The Unmagical Life of Briar Jones
by Lex Croucher
The Unmagical Life Life of Briar Jones is the latest by Lex Croucher. Briar and Seb were inseparable as children, but when wealthy, privileged Seb gets picked to attend an elite private school rumored to teach magic, Briar is heartbroken and their friendship crumbles. They don’t reunite till Briar gets a summer job at the school, cleaning out an old attic that has been used as a dumping ground for unwanted items. Briar discovers that the rumors are true about the magic, but the school is filled with brutal hazing and cruel students including Seb, now called Bastian, who is feared by his classmates. Briar befriends a group of students who are struggling against the Status Quo. Briar must come to terms with not only their feelings for Bastian, but also their own past in this riveting tale. Croucher themselves is non-binary and though Briar’s gender is not a main focal point of the story, their journey and perspective are an integral part of their identity. This was a page turner that I did not want to put down. If you love Dark Academia stories then this is one you will want to check out.
Father Material
by Alexis Hall
Father Material is the third in Alexis Hall’s terrific London Calling series. Luc and Oliver’s friends have all begun settling down and starting family’s of their own. At the novel’s opening, they themselves take the next big step of becoming dog dads to a frisky puppy named Spud. There is a lot of humor in their adapting to their new adorable pet, but there is also a lot of heart in Luc taking on a new responsible role and further exploring his feelings about his own absentee father. Oliver also must come to terms with his own experience with his childhood and his understanding of what defines good parenting. Their exploration of options for being parents, brings more serious themes into the work. The book is filled with complex characters and quippy banter that has made Hall one of my favorite authors. Hall’s books will appeal to those looking for well crafted and nuanced LGBTQ characters. Fans of British Rom-Coms will especially be charmed by the London Calling series.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Public Library Blog 
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