LibraryReads: October 2023

  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.

New in February 2023-- a bonus pick with an annotation by a LibraryReads Board member. See this month's pick at the end of this post. It also appears on the PDF list for printing and displaying at your library.

Now let's get to the October 2023 list.... 

Wildfire: A Novel

Hannah Grace

Atria Books 

This fun summer camp sports romance is a perfect beach read. The characters are complex, and the men (other than the ‘bad guys’) are written to be very respectful of and thoughtful to the women in their lives, whether in friendship or romance. The book is also very sex-positive. Readers who missed the first book in this series won’t feel like they are missing anything, but will want to catch up!

—Jennifer Lizak, Chicago Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky   

And now, the rest of the list:

Let Him In
William Friend

(Poisoned Pen Press)

After the death of their mother, young twins Sylvie and Cassia find comfort in an imaginary friend, but their father begins to worry as things escalate. Grief and the paranormal are central to this book, and the story will leave readers questioning reality. This unsettling gothic read will keep readers turning the pages!

—Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library. MI

NoveList read-alike: We Hear Voices by Evie Green

The Hurricane Wars

Thea Guanzon

(Harper Voyager)

As enemies sworn to destroy one another, Alaric and Talasyn seem like unlikely allies, let alone candidates for a political marriage. This Asian-inspired fantasy series takes all the elements needed for a new world—alliances, royalty vs. rebels, magic powers, a fierce orphan with a secret destiny, and enemies-to-lover tension—then sets them in a world of horrific storms and a kingdom under siege.

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, TX

NoveList read-alike: Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

The Leftover Woman: A Novel

Jean Kwok
(William Morrow)

A Chinese woman desperate to find with the daughter adopted without her consent makes a dangerous journey to the U.S. Her story intersects explosively with that of an editor eager to recover from a career-ending scandal. Kwok hooks readers with an emotionally gripping story of two mothers willing to risk everything to protect what they love, skillfully balancing perspectives to a riveting climax.

—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, IL

NoveList read-alike: Say Her Name by Dreda Say Mitchell

Better Hate Than Never

Chloe Liese
(Berkley)

Neighbors Kate and Christopher grew up together and over the years, snarky comments and shenanigans ensue until Kate flees home. When she returns years later, the animosity between them hasn’t waned. With their families begging for peace, they determine they need to get along. Which they do...too well. Readers will find watching them fall in love to be nothing short of magical.

—Taylor Banze, St. Charles City-County Library, MO

NoveList read-alike: Kiss Me Catalina by Priscilla Oliveras

West Heart Kill

Dann McDorman

(Knopf)

In this twist on the trope of a locked room mystery, a private eye is trapped in an exclusive hunting cabin in the Adirondacks during a major storm with three dead bodies, while finding he is as much a suspect as the rest of the elite set of guests. A great original debut!

— Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library. NJ

NoveList read-alike: The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

A Holly Jolly Ever After: A Christmas Notch Novel
Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

(Avon)

When rule-follower Winnie decides to take part in a steamy Christmas movie, she doesn't have a clue how to perform racy scenes. She asks co-star Kallum, the former chubby goofball member of a boy band, for sexy practice sessions. As the two grow closer, can they get past their issues and have a real relationship?

—Jessica C Williams,Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, OH

NoveList read-alike: Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade

Let Us Descend: A Novel

Jesmyn Ward

(Scribner)
On the long treacherous journey to the New Orleans slave markets, Annis turns inward, speaking to her lost mother and revisiting the stories of her African warrior grandmother. Ward’s fluid prose assists the reader to travel alongside Annis, flowing between hell on earth and the comfort of memory. For fans of She Would Be King by Wayetu Moore.

—KC Davis, LibraryReads Ambassador, CT

NoveList read-alike: Beloved by Toni Morrison

Midnight is the Darkest Hour

Ashley Winstead

(Sourcebooks Landmark)

In this small corner of Louisiana, religion runs deep. As a teenager, the reverend's daughter Ruth becomes summer friends with Everett,and begins seeing the truth through his eyes. Ruth chose to follow the word of the church and stay put while Everett seeks more. However, when a skull is found in the swamp, Ruth begins questioning everything she thought she knew.

—Andrea Galvin, Mt. Pulaski Public Library, IL

NoveList read-alike: The Toll by Cherie Priest

The Unmaking of June Farrow: A Novel
Adrienne Young
(Delacorte Press)

When her grandmother dies, June worries about falling prey to the family curse of hallucinations, which stole the sanity of her mother and grandmother. When a door opens leading to the past, June learns more about her family and discovers unexpected truths about herself—and her place in time.

—Nanette Donohue, Champaign Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab

Board Bonus pick:

Straw Dogs of the Universe: A Novel

Ye Chun
(Catapult)

Notable Nonfiction: 

The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year
Margaret Renkl
(Spiegel & Grau)

See our social media for annotations of the bonus picks

Click here to see the entire Hall of Fame

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. Click here to see the Hall of Fame authors organized in alpha order.

Wreck the Halls: A Novel
Tessa Bailey
(Avon)
NoveList read-alike: All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox

10 Things That Never Happened

Alexis Hall
(Sourcebooks Casablanca)
NoveList read-alike: Season of Love by Helena Greer

Starling House

Alix E. Harrow

(Tor Books)
NoveList read-alike: The Hacienda by Isabel Canas

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date

Ashley Herring Blake

(Berkley)

NoveList read-alike: The Fiancée Farce by Alexandra Bellefleur

The Burnout: A Novel

Sophie Kinsella

(Dial Press)
NoveList read-alike: Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

My Darling Girl

Jennifer McMahon

(Gallery/Scout Press)
NoveList read-alike: Mothered by Zoje Stage