It's LibraryReads day and that means four things here on RA for All
- I post the list and tag it “Library Reads” so that you can easily pull up every single list with one click.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
And finally, here is LibraryReads' extremely helpful Resources page.
Note for March 2024 only: The Hall of Fame was created by LibraryReads to make sure that perennially popular authors on the LR list did not take spaces away from other authors. Discovery is the main point of this list. Encouraging discovery means that the list must always have new and different authors on it. This month is great example. There are 10 [!] titles on the Hall of Fame List, and these are not new to the HoF authors. These are library "bestsellers." Imagine that those 10 at the bottom of this page were all you got while the 10 titles who made the list, were nowhere to be found. How would you know about them, find other library workers booktalking them through their annotations for you, or even know which other popular titles they are most similar to? You might not. And on this list for March 2024 we have 22 titles (with the 2 bonus Board picks because they don't get to vote and this is a way they get a say as well.) Please make sure you are always clicking on the Hall of Fame archive link to find sure bet, library favorite authors on vernal, or by the month that they were honored.
Now let's get to the March 2024 list....
Kate Clayborn
(Kensington Books)
Four lives collide: two sisters whose mother deserted them 10 years ago to run off with a con man, a podcaster working on the case, and a journalist with a mission. The mystery—where did their mom go?—meshes neatly with the group’s clashing goals as they follow the woman’s trail across the country. This beautifully written novel is a thoughtful look at the many faces of love.
—Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
Percival Everett
(Doubleday)
In this superb counterpoint to Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, we get the point of view of the enslaved character Jim. Through Jim's eyes, readers experience many of the familiar events from Twain's novel. However, this narrative reveals more details and realities of the horrible state of slavery. With added storylines of Jim’s humor and family dedication, this book stands out as an illuminating addition to the American classic.
—MarySue Waterman, Westport Library, CT
NoveList read-alike: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Sulari Gentill
(Poisoned Pen Press)
This intriguing mystery delves into the world of book publishing. Theo is an aspiring author who meets one of her childhood idols, Dan. As they grow closer, Dan is murdered and Theo becomes embroiled in scandal and conspiracies as she tries to solve his murder and outrun those who mean her harm—before she or someone she loves is next. This novel has a million twists that will keep readers guessing until the last page.
—Lauren Maxwell, Geneva Public Library District, IL
NoveList read-alike: Under Lock and Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian
Heather Gudenkauf
(Park Row)
Five people are brought together to be game show contestants with a prize of ten million dollars. They are to live in tense isolation as the show is broadcast to the world and secrets begin to be revealed amongst them. The show won't end until their secrets are all uncovered. This is a delicious book to be devoured in one binge reading session.
—Beth Emmerling, Enoch Pratt Free Library, MD
NoveList read-alike: The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell
Cristina Henríquez
(Ecco)
Set during the construction of the Panama Canal, this novel captures the lives of the people in the canal's orbit: locals, laborers, and a doctor studying mosquito- borne illnesses. An atmospheric and compelling novel filled with characters that leap off the page and into readers’ hearts.
NoveList read-alike: How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C. Pam Zhang
Carola Lovering
(St. Martin's Press)
Longing to reconnect with her best friend, Billie West stalks her on Instagram, and in one desperate moment takes her friends' infant baby, only to return her a few hours later, anonymously. Can she reconstruct her life and live with the consequences of her rash decision, or has she destroyed everything that was good in her life?
—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, NJ
NoveList read-alike: The Perfect Ones by Nicole Hackett
Lynn Painter
(Berkley)
Sophie Steinbeck finds out that her fiancé has cheated on her and wants to end the wedding. She hires a Professional Objector, Max, whose whole purpose is to show up and yell "I object!" When Sophie joins his team, they realize they are attracted to one another. What a funny, sweet, and hot rom- com! Definite stars for Sophie's elderly roommates!
—Joy K., Free Library of Philadelphia, PA
NoveList read-alike: Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma
Lyla Sage
(Dial Press)
The second book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series is a swoony and sweet small- town romance. Readers who like found family, emotionally intelligent couples, and just overall cuteness will look forward to more in this quick-read cowboy romance.
—Yentl Diego, Smith Public Library, TX
NoveList read-alike: The Cowboy Whisperer by Sabrina Sol
Amy Tintera
(Celadon Books)
Lucy murdered her best friend, Savvy—at least, that's what her small town believes. When a podcaster comes along searching for the truth, Lucy finally confronts the past. A cast of morally corrupt characters lead readers on a wild goose chase to solve the murder and the mystery of Lucy’s missing memories.
—Andrea Galvin, Mt. Pulaski Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
Board Bonus pick:
This Could Be Us
Kennedy Ryan
(Forever, Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Book Group)
Notable Nonfiction:
Hanif Abdurraqib
(Random House)
See our social media for annotations of the bonus picks
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.
Chris Bohjalian
(Doubleday)
NoveList read-alike: The Spectacular by Fiona Davis
Elle Cosimano
(Minotaur Books)
NoveList read-alike: Spellman Files series by Lisa Lutz
Tana French
(Viking)
NoveList read-alike: Decent People by De’Shawn Charles Winslow
Stephen Graham Jones
(Saga Press)
NoveList read-alike: The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
Deanna Raybourn
(Berkley)
NoveList read-alike: Of Manners and Murder by Anastasia Hastings
Jennifer Ryan
(Ballantine Books)
NoveList read-alike: The Librarian of Banned Books by Brianna Labuskes
Lisa Scottoline
(G.P. Putnam's Sons)
NoveList read-alike: My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
(Atria Books)
NoveList read-alike: The Deja Glitch by Holly James
Simone St. James (Berkley)
NoveList read-alike: Deep Water by Emma Bamford
The New Couple in 5B
Lisa Unger
(Park Row)
NoveList read-alike: The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica
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