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Staff Picks

Check out these titles enjoyed by the Springfield-Greene County Library District staff members.

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Springfield-Greene County Library District

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Encore -- the devil takes you home

"The Devil Takes You Home" by Gabino Iglesias. This book is a deeply disturbing action-horror novel from that follows Mario, a Mexican-Puerto Rican man whose daughter has Leukemia. To afford her medical treatments and keep his family together, Mario becomes a hitman, losing himself more and more in a dark world of grief, demons, and murder where men will do anything for money. The novel mixes real-life horror with unexplained supernatural entities and superstitions. -Luna C., Library Center

Prince Kiem has never had much responsibility to his Imperial family, instead spending his days campaigning for charities and gracing tabloids for messy behavior, but when the Emperor rushes him into marriage with the widower of his cousin, Count Jainan, his life is upended. The fate of an interplanetary accord rests on the fate of their marriage, so Kiem and Jainan must find a way to understand each other and themselves before its too late. -Iggi, Republic Branch Winter, Science Fiction, Empire, Maxwell, Mary Sue, The Incredibles, Winters

"Winter's Orbit" by Everina Maxwell

Prince Kiem has never had much responsibility to his Imperial family, instead spending his days campaigning for charities and gracing tabloids for messy behavior, but when the Emperor rushes him into marriage with the widower of his cousin, Count Jainan, his life is upended. The fate of an interplanetary accord rests on the fate of their marriage, so Kiem and Jainan must find a way to understand each other and themselves before its too late. -Iggi, Republic Branch

This easy to read pop-psych title is all about the lies we're told that make us cruel and rigorous to ourselves. With breakdowns of the particular fictions and ideas that make us push ourselves too far, interviews and stories of people from all walks of life, and strategies and tips for how to be kinder to ourselves and be okay with living slower, healthier lives, this book is a window of hope in an increasingly work-obsessed world. -Iggi, Republic Branch Devon, Depression Relief, Self Help, Trauma, Psycology, Phd, Self Help Books, Laziness

"Laziness Does Not Exist" by Devon Price

This easy to read pop-psych title is all about the lies we're told that make us cruel and rigorous to ourselves. With breakdowns of the particular fictions and ideas that make us push ourselves too far, interviews and stories of people from all walks of life, and strategies and tips for how to be kinder to ourselves and be okay with living slower, healthier lives, this book is a window of hope in an increasingly work-obsessed world. -Iggi, Republic Branch

This sci-fi novella reads like an action movie. Murderbot is a SecurityUnit, an organic-robotic contracted to make sure humans don't hurt each other or get hurt while exploring alien planets. Fortunately, Murderbot has hacked the hardware that forces it to obey the company and is now able to watch as many hours of soapy TV as it likes. Now Murderbot can decide for the first time what it wants for itself. -Iggi, Republic Branch Wells, Cassandra Clare, Science Fiction Books, The Ashes, Science Fiction Fantasy, Sci Fi Books, Science Fiction Adventure

Wells

Cassandra Clare

Science Fiction Books

The Ashes

Science Fiction Fantasy

Sci Fi Books

Science Fiction Adventure

"All Systems Red" by Martha Wells

This sci-fi novella reads like an action movie. Murderbot is a SecurityUnit, an organic-robotic contracted to make sure humans don't hurt each other or get hurt while exploring alien planets. Fortunately, Murderbot has hacked the hardware that forces it to obey the company and is now able to watch as many hours of soapy TV as it likes. Now Murderbot can decide for the first time what it wants for itself. -Iggi, Republic Branch

Casey McQuinston's latest romance is a delightfully mysterious, messy teen drama. Shara Wheeler, the It Girl of Willowgrove Christian Academy, is Chloe Green's longtime academic rival. Then Shara kisses Chloe suddenly and vanishes. As Chloe searches for Shara, following cryptic clues she left behind, she's drawn to people she thought she had nothing in common with. "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" is a love letter to small towns that buoys my small-town heart. -Iggi, Republic Branch Jane The Virgin, Bestselling Authors, Young Adult Novels, Secrets Revealed, Romantic Comedy, Finding Love, Barnes And Noble

"I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuinston

Casey McQuinston's latest romance is a delightfully mysterious, messy teen drama. Shara Wheeler, the It Girl of Willowgrove Christian Academy, is Chloe Green's longtime academic rival. Then Shara kisses Chloe suddenly and vanishes. As Chloe searches for Shara, following cryptic clues she left behind, she's drawn to people she thought she had nothing in common with. "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" is a love letter to small towns that buoys my small-town heart. -Iggi, Republic Branch

This story is, in a wonderful, nostalgic way, about stories. January has a special connection and affinity for Doors: openings that carry people, ideas, and things from one world to another. January tells her own story, from growing up as a misfit child to a repressed teen who ventures into adulthood. Her coming-of-age adventure resonates strongly with a certain style of teen fantasy that was popular decades ago, but with a modern twist that feels refreshing and new. -Iggi, Republic Branch Kentucky, Book Worth Reading, Book Club Books, Books To Read, Readers, Favorite Books, Book Club, Book Release

"The Ten Thousand Doors of January" by Alix E. Harrow

This story is, in a wonderful, nostalgic way, about stories. January has a special connection and affinity for Doors: openings that carry people, ideas, and things from one world to another. January tells her own story, from growing up as a misfit child to a repressed teen who ventures into adulthood. Her coming-of-age adventure resonates strongly with a certain style of teen fantasy that was popular decades ago, but with a modern twist that feels refreshing and new. -Iggi, Republic Branch

"The No-Show" follows the lives of three women who have nothing in common except for being stood up on Valentine’s Day by the same man. This book builds suspense within the everyday moments of these women’s lives as plot twists and slow reveals defy expectations. O’Leary creates complex characters and interesting relationships, balances serious issues and warmth, and provides an overall great reading experience. -Christina, Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Summer, Romans, Romance Books, Roman, New Romance Books, Book Recommendations

"The No-Show" by Beth O'Leary

"The No-Show" follows the lives of three women who have nothing in common except for being stood up on Valentine’s Day by the same man. This book builds suspense within the everyday moments of these women’s lives as plot twists and slow reveals defy expectations. O’Leary creates complex characters and interesting relationships, balances serious issues and warmth, and provides an overall great reading experience. -Christina, Schweitzer Brentwood Branch

Nebula-winning author Robinson turns his attention to a world becoming alien to its inhabitants—Earth. In this climate fiction epic, the Ministry for the Future enacts policies that protect future citizens in the face of catastrophic climate change, governmental inaction, and corporate greed. A frightening encounter with a heat wave survivor sends Mary, the head of the Ministry, down a path of aggressive action to protect the biosphere and civilization itself. -Brandon, Local History Department Science Fiction Authors, Fiction Writer, Fiction And Nonfiction, Fiction Books, Novelist, Hard Science Fiction

Science Fiction Authors

Fiction Writer

Fiction And Nonfiction

Fiction Books

Novelist

Hard Science Fiction

"The Ministry for the Future" by Kim Stanley Robinson

Nebula-winning author Robinson turns his attention to a world becoming alien to its inhabitants—Earth. In this climate fiction epic, the Ministry for the Future enacts policies that protect future citizens in the face of catastrophic climate change, governmental inaction, and corporate greed. A frightening encounter with a heat wave survivor sends Mary, the head of the Ministry, down a path of aggressive action to protect the biosphere and civilization itself. -Brandon, Local History Department

This contemporary romance is a slow, intense burn. Poppy and Alex met in college where they formed an unlikely bond. As adults, that bond is fraying, and neither of them is sure exactly why. When Poppy invites Alex on one more (maybe last?) summer vacation, the two of them have to sort out what is going on or risk losing each other for good. Their relationship is very well detailed and realistically layered. The joy of this read is watching them untangle it together. -Iggi, Republic Branch New Books, The One, People, Kindle, When Harry Met Sally, Good Books

"People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry

This contemporary romance is a slow, intense burn. Poppy and Alex met in college where they formed an unlikely bond. As adults, that bond is fraying, and neither of them is sure exactly why. When Poppy invites Alex on one more (maybe last?) summer vacation, the two of them have to sort out what is going on or risk losing each other for good. Their relationship is very well detailed and realistically layered. The joy of this read is watching them untangle it together. -Iggi, Republic Branch

"All the Sinners Bleed" by S.A. Cosby

Sheriff Titus Crowne fights all of the horrors of the world in this gritty Southern crime novel by rising star S.A. Cosby. After a shooting at the local high school, a series of brutal murders and unraveling secrets shake a small town to its core. It's a powerfully written story that weaves so many heavy issues into an action-packed crime narrative, and delivers a shining star of a main character who I'm dying to read more about. It's my favorite book of 2023 so far! -Miranda, Collection Service

Related searches

Best Historical Fiction Books

Best Historical Fiction

Historical Fiction Books

Encore -- i must betray you

"I Must Betray You" by Ruta Sepetys. Sepetys is one of my favorite authors. She is a master at bringing historical fiction to YA readers. This beautiful novel is set 1989 Romania when they were struggling with a Communist regime, unable to trust anybody, even family members who might be "Securitate Informant.". The book is well written, thoroughly researched, and brilliantly portrays the fear Romanians lived with for years under the dictator. Taña E., Strafford Branch

Dahlia and London are both excellent in the kitchen, and both of them have reasons for wanting to win the grand prize on the cooking competition show Chef's Special. Dahlia is nearly always boiling as she pursues her passion, while London is calm and cool to hide their interior troubles around coming out as nonbinary on TV. Fans of Lucy Parker's "Battle Royal" and Emily Henry's "People We Meet on Vacation" might enjoy this messy, delicious romance. -Iggi, Republic Branch Romance Novels, Best Romance Novels, Contemporary Romance Books, Love Others, Vulnerability

Romance Novels

Best Romance Novels

Contemporary Romance Books

Love Others

Vulnerability

"Love and Other Disasters" by Anita Kelly

Dahlia and London are both excellent in the kitchen, and both of them have reasons for wanting to win the grand prize on the cooking competition show Chef's Special. Dahlia is nearly always boiling as she pursues her passion, while London is calm and cool to hide their interior troubles around coming out as nonbinary on TV. Fans of Lucy Parker's "Battle Royal" and Emily Henry's "People We Meet on Vacation" might enjoy this messy, delicious romance. -Iggi, Republic Branch

Tiffy, desperate for a cheap place to live after a breakup, answers an ad to share a one-bedroom apartment with a stranger. Leon, who works nights, uses the apartment during the day and Tiffy uses it during the evening. Their friendship grows as they share life’s troubles through post-it notes left around the apartment. O’Leary balances difficult subjects with wit and a feel-good romance. -Christina, Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Books, Big Books, Hardcover, Summer Reading Lists, Feel Good Books, Summer Reading

"The Flatshare" by Beth O'Leary

Tiffy, desperate for a cheap place to live after a breakup, answers an ad to share a one-bedroom apartment with a stranger. Leon, who works nights, uses the apartment during the day and Tiffy uses it during the evening. Their friendship grows as they share life’s troubles through post-it notes left around the apartment. O’Leary balances difficult subjects with wit and a feel-good romance. -Christina, Schweitzer Brentwood Branch

Once and Future Witches is a contemporary fable. Three sisters, three witches, flee one at a time and completely alone to the industrial city of New Salem where an accidental and startling witching reunites them, weaving their fates together in a way they assumed they had utterly lost. Finely tuned and richly detailed writing brings this fairy tale to life as the Eastwood sisters fight for their survival and the right of women all over the city to want more. -Iggi, Republic Branch Fantasy Books, Witch Books, Witch, Goodreads, Best Fantasy Novels

"The Once and Future Witches" by Alix E. Harrow

Once and Future Witches is a contemporary fable. Three sisters, three witches, flee one at a time and completely alone to the industrial city of New Salem where an accidental and startling witching reunites them, weaving their fates together in a way they assumed they had utterly lost. Finely tuned and richly detailed writing brings this fairy tale to life as the Eastwood sisters fight for their survival and the right of women all over the city to want more. -Iggi, Republic Branch

Have you ever wanted to read a historical romance about deconstructing the aristocracy instead of joining it? At first the politics of The Queer Principles of Kit Webb felt like a bonus, but they quickly reveal themselves to be the heart and soul of the story. On top of this really excellent feature, it's got excellent banter, a gruff grumpus falling for a haughty hottie, and delicious intrigue. -Iggi, Republic Branch Robins, Worth Reading, Book 1

Robins

Worth Reading

Book 1

"The Queer Principles of Kit Webb" by Cat Sebastian

Have you ever wanted to read a historical romance about deconstructing the aristocracy instead of joining it? At first the politics of The Queer Principles of Kit Webb felt like a bonus, but they quickly reveal themselves to be the heart and soul of the story. On top of this really excellent feature, it's got excellent banter, a gruff grumpus falling for a haughty hottie, and delicious intrigue. -Iggi, Republic Branch

This book is the fictional autobiography of one Dr. Miriam Gregory, famous for her work on the psychology of separating children from their birth families. Framed as a found document, this story is confusing and contradictory in excellently messy ways as Miriam and the fictional editors disagree about what really happened. Though this book takes place in the same world as the podcast Within The Wires, it is a standalone story that anyone could pick up and enjoy. -Iggi, Republic Branch Ribs, Feelings, Haunting Stories, Within The Wires, Autobiography, How Are You Feeling, The Creator

"You Feel It Just Below the Ribs" by Jeffrey Cranor and Janina Matthewson

This book is the fictional autobiography of one Dr. Miriam Gregory, famous for her work on the psychology of separating children from their birth families. Framed as a found document, this story is confusing and contradictory in excellently messy ways as Miriam and the fictional editors disagree about what really happened. Though this book takes place in the same world as the podcast Within The Wires, it is a standalone story that anyone could pick up and enjoy. -Iggi, Republic Branch

"Lone Women" begins in 1915 with Adelaide Henry dragging her gigantic mysteriously locked steamer trunk out of her family's burning home and heading west for Montana to homestead and find a new place to belong in the world. She encounters friends and enemies along the way while her dark secrets slowly unfold under guidance of the author's elegant world-building. A gorgeous genre mashup of feminist western, mystery and horror." -Miranda, Collection Services The Twenties, American West, Horrific, Lonely, Sinister, Women, Changeling, Big Sandy

"Lone Women" by Victor Lavalle

"Lone Women" begins in 1915 with Adelaide Henry dragging her gigantic mysteriously locked steamer trunk out of her family's burning home and heading west for Montana to homestead and find a new place to belong in the world. She encounters friends and enemies along the way while her dark secrets slowly unfold under guidance of the author's elegant world-building. A gorgeous genre mashup of feminist western, mystery and horror." -Miranda, Collection Services

Frances is a dressmaker who dreams of being famous for her own work. When a daring design catches the eye of Prince Sebastian and loses Frances her job, the two join forces to transform Prince Sebastian into Lady Crystallia, the hottest fashion icon in turn-of-the-century Paris! "The Prince and the Dressmaker" is a love letter to art, romance, and being yourself -Iggi, Republic Branch Ghostwriter, Films, Romance, Queer Books, Dressmaker Book, Outlander, Young Adult

"The Prince and the Dressmaker" by Jen Wang

Frances is a dressmaker who dreams of being famous for her own work. When a daring design catches the eye of Prince Sebastian and loses Frances her job, the two join forces to transform Prince Sebastian into Lady Crystallia, the hottest fashion icon in turn-of-the-century Paris! "The Prince and the Dressmaker" is a love letter to art, romance, and being yourself -Iggi, Republic Branch

"The Last Days of the Dinosaurs" by Riley Black. This is narrative nonfiction at its finest. Black does a wonderful job of turning facts and details into a fascinating story about how the dinosaurs met their demise and how this event changed the course of history. -Heather C.D., Schweitzer Brentwood World, What Might Have Been, Our World, Tyrannosaurus, Extinction, Science Books, Last Day, Dinosaur

Encore -- The Last Days of the Dinosaurs black

"The Last Days of the Dinosaurs" by Riley Black. This is narrative nonfiction at its finest. Black does a wonderful job of turning facts and details into a fascinating story about how the dinosaurs met their demise and how this event changed the course of history. -Heather C.D., Schweitzer Brentwood

Hischak's book reads like a diary of Hollywood studios in a calendar format, highlighting film releases coinciding with world events. Full of trivia and world events, this book critiques each movie release, and describes how world events not only began to affect the world at large, but specifically Hollywood. -Tod, Substitute Library Assistant Musicals, Greats, Thomas, Littlefield, Movie Releases, American, Disney World Parks, Popular Music

"1939 : Hollywood's Greatest Year" by Thomas S. Hischak

Hischak's book reads like a diary of Hollywood studios in a calendar format, highlighting film releases coinciding with world events. Full of trivia and world events, this book critiques each movie release, and describes how world events not only began to affect the world at large, but specifically Hollywood. -Tod, Substitute Library Assistant

Imagining waking to find a box on your doorstep with your name and the inscruption "The Measure of Your Life." Inside is a string. Erlick introduces readers to people of varying string lengths forced to contemplate the meaning of the message and its ramifications -- prejudice, fear, political maneuvering, and discrimination. Would you open your box? How would you react to having a short -- or long -- string? How would you treat others with short strings? -Annette, Midtown Carnegie Branch Editorial, Book Clubs

Editorial

Book Clubs

"The Measure" by Nikki Erlick

Imagining waking to find a box on your doorstep with your name and the inscruption "The Measure of Your Life." Inside is a string. Erlick introduces readers to people of varying string lengths forced to contemplate the meaning of the message and its ramifications -- prejudice, fear, political maneuvering, and discrimination. Would you open your box? How would you react to having a short -- or long -- string? How would you treat others with short strings? -Annette, Midtown Carnegie Branch

I love a romance where the problem is thornier than "they ought to talk to each other" and competition plots do that wonderfully, whether it's two rivals for a prize, two businesses, or two coworkers. "Battle Royal" manages to do all these things! Whimsical Sylvie and stuffy Dominic are vying for the contract on a royal wedding cake and sparks begin to fly. This fluffy romance is delightfully opposites-attract. -Iggi, Republic Branch Romance Readers, Battle Royal, Royal, Lucy

"Battle Royal" by Lucy Parker

I love a romance where the problem is thornier than "they ought to talk to each other" and competition plots do that wonderfully, whether it's two rivals for a prize, two businesses, or two coworkers. "Battle Royal" manages to do all these things! Whimsical Sylvie and stuffy Dominic are vying for the contract on a royal wedding cake and sparks begin to fly. This fluffy romance is delightfully opposites-attract. -Iggi, Republic Branch

The year is 1242, and a group of strangers trade stories in an inn. Together, they tell each other what they know of the winding adventure of three children and a holy dog as they try to save themselves and precious, sacred manuscripts from being burned. The book itself is a middle-grade chapter book with whimsical and interesting illustrated pages, but I think anyone of any age could enjoy this if they have an interest in adventure or simply a good book. -Iggi, Republic Branch Book Lists, Middle Grade Books, Children’s Books, Childrens Books, Adventure Story, Book Awards

"The Inquisitor's Tale, or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog" by Adam Gidwitz

The year is 1242, and a group of strangers trade stories in an inn. Together, they tell each other what they know of the winding adventure of three children and a holy dog as they try to save themselves and precious, sacred manuscripts from being burned. The book itself is a middle-grade chapter book with whimsical and interesting illustrated pages, but I think anyone of any age could enjoy this if they have an interest in adventure or simply a good book. -Iggi, Republic Branch

The Black Dahlia Murder

A Nightmare On Elm Street

The Exorcist

"Behind the Horror: True Stories That Inspired Horror Movies" by Dr. Lee Mellor

"Ever wondered where directors of horror films got their inspiration? This book answers that question and investigates the infamous and heineous crimes that inspired films such as 'Psycho,' 'The Exorcist,' 'Jaws,' 'Poltergeist,' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street,' to name a few! For those who enjoy a blending of horror, true crime, the paranormal, and movies, this tough-to-put-down book is sure to please!" -Tod, Library Substitute

In this vibrant, busy picture book, a bear cub leaves its cave and explores a forest through the seasons, finding other animals in their various homes. This book's rhymes and vocabulary are excellent, making it great for reading aloud and learning a few new things about animals. The peek-through pages adding even more depth to Brita Teckentrup's colorful illustrations, making 'Home' as fun and interesting as her other peek-through titles. -Iggi, Republic Branch Nest, Penguin Random House, Children's Picture Books, Animals Friends, Childrens, Toddler Learning, Read Aloud

Nest

Penguin Random House

Children's Picture Books

"Home: A Peek-Through Picture Book" by Britta Teckentrup

In this vibrant, busy picture book, a bear cub leaves its cave and explores a forest through the seasons, finding other animals in their various homes. This book's rhymes and vocabulary are excellent, making it great for reading aloud and learning a few new things about animals. The peek-through pages adding even more depth to Brita Teckentrup's colorful illustrations, making 'Home' as fun and interesting as her other peek-through titles. -Iggi, Republic Branch

"VHS Collecting: The Modern Revelance of Home Video" by Cory J. Gorski. Who doesn’t like to read about a now “vintage” technology called VHS? Gorski a self proclaimed ‘‘Tape Head” writes about the history and the current culture of VHS collectors. He even creates lists of the most rare VHS to the most ridiculous ones to collect. Highly recommended for anyone who is nostalgic for this lost media or those who are starting to make their own collection. -Zach H., Library Center Horror Films, Best Horrors, Action Film, Kindle Books, Great Books, Nostalgia, Vhs

Encore -- VHS collecting : the modern relevance of home video

"VHS Collecting: The Modern Revelance of Home Video" by Cory J. Gorski. Who doesn’t like to read about a now “vintage” technology called VHS? Gorski a self proclaimed ‘‘Tape Head” writes about the history and the current culture of VHS collectors. He even creates lists of the most rare VHS to the most ridiculous ones to collect. Highly recommended for anyone who is nostalgic for this lost media or those who are starting to make their own collection. -Zach H., Library Center

"The Truth Project" by Dante Medema

"The Truth Project" is a beautifully written YA book in verse using poems, texts, and emails. The story is a powerful one with the main character Cordelia coming to terms with a lie about her life. The characters, the family dynamics, and the prose are so intricately woven together that it becomes a read that simply can't be put down. If you like books written in verse, you won't be disappointed in this pick. -Julie, Midtown Carnegie Branch

"Delicious in Dungeon" is a fun take on the concept of a massive, undeground dungeon full of monsters and traps. When human fighter Liaos and his adventuring party are bested by a dragon, the group has to solve exactly this problem to go back and save one of their members. Thankfully, they run into Senshi, a dwarf who has been surviving the dungeon. Each chapter of this hilarious and thoughtful adventure becomes a recipe for monster meals that surprise and delight. -Iggi, Republic Branch Fictional Characters, Dc Comics, Manga, Comics, Dragons, Simon Bisley, Chapter, Manga News, Dragon

"Delicious in Dungeon, Volume 1" by Ryoko Kui

"Delicious in Dungeon" is a fun take on the concept of a massive, undeground dungeon full of monsters and traps. When human fighter Liaos and his adventuring party are bested by a dragon, the group has to solve exactly this problem to go back and save one of their members. Thankfully, they run into Senshi, a dwarf who has been surviving the dungeon. Each chapter of this hilarious and thoughtful adventure becomes a recipe for monster meals that surprise and delight. -Iggi, Republic Branch

Guernsey

Enough Book

"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Set after WWII, this novel is told through letters between Juliet and the members of the eccentric literary society of Guernsey. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society write about the Nazi occupation and how books comforted them and helped them build a community on the island. This novel is a heartwarming story for book lovers that will make you laugh, cry, and smile while hugging the book. -Christina, Schweitzer Brentwood Branch

Cheerleading

Love

Cheer Up

Senior Year Of High School

"Cheer Up! Love and PomPoms" by Crystal Frasier, Val Wise, and Oscar O. Jupiter

Annie needs to round out her college application with an extracurricular activity, but when her mom suggests cheerleading, Annie drags her feet to tryouts hoping to fail on her bad reputation. But Bebe, an old friend, manages to talk the squad into giving her a chance. As Annie and Bebe reconnect, Annie learns how to support Bebe's gender transition, and Bebe helps Annie break out of her shell. This sweet romance is sharply written and excellently drawn. -Iggi, Republic Branch