Each week, when available, a local library or bookstore will recommend a selection of books available for check out or purchase.

These reviews are brought to you by The Common Good’s lead bookseller, Beatrice Wedd. Based in Kerhonkson, Beatrice is a local writer, a Bard College and Columbia University alum, and a former English teacher.

To learn more, swing by The Common Good bookstore Wednesday through Sunday, at 119 Canal St. in Ellenville – across the street from the Shawangunk Journal! You can reach out to Beatrice by following her bookstagram, @beatriceandthebook, where she reviews books and shares her writing, or by emailing her at beatrice.wedd@gmail.com. You can reach The Common Good’s owner, Matthew, by emailing matthew@thecommongoodny.com.

First Time Caller

by B.K. Borison

The instant New York Times bestseller, First Time Caller is an incredibly charming and heartwarming romance that unfolds through the magic of late-night radio. With witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and a slow-burn romance that feels both fresh and deeply emotional, Borison crafts a lovely story. This novel is a perfect cozy read, blending humor, vulnerability, and the serendipity of falling in love with someone at first listen.

Love, Theoretically

by Ali Hazelwood

An Indie Next and Library Reads pick, Love, Theoretically is a brilliant mix of academic rivalry, slow-burn romance, and the electrifying tension of two minds – and hearts – colliding. With Hazelwood’s signature blend of sharp wit, endearing characters, and STEM-driven storytelling, this novel delivers a romance that’s both intellectually stimulating and irresistibly swoony. Packed with humor, heartfelt moments, and a protagonist who surprises at every turn, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves brainy banter and undeniable chemistry.

Normal People

by Sally Rooney

An Emmy-nominated Hulu Series, New York Times bestseller, and longlisted for the Booker Prize, Normal People by Sally Rooney is a beautifully raw and intimate portrayal of love, miscommunication, and the invisible forces that shape relationships. With sparse yet evocative prose, Rooney captures the unspoken tensions and quiet devastations between Connell and Marianne as they navigate class divides, personal insecurities, and the complexities of growing up. Haunting, tender, and profoundly human, this novel lingers in the mind long after the final page.