Adults
Lisa R. is known at the library as one of the people to turn to when your book pile begins to dwindle. Here's what she's recommending for August reads. Take it away, Lisa!
Do you like books that have stories as well as food ideas? If so, you might like a brand-new book called Tiny Hot Dogs by Mary Giuliani. This book has a little of everything. Struggle, intimacy, celebrity name-dropping and of course food! Pick it up today.
I’ve recently read a book that I recommended to as many people as I can think of. The reason? It made me feel good. Who doesn’t want to feel good?
You can read Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal (click the link to place a hold) in a day, but you won’t want to. Parse it out. It is unlike any other book because it was meant to be interactive, way back when texting was new. It is a simple book, made up of random thoughts, ideas, drawings and coincidences in the author’s life. I wished I knew this person as I found her writing to be smart, fresh and witty. Sadly, this wonderful human is no longer with us. Read her book and take the joy she offered. That would have made her feel good. A nice, even exchange.
When a book causes you to picture the characters as if in a movie, think about them during the day as if you know them, look forward to getting back to it because you miss them, that is a good book! I have this experience with every book written by Elizabeth Berg. Her newest book The Confession Club comes out in November. If you haven’t discovered her as an author, you are in for a treat. (Most recently, I’ve befriended Arthur Truluv) Get ready to make some new friends, if only in your imagination.
Teens
Retired librarian, sci fi reader and OPL volunteer, Sandy P. has curated a sci fi book list you’ll want to screenshot, save and share. We've linked it to the catalog where you can read summaries and reviews or place a copy on hold.
First books in a series
Illuminae
by Amie Kaufman
Invictus (time travel)
by Ryan Graudin
Future Shock (time travel)
by Elizabeth Briggs
The 100
by Kass Morgan
Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
Red Rising
by Pierce Brown
Glow
by Amy Ryan
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Defy the Stars
by Claudia Gray
Avalon
by Mindee Arnett
Loneliest Girl in the Universe
by Lauren James
Nyxia Triad
by Scott Reintgen
Star Wars: Rebel Rising
by Beth Revis
Children
We’ve expanded our children’s book recommendations to include both the choices below and a more in-depth list on our website. Thanks to Marie B., Head of Children’s & Family Outreach Services, for sharing her favorites this month.
Picture Books for younger readers
Sparky
by Jenny Offill and Chris Appelhans
Have you ever wanted a pet sloth? If you want to teach him tricks or go hiking, this may not be the pet for you. Hilarious!
XO, OX: A Love Story
by Adam Rex
Ox tries to charm Gazelle through letters. You WILL laugh. The illustrations wonderfully aid character development.
Teacup
by Rebecca Young
Beautifully told and illustrated, this is the story of a boy who must flee his home.
Books for ages 8 - 12
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan is cursed by her community for the crime of being born on Eventide and is fated to die on her eleventh birthday, until a man named Jupiter North takes her to Nevermoor where she faces yet other challenges. This is a page-turner from start to finish. For readers who have been searching for something Harry Potteresque, look no further! Even better, the sequel, Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow, is just as exciting.
The Book of Boy
by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
“Boy” is an outcast who labors for an English convent in 1300’s England. Then, a strange man takes him on as a servant on a quest to find seven holy relics and a journey that takes them to Rome. Everything from the woodcut prints, to the details of medieval life, to the hunt for the relics is clever and suspenseful. (Surprise twist in the middle of the story). If you like Avi’s Crispin series, this is a must read.
The Song from Somewhere Else
by A.F. Harrold
Frank unintentionally develops a friendship with outcast, Nick, after he rescues her from bullies. This is a beautifully haunting read that deals with tough subjects and includes a bit of the supernatural. While it doesn’t neatly tie up or fully explain everything, and the main character is not even always likable, those things are what make the experience poetic and thought-provoking.
