Are you looking for some good books to enjoy out in the sun, or to read for our Adult Summer Reading Program? Don’t miss our library staff members’ latest favorites.
If you love thrillers and mysteries, check out Kaela’s recommendation, “Nine Lives” by bestseller Peter Swanson (FIC Swa): “Nine strangers receive a list with their names on it in the mail. They dismiss it as junk, a fluke – until very, very bad things begin happening to them, one by one. Had me guessing until the very end!” She also loved reading the mystery “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” by Benjamin Stevenson (FIC Ste): “Catchy title, catchy characters, unexpected plot! Promise not to disappoint!” Susanna stepped outside her own comfort zone to try out another thriller that didn’t disappoint, “Read Me” by Leo Benedictus (available on our Libby app): “At first, it seemed like grown-up Harriet the Spy, but then things escalated. Give it a try, even if thrillers are not your usual fare. It’s very creepy!”
Mary recommends two powerful coming-of-age stories. “What the Fireflies Knew” by Kai Harris (FIC Har) is a “novel told from the perspective of an 11-year-old over the course of a single summer as she tries to make sense of her new life with her estranged grandfather and sister after the death of her father and disappearance of her mother.” “Go As a River” by Shelley Read (FIC Rea) “is a story of deeply held love in the face of hardship and loss, but also of courage, resilience, friendship, and finally, home — where least expected,” and is recommended for readers who loved “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Joni also highly recommends one of her favorite coming-of-age tales, “I Capture the Castle” by Dodie Smith (FIC Smi): “This is one of my absolute favorites! Great for teens and adults, you’ll love this heroine and laugh out loud at her adventures.”
Hoping to find a good historical fiction? Check out Brenda’s pick, “Looking for Jane” by Heather Marshall (FIC Mar): “A fascinating exploration of a period in Canadian history … about motherhood, love, and the impossible choices women so often face (and how many have no choice at all). Highly recommended and it is based on factual accounts. Great discussion questions at the end perfect for book clubs!”
What about a book that defies genre? Michelle greatly enjoyed “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fforde (FIC Ffo): “This one is a genre bending book. Sci-fi/fantasy/mystery/history/alternate timeline. This book even has great puns. It is a hilarious take on what life would be like if we loved literature like we do sports.”
For our large print readers, Dellie recommends “Only the Beautiful” by Susan Meissner (LP FIC MEI): “World War II tragedy, sadness, separation, and happiness at the end. A must read!” She also says “Where Coyotes Howl” by Sanda Dallas (LP FIC DAL), a beautiful novel about the 20th-century west, is a great read.
For our nonfiction readers, Dawn says don’t miss “Honey, Baby Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (And Banana Pudding)” by actors Laura Dern and Diane Ladd (920 Der): “I’m just getting started on this mother/daughter conversation. Loving this book so much already that I wanted to recommend it to you.” And Kaela found some great insight from “How to Be a Coffee Bean: 111 Life Changing Ways to Create Positive Change” by Jon Gordon (158.1 Gor): “An enjoyable, easy read to help refocus on what really matters in life. This book gives practical insight on things to practice to have a more positive mindset. And really, who doesn’t like coffee?”
All these staff picks, plus more, are on display on the first floor of the library throughout June and may be checked out with your library card anytime during our open hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Stop in and find your next great read, plus pick up a brochure for our summer reading program so you can log your reading to earn prizes.
Megan Taylor is assistant manager in the Reference and Local History Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
