Aura Libraries' author and book of the month for January 2022

Happy New Year! To kickstart 2022 we have chosen one of our favourite authors as our January author of the month: Colson Whitehead. Admired by readers everywhere, Colson Whitehead is one of America's most important and exceptional contemporary authors.

Whether you are discovering his books for the very first time, or revisiting some of his best known and loved titles, we have put together a small reading list to set you off on a Colson Whitehead adventure. Enjoy!

Titles by author of the month, Colson Whitehead.

Where it all began: The Intuitionist (1999)

The game changers: The Underground Railroad (2016), The Nickel Boys (2019)

Most recently: Harlem Shuffle (2021)

Top recommendation: Apex Hides the Hurt (2006)

Do you have a favourite Colson Whitehead novel? Let us know what you think of our choices or which ones you would have chosen. Use the hashtag #LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries and leave us a comment on Twitter (@LibFlintshire), Instagram (@llyfrgelloeddauralibraries) or Facebook (@LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries).

All of the above titles are available to borrow from Aura libraries as books, e-books or audiobooks. Why not add one or more of the above titles to your next Select and Collect order: search our online library catalogue and reserve titles, or email or telephone your local library. To make an order phone us on 01352 703750, or email us at libraries@aura.wales

You can browse our catalogue at www.aura.wales/flintshire-library-catalogue/ and place a hold on items to collect from the library counter. We will just need to know your library membership number, a contact telephone number and email address, your book requests/preferences, and your preferred collection point.

Book of the Month

Our January 2022 book of the month is Magpie by Elizabeth Day.

Magpie by Elizabeth Day

All her life, Marissa has looked for unconditional love and support, something she feels certain to have found in Jake. After a few months they move in and start trying for a baby. Everything seems perfect until the arrival of Kate, a lodger who appears to pay no attention to personal boundaries, making herself completely at home, and taking an uncomfortable interest in Jake - not to mention the child that they are hoping for.

A twisting tale of love and relationships, Magpie is the perfect page turner: full of tension to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. We would give this title an Aura Book Score of 4/5.

E-books and audiobooks

As a reminder, Aura Library members can download e-books and audiobooks free of charge from Borrowbox and Libby to a PC, laptop or Mac. Alternatively, you can download the Borrowbox and Libby apps directly to a smartphone or tablet.

To access most online library resources you will need to enter your library membership number and pin. If you do not have this then you can join up as a member online via the Aura website for instant access. All links and further details about our digital library resources can be found on our website: www.aura.wales/libraries

Top digital tip of the Week

Our top digital tip for this week is to explore Borrowbox's 'Trending Titles/Teitlau Poblogaidd' e-books and audiobook selection for children, teenagers and adults of all ages. The titles include a selection of non-fiction lifestyle e-books and audiobooks. There is something for everyone!

Visit us on social media to view handy information about our services and the online monthly events we host, as well as lots of book and audiobook recommendations.

From everyone here at Aura Libraries, thank you for reading, stay safe and we hope to hear from you or see you soon!

• Aura is a charitable, not-for-profit, organisation responsible for managing the majority of leisure, libraries and heritage services in Flintshire. Aura is owned by its employees and operates for the benefit of local communities.