Library Reads: February 2019

Today is Library Reads day and that means three things here on RA for All:

1. I post the list and tag it “Library Reads” so that you can easily pull up every single list with one click.
2. I can remind you that even though the newest list is always fun to see, it is the older lists where you can find AWESOME, sure bet suggestions for patrons that will be on your shelf to actually hand to them right now. The best thing about Library Reads is the compound interest it is earning. We now have hundreds and hundreds of titles worth suggesting right at our fingertips.
3. You have no excuse not to hand sell any Library Reads titles because there is a book talk right there in the list in the form of the annotation one of your colleagues wrote for you. All you have to say to your patron is, “such and such library worker in blank state thought this was a great read,” and then you read what he or she said.

So get out there and suggest a good read to someone today. I don’t care what list or resource you use to find the suggestion, just start suggesting books.

Also, please remember to click here for my Library Reads 101 recap for everything you need to know about how to participate. And click here to see a database of eligible diverse titles sorted by month.

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February 2019 LibraryReads

Don’t miss the February 2019 Hall of Fame Winners! Scroll down or visit the Hall of Fame page.

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

Published: 2/5/2019 by Celadon Books
ISBN: 9781250301697

“Led on a dark path, readers will quickly guess that there’s more to Alicia’s story than what meets the eye. But the big surprises lie in the deep betrayals and the shock of an ending. Dark, twisted, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, and Ruth Ware.”

Amy Fellows, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls

by Anissa Gray

Published: 2/19/2019 by Berkley
ISBN: 9781984802439

“A beautifully written novel told from the viewpoints of three sisters whose dysfunctional childhood has left deep wounds. Family also serves as a source of strength as the women face the damage done and try to heal. For readers who enjoy Tayari Jones and Jessmyn Ward.”

Janine Walsh, East Meadow Public Library, East Meadow, NY

Daughter of Moloka’i

by Alan Brennert

Published: 2/19/2019 by St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 9781250137661

“Fans of Moloka’i and new readers will adore this interesting, heartfelt sequel. Taken from her parents as an infant, Ruth is adopted by a loving family who experiences more than their fair share of upheaval and heartache balanced with love and joy. Readers of Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko may enjoy.”

Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, Huntington Station, NY 

Finding Dorothy: A Novel

by Elizabeth Letts

Published: 2/12/2019 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9780525622109

“In examining the meeting between Judy Garland and Maud Baum, Letts weaves two narratives: Hollywood in 1938-39, and Baum’s childhood and marriage to L. Frank Baum, author of the book that inspired the movie. A fascinating behind-the-scenes story for Ozfans.”

Lauren McLaughlin, Wilton Library Association, Wilton, CT

The Girls at 17 Swann Street: A Novel

by Yara Zgheib

Published: 2/5/2019 by St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 9781250202444

“A mesmerizing glimpse inside a rehab program for victims of anorexia. This fictional account of one young woman’s life-saving journey is eye-opening with its descriptions and statistics. For readers who enjoy fiction about social and psychological issues, and books by Wally Lamb and Chris Bohjalian.”

Marilyn Sieb, L.D. Fargo Library, Lake Mills, WI 

Good Riddance

by Elinor Lipman

Published: 2/5/2019 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 9780544808256

“An annotated yearbook is an interesting plot device, and Lipman populates it with likable characters that you can’t help but root for and with “villains” so ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh at them. Perfectly paced, engagingly written, and fun. For fans of Adriana Trigiani.”

Lorri Steinbacher, Ridgewood Public Library, Ridgewood, NJ 

The Huntress: A Novel

by Kate Quinn

Published: 2/26/2019 by William Morrow Paperbacks
ISBN: 9780062740373

“This is a novel I can happily recommend to patrons who like historical fiction. It excels in both plotting and character development. Nina Markova, a bomber pilot stranded behind enemy lines, becomes the target of a Nazi assassin. For fans of Jackdaws by Ken Follett and Up In Honey’s Room by Elmore Leonard.

Maria Gruener, Watertown Regional Library, Watertown, SD 

Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos

by Lucy Knisley

Published: 2/26/2019 by First Second
ISBN: 9781626728080

“This wonderful graphic novel is also the most honest, comprehensive, revealing, and helpful book on pregnancy, miscarriages, birth, breastfeeding, and everything in between that has ever been written. I wish I had had this book as I was leveled with morning sickness for nine months.”

Jesica Sweedler DeHart, Neill Public Library, Pullman, WA

The Last Romantics: A Novel

by Tara Conklin

Published: 2/5/2019 by William Morrow
ISBN: 9780062358202

“A fresh look at family dynamics, this is the story of four siblings and their love for one another spanning their entire lives. For fans of The Nest by Cynthia D’aprix Sweeny and The Past by Tessa Hadley.”

Jennifer Dayton, Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, CT 

The Priory of the Orange Tree

by Samantha Shannon

Published: 2/26/2019 by Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 9781635570298

“Brilliant world building; multi-dimensional characters; magic; friendship; plots; secrets; romance; and battles between good and evil…. this book has it all. The best new fantasy I’ve read in years. I eagerly await the next installment. For fans of Naomi Novik.”

Alexa Newman, Algonquin Area Public Library, Algonquin, IL

The Lost Man

by Jane Harper

Published: 2/5/2019 by Flatiron Books
ISBN: 9781250105684

“When rancher Cameron Bright is found dead in the unforgiving Australian Outback, his older brother Nathan, a social pariah, is left to uncover family secrets and ferret out the mystery of Cameron’s demise. Harper’s tense standalone will captivate her fans and leave them eager for more.”

Lori Hench, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore, MD 

Readalikes:

Bearskin by James McLaughlin
Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna
The Round House by Louise Erdrich
The Dark Lake by Sarah Bailey

I Owe You One: A Novel

by Sophie Kinsella

Published: 2/5/2019
by The Dial Press
ISBN: 9781524799014

“Kinsella is back with a sweet, thoughtful book about family loyalty and breaking out on your own. Fixie Farr is trying to keep her family’s store afloat while her siblings plot expensive plans to modernize. Meanwhile, Fixie is juggling two interested suitors. For readers who love Meg Cabot and Marian Keyes.”

Kathryn Neal, Skiatook Library, Skiatook, OK

Readalikes:

Anybody Out There by Marian Keyes
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff
The Perfect Find by Tia Williams
Life’s a Beach by Clare Cook
A Perfect Proposal by Katie Fforde