August 2023 - Staff Reading Suggestions

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TOM LAKE

By Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett's stunning new novel is set in a cherry orchard in upper Michigan. The pandemic is in full force, and Lara and Joe Nelson must enlist the help of their three adult daughters to help with the harvest. To break up the monotony of picking, the girls encourage Lara to tell the story of her one season of summer stock theatre at Tom Lake when Lara fell in love with a young actor who would later become a superstar. Patchett unwraps the layers of Lara's story like a gift to her readers--memory, ambition, love and family.

-Laura S and Molly

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WHALEFALL

By Daniel Kraus

This thriller from bestseller Daniel Kraus (who previously coauthored "The Shape of Water" with Guillermo del Torro) takes readers literally into the belly of the beast. After local diving legend Mitt Gardiner dies in a suicide by drowning, his estranged high school–age son, Jay, sets out to bolster his own reputation as a diver by retrieving his father’s remains. Instead of locating the body, he finds a giant squid, and then a sperm whale finds them both. Accidentally ingested, Jay struggles to escape the whale’s belly before the creature either digests him or retreats to depths that could crush him. A perfect vacation read, this deep-sea thrill ride will have readers on the edges of their seats. 

-Kathy and Di

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SHARK HEART

by Emily Habeck

The premise of this novel, that a man transforms into a great white shark, made me pass over this book initially, but I’m so glad the gorgeous cover drew me back. This debut novel is filled with lyrical language that will stay with you. The unexpected journey of the quirky characters explores the love story of mothers/daughters and husbands/wives. Habeck eloquently illustrates the fragility of memory, unconditional love and our desires to live a meaningful life.

-Martha and Morley

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CALIFORNIA GOLDEN

By Melanie Benjamin

Two sisters navigate a tumultuous childhood being raised by a single mother in southern California in the 1960s. Surf culture reigns supreme and you root for the girls as they suffer from their unconventional upbringing. A good summer read!

-Morley

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THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN

by Tracey Lange

From the author of "We Are the Brennans" comes another compelling family story about three siblings who care deeply about each other but hide their good intentions behind a veil of shame and secrecy. Meet Tara, recently released from prison, Geraldine, who has long been the family caretaker, and Eddie, who suffers from a debilitating brain injury. You will love getting to know the Connellys and hope that they are able to learn new ways to function honestly with each other before everything implodes.

-Di

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THE ENGLISH EXPERIENCE

By Julie Schumacher 

Charming, funny and slightly snarky, this novel about a nearly retired professor leading three weeks of a study aboard program checks the box for “satisfying.” A cast of millennials with hilarious issues become endeared to us as we learn more about who they really are. A quick read that’s just fun. 

-Beth

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SUN DAMAGE

by Sabine Durrant

Perfect vacation read!  Grifters who prey on unsuspecting vacationers in the south of France. Full of secrets and lies, this is a page turner full of tension.

-Martha

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EVERYONE HERE IS LYING

By Shari Lapena

Nine-year-old Avery goes missing in the small, safe town of Stanhope. Suddenly everyone is a suspect and everyone is hiding a secret. For fans of Ruth Ware and Mary Kubica, this thriller grips you from the beginning!   

-Morley and Jackie

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THE LAST RANGER

By Peter Heller

Once again, Peter Heller nails it with an immersive mystery set in the American West. A park ranger in Yellowstone, a wolf biologist, various tourists and residents that fight the rules are some of the well-drawn characters we meet. Learn about the wolves that roam our National Parks and those trying to protect them.

-Di


*We have signed first editions at the store while supplies last!

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KALA

By Colin Walsh

Six friends growing up in a quaint, seaside town in Ireland are inseparable until one of them, the spirited leader of the group, Kala disappears after the friends stumble upon dark secrets in the town. When Kala's remains are found years later, the remaining friends can no longer ignore the lingering question of what really happened to Kala. This story about the innocence of childhood lost in a town with an underbelly of evil, the heartbreak of broken families and the enduring bonds of friendships that will carry them through it all is not to be missed.

-Kirsten and Laura S

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THE DOOR-TO-DOOR BOOKSTORE

by Carsten Henn

A truly charming little story that is an ode to bookstores. The writing is beautiful and the characters are so well developed. If you liked "Midnight Library," this book is for you!

-Martha

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THE FOURTH WING

By Rebecca Yarros


Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. A great fantasy read!

-Jackie

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NONE OF THIS IS TRUE

by Lisa Jewell


This book is a fantastic psychological thriller. You will fly through it trying to figure out who is lying and what really happened. I was enthralled to the very last page.

-Martha

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COUNTING LOST STARS

by Kim van Alkemade

(direct to paperback)


This story of 1940s Holland and 1960 New York is told in alternating chapters and voices. I was immediately drawn to the characters and wanted to know how their stories would end. Van Alkemade not only develops strong characters, she creates a detailed and nuanced picture of the complexities of their worlds. Best of all is the way she adeptly weaves the stories together. 

-Martha

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