Books ICPL Staff are looking forward to this summer!

Summer is here, and summer means books! Many readers anxiously await new titles that have caught their interest. Some readers tackle classics, while others revisit old favorites. I asked the Iowa City Public Library staff: “What books are you looking forward to reading this summer?” I received a lot of responses that I wanted to share. Hopefully you’ll find something that sounds intriguing.

Children’s Services Assistant, Casey Lambert is really looking forward to revisiting “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. “It is one of my all-time favorites that seems to grow and change with every reading.” She also wants to explore some Virginia Woolf: “I'll start with ‘The Waves,’ because I have heard good things and have not read anything by her in years.”

Maeve Clark, Adult Services Coordinator, is looking forward to “The Redeemer” by mystery author Jo Nesbo:  “He is one of the dark Scandinavian mystery authors that write such evocative prose that feel like you are right in the middle of the action.”  She is also looking forward to “Life after Life: a novel” by Jill McCorkle, a Southern writer that Maeve has been reading her for years and never disappoints.

Bond Drager, IT Services Assistant, is planning on reading Joe Hill’s new novel “NOS4A2.”  She just finished his other book, “Horns,” and really liked it: “‘Horns’ is a great summer book – a fast read with a lot of interesting characters and horror/modern fantasy elements.”  Joe Hill came to ICPL to speak recently and his talk is available stream online here.

Our Director, Susan Craig, is anticipating a release that is the fourth in a relatively new mystery series by Imogene Robertson called “Circle of Shadows.”  “One review calls these books a cross between Anne Perry and Tess Gerritsen.  They are set in late 18^th century England and feature Harriet Westerman, the unconventional wife of a sea captain and reclusive anatomist Gabriel Crowther.”

Jason Paulios, Adult Services Librarian, is curious about "The Shining Girls" by Lauren Beukes. The New York Times called it "a strong contender for the role of this summer’s universal beach read."  “The plot may seem extreme for some, featuring a serial killer that travels through time, but many reviewers are claiming this is a suspense story that can't be put down.”

Our Development Office Coordinator, Patty McCarthy, is excited for Maggie O’Farrell’s new novel, “Instructions for a Heatwave.”  Patty says the O’Farrell is an amazingly gifted writer:  “Once you’ve read one, you’ll quickly learn why she’s won multiple awards.  'The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox' was unique and hooked me on her.”

These books are available at the Iowa City Public Library in many formats including regular print, large print, book on disc, eBook, and eAudiobook.  If any of the titles are checked out, please place a hold or ask a staff person to place a hold for you.  While you’re at it, ask them if they have any other book suggestions.  Have a great summer!