Staff Picks for the Generations - borrow-read-repeat

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From the days of landlines, Swatch watches, and hair metal to handwritten letters and Friday night trips to Blockbuster, these Generation staff pick reads have us nostalgic for the “good old days.” And if we’re giving away our ages, you’ll have to do the math.

Jen R.’s Pick for Millennials:

Famesick

Lena Dunham

Jen R. says, “As Lena Dunham’s character Hannah famously claimed in episode 1 of HBO’s Girls, ‘I think that I may be the voice of my generation. Or at least a voice . . . of a generation.’ But now, almost 15 years after that episode debuted, Lena’s voice does indeed represent a true generational voice that’s known for being honest, candid, and well-written. I am excited to hear more from her—especially on audio in her own voice!”

In this rowdy, frank reflection on illness, fame, sex, and everything in between, the remarkable mind behind the hit series Girls and the bestselling author of Not That Kind of Girl asks whether fulfilling her creative ambitions has been worth the pain.

Click to Read an Excerpt
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook, Read by Lena Dunham

Miriam’s Pick for the “Silent Generation”:

This Is Not a Small Voice

Sonia Sanchez

Miriam says, “Unlike most members of the ‘Silent Generation,’ Sonia Sanchez was an outspoken activist, scholar, and poet. Her unquiet roars and lyrical calls to action resonate with readers across decades.”

A dazzling selection of poems from one of the most beloved American poets, whose distinctive verse resonates around the globe.

Click to Read an Excerpt

Maureen’s Pick for “Elder Millennials”:

The MASH Up

Laura Marie Meyers

Maureen says, “For all the ‘elder millenials’ who stayed up late writing out MANSION • APARTMENT • SHACK • HOUSE.—this one is for you. Imagine being in your thirties and waking up inside a M.A.S.H. game from the seventh grade? This book is the nostalgic read we all need right now. But don’t take my word for it, take it from 90s teen heartthrob Devon Sawa, who said, ‘everyone needs to read this’ on his IG.”

It’s all fun and games until someone falls in love.

Click to Read an Excerpt
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook, Read by Brittany Pressley and Laura Marie Meyers

Jen C.’s Pick for Gen X:

The Secret History

Donna Tartt

Jen C. says, “I’m old enough to remember when everyone was carrying a copy of this book around. For more Gen X reads, check out this list.”

A contemporary literary classic and “an accomplished psychological thriller . . . absolutely chilling” (Village Voice), from the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Goldfinch.

Also available in Spanish: El secreto

Click to Read an Excerpt
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook, Read by Donna Tartt

Rachel’s Pick for “Zillenials”:

Bunny

Mona Awad

Rachel says, “Much like those of us on the bizarre Zillennial cusp somewhere between illicit LimeWire downloads and Tumblr-era aesthetics, Mona Awad’s Bunny is a fever dream of weird, frightening fun. For anyone who thought about getting an MFA but decided doing murder was stabler employment.”

Enter the Bunnyverse with the “wild, audacious . . . unforgettable” (Los Angeles Times) #DarkAcademia novel that started it all— the precursor to We Love You, Bunny.

Click to Read an Excerpt
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Click for a Discussion Guide

Zetta’s Pick for Gen Z:

One of Us Is Lying

Karen M. McManus

Zetta says, “This is for all the Gen Z readers who stayed up late watching Pretty Little Liars and later developed a true crime addiction!”

“Pretty Little Liars meets The Breakfast Club” (Entertainment Weekly) in this addictive mystery about what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive.

Click to Read an Excerpt
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Click for More Books in the One of Us Is Lying Series

Elizabeth’s Pick for Gen X:

The Firm

John Grisham

Elizabeth says, “This was the very first New York Times bestseller I ever read. I still remember sneaking the mass market paperback between the pages of my high school binder, feeling like I was getting away with something. I’ve been a John Grisham fan ever since!”

The iconic legal thriller that launched the career of America’s favorite storyteller, hailed as “an absolute master” (The Washington Post).

Also available in Spanish: La tapadera

Click to Read an Excerpt
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Click for More Books in The Firm Series

Sharnell’s Pick for Millennials:

Rent to Be

Sonia Hartl

Sharnell says, “I may not know what it’s like to fall for my best friend’s brother, but I definitely know the panic of graduating with no clear plan and bills to pay. Rent to Be captures that uncertainty with humor, heart, and a swoon-worthy fake dating romance that makes the struggle a lot more fun.”

In this bright, laugh-out-loud rom-com, the grind of the millennial struggle is a lot more fun when you add falling in love to the mix, perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey and Beth O’Leary.

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Kelly’s Pick for Gen X:

Bridget Jones’s Diary

Helen Fielding

Kelly says, “For the time before dating apps, when you would just embarrass yourself in public and get set up by family friends ALL the time. This book was the beginning of the honest look at dating, being a woman, and admitting that perfection is simply impossible.”

The #1 bestselling book that defined the 20th century—now updated for the 25th Anniversary! Bridget Jones’s Diary is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud daily chronicle of Bridget’s permanent, doomed quest for self-improvement. Through it all, Bridget will have you helpless with laughter, and—like millions of readers the world round—you’ll find yourself shouting, “Bridget Jones is me!”

Click to Read an Excerpt
Click for a Discussion Guide
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook