Library Reads: June 2014

Here is the June list.  Click here to pull up past months' lists.

June 2014 Library Reads List

Elizabeth is Missing: A Novel

by Emma Healey

Published: 6/10/2014 by Harper
ISBN: 9780062309662

“Maude sinks into a confusing world in this gripping psychological mystery written in the voice of an aging woman with Alzheimer’s. She can’t remember what she’s doing or where she is, but she is obsessed with one thought–her good friend Elizabeth is missing. Book groups will enjoy this satisfying and entertaining read!”

Mary Campanelli, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH

China Dolls: A Novel

by Lisa See

Published: 6/3/2014 by Random House
ISBN: 9780812992892

“Set in 1938 San Francisco, this book follows the lives of three young women up through WWII. Grace travels to California seeking stardom, where she meets Helen, a young woman from Chinatown, and the two find jobs as nightclub dancers. While auditioning, they cross paths with Ruby, and the book alternates between all three viewpoints. Lisa See is one of my favorite authors, and her newest title doesn’t disappoint.”

Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA

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The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street: A Novel

by Susan Jane Gilman

Published: 6/10/2014 by Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 9780446578936

“In the tenements of old New York, a young Russian Jewish immigrant woman is taken in by an Italian family who sells ice. Through sheer persistence and strong will, she manages to build an ice cream empire. Lillian Dunkle is a complex character who will both make you cheer even as you are dismayed. Have ice cream on hand when you read this book!”

Marika Zemke, Commerce Township Public Library, Commerce Twp, MI

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I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You: A Novel

by Courtney Maum

Published: 6/10/2014 by Touchstone
ISBN: 9781476764580

“Set mainly in Paris, this love story for grown-ups tells the story of a decent man who almost ruins his life and then goes to great lengths to restore his marriage. If your path to a happy marriage has been straight-forward, you may not appreciate this book – but it’s perfect for the rest of us!”

Laurel Best, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Huntsville, AL

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The Matchmaker: A Novel

by Elin Hilderbrand

Published: 6/10/2014 by Little, Brown and Company
ISBN: 9780316099752

“Set in romantic Nantucket, Hilderbrand’s newest novel is a heartwarming and moving story about the power of love. Dabney Kimball Beech, long denied her own true love, is determined to match up those closest to her before it is too late. This captivating book had me weeping through the last few chapters. A beautifully written and heartbreaking story!”

Jill Kaufman, Desloge Public Library, Desloge, MO

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Summer House with Swimming Pool: A Novel

by Herman Koch

Published: 6/3/2014 by Hogarth
ISBN: 9780804138819

“A deliciously nasty study in sociopathy, veiled in the alluring sheen of European upper class lifestyles and sensibilities. Summer House with Swimming Pool will grip you with an uneasy dread and won’t let you stop turning the pages until the riveting end. Fair warning: you will never look at your family doctor the same way again.”

Kristin Cole, The Seattle Public Library, Seattle, WA

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The Lobster Kings: A Novel

by Alexi Zentner

Published: 5/27/2014 by W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 9780393089578

“This well-crafted story truly captures the beauty and brutality of living by the sea. The characters show what it’s like to have saltwater in your veins and commitment to family and community. Zentner depicts a way of life that is fast disappearing. Perfect for summer reading.”

Lisa Marie Joyce, Portland Public Library & South Portland Public Library, Portland, ME

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The Hurricane Sisters: A Novel

by Dorothea Benton Frank

Published: 6/3/2014 by William Morrow
ISBN: 9780062132529

“Having just completed my annual trek to the Carolina Lowcountry, compliments of Dorothea Benton Frank, I’m happy to report that a good time was had by all. It was, as ever, a pleasure to meet her new characters, travel down Highway 17 (llama optional), sit back with a glass of wine and take in the beautiful sunsets and ocean breeze, all without leaving the comfort of my easy chair.”

Yvonne Jefferson, Pittsylvania County Public Library, Dry Fork, VA

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The Quick: A Novel

by Lauren Owen

Published: 6/17/2014 by Random House
ISBN: 9780812993271

“This book starts out slowly, with an unconventional Victorian-era romance and builds to an unexpected development by the end of part one. Owen continues the slow boil of suspense with a curiously-enticing plot, centering on members of an exclusive London gentleman’s club who are testing the boundaries of their own organization. For those who enjoy historical fiction with a twist.”

Lucy Lockley, St. Charles City-County Library, St. Peters, MO

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Rogues

edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois

Published: 6/17/2014 by Bantam
ISBN: 9780345537263

“This anthology is worth reading for the Rothfuss’s story alone! ‘The Lightning Tree’ follows Bast spending a day outside the tavern, which left me anxious for Kingkiller Book 3 to come out. Other stand-outs are stories by Garth Nix, Cherie Priest and Connie Willis. Rogues should enjoy a large audience of Martin fans and is a good entry point to the other contributing authors’ works.”

Keith Hayes, West Regional Library, Wake County Public Libraries, Cary, NC