Shelf Life
What is summer reading? It might be something you have been meaning to read for a while, something from your “to be read” stack, or something light (literally) to carry on a vacation.
For many of us, it is just a continuation of what we read all year long. Need suggestions? We are happy to provide some captivating picks from all genres.
All of the following books are from our suggested summer reading list. If you read these titles (or 20 books of your choice!) from June 1-Aug. 20 you have the chance to win a free gift! Read at least five, including one chosen by our library staff, and you can write a review to be featured on our social media. Now, on
to the books.
Feeling ambitious and want to tackle some non-fiction? Our staff recommends “Strangers on a Bridge: The Case of Col. Abel and Francis Gary Powers” by James B. Donovan. Sounds like a spy novel, but it is true: the story of a critical prisoner exchange during the height of Cold War tension. “Mrs. Kennedy and Me” is by Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent (and former SouthArk Lecture Series speaker) assigned to First Lady Jackie Kennedy who shares some of his incredible memories of life with the First Family. For more on the Kennedy family, read “Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter” by Kate Clifford Larson, which tells the mostly unknown story of the intellectually-disabled sister
of JFK.
If you have ever wanted to go behind the scenes in the world of libraries? Read “This Book Is Overdue: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All” by Marilyn Johnson. Hilarious and poignant at the same time, this is sure to be a thought-provoking read. Or just ask us…we work in a fabulous profession and have a great time!
Summer is the perfect time to sink into historical fiction, like “Serena” by Ron Rash. Newlyweds George and Serena Pemberton arrive in the North Carolina backwoods in 1929 intending to build a timber empire. Although a city girl, Serena makes herself right at home until suffering a huge disappointment, then makes plans to destroy a secret from George’s past. Read about the Addergoole 14, a group of men and women from Ireland who boarded the Titanic on
her maiden voyage. Their harrowing experiences before, during, and after the disaster are chronicled in “The Girl Who Came Home” by Hazel Gaynor. Another staff pick is “Between Shades of Gray” by Ruta Sepetys, the story of Lina, a 15-year-old Lithuanian girl sent to a Siberian work camp in 1941. It is a powerful account of strength under adversity.
Family stories are the perfect escape for summer afternoons. You might try “Red Hook Road” by Ayelet Waldman, which explores the aftermath for two families when elaborate plans for a wedding are destroyed by an unimaginable loss. In “The Descendants” by Kaui Hart Hemmings, Hawaii is the setting as the King family is forced to make some difficult decisions. Matthew King must also decide what is best for his family, while his wife is in an irreversible coma.
At the same time his extended family has decisions to make as well: whether to sell or keep their inherited land. Want a modern-day potboiler? Try “Need to Know” by Karen Cleveland. Meet Vivian: CIA analyst and mom, happily married, living the dream—at least she thought that she was, until in one second she saw something that changed her world forever. Take the action down a notch for “At Home in Mitford” by Jan Karon. Picture the charming village of Mitford, rector Father Tim and his friendly new neighbor Cynthia. Add a set of quirky characters in town and you have a recipe for cozy reading.
Teen reading is not just for teens! Author John Green is a favorite and so is his bestseller, the tragic love story “The Fault in our Stars.” “Divergent” by Veronica Roth takes place in a futuristic Chicago, where fitting into preset factions is the rule and being different can be deadly. All ages will enjoy the story of Meggie, a young girl who manages to enter the world of fairy tale books and has to learn the skills to save her life in “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke.
What is a summer without a horror story from Stephen King? “Mr. Mercedes” introduces three unlikely heroes who try to stop a lone killer from blowing up thousands of innocent people.
“Full Dark, No Stars” is a quartet of stories in King’s familiar style of long story form. “’Salem’s Lot” is a classic, spine-tingling story of evil from his early days. Another master of the horror genre, Anne Rice, is recommended with her thriller “The Wolf Gift”— not just another werewolf story.
Finally, we’ll wrap it up with two enthralling mysteries: one quirky and unique, and one a masterpiece of historical suspense. “Shoofly Pie” by Tim Downs features forensic entomologist Dr. Nick Polchak, whose unorthodox methods are surprising and often repulsive, but effective. Then “Moriarty” by Anthony Horowitz will take you back to the time of Sherlock Holmes, but with a story in which Holmes himself does not appear. Read both and see for yourself!
Don’t forget to sign up for our summer reading program! We look forward to reading your reviews and entering you in our drawing at the end of the summer!
See you in the library!