Recommended Reads

September 2026

Spilled Milk by K.L. Randis, MeLCat

Spilled Milk by K.L. Randis comes with a trigger warning, as it discusses both physical and sexual child abuse. While the subject matter is difficult, the book is exceptionally well written and tells a powerful true story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The story centers on Brooke, a young girl growing up in a family where she is not protected from abuse. Throughout the book, Brooke's mother struggles to acknowledge what is happening in her home. Whether she is in denial or simply unwilling to believe her husband is capable of such actions, she repeatedly fails to protect her daughter. At times, she even shifts the focus onto herself, making Brooke feel responsible for the hardships the family faces. Brooke is also separated from trusted family members and friends, which increases her sense of isolation and helplessness.

While several characters may leave you feeling frustrated or angry, there are also true heroes in this story. Brooke's aunt, Paul's mother, and Brooke's counselor stand out as compassionate, supportive individuals who help Brooke find the strength to break free from the abuse and begin healing. Their kindness and willingness to advocate for her remind readers that even in the darkest situations, there are people willing to help.

One of the most powerful aspects of this book is how an ordinary moment can change a person's life forever. For Brooke, that moment occurs when someone spills milk at the dinner table. Her reaction to what should have been a simple accident immediately alerts others that something is very wrong. This scene serves as a turning point in the story and highlights how abuse can shape a person's understanding of what is normal.

This book is especially recommended for readers who have a heart for helping others and who appreciate stories of courage, resilience, and survival. You will likely find yourself angry at some characters, deeply admiring others, and cheering Brooke on throughout her journey. Be prepared: this is a book that stays with you long after you finish reading it.

The Gales of November by John U. Bacon, Libby audio (11 hours)

John U. Bacon's The Gales of November is a touching, deeply human account of the 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, possibly the most famous maritime disaster in Great Lakes history. Drawing on extensive research and more than 100 interviews with family members, friends, and former crewmates, Bacon moves beyond the legend to tell the personal stories of the 29 men who lost their lives when the ship disappeared during a fierce Lake Superior storm. 

What sets this book apart from previous accounts is its focus on the people behind the tragedy. Bacon explores the lives of the crew, the sacrifices required by a career in Great Lakes shipping, and the devastating impact the loss had on spouses, children, parents, and communities. At the same time, he places the disaster within the broader history of the Great Lakes shipping industry, helping readers understand why the Edmund Fitzgerald was such an important vessel and why its sinking captured the public's attention. 

Bacon's writing is accessible and engaging, combining the careful research of a historian with the storytelling skills of a journalist. The book builds suspense as it reconstructs the ship's final voyage, while thoughtfully examining the evidence surrounding the disaster's most likely causes. Even readers who are already familiar with Gordon Lightfoot's famous ballad or the basic facts of the sinking will find many new insights and perspectives here.

For community college students, faculty, and staff, The Gales of November offers much more than a story about a shipwreck. It is a reflection on work, family, resilience, and the risks people take to support their communities. Especially for readers in Michigan and the Great Lakes region, Bacon's book provides a powerful connection to a tragedy that continues to resonate more than fifty years later. Thoughtful, well researched, and emotionally resonant, The Gales of November is an excellent choice for anyone interested in history, shipwrecks, or stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley, print, Libby ebook, and audio (10 hours)

Lucy Foley's The Guest List is a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, the novel follows an eclectic group of guests gathered for the lavish wedding of a celebrity couple. As tensions simmer beneath the surface and old secrets begin to emerge, what starts as a glamorous celebration turns into a deadly mystery.

Foley skillfully employs multiple narrators, allowing readers to see events from different perspectives while slowly uncovering the relationships, rivalries, and hidden resentments connecting the guests. Each chapter reveals another layer of intrigue, making it difficult to determine whom to trust. The isolated setting heightens the suspense, creating a sense of unease that lingers throughout the story.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its character development. The wedding guests are far from perfect, and their flaws, grudges, and secrets provide believable motives that keep readers engaged. Foley excels at building tension, dropping clues at just the right moments and maintaining a brisk pace as the mystery unfolds.

Fans of psychological suspense and locked-room mysteries will find much to enjoy in The Guest List. Dark, twisty, and richly atmospheric, it is a gripping read that explores friendship, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy authors such as Ruth Ware and Agatha Christie.

The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene Libby (10 hrs) and MeLCat (resumes Sept. 8th)

If you love a good mystery packed with secrets, twists, and suspense, then look no further than The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene. The story follows the sister of one of several missing girls and a writer determined to uncover the truth after a young woman's body is found in a lake. Could the victim be her long-lost sister, or is she another girl who disappeared during the same troubling period? As new clues emerge, long-buried secrets begin to surface, raising even more questions about what really happened all those years ago.

The novel centers around a group of college-aged girls who vanished without a trace. Did they willingly run away to escape their lives, or was something far more sinister at work? The story seamlessly moves between the present day and the year of the disappearances, slowly revealing pieces of a complex puzzle. Along the way, you'll find yourself questioning everyone. Is the possessive boyfriend involved? What about the unfaithful teacher? Every character seems to have something to hide.

One of the most enjoyable things about this book is how it constantly keeps the reader guessing.The clues are there from the beginning, but figuring out which clues matter is part of the fun. Just when you think you've solved the mystery, another secret is revealed, sending you in a completely different direction. 

Beyond the mystery itself, the book also explores deeper questions about human nature. What motivates someone to commit murder? Is evil something people are born with or can circumstances push someone down a dark path? These themes add depth to an already gripping story. Remember, things are not always what they seem at first.

The Lake of Lost Girls is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers, cold cases, and mysteries that keep you turning pages late into the night. You can find the audiobook on Libby, where it's available in about 10 hours of listening time. And if you're looking for your first MeLCat request, this would be an excellent choice. This is one mystery you'll be thinking about long after you've reached the final page.