LibraryReads: May 2025

    

 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 2025 list.... 

The Missing Half: A Novel

Ashley Flowers with Alex Kiester

(Bantam)

Nic has been messed up since her older sister went missing. Enter Jenna, who is searching for connections between her sister's disappearance and Nic's. They decide to work together to uncover what happened, but the deeper they get the harder it becomes. A twist ending completely turns the tables on this tightly written thriller.

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX

NoveList read-alike: Night Will Find You by Julia Haberlin

Now for the rest of the May 2025 list!

The Devils

Joe Abercrombie

(Tor Books)

In an alternative medieval Europe, a young monk is tasked to lead a disparate group of supernatural beings on a holy quest using very unholy methods. Abercrombie's endlessly quotable wit, deft character work, crackling dialog, and gift for large cinematic action set pieces are on full display. This novel about found families will absolutely draw in new readers.

—Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, KS

NoveList read-alike: The Maleficent Seven by Cameron Johnson

One Golden Summer

Carley Fortune

(Berkley)

Alice is more comfortable behind a camera than living her life. When her Nan has surgery, Alice takes her for rest and relaxation at their favorite lake cottage. Alice falls for their handyman neighbor Charlie, who brings her out of her shell and lets her discover who she really is in this fun and flirty romance.

—Jacquie Daddato, Cherry Hill Public Library, NJ

NoveList read-alike: Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

Silver  Elite

Dani Francis

(Del Rey)

In a grim future, a military dictator sends forces after modified humans with psychic powers. Most have a tell when they use their powers. Wren wants revenge on those who destroyed her family, but she has a secret: she has powers, but no tell. Nonstop action, great world- building, and a blisteringly hot enemies-to-lovers romance make this a winner.

—Jayna McDaniel-Browning, Delaware Library, OH

NoveList read-alike: Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

The Names: A Novel

Florence Knapp

(Pamela Dorman Books)

This debut novel is told in three alternating storylines based on three different names that the main character could have been given at birth. What results is a beautiful and nuanced story of a family attempting to survive and overcome domestic abuse and forge their own identities in the process.

—Jessica Sweetland, Manchester Public Library, CT

NoveList read-alike: The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

A Fate Forged In Fire: A Novel

Hazel McBride

(Delacorte Press)

Stakes are high for the kingdom of Tir Teine. A toxic influence looms in the form of the True Religion, a patriarchal group that condemns magic. Aemyra is fierce, headstrong, and unapologetically ambitious as she prepares to claim the throne. Fast action, romantic drama, mythical creatures, and the sinister allure of a dangerous cult will pull readers in.

—Marcie Fitzherbert, Fort Myers Regional Library, FL

NoveList read-alike: Fever series by Karen Marie Moning

Maine Characters: A Novel

Hannah Orenstein

(Dutton)

Two half-sisters meet for the first time at their father's lake house after his passing. Lucy and Vivian have led very different lives and knew very different versions of their dad. Readers will enjoy the characters, setting, and the twists and turns this story delivers.

Shelby, Thomas B. Norton Public Library, AL

NoveList read-alike: If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook

Can't Get Enough

Kennedy Ryan

(Forever)

Hendrix, a strong, intelligent Black woman, has big goals and no time for love. Then she meets billionaire Maverick, and everything changes. The characters are compelling and have strong chemistry. Ryan continues to excel at bringing big topics—in this case Alzheimer's and racism—to her romances.

—Laura, West Bloomfield Public Library, MI

NoveList read-alike: Forbidden Promises by Synithia Williams

The Busybody Book Club 

Freya Sampson

(Berkley)

In this modern take on a classic small-town mystery, book club members get drawn into amateur sleuthing when money to repair the town's community center goes missing. The characters are well drawn and likable, the setting is cozy, and the motives are plentiful. The mystery twists and turns with several reveals leading to a satisfying conclusion.

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, OH

NoveList read-alike: The Mystery of the Crooked Man by Tom Spencer

Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame

Neon Yang

(Tordotcom)

The tale of Yeva, a masked dragon slayer who has never felt truly at home, is both mythic and achingly human. Her journey to Quanbao sets the stage for an exploration of identity, duty, and love. The world building, storytelling, and representation has made Yang an author to watch in the realm of queer fantasy.

—Addy, Montrose Regional Library District, CO

NoveList read-alike: Singing Hills Cycle series by Nghi Vo

Board Bonus picks:

A Showgirl's Rules for Falling in Love

Alice Murphy

(Union Square & Co.)

Notable Nonfiction: 

The AI Con: How to Fight Big  Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want

Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna

(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.

My Friends: A Novel

Fredrik Backman

(Atria Books)

The Love Haters

Katherine Center

(St. Martin's Press)

Along Came Amor

Alexis Daria

(Avon)

Parents Weekeekend

Alex Finlay

(Minotaur Books)

Dream On, Ramona Riley

Ashley Herring Blake

(Berkley)

Detective Aunty: A Novel

Uzma Jalaluddin

(Harper Perennial)

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club:  A Novel

Martha Hall Kelly

(Ballantine Books)

The Tenant

Freida McFadden

(Poisoned Pen Press)

It's a Love Story

Annabel Monaghan

(Putnam)

Hidden Nature

Nora Roberts

(St. Martin's Press)

What Happens in Amsterdam

Rachel Lynn Solomon

(Berkley)

Run for the Hills

Kevin Wilson

(Ecco)