LibraryReads: July 2022

Editor's Note: This month has four straight up Horror Novels!!! Two in the list, including the number 1 title, and two in the HoF. Kingsolver, Tremblay, Galley, and Moreno-Garcia. I have linked my reviews to three of the four below. Don't tell me people only like Horror in October. By the way, this is the third summer in a row this has happened. It is not a fluke. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Also, please make sure you look at the Hall of Fame. There are 10 [!!!!] titles [and two are Horror authors] on this list this month. Take a moment to understand what that means. All 10 of those books probably had more votes than most of the other titles on the official list, but because the HoF exists, those perennially popular authors still get their LR celebration, and, at the same time, 10 titles that wouldn't have had a chance to shine at all get a shout out. Love it!

 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 that list.... 

  

July 2022 LibraryReads List!

What Moves the Dead 

by T. Kingfisher

Tor Nightfire

A retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher, Kingfisher's latest adds the creepiest of flesh to the bare-bones tale by Poe. Complete with a scary, isolated mansion and eerie behaviors of the residents, this version not only makes perfect sense within the original narrative, but adds a depth of understanding that suddenly makes all the pieces fall into place. For fans of Mexican Gothic, The Haunting of Hill House, and The Night Stranger.”

—Sheri Stanley, Gulfport Library, Gulfport, FL 

NoveList read-alike: The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

Now the rest of the list 

Bet On It: A Novel 

by Jodie Slaughter

St. Martin's Griffin

“Aja meets a handsome stranger while having a panic attack. Walker’s not looking for a relationship, especially in his hometown, the source of his PTSD and anxiety. But Aja is beautiful, understands him, and kisses like a dream. The bingo hall setting, the senior characters, the body-positive and steamy sex scenes–so much to love in this fun, interracial romance. For fans of Talia Hibbert and Gail Honeyman.”

—Elizabeth Gabriel, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, WI
NoveList read-alike: Getting His Game Back by Gia De Cadenet

 

Big Girl: A Novel 

by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan

Liveright

“For eight-year-old Malaya who must attend weekly Weight Watchers meetings with her mother, enough of anything... especially food...is never enough. This beautifully written, heart-breaking, hopeful story follows Malaya as she navigates middle and high school, her family, and her burgeoning sexuality, told with compassion and honesty. For fans of Queenie and Dominicana.”

—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ
NoveList read-alike: What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris

 

Booked on a Feeling: A Novel 

by Jayci Lee

St. Martin's Griffin

“After experiencing a panic attack during her first trial, lawyer Lizzie Chung decides to take a leave of absence and visit her childhood friend Jack. They team up to help a struggling bookstore. It brings them closer, but will their anxieties and insecurities doom their relationship? A sweet romance that deals with some serious topics. For fans of Ten Rules for Faking It and Girl Gone Viral.”

—Shari Suarez, Genesee District Library, Flint, MI
NoveList read-alike: A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria

 

Grace Under Fire 

by Julie Garwood

Berkley

“Romantic suspense at its best. A beautiful woman who is a talented songwriter and a great listener is at her sister-in-law’s awaiting a trip to Scotland. During a brief walk around the block, her whole world changes. Of course, a handsome man helps her save the day. Loads of fast-paced fun. For fans of Catherine Coulter and Karen Robards.”

—Susan Willis, Chanute Public Library, Chanute, KS
NoveList read-alike: Reluctant Heroes series by Suzanne Brockman

 

A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting: A Novel 

by Sophie Irwin

Pamela Dorman Books

“In Regency London, recently orphaned Kitty Talbot is intent on finding a wealthy husband who will settle the family’s debts and allow her sisters to remain in their home. Kitty is nuanced and layered, a well- developed heroine amid a cast of riveting characters. This enthralling novel is a must-read for Bridgerton and Jane Austen fans.”

—Janet Schneider, Peninsula Public Library, Lawrence, NY
NoveList read-alike: Regency Vows series by Martha Waters

 

The Pallbearers Club: A Novel 

by Paul Tremblay

William Morrow

“Tremblay always knows how to tap into the deepest of emotions, and this dual- narration horror thriller is both unrelentingly creepy and filled with the bittersweet pathos of a formative, toxic, unforgettable friendship in which one participant may or may not be a vampire. For fans of Stephen Graham Jones and Samanta Schweblin.”

—Kate Currie, Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis, MN
NoveList read-alike: Jawbone by Monica Ojeda

 

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy: A Monk and Robot Book 

by Becky Chambers

Tordotcom

“The second volume of this series returns to a world which is both post- apocalyptic and hopepunk, focusing on the ways that both the Monk and Robot have to deal with other people now that they’ve re-entered society after their travels together. For those who enjoyed The Murderbot Diaries and the more hopeful aspects of Station Eleven.”

—Monica Shin, Boston Public Library, Boston, MA
NoveList read-alike: Rampart Trilogy by M.R. Carey

  

Sugar and Salt: A Novel

By Susan Wiggs

William Morrow

”Margot Salton, a Texas BBQ master, sets up a new restaurant in San Francisco, sharing a kitchen with Jerome’s bakery. She has been running from a huge secret that eventually catches up to her. An intriguing story that addresses heavy topics of date rape and racism but is also full of hope and love. For fans of Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake and Recipe For Persuasion.”

—Jaime Bink, Harford County Public Library, Whiteford, MD

NoveList read-alike: The Recipe Box by Viola Shipman

 

Wash Day Diaries 

by Jamila Rowser

Chronicle Books

“At its core, this graphic novel is a story about four beautiful, strong black women and their friendship. Within the framework of hair wash day, we see each character dealing with her own issues, from work and relationships to mental health struggles. For readers of Another Brooklyn and Queenie.”

—Aryn O’Connor, Cabarrus County Library, Concord, NC 

NoveList read-alike: The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For by Alison Bechdel

 

 

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.

Click here to access the Hall of Fame Archive with annotations and readalikes 

The Bodyguard: A Novel

by Katherine Center

St. Martin's Press

 

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Pub date: 7/19/22

Del Rey

ISBN: 9780593355336

 

The Hidden One: A Novel of Suspense

By Linda Castillo

Minotaur Books

 

The It Girl

by Ruth Ware

Gallery/Scout Press

 

Just Like Home

by Sarah Gailey

Tor Books

 

The Last to Vanish: A Novel

by Megan Miranda

Scribner / Marysue Rucci Books

 

Storm Echo

by Nalini Singh

Berkley

 

Things We Do In the Dark: A Novel

by Jennifer Hillier

Minotaur Books

 

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel

by Gabrielle Zevin

Knopf

 

Upgrade: A Novel

by Blake Crouch

Ballantine Books