LibraryReads: July 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 July 2024 list.... 

The Spellshop
Sarah Beth Durst

(Bramble)

With her city and library under siege, Kiela and her sentient spider plant escape to the island of Caltrey with only the basic supplies and some magical books. Preferring her own company and books to people, she must learn to trust her new community as she rebuilds her family home and her life. This sweet cottagecore novel is pure delight.

—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, NJ 
NoveList read-alike: You Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

Now for the rest of the July 2024 list!

Business Casual
B. K. Borison

(Berkley)

Nova and Charlie belong to each other—and for more than the single spicy night they agree to spend together. This cozy, small-town, friends-to- lovers story has so much warmth and love, making this final installment of the Lovelight Farm series sheer perfection. This is the warmest cuddle of a romance that readers will never want to end.

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

The Game Changer
Lana Ferguson

(Berkley)

Hockey player Ian is seeking to rehab a sullied reputation, so he teams up with his friend's little sister Delilah, who's seeking to boost viewership of her cooking show. Ian's never considered her a romantic partner, but Delilah's had a crush on him since she was a teenager. When they reconnect as adults, their relationship quickly heats up.

—Rebecca Whalon, Lakeland Public Library, FL
NoveList read-alike: The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

The Next Best Fling
Gabriella Gamez

(Forever)

Marcela's in love with her best friend Ben who's engaged to another woman (whom Ben's brother Theo adores). If this love square sounds messy, it is. When Marcela stops Theo from professing his love at Ben's engagement party, they stumble upon a fake dating predicament and decide to roll with it. This love story feels authentic, and the characters have palpable chemistry.

—Taylor Banze, St. Charles City-County Library, MO
NoveList read-alike: Funny Story by Emily Henry

The Bright Sword: A Novel of King Arthur
Lev Grossman

(Viking)

This mystical, action-oriented read delves into the story of King Arthur. Collum, a young knight traveling to Camelot in hopes of joining the Round Table, arrives to learn that King Arthur is dead. Adventure soon calls, and Collum and the knights set off on a quest to heal Britain. The multiple points of view and diverse characters will keep readers engrossed.

—Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, MI
NoveList read-alike: The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

The Ex Vows
Jessica Joyce

(Berkley)

A sweet second chance romance, in which exes Georgia and Eli must cooperate to save their best friend’s wedding. A satisfying story of two people finding their way back to each other, either as friends or something more. An incredibly well-written romance.

—Erin Gordenier, Siuslaw Public Library District, OR
NoveList read-alike: The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

The Faculty Lounge: A Novel
Jennifer Mathieu
(Dutton)

After the untimely demise of long-time teacher Mr. Lehrer, the lives of the school’s faculty are explored through stories that include a book- banning controversy, a man’s evolution from punk rock musician to principal, and a janitor’s poignant friendship with Mr. Lehrer. Mathieu is a high school teacher, and this novel rings with authenticity and love for her subject.

—Angela Strathman, Mid-Continent Public Library, MO
NoveList read-alike: The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer

The Lost Story: A Novel

Meg Shaffer

(Ballantine Books)

Jeremy and Rafe disappeared in a West Virginia state park only to reappear six months later without explanation. Jeremy remembers everything but can’t talk about it; Rafe remembers nothing. When a woman needs help to find her sister, the former friends are forced to work together. This character-driven story with intriguing magic should appeal to all fans of portal fantasy.

—Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library, NY 
NoveList read-alike: Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire

Not Another Love Song
Julie Soto
(Forever)

Two rival musicians find love in this satisfying enemies-to- lovers story. Xander has everything Gwen wants, and he doesn't seem to appreciate it. When Gwen is unexpectedly given first-chair violin over him, their rivalry intensifies, reaching a crescendo that leaves Gwen wondering if this is a rivalry or an attraction. A sexy, lyrical romance.

—Magan Szwarek, LibraryReads Ambassador, IL
NoveList read-alike: Kiss Me, Catalina by Priscilla Oliveras

Bury Your Gays
Chuck Tingle
(Tor Nightfire)

TV writer Misha has just been given an ultimatum: straighten out his main characters, or let them be queer and kill them off immediately. He refuses, and the ghosts of his own horror- movie past come to haunt him. Highly recommended for any horror fan who's ever rooted for two queer-coded characters to "just kiss already!”

—Sarah Howison, Cincinnati & Hamilton County PL, OH
NoveList read-alike: Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen

Board Bonus picks:

The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia: A Novel
Juliet Grames
(Knopf)

Notable Nonfiction:

The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us

Rachelle Bergstein

(Atria/One Signal)

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 Au Pair Affair

Tessa Bailey

(Avon)

The Summer Pact

Emily Giffin

(Ballantine Books)

I Was A Teenage Slasher

Stephen Graham Jones

(Saga Press)

What Have You Done?: A Novel
Shari Lapena

(Pamela Dorman Books)

Like Mother, Like Daughter: A Novel

Kimberly McCreight

(Knopf)

The God of the Woods: A Novel
Liz Moore

(Riverhead Books)

Slow Dance

Rainbow Rowell

(William Morrow)

The Briar Club

Kate Quinn

(William Morrow)