Two heads are better than one! Check out this Naperville Public Library Amazing Book Challenge category: It Takes Two. In this category, each title features a book by two authors who came together to create the ultimate writing dream team. Each member of these dynamic duos brings their own unique experiences and voice to the story, captivating readers page after page.
To see the full list of recommendations and to see the other categories, visit www.naperville-lib.org/ABC.
“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
In post-World War II London, writer Juliet Ashton searches for her next book idea and unexpectedly finds it in a letter from a man on the island of Guernsey. As they exchange letters, Juliet becomes captivated by the quirky members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a group that formed during the German occupation as a cover for breaking curfew. The society’s charming, eccentric members, from pig farmers to literature lovers, become a central part of Juliet’s life.
“This is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading. Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, becomes something that could change the past and the future, except the discovery of their bond would mean the death of each of them. There’s still a war going on, after all. And someone has to win.
“The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
In her 20s, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J.P. Morgan to curate rare books and art for his new library, becoming a prominent figure in New York society. Known for her taste and negotiation skills, Belle builds a world-class collection. However, she hides a secret: she was born Belle Marion Greener, daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black Harvard graduate. Passing as white despite her African American heritage, she must protect her identity in a racist world to safeguard her family and legacy.
“The Paradise Problem” by Christina Lauren
Anna Green thought she married Liam “West” Weston for access to housing at UCLA, believing they’d signed divorce papers after graduation. Three years later, Anna is struggling as an artist while West is a Stanford professor and heir to a fortune. To inherit his $100 million, he must stay married for five years, and with pressure mounting, he turns to Anna, his ex-wife. As they navigate his wealthy family’s expectations, Liam questions if his fake marriage is worth losing the love that unexpectedly blossomed from a lie.
“Leviathan Wakes” by James S. A. Corey
Humanity has colonized the solar system, but the stars remain out of reach. Jim Holden, XO of an ice miner, stumbles upon a derelict ship, the Scopuli, and unknowingly acquires a dangerous secret. As war looms, Detective Miller searches for a missing girl and his investigation leads him to Holden. Together, they must navigate tensions between Earth, Outer Planet rebels and powerful corporations, with the fate of the universe hanging in the balance.
“Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?” by Nicci French
On Alec Salter’s 50th birthday, his wife Charlotte vanishes, and though the village is at the party, no one notices until hours later. While Alec dismisses it, their children grow anxious, and soon Etty and her friend Morgan find the body of their neighbor, Duncan Ackerley. The police believe he killed Charlotte before taking his own life. Thirty years later, Morgan returns to Glensted with his brother to make a podcast about the tragedy. As secrets resurface and a fire leads to a murder, Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor is sent to investigate, uncovering a terrifying new truth about Charlotte’s and Duncan’s deaths.
“She Said” by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
For years, reporters tried to uncover the truth about Harvey Weinstein’s treatment of women. In 2017, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey’s investigation for the New York Times exposed disturbing allegations, secret payouts and nondisclosure agreements. As sources came forward, a dramatic showdown between Weinstein and the Times unfolded. “She Said” tells the powerful story of the journalists’ work and the courageous women who spoke out for justice, future generations and themselves.
“I Will Always Write Back” by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda
Caitlin’s class assignment to write a letter to a student in Zimbabwe leads to an unexpected, six-year correspondence with Martin, a top student there. As they exchange letters about their lives, they form a deep friendship that changes them both. In this dual memoir, Caitlin and Martin share how their long-distance connection shaped their lives and made them better people.
“Dry” by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
The drought — or the Tap-Out, as everyone calls it — has been going on for a while now. Everyone’s lives have become an endless list of don’ts: don’t water the lawn, don’t fill up your pool, don’t take long showers. Until the taps run dry. Suddenly, Alyssa’s quiet suburban street spirals into a warzone of desperation; neighbors and families turn against each other on the hunt for water. And when her parents don’t return and her life — and the life of her brother — is threatened, Alyssa has to make impossible choices if she’s going to survive.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.
