LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 November titles public library staff across the country love:
Favorite
My Sister, the Serial Killer: A Novel by Oyinkan Braithwaite (Doubleday, $22.95, 9780385544238). "Nigerian nurse Korede puts up with so much from her sister Ayoola (the serial killer). Braithwaite tells a dark, lively, and funny story of how begrudgingly cleaning up after someone else's deadly habits is just one of those things one does for family. For fans of satirical humor." --Lisa Hoffman, Bloomfield Public Library, Bloomfield, N.J.
The Adults: A Novel by Caroline Hulse (Random House, $26, 9780525511748). "Divorced couple Claire and Matt devise a terrific idea for Christmas: spend it at Happy Forest Holiday Park with their new partners and their seven-year-old daughter Scarlett (and her imaginary friend). Hilarious and heartrending, this debut novel asks the age-old question: 'What could possibly go wrong?' " --Todd Krueger, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, Md.
The Best Bad Things: A Novel by Katrina Carrasco (MCD/Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $27, 9780374123697). "Alma is a cross-dressing, bisexual, half-Mexican, badass woman who goes undercover in this historical fiction story set in 1887 Washington state. She lives life on the edge with gusto and nerve. An enjoyable ride for readers who like a fast-paced story and don't mind graphic content." --Joseph Jones, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cuyahoga, Ohio
The Colors of All the Cattle: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (Pantheon, $25.95, 9781524747800). "Each new book in this series unwraps another layer of the lives of the minor characters. Along with solving the requisite mystery, Precious delves into local politics and comes to rely more on her family and friends for their input. A charming addition to this heartwarming series." --Fran Hegarty, Peabody Institute Library of Danvers, Danvers, Mass.
Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri (Orbit, $15.99, 9780316449717 ). "A modern take on the classic Disney tale of Mulan, this fantasy-adventure story features Mehr, a governor's daughter who wants to make a name for herself and is passionate about saving the lives of those in her kingdom. Mehr's unique magical powers make her a target and give the classic storyline a new twist." --Megan Marong, Lackawanna Public Library, Lackawanna, N.Y.
How Long 'Til Black Future Month: Stories by N.K. Jemisin (Orbit, $26, 9780316491341). "This first short story collection from the most celebrated speculative fiction author of our time features her signature blend of sharply observed, provocative tales of magic steeped in realism and social commentary. Both SFF fans and adventurous readers of genre-blending literary fiction such as Station Eleven and The Underground Railroad will find much to admire." --Annabelle Mortensen, Skokie Public Library, Skokie, Ill.
The Kinship of Secrets by Eugenia Kim (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $26, 9781328987822). "A sweeping, historical, family saga in which two sisters are separated during the Korean War. One is raised in the United States and the other in South Korea. For fans of Pachinko." --Cat Ng, Palm Beach County Library System, Wellington, Fla.
A Ladder to the Sky: A Novel by John Boyne (Hogarth, $27, 9781984823014). "Enter the disturbing world of high stakes publishing and meet an author so twisted and unscrupulous you will beg for justice. For readers who like an unlikeable character and sardonic tone." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, Tex.
Newcomer: A Mystery by Keigo Higashino (Minotaur, $27.99, 9781250067869). "Newly transferred Tokyo Police Detective Kaga is assigned a baffling murder. The story is told almost entirely through the perspective of people he interviews, gradually revealing the puzzling who, how, and why in this mystery. For fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Columbo as well as lovers of international crime novels." --Julie Graham, Yakima Valley Libraries, Yakima, Wash.
Someone to Trust: A Westcott Novel by Mary Balogh (Berkley, $7.99, 9780399586101). "Love defies societal expectations in this historical romance set in the Regency period. For fans of Tessa Dare and Amelia Grey." --Kathy Setter, Indianhead Federated Library System, Eau Claire, Wis.
