Pages

Thursday, April 15, 2021

LibraryReads: May 2021

It's LibraryReads 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 LibraryReads 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 LibraryReads 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.
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.

And finally, here is LibraryReads' extremely helpful Resources page.

Now let's get to that list.... 

 

Announcing the May 2021 LibraryReads List!



People We Meet On Vacation 

by Emily Henry

Berkley Jove

“An aching slow-burn romance focused on chaotic sprite Poppy and buttoned up Alex and their twelve years of summer vacations. Set in present day Palm Springs and interspersed with flashbacks from the previous vacations, this story is full of yearning, friendship, and discussions of what it means to find a home. For fans of This Time Next Year, One Day in December, and Waiting for Tom Hanks.”

—Elizabeth Gabriel, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, WI 
NoveList read-alike: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren


Arsenic and Adobo 

by Mia P. Manansala

Berkley Prime Crime

“This fast-paced, cozy mystery with a diverse and colorful cast will make you laugh, cringe, and salivate. Lila has returned home to help with the family's failing Filipino restaurant, which is repeatedly panned by her food blogger ex. When he comes to lunch and ends up face down in his dessert, Lila becomes the prime murder suspect. For readers who enjoyed Dial A for Aunties and Mimi Lee Gets a Clue.”

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Milford, OH
NoveList read-alike: A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette


The Bookshop of Second Chances: A Novel 

by Jackie Fraser

Ballantine Books

“Nothing like turning a page in an upended life to find a surprising plot twist leading to a satisfying ending. That’s what readers will find in this charming novel. The power of books to soothe will attract bibliophiles, but stay for the lively banter of the romantic leads, the quirky local residents, and the brisk Scottish countryside. Perfect for fans of Evvie Drake Starts Over and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.”

—Kaite Stover, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
NoveList read-alike: How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

The Guncle 

by Steven Rowley

G.P. Putnam's Sons

"Gay Uncle Patrick," a reclusive TV star, takes in his niece and nephew for the summer after the death of their mother, his dear friend. As the three navigate their grief together, Patrick finds he needs the kids as much as they need him. By turns funny and poignant, this heartwarming story is great for fans of actor (and Instagram fave) Leslie Jordan and for readers who like Fredrik Backman.”

—Heather Bistyga, Anderson County Library, Anderson, SC
NoveList read-alike: The Family Man by Elinor Lipman


The Invisible Husband of Frick Island 

by Colleen Oakley

Berkley

“Anders, a journalist, is sent to Frick Island to cover a Cake Walk, where he meets Piper, a widow who behaves as if her husband had never died. The strangest thing is, the entire island goes along with this delusion, and Anders, who is smitten with Piper, is determined to find out why. For fans of The Story of Arthur Truluv and The Garden of Small Beginnings.”

—Aubrey Parker, Montgomery County Memorial Library, Conroe, TX
NoveList read-alike: One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

Mary Jane: A Novel 

by Jessica Anya Blau

Custom House

"It’s 1975 and Mary Jane takes a job babysitting while all her friends are away at summer camp. The job comes with exposure to a celebrity and her addicted rock star husband and Mary Jane experiences a world very different than her own. For readers who enjoyed Be Frank with Me, Nothing to See Here, and This Tender Land."

—Jan Fisher, Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, CT
NoveList read-alike: About a Boy by Nick Hornby


The Newcomer: A Novel 

by Mary Kay Andrews

St. Martin's Press

"Letty is on the run with her four-year-old niece, afraid she will be accused of her sister’s murder. She ends up at a beach front motel in Florida full of interesting and entertaining characters. Murder, fugitives, romance, and a great cast of characters. A perfect beach read. For readers who enjoy books by Elin Hildenbrand and Janet Evanovich."

—Sandy Ruhmann, Allen Park Public Library, Allen Park, MI
NoveList read-alike: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano


Talk Bookish to Me: A Novel 

by Kate Bromley

Graydon House

"A must-read romance novel, this enemies to lovers contemporary romance has enough tension and sizzle to satisfy any romance reader. Bonus, the lead character is a romance writer and readers get a romance novel within a romance novel. For readers who loved Much Ado About You and The Invitation."

—Hannah Spratt, New York Public Library, New York, NY
NoveList read-alike: The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros

While Justice Sleeps: A Novel 

by Stacey Abrams

Doubleday

"Avery's boss is a Supreme Court Justice and he is currently in a coma after naming Avery (instead of his wife) as his guardian. This situation is further complicated by the fact that the judge is a swing vote in a very important decision before the court. How well Avery knows her boss will determine the fate of both of them. For readers of John Grisham and Robert Dugoni."

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Public Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: Paper Gods by Goldie Taylor


The Woman with the Blue Star: A Novel 

by Pam Jenoff

Park Row

"Based on the true stories of Jewish families who utilized the sewers to escape persecution during WWII. Sadie struggles to come to terms with loss. Ella struggles to figure out where she fits in amidst the chaos. Their friendship brings them hope and purpose. For readers who enjoyed The Rose Code, Our Darkest Night."

—Kate Eminhizer, Pamunkey Regional Library, Hanover, VA
NoveList read-alike: Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris


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 our Hall of Fame.

 

Hour of the Witch: A Novel

by Chris Bohjalian

Doubleday

“In Puritan New England, Mary Deerfield is trapped in a marriage with a violent man. She has the audacity to file for divorce in a time where women were accused of witchcraft for any perceived slight or behavior. This book is filled with strong women and speaks to the witch hunts of today.”

—Lisa Casper, Douglas County Libraries, Highlands Ranch, CO
Read-alike: The Fifth Petal by Brunonia Berry
Read-alike: The Witches by Stacy Schiff


How to Find a Princess: Runaway Royals

by Alyssa Cole

Avon

“Billed as a queer retelling of Anastasia, a long-lost princess falls for the investigator who tracks her down. This full-length f/f romance from Cole, the latest in her delightful Runaway Royals series, makes for a fun read.”

—Annabelle Mortensen, Skokie Public Library, Skokie, IL
Read-alike: Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Read-alike: Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory


Local Woman Missing: A Novel

by Mary Kubica

Park Row

“A kidnapped child, two dead women, affairs, secrets, and a malpractice suit seem like a lot to pack into one book, but Kubica skillfully weaves the plot to create a perfect level of intrigue in this twisty suspense tale."

—Sandra Woodbury, Burlington Public Library, Burlington MA
Read-alike: Dear Child by Romy Housmann 
Read-alike: The Wrong Family by Tarryn Fisher

Project Hail Mary: A Novel

by Andy Weir

Ballantine Books

“Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship with amnesia. Gradually he remembers being on a one- way journey to save Earth from a dying sun. Then he encounters Rocky, an engineer on a similar mission. Hard to put down and impossible to forget, this is ingenious science fiction to celebrate and share."

— Brenda O’Brien, Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL
Read-alike: Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson
Read-alike: The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal

The Soulmate Equation

by Christina Lauren

Gallery Books

“A statistician and geneticist are an unlikely match in a DNA-based dating app in this latest breezy romance from Lauren. What follows is sure to pull on readers’ heartstrings and even get them interested in the science of genetics.”

—Melissa Stumpe, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN
Read-alike: The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
Read-alike: The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon


No comments:

Post a Comment