LibraryReads: October 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 October 2021 LibraryReads List!

And it features THREE! Horror Novels [with links to the 2 books I have reviewed already]

 

All the Feels: A Novel 

by Olivia Dade

Avon

Alex is an actor on a Game of Thrones type TV show entering its final season. Lauren’s job is to keep him out of trouble. Their relationship develops over forced proximity, a road trip, and tons of fanfic tropes (only one bed!). This steamy romance, with flawed, genuine characters and sensitive treatment of mental health and body issues, is a delight from start to finish. For fans of Spoiler Alert, Girl Gone Viral, and One To Watch.”

 

Lauren Mitchell, Neenah Public Library, Neenah, WI

NoveList read-alike: Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev

 

Cackle 

by Rachel Harrison

Berkley

“Annie is floundering after an unexpected breakup and a subsequent move to a small, quirky town. Her new friend Sophie is a little strange, but Annie is so happy to have someone who has chosen her that she ignores her concerns. This delightfully creepy fall story will work well for those who like paranormal fiction and light horror, and fans of The Year of the Witching and The Deep.”

—Rebecca Swanson, Fitchburg Public Library, Fitchburg, WI 

NoveList read-alike: We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry

Death at Greenway: A Novel

By Lori Rader-Day

William Morrow Paperback

“In this departure from RaderDay’s usual thrillers, two young women, hired as nurses to care for a group of children, are evacuated to Agatha Christie’s country estate during WWII. Then a dead body shows up, and suddenly there's no telling what is safe and who can be trusted. For fans of Agatha Christie and Louise Penny.”

—Linda Quinn, Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, CT 

NoveList read-alike: In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen 

The Death of Jane Lawrence: A Novel

by Caitlin Starling

St. Martin's Press

“Jane, a sensible young woman, decides that she must get married. Her first choice is Dr. Lawrence, but she soon discovers his dark, terrifying secrets and becomes engulfed in a tangled mystery of magic, ghosts, demons, and bizarre rituals. A well-written story for fans of gothic fantasy and horror like Gideon the Ninth and Mexican Gothic.”

—Sandra Allen, South Community Library, St. Petersburg, FL 

NoveList read-alike: The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

Last Girl Ghosted

by Lisa Unger

Park Row

“Wren meets Adam on a dating app, and they seem to hit it off. After she tells him a secret, though, he ghosts her. She refuses to let it go and starts searching for him. What she finds is shocking, but she can match him in the secret department. Chilling, twisty, and hard to put down. Give to fans of Ghosted and The Couple Next Door.”

—Shari Suarez, Genesee District Library, Goodrich, MI 

NoveList read-alike: The Date by Louise Jensen

The Lincoln Highway: A Novel 

by Amor Towles

Viking

“In 1952, castoffs from a Nebraska juvenile detention camp embark on a road trip that takes them in different directions than initially intended. There’s so much genuine sweetness and aching loss in this exuberant book full of characters you’ll care about deeply. For fans of John Irving and Ann Patchett.”

—Diana Armstrong, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR 

NoveList read-alike: Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig

Nothing But Blackened Teeth 

by Cassandra Khaw

Tor Nightfire

“This short, creepy haunted house tale, brimming with Japanese folklore, cleverly reveals the 

monstrousness in ordinary human callousness--we’re awful not from horrendous actions or beliefs, but because we just react and shout each other down. For fans of My Heart is a Chainsaw and The Toll.”

—Matthew Galloway, Anythink Libraries, Thornton, CO 

NoveList read-alike: Slade House by David Mitchell

Once More Upon a Time

by Rohani Chokshi

Sourcebooks Casablanca

“In this classic fairytale with a twist, a prince and princess who became a cursed king and queen are given a second chance at a future. The storyline and characters are engaging, but it’s the beautiful, flowing writing that really stands out. Recommended for readers of Stardust and Kill the Farmboy.”

—Sandra Woodbury, Burlington Public Library, Burlington, MA 

NoveList read-alike: Monkey Around by Jadie Jang

Payback's a Witch 

by Lana Harper

Berkley Jove

“Emmy reluctantly returns to her hometown to serve as arbiter of a magical tournament. But the town now seemingly has much more to offer, including a gorgeous witch. Will she be enough incentive for Emmy to stay? Romance and a welldeveloped magical system make this perfect for fans of TJ Klune and Seanan McGuire.”

—Alicia Ahlvers, Henrico County Public Library, Henrico, VA 

NoveList read-alike: The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

 

A Spindle Splintered 

by Alix E. Harrow

Tordotcom

“Harrow delights with a queer fractured fairy tale novella. Zinnia Grey, forever obsessed with the Sleeping Beauty story, gets a spindle for her 21st birthday. When she pricks her finger, she’s transported to another dimension and finds a princess who'd rather not marry the dashing prince. For fans of Naomi Novik and Margaret Atwood.”

—Jill Minor, Washington County Public Library, Abingdon, VA 

NoveList read-alike: Briar Rose by Jane Yolen

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.

Click here to access the Hall of Fame Archive with annotations and readalikes

 

The Book of Magic: A Novel 

by Alice Hoffman

Simon & Schuster

A Line to Kill: A Novel 

by Anthony Horowitz

Harper

Oh William!: A Novel 

by Elizabeth Strout

Random House

The Vanished Days 

by Susanna Kearsley

Sourcebooks Landmark

Well Matched 

by Jen DeLuca

Berkley Jove