We love the warm, welcoming, super-fun vibe at Jocelyn Maningo Kaleita’s adorable shop A Book Place (489 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-405-7902), conveniently snuggled up where the South and North forks part ways. Indeed, Kaleita’s book-happy haunt is a place where people come together. A writer and researcher herself, Kaleita reads it all and curates some of the most engrossing titles around, with lots of local authors always as well as national and international best-sellers, too — and she always has something for everyone, in every age group.
We checked in with her to see what books are shaping up her reading list for the New Year — here are her picks for curling up with a good book this month for grown-ups, kids, tweens and teens, too:
The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O’Neill
“Our ‘Wine ‘Round the North Fork Book Club’ pick for January. For fans of J. Courtney Sullivan and Mary Beth Keane, three sisters return to their Long Island home, where a long-buried tragedy—and the brother they lost—still haunts every room. Over one explosive weekend, devastating secrets, forbidden desire and years of unspoken blame rise to the surface, threatening to destroy the family for good unless the sisters can finally face the truth and each other.”
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
“For readers who loved The Shack by William Paul Young and Mitch Album’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven. When a mysterious, kind stranger named Theo arrives in the southern city of Golden, questions swirl about who he is and what has brought him there. As he quietly purchases a series of pencil portraits and returns them to their rightful owners, Theo’s unexpected generosity sparks stories, friendships and transformations that reveal the profound power of wonder, creativity and anonymous kindness.”
Isle of Ever by Jen Calonita
“Local bestselling author launches this exciting series set on the North Fork. When 12-year-old Everly ‘Benny’ Benedict discovers she’s heir to a mysterious fortune, she has just two weeks to break a 200-year-old curse by finding a long-lost island—while racing against a ruthless rival who will stop at nothing to claim its secrets first. 6th to 8th grade.”
Totally Psychic by Brigit Martin
“Paloma Ferrer has just discovered her family’s psychic gift—and she’s determined to become a famous medium like her beloved grandma, even after moving from Miami to Los Angeles. But when secret school séances and a disastrous reading tangle her up with new friends, family, and real ghosts, Paloma must learn that navigating life is trickier than reading the spirits. Middle grade.”
Life with a Tasmanian Devil by Jacqueline Priestly
“Hilarious and heartwarming, this book features a whirlwind we all love. Enjoy the rhyming story that captures the wonderful chaos of life with a Tasmanian devil, where flying cereal and mop-dancing mayhem are part of the daily routine. Bursting with energy and charm, it shows that the best way to build friendship isn’t by standing still or being cool as a cucumber—but by jumping joyfully into the mess together. Picture book.”
