Library Reads: Favorites of 2019

I normally have standard language I put before the monthly Library Reads list here on the blog, but today's list is a bit different; therefore, I am shaking things up.

Today, the 2019 Voter Favorites were announced-- the Top 10 titles of the year as chosen from the 12 months of lists. 

This is a fun twist on a "best" list because this is OUR list, and as you can see below or here, it is different from many other 2019 "best" lists because it combines genres, nonfiction, and of course, contains multiple titles about books and or libraries. [We are nothing if not true to form.]

Enjoy this year end list, but don't forget to use the archive of every title from every list for a treasure trove of hundreds of titles you can confidently suggest to patrons both because your fellow library workers also liked them and because there is a provided sound bite making it easy for you to hand sell every title. 

Now here are the 2019 Library Reads Voters Favorites

Announcing the Voter Favorites 2019!

You voted, we counted, and 2019's Voter Favorite is:

 

The Library Book
by Susan Orlean
(Simon and Schuster)

 

“An investigation of the fire that devastated the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986 evolves into a page-turning history of the immense impact libraries and books have had throughout time. Profoundly moving and enlightening, and a clear call to readers to appreciate and support their libraries. For readers who enjoy high-quality narrative nonfiction.”

Jesica Sweedler DeHart, Neill Public Library, Pullman, WA

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
A Novelby Kim Michele Richardson (Sourcebooks Landmark)

“Blue-skinned Cussie brings books via horseback to rural, racially intolerant Kentucky in the 1930s. Her efforts demonstrate that people crave intellectual stimulation even when they are poverty stricken in a food desert. For fans of Sandra Dallas and Lee Smith.”

—Courtenay Reece, Millville Public Library, Millville, NJ

Daisy Jones & the Six
A Novelby Taylor Jenkins Reid (Ballantine Books)

"Like the best episodes of Behind the Music, this chronicle of the rise and fall of a fictional ’70s rock group is impossible to resist. You'll be tempted to look up the band's hits, only to disappointedly remember that they don't exist. A great rock ’n’ roll ride for readers."

—Becky Bowen, Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger, KY

The Dutch House
by Ann Patchett (Harper)

"For siblings Danny and Maeve, the Dutch house is much more than a structure. It is the bones of their family, a symbol connected to love, loss, achievement, and abandonment. They are connected to this house all their lives, even after being flung out of it. For fans of Anne Tyler and Anna Quindlen."

—Kelly Currie, Delphi Public Library, Delphi, IN

Evvie Drake Starts Over
A Novel
by Linda Holmes
(Ballantine Books)

“Relationships are hard, whether with a spouse, a best friend, a new love interest, or ourselves. Evvie navigates all of these after a life-changing series of events. An engaging novel that explores relationship nuances without being too dark or too cutesy. For fans of Jenny Colgan, Cecilia Ahern, and Sophie Kinsella.”

—Maribeth Fisher, Scotch Plains Public Library, Scotch Plains, NJ

The Flatshare
A Novel
by Beth O'Leary (Flatiron Books)

“In this entertaining and humorous romance, Tiffy and Leon share a flat, but have never met. Who says you can't fall in love if your only communication has been through Post-It notes? For fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary and Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating.”

—Kelly Moore, Carrollton Public Library, Carrollton, TX

My Sister, the Serial Killer
A Novel
by Oyinkan Braithwaite
(Doubleday)
“Nigerian nurse Korede puts up with so much from her sister Ayoola (the serial killer). Braithwaite tells a dark, lively, and funny story of how begrudgingly cleaning up after someone else's deadly habits is just one of those things one does for family. For fans of satirical humor.”
—Lisa Hoffman, Bloomfield Public Library, Bloomfield, NJ

The Nickel Boys
A Novel
by Colson Whitehead
(Doubleday)

"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

Red, White, and Royal Blue
A Novel
by Casey McQuiston (St. Martin's Griffin)

"First Son Alex Claremont- Diaz is in his last semester of university and has an antagonistic relationship with Prince Henry of Wales. But friendship and then love blossoms when they are forced to pretend to be buddies after an embarrassing altercation. For fans of a good rom- com."

—Nita Gill, Brookings Public Library, Brookings, SD

The Silent Patient
by Alex Michaelides (Celadon Books)
“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