Library AF

A few Library AF book group members might remember author Kate Murphy's first book, You're Not Listening, from a few years ago and the discussion that came of it. I was thrilled to see her second book pop up in the library's catalog! So much so that I asked our Collection Services Department to make a Book Group Kit, thus enabling us to borrow it for our meeting 😁 I look forward to rounding out the 2026 reading year with Why We Click: the Emerging Science of Interpersonal Synchrony.

"Why do you immediately click with some people while others just as inexplicably turn you off? Do people emit vibes? Is it possible to read a room? Are bad habits contagious?

Kate Murphy, author of the international bestseller You’re Not Listening, answers these and other fascinating questions in Why We Click, the first book that explores the emerging science and outsize impact of interpersonal synchrony, the most consequential social dynamic most people have never heard of. Interpersonal synchrony is the seemingly magical, yet now scientifically documented, tendency of human beings to fall into rhythm and find resonance with one another.

Not only do we subconsciously match one another’s movements, postures, facial expressions, and gestures; recent breakthroughs in technology have revealed we also sync up our heart rates, blood pressure, brainwaves, pupil dilation, and hormonal activity. The result is that emotions, moods, attitudes, and subsequent behaviors can be as infectious as any disease, and can have just as profound an impact on our health and well-being.

Interweaving science, philosophy, literature, history, business management theory, pop-culture, and plenty of relatable, real world examples, Why We Click explains why being “in sync,” “in tune,” “in step,” and “on the same wavelength” are more than just turns of phrase. From the bedroom to the boardroom and beyond, Murphy reveals with characteristic curiosity, concision, and wit how our instinct to sync with others drives much of our behavior and how our deepest desires—to be known, admired, loved, and connected—are so often thwarted in modern life."

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

We're kicking off the 2027 reading year with one of Brandon Sanderson's infamous secret projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea. I found this to be a great introduction to Sanderson's works without jumping into the deep end of the Cosmere as a whole. Happy reading!

"The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?"

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

We're revisiting a reader (and personal) favorite, Austin Kleon, and his newest publication Don't Call It Art. I am so grateful to have picked this one up at the time that I did. I hope you find something useful, too!

"Feeling burnt out, distracted, and out of fresh ideas? In every creative person's life, there are times when you lose the energy, joy, and freedom you had when you were first starting out. From the recent art school graduate to the retiree searching for their creative third act, we all need help returning to the excitement, the sense of discovery, and the raw creativity of a child at play. Don't Call It Art is a creative liberation handbook for looking at the world with fresh eyes, unlearning what you've learned, and making new leaps in your life and work.

Since his breakout New York Times bestseller Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon has been one of the world's leading teachers of creativity. His books have sold nearly two million copies and translated into 30 languages. Now, in his most encouraging and inspiring book yet, Kleon shares ten rejuvenating lessons he learned from being a studio assistant to the artists closest to his his two young sons. Kleon discovered that nurturing his kids taught him how to create the conditions under which his own – and everyone's creativity – can thrive.

Don't Call It Art offers inspiring advice for readers looking to free their creative spirit

• Permission to be bad
• Believe in magic
• Throw out the instructions
• You don’t need a vision
• Think outside your head

Illustrated in Kleon's signature style of illustrations, quotes, stories and examples, Don't Call It Art is a blast of creative energy that will give you permission to play, make a mess, and venture beyond your imagination – and ultimately, to feel the unbridled joy of creating in your own unique way."

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

I stumbled across this one to earn a Goodreads bookmark in early 2026 😅 I was pleasantly surprised with the interwoven storylines, the complex and flawed characters, and the full cast audio production (including a cameo by my favorite narrator, Daniel Henning). I'm excited to re-read The Three Lives of Cate Kay and discuss it with the group!

"Cate Kay knows how to craft a story. As the creator of a bestselling book trilogy that struck box office gold as a film series, she’s one of the most successful authors of her generation. The thing is, Cate Kay doesn’t really exist. She’s never attended author events or granted any interviews. Her real identity had been a closely guarded secret, until now.

As a young adult, she and her best friend Amanda dreamed of escaping their difficult homes and moving to California to become movie stars. But the day before their grand adventure, a tragedy shattered their dreams and Cate has been on the run ever since, taking on different names and charting a new future. But after a shocking revelation, Cate understands that returning home is the only way she’ll be a whole person again."

Synopsis from Goodreads.com