Whether you’re basking in the sun at the beach or pool or relaxing in your favorite shady spot this summer, there’s nothing like diving into a great book for an easy escape this season. For some tips on great reads this summer, we asked Barrington Area Library Adult Services Librarian Liz Kirchhoff for her recommendations on some great summer reads.
We’re excited to share this latest post and Liz Kirchhoff’s first in Books & Beyond, our reading & technology series authored by librarians and our friends at the Barrington Area Library.
Great Summer Reads
by Liz Kirchhoff, Adult Services Librarian at the Barrington Area Library
Here at the library, we love summer! Warm weather, cheerful faces, and the Summer Library Club all make us super happy. For our first adult reading column here at 365Barrington.com, we wanted to help get you ready for some of the best books coming out over the summer. Here goes!
Books for the Beach
For some truly beachy reads, try one of these.
Ladies Night by Mary Kay Andrews looks like it’ll be a fast, fun read. When Grace finds out her husband is cheating on her, she takes his beloved convertible for a ride…right into the swimming pool. Shenanigans commence. Andrews is a hoot, and this one should be hilarious as always.
If you’ve been following Andy and Emily, you’ve got to check out Revenge Wears Prada, the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada.
Finally, Sophie Kinsella’s new chick lit novel Wedding Night is a quirky, fun pick. Lottie expects an engagement ring from boyfriend Richard when he invites her to a romantic lunch. When he proposes a trip instead, she dumps him. Into the picture strolls long time friend Ben, who proposes marriage. Convinced Lottie is making a horrible mistake, sister Fliss has to try to stop the proceedings while there’s still time.
A Little More Literary
Feeling like something a bit more literary?
Isabel Allende is back with Maya’s Notebook, a modern day departure from her usual magical realism style. Shattered by the death of her beloved grandfather Popo, Maya is drawn into an increasingly seedy world of drugs and crime, all of which is documented in her notebook.
In TransAtlantic, Colum McCann (of the widely praised Let the Great World Spin) introduces Lily Duggan, the star of this sprawling family saga. Appealing characters and a fascinating story make this one an obvious choice for folks who like historical fiction.
At the end of this month, Curtis Sittenfeld follows The American Wife with Sisterland, about identical twins Kate and Violet. Finally, Lionel Shriver’s Big Brother was released earlier this month. If you haven’t had a chance to pick it up yet, give it a try! This one is all about the ways that obesity and illness affects a family. It’s gotten great reviews, and might be a good pick for your next book club because it’s bound to get a conversation started.
Summer Thrillers
If you want something with a bit more adrenaline, a great place to start would be Joyland, by Stephen King.
It looks like it’ll be a good, pulpy murder mystery about the carnival.
We hope there won’t be any clowns this time…
While you’re reading something from King, try NOS4A2 by his son, Joe Hill. He’s a great author, and this one is getting terrific reviews.
If you’re more in the mood for a spy thriller, try the much hyped Red Sparrow by debut author Jason Matthews. This author is getting lots of comparisons to John Le Carre, so you know it’ll be good.
While you’re at it, the new Daniel Silva thriller The English Girl comes out on July 16.
The hold lists are super short, so get your name in now!
Don’t forget that our Summer Library Club for adults (and kids!) has just started. Sign up, then as you’re reading be sure to log in your books at http://tinyurl.com/l2489d7for your chance to win an awesome prize. Want something a little different from what we’ve listed above? Tell us what you’re in the mood to read at http://www.balibrary.org/books.html and we’ll send you a customized list of books we think you might like. Happy reading!
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About the Author
Liz Kirchhoff is an Adult Services Librarian at the Barrington Area Library.
She loves traveling, crafting, LEGOs, and books.
Check out what Liz is reading now at: goodreads.com/review/list/1196693.
At the library, Liz loves helping people find their next favorite book, as well as answering questions about social media and devices.
