Our Favorite Reads of Summer
08/29/20
As the Summer of 2020 draws to a close, the Summit County Library staff took a moment to reflect on some of our favorite books they recently. We read everything from young adult to mystery and non-fiction to historical fiction!
Here are some of our favorite books from this summer:
The Truly Devious Series by Maureen Johnson
Recommended by:
Katie Koop – North Branch
"
I enjoyed listening to this trilogy over the summer. It’s a great mystery flashing between the past and the present with a diverse set of characters. I often thought I had the mystery solved but then the author wove in new clues and elements adding suspense until the end."
Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
Recommended by:
Marissa Johnson – Main Library
"I had so much fun with this hybrid ghost story/murder mystery, set in the Scottish Highlands!”
The Street by Ann Petry
Recommended by:
Rebecca Kane – Main Library
"After publication in 1946, immediately gained critical acclaim. The strikingly detailed, heartbreaking story of Lutie, a single black woman with a child, trying to make ends meet Harlem, New York in the 1940s. Even more current and relevant today. "
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Recommended by:
Meg Quirk – South Branch
“Owens inspired my own passions through the main character, Kya, who has an instinct for getting to know her natural surroundings through an artistic approach. I love how developed Kya’s Sense of Place is in this story and it inspires me to get to know my mountainous environment better. ”
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Recommended by:
Kaeli Simonet – South Branch
“Generally I am a fiction lover, but this non-fiction read is one that every human being should be exposed to. I was astounded and overjoyed as I read this book, and it changed my entire perspective on living. Glennon Doyle shares her insight and wisdom in a warm, funny, thoroughly relatable way. Doyle claims you will find yourself in this book, and I one hundred percent agree.”
The Book of Longing by Sue Monk Kidd
Recommended by:
Sheila Brockmeier– North Branch Library
“ This book may make some people uncomfortable because the main character marries Jesus of Nazareth (yes, that Jesus!) The writing is elegant and imaginative. The historical details are a fascinating! I would like to re-read it, but loaned it, so I think I will try the book on audio!.”
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Recommended by:
Sarah Hulsey - Main Library
“I was in the mood for something light and silly and this one hit the spot. A feel-good romance about trivia-obsessed single Nina is the perfect fluff for summer. Reminded me of the movie You’ve Got Mail in some ways, which is one of my favorite romantic comedies.”
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Recommended by:
Stephanie Ralph – Library Director
“This counts as one of my all time, most brilliant, favorite books. I didn’t know where to I landed – was it inspired or totally wrecked. I highly recommend. ”
Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr.
Recommended by Megan Bushman - South Branch Library
This book got me so fired up and wanted to know more about the strange life of Huguette Clark, a very interesting woman who I knew nothing about …. but somehow felt like I should. This book proves the old adage that money can't buy you happiness.
