RA FOR ALL...THE ROAD SHOW!

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Monday, March 15, 2021

LibraryReads: April 2021

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.


Now let's get to that list.... 

Announcing the April 2021 LibraryReads List!



The Intimacy Experiment 

by Rosie Danan

Berkley Jove

“Having built the Shameless platform to teach people how to find their own pleasure, Naomi wants to take that sex positivity to a lecture circuit, but no one will hire her. Enter Ethan, a young, handsome rabbi with a struggling synagogue. A seminar series on modern intimacy seems like a good way to build a sense of community and attract a younger congregation. What happens is their own lesson in intimacy, as two people passionate about their work and trying to make the world a better place sizzle with chemistry. Give to fans of The Roommate, The Kiss Quotient, and Meet Cute.”

—Hebah Amin-Headley, Johnson County Public Library, Overland Park, KS NoveList read-alike: How to Fail at Flirting by Denise William


Broken (in the best possible way)

by Jenny Lawson

Henry Holt & Co.

“Lawson is a hot mess of depression and anxiety. She is also funny as hell. In this book she lays herself open. She celebrates all those awkward and difficult parts of herself and invites you to celebrate your own. She will make you laugh until you cry, and then she wraps up the episode with some profound truth that catches you unaware. For readers who like David Sedaris and Ali Wong.”

—Beth Morrill, Canton Public Library, Canton, CT

NoveList read-alike: That's Mental: Painfully Funny Things That Drive Me Crazy About Being Mentally Ill by Amanda Rosenberg


Dial A for Aunties 

by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Berkley

“Meddy’s blind date doesn't end as planned, and she now has a corpse to dispose of. Her mother’s solution: call in the three aunties. What follows is a roller coaster ride of a weekend with the Chan family trying to get rid of the body while working at a high profile wedding. A fast-paced and darkly humorous debut with sweet romantic moments throughout. For fans of My Sister, the Serial Killer and

Get a Life, Chloe Brown.”

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Milford, OH

NoveList read-alike: Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim


Life's Too Short 

by Abby Jimenez

Forever

“Jimenez hits it out of the park again. She combines real-world issues with the get-the-girl, lose-the-girl dynamics of a romance. In this case, Adrian has a good chance of losing Vanessa to ALS. They both have multiple family issues including a hoarding father, an abandoning parent, a sister with addiction issues, and a baby niece that needs attention. Give to fans of Mia Sosa and Josie Silver.”

—Maggie Holmes, Richards Memorial Library, North Attleboro, MA 

NoveList read-alike: Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos


Malice: A Novel 

by Heather Walter

Del Rey

“Alyce is the sole Dark Grace in Briar, a kingdom whose people love their Graces (the magical ladies who give them special elixirs). But Briar has a problem with their princesses: they die at 21 unless they kiss their one true love. Princess Aurora doesn't seem to be interested in any of the princes. This LGBTQ re-telling of Sleeping Beauty is creative and fun, with a perfect ending. For fans of Spinning Silver and Gods of Jade and Shadow.”

—Carrie Minthorne, Cedar Mill Library, Portland, OR

NoveList read-alike: Tangleweed and Brine by Deirdre Sullivan

The Music of Bees: A Novel

by Eileen Garvin

Dutton

"Beekeeper Alice is an older widow who is working to save her small town from big corporate greed. She forms an alliance with two young adults who both find unexpected joy in nature. For those who enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine."

—Paulette Brooks, Elm Grove Public Library, Elm Grove, WI

NoveList read-alike: The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey

The Night Always Comes: A Novel

By Willy Vlautin

Harper

"Lynette is trying to buy the family home from her landlord as housing prices rise around her. At the last moment, her mother says she will not cosign for the loan and Lynette does not qualify on her own. In a last-ditch effort, Lynette sets off on an odyssey of collecting old debts and a miniature crime spree. For readers who like Raymond Chandler, John Banville, and Elmore Leonard."

—Mary Robinson, Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire, IL 

NoveList read-alike: Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell

Second First Impressions: A Novel 

by Sally Thorne

William Morrow Paperbacks

"Ruthie Midona, twenty- something, works in a retirement community and feels like she fits in more with the residents than with her peers. Enter an attractive tattooed man assistant hired by the eccentric 90-year-old Parloni Sisters. This romance is filled with heart and laughter. For readers of Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory."

—Melissa Stumpe, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN

NoveList read-alike: Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

To Love and To Loathe: A Novel 

by Martha Waters

Atria Books

"This enemies-to-lovers Regency romance takes Diana, Lady Templeton, and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham, from engaging in a no-strings- attached affair to their happily ever after. For readers who love Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Jennifer Crusie (contemporary, but witty dialogue and hilarious hijinks.)"

—Kathleen Fais, New York Public Library, New York, NY

NoveList read-alike: One Good Earl Deserves A Lover by Sarah MacLean

You Love Me: A You Novel 

by Caroline Kepnes

Random House

"In this, the third installment in the "You" series, Joe Goldberg moves to the cozy island of Bainbridge in the outskirts of Seattle and sets his sights on the town librarian, who becomes his new obsession. For fans of Behind Her Eyes and The Silent Patient."

—Joann Im, Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles, CA 

NoveList read-alike: Creep by Jennifer Hillier


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 our Hall of Fame.


 

The Drowning Kind

by Jennifer McMahon

Gallery/Scout Press

“The waters of Bradenburg Springs are said to have miraculous curative properties, but rumor has it that the healing always comes with a price. When Jax's sister drowns in a pool filled with the spring’s water, she must discover the truth behind the legends. This is a great, creepy supernatural thriller.”

—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL

Read-alike: The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
Read-alike: The Good House by Tananarive Due

The Good Sister: A Novel 

by Sally Hepworth

St. Martin's Press

“Rose and Fern have a strong sisterly bond, but their dark secrets may bind them more strongly than they think. How far would you go to project your sister? Dark and compelling, this psychological suspense story has a taut pace and plenty of twists to keep readers guessing.”

—Jen Ohzourk, St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, MO

Read-alike: The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle 
Read-alike: The End of Her by Shari Lapena


Mother May I: A Novel 

by Joshilyn Jackson

William Morrow

“Bree is a suburban mom with a lot on her plate. Her life changes when her baby is kidnapped and she has to complete a series of tasks to get her child back. This is the perfect kind of psychological thriller, a scorching page-turner featuring a rocking plot and intense character development.”

—Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, Twinsburg, OH

Read-alike: And Now She’s Gone by Rachel Howzell Hall
Read-alike: The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

When the Stars Go Dark

by Paula McLain

Ballantine Books

"In 1993, troubled detective Anna returns to her hometown, where a girl has gone missing. As Anna helps search for the girl, both their pasts are revealed. A beautifully written, haunting thriller offering a fascinating look at how missing cases were handled pre-Internet."

—Alissa Williams, Morton Public Library, Morton, IL

Read-alike: I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Read-alike: The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian

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