LibraryReads: May 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.

Now let's get to the May 2024 list.... 

The Last Murder at the End of the World

Stuart Turton

(Sourcebooks Landmark)

After a deadly fog decimates most of humanity, the small population that’s left lives on an island. As one villager begins investigating a murder, what once seemed like utopia begins to reveal dark secrets that no one could have predicted. Turton raises tantalizing social questions, presents an inventive world structure, and keeps readers intrigued and surprised throughout the novel.

—Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY

NoveList read-alike: Clean Air by Sarah Blake

Now for the rest of the May 2024 list!

The Ministry of Time: A Novel
Kaliane Bradley
(Avid Reader Press)

An employee of the Ministry of Time becomes a "bridge," helping an Arctic explorer adjust to modern life after being rescued from the lost Franklin expedition of 1845. But as she begins to grow closer to him, she finds herself wondering who she can trust, what the real reason for pulling people out of time may be, and whether her life might be in danger. Totally gripping, with great character development.

—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar

Daughters of Shandong
Eve J. Chung
(Berkley)

At times both heartbreaking and uplifting, this novel follows the journey of the women of the Ang family from their farm in rural China to Taiwan during the horrific land reforms of 1948-1950. With this story based on Chung’s grandmother’s experience of a turbulent era, readers will be riveted from page one by the mother/daughter bonds and their will to survive.

—Martha DiVittorio, Bellmore Memorial Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: A Woman of Pleasure by Kiyoko Murata

Savor It
Tarah DeWitt
(St. Martin's Griffin)

This Pacific Northwest rom- com has delicious tension from the first interaction. Add in fake dating and a steamy scene in a library, and who could ask for more? Readers will appreciate how much attention and care DeWitt put into creating fully-formed characters grappling with grief, chasing dreams, and figuring out how to live in the moment.

—Ebby Bowles, Hingham Public Library, MA
NoveList read-alike: Chef's Choice by TJ Alexander

This Summer Will be Different
Carley Fortune
(Berkley)

Filled with emotional moments as well as fun and flirty scenes, this wonderful story set in picturesque Prince Edward Island is about friendships and found family. More than a love story, this novel has a lot that readers will relate to, including friendship and family. A perfect steamy romance book for the summer.

—Karen Troutman, LibraryReads Ambassador
NoveList read-alike: How To Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson

Lies and Weddings: A Novel
Kevin Kwan
(Doubleday)
Arabella Leung is doing everything she can to match her son Rufus to a very wealthy titled woman in this romp around the world with controlling parents, one of whom is desperately matchmaking to save the family estate. Readers who love high entertainment and the bad behavior of the haves and the have-even-mores will devour this wild ride.

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, TX
NoveList read-alike: Family Trust by Kathy Wang

When Among Crows
Veronica Roth
(Tor Books)

This painful and fascinating (but ultimately hopeful) urban fantasy set in Chicago is a packed novella steeped in Slavic folklore. Dymitr is on a quest to retrieve a guarded plant that might relieve the demon Ala of a deadly curse so he can bargain with her for a hint on how to seek an audience with Baba Yaga herself.

—Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Libraries, MI
NoveList read-alike: Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott

Long After We Are Gone
Terah Shelton Harris
(Sourcebooks Landmark)

This moving story follows four siblings trying to hold onto their family property. Secrets and dubious life choices threaten to break the family apart as the siblings experience despair followed by self-discovery and self-determination, seeking what truly matters. An engaging and satisfying read, featuring believable, complex characters.

—Monica McAbee, PGCMLS Surratts-Clinton Branch, MD
NoveList read-alike: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club
Helen Simonson
(The Dial Press)

Constance, companion to an elderly woman, meets Poppy, a young woman trying to start a business for women motorcycle riders. Constance gets drawn into the circle of friendship and independence the motorcycle ladies enjoy. Readers will love the characters, the setting, and the portrayal of life after The Great War.

— Linda Quinn, LibraryReads Ambassador
NoveList read-alike: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea
Rebecca Thorne
(Bramble)

This book is so cozy, readers will want to snuggle under a heap of blankets with a delicious cup of tea. Kianthe and Reyna were the perfect opposites-attract couple—determined to make things work no matter the obstacles. Lots of humor with a serious amount of heart. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes.

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans

Board Bonus pick:

The Return of Ellie Black
Emiko Jean
(Simon & Schuster)

Notable Nonfiction:

The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth
Zoë Schlanger
(Harper)

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.

Summers at the Saint
Mary Kay Andrews
(St. Martin's Press)
NoveList read-alike: An Island Summer by Jenny Hale

If Something Happens to Me
Alex Finlay
(Minotaur Books)
NoveList read-alike: Just Another Missing Person by Gillian Mcallister

The Paradise Problem
Christina Lauren
(Gallery Books)
NoveList read-alike: The Fiance Farce by Alexandra Bellfleur

Love at First Book 
Jenn McKinlay
(Berkley)
NoveList read-alike: Better Than Fiction by Alexa Martin

Mind Games
Nora Roberts
(St. Martin's Press)
NoveList read-alike: Hold Back the Dark by Kay Hooper

You Should Be So Lucky
Cat Sebastian
(Avon)
NoveList read-alike: The Prospects by KT Hoffman

The Guncle Abroad
Steven Rowley
(G.P. Putnam's Sons)
NoveList read-alike: The Bump by Sidney Karger

One Perfect Couple
Ruth Ware
(Gallery/Scout Press)
NoveList read-alike: The Guest List by Lucy Foley