For book lovers, delving into the vast collection of books at the Columbia Public Library has always been a pleasure. The library has excelled this year with its Top 10 Finalists list, a carefully chosen collection of books that speak to popular topics and current bestsellers. These choices provide readers with a deeper exploration of issues and tales garnering global attention while reflecting current literary trends.

This list should lead you to your next excellent read, whether thought-provoking non-fiction, compelling fiction, or something in between. Discover the gems the Columbia Public Library has hand-picked for its ravenous patrons.

Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy

A vagrant with a dark background, Franny Stone travels to Greenland to track the last Arctic terns as they go down to Antarctica. While on a fishing boat, her secrets come out, showing that she wants to make things right. The book by Charlotte McConaghy is a moving tale of love, loss, and hope.

The Chinese Groove by Kathryn Ma

Shelley, a young man from China, comes to San Francisco with big plans to be successful and make family ties. However, he is let down when he learns that his relatives are having a hard time and that his coming makes things worse for them. Shelley sets out on a journey of self-discovery and healing to mend the broken relationships in his family. 

Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

Shizuka Satomi seeks her last violin prodigy to free her soul from a devilish agreement. She becomes interested in the skilled transgender fugitive Katrina Nguyen as her last target. However, Shizuka discovers family and hope outside of the curse's hold when she meets retired starship captain Lan Tran by coincidence. 

What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad

Nine-year-old Amir is saved from drowning in the sea during a crisis involving drowning refugees by the disillusioned islander Vänna. Notwithstanding their disparities and the linguistic barrier, Vänna promises to keep him safe. Their terrifying trip is told in alternate chapters, offering a story of empathy, hope, and the harsh reality of a hostile world.

Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters

Under an agreement with law enforcement, Victor, a young Black man, becomes a bounty hunter and follows Jackdaw, a fugitive, in a parallel America where slavery still exists in four states. Through infiltration, Victor's pursuit of an abolitionist movement reveals disturbing facts about the nation's evil plans, obfuscating the distinction between right and wrong.

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Life Is So Good by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman

This book chronicles George Dawson's remarkable journey from illiteracy to wisdom, which spans a century of American history. Richard Glaubman's portrayal captures Dawson's tenacious optimism and strong personality, providing readers with insightful perspectives on the challenges and victories faced by humanity and inspiring them with his unshakeable conviction that life is good. 

The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland

Rudolf Vrba's courageous escape from the death camp in April 1944 is described in the book to expose its atrocities to the public. He smuggled a comprehensive report to international leaders with Fred Wetzler. Vrba's narrative highlights the tragedy of disregarded warnings during the Holocaust, even if it saved thousands of lives.

Maiden Voyages by Siân Evans

The book looks at how transatlantic travel during the heyday of ocean ships changed women's lives. Their tales, which span from celebrities to immigrants, provide light on a microcosm of culture on board these ships and influence history on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley

Tanner Quimby agrees to look after Louise Wilt, an old woman. As they solve problems together, their strange friendship grows stronger and sets them up for an exciting journey that alters their perspectives and gives their lives unexpected purpose.

The Maid by Nita Prose

Unique and socially awkward hotel maid Molly Gray becomes entangled in a murder mystery when she finds the body of a wealthy visitor. Molly works through a network of lies with the aid of recently made acquaintances to discover the real story behind the crime.

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