On the shelves - Dec. 13

The books listed below are now available for checkout at the Clovis-Carver Public Library. The library has reopened to the public, but patrons can continue to visit the online catalog at clovis.polarislibrary.com or call 575-769-7840 to request a specific item for curbside pickup.

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire” was donated in memory of G.C. Ross. Author Steven Trout delivers an insightful and clear-eyed view of the first national Vietnam veterans memorial and the family that constructed it in remembrance of their son. Located near Angel Fire, NM, the memorial chapel is dedicated to the memory of all Americans lost in the Vietnam War and to the cause of world peace.

“Because of Bethlehem” by Max Lucado (OverDrive ebook) shares the wonderful story of Christmas. For some, Christmas is a time of excitement, celebration, and family, while for others it is a time of loneliness, grief, and loss. No matter what this season holds for you, the promise of Christmas will bring you a lifetime of hope.

“The Power of Kindness” by Piero Ferrucci (OverDrive audiobook) warns against the dangers of "global cooling." As the pace of living grows faster and the impact of new technologies more insistent, communications become hurried and impersonal. The drive for profit overrides the heart, warmth and genuine presence fade. Explore the many surprising facets of kindness and see how it can lead to happiness and thriving, and steadily turn our world away from violence, self-centeredness, and narcissism.

“The Lantern Men” (OverDrive ebook) by Elly Griffiths: Everything has changed for Ruth Galloway - a new job, home, and partner, and she is no longer the North Norfolk police's forensic archaeologist. That is, until Ivor March, a convicted killer, reveals that four of his victims were never found. If Ruth will do the digging, March will show where the bodies are - near a village bordering the fens, said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, mysterious figures that lure travelers to their deaths.

“The Holdout” by Graham Moore hinges on the trial of African-American teacher Bobby Nock, accused of murdering a very wealthy, and white, fifteen-year-old student. Nock is acquitted after Maya convinces her fellow jurors he is innocent. Ten years later the twelve get together for a reunion that will be covered by a documentary film crew. When one is murdered, Maya, now a defense attorney, can tick off another box in life-changing experiences with the legal system: juror, attorney, and murder suspect.

“It's a Christmas Thing” by Janet Dailey (OverDrive audiobook) shows the best gifts last a lifetime. Veterinarian J.T. "Rush" Rushford isn't looking forward to his first Christmas without his four-year-old daughter, Claire. But things change when Rush's ex goes on an extended cruise, leaving Rush to take her for the holidays. It's bittersweet, knowing they will have to part again, maybe forever... until a smart, and beautiful, lady judge with a pregnant cat and an aging mutt gets involved. With her on their side, and love in their hearts, this Christmas just might be the most joyous of all.

“The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin tells of five New Yorkers who come together to save their city from destruction. When a young man crosses the bridge into New York City, something changes. He doesn't remember who he is, where he's from, or even his own name. But he can feel the pulse of the city, can see its history, can access its magic. And he's not the only one. All across the boroughs, strange things are happening. Something is threatening to destroy the city and her six newborn avatars unless they can come together and stop it once and for all.

— Summaries provided by library staff