LibraryReads: July 2021

Editor's note: There is some very exciting news about the Hall of Fame this month. It is so exciting it is getting its own special release on June 21st. So this month you will get two LibraryReads posts.

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 July 2021 LibraryReads List! 

Such a Quiet Place: A Novel

By Megan Miranda

Simon & Schuster

“The tight-knit neighborhood of Hollow's Edge is supposed to be a safe, private place where the neighbors all know each other. But secrets lie behind every door. Miranda creates a vivid setting where the characters develop quickly, and the twisty plot will keep readers guessing until the end. For fans of psychological thrillers like The Other Mrs., Into the Water, and Every Secret Thing.”

—Leslie Hagel, Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, CT 
NoveList read-alike: A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight

And now the rest of the July 2021 list:

All the Little Hopes: A Novel

By Leah Weiss

Sourcebooks Landmark

“In WW II-era North Carolina, two best friends use their love of Nancy Drew mysteries to help find a missing man, while tending honeybees for the war effort and working on the family's tobacco farm alongside Nazi POWs. This coming of age story is heartfelt, mystical, and full of love and family. Reminiscent of Summer of My German Soldier and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.”

—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ
NoveList read-alike: The Cherry Harvest by Lucy Sanna

The Bone Code: A Temperance Brennan Novel 

By Kathy Reichs

Scribner

”Set in 2021, with some references to Covid, this thrilling read has a very contemporary feel, combining current scientific and forensic terminology with a sinister plot. A waste container turns up with two bodies, similar to an old unsolved case of Brennan’s. For fans of fast-paced, suspenseful mysteries like Prime Suspect and Carved in Bone.”

—Marilyn Sieb, L.D. Fargo Library, Lake Mills, WI
NoveList read-alike: Nikki Heat mysteries by Richard Castle

Devil in Disguise

By Lisa Kleypas

Avon

“In this addition to the Ravenels series, Merritt, a young London widow, shares an instant attraction with a Scottish whiskey distiller named Keir, and they begin a steamy and passionate romance. But someone wants him dead. And Sebastian, aka Lord St. Vincent, is also in the picture. For fans of the Brides of Redemption and the Hellions of Havisham series.

—Leah Cummings, Urbandale Public Library, Urbandale, IA 
NoveList read-alike: Seduction Diaries series by Jennifer McQuiston

Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead: A Novel

By Emily Austin

Atria Books

“In need of a short novel with a unique and lovable character, genuine LOL moments, and an ending that is richly deserved, hopeful, and joyful? Then this is for you. It’s brilliantly written and also a brutally honest depiction of what it’s like to have severe anxiety. For fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Mostly Dead Things.”

—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier Public Library, Warrenton, VA
NoveList read-alike: Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong

Falling: A Novel

By T.J. Newman

Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster

"A pilot is given an impossible choice: crash the airplane that he is flying, killing everyone on board, or his family will be murdered. A tense, white- knuckle thriller with all the makings of a summer blockbuster. Perfect for fans of The Chain."

—Nanette Donohue, Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL 
NoveList read-alike: Flight or Fright eds. Stephen King and Bev Vincent

The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel

By Kristin Harmel

Gallery Books

"Stolen from her parents at two years old, Yona learns to survive in the forest. Years later, Yona teaches Jews fleeing the Holocaust to survive in the forest. A tale of personal responsibility, betrayals, loss, and love that stays with you long after you’ve read it. For readers who enjoyed The Nightingale, Salt to the Sea, and The Baker’s Secret."

—Cynthia Hunt, Amarillo Public Library, Amarillo, TX
NoveList read-alike: The Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton

A Psalm for the Wild-Built

By Becky Chambers

Tordotcom

"The quiet life of a tea monk is interrupted when a robot arrives after centuries to honor a promise to check in. The robot cannot return to the wilderness until the question of “what do people need?” is answered. This is a book I will be recommending to everyone! For readers who enjoyed The Bear and The House in the Cerulean Sea."

—Liz Aleshunas, St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, MO
NoveList read-alike: The Sol Majestic by Ferrett Steinmetz

She Who Became the Sun

By Shelley Parker-Chan

Tor Books

"In her intense, wonderfully written, and completely absorbing debut, Parker-Chan gives 14th century China a stunner of a rewrite. When her father and brother die as a consequence of a brutal attack, Zhu leaves her impoverished village and takes on her brother’s identity and his fate. For readers who enjoyed Priory of the Orange Tree, Gideon the Ninth, and The Poppy War."

—Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, Huntington, NY 
NoveList read-alike: Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri

The Sinful Lives of Trophy Wives: A Novel

By Kristin Miller

Ballantine Books

"When Brooke moves to the exclusive California neighborhood of Presidio Terrace, she befriends both Erin and Georgia. She finds out much more than she ever expected. Readers will be so wrapped up in the drama, privilege, and mystery, they might finish in one sitting. For readers who enjoyed Big Little Lies and Never Have I Ever."

—Danielle Aronowitz, South Plainfield Public Library, South Plainfield, NJ
NoveList read-alike: The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

And remember to look for the exciting Hall of Fame announcement next week! But here is a teaser of the authors:

EXCITING NEWS! We have 12 Hall of Fame titles for July! As a special treat, we will release the printable list on Monday, June 21. Congratulations to the following authors:

Linda Castillo Karin Slaughter Grady Hendrix Samantha Downing Darynda Jones Sonali Dev Lyssa Kay Adams Tessa Bailey Nalini Singh Liv Constantine B.A. Paris Jasmine Guillory