Library Reads: July 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.

Also, the Library Reads Board has also started another great book discovery and suggestion tool for you, a monthly What We're Reading column. This means there are even more library worker approved titles, new and old, for you to choose from. 

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. 

Finally, I wanted to note that this month marks the largest number of Hall of Fame Authors in one month since they began giving authors who have already been on the LR list at least twice a special designation. What I love about this is that by having 6 authors who library workers already know about and adore moved to HoF status, not only do they still get to be on the list, by moving them to an honorary role, but also, we allow, in this case, 6 new authors onto the list. 6 authors that wouldn't have gotten their chance in the spotlight otherwise, 6 authors who more library workers can mow know about and pass on to readers. It's a win-win all around.

July 2019 LibraryReads

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

by Abbi Waxman

Published: 7/9/2019 by Berkley
ISBN: 9780451491879

“Nina likes her bookish life just fine. She works in a bookstore and is on a highly competitive trivia team. She is funny and snarky and great company (says this reader). Suddenly, a father she never knew dies and leaves her with a pack of brothers and sisters and Nina may be forced out of her comfortable reading chair. For readers who enjoyed Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey and The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald.”

Eileen Curley, Hagaman Public Library, East Haven, CT
NoveList Read-alike: The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland

The Book Charmer

by Karen Hawkins

Published: 7/30/2019 by Gallery Books
ISBN: 9781982135669

“Sarah is the librarian in a small Southern town called Dove Pond. Her magic is matching the right book to the right reader at the right time in their life. Grace is a city girl, new in town and in need of a little magic herself. For readers who enjoyed The Library of Lost and Found and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry,.”

Tracy Babiasz, Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel Hill, NC 

Novelist Read-alike: Any Sarah Addison Allen

The Escape Room: A Novel

by Megan Goldin

Published: 7/30/2019 by St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 9781250219657

“Highly successful colleagues Sam, Vincent, Sylvie, and Jules are no strangers to the competitive world of high finance but after they become trapped in an elevator escape room they find themselves having to work together. For readers of Tana French, Karin Slaughter, and Harlan Coben.”

KC Davis, Fairfield Woods Library, Fairfield, CT

NoveList Read-alike: Severance Package by Duane Swierczynski

Gods of Jade and Shadow

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Published: 7/23/2019 by Del Rey
ISBN: 9780525620754

“In 1920s Mexico, a young woman unwittingly awakens a Mayan god and is pulled into his quest for vengeance. The odyssey that follows takes her through the jungles to Mexico City and the underworld as she realizes her inner strength and passion. For readers who enjoyed Uprooted and Circe.”

Emily Plagens, Allen Public Library, Allen, TX 

NoveList Read-alike: Deathless by Cathrynne Valente

How to Hack a Heartbreak

by Kristin Rockaway

Published: 7/30/2019 by Graydon House
ISBN: 9781525834257

“It’s no secret that women in the tech world are undervalued and have to work twice as hard for their success. This persistent problem in the tech industry is tackled here in a pithy and engaging way without diminishing its importance. For readers who liked The Assistants by Camille Perri.”

Josie Myers, Greenwood Public Library, Greenwood, IN 

NoveList Read-alike: My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren

The Lager Queen of Minnesota: A Novel

by J. Ryan Stradal

Published: 7/23/2019 by Pamela Dorman Books
ISBN: 9780399563058

“A heartwarming and witty novel with a distinctly Minnesotan feel, the author follows two sisters and their grandmother who become involved in the brewing industry. For readers who loved Where’d You Go Bernadette.”

Katelyn Boyer, Fergus Falls Public Library, Fergus Falls, MN

NoveList Read-alike: Clock Dance by Anne Tyler

Layover

by David Bell

Published: 7/2/2019 by Berkley
ISBN: 9780440000860

“Joshua’s life has become a predictable pattern of departures and arrivals, a lot of his time spent in airports until he meets Morgan on a layover and there is an instant connection. during a layover, with whom he feels a deep connection. The next time he sees her is on the news as a missing person. For readers who liked Faithful Place by Tana French and Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker.”

Michelle Magnotta, Mamaroneck Public Library, Mamaroneck, NY 

NoveList Read-alike: The Girl with a Clock for a Heart by Peter Swanson

Lock Every Door: A Novel

by Riley Sager

Published: 7/2/2019 by Dutton
ISBN: 9781524745141

“A young woman gets a job house sitting in one of New York’s oldest and most glamorous apartments. A slow-burn full of twists and turns and a shocking conclusion. For readers who enjoyed The Wife Between Us and The Woman in the Window.”

Megan Alabaugh, Rocky River Public Library, Rocky River, OH

NoveList Read-alike: The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney

The Nickel Boys: A Novel

by Colson Whitehead

Published: 7/16/2019 by Doubleday
ISBN: 9780385537070

“An incredibly powerful story about an abusive boys’ reform school in the 1960s. Whitehead skillfully brings each character to life even as they suffer physical and emotional horrors. For fans of Panopticon by Jenni Fagan.”

Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL 

NoveList Read-alike: The Boys of the Dark: A Story of Betrayal and Redemption in the Deep South by Robin Gaby Fisher

Wanderers: A Novel

by Chuck Wendig

Published: 7/2/2019 by Del Rey
ISBN: 9780399182105

“A pandemic is sweeping the nation that causes affected people to sleepwalk. They cannot be awoken and family and friends must accompany them on their journey while the CDC tries to find the cause and cure. For fans of Cryptonomicon and The Windup Girl.”

Kyle Sederstrom, Overbrook Public Library, Overbrook, KS 

NoveList Read-alike: The Stand by Stephen King

Brazen and the Beast: The Bareknuckle Bastards Book II

by Sarah MacLean

Published: 7/30/2019 by Avon
ISBN: 9780062692078

“Sparks fly when the brash daughter of an earl and the bastard son of a duke are thrown together in Regency London. Strong character development and sizzling love scenes combine for a swoon-worthy read.”

Rosemary Kiladitis, Queens Library, Queensboro Hill, NY

Read-alikes:

Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas
The Mistress by Susan Wiggs
The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston

The Chelsea Girls: A Novel

by Fiona Davis

Published: 7/30/2019
by Dutton
ISBN: 9781524744588

“Amid the paranoia of the Red Scare, two women forge an indelible friendship. Davis’ latest historical fiction gem highlights an important chapter of American history against the vivid backdrop of 1950s New York.”

Debbie Lease, Hillsdale Public Library, Hillsdale, NJ

Read-alikes:

White Collar Girl by Renee Rosen
When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall

Lady in the Lake: A Novel

by Laura Lippman

Published: 7/23/2019
by William Morrow
ISBN: 9780062390011

“Maddie Schwartz leaves her marriage in 1960s Baltimore and finds her true calling as a reporter after discovering the body of a murdered girl. Desperate for a byline, Maddie triggers a domino effect of tragic consequences when she becomes part of the story instead.”

Linda Quinn, Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, CT 

Read-alikes:

Field of Blood by Denise Mina
November Road by Lou Berney
Black Water Rising by Attica Locke

Never Have I Ever: A Novel

by Joshilyn Jackson

Published: 7/30/2019
by William Morrow
ISBN: 9780062855312

“Amy’s seemingly perfect life is threatened when she’s confronted by a stranger who knows her darkest secrets. This fast-paced thrill ride hooks you from the first page.”

Terri Smith, Cornelia Library, Mt. Airy, GA

Read-alikes:

Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell

Shamed: A Kate Burkholder Novel

by Linda Castillo

Published: 7/16/2019
by Minotaur Books
ISBN: 9781250142863

“An Amish grandmother is murdered, a girl with special needs is abducted, and the clock ticks on police chief Burkholder’s hopes of finding her alive. This thrilling page-turner explores the lengths one will go to save a child.”

Aubrey Parker, Charles B. Stewart-West Branch Library,Montgomery, TX 

Read-alikes:

In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Blessed Be the Wicked by D.A. Bartley
Circle of Influence by Annette Dashofy

The Wedding Party

by Jasmine Guillory

Published: 7/16/2019
by Berkley Jove
ISBN: 9781984802194

“Maddie and Theo love to hate each other until they find themselves together at the one place they least expected–in bed. This laugh-out-loud story is the perfect companion to Guillory’s earlier romances.”

Afton Finley, Waseca Public Library, Waseca, MN

Read-alikes:

Sofia Khan Is Not Obliged by Ayisha Malik
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Intercepted by Alexa Martin