Mangroves Book Club
2026 picks
June 2026
Title: The Nightingale
Genre: Historical fiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.6/5
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
Author: Kristin Hannah
Original Publication Year: 2015
Why We Picked It: For those who like a bit of adrenaline, this New York Times' Best Seller will keep younger generations on the edge of their seats. The author does a good job of weaving in the realities of everyday French life with the horrors of the reality of the occupation during World War II. Most impressive was the bravery of the ordinary French people who made up the Resistance - who sacrificed themselves to rescue downed Allied pilots and hide Jews from the Nazis - when it would have been easier to look away.
While the author doesn't shy away from the death and depravity, the focus is more on the relationships, the sacrifices we make and the lies we tell ourselves to survive, and the depths of resilience and courage we aren't aware we have. We especially liked the interplay between the older and younger generations - the assumptions we make about each other, how wrong those assumptions can be, and how much we lose by seeing our family members through only our own viewpoint.
Older generations or those who have read a lot of World War II history won't find any surprises and may find the story a bit predictable. However, it is still an enjoyable story that reads easily.
Summary:
Selections from Amazon's description: "France, 1939 - In the quiet village of Cariveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads to the Front. She doesn't believe the Nazis will invade France, but invade they do...
When a German captain requisitions Vianne's home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything.
Vianne's sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl... She meets Gäetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can - completely."
Title: The Nightingale
Genre: Historical fiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.6/5
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
Author: Kristin Hannah
Original Publication Year: 2015
Why We Picked It: For those who like a bit of adrenaline, this New York Times' Best Seller will keep younger generations on the edge of their seats. The author does a good job of weaving in the realities of everyday French life with the horrors of the reality of the occupation during World War II. Most impressive was the bravery of the ordinary French people who made up the Resistance - who sacrificed themselves to rescue downed Allied pilots and hide Jews from the Nazis - when it would have been easier to look away.
While the author doesn't shy away from the death and depravity, the focus is more on the relationships, the sacrifices we make and the lies we tell ourselves to survive, and the depths of resilience and courage we aren't aware we have. We especially liked the interplay between the older and younger generations - the assumptions we make about each other, how wrong those assumptions can be, and how much we lose by seeing our family members through only our own viewpoint.
Older generations or those who have read a lot of World War II history won't find any surprises and may find the story a bit predictable. However, it is still an enjoyable story that reads easily.
Summary:
Selections from Amazon's description: "France, 1939 - In the quiet village of Cariveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads to the Front. She doesn't believe the Nazis will invade France, but invade they do...
When a German captain requisitions Vianne's home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything.
Vianne's sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl... She meets Gäetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can - completely."
May 2026
Title: The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery
Genre: Nonfiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
Author: W. Lee Warren, MD
Original Publication Year: 2026
Why We Picked It: After serving in the Iraq War, neurosurgeon Dr. W. Lee Warren, a man of both faith and science, had a happy life with his wife Lisa and their 5 children. That is, until they lost their 19-year-old son to suicide. Dr. Warren and his wife faced a crisis of faith as they tried to survive the overwhelming grief and despair they felt at the loss of their son. This book is the survival guide he created by melding neuroscience, physics, mathematics, cognitive behavioral therapy and faith to heal himself and his family.
Summary:
From Amazon's description: What if it were possible for you to make structural changes to your own brain so it’s healthier and less prone to depression, anxiety, grief, worry, and other issues that make you unhappy and keep you stuck?
In this neuroscience-based, faith-infused, and immensely practical guide, Dr. W. Lee Warren, a practicing neurosurgeon, trauma survivor, and award-winning writer, reveals how to take control of your own mental, emotional, and physical healing by reordering your mind to change your brain-resulting in a radically transformed life that is healthier, happier, and more hopeful.
Since the development of functional brain imaging in the early 2000’s, we now know that thoughts can direct structural changes in the brain as or more effectively than medicines or surgery and can do so more quickly. That means, whether we know it or not, we’re all brain surgeons.
The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery will help you:
With the skill of a surgeon, the wounds of a trauma-survivor, the lessons of a scientist, and a hard-won faith that we are wired for happiness here on earth and not just in the hereafter, Dr. Warren walks readers into nothing less than a new way of life.
Title: The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery
Genre: Nonfiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
Author: W. Lee Warren, MD
Original Publication Year: 2026
Why We Picked It: After serving in the Iraq War, neurosurgeon Dr. W. Lee Warren, a man of both faith and science, had a happy life with his wife Lisa and their 5 children. That is, until they lost their 19-year-old son to suicide. Dr. Warren and his wife faced a crisis of faith as they tried to survive the overwhelming grief and despair they felt at the loss of their son. This book is the survival guide he created by melding neuroscience, physics, mathematics, cognitive behavioral therapy and faith to heal himself and his family.
Summary:
From Amazon's description: What if it were possible for you to make structural changes to your own brain so it’s healthier and less prone to depression, anxiety, grief, worry, and other issues that make you unhappy and keep you stuck?
In this neuroscience-based, faith-infused, and immensely practical guide, Dr. W. Lee Warren, a practicing neurosurgeon, trauma survivor, and award-winning writer, reveals how to take control of your own mental, emotional, and physical healing by reordering your mind to change your brain-resulting in a radically transformed life that is healthier, happier, and more hopeful.
Since the development of functional brain imaging in the early 2000’s, we now know that thoughts can direct structural changes in the brain as or more effectively than medicines or surgery and can do so more quickly. That means, whether we know it or not, we’re all brain surgeons.
The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery will help you:
- learn and master several types of “self-brain surgery” operations to move from floundering to flourishing
- heal from trauma, tragedy, and other types of hardship
- overcome anxiety, depression, loneliness and other emotional and mental health struggles
- conquer limiting or negative thinking
- break old habits and create new ones
- build resilience and wellbeing
- become an empowered, hopeful person no matter what you’re facing
With the skill of a surgeon, the wounds of a trauma-survivor, the lessons of a scientist, and a hard-won faith that we are wired for happiness here on earth and not just in the hereafter, Dr. Warren walks readers into nothing less than a new way of life.
April 2026
Title: Betrayal
Genre: Nonfiction - investigative biography
Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
Author: Tom Bower
Original Publication Year: March 26, 2026
Why We Picked It: Pure escapism for personal entertainment, this book is also a well-sourced narrative of real-life royal drama, with receipts! What really happened behind closed doors at Buckingham Palace? Why do people love to hate on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry? How did Her Late Majesty The Queen feel about Harry and Meghan's behavior? If royal gossip is just the fabulous bit of frippery that gives you a mental break, pop the corn and dive in on this easy read full of behind-the-scenes stories.
Summary:
An excerpt from Amazon's description: "Fighting to preserve their royal titles and privileges, in their attempts to create a Sussex brand the couple have fueled bitter hostility. Accusations of disloyalty have been trumped by recriminations about dishonesty. Amid High Court battles with the government and the media, and the infamous publication of Spare, the Sussexes have reeled after successive Netflix flops and their doomed collaboration with Spotify - only to be ridiculed for Meghan's self-invention as a domestic goddess."
Title: Betrayal
Genre: Nonfiction - investigative biography
Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
Author: Tom Bower
Original Publication Year: March 26, 2026
Why We Picked It: Pure escapism for personal entertainment, this book is also a well-sourced narrative of real-life royal drama, with receipts! What really happened behind closed doors at Buckingham Palace? Why do people love to hate on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry? How did Her Late Majesty The Queen feel about Harry and Meghan's behavior? If royal gossip is just the fabulous bit of frippery that gives you a mental break, pop the corn and dive in on this easy read full of behind-the-scenes stories.
Summary:
An excerpt from Amazon's description: "Fighting to preserve their royal titles and privileges, in their attempts to create a Sussex brand the couple have fueled bitter hostility. Accusations of disloyalty have been trumped by recriminations about dishonesty. Amid High Court battles with the government and the media, and the infamous publication of Spare, the Sussexes have reeled after successive Netflix flops and their doomed collaboration with Spotify - only to be ridiculed for Meghan's self-invention as a domestic goddess."
March 2026
Title: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (and it's all small stuff)
Genre: Nonfiction
Goodreads Rating: 4/5
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
Author: Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
Original Publication Year: January 16, 1997
Why We Picked It: So much of what contributes to both good and bad mental health is directly related to our thoughts. This little book was extremely popular "back in the day" and is featured in a movie made about the author and his wife's lives in 2021, starring Heather Locklear.
Summary:
To quote from Amazon's description: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and It's All Small Stuff is a book that tells you how to keep from letting the little things in life drive you crazy. In thoughtful and insightful language, author Richard Carlson reveals ways to calm down in the midst of your incredibly hurried, stress-filled life.
You can learn to put things into perspective by making the small daily changes Dr. Carlson suggests, including advice such as "Choose your battles wisely"; "Remind yourself that when you die, your 'in' box won't be empty"; and "Make peace with imperfection". With Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... you'll also learn how to:
Title: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (and it's all small stuff)
Genre: Nonfiction
Goodreads Rating: 4/5
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
Author: Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
Original Publication Year: January 16, 1997
Why We Picked It: So much of what contributes to both good and bad mental health is directly related to our thoughts. This little book was extremely popular "back in the day" and is featured in a movie made about the author and his wife's lives in 2021, starring Heather Locklear.
Summary:
To quote from Amazon's description: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and It's All Small Stuff is a book that tells you how to keep from letting the little things in life drive you crazy. In thoughtful and insightful language, author Richard Carlson reveals ways to calm down in the midst of your incredibly hurried, stress-filled life.
You can learn to put things into perspective by making the small daily changes Dr. Carlson suggests, including advice such as "Choose your battles wisely"; "Remind yourself that when you die, your 'in' box won't be empty"; and "Make peace with imperfection". With Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... you'll also learn how to:
- Live in the present moment
- Let others have the glory at times
- Lower your tolerance to stress
- Trust your intuitions
- Live each day as it might be your last
February 2026
Title: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Genre: Fiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.36/5
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
Author: Shelby Van Pelt
Original Publication Year: May 3, 2022
Why We Picked It: Recommended by a friend, this novel explores themes of grief and unusual friendships that will likely resonate with many readers. It is a New York Times bestseller that has been adapted to film and scheduled for release on Netflix in May 2026.
Plot Summary:
From SparkNotes: The novel opens with Tova Sullivan, who works as a night cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She is grappling with the loss of her son, Erik, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances when he was eighteen. Tova's life takes a turn when she befriends Marcellus, the aquarium's octopus, who possesses remarkable intelligence and a unique perspective on life. Marcellus often escapes his tank to explore the aquarium, and their bond deepens when Tova helps him out of a dangerous situation.
Parallel to Tova's story is that of Cameron Cassmore, a young man searching for his estranged father, Simon Brinks. Cameron's life is tumultuous, marked by job instability and a recent breakup with his girlfriend, Katie. As their paths cross, Marcellus becomes a bridge between Tova and Cameron, revealing family secrets and connections that
intertwine their lives in unexpected ways.
Title: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Genre: Fiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.36/5
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
Author: Shelby Van Pelt
Original Publication Year: May 3, 2022
Why We Picked It: Recommended by a friend, this novel explores themes of grief and unusual friendships that will likely resonate with many readers. It is a New York Times bestseller that has been adapted to film and scheduled for release on Netflix in May 2026.
Plot Summary:
From SparkNotes: The novel opens with Tova Sullivan, who works as a night cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She is grappling with the loss of her son, Erik, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances when he was eighteen. Tova's life takes a turn when she befriends Marcellus, the aquarium's octopus, who possesses remarkable intelligence and a unique perspective on life. Marcellus often escapes his tank to explore the aquarium, and their bond deepens when Tova helps him out of a dangerous situation.
Parallel to Tova's story is that of Cameron Cassmore, a young man searching for his estranged father, Simon Brinks. Cameron's life is tumultuous, marked by job instability and a recent breakup with his girlfriend, Katie. As their paths cross, Marcellus becomes a bridge between Tova and Cameron, revealing family secrets and connections that
intertwine their lives in unexpected ways.
Photo depicting First edition (second impression) dust jacket
Illustration by George Sottung. Photo credit: Wikipedia.
January 2026
Title: A Canticle for Leibowitz
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian future
Goodreads Rating: 4/5
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
Author: Walter M. Miller Jr.
Original Publication Year: 1959
Why We Picked It: It's an unusual, short, escapist read to kick off the new year. Although an old book, the themes are relevant for today and reflect the cyclical nature of society. Despite being dystopian, there's an almost paradoxical sense of hope that everything comes full circle.
Plot Summary:
After 20th-century civilization was destroyed by a global nuclear war, known as the "Flame Deluge", there was a violent backlash against the culture of advanced knowledge and technology that had led to the development of nuclear weapons. During this backlash, called the "Simplification", anyone of learning, and eventually anyone who could even read, was likely to be killed by rampaging mobs, who proudly took on the name of "Simpletons". Illiteracy became almost universal, and books were destroyed en masse. Spoiler Alert: read more plot summary on Wikipedia.
Title: A Canticle for Leibowitz
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian future
Goodreads Rating: 4/5
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
Author: Walter M. Miller Jr.
Original Publication Year: 1959
Why We Picked It: It's an unusual, short, escapist read to kick off the new year. Although an old book, the themes are relevant for today and reflect the cyclical nature of society. Despite being dystopian, there's an almost paradoxical sense of hope that everything comes full circle.
Plot Summary:
After 20th-century civilization was destroyed by a global nuclear war, known as the "Flame Deluge", there was a violent backlash against the culture of advanced knowledge and technology that had led to the development of nuclear weapons. During this backlash, called the "Simplification", anyone of learning, and eventually anyone who could even read, was likely to be killed by rampaging mobs, who proudly took on the name of "Simpletons". Illiteracy became almost universal, and books were destroyed en masse. Spoiler Alert: read more plot summary on Wikipedia.