LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 June titles public library staff across the country love:
Top Pick
Sandwich: A Novel by Catherine Newman (Harper, $26.99, 9780063345164). "This story focuses on Rocky, a woman filled with menopausal rage and immense love for her family. The witty banter and poignant musings will have readers laughing hysterically while mopping up tears a few pages later. This is a no-brainer for fans of Ann Patchett and those who enjoy a good family drama. Perfect for women's book discussion groups." --Robin Beerbower, LibraryReads Ambassador, Ariz.
Swift River by Essie Chambers (Simon & Schuster, $27.99, 9781668027912). "In this heartbreaking debut set in the 1980s, Diamond, a Black girl growing up in New England town, feels like a misfit. When she gets a letter from an estranged branch of the family, everything she thought she knew about herself is turned upside-down. Secrets from the women that came before her allow Diamond to realize her full potential." --Kaite Stover, Kansas City Public Library, Mo.
Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell (Berkley, $29, 9780593640272). "Twisty denouements abound in this psychological suspense about a woman falling for a suspected serial killer as she corresponds with him in jail. The author is able to depict the questionable choices of a down-on-her-luck woman who naively becomes entangled with a dangerous man. This is a darkly humorous, sexy, and entertaining thriller." --Andrienne Cruz, Azusa City Library, Calif.
That Night in the Library: A Novel by Eva Jurczyk (Poisoned Pen Press, $32.99, 9781464216879). "A group of students gather for a party in the library's basement the night before graduation. Things quickly go awry, and bodies start piling up. There are seven main characters and multiple POVs, but readers will be able to keep up thanks to Jurczyk's witty writing. It’s a bonus to get an inside look at a rare books library." --Danielle Hansard, Westland Public Library, Mich.
Same As It Ever Was: A Novel by Claire Lombardo (Doubleday, $30, 9780385549554). "Julia is in her late fifties and seemingly has it all, but a chance meeting with an old acquaintance quickly uncovers the fissures in her carefully constructed existence. Lombardo skillfully moves back and forth in Julia's life with an incredible gift for writing seemingly mundane but charged moments in her characters' lives." --Alisa Stanfield, LibraryReads Ambassador, Ill.
The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden (Poisoned Pen Press, $32.99, 9781464223815). "Millie's just moved into her dream house but soon discovers it may not be as ideal as she'd hoped, with strange neighbors and happenings in the house. Those unfamiliar with the first two Housemaid books will still enjoy this standalone novel, an engrossing, psychological thriller with plot twists that will keep readers guessing." --Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, Mich.
Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books: A Novel by Kirsten Miller (Morrow, $30, 9780063348691). "Lula Dean's mission is to rid schools and libraries of all books she deems inappropriate, and she erects a Little Free Library filled with her chosen titles. But someone is changing the books by leaving the covers and substituting a wide variety of banned books. This timely tale shows how hate is banished and books can better your life when not restricted." --Judy G. Sebastian, Eastham Public Library, Mass.
Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Tordotcom, $28.99, 9781250290281). "This is a hilariously biting dystopian tale about a world where human civilization has collapsed and robots are stuck in poorly programmed loops that cause them suffering. We follow the adventures of a valet robot as he wanders across a bleak post-apocalyptic landscape, seeking a position where he can be of service to humans. Give this to Murderbot fans." --Ariel Zeitlin, Montclair Public Library, N.J.
Margo's Got Money Troubles: A Novel by Rufi Thorpe (Morrow, $28, 9780063356580). "A heartwarming and luminous coming-of-age tale of a 20-year-old single mother trying to make it on OnlyFans. Readers will be rooting for Margo and will fall in love with the wacky cast of characters, especially her dad. Thorpe perfectly captures the intensity of caring for a newborn while crafting a smart and relatable heroine." --Shannon Gruber, River Forest Public Library, Ill.
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate (Ballantine, $30, 9780593726501). "In this emotional dual narrative, National Parks Ranger Val is determined to solve a mystery surrounding the recently uncovered gravesite of three children. Shifting to the early 1900s, the narrative expands to expose the abuse of Choctaw children and feature the women crusading against illegal child labor at the dawn of Oklahoma's statehood." --Erin Downey Howerton, Wichita Public Library, Kan.
