Library Reads: October 2019

Today is Library Reads day and that means four 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.
4. Every book now has at least 1 readalike that is available to hand out RIGHT NOW. Book talk the upcoming book, place a hold for it, and then hand out that readalike title for while they wait. If they need more titles  before their hold comes in, use the readalike title to identify more readalike titles. And then keep repeating. Seriously, it is that easy to have happy, satisfied readers.

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. 

October 2019 LibraryReads

The Body: A Guide for Occupants

by Bill Bryson

Published: 10/15/2019 by Doubleday Books
ISBN: 9780385539302

“A fascinating look at the human body and how it functions. Each historical tidbit is well-researched and thoroughly cited. Interesting stories, such as how diseases, cells, nerves, and organs were discovered, are woven throughout. For readers who like narrative nonfiction such as Gulp by Mary Roach, Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, and Guts by Giulia Enders.”

Carolynn Waites, Manvel Library, Manvel, TX
NoveList Read-alike: Gross Anatomy: Dispatches from the Front (and Back) by Mara Altman

The Art of Theft

by Sherry Thomas

Published: 10/15/2019 by Berkley
ISBN: 9780451492470

“In this fun, playful series, Thomas has created a female version of Holmes who is vibrant, real, relatable, and intelligent. This fourth book has Holmes and Watson travel to France, with twists and turns the reader won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell series and Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily series.”

Carrie Pedigo, Tippecanoe County Public Library, Lafayette, IN 
Novelist Read-alike: Jem Flockhart novels by E.S. Thomson

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The Butterfly Girl: A Novel

by Rene Denfeld

Published: 10/1/2019 by Harper
ISBN: 9780062698162

“Denfield’s writing is like lyrical poetry, with every word captivating. Add to this an amazing mystery, a plethora of suspense, and an ending that exceeds all expectations, and we have another 5 star book. For fans of What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan and Love You More by Lisa Gardner.”

Cyndi Larsen, Avon Free Public Library, Avon, CT 
NoveList Read-alike: Black Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin

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Cilka’s Journey: A Novel

by Heather Morris

Published: 10/1/2019 by St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 9781250265708

“A powerful follow-up to The Tattooist of Auschwitz, this story begins after the liberation of Auschwitz, when Cilka is sentenced by the Soviet liberators to 15 years in one of Stalin’s Siberian labor gulags. From one death camp to another–for doing what was needed to survive. For fans of Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly and We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter.”

Don Crankshaw, Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, Evansville, IN
NoveList Read-alike: House of Meetings by Martin Amis

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Imaginary Friend

by Stephen Chbosky

Published: 10/1/2019 by Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 9781538731338

“Christopher and his mom run from an abusive boyfriend and seek peace and quiet in a new town. Instead, Christopher becomes agitated and sneaks out at night, doing anything a “nice man” tells him to do. This is pure horror, a classic battle of good and evil, and a must for fans of Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Paul Tremblay.”

Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX 
NoveList Read-alike: The Stand by Stephen King

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The Library of the Unwritten

by A. J. Hackwith

Published: 10/1/2019 by Ace
ISBN: 9781984806376

“The ideas of books never actually written possess dangerous potential and power. They are kept in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell. Determined librarians tend the library keeping watch for escaped characters, angels and demons. For fans of Genevieve Cogman or Neil Gaiman.”

Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Library, Lansing, MI
NoveList Read-alike: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

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Ninth House

by Leigh Bardugo

Published: 10/8/2019 by Flatiron Books
ISBN: 9781250313072

“Alex has always been able to see ghosts, and this talent uniquely qualifies her to become part of the Lethe, a group that regulates the eight magical societies at Yale. When a murder happens nearby the campus, Alex suspects that a society has their hand in this and it’s not just a normal homicide. For fans of urban fantasy and secret societies.”

Amy Verkruissen, Calcasieu Parish Public Library, Lake Charles, LA 
NoveList Read-alike: Magic For Liars by Sarah Galley

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Nothing to See Here

by Kevin Wilson

Published: 10/29/2019 by Ecco
ISBN: 9780062913463

“A funny, snarky narrator takes on the job of caretaker for kids with remarkable and strange abilities. Everyone involved learns that sometimes all we need after being repeatedly let down is someone to rely on. For fans of Chuck Kosterman and Gary Shteyngart.”

Linda Quinn, Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, CT
NoveList Read-alike: Gravity is the Thing by Jaclyn Moriarty

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Ordinary Girls: A Memoir

by Jaquira Diaz

Published: 10/8/2019 by Algonquin Books
ISBN: 9781616209131

“Diaz was out of control. Her life was a never ending cycle of indifferent (or worse) parenting, street fights, abuse, drugs, arrests, alcohol, skipping school—all are detailed in this coming of age memoir. Reading this extraordinary memoir, I was reminded that no one can make you do something until you decide to on your own. For fans of Hunger by Roxane Gay and When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago.

Linda Tilden, Mt. Laurel Public Library, Mt. Laurel, AL 
NoveList Read-alike: Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden

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Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts

by Kate Racculia

Published: 10/8/2019 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 9780358023937

“Engaging characters set off to follow the mysterious clues of the will of an elderly, wealthy eccentric for a chance at winning the grand prize. Young grief and loss, family guilt, secrets, and hilarity are featured throughout. Plus: ghosts! For readers who liked The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson and Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst.”

Pamela Gardner, Medfield Public Library, Medfield, MA 
NoveList Read-alike: Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

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Full Throttle

by Joe Hill

Published: 10/1/2019 by William Morrow
ISBN: 9780062200679

“Hill’s short story collection hits the sweet spot: thirteen supernatural tales that satisfy but also leave you wanting a tiny bit more. He also discusses the inspiration for each story, allowing fans more insight into his process.”

Mahogany Skillings, Richland County Public Library, Richland County, SC 

Read-alikes:

Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman
Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link
Ghost Summer by Tananarive Due

The Giver of Stars: A Novel

by Jojo Moyes

Published: 10/8/2019
by Pamela Dorman Books
ISBN: 9780399562488

“Moyes brings Depression-era Kentucky to life in this historical novel about five women who become horseback librarians. Vivid descriptions of daily life in a 1930s coal-mining community and great characters punctuate an informative, fun read that’s based on a true story.”

Linda Sullivan, Mission Viejo Public Library, Mission Viejo, CA

Read-alikes:

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani
Over the Plain Houses by Julia Franks

Olive, Again: A Novel

by Elizabeth Strout

Published: 10/15/2019
by Random House
ISBN: 9780812996548

“Olive Kitteridge is back and still as crotchety, opinionated, and endearing as ever. Aging, death, racism, prejudices, infidelities–nothing gets past Olive as she sticks her nose into every corner of her small town.”

Sharon Hutchins, Keytesville Library, Keytesville, MO 

Read-alikes:

Lila by Marilynne Robinson
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Royal Holiday

by Jasmine Guillory

Published: 10/1/2019
by Berkley
ISBN: 9781984802217

“An irresistible Christmas fantasy about a woman of a certain age who falls for the queen of England’s private secretary on a visit to the U.K. Guillory describes Britain so well, and it was great to read a popular romance novel starring an older protagonist.”

Meghan Sanks, Glenview Public Library, Glenview, IL

Read-alikes:

A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole
Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

Twice in a Blue Moon

by Christina Lauren

Published: 10/22/2019
by Gallery Books
ISBN: 9781982135706

“Sam was Tate’s first love and turned her world upside down. Years later they reconnect unexpectedly, and she wonders if young love should get a second chance. Another unputdownable book from Lauren.”

Melissa Stumpe, Johnson County Public Library, Greenwood, IN 

Read-alikes:

Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery
Perfect Timing by Brenda Jackson
Waiting on You by Kristan Higgins

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Read-alikes provided by NoveList and the LibraryReads community.