Kelly Verheyden RECOMMENDED READS

Welcome to our literary circle, in which San Diegans pass the (printed) word on books

Job: Manager, Kensington-normal Heights Library, San Diego Public Library

She recommends: “The Girl in the Mirror” by Rose Carlyle (William Morrow-harpercollins, 2020; 296 pages)

Why? Iris and Summer are mirror twins, which means they are mirror images of each other. Iris is the insecure twin, always jealous of Summer’s charmed life and perfect husband Adam. Iris’ marriage has ended, so when Summer calls asking if she will sail with her from Thailand to the Seychelles, Iris agrees. During the journey, Summer is washed overboard, and when Iris finally arrives at port, how does she explain her sister’s death? She doesn’t — she decides to become Summer. Can she fool Summer’s husband? Will she be able to get pregnant and inherit the millions her father left to his first grandchild? This multilayered psychological thriller will leave you guessing. Debut author Rose Carlyle has sailed across the Indian Ocean with her family. The authenticity of the sailing adds depth to the first half of the novel, and numerous plot twists create tension in the second half. This book is a quick and exciting read.

Teri Den Herder

Job: Buyer and bookseller,

UC San Diego Bookstore

She recommends: “Fox & I: An Uncommon Friendship” by Catherine Raven (Spiegel & Grau, 2021;

304 pages)

Why? Such a lovely read for the new year — a peaceful place to take your mind to, in this time when human relationships can be challenging. This mostly true tale of Catherine Raven’s love of the land and a growing friendship with a fox is a slow realization of looking at life differently, more thoughtfully. A loner by nature, this biologist reads “The Little Prince” to Fox, a scruffy and curious critter living on the new land she has built a cabin on to escape the awkward life of humanity. She’s taking as few field teaching jobs as possible to maintain her friendship with Fox, only to learn that her students want to learn as much about her friendship with Fox as they do about biology. This, in turn, teaches her about better relationships with humanity. Descriptions of the landscape are wonderful.