LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 November titles public library staff across the country love:
Top Pick
Miss Benson's Beetle: A Novel by Rachel Joyce (Dial Press, $18, 9780812996708). "Two very different women set off on a journey to New Caledonia to find a Golden Beetle, and discover so much more. A story of friendship and women breaking out of what is expected and being who they really are. By turns humorous, heartbreaking, and triumphant, you'll find yourself cheering for Miss Benson. For fans of Fredrik Backman, Elizabeth Berg, and Gail Honeyman." --Janine Walsh, East Meadow Public Library, East Meadow, N.Y.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (Picador, $12, 9781529029581). "A cafe has something magical--if someone sits in a particular chair and a cup of coffee is poured, they can travel to the past. In this slender story, the lives of visitors and staff intertwine, and four hopeful people sit in the chair. While this book deals with different kinds of loss, it's ultimately warm and uplifting. For fans of The Immortalists and Oona Out of Order." --Julie Graham, Yakima Valley Libraries, Yakima, Wash.
The Boy Toy by Nicola Marsh (Berkley, $15.99, 9780593198629). "Hot Aussie alert! After a bitter divorce (cheating husband with a pregnant nineteen year old mistress), Samira left Australia for L.A. Now her cousin has convinced her to return for 6 months. On a night out, Samira is saved from a weirdo by a cute boy much younger than she is, and she's in for the surprise of a lifetime with her new Boy Toy. For fans of Ayesha at Last and The Wedding Party." --Afton Finley, Waseca Public Library, Waseca, Minn.
The Burning God by R.F. Kuang (Harper Voyager, $26.99, 9780062662620). "In this satisfying finale to the Poppy War series, Kuang beautifully weaves in much Chinese history while maintaining a distinct storyline. Rin's similarities to Chairman Mao are fully realized by this third book, yet she remains a unique character with complex emotions of both rage and empathy. For fans of series fantasy such as Chakraborty's Daevabad trilogy and Liu's Dandelion Dynasty." --Richard Lawhorn, East Cobb Library, Marietta, Ga.
Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March (Minotaur, $26.99, 9781250269546). "James Agnihotri has recovered from a war injury when he reads about the 'suicide' of two ladies. His first interview as a new journalist is with the husband of one of the women, who wants to know who murdered his wife and sister. Jim follows clues, interviews observers of the tragedy, and travels through India. For readers who like intrigue, other cultures, and romance, along with fans of Kate Atkinson and Laurie R. King." --Gail Christensen, Kitsap Regional Library, Bremerton, Wash.
The Office of Historical Corrections: A Novella and Stories by Danielle Evans (Riverhead, $27, 9781594487330). "A novella about the first African-Americans in Wisconsin and the lives of their descendants today along with several other haunting short stories. Recommended for fans of Jodi Picoult." --Heather McIntosh, Botetourt County Libraries, Va.
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman (Berkley, $16, 9781984803160). "Emilia is a devoted daughter, the second daughter in her family, and second daughters are cursed to never marry. Aunt Poppy, another second daughter, invites her on a trip to Italy promising to break the curse. For readers who enjoyed The Old Drift and It's Not All Down Hill From Here." --Chris Markley, Kingsport Public Library, Kingsport, Tenn.
This Time Next Year We'll Be Laughing by Jacqueline Winspear (Soho Press, $27.95, 9781641292696). "The author of the beloved Masie Dobbs novels shares both madcap and poignant stories of her nuclear and extended family, giving insight into the humor and hardships that shaped her imagination and work. For readers who enjoyed Where the Past Begins: A Writer's Memoir and How to Write an Autobiographical Novel." --Joy Robinson, Piscataway Public Library, Piscataway, N.J.
White Ivy: A Novel by Susie Yang (Simon & Schuster, $26, 9781982100599). "A coming of age immigration story. Ivy, is obsessed with her privileged classmate and will do anything to win his love. For fans of You and Gone Girl." --Joann Im, Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles, Calif.
Written in the Stars: A Novel by Alexandria Bellefleur (Avon, $15.99, 9780063000803). "Darcy, a buttoned-up actuary, convinces quirky astrologer Elle to fake a relationship for a couple of months to get her brother (and Elle's new business partner) off her back. For fans of The Kiss Quotient and You Had Me at Hola." --Elizabeth Gabriel, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wis.
