LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 July titles public library staff across the country love:
Favorite
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman (Berkley, $16, 9780451491879). "Nina likes her bookish life just fine. She works in a bookstore and is on a highly competitive trivia team. She is funny and snarky and great company (says this reader). Suddenly, a father she never knew dies and leaves her with a pack of brothers and sisters and Nina may be forced out of her comfortable reading chair. For readers who enjoyed Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey and The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald." --Eileen Curley, Hagaman Public Library, East Haven, Conn.
The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins (Gallery, $16, 9781982105549). "Sarah is the librarian in a small Southern town called Dove Pond. Her magic is matching the right book to the right reader at the right time in their life. Grace is a city girl, new in town and in need of a little magic herself. For readers who enjoyed The Library of Lost and Found and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry." --Tracy Babiasz, Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel Hill, N.C.
The Escape Room: A Novel by Megan Goldin (St. Martin's Press, $26.99, 9781250219657). "Highly successful colleagues Sam, Vincent, Sylvie, and Jules are no strangers to the competitive world of high finance but after they become trapped in an elevator escape room they find themselves having to work together. For readers of Tana French, Karin Slaughter, and Harlan Coben." --KC Davis, Fairfield Woods Library, Fairfield, Conn.
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Del Rey, $26, 9780525620754). "In 1920s Mexico, a young woman unwittingly awakens a Mayan god and is pulled into his quest for vengeance. The odyssey that follows takes her through the jungles to Mexico City and the underworld as she realizes her inner strength and passion. For readers who enjoyed Uprooted and Circe." --Emily Plagens, Allen Public Library, Allen, Tex.
How to Hack a Heartbreak by Kristin Rockaway (Graydon House, $15.99, 9781525834257). "It's no secret that women in the tech world are undervalued and have to work twice as hard for their success. This persistent problem in the tech industry is tackled here in a pithy and engaging way without diminishing its importance. For readers who liked The Assistants by Camille Perri." --Josie Myers, Greenwood Public Library, Greenwood, Ind.
The Lager Queen of Minnesota: A Novel by J. Ryan Stradal (Pamela Dorman, $26, 9780399563058). "A heartwarming and witty novel with a distinctly Minnesotan feel, the author follows two sisters and their grandmother who become involved in the brewing industry. For readers who loved Where'd You Go Bernadette." --Katelyn Boyer, Fergus Falls Public Library, Fergus Falls, Minn.
Layover by David Bell (Berkley, $26, 9780440000860). "Joshua's life has become a predictable pattern of departures and arrivals, a lot of his time spent in airports until he meets Morgan on a layover and there is an instant connection. The next time he sees her is on the news as a missing person. For readers who liked Faithful Place by Tana French and Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker." --Michelle Magnotta, Mamaroneck Public Library, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
Lock Every Door: A Novel by Riley Sager (Dutton, $26, 9781524745141). "A young woman gets a job house sitting in one of New York's oldest and most glamorous apartments. A slow-burn full of twists and turns and a shocking conclusion. For readers who enjoyed The Wife Between Us and The Woman in the Window." --Megan Alabaugh, Rocky River Public Library, Rocky River, Ohio
The Nickel Boys: A Novel by Colson Whitehead (Doubleday, $24.95, 9780385537070). "An incredibly powerful story about an abusive boys' reform school in the 1960s. Whitehead skillfully brings each character to life even as they suffer physical and emotional horrors. For fans of Panopticon by Jenni Fagan." --Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, Champaign, Ill.
Wanderers: A Novel by Chuck Wendig (Del Rey, $28.99, 9780399182105). "A pandemic is sweeping the nation that causes affected people to sleepwalk. They cannot be awoken and family and friends must accompany them on their journey while the CDC tries to find the cause and cure. For fans of Cryptonomicon and The Windup Girl." --Kyle Sederstrom, Overbrook Public Library, Overbrook, Kan.
