LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 September titles public library staff across the country love:
Top Pick
Tempest by Victoria Aveyard (Harper Voyager, $34, 9780063451360). "At twenty, Lady Rose is captured by marauding pirates and fights for her life. At thirty, bound for execution, her only chance at survival is her connection to the empire's most wanted man, Captain Kane. Fantasy readers will enjoy this new spin on pirate romance--especially because the two timelines don't meet in the middle, leaving readers anticipating what happens next." --Kady Bischmann, Lawrence Public Library, Kan.
Under Story by Chloe Benjamin (Putnam, $32, 9780593545218). "Laurel, a mushroom scientist, is working as a seasonal dishwasher at a research base in Antarctica, trying to escape her past after a tragedy. What ensues is a wild, brain-bending story. The science is written in a way that makes sense to the general reader. Readers will be thinking about this one long after it's over." --Sydney Wirtz, Woodridge Public Library, Ill.
Mazywood by Tananarive Due (S&S/Saga Press, $32, 9781668075142). "From Old Hollywood to present day, this sweeping tale follows generations of the Washington family working in the racist entertainment world and living with a deadly family secret. Told from multiple perspectives and with well-developed characters, this horror read is unputdownable and perfectly represents generational rage and its impact." --Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, Mich.
Trad Wife: A Novel by Sarah Langan (Atria, $29, 9781668229651). "Reporter Jenny is sent to Black Swan Farm, where Mia rules the roost over her seven--soon to be eight--children. It doesn't take long for Jenny to realize something strange is going on, and as she ingratiates herself into their world, she is plagued by visions. This is a layered, creepy, and shocking read." --Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, Ohio
American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee (Cardinal, $36, 9781538752036). "This multi-generational book follows the Koh family throughout the decades. Lee writes effortlessly about multiple families navigating life in multiple locations. This is a powerful message about the struggles of not just immigrants, but of people finding their way in life. This book has captivating characters readers will care about, flaws and all." --Amy Tippett, North Beach, Md.
An Immaculate Deception: A Novel by Isabela Livino (Dutton, $30, 9798217048373). "Madalena is young, in love, and pregnant--but in 1870s Brazil, in her family's religious household, that is just not acceptable. Convinced her lover will do the right thing, she stays at his deteriorating family estate, where darkness permeates every room and even her beloved Leandro seems strange and disconnected. The gothic vibes are spot on in this debut novel, and the twisty plot just doesn't quit!" --Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, N.Y.
Sophie, Standing There: A Novel by Meg Mason (Harper, $30, 9780063493131). "Sophie is going through a tough time after her husband leaves. To deal with her loneliness, she forms an imaginary relationship with her favorite author. The author's voice in her head offers friendship and advice, giving Sophie a way to work through her depression. A quiet and lonely story that will resonate with those of us who find solace in books and sometimes powerful connections to authors." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, Tex.
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman: A Novel by Deesha Philyaw (Mariner, $32, 9780063383074). "Scharisse Freeman's moment has finally come: on stage in the First Lady USA pageant, the ultimate validation for the wives of pastors of Black mega-churches. She's an incredibly likable main character whose life verges on soap opera, but the author handles her story with the loving care it deserves. This blends the fun of soap and satire with genuine social critique and pathos." --Samuel Buelow, Santa Fe Public Library, N.Mex.
I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell by Mackenzie Reed (Berkley, $20, 9780593957097). "Brie thought her biggest problem was surviving her boring office job, until she catches her boss performing an exorcism after hours. When her friend goes missing the next day, Brie gets pulled into a mission with her boss that leads straight to Hell. This is a chaotically fun mix of workplace humor and paranormal adventure." --Julia F., Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, Pa.
The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies: A Novel by Kate Westbury (Minotaur, $29, 9781250424105). "Set in post-World War II Oxford, students Ginevra and Sidney are recruited by MI5 to ferret out a Soviet spy. They come from very different backgrounds and have different goals but end up being thrown together. With interesting characters and a compelling plot this is an enjoyable read." --Deirdre Routt, Omaha Public Library, Neb.
