Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin is a sharp, tender contemporary novel about queer love, mental health, and the stubborn hope found in books. Centred on Darcy, a librarian easing back into work after a breakdown, it blends dark humour with genuine emotional heft in a way that feels both intimate and quietly empowering.
Darcy’s life with her wife, Joy—plus two cats, a lake-side home, and shelves spilling over with beloved reads—seems beautifully settled. Then news of her ex-boyfriend Ben’s death cracks something open, pulling her into guilt and old patterns she thought she’d outgrown. Returning to the library, she’s confronted by a community fight over censorship, book bans, and the future of DEI programs, forcing her to reckon with what she stands for.
Perfect for readers who love literary fiction with heart, librarians-and-books settings, and character-driven stories about grief, community, and belonging.
Order it for a moving read that celebrates the power of libraries and the courage it takes to keep showing up.
