RA FOR ALL...THE ROAD SHOW!

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Tuesday, May 18, 2021

LibraryReads: June 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 June 2021 LibraryReads List! 


One Last Stop 

by Casey McQuiston

St. Martin's Griffin

“A phenomenal read with well-developed diverse characters and a unique, compelling plot. For August, romance is way at the bottom of her to-do list. Then she meets mysterious Jane, who's always on the same subway car no matter where or when August gets on. Before she knows it, they are a thing, with a circle of friends to share their life. There’s only one catch: Jane isn't really here. For fans of Meryl Wisner, Morgan Rogers, and Jasmine Guillory.”

—Heather Cover, Homewood Library, Birmingham, AL 
NoveList read-alike: Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur



And now the rest of the June 2021 list:


The Maidens: A Novel 

by Alex Michaelides

Celadon Books

“Tragedy dogs Mariana’s footsteps as she struggles to recover from the deaths of her husband, sister, brother-in-law, and father. Then, in her beloved Cambridge, young girls are being killed. Fearing for her niece, Mariana is determined to find the murderer, and in a twisted plot discovers that she doesn't know who to believe, including herself. For readers who liked The Sea of Lost Girls and The Secret History.”

—Courtenay Reece, Millville Public Library, Millville, NJ
NoveList read-alike: Ill Will by Dan Chaon


Neon Gods 

by Katee Robert

Sourcebooks Casablanca

"Robert masterfully turns the myth of Persephone and Hades on its head, making it modern and kinky and exploring issues of consent and the arranged marriage trope (which she delightfully subverts). The steamy sex is absolutely integral to the plot, and Robert includes nods to the original myth. For fans of The Unhoneymooners and The Dating Plan.”

—Kate Fais, New York Public Library, New York, NY 
NoveList read-alike: Black Sheep by Zara Cox


The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot: A Novel

by Marianne Cronin

Harper Perennial

“In a Glasgow hospital, two dying patients, one a teen and one much older, begin an art project to chronicle their lives. This delightful "Odd Couple" pair, along with the hospital chaplain and a gaggle of well- meaning staff, help Lenni live her best life through Margot's stories and show what really is important. For readers who love Fredrik Backman and
Gail Honeyman.”

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX 
NoveList read-alike: The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg


The Other Black Girl: A Novel 

by Zakiya Dalila Harris

Atria Books

“Nella, an editorial assistant at Wagner Books, is excited when another Black girl is hired at her publishing company. But after a mysterious note turns up on her desk that warns her to "Leave Wagner. Now," she is left questioning who would want her gone. Provocative and suspenseful, this genre- bending book is perfect for fans of When No One Is Watching and the movie Get Out.”

—Erin Shea, Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
NoveList read-alike: Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour


Our Woman in Moscow: A Novel  

by Beatriz Williams

William Morrow

"A spy novel set in Europe during and after WWII featuring twin sisters, Ruth and Iris. A cat and mouse game of intrigue where it is often hard to tell not only who is guilty or innocent, but also, who is who? Give this one to readers who enjoy Kate Quinn's brave female characters."

—Gail Christensen, Kitsap Regional Library, Bremerton, WA
NoveList read-alike: The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott



The Personal Librarian 

by Marie Benedict; Victoria Christopher Murray 

Berkley

"Both history and homage to The Morgan Library, one of the world’s greatest private libraries. It is also the story of a young African-American woman named Belle posing as a white woman of Portuguese descent. For fans of Fiona Davis’ historical novels."

—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ 
NoveList read-alike: An Illuminated Life: Belle da Costa Greene's Journey from Prejudice to Privilege by Heidi Ardizzone


The Queer Principles of Kit Webb: A Novel 

by Cat Sebastian

Avon

"Lord Holland is being blackmailed, he will do anything to get back his mother’s book of secrets that has been stolen by his father, so he hires a reformed highwayman for one last job. For readers who enjoyed The Vicar and the Rake and A Fashionable Indulgence."

—Chris Ely, Whitewright Public Library, Whitewright, TX
NoveList read-alike: The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite


To Sir, With Love 

by Lauren Layne

Gallery Books

"A modern take on You've Got Mail set in New York City. Gracie is running her family's champagne boutique while Sebastian and his family are trying to buy out the building. The results are a meet-cute times two that would certainly make Nora Ephron proud. For fans of Jennifer Cruisie and Talia Hibbert."

—Amy Mehrle, Gwinnett County Public Library, Dacula, GA
NoveList read-alike: Ghosting by Tash Skilton


The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible

Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear 

by Kate Moore

Sourcebooks

"In 1860, Packard was committed to an insane asylum by her husband with no evidence of any condition other than she disagreed with him on some issues and spoke her mind. Moore deftly presents Packard’s story of her confinement, subsequent trial, and crusade to improve women’s legal standing. Give this book to those interested in stories of trailblazing women, legal thrillers, and even true crime."

—PJ Gardiner, Wake County Public Library, Raleigh, NC
NoveList read-alike: The Unfit Heiress by Audrey Clare Farley


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.


Dream Girl: A Novel 

by Laura Lippman

William Morrow

“Poor Gerry Anderson: esteemed novelist, confined

to his highrise after a freak accident, besieged with assistants and badgered by his ex. Gerry sees himself as a victim, but not all agree, and someone is taking murderous measures to bring him to task. Who’ll outsmart whom in this game of cat and mouse?”

—Lori Hench, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
NoveList read-alike: Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi


Malibu Rising: A Novel 

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Ballantine Books

“Four celebrity children of Mick Riva, a famous singer, throw a massive party that ends in a fire and leaves family secrets exposed. Reid skillfully goes back and forth in time to fill in the background story of the entire Riva family, beautifully bringing each character to life.”

—Cathy Branciforte, Ramsey Free Public Library, Ramsey, NJ 
NoveList read-alike: The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo


The Night Hawks 

by Elly Griffiths

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

“In the thirteenth Ruth Galloway mystery, the forensic archeologist returns to familiar ground in Norfolk, where she’s accepted a post at a local university. A dead body is found nearby and soon Dr. Galloway is back on the case in a satisfying story full of surprise twists and familiar faces.”

—Meredith Snepp, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka, KS
NoveList read-alike: Reverend Clare Fergusson mysteries


The Road Trip 

by Beth O'Leary

Berkley Jove

“Exes Dylan and Addie are on their way to a friend’s wedding, and their rocky relationship is traced through alternating POVs from past and present. With interesting character development and several genuinely funny moments, this is a perfect read for your own summer road trip.”

—Jennifer Sullivan, Sno-Isle Libraries, Marysville, WA
NoveList read-alike: Three Little Words by Jenny Holiday


Survive the Night: A Novel

by Riley Sager

Dutton

“In the 1990s, Charlie, a traumatized woman who sees life like a movie, heads home from college. After agreeing to share a ride with a stranger, she begins to fear that she’s in danger. With heart- pounding suspense, nostalgic film references, and a locked room setting, this is a fun throwback thriller.”

—Vanessa Phillips, Pelion Branch Library, Pelion, SC 
NoveList read-alike: No Exit by Taylor Adams



When Stars Collide: A Chicago Stars Novel 

by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

William Morrow

“Quarterback Thad and opera star Olivia embark on a weeks-long PR campaign for an upscale watch company. Both successful in their careers, they each have a strong sense of themselves, which makes for a refreshingly toned down take on the hero-to-the- rescue trope in this unputdownable read.”

—Janet Schneider, Peninsula Public Library, Lawrence, NY 
NoveList read-alike: The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai

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