Takoma Park
Neighborhood Library

Escape to an emotional read!

Books that make you cry and laugh out loud.

The list of books below has a combination of genres such as contemporary fiction, romance and erotica. Giving proof that you do not need to focus on one specific genre (fantasy) to escape through books. These are all books that I have read and while reading them I found myself laughing out loud, crying, or clutching my pearls. I hope that if you are in need of an emotionally draining book you find one that fits you within this list!

Oceanic Tales

Adult nonfiction to get swept up in

Throughout history, oceans have provided inspiration and adventure as well as a place of danger. Enjoy an adventure on and under the ocean with a selection of non-fiction books. All of these titles are linked to in their eBook and digital audiobook versions for current ease of access, though DC Public Library also owns many of these titles in physical format as well.

Staff Pick: "Capturing the Devil" by Kerri Maniscalo

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth prefers working in her uncle's laboratory than high society. Thomas Cresswell is an assistant in her uncle's laboratory, providing forensic evidence to the London police. Together they have solved difficult and dangerous cases.

Reign Like Victoria, Part 2

More strong teen queens who rule

I've enjoyed the historical drama series Victoria on PBS, telling the story of Queen Victoria's early years on the throne. To follow up on my previous list of young Queens coming to the throne in a fantasy kingdom or an alternate historical timeline, below are a selection of similar titles I've more recently enjoyed.

Problems You Will Never Have

Escape the worries of real life with these titles

Everyone copes with the stress of living through a global pandemic in different ways.

Staff Pick: "The Art of Dying" by Ambrose Parry

Edinburgh, 1849. Will Raven, a young doctor, returns home from studying abroad on the European continent. Sarah Banks, a former housemaid, is assisting the noted Dr. James Simpson in his practice. In The Art of Dying by Ambrose Parry, the two reunite to clear Dr.

Jane Austen's "Emma" on Screen

Opens in theaters March 6

In Emma by Jane Austen, a wealthy, young woman named Emma Woodhouse believes herself to be a matchmaker and attempts to "fix" the lives of those around her. When her plans don't go as expected, Emma is forced to think about her actions.

Andrew Carnegie Medals 2020

During the American Library Association Mid-Winter Conference, the winners of the 2020 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Non-Fiction were announced. The winners will received their prizes in June. Below are the winning titles. Copies are available to check out and download from the library. Fiction