Last Days of Summer, by Steve Kluger

This endearing novel revolves around the written correspondence between a precocious, persistent and ingenious Brooklyn youth named Joey Margolis and Charlie Banks, star hitter and third baseman for the New York Giants. Their relationship begins to unfold in 1940, against the backdrop of national and world situations that we see reflected in Joey's periodic letters of advice to Franklin Roosevelt. A unique reading experience with a quirky sense of humor and a great heart, this book is one-of-a-kind. Take it on your next flight, take it to the beach, take it to the nearest Adirondack chair on a sunny lawn. It is the perfect summer read. ~ John

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Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II,

by Robert Matzen 

Audrey Hepburn had a childhood forged during war, a childhood she rarely spoke of in interviews. In the foreword to this book Audrey's son, Luca Dotti, tells the reader he not only approves of Matzen's account of Audrey's experiences in Nazi-occupied territory during World War II, but is grateful for the research and accuracy that went into the writing of the book. Audrey's adolescence and the horrors of World War II coincide with critical moments of war in the Netherlands occurring in Audrey's very community. A compelling story of courage, history, survival, family and triumph. ~ Bernice

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Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts, by Jill Abramson 

We've all heard about how the Facebooks of the world only feed us versions of the truth supporting our biases, and how our every click feeds a clever algorithm giving us more content proving that our truth is THE truth. After all, how else will they keep us clicking their sites - which in turn drives advertisers to send us targeted ads? Jill Abramson, the former editor in chief of the New York Times, vividly makes it clear the problem is much worse than most of us probably think. It's hard to escape the conclusion that we are collectively getting dumber by only reading sources that are cheerleaders. Profiling the creation of BuzzFeed and Vice, and then the reinvention of the Washington Post and her old paper to compete with these assaults on balanced reporting, Abramson recounts the gritty details. Happily, the Post and Times finally got it right, assuring we can still get a broad spectrum of news. Luddites über alles. ~ Dave

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Cheer Up, Mr. Widdicombe, by Evan James

Your summer read is right here! Set on Bainbridge Island, this bright, funny book evokes P. G. Wodehouse. Mr. Widdecombe, from the Bay Area, arrives on the Island to his new home, with his wife, adult son, and an armful of helpers and friends. He'd much rather be in France, for the annual trip with "the guys." His wife is determined to make a social hit and cure his "depression" at the same time. As in any screwball comedy, the characters are oblivious to the general havoc their behavior causes others. But you will still love them anyway!  ~ Victoria

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Voices from Chernobyl, by Svetlana Alexievitch
Available June 7th!

Researched and authored by Nobel laureate Alexievitch, this collection of witness accounts from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 tells of the evacuations of Pripyat, the first responders, and the liquidators-those who chose two minutes in the exclusion zone versus service in Afghanistan-in the immediate aftermath, the first few critical weeks, and beyond. The collective memory of the world's worst nuclear disaster and governmental interference serves as a reminder that this could happen, no matter the regime and no matter the politics. The book provided source material for HBO's Chernobyl, and recalls Hanford and other inadequate nuclear solutions. ~ Kathleen

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Rewind, by Catherine Ryan Howard 

Andrew, the manager of Shanamore Holiday Cottages on the coast of Ireland, is a voyeur who tapes the goings-on in the bedrooms of the rentals. Natalie, a successful blogger finds Andrew a bit creepy. Against her better judgment, she stays in a cottage and doesn't come home. Audrey, an aspiring journalist, sees Natalie's disappearance as her big chance. Think Psycho meets Fatal Attraction as the village's young Garda tries to solve this murder caught on video. If you love books by Ruth Ware and Gillian Flynn or have read any of Howard's previous thrillers, this is a must read - full of twists and turns and just the right touch of creepiness. ~ Susan

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Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother's Kitchen,

by Luca Dotti 

I've always been a big fan of Audrey Hepburn the actress, and even more so for her work with UNICEF, so when her son compiled this special book, I was fascinated by it. It's a wonderful biography filled with intimate details of Hepburn's life, amazing pictures, and even her hand-written version of recipes she loved. A real treasure! ~ Kathie

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Material Value: More Sustainable, Less Wasteful Manufacturing of Everything From Cell Phones to Cleaning Products,  by Julia L.F. Goldstein 

This book offers a refreshing take on the world of sustainable manufacturing. Seattle author Goldstein holds a PhD in materials science, so she brings an equitable and well-informed perspective to the challenges and realities that corporations face when attempting to be more mindful and less wasteful. She does a great job of articulating the science behind how metals and plastics are processed and the practical steps that both big and small businesses, as well as individuals, can make to lessen their impact on the environment. ~ Rebecca

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The Knowledge: A Richard Jury Mystery

by Martha Grimes 

Richard Jury, Melrose Plant and Grimes' usual cast of quirky characters team with Patty Haight and her fellow street kids to solve a double murder on the steps of a posh casino in London. Patty's a better detective than many from the Met, though she's not yet 10! She can insinuate herself anywhere, and carries a tote bag full of disguises. Filled with the requisite twists and turns that make Grimes' mysteries so very delightful, this could be her best story yet. You may not learn the location of The Knowledge, but you'll visit enough pubs to make the trip worthwhile! ~ Susan

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Most Marshmallows, by Rowboat Watkins 

I couldn't resist telling you about this charming little story by Rowboat Watkins, who has an equally charming name. He simply tells a story with a classic message of marching to your own drummer and shooting for the stars! Ages 4-8. ~ Kathie

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The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall

A book that perfectly captures the summertime adventures of children on vacation in the country! These adventures are timeless, lived with little technology, and told with such humor and detail that the reader can't wait for the next chapter in the lives of the Penderwicks. Delightful for a middle reader to read alone, but also ideal for a summer family read-aloud, this is the sort of story that stays with you and helps to frame your own joyful family memories! Ages 8-12 ~ Bernice

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