Editor’s Note: We asked for some summer reading suggestions from Washington County librarians, and they did not disappoint. Earlier, we brought you book recommendations for kids and teens. This week we have some great reads for adults. Click here for more information on the county’s summer reading adventure.
Great Summer Reads for Kids: Click here
Great Summer Reads for Teens: Click here
Great Summer Reads for Adults: Read on
Julia Carlis, R.H. Stafford Library manager
“Arsenic and Adobo” by Mia P. Manansala
Lila’s restaurant career in the big city crashed and burned, so she finds herself back in her hometown of Shady Palms, Illinois, helping out at her family’s Filipino restaurant. The setup sounds like it could be a rom-com, until Lila’s ex, food critic Derek, dies at the table, and she’s the number one suspect. What could be better for summer than mouthwatering descriptions of food from a tropical country paired with an intriguing cozy murder mystery and a hilarious narrator?
“Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II” by Elyse Graham
One quality of a great summer read? A compelling story that keeps you turning pages to discover what happens. This nonfiction history investigates the everyday researchers, librarians and academics who were recruited to work undercover or perform intelligence analysis in service of the US efforts in WWII, inventing the modern intelligence operation along the way.
“Thank You for Listening” by Julia Whelan (audiobook read by the author)
Julia Whelan has narrated over 600 audiobooks, so you can trust that she’s an expert on the industry. She brings that knowledge, plus a wry sense of humor, to the story of Sewanee, an actor-turned-audiobook narrator, and Brock, the hottest voice in romance audiobooks who is the perfect listen.
“The Final Revival of Opal & Nev” by Dawnie Walton
Walton Sunny is the first Black editor of Aural (think Rolling Stone) magazine. After landing the job of her dreams, she decides to investigate the history of iconic 70s duo Opal and Nev. The compellingly journalistic writing style will have you wishing you could listen to their records as you discover the secrets and drama behind the music.
“The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires” by Grady Hendrix (audiobook read by Bahni Turpin)
If you’re not in the mood for a beachy summer read, try a spooky one. This book is Grady Hendrix’s celebration of the mom who does it all, from carpool to football party, is dripping with southern charm and suspense as stay-at-home mom Patricia tries to discover why children are going missing in suburban Charleston, South Carolina.
Tracy Overstreet, adult services librarian
“A Spool of Blue Thread” by Anne Tyler
This book tells the story of generations of the Whitshank family, jumping from the present day to different decades throughout the 20th century. The characters’ lives are full of joy, sadness, unexpected hardship, and perseverance.
“Call Me by Your Name” by André Aciman
A delightfully complicated love story with obsession and teenage summertime boredom. It’s an exploration of the life of kids who don’t quite understand the consequences of their actions while also knowing that the moments they are experiencing will end.
“North Woods” by Daniel Mason
The author tells a fantastical story of a home through the entirety of its existence. The book explores the human and nonhuman connection to place, history, and one another.
“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier
A classic psychological thriller, in this book, a young bride is drawn into the life of her new husband’s deceased first wife.
“We Ride Upon Sticks” by Quan Barry
1980s, sports drama, a weird combination that makes for a fun ride. A team of field hockey players is competing for the state championship but find out that they must use magic to succeed.
Explore Our Digital Library!
In addition to materials in library branches, Washington County Library has an extensive digital collection available through two different apps:
- Download ebooks, digital audiobooks, and digital magazines using the Libby app! Materials in the MELSA: Twin Cities eLibrary include titles from all Twin Cities metro libraries. You can also find “always available” titles available without a holds list, and “Lucky Day” titles that can be checked out immediately.
- Residents of Washington County can stream movies and television shows with the Kanopy app. Each cardholder has a number of “tickets” that can be redeemed to play videos. Children’s programming in Kanopy Kids has no streaming limits.
Learn more about all digital library options on the library website: https://www.washcolib.org/533/Digital-Library