Summer is in full swing and there's still a lot of time left to get in some reading! If you're at a loss for new and interesting titles to read, check out some of these staff picks. Librarians from all around the building share what they are looking forward to reading this summer. There is sure to be something you'll enjoy, too! To request any of these titles, please contact the Reference Desk at 978-623-8430 or rdesk@mhl.org.
If you check out any of these titles and like them, let us know! Also, don't forget to fill out an entry form for our Adult Summer Reading program at the Reference Desk.
Happy Reading!
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My Year of Rest and Relaxation
by Ottessa Moshfegh What is it about? It's early 2000 on New York City's Upper East Side, and the alienation of Moshfegh's unnamed young protagonist from others is nearly complete when she initiates her yearlong siesta, during which time she experiences limited personal interactions Who is excited about it and why? Tricia says: I love Ottessa Moshfegh’s unique writing style. She’s one of the most original voices in fiction I have read in years. Moshfegh creates fully developed, unforgettable characters and adds a bit of dark humor to keep things interesting! |
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Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine
by Gail Honeyman What is it about? A socially awkward, routine-oriented loner teams up with a bumbling IT guy from her office to assist an elderly accident victim, forging a friendship that saves all three from lives of isolation and secret unhappiness. Who is excited about it and why? Clare says: I listen to many audio books on my long commute and this is by far the best one I have ever listened to! The reader was excellent and the story was even better! You will fall in love with Eleanor! She is sad and funny, awkward and antisocial and one of my favorite characters! |
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They can't kill us until they kill us : essays
by Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib What is it about? A collection of literary essays by the cultural critic, MTV News columnist and author of The Crown Ain't Worth Much uses music and culture as a gauge for better understanding the world, the self and the challenges of today. Who is excited about it and why? Renata says: This collection of essays and music criticism made me laugh, cry, and develop a deeper appreciation of artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Bruce Springsteen, and the Notorious B.I.G. Willis-Abdurraqib is so insightful not only about the music itself, but also about the ways that music reflects and creates contemporary culture. |
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When Life Gives You Lululemons
by Lauren Weisberger What is it about? New York Times best selling author Lauren Weisberger returns with a novel starring one of her favorite characters from The Devil Wears Prada: Emily Charlton, first assistant to Miranda Priestly, now a highly successful image consultant who's just landed the client of a lifetime. Who is excited about it and why? Larisa says: I loved Emily Charlton, one of the main characters of The Devil Wears Prada so when I came across Weisberger’s new book When Life Gives you Lululemons I was excited to find that it was a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada and about Emily! |
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Grant
by Ron Chernow What is it about? The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Washington: A Life presents a meticulously researched portrait of the complicated Civil War general and 18th President, challenging the views of his critics while sharing insights into his prowess as a military leader, the honor with which he conducted his administration and the rise and fall of his fortunes. Who is excited about it and why? Dean says: It's by Ron Chernow, whose biography of Alexander Hamilton inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to create a certain little musical that I've heard is pretty good. I read Chernow's biography of George Washington many years ago and found his writing style very accessible. While I'd hardly call myself a Civil War buff, I do find it interesting and have read several books about it. My knowledge of the Reconstruction period, though, is very weak. I'm hoping that Chernow's book will fill in a lot of gaps for me. |
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Tully
What is it about? Marlo, a mother of three including a newborn, who is gifted a night nanny by her brother. Hesitant to the extravagance at first, Marlo comes to form a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising, and sometimes challenging young nanny named Tully. Who is excited about it and why? Tricia says: I love the movie Young Adult so I’m excited to see the second collaboration between screenwriter, Diablo Cody and actress, Charlize Theron. |
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The Outsider
by Stephen King What is it about? An eleven-year-old boy's violated corpse is found in a town park, and evidence points unmistakably to Terry Maitland, one of Flint City's most popular citizens. But is Maitland wearing another face? Who is excited about it and why? Theo says: I've been a huge Stephen King fan for years and I think this is one of his best books in a long time. It has great characters, a timely/relevant story, and is as scary as anything he has written. |
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To all the boys I've loved before
by Jenny Han What is it about? Lara Jean writes love letters to all the boys she has loved and then hides them in a hatbox until one day those letters are accidentally sent. Who is excited about it and why? Anna says: Another title I've been meaning to read but now I'm trying to finish it before watching Netflix's adaptation. |
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Tapestry of fortunes : a novel
by Elizabeth Berg What is it about? A best-selling novel by the author of Talk Before Sleep traces the shared journey of four women exploring their pasts including one who would find the daughter she gave up for adoption, one who would visit an ex-husband, a chef who would find new inspiration and a motivational speaker who would find a man she still loves. Who is excited about it and why? Gerry says: I loved this book because it was about four friends going on a road trip and their experiences. A group of my friends and I have set out on two trips over the last two years, one to San Diego and the other to Las Vegas! Now I really want to take a road trip! I also can't wait to see author Elizabeth Berg when she visits MHL on Wednesday, August 8 at 7:00 pm. |
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Under the wide and starry sky : a novel
by Nancy Horan What is it about? Imagines the unconventional love affair of Scottish literary giant Robert Louis Stevenson and American divorcee Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne, who after meeting in late-19th-century rural France take refuge from their respective unhappy lives and embark on two shared decades of international turbulence. Who is excited about it? Kim B. says: This book is both an adventure and a love story about an unlikely character…Robert Louis Stevenson. It would make a great book group discussion book for sure |
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The killing moon
by N. K. Jemisin What is it about? In a city where Gatherers harvest the magic of the sleeping mind and use it to judge the corrupt, Ehiru, the most famous of the city's Gatherers, learns that he must protect the woman he was sent to kill or watch the city be devoured by forbidden magic. Who is excited about it and why? Anna says: I love Jemisin's Fifth Season books and this has been on my list for some time. I'm finally treating myself to it! |
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Catwoman : Soulstealer
by Sarah J Maas What is it about? As part of DC Comics' recent foray into Young Adult fiction, this book is Selina Kyle's coming-of-age-story as she claws her way to the top of Gotham City's criminal underbelly and becomes Catwoman. Who is excited about it and why? Renata says: As a general comics enthusiast, I've been enjoying the DC Icons series of YA novels, which so far includes Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo and Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu. But I'm really looking forward to the next one, Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas, due out in August--I've loved Sarah J. Maas's other series, Throne of Glass and Court of Thorns and Roses, and I've always been a fan of Catwoman, so I can't wait to see how these two favorites combine! |
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Her every fear
by Peter Swanson What is it about? A woman prone to panic attacks in the aftermath of a violent kidnapping relocates to a cousin's home in Boston, where a neighbor's murder embroils her in speculation about her cousin's nature and the intentions of an appealing stranger. Who is excited about it and why? Theo says: I listened to this one on audio and the narrator is excellent. This mystery features a great main character and a creepy mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I also loved Swanson's previous novel, The Kind Worth Killing. |