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Last year, Lexingtons Cary Memorial Library was one of the largest and most popular in the state, despite the fact the towns population does not rank among the top 50 in Massachusetts. Cary Librarys 208,968 print holdings are the 11th most in the state. Also, it is the sixth busiest library in the state, coming in just behind the libraries of Boston, Newton Cambridge, Brookline, and Worcester, according to data from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The fact Lexingtons library is able to keep pace with those of much larger communities speaks to Carys significant and longstanding importance for residents of Lexington and the surrounding area.

This popularity did not wane in 2019, as visitors to Cary expressed their interest in a wide variety of books. Below is a list of the 10 books, in order, that were most frequently checked out in Lexington this year, according to information provided by library staff.

"Becoming" byMichelle Obama

The former first ladys memoir takes the top spot in 2019. Here, Obama takes readers from her childhood in Chicago through her time at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and beyond. Critics have praised Becoming for the intimacy and candor Obama imbues her writing with.

"Educated: a memoir" byTara Westover

Lexington readers loved memoirs this year. In Educated, Westover details her childhood in Idaho, where she was raised by survivalist parents in near-isolation. After going to school for the first time at age 17, Westovers world opened up. She went on to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and is now a bestselling author.

"Where the Crawdads Sing" byDelia Owens

When a North Carolina man is found dead in 1969, locals immediately suspect the marsh girl, a mysterious young woman who lives alone in the reeds outside of town. The novel that follows is one part murder mystery, one part bildungsroman, and entirely a hit with local readers.

"Transcription" by Kate Atkinson

This novel dives into and beyond the world of WWII-era espionage, following a woman who is recruited by MI5 to keep keep tabs on fascist sympathizers in England. After a time jump, her past comes to light and she must face the consequences of her actions.

"Unsheltered" by Barbara Kingsolver

Kingsolvers latest tells two simultaneous stories. In one, a husband and wife struggle to make ends meet despite their best efforts. In the other, a science teacher and contemporary of Charles Darwin tries to make his voice heard in a repressive village initially envisioned as a utopia. As the tales grow, Kingsolver deftly intertwines them, creating another bestseller.

"Nine Perfect Strangers" by Liane Moriarty

The author of Big Little Lies sets her sights on a new age, remote health resort and the nine strangers who have decided to attend for a variety of reasons. Eventually, shocking secrets are uncovered about the resorts owner and the nature of their gathering there in the first place.

"The Witch Elm" byTana French

With this stand-alone thriller from the author of the Dublin Murder Squad series, French tells the story of Toby, a cocky young man whose world is upended when he is nearly beaten to death by burglars. While he struggles to recover his memory, a mysterious skull is found in a tree on the family estate and an investigation begins. Through Toby, French explores the nature and origin of upper-class white privilege while also crafting another acclaimed pageturner.

"Past Tense: A Jack Reacher Novel" by Lee Child

The latest in this long-running blockbuster series follows former soldier Jack Reacher as he searches for the truth surrounding his father in an isolated New England town.

"Normal People" by Sally Rooney

In Normal People, Rooney acquaints readers with Connell and Marianne, two childhood friends whose differences continue to draw them together through college and beyond. Critics have praised Rooneys book for its insight into class dynamics and its compelling love story.

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

This novel details what happens when an enigmatic single mother and her teenage daughter become tenants of Elena Richardson, a buttoned-up woman from a seemingly idyllic Midwestern suburb. Ngs book has been praised for its unflinching look at the force of motherhood and the secrets that can accompany it.

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What did Lexington read this year? Here are the most popular books at Cary Library in 2019 - Wicked Local Watertown