July 2026 - Staff Reading Suggestions

COUNTRY PEOPLE
by Daniel Mason


Academic couple, Kate and Miles (with their two children Wesley and Olive-yes names explained in the story) move from California to Vermont for a visiting fellowship-Kate’s. Miles is still trying to figure out the topic for his doctoral thesis...something aligned with Russian literature. Cross country road trip, old house with rodent issues, a cast of characters that get more charming with every page...I fell in love with all of them! Growing up in a small town this brought back wonderful memories.

-Anne

EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL AND NOTHING HURT
by Ben Reeves

Do not miss this heart wrenching yet beautiful story.  Travis is a 30 something man who lives in an apartment building with his cat.  He is also Death.  He comforts people as they cross over to the other side.  By the very nature of his job he leads a lonely life, not wanting to form connections to people when he knows everyone’s life story and how it will end.  But when the 8 year old daughter of a single mom across the hall invites him to her birthday party he is drawn into a relationship with the mother and daughter despite his reservations.  He starts to truly experience life and relationships for the first time all the while knowing he cannot change anyone’s destiny. This bittersweet story will stay with you long after you've turned the last page and may just have you looking at life a little differently.

-Kirsten & Erin

MAN OVERBOARD!

by Kathleen Rooney


The latest novel from Kathleen Rooney (Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk) begins with Patrick ("Kick") Kilpatrick treading water in the Gulf of Mexico as the ocean liner his family is on chugs away. As Kick struggles to stay afloat after falling (jumping?) into the ocean, he begins to contemplate his life and the path that led him to this life-threatening situation. Equal parts funny and poignant, Rooney has crafted a lovely story of regret and the hope that can overcome all. You will enjoy every minute of this one.

-Laura

THE TYPING LADY AND OTHER FICTIONS

by Ruth Ozeki



This new collection of short stories from the author of A Tale for the Time Being is filled with interesting characters struggling with some sort of loss--the loss of a friend, a lover, a mother. Each story is complex and stunning: ordinary individuals telling their stories, to others and to themselves. As Ozeki so eloquently states "stories are alive, [they] change and grow."

-Laura

IN THE VEINS OF THE DROWNING & IN THE WAKE OF THE RUINED

by Kalie Cassidy



In the Wake of the Ruined is the second and final book in the Siren Mage series, and it's not to be missed! This romantasy duology is dark and atmospheric, fast-paced, beautiful and grotesque, featuring a thoroughly unique story surrounding siren mythology. It's perfect for fans of One Dark Window and the romantasy genre. Pick these up this summer and enjoy!

-Katie

DOMINION: SILK & IRON TRILOGY

by Jean Kwok


Rubi Morningtail, a young Azure woman living within the Silver Tyger Dominion, is one of the few survivors of the devastating Annihilation that destroyed her homeland. Forced to rely on courage and determination more than magic, Rubi faces impossible odds at every turn. Her life changes after a chance encounter with the feared Ambush Master, Blake Axefire, leads her into the arena. But instead of meeting a brutal end, Rubi accomplishes something no one ever has before — she bonds with the Queen of the Tygers herself. As darkness spreads across the world, the four Dominions must put aside their rivalries to stand against the Serpent Lord and his demonic forces before everything they know is destroyed. Jean Kwok delivers a captivating story packed with romance, action, political scheming, powerful enemies, and surprising twists. With a compelling heroine, a strong and charismatic love interest, and a richly imagined world, this book has everything romantasy fans could want. And yes — the chemistry definitely brings the heat. Major peppers, in my opinion.

-Karina

DAD, LOVE, ME

by Matthew Quick

(releases July 21, 2026)


Matthew Quick has always gone deep in his novels (Silver Lining Playbook/We Are the Light). After reading his memoir I understand where that depth and insightfulness is rooted! His story pulls us into childhood trauma inflicted by his father. It isn't easy for Quick to put this out into the world, but he (and we) will be better for it. It is with grace that he shares this very personal examination of a difficult life. 

-Beth

ALAN OPTS OUT

by Courtney Maum



An advertising executive questions the pursuit of capitalism after he loses the biggest campaign of his career and retreats to his backyard as he goes off the grid. Satire abounds in this laugh out loud comedic book. An entertaining summer read!

-Diana

HAPPY LIFE
by David Foenkinos


Can one “come of age” in their 40s? Find new purpose in life? Become comfortable with hard questions, a bit of confusion? Live a happy life? The story takes place in France. Eric is a 40 something with a very successful career, a less than successful relationship with his son, Hugo and a failed marriage with Isabelle. He makes a

career change that leads to a trip to Seoul and that takes him to the Happy Life cafe. This is a sweet story with great characters, wonderful writing and refreshing overseas settings.

-Anne & Karina

MEET ME IN PARIS

by Kristin Harmel

(releases July 28, 2026)


Set over the course of one week in the City of Light, the novel weaves together the lives of nine Americans whose paths unexpectedly intersect. Easy beach read and an ode to Paris!

-Morley

COOKBOOK SUGGESTIONS

A KITCHEN ON GOOSE COVE

by Devin Finigan


My summer obsession! I was intrigued by this new cookbook from the chef and owner of the Aragosta restaurant in Maine. Seafood, meats, poultry, veggies and desserts with fresh twists and flavors for the home cook. Currently loving Grilled Corn Salad with Blistered Tomato Vinaigrette.-

-Diana

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Lake Forest IL 60045 
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