A fantasy novel set in a remote coastal town in modern-day Wales, where thirteen-year-old Peter Morgan and his family are grieving the loss of his mother. When Peter discovers an ancient harp key once belonging to the legendary Welsh bard Taliesin, he begins experiencing visions of the past, revealing scenes from Taliesin’s life and connecting him to the deep mythological roots of Welsh history. As folklore, time travel, and family struggles intertwine, the book explores themes of memory, music, and cultural heritage.

A compelling blend of memoir and cultural history that illuminates the oft-overlooked contributions of Black artists to country music. Randall, an award-winning songwriter and novelist, delves into the lives of pioneering Black musicians, revealing how they shaped the genre, often without recognition, and how their legacies have been marginalized, while also reflecting on her own journey, including becoming the first Black woman to co-write a number-one country hit.

This book follows Charlie, a shy, introspective high school freshman, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence. Through a series of letters written to an anonymous friend, he reveals his struggles with trauma, mental health, friendships, and love. Music serves as a means of emotional expression and connection for Charlie and his friends, from the mixtapes they share to the songs that mark pivotal moments in his life; through music, Charlie begins to understand himself and his place in the world.

An intimate first-person non-fiction narrative from a young man who discovered he was going completely deaf just as he’d fallen in love for the first time. In an attempt to cope, he began building a personal soundtrack of the songs most important to him, attempting to commit every sound to memory before losing his hearing completely. Full of references to recognizable songs, Soundtrack of Silence is an involving memoir of loss, disability, and love. What songs would you pick?