JUNE 2018 STAFF READING SUGGESTIONS

THE WORD IS MURDER
by Anthony Horowitz

A unique mystery investigation where the author is a central character in this twisty whodunnit. After being approached by a detective to write a true crime novel about a current murder, Horowitz unwillingly ends up along for the ride. He acts as the subtle sidekick to Hawthorne, a dethroned detective who is as much a mystery himself as the murder they are trying to solve. A true page-turner!
-Maxwell Gregory
THE SUN DOES SHINE: HOW I FOUND LIFE AND FREEDOM ON DEATH ROW
by Anthony Ray Hinton

This powerful, true story is told in Ray Hinton's voice; he tells us about the circumstances that led to his being held on death row for nearly 30 years. How and why he came out on the other side of this experience will keep you riveted and make you think about some big questions: "Why do we deem some people less worthy of justice?" And "Why does innocence have a price?". A must-read for everyone in your family!
-Di Grumhaus
US AGAINST YOU
by Fredrik Backman

The sequel to Beartown is here and it is everything you want it to be. Backman continues with the story of how friendships, family, marriages and loyalty can be tested to its limits. If you haven't read Beartown, pick it up today!
-Laura Skinner
HOW HARD CAN IT BE?
by Allison Pearson

A must-read for all women hitting middle age! Pearson returns to Kate Reddy (I Don't Know How She Does It) as she prepares her almost 50-year-old self to get back in the saddle of a real job once again. Her current life is full of her maddening teenage children, a husband in the midst of a mid-life crisis, aged in-laws and her own mother, who need her help and a crumbling house in full-blown remodel and she needs to jump back into the work force. Get ready for a lot of multi-tasking and a few sleepless nights.
-Maxwell Gregory

CALYPSO
by David Sedaris

Another hilarious collection of essays from David Sedaris. Most of the stories focus on his family and life at his vacation house on the Carolina coast which he named the "Sea Section." I really enjoyed reading this book and laughed out loud!
-Kathy Petray
LYING IN WAIT
by Liz Nugent

Set in Ireland, Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent is a riveting psychological thriller. A tale of dark secrets and twisted relationships, Nugent explores motherhood and mental illness in this compelling story. I could not put it down.
-Lisa Dietrich
THE SECRETS BETWEEN US
by Thrity Umrigar
(Releases June 26, 2018)

The author of the favorite novel, The Space Between Us returns with a sequel, yet The Secrets Between Us can be read as a stand alone as well. We return to Bhima's story, as she struggles to make a new life for herself and her granddaughter Maya after being let go by her employee and friend of many years. Bhima and Parvati, the disfigured and crabby vegetable seller are thrown together when they must rely on each other to sell fruit for a widow. The two women cast out into a harsh reality form a bond and a partnership and ultimately a true friendship in this story of survival and second chances.
-Maxwell Gregory
MR. FLOOD'S LAST RESORT
by Jess Kidd

This book is the spellbinding tale of a lonely caregiver and a cranky hoarder in a house full of secrets. I loved this unconventional and unique book.
-Kathy Petray
THE GREAT BELIEVERS
by Rebecca Makkai


A poignant look at the community and lives effected by the 1980's AIDS epidemic in Chicago and the emotional baggage carried by their friends thirty years later. A novel of friendship, acceptance, belonging and redemption. A powerful read!
-Maxwell Gregory
DEAR MRS. BIRD
by AJ Pearce
(Releases July 3, 2018)

I thoroughly enjoyed this charming story inspired by women's magazines that were being published during World War II. Emmeline Lake is an aspiring journalist who accepts a job working for Mrs. Bird as her typist but slowly, and without permission, starts answering reader's letters asking for advice. As expected, the results of her actions lead to problems and some heartbreak.
-Di Grumhaus
A SHOUT IN THE RUINS
by Kevin Powers

This novel is a powerful and vivid portrayal of slavery that takes place in both the 1860s and the 1950s. Powers is a star writer. This heartbreaking story is well worth reading.
-Kathy Petray
THE EMPEROR OF SHOES
by Spencer Wise

Timely novel of a third-generation American shoemaker in China and the turmoil with his son as he takes over the business while contending with worker rights and cultural revolution. Fascinating fictional read for all!
-Diana Wettermann
A PLACE FOR US
by Fatima Farheen Mirza

A rich, beautiful and raw look inside a Muslim American family struggling to hold fast to their faith and traditions while raising their children in a new culture. Both complex and real, Mirza draws you into a rollercoaster of emotion as the lives of the family members unfold. A must read!
-Maxwell Gregory
 AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK 
CAMPAIGN WIDOWS
by Aimee Agresti


DO NOT BECOME ALARMED
by Maile Meloy
LOVE AND OTHER CONSOLATION PRIZES
by Jamie Ford


THE BURNING GIRL
by Claire Messud
THE LONG HAUL: A TRUCKER'S TALES OF LIFE ON THE ROAD
by Finn Murphy


MANHATTAN BEACH
by Jennifer Egan

WHAT WE LOSE
by Zinzi Clemmons
YOUNG ADULT & MIDDLE SCHOOL SELECTIONS
MIDDLE SCHOOL:

BOB
by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead

Written by two of our favorite children's authors, Bob is part friendship story, part fable. Livy and her mom return to her grandmother's home in Australia after a five year absence. Livy immediately feels like she has left something at her Gran's house--and she's right! She discovers Bob hiding in the closet: a short green creature dressed in a chicken suit. What follows is a story of friendship and family. I loved it!
-Laura Skinner
YOUNG ADULT:

THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER
by Emily X.R. Pan

A young adult novel with a familiar theme: a girl, a boy, a tragedy and a journey. When Leigh's mother dies by suicide, Leigh is convinced that her mother has come back as a huge red bird. Leigh travels to Taiwan to stay with her maternal grandparents. As Leigh grieves she uncovers some family secrets. A story of magical thinking and a portrait of grief.
-Kathy Petray
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