It’s June 21st, the first day of summer and the longest day of the year! Here’s another look at some of the best adult books we’ve added to the library collection recently, this time highlighting fiction titles — perfect for summer reading!
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing: A Novel by Hank Green — In his much-anticipated debut novel, Hank Green — cocreator of Crash Course, Vlogbrothers, and SciShow — spins a sweeping, cinematic tale about a young woman who becomes an overnight celebrity before realizing she’s part of something bigger, and stranger, than anyone could have possibly imagined. “Led by an earnestly flawed, bisexual heroine with direction and commitment issues, coupled with an abundant generosity of spirit, this read is timely and sorely needed…highly recommended” (Library Journal starred review).
All The Beautiful Strangers: A Novel by Elizabeth Klehfoth — A young woman haunted by a family tragedy is caught up in a dangerous web of lies and deception involving a secret society in this highly charged, addictive psychological thriller that combines the dishy gamesmanship of Gossip Girl with the murky atmosphere of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. “Fans of thrillers will have difficulty putting down this excellently plotted, gripping novel” (School Library Journal starred review).
The Ash Family: A Novel by Molly Dektar — Drawn by a mysterious stranger to a remote farming community that lives off the fertile mountain lands, a North Carolina teen is seduced by their high ideals before new friends begin to disappear. “Dektar’s powerful tale of the human desire for purpose and acceptance takes many twists and turns on a roller-coaster ride to the thrilling, unpredictable conclusion” (Library Journal).
Elevation by Stephen King — The latest from legendary master storyteller Stephen King, a riveting, extraordinarily eerie, and moving story about a man whose mysterious affliction brings a small town together. A timely, upbeat tale about finding common ground despite deep-rooted differences. “King’s tender story is perfect for any fan of small towns, magic, and the joys and challenges of doing the right thing” (Publishers Weekly).
The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel by Margaret Atwood, art and adapted by Renée Nault — With this stunning graphic novel adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s modern classic, beautifully realized by artist Renee Nault, the terrifying reality of Gilead has been brought to vivid life like never before. “A must-read; fans of Atwood, graphic novels, and the TV show adaptation will be particularly invested” (School Library Journal starred review).
Home After Dark: A Novel by David Small — Small’s long-awaited graphic novel is a savage portrayal of male adolescence gone awry like no other work of recent fiction or film. Thirteen-year-old Russell Pruitt, abandoned by his mother, follows his father to dilapidated 1950s Marshfield, California where he is forced to fend for himself against a ring of malicious bullies. “The illustrations, limited to pen, ink, and washes done in a simple, loosely sketched style, convey the nuanced range of emotion of all things left unsaid. Spare and powerful, this is not to be missed” (Booklist starred review).
Horse: A Novel by Talley English — When Teagan’s father abruptly abandons his family and his farm, Teagan finds herself wading through the wreckage of what was once an idyllic life, searching for something — or someone — to hold on to. What she finds is Ian, short for Obsidian: the magnificent but dangerously headstrong horse her father left behind. “A shining debut for coming-of-age collections focusing on promising young authors. Recommended for serious readers and animal lovers alike” (School Library Journal starred review).
Inspection: A Novel by Josh Malerman — Boys are being trained at one school for geniuses, girls at another. Neither knows the other exists–until now. The New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box invites you into a world of secrets and chills in a coming-of-age story like no other. “Inspection feels effortless; the story flows easily and at a compelling pace: think Shirley Jackson writing Lord of the Flies…for fans of Margaret Atwood or Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro” (Booklist starred review).
The King’s Witch: A Novel by Tracy Borman — In 1603 England, Frances has learned to use flowers and herbs to become a healer, but the King’s court sees witchcraft punishable by death. Forcibly brought to the castle to help nurse the dying Queen Elizabeth, Francis is surrounded by danger with a dark campaign gathering to destroy Parliament. “A captivating work that brims with action and romance. For historical fiction fans” (School Library Journal starred review).
My Brother’s Husband, Volumes 1 and 2 by Gengoroh Tagame, translated from the Japanese by Anne Ishii — The story of Yaichi, his daughter Kana, and how their meeting Mike Flanagan — Yaichi’s brother-in-law — changes their lives and their perceptions of acceptance of homosexuality in their contemporary Japanese culture. “Readers will want tissues in hand for the final, bittersweet pages of this remarkable [graphic novel] series” (Kirkus starred review).
She Lies In Wait: A Novel by Gytha Lodge — One night during the scorching summer of 1983, a group of teenagers go camping in the forest. In the morning, the youngest in the group, Aurora, has disappeared. An exhaustive investigation is launched but no trace of the teenager is found. Thirty years later Aurora’s body is unearthed and Jonah Sheens is the detective put in charge of solving the long-cold case. “Despite the small list of suspects, the mystery intrigues and twists, offering enough red herrings and moments of police procedural to please fans of the genre” (Kirkus starred review).
A Spark of Light: A Novel by Jodi Picoult — The warm fall day starts like any other at the Center, a women’s reproductive health services clinic. Then a desperate and distraught gunman bursts in and opens fire, taking all inside hostage. Told in a daring and enthralling narrative structure that counts backward through the hours of the standoff, this is a story that traces its way back to what brought several very different individuals to the same place on this fateful day. “Picoult explores both sides of the abortion debate in this carefully crafted, utterly gripping tale, which acknowledges that there are no easy answers” (Booklist starred review).
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik — A fresh and imaginative retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale. Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father is not a very good one. Free to lend and reluctant to collect, he has left his family on the edge of poverty–until Miryem intercedes. Hardening her heart, she sets out to retrieve what is owed, and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold. “Recommended for teens who love fairy tales and readers who appreciate complex, character-driven narratives that build slowly to a satisfying conclusion” (School Library Journal starred review).
Tell The Machine Goodnight: A Novel by Katie Williams — Pearl’s job is to make people happy. As a technician for the Apricity Corporation, with its patented happiness machine, she provides customers with personalized recommendations for greater contentment. She’s good at her job, her office manager tells her, successful. But how does one measure an emotion? “With its clever, compelling vision of the future, deeply human characters, and delightfully unpredictable story, this novel is itself a recipe for contentment” (Kirkus starred review).