. The focus on a shadowy government agency and deep-cover infiltration into a corrupt urban environment will draw in readers who enjoy gritty, fast-paced action and exploring themes of institutional rot and self-destruction.

Naruto, Vol. 37: Shikamaru's Battle

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 37: Shikamaru's Battle. 2011. 200p. ISBN 9781421521732. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

In the wake of Asumi's devastating loss in Naruto Vol. 36, Shikamaru’s team is consumed by a single goal: revenge against the Akatsuki murderers who took their mentor. While the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, attempts to block their unsanctioned mission to prevent further casualties, Kakashi Hatake steps in to lead them, bridging the divide within the Leaf Village. The stakes couldn't be higher as the mysterious Akatsuki organization accelerates its brutal hunt for the bijū—the powerful Tailed Beasts—and the young jinchūriki who host them.

The target on Naruto’s back has never been larger. Though he has returned from his years of travel older and significantly stronger, the question remains: has his desperate, last-minute training been enough to counter the Akatsuki's supernatural abilities? As Shikamaru puts his brilliant tactical mind to the ultimate test against immortal enemies, Naruto must master a world-shaking new technique before his friends fall and the world loses its balance forever...

The story continues in Naturo, Vol. 38.

How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life's Hidden Prisons

Senghor, Shaka. How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life's Hidden Prisons. 2025. 272p. ISBN 9798893310511.

Imprisoned for killing a man, Senghor was sentenced to life. Up for parole after being in prison for 18 years,  he was denied and had to continue serving time. He had a choice: to give up or to change his life from the inside out. He chose hope and, in doing so, discovered that his biggest problems were not the prison walls, but the mental barriers he had built for himself, like fear and guilt. This realization helped him learn powerful truths about what it means to be truly free, lessons that can help anyone improve their relationships and achieve success, regardless of their situation.

Through his compelling personal story, How to Be Free shows that everyone deals with their own invisible chains that hold them back. Drawing on his incredible journey from solitary confinement to a leadership position in a company, he offers more than just inspiration. He provides a real, proven plan for change. The book offers practical, everyday practices, such as journaling and meditation, to help you turn your goals into action and break free from what's holding you back, so you can reach your full potential.