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Wednesday, July 15, 2020

LibraryReads: August 2020

It's 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 through this archive OR the sortable master list allowing you to mix and match however you want.
  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 upcoming 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.
The LibraryReads 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.

Please remember to click here for everything you need to know about how to participate. Click here to see a database of eligible diverse titles sorted by month.


Now let's get to that list....


August 2020 - The top ten books published this month that librarians across the country love.

TOP PICK!!!!

You Had Me at Hola: A Novel by Alexis Daria

(Avon)

"This romance by a RITA award-winning writer is a sizzling hot and fun ode to soap operas. Jasmine, a soap opera actor, and Ashton, a telenovela actor, have been cast on a popular TV show that catapults each of them to stardom. They quickly give in to temptation and indulge in a torrid affair that means more to them than either wants to admit. When the paparazzi expose a shocking secret, Jasmine is forced to reevaluate the trust she put in Ashton, and he must to come to grips with his traumatic past. Firmly rooted in Latinx culture, this novel covers issues of language, colorism, and identity while also managing to be upbeat, entertaining, and super-steamy. Recommended for fans of Take a Hint, Dani Brown, Something To Talk About, and Not the Girl You Marry."

—Migdali Jimenez, Chicago Public Library, Chicago, IL 

NoveList read-alike: Would Like To Meet by Rachel Winters


Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents

by Isabel Wilkerson (Random House)

“A magisterial overview of how caste has been implemented in three different places. This is an important look at how the U.S., Nazi Germany, and India implemented caste and how it affects each country. Don't think that this is a dry academic read; Wilkerson is a genius with words and incorporates her own experiences throughout the book. For readers of Stamped and The New Jim Crow.”

—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA 

NoveList read-alike: White Trash by Nancy Isenberg


The Exiles: A Novel

by Christina Baker Kline (Custom House)

“In her extremely readable fashion, Kline has created another masterpiece of historical fiction. This time she takes readers on a journey from England to Australia, where prisoners were exiled in the 19th century.The riveting story becomes personal as Kline engages readers in the individual stories of the enslaved women. Perfect for book groups and fans of Lisa Wingate and Kristin Hannah."

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

NoveList read-alike: The Secret River by Kate Grenville


Harrow the Ninth

by Tamsyn Muir
(Tor.com)


“This follow-up to Gideon the Ninth is a fantastic gothic mystery, peopled with aristocrats vying to be the Undying 
Emperor's new Lyctor. Muir switches up the POV, and because Harrow's body and mind are failing her, she's an unreliable narrator. The story moves around in time, so when events from the first book are revisited, the perspective changes. And there's still that looming, unwinnable battle. A rare and beautiful gem for fans of The City We Became and Dune.”

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Milford, OH 

NoveList read-alike: Archivist Wasp by Nicole Kornher-Stace


The Night Swim: A Novel

by Megan Goldin (St. Martin's Press)

“The author has expertly woven the stories of two crimes that occurred in a small town 25 years apart. Rachel, an investigative podcast reporter, is covering the trial of a young man accused of the latest crime. While there, she is pulled into the past by the earlier victim’s sister, Hannah, who has been haunted by it for a very long time. For fans of Then She Was Gone and Sometimes I Lie."

—Debbie Lease, Hillsdale Public Library, Hillsdale, NJ 

NoveList read-alike: Conviction by Denise Mina


No Offffense: A Novel

by Meg Cabot

(William Morrow Paperbacks)

"In the second book in the Little Bridge Island series, we meet Molly, a children’s librarian who is new to the island, and John, the newly installed island sheriff. Their lives become intertwined when Molly finds a newborn baby in the library bathroom and the two work to find the mother. For readers who enjoy It’s In HIs Kiss by Jill Shalvis and The Best Man by Kristan Higgins."

—Laura Hanson, Waukee Public Library, Waukee, IA 

NoveList read-alike: Love Overdue by Pamela Morsi


The Silent Wife: A Novel

by Karin Slaughter (William Morrow)

"A brilliantly conceived story about a psychopath that preys on young women and a chance encounter that turns up a connection to another series of unsolved murders years back. A fast-paced, suspenseful thriller for fans of the Kick Lannigan series."

—Paul Lane, Palm Beach County Library, West Palm Beach, FL 

NoveList read-alike: Prey series by John Sandford


Squeeze Me: A Novel

by Carl Hiaasen (Knopf )

"Angie runs her own business, Discreet Captures, in Palm Beach, FL where she traps and relocates wildlife. She receives a call from the caretaker of a local estate about a giant python and manages to remove the snake without offending party guests. But what happened to Kiki Pew, the wealthy hostess who seems to have vanished from the event? For fans of satirical thrillers and Florida."

—Linda Tilden, Mt. Laurel Public Library, Mt. Laurel, NJ 

NoveList read-alike: Florida Man by Tom Cooper


The Switch: A Novel

by Beth O'Leary

(Flatiron Books)

"Finding herself with a two- week sabbatical from work, Leeana and her grandmother Eileen decide to switch homes for the duration. In London, Eileen starts an affair and builds friendships across generations. In a Yorkshire village, Leena learns how her grandmother is the center of village activity and takes on all Eileen’s projects. For fans of Evie Drake Starts Over and The Love Story of Missy Charmichael."

—Paula Pergament, Lincolnwood Public Library, Lincolnwood, IL 

NoveList read-alike: The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez


Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop
by Roselle Lim (Berkley)

"Vanessa is an accountant with the power of clairvoyance.
She travels to a tea shop in Paris to learn to control her predictions with the help of her Aunt Evelyn. There, she finds a new purpose by connecting the people around her and just might find true love for herself. Sweet, romantic, and cozy. For readers who enjoyed Number One Chinese Restaurant and Kitchens of the Great Midwest."

—Douglas Beatty, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore, MD 

NoveList read-alike: Crazy Cupid Love by Amanda Heger


The LibraryReads Hall of Fame designation honors authors who have had multiple titles appear on the monthly LibraryReads list since 2013. When their third title places on the list via library staff votes, the author moves into the Hall of Fame.


Emerald Blaze

A Hidden Legacy Novel by Ilona Andrews (Avon)

“While investigating a murder, Texas deputy warden Catalina Baylor must again work with handsome Alessandro Sagredo, a fellow mage who’ll do anything to keep her safe. Another urban fantasy home run for Andrews--the leads are perfect together and the world-building is phenomenal.”

—Caroline Quintanilla, Seminole County Public Library, Sanford, FL

Read-alike: Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh 

Read-alike: The Sea King by C.L. Wilson 

Read-alike: The Last Wolf by Maria Vale


The Lions of Fifth Avenue: A Novel

by Fiona Davis (Dutton)

“A glimpse into women's lives in 1913 and 1993, with the narrative centering on the New York Public Library. Davis always places female characters from the past and present in an iconic New York building. This book was especially wonderful as it’s a love letter to librarians.”

—Donna Ballard, East Meadow Public Library, East Meadow, NY

Read-alike: Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict

Read-alike: Magician’s Lie by Greer MacAllister 

Read-alike: Unforgivable Love by Sophfronia Scott


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