Did you know that Halifax Public Libraries circulated 2.6 million library items last year? That is a lot of reading, listening and viewing. Library staff love finding great books and movies to recommend. From timeless classics to fresh new releases, 2025 was filled with unforgettable stories waiting to be discovered.
Grow your #TBR (to be read) list with these staff recommendations.
Toni's Picks
Staff member, Halifax Central Library
As an avid horror reader, I plow through as many spine-chilling stories as I can. For 2025, this pick has certainly stuck with me the most (you could almost say... haunted me?). Incidents Around the House is told from the perspective of an 8-year-old girl, who is being pursued by a demon she has nicknamed "Other Mommy." Not recommended for the faint of heart, but if you are looking to be genuinely, afraid-of-the-dark scared, look no further!
Chlorine is a disturbing coming-of-age story where Ren Yu, a teen obsessed with competitive swimming, is determined to manifest her dream of becoming a mermaid into reality. A dark, unsettling horror tale that will be sure to leave you shocked! My one key takeaway from this book is how the author showcases the confusing, tumultuous, sometimes disturbing aspects of growing up. I would recommend this book to fans of literary fiction and the horror genre, particularly body horror.
Centred on the tale of a Disneyland princess turned serial killer, fans of Chuck Palahniuk will enjoy this zany, highly descriptive narrative as our protagonist slowly descends into madness... just in time for Halloween! Maeve Fly is complete with a shocking ending that'll leave you wanting to immediately re-read the novel to find all of those hidden Easter eggs and clues.
Sarah's Picks
Staff member, Collections Development
If you are looking for a thriller, try this one by author and librarian Eva Jurczyk. I loved the familiar Canadian setting and the locked-room mystery. I ended up reading this while travelling, which made it especially fun.
Learn the incredible story of Shaw and Rocha, the famous ice dance skaters that Layne Fargo brings to life in this epic that is a gift to figure skating fans everywhere. The story was deliciously over-the-top (as it absolutely should be when it's about figure skating). I didn't want this one to end. Desperately hoping this turns into an entire series.
This was my first time reading Charlotte McConaghy and I don't think I've ever read anything like this. A book filled with suspense, but also a poignant, atmospheric story about family and parenting. It was bleak and haunting, but also beautiful.
Kenneth's Picks
Staff member, Central Library
This was the first book I read in 2025 and it's still the one I think about the most. The writing is just phenomenal, and it needs to be to turn such heavy subject matter into an absolute page turner. Whether through reading, watching, or playing, Lauren Olamina is probably the greatest protagonist I have ever encountered. Certainly not for the faint of heart, but Parable of The Sower is well worth the anxiety it is certain to give you!
When you think of a Victorian-era governess, you probably don't think of Winifred Notty. Winifred is peculiar, aloof and, honestly, a straight-up weirdo. So how does she handle an estate full of people she has beef with? Gruesomely. This book is wild, violent, dark, and oddly charming.
Certainly not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like Tim Robinson or absurd humour, this is one of the funniest movies you will ever see in your life. Awkward, hilarious and endlessly quotable.
Killian's Picks
Halifax Public Libraries, Board Member
I have young children; my favourites this year have been some classics:
Diane's Picks
Staff member, Woodlawn Public Library
A lot of Nova Scotian's know and love Cape Breton author Lesley Crewe already; this book is my absolute favourite of hers so far. She's done a beautiful job creating rich characters and drawing a portrait of life on that real little island throughout recent history. I can't do it justice in a few sentences. This book is beautiful.
I do love a multi-generational story and this book delivers. Set in Puerto Rico and the United States, we follow a family for years and get to know the characters in depth; their heartaches and joy, their regrets and loves.
Alison's Pick
Staff member, Executive Assistant to the Chief Librarian & CEO
This was recommended to me, and I was a little surprised I loved it as much as I did. It is such an accessible way to think about AI and implications of how it will impact our lives; you really love this crew of robots who open a restaurant – each robot has their own interesting personality and backstory, and set in a not-so-future setting of dystopian California. Lots to think about and it’s such a fun read.
This book just won the Giller Prize. The newcomer perspective and how she describes the experience is so observant. I have to admit that it was a bit of a slow burn, but I find myself thinking back to the ‘Susans’ at the nail salon and how the book is actually very inspiring in a non-traditional way. It also has encouraged me to keep my nails in good shape.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
I rediscovered this magical classic while babysitting my one year old grand-niece. I forgot how much little ones love the repetition, the animals, the colours, and of course the gorgeous Eric Carle illustrations. Happy to see that the ‘yellow duck’ page still remains the family favourite – IYKYK.
Sam's Picks
Staff member, Halifax Central Library
This movie is my favourite indie horror film of the year, exploring obsession, fandom, gender and the fear of never getting to transition. Highly recommend for those looking for a surreal and moving trans horror film. It's a film that will stay with me for years to come after making me cry.
2025 is the year of the cozies for me, and there's none that I can recommend higher than Bookshops & Bonedust, specifically the audiobook version. This light fantasy novel is narrated by the author himself, who does an incredible job bringing to life the story of how even a short friendship can change your life forever, and the enduring power of storytelling as a balm against loneliness. His voice work is fantastic, especially with the unique cadence and rhythm he gives to each character.
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea
This one was just a nice tooth rotting time, and one I came back to multiple times over the year when I needed to see happy and healthy lesbian rep in a book. It has dragons and magic and a happy ending!
Cynthia's Picks
Staff member, Eastern District
My favourite book this year was Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Enjoy!
Jan's Picks
Halifax Public Libraries, Board Member
Jan enjoyed titles by Canadian authors in 2025.
Minni's Picks
Staff member, Multiple Locations
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi
A perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy, The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi was my favourite book I read this year. Begrudgingly dragged out of retirement for one last job, Amina sets off on a swashbuckling adventure full of realistic and fantastical dangers. It’s had everything I want in a book, strong female characters, excellent world-building and of course pirates.
I read this one at the request of a 9-year-old library patron who wanted someone to talk to about their favourite book, and boy am I glad I did. The story was heartwarming and bittersweet. Roz is a loveable character who cares so deeply about those around her. An excellent read for both adults and children alike.
I don’t normally read mystery novels, but this one is so highly recommended that I just had to pick it up. I found myself laughing the entire way through. Suspense is diffused with dry British humour and you just can’t help falling in love with all the characters.
Catherine's Picks
Staff member, Collections Development
A wonderful picture book for kids to learn about bears. The text has a nice rhythm to it, making it enjoyable to read. A great one for snuggling up at bedtime. My 2 year old loved it!
Elizabeth Strout can do no wrong! This is book 5 in the Amgash/Lucy Barton series, and even includes Strout's most well-known character, Olive Kitteridge. The characters she has created are ones I could read about over and over again.
I loved the originality of this novel, whose main character is not a person, but a place. Spanning hundreds of years with a series of interconnected stories, this book stayed with me long after I had finished it.
Darla's Picks
Staff member, Research & Analytics
Exciting technothriller with a heart! In the near future, we've sold out our individuality to a wise AI big brother who knows what's best for us. Our needs are met virtually, if we conform and comply. Enter dissenter Christelle - who better than someone who has transitioned, to lead others to a new state? There’s a catch: Christelle is not young and spritely, and she’s a follower, not a leader. All about freedom and the power of telling your story.
A young couple lives in a decaying apartment and they're seeking an upgrade. One of them documents everyday exchanges they see in public parks. They struggle to explain their city lives to their old-world parents. Will Asya and Manu make it as a couple? Will one of them move back to their home country? How can they ever please their parents? Will a new apartment solve their ennui? A gentle book about rootlessness, belonging, and treasuring everyday moments.
Bechdel leaves behind the heaviness of Fun Home and Are You My Mother?, and goes even lighter than her last graphic novel. The beloved characters from Dykes to Watch Out For reappear as Ali and Hol's friends and neighbours in rural Vermont. Bechdel draws and writes a satirical, fictionalized account of their bucolic life (raising goats and chopping wood), success (getting a Netflix show) and how to remain an activist. Endearing!
Laurel's Picks
Staff member, Marketing & Communications
Each character in this novel was complex, fully developed and imperfect. From the first page, to the last, you'll be hooked on this multi-generational story.
90s figure skating, betrayal, romance — this book was like an Olympic long program that doesn't quit. I give it 6.0 for technical merit and 6.0 for artistic expression.
My favourite memoirs are culinary memoirs, and this 2025 release did not disappoint. Canadian journalist, turned chef, Reichert shares her family's story of grief, survival, abundance, change and growth. I continued to think about this book long after the final chapters.
Rosemary's Picks
Staff member, Alderney Gate Public Library
The End of the World as We Know It
I finished this book in a weekend and it made me want to read the original source material. The post apocalyptic dark fantasy, The Stand, by Stephen King has gone through many variations. First published in 1978 and then republished as the uncut version in 1990, it has been made into a graphic novel and not one but two different tv series. While this book is not another version of the novel it is a re-imagination of that world. Short stories written by 36 different authors explore the aftermath of 'Captain Tripps" and how this disease effects the world. My favourites of the stories are the one that takes place in outer space and the one about animals in the zoo. There is something for everyone who enjoyed the original story.
Good Omens by Terry Prachet and Neil Gaiman is a novel that I have read every 3 years or so every sice it was published in 1990. This humorous novel follows the misadventures of an angel and a demon who have become friends over the centuries. When the birth of the anti-Christ happens they join forces to prevent the end of the world. The television series based on this best selling novel is going on its third season.
I must admit I started reading this author due to his father, Stephen King. Joe Hill is Stephen King's son and I believe he will surpass his father in talent if not in number of books. King Sorrow by Joe Hill is a fantasy novel that proves the saying be careful what you wish for. A group of friends summon a dragon to deal with their enemies. But in making this deal they did not realize they would have to choose someone each year to kill or they would become the dragons next meal.
Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove is the science fiction adventure of Demeter, an AI system responsible for voyage to Alpha Centauri B. Demeter shows very human characteristic of jealousy and snobbery against another piece of technology in the ship. When Demeter discovers that all the passengers of the ship have died, he is challenged to solve the mystery of who or what caused their deaths. Along the way he encounters supernatural creatures such as a werewolf and vampire. While it is a strange concept, I found the novel to be well done and intriguing.
Ayo's Picks
Halifax Public Libraries, Board Chair
From the 2024-25 Annual Report, Ayo shares that, "The Library is a microcosm of the society we all want to live in: equal, inclusive and full of possibility."
Here are my book recommendations from 2025.
Jaime's Picks
Staff member, multiple locations
Two years after the onset of the pandemic, an encampment formed in the yard of the Anglican church where Maggie Helwig is priest. Helwig writes with expansive compassion about the stories of individual residents, the systemic failures that have created and sustained the housing crisis, and the complex messiness of humans. While this book doesn’t claim to offer easy fixes, I found Helwig’s clear-eyed honesty a relief and a beacon.
I returned to this book many times in 2025 in the way you can with a poetry collection, reading it in sequence, at random, or dipping in for a single poem or line. Solie spins the infinite from the everyday: basement rentals, snowplows, the pesticides of prairie farms, “the voices of loved ones from another room/ whose absence will wake you.”
I loved that I never had any clue where these stories by Argentinian writer Tomás Downey were going. Translated from Spanish by Canadian writer-translator Sarah Moses, these nineteen short tales depict worlds where a horse grows from a seed, a man floats away from his family, and hauntings are common. Endlessly unsettling and imaginative.
Carla's Pick
Staff member, Human Resources
Jodi Picoult is an amazing writer who makes you think and feel two sides of a story. This book I could not put down. I wanted to understand each person’s perspective and the growth they were able to get to with patience and understanding.
Isabel's Picks
Staff member, Halifax Central Library
I somehow tricked myself into thinking that a friend had read and recommended Piranesi to me, when in reality they did no such thing; I'm so happy I mistakenly decided to pick this book up anyway. I could not stop laughing at the delightful mystery unfolding as our protagonist slowly unfurls his mind and history to the reader in this fantastical setting of rising ocean waters, endless stone corridors, and thousands upon thousands of statues. This is a strange and excellent story that I will recommend to everyone I can now.
Upon completing Parable of the Sower, I immediately needed to pick up its sequel. Just as unflinching and, I would argue, rawer than the first, Parable of the Talents does not hold back in its brilliant storytelling, deeply challenging subject, and utterly riveting characters. This is not a book read for pleasure, but you simply must read on. I feel like I am learning something essential every time I pick up anything by Octavia E. Butler. I know Ken recommended Parable of the Sower as one of his favourites this year, so I simply needed to add onto his suggestion!
I figured it might be fun to try Le Guin's nonfiction after reading a large chunk of her fiction books, and I wasn't disappointed! Reading Le Guin's thoughts on science fiction and fantasy as a medium was so fascinating; I found myself agreeing with her insights on genre and beyond. You know an author is good when you truly feel you could read anything they write and still find it enjoyable.
Tony's Picks
Halifax Public Libraries, Board Member
Tony can't stop recommending these books; 'hope you enjoy them too!
Erin's Pick
Staff member, Collection Development
This book! It is beautifully written and heartbreakingly tender. It tells the story of two people deeply in love, navigating a devastating diagnosis that will change their lives - Lewis is turning into a great white shark. It does require suspension of disbelief, but if you can do that, you are in for a wonderful read.
Anna's Picks
Staff member, Marketing & Communications
2025 was the year I finally got out of my long-term reading slump! These were some of my favourites:
Elizabeth's Picks
Staff member, Collection Development
This mystery/suspense novel is a great one to listen to as an audiobook. It's humorous, yet twisty. The story is the point of view of main character, Lucy, who was found on the side of a highway with a welt on her forehead and her best friend's blood all over her dress. Lucy cannot remember anything from that night but most people think she is lying. Podcaster, Ben Owens, has made Lucy the subject of the second season of his podcast, "Listen for the Lie". Lucy's story unfolds with her memories and interviews for the podcast. There are two narrators who tell the story, one from Lucy's point of view and one from Ben's podcast. They are excellent narrators.
If you like a book that is filled with twist after twist, give this book a try! It starts with a murder on Halloween. It's hard to describe the plot without revealing spoilers. Just don't trust what any of the characters say! Twisty and fast-paced, this book is a must read!
This has to be the feel-good book of the season. Natalie MacMaster, the beloved fiddle player from Cape Breton, tells the story of how she met her husband and about the family they have made together. It is an easy-to-read story, with family photos included, that will make you smile. Sometimes you just need to read a sweet, wholesome story and this one is it.
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