LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 August titles public library staff across the country love:
Top Pick
House of Glass: A Novel by Sarah Pekkanen (St. Martin's Press, $29, 9781250283993). "Best interest attorney Stella Hudson is assigned as counsel for nine-year-old Rose during the family's custody case. Working with the child--mute after witnessing the tragic death of her nanny--Stella begins to uncover something quite sinister and so unnerving that it may put her own life in jeopardy. This suspenseful, thrilling novel is perfect for fans of The Push by Ashley Audrain." --KC Davis, LibraryReads Ambassador
You're the Problem, It's You: A Novel by Emma R. Alban (Avon, $18.99, 9780063312036). "The one thing Bobby and James agree on is that the other is infuriating. When the two are blackmailed, they have to work together to protect their reputations and their new feelings for each other. This found family story showcases the unconditional love between the varied cast of characters while playful hijinks bring a positive, uplifting tone to a subject matter that can be harrowing. A heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance." --Sabrina White, Middletown Township Public Library, N.J.
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark (Tordotcom, $20.99, 9781250767042). "Clark's novella, set in a new fantasy world, features a well-crafted conundrum in which Eveen the Eviserator is sent on a mission to kill a younger version of herself. This tale is filled with gods and assassins, Clark's trademark wit, and fascinating characters." --Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Libraries, Mich.
Strange Folk: A Novel by Alli Dyer (Atria, $27.99, 9781668045770). "Lee moves her children from their sterile life in California to the small Appalachian town where she grew up. The children discover the literal magic rooted in their ancestral homestead. With an unreliable narrator and a pace that never lets go, this impressive debut novel is about the love one feels for family and how to reconcile that with the deeply flawed human beings they might be." --Katherine Hunnicutt, Naperville Public Library, Ill.
Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks (Putnam, $19, 9780593851869). "Irish mortician Callum has to find a wife, or he can't inherit. Lark is a widow vacationing next door who doesn't want to find love again for herself but agrees to help Callum find a wife. Of course, love is right in front of them! Readers will enjoy this slow-burn Grumpy/Sunshine romance." --Kista Black, Cabell County Public Library, W.Va.
That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones (Bloomsbury, $29.99, 9781639733538). "Part memoir, part manifesto, this inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for inclusivity on the front lines of the culture wars is recommended for any teacher, librarian, or friend of libraries. This detailed account of being targeted by censors sheds light on the tactics of those who seek to force their narrow world view on everyone else." --Karen Troutman, LibraryReads Ambassador
The Break-Up Pact: A Novel by Emma Lord (St. Martin's Griffin, $18, 9781250845306). "June and Levi have been friends for many years, but have long since gone their separate ways. This wholesome and spicy story of long-lost friendship, loss, and healing is unraveled with witty banter, viral internet videos, and everyone taking steps out of their comfort zones. A perfect summer read!" --Kacey Wurster, Martin County Library-Fairmont, Minn.
Magical Meet Cute: A Novel by Jean Meltzer (Mira, $18.99, 9780778334415). "When Faye comes back from a failed dating event at her synagogue to find her neighborhood littered with antisemitic fliers, she feels hopeless and ends up drunkenly making a golem. The next day, she hits a man with her bike, giving him amnesia. But is he a man, or did she conjure a golem? Readers will love the characters and enjoy learning about Jewish magic." --Esther Petrushka, Queens Public Library-Corona, N.Y.
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava (Berkley, $18.99, 9780593642603). "Ember aspires for a better job than her current dead-end one. After repeated failure, she lies by writing 'White' on her resume instead of 'Native American,' landing her the job. But now she can't stop lying, even when she meets the hot IT guy at the office. With heartfelt storylines about family and identity, this steamy debut rom-com is a must-read." --Migdalia Jimenez, Chicago Public Library
Lady Macbeth: A Novel by Ava Reid (Del Rey, $28.99, 9780593722565). "In this reimagining of the tragic play, Lady Macbeth is a witch who can cast a spell on any man with merely a glance. Reid's lush and captivating writing stays true to the central themes of power and gender politics while creating complex characters. Lady Macbeth is not just manipulative, but a survivor in a brutal patriarchal world." --Rummanah Aasi, Skokie Public Library, Ill.
