Recommended reading Summer 2016


READ:

The House We Grew Up In: A Novel, Lisa Jewell
A family drama exploring the complexities of love and loss, centered around a house filled with memories.

The Lake House, Kate Morton
A mystery that unravels secrets from the past as a woman investigates a disappearance that occurred decades earlier.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson, John Green and David Levithan
A unique dual narrative of two teenagers named Will Grayson whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, exploring themes of identity and friendship.

What Alice Forgot, Liane Moriarty
After losing her memory, a woman wakes up to discover she has changed drastically, leading her to reassess her life choices.

Through a Glass Darkly, Jostein Gaarder
A philosophical novel that contemplates life, death, and the meaning of existence through a young girl's journey.

The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion
A charming romantic comedy about a socially awkward genetics professor on a quest to find the perfect wife.

The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck, Sarah Knight
*A humorous self-help book encouraging readers to prioritize what truly matters in their lives.*The 

Orphan Train, Christina Baker Kline
An orphaned girl finds herself on a train headed west, where she forms an unexpected bond with an elderly woman who has her own secrets.

The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
An alcoholic woman's life spirals out of control as she becomes embroiled in a missing person investigation.

One Thousand White Women, Jim Fergus
In the 19th century, a woman joins a controversial program to marry Native American men, leading to unexpected challenges and adventures.

A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman
A curmudgeonly man’s life changes when a lively young family moves in next door, forcing him to confront his past.

One Hundred Names, Cecelia Ahern
An ambitious journalist must uncover the identities of one hundred people on a list to save her career, discovering unexpected connections along the way.

All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr
The lives of a blind French girl and a German soldier intersect during World War II as they navigate the complexities of war and humanity.

Case Histories, Kate Atkinson
A detective investigates three cold cases that intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing dark secrets and the impact of the past.

600 Hours of Edward, Craig Lancaster
An introverted man with obsessive-compulsive disorder learns to navigate life’s challenges over the course of 600 hours.

Excellent Women, Barbara Pym
A witty exploration of the lives of single women in post-war England and their interactions with society.

Hector and the Search for Happiness, François Lelord
A psychiatrist embarks on a journey around the world to discover the true nature of happiness.

Life After Life, Kate Atkinson
A unique narrative exploring the multiple lives of a woman who repeatedly dies and is reborn throughout the 20th century.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry, Fredrik Backman
A whimsical story about a young girl who embarks on a journey to deliver her grandmother’s apologies to various people.

Neurotribes, Steve Silberman
A groundbreaking exploration of autism, its history, and the importance of embracing neurodiversity.

Olive Kitteridge, Elizabeth Strout
A collection of interconnected stories centered around a retired schoolteacher and her interactions with the people of her town.

On the Move, Oliver Sacks
A memoir reflecting on the life of the renowned neurologist, filled with personal anecdotes and insights into the human mind.

One Day, David Nicholls
A romantic tale that follows two people over twenty years, exploring the complexities of love and friendship.

Out of the Ordinary, Jon Ronson
A humorous exploration of the absurdities of modern life and the bizarre stories that emerge from it.

The Forgotten Garden, Kate Morton
A tale of family secrets and a mysterious garden that links three generations of women through time.

The Hidden Bend, Guy Cranswick
A reflective journey exploring the nuances of life, love, and the passage of time in a rural setting.

UNREAD:


A Darker Shade of Magic, V.E. Schwab
In a universe with parallel Londons, a magician discovers a dangerous secret that could disrupt the balance of magic.

A Summer Promise, Katie Flynn
During World War II, a woman must navigate love and loss while trying to keep her family together amid uncertainty.

A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again, David Foster Wallace
A collection of essays exploring the absurdities of modern life, including a humorous account of a luxury cruise.

Absalom, Absalom!, William Faulkner
The story of Thomas Sutpen and his tragic family unfolds in the South, exploring themes of race, identity, and the legacy of the past.

All My Fortunes, Katie Flynn
Set in post-war Britain, a young woman must navigate love and heartache while pursuing her dreams of a better life.

Alone in the Dark, Karen Rose
A detective and a crime novelist team up to solve a series of murders that bring their dark pasts to light.

Arcadia, Tom Stoppard
This play explores the connection between the past and present through the lives of two sets of characters in an English country house.

Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown
The inspiring true story of the University of Washington's rowing team that competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Broken Homes, Ben Aaronovitch
A London police officer discovers supernatural elements while investigating a series of mysterious occurrences in the city.

Brooklyn Girls, Gemma Burgess
A coming-of-age story about young women navigating friendship, love, and life in Brooklyn.

Cat and Mouse, Gunter Grass
A complex narrative that intertwines personal and political histories during and after World War II.

Closer Than You Think, Karen Rose
A woman finds herself in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who has a personal vendetta against her.

Dans le Café de la Jeunesse Perdue, Patrick Modiano
A young man revisits his youth in Paris, reflecting on lost love and the passage of time.

Dying to Live: A Guide to Living with Motor Neurone Disease, Kevin Jordan
A poignant memoir offering insight into living with a terminal illness and the importance of resilience and humor.

Fair and Tender Ladies, Lee Smith

A novel told through letters, chronicling the life of a Southern woman as she navigates love, loss, and family.

Fingerprints of You, Kristen Paige Madonna
A coming-of-age story about a girl discovering her identity and the complexities of family relationships.

Foxglove Summer, Ben Aaronovitch
A fantasy detective novel where a police officer must solve a mystery involving missing children in a rural setting.

Gently by the Shore, Alan Hunter
A detective investigates a murder that uncovers hidden truths in a small coastal town.

Gently Does It, Alan Hunter
Another case for the beloved detective, revealing the darker side of human nature in a quaint village.

Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus, Joyce Magnin
A humorous tale of an elderly woman’s adventure as she travels across the country to live with her daughter.

Home is Burning, Dan Marshall

A candid memoir about a family's struggle to cope with terminal illness and the chaos of life.

How to Be a Heroine: Or, What I've Learned from Reading Too Much, Samantha Ellis
A witty reflection on the heroines of literature and how they shaped the author's own life choices.

How to Grow Up: A Memoir, Michelle Tea
A coming-of-age memoir exploring identity, relationships, and the challenges of growing up.

Indian Creek Chronicles, Pete Fromm
A memoir detailing the author's experience living alone in a tent in the wilderness for a winter.

Infinite Jest, David Foster Wallace
A complex narrative that intertwines the lives of individuals in a near-future society obsessed with entertainment.

Instrumental, James Rhodes
A memoir detailing the author's journey through trauma, recovery, and the healing power of music.

JR, William Gaddis
A satirical exploration of American capitalism through the eyes of a young boy who starts a business empire.

L'Innocente, Gabriele D'Annunzio
A tale of love, betrayal, and the consequences of passion set in early 20th century Italy.

La Vie Devant Soi, Romain Gary
A poignant story of a young Arab boy raised by a Jewish woman in post-war Paris, exploring themes of love and identity.

Le Peau de Chagrin, Honoré de Balzac
A philosophical novel where a man’s desire leads to his downfall, symbolized by a magical piece of skin that shrinks with each wish.


Lizette's List, Susan Vreeland
A touching story about a woman who creates a list of life lessons for her granddaughter, reflecting on her own experiences.

Local Anesthetic, Gunter Grass
A novel exploring the intersections of art, politics, and personal identity through the lens of a young artist.

M Train, Patti Smith
A memoir that reflects on life, art, and the creative process, told through the author's personal experiences and reflections.

Minding Ben, Victoria Brown
A heartfelt story about a nanny who forms a deep bond with the child she cares for, navigating family dynamics and personal growth.

Moon Over Soho, Ben Aaronovitch
A follow-up to the urban fantasy series, where a detective investigates supernatural occurrences in London’s nightlife.

Mrs. Kennedy and Me, Clint Hill
An insider’s account of life as Jacqueline Kennedy’s secret service agent, revealing personal anecdotes and historical events.

Raven Black, Ann CleevesA detective novel where a murder in a remote Shetland community uncovers hidden secrets and tensions.

Rivers of London, Ben Aaronovitch
A blend of urban fantasy and crime fiction, following a police officer who becomes involved in supernatural investigations.

Rock 'n' Roll, Tom Stoppard
A play exploring the impact of political and social change on personal lives, set against the backdrop of the Cold War.

Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut
A satirical novel that blends science fiction and autobiography, following a soldier who becomes "unstuck in time" during World War II.

Super Girl Mixtapes, Megan Brothers
A coming-of-age story about friendship, love, and the challenges of being a teenager in a rapidly changing world.

The Age of Miracles, Karen Thompson Walker
A novel set in a world where the rotation of the Earth begins to slow, affecting life in unexpected ways.

The As If Principle, Richard Wiseman
A guide on using the power of imagination and belief to create positive change in one’s life.

The Automobile Club of Egypt
A story about a group of friends navigating love, loss, and the societal changes occurring in 20th century Egypt.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Laurie R. King
A unique twist on the Sherlock Holmes mythos, where a young woman becomes Holmes's apprentice and partner.

The Crime at Black Dudley, Margery Allingham
A classic mystery involving a murder at a country house party, filled with twists and turns.

The House at the End of Hope Street, Menna van Praag

A magical tale about women who find refuge in a mystical house that helps them heal and grow.


The Linen Queen, Patricia Falvey
A multi-generational story about love, loss, and resilience set against the backdrop of the linen industry in Ireland.

The Martian, Andy Weir
A gripping survival story of an astronaut stranded on Mars, using his ingenuity to stay alive until rescue.

The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah
The story of two sisters in France during World War II, highlighting the women's roles in the war and their struggle for survival.

The Other Widow, Susan Crawford
A psychological thriller centered on a widow who uncovers secrets about her late husband after his death.

The Road to Little Dribbling, Bill Bryson
A travel memoir where the author explores Britain, reflecting on its quirks and wonders with humor.


The Secrets of Midwives, Sally Hepworth
A tale of three generations of midwives, exploring family secrets and the bond between mothers and daughters.

The Soul of an Octopus, Sy Montgomery
A deep dive into the lives of octopuses, exploring their intelligence and emotional depth through personal anecdotes.

The Sound and the Fury, William Faulkner
A complex narrative examining the decline of the Compson family through multiple perspectives and timeframes.

The Sparrow, Mary Doria Russell
A scientific and philosophical exploration of a Jesuit mission to make contact with an alien civilization.

The Wright Brothers, David McCullough
A biographical account of the Wright brothers' journey to invent the airplane, emphasizing their ingenuity and perseverance.

These Foolish Things, Deborah Moggach
A humorous and heartfelt story about a group of elderly friends navigating life in a retirement home.

Time After Time, Tamara Ireland Stone
A time-travel romance that explores the importance of seizing the moment and making choices that shape destiny.

Tony Hogan Bought Me an Ice-Cream Float Before He Stole My Ma, Kerry Hudson
A raw and poignant story about a young girl navigating a chaotic childhood in a troubled family.

Ulysses, James Joyce
A modernist novel that follows Leopold Bloom through a single day in Dublin, exploring themes of identity and humanity.

Under the Wide and Starry Sky, Nancy Horan
A fictional account of the life of author Robert Louis Stevenson and his adventurous marriage.

Uprooted, Naomi Novik
A fantasy novel about a young woman chosen to serve a powerful wizard, exploring themes of friendship and courage.

Watch Your Back, Karen Rose
A gripping thriller where a woman must confront her past as a dangerous figure from her life returns to haunt her.


Where'd You Go, Bernadette: A Novel, Maria Semple
A humorous mystery about a mother who mysteriously disappears, prompting her daughter to uncover the truth.

Whispers Underground, Ben Aaronovitch
A compelling blend of fantasy and crime as a police officer investigates a murder linked to the supernatural in London.

White Nights, Ann Cleeves
A mystery set in the Shetland Islands, where a murder investigation reveals deep-rooted secrets within the community.

Who Let the Dogs In?, Molly Ivins
A collection of humorous essays reflecting on politics, culture, and the absurdities of modern life.


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