(Just for fun, we asked AI to recommend novels written in the 2020s that would be relevant to municipal clerks. This is what we got.)

As we celebrate Book Month this October, it’s the perfect time for municipal clerks to take a break from ordinances and agendas to dive into some captivating fiction. Here’s a curated list of nine novels published in the 2020s that offer a mix of genres and themes, including one humorous pick to lighten the mood. These books can provide both entertainment and fresh perspectives that might even inspire your work in local government.

1. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig (2020)
   This thought-provoking novel explores the concept of life choices and parallel universes, which might resonate with clerks who often deal with important decisions and record-keeping.
2. “The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin (2020) Erika will read this one, and posting about it in our LinkedIn group.
   A fantasy novel set in New York City where the city itself comes to life. It offers an interesting take on urban dynamics that could spark new ways of thinking about your own municipality.
3. “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell (2020)
   This historical fiction about Shakespeare’s family life provides a beautiful escape into the past and a reminder of the human stories behind historical records.
4. “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett (2020)
   A powerful exploration of identity and race across generations, this novel might offer insights into the diverse communities you serve.
5. “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir (2021)
   For the science fiction fans, this space adventure combines problem-solving and international (or rather, interstellar) cooperation – skills that any clerk can appreciate.
6. “Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doerr (2021)
   This ambitious novel spans centuries and explores the power of stories, which might resonate with those who maintain and preserve local histories.
7. “The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles (2021)
   A road trip novel set in 1950s America, offering a nostalgic yet insightful look at small-town life across the country.
8. “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus (2022)
   Set in the 1960s, this novel follows a female scientist who becomes a cooking show host, challenging gender norms. It’s an inspiring read about perseverance and innovation.
9. “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin (2022)
   A novel about friendship, creativity, and the world of video game design. It offers a unique perspective on collaboration and problem-solving.

These novels offer a diverse range of stories and perspectives that can provide both entertainment and enrichment. As municipal clerks, you play a crucial role in your communities, and taking time to read can not only be a form of self-care, but also a way to gain new insights that might inform your work.So this October, why not celebrate Book Month by picking up one of these novels? You might just find that the stories you encounter on the page bring fresh energy and insights to your important work in local government. Happy reading!