LibraryReads: February 2024

   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 February 2024 list.... 

A Fate Inked in Blood:

Book One in the Saga of the Unfated Danielle L. Jensen

(Del Rey)

We're all used to the Viking stories that center around men. This story features Freya, who has to marry a fanatical chieftain to protect her family and her land. She's been blessed with magical powers, and it's been foretold that she'll be the one to unite the kingdoms. This is a great start to a new series that will appeal to everyone who enjoys nonstop action with a strong female warrior and a steamy love story to boot.

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, TX

NoveList read-alike: The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Clarissa Broadbent

Now for the rest of the list:

The Tainted Cup
by Robert Jackson Bennett

(Del Rey)

In a world where leviathan blood allows people to acquire amazing abilities, a brilliant investigator, Ana, and her sidekick in training, an “engraver” named Din capable of recalling details with amazing accuracy, work together to uncover the culprit behind the grisly death of a wealthy official. This hugely enjoyable fantasy and mystery blend will leave readers eager for another installment.

—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, IL

NoveList read-alike: The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison

The Book of Doors

by Gareth Brown

(William Morrow)

Cassie likes her quiet life working in a bookstore in Manhattan. When one of her favorite customers dies in the shop one night, she finds a book in his possession with an inscription to her and the newfound ability that allows her to go through any door and come out wherever she wishes. This fantastical time travel novel has several interesting twists, including the final one.

—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, NJ

NoveList read-alike: Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torz

The Fox Wife

by Yangsze Choo

(Henry Holt & Co.)

This wonderful weaving of fantasy and folklore builds on ancient lore that foxes can change form into humans. When a young woman is found dead in the snow, Bao, a thoughtful investigator, is hired to explain her death. Rumor has it that foxes might be involved, and Bao follows clues shrouded in mystery to find the story of her death—and more. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy and whodunits that feature vivid characters
and settings.

—Mitzi Sherwood, Honey Grove Library, TX

NoveList read-alike: Unraveling by Karen Lord

The Book of Love

by Kelly Link

(Random House)

Three teens are newly back from the dead. Endowed with mysterious magical powers, they have to figure out how they died and what to do to keep from returning to the world of the dead. A huge cast of characters from the underworld and from their cute New England seaside town help (and hinder) them. This romantic, sexy, funny, and queer novel is recommended for readers who enjoy mythology and magical hijinks.

—Emily Heath, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey

The Teacher
by Freida McFadden

(Poisoned Pen Press)

Eve, a married high school math teacher, has been warned that Addie, a teenage student coping with trauma and alienation from her fellow classmates, could not be trusted. Inappropriate conduct soon occurs. The twists and turns in this psychological thriller will leave the reader with a deep feeling of unease.

—Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, MI

NoveList read-alike: Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberley McCreight

Wandering Stars: A Novel

by Tommy Orange
(Knopf)
Orange's second novel is a stunning achievement, depicting over a century's worth of atrocities against the indigenous people of America, while also being a multigenerational family story full of the richly drawn, fascinating characters first introduced in There, There.

—Rachel Rooney, Mid-Continent Public Library, MO

NoveList read-alike: Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah

After Annie: A Novel

Anna Quindlen

(Random House)

The aftermath of grief following the unexpected death of Annie is told through the eyes of husband Bill, 13-year-old daughter, Ali, and best friend, Annemarie. Written with tenderness and raw emotion, the novel lets readers see into the hearts of these characters as they deal with the day-to-day realities of surviving life minus the person they most loved.

—Sarah Siegel, Long Beach Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: In Every Moment, We Are Still Alive by Tom Malmquist

When Grumpy Met Sunshine

by Charlotte Stein
(St. Martin's Griffin)

When Mabel meets ex- footballer Alfie to discuss ghostwriting his memoirs, it doesn't go well. After he convinces her to work with him, the press gets involved, and they decide to pretend to be a couple. Filled with playful banter, embarrassing mishaps, and believable, respectful relationship building, this is great rom-com.

—Lea Stapleton, Richland Library, SC

NoveList read-alike: Business or Pleasure by Rachel Solomon

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde

by Tia Williams
(Grand Central)

Ricki has been given an opportunity to achieve her dreams. Ezra is looking for an opportunity to be himself. They were destined to meet! With flashbacks to the Harlem Renaissance, this entertaining read is both modern and classic and does not disappoint. (Do yourself a favor and play some jazz in the background while reading.)

—Tonya Pearl, Memphis Public Library, TN
NoveList read-alike: I Am Ayah: The Way Home by Donna O. Hill

Board Bonus pick:

A Step Past Darkness
by Vera Kurian
(Park Row)

Notable Nonfiction:

Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out
by Shannon Reed
(Hanover Square Press)

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.

The Warm Hands of Ghosts: A Novel
by Katherine Arden
(Del Rey)
NoveList read-alike: The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner

Fangirl Down 
by Tessa Bailey
(Avon)
NoveList read-alike: The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

At First Spite: A Harlot's Bay Novel
by Olivia Dade
(Avon)
NoveList read-alike: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

The Women: A Novel
by Kristin Hannah
(St. Martin's Press)
NoveList read-alike: The Lotus Eaters by Emily Clements

Bride
by Ali Hazelwood
(Berkley)
NoveList read-alike: Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross

What Feasts at Night
by T. Kingfisher
(Tor Nightfire)
NoveList read-alike: The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates

The Guest
by B.A. Paris
(St. Martin's Press)
NoveList read-alike: The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Simply the Best: A Chicago Stars Novel
by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
(Avon)
NoveList read-alike: The Hollywood Jinx by Sariah Wilson

The Phoenix Crown
by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang
(William Morrow)
NoveList read-alike: China Dolls by Lisa See