Fall into a leisurely read!
Adults
Recommended by Nancy Bell, Readers' Advisory Librarian
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Read on Libby/Overdrive
Ease yourself out of spooky season with this mystical family reminiscent of Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic. In Bascomb, NC, the Waverley women are endowed with special gifts. Some, like Claire, embrace her talents, while others, like Claire’s mother and sister, run away. When Sydney returns home with her five-year-old daughter in tow, she rediscovers old friends, and reconciles with her sister and her own Waverly magic. A heartwarming, coming home story told with the importance of family at its center; a dash of magical realism, and just a hint of romance.
The Wednesday Letters by Jason Wright
Jack and Laurel Cooper died in each other’s arms. They were pillars of the community, and Jack wrote a letter to his wife every week of their married lives. When heir three adult children return home for their parents’ funeral, they discover both the “Wednesday letters” and that family history is never as black and white as it seems. Wholesome, humorous, and redemptive with a satisfying ending, it’s perfect for a cozy fall read.
The Secret Life of Albert Entwhistle by Matt Cain
Read on Libby/Overdrive
I am obsessed with this book and recommending it to anyone asking for a leisurely pleasure read! Albert is turning 65 this year and as a postman in Britain that means you’ve reached “compulsory retirement age” – you’re forced to retire no if, ands, or buts.
For Albert, whose entire adult life has been defined by being a “postie,” it is quite a shock. After thinking about what his solitary life would look like in retirement, he starts his journey to accept himself: a no-longer-closeted gay man, find his long-lost love, and finally experience life, with the help of the community he has pushed away until now. An endearing and inspiring story as Albert is able to reflect on his past, acknowledge regrets, and show it’s never to late to live the life you want.
Teens
Recommended by Maggie Mueller, Teen Services Librarian
Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus
Read on Libby/Overdrive
Listen on Libby/Overdrive
Fans of mystery/thrillers should get a copy of Karen M. McManus’s latest ASAP because it’s one of her best! Starting her dream internship at a true-crime show, Brynn becomes determined to solve the four-year-old murder of her favorite teacher and begins to uncover secrets that change everything--and place her in the crosshairs of a killer.
A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson
Read on Libby/Overdrive
Perfect for fans of atmospheric, romantic fantasies! Myra has a special, secret gift: she’s an artist who can alter people’s real-life bodies. When the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to blackmail Myra if she doesn’t resurrect her dead son, Myra reluctantly agrees not knowing she may be the killer’s next victim.
You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
Read on Libby/Overdrive
Listen on Libby/Overdrive
Are you a fan of love stories that make you cry? You’ve Reached Sam is a must-read! Seventeen-year-old Julie is grieving the death of her boyfriend Sam. Desperate to hear his voice one more time, Julie calls his cellphone expecting to hear his voicemail--but then Sam answers, and suddenly their cellphones become the living connection between them, a connection Julie finds impossible to let go.
Children
Picture Books
Recommended by Marie Boleman, Head of Children's & Family Outreach Services
Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio
Gaston is not exactly like his puppy siblings, but he always tries his best to be a proper dog. Humorous and sweet! This book about being loved for who you are puts a smile on every reader’s face!
The Three Questions by Jon J Muth
Beautiful wisdom offered in a very accessible story paired with serene watercolor illustrations. Children and their adults will be captivated by the thoughtful boy who journeys to a wise old turtle to seek answers to his questions about how to be a good person.
Read the Book, Lemmings! By Ame Dyckman
How can you be a proper Lemming if you don’t read the book? And, what is a Lemming? Find the answers to these and other questions when YOU read the book! Be ready to LOL!
Chapter Books
Recommended by Lindsay Reur, Children's Librarian
Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. by Betsy Bird
Read on Libby/Overdrive
An anthology—collection of short stories—makes the perfect leisurely read since readers can take as much time as they like between short stories without losing the plot. In this lighthearted and amusing anthology, the Funny Girl editor collected stories, comics, and other works by real-life girls and women to show that women and girls truly can be funny and creative.
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Read on Libby/Overdrive
Listen on Libby/Overdrive
When I want a leisurely or comforting read, I sometimes reach for a classic that I’ve read before. The BFG is one such book that is amusing and heartwarming in equal measure, and likely familiar to many readers.
The Big Bad Fox by Benjamin Renner
Silly stories and graphic novels can both invite leisurely reading, and this title is both! The main character, Fox, is trying to prove how big and bad he is but discovers along the way that some baby chicks could be far more intimidating and ferocious than he can ever hope to be himself.
