Library Reads: October 2015

Here is my monthly reposting of the Library Reads list.

This is also my monthly reminder that I repost this list for specific, tangible RA related reasons.  Yes, I know most of you out there saw the list earlier today. But, here on RA for All, I advocate for using the past lists to help patrons as much as you should use the current list to get those same patrons excited about what is coming down the pike.

The main reason I post these lists is to have an easy to grab archive [with the Library Reads tag] of all of the lists.  When you are stuck for an idea, or have a difficult patron in front of you who only wants "a good read" [and cannot articulate anything more about their specific tastes], click here and find a great backlist option.

I also appreciate how varied these lists are. Each month many genres are represented and there is usually a nonfiction or 2.

What's even better about the Library Reads lists over other reading lists? You don't have to come up with something to say about the book! Your fellow library colleagues have pitched in to help your patrons with their glowing comments. And we all know how awesome library workers are!

Now onto this month's list.

October 2015 LibraryReads List

City on Fire:
A Novel

by Garth Risk Hallberg

Published:10/13/2015
by Knopf
ISBN: 9780385353779

“WOW! An excellently executed work with intricate plot lines and fascinating characters. It’s a story of how the stories of many different people of New York City in the late seventies crash into each other like waves on rocks. This work may encapsulate the whole of New York City, as it has wealth, love, filth, passion, aimless angst, and the myriad of other aspects of humanity swirling in that amazing city.”

Racine Zackula, Wichita Public Library, Wichita, KS

After You: A Novel

by Jojo Moyes

Published: 9/29/2015 by Pamela Dorman Books
ISBN: 9780525426592

“I loved Me Before You and thought it ended in the perfect place, but any doubts I had about continuing the story were quickly erased when I started this sequel. Jojo Moyes is a master at tugging on your heartstrings. I laughed, I cried, and I nearly threw my Kindle against the wall at one point. Give this to anyone in your life who has experienced a tragic loss. With a box of tissues.”

Joseph Jones, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland, OH

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A Banquet of Consequences: A Lynley Novel

by Elizabeth George

Published: 10/27/2015 by Viking
ISBN: 9780525954330

“Still reeling from a previous fall from grace, police detective Barbara Havers has a chance to redeem her standing–if she can unravel the very twisted threads that led to the murder of a prominent English feminist. Meanwhile, her superior officer Thomas Lynley pursues a love interest even as he keeps a sharp lookout for any slip-ups by Havers. This is the strongest addition to the series in years.”

                                                                     Starr Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, Falls Church, VA

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Slade House: A Novel

by David Mitchell

Published: 10/27/2015 by Random House
ISBN: 9780812998689

“Every nine years, Slade House appears in a little alley in London, and every nine years, someone disappears into it, never to be seen again. Fans of The Bone Clocks will inhale this compact, six-part work that draws on Mitchell’s established mythology and reintroduces a familiar character or two. New readers, however, won’t be lost. Literary fiction, fantasy, and a dose of horror combine here to make a deeply satisfying book.”

Jenny Arch, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA

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The Heart Goes Last: A Novel

by Margaret Atwood

Published: 9/29/2015 by Nan A. Talese
ISBN: 9780385540353

“The premise of Atwood’s latest is interesting, grounded strongly in current social and economic issues. The writing is as elegant and beautiful, as always with Atwood. I recommend this book because it is a wonderful and thought-provoking novel. People who have enjoyed other Atwood works should definitely take a look at this one.”

Lauren Mitchell, Pima County Public Library, Tucson, AZ

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The Secret Chord: A Novel

by Geraldine Brooks

Published: 10/6/2015 by Viking
ISBN: 9780670025770

“Brooks does it again, in this fascinating and richly detailed fictionalized account of the life and times of King David. We see David as he might actually have been: a charismatic leader of men, both brutal and conflicted. This is perfect for historical fiction readers who enjoy lots of detail and believable characters. It transports you to the times and places inhabited by David.”

Marilee Cogswell, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

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Welcome to Night Vale: A Novel

by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor

Published: 10/20/2015 by Harper Perennial
ISBN: 9780062351425

From the creators of the popular podcast about a nameless town where the supernatural and strange are commonplace comes a new mystery novel. “This is classic Night Vale in written form. It’s an absolute must for Night Vale fans, and will possibly provide an introduction for those who haven’t found this snarky little podcast yet.”

Debra Franklin, York County Public Library, Rock Hill, SC

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In Bitter Chill

by Sarah Ward
Published: 9/29/2015 by Minotaur Books
ISBN: 9781250069177

“Great new mystery set in the atmospheric Peak District of England. When a woman’s suicide is found to be related to an unsolved case of a missing girl, the police must reinvestigate a long cold case. I hope this book will be the first in a new series!”

Pamela Wiggins, Wake County Public Libraries, Cary, NC

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Then Comes Marriage:
United States v. Windsor and the Defeat of DOMA

by Roberta Kaplan, Edie Windsor and Lisa Dickey

Published: 10/5/2015 by W.W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 9780393248678

“The attorney who argued before the Supreme Court for the plaintiff in this landmark case gives the story behind the headlines. Kaplan integrates personal narrative with legal strategy throughout, combining her own struggles with a fascinating look at the brave and unconventional life led by her client. This is a heartwarming and inspiring account of one widow’s pursuit of justice and dignity.”

                                                                  Darren Nelson, Sno-Isle Libraries, Marysville, WA

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We Were Brothers: A Memoir

by Barry Moser

Published: 10/20/2015 by Algonquin Books
ISBN: 9781616204136

“Moser’s deeply personal memoir of his volatile relationship with his brother in the segregated south is thoughtful and beautifully written. Strong differences of opinions divided the brothers. Late in life, reconciliation came, but only after years of heartache. There is much to ponder from this work, which is timely given current racial tensions.”

PJ Gardiner, Wake County Public Libraries, Raleigh, NC