What We’re Reading Right Now — Spring Picks from Cazenovia’s Literary Community

Spring is the perfect season for fresh starts—and what better way to embrace the new than by diving into a great book? We asked some of our favorite local spots—Carriage Barn Books, Ink and Paper Bookstore, and the Cazenovia Public Library & Museum—to share what they’re reading and recommending right now. The result? A well-rounded list of fiction, non-fiction, thrillers, romances, and even fantasy you’ll want to add to your TBR immediately.

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📚 From the Shelves at Carriage Barn Books

🧭 James by Percival Everett A Pulitzer Prize-winning retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of Jim.

“I read this for my book club. A very popular and well-received book.” – Jane Mistur

🌱 Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler This post-apocalyptic classic explores themes of survival and hope through the lens of a visionary African American sci-fi author.

💒 The Wedding People by Alison Espach An unexpected wedding guest, a heartwarming weekend, and the people who help her start anew. TikTok is loving it—and so are we!

🔎 Raven Black by Ann Cleeves The first in the Shetland series, this atmospheric crime novel is a great pick for fans of slow-burn suspense and beautiful settings.

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📚 Ink & Paper Bookstore’s Spring Favorites

🌿 Plant Attack An intriguing non-fiction dive into the world of plant defense—surprisingly suspenseful and science-packed!

🐦 The Backyard Bird Chronicles A beautifully written nature memoir that helps us reconnect with the world just outside our window.

🐕 Broken Country Beth's quiet small-town life is turned upside down after a single gunshot changes everything—especially when the man it affects is the one who broke her heart years ago.

💘 Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez A tender love story about building memories worth keeping. Jimenez is quickly becoming a go-to for heartfelt contemporary romance.

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📚 Cazenovia Public Library — Staff Picks for Spring Readers

🌅 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins The long-awaited Hunger Games prequel takes us 24 years before Katniss, exploring the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy. A must-read for fans of the original series! 🔗 Preorder/Availability

🐉 Onyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosBook three in the Empyrean series, this fantasy adventure returns to Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson’s thrilling world of dragons and danger.

💒 The Wedding People by Alison Espach

“This book has it all—heartache, humor, and heart.” A repeat favorite that’s making waves across the community.

💘 Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez Exploring the tension of long-distance love, this novel continues Jimenez’s streak of smart, romantic storytelling.

🌲 God of the Woods by Liz Moore A haunting thriller set at an Adirondack summer camp. Two children disappear, and the mystery unravels 15 years later.

“A top request among local book clubs!”

💡 The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins & Sawyer Robbins Feeling stuck? Mel Robbins offers a no-nonsense guide to letting go of what holds you back—and turning inward for clarity and confidence.

📉 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt A compelling look at youth mental health in the digital age.

🛍️ Where to Find These Reads

All titles are available through the Mid York Library System (ask your local librarian!), and many are in stock at Carriage Barn Books and Ink and Paper Bookstore. Whether you're grabbing a hardcover for your coffee table or an audiobook for spring walks, these local gems have you covered.