100 Books Featured on Dakota News Now

Published on February 28, 2025

By Emily H.

In 2023, I got the awesome opportunity to regularly visit Dakota News Now and talk about books. While live television was outside of my comfort zone, I was excited to become one step closer to being like one of my library heroes, Nancy Pearl. She is a librarian, author, prolific reader, and frequent sharer of books to the Seattle area. (She even had her own action figure with "amazing shushing action!".) So on March 15, 2023, I made my Dakota News Now debut on the segment that would eventually become Buzzing for Books.

When we first started the segment, I found popular books at Siouxland Libraries that all fit within a theme. Over time, the theme became less important, and I focused on choosing books that:

had high interest from our cardholders
were from bestselling authors
may be good to discuss at book club
had local ties
were related to a library event or service
and
were highly anticipated by readers.

I also wanted to bring a variety of books each month so there was hopefully something for everybody. While I would love to have read each book that I've talked about on the show, I haven't had time. Sometimes, it's impossible for me to get my hands on the book before I go on the show because the title is so popular! Out of the 100 books that I've brought to Dakota News Now, I've read 31 of them. I think that's a pretty good percentage.

If you're a numbers person, I have more statistics for you in the menu below—but first, the books:

View the full list on our catalog here.

Most Interest After Being Featured

Personal Favorites

Here are my personal favorites out of the 31 that I have read:

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
I got lost in the atmospheric tale featuring a disappearance, a bit of a Stranger Things vibe, and a touch of supernatural.
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
It was like Indiana Jones meets Ocean's 8, in Egypt, with a fun mystery. I couldn't ask for more!
Sociopath by Patric Gagne
She says right from the beginning that she's a liar. So what is true and what is a lie? I had fun guessing and learned so much from this book.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
This book kicked off my interest in McFadden's books. I love the twists and surprises!
PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly
I was surprised at how often I laughed out loud as I read this book about grief and an enemies-to-lovers romance. (And it features South Dakota!) Warning: It's on the spicier side.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
This was an entertaining read with a great ending.
Don't Look Back by Achut Deng
Deng's story is powerful and well-written. I couldn't put it down. She is my hero.
Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters
This was a fun mystery. Think Nancy Drew during Bridgerton times. Love it!
The Divorce Colony by April Smith
This book featured a piece of Sioux Falls history that I had no idea existed. It was scandalous and interesting.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
I love an unreliable narrator and having no idea what is happening. Keeps me guessing.
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
This story was a combo of Lost, Gone Girl, and Vertigo. I have whiplash from the twists and the ending was crazy.