October 2015 Library Reads List

City on Fire: A Novel
by Garth Risk Hallberg

“WOW! An excellently executed work with intricate plot lines and fascinating characters. It’s a story of how the stories of many different people of New York City in the late seventies crash into each other like waves on rocks. This work may encapsulate the whole of New York City, as it has wealth, love, filth, passion, aimless angst, and the myriad of other aspects of humanity swirling in that amazing city.”

- Racine Zackula, Wichita Public Library, Wichita, KS

After You: A Novel
by Jojo Moyes

“I loved Me Before You and thought it ended in the perfect place, but any doubts I had about continuing the story were quickly erased when I started this sequel. Jojo Moyes is a master at tugging on your heartstrings. I laughed, I cried, and I nearly threw my Kindle against the wall at one point. Give this to anyone in your life who has experienced a tragic loss. With a box of tissues.”

- Joseph Jones, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland, OH

A Banquet of Consequences: A Lynley Novel
by Elizabeth George

“Still reeling from a previous fall from grace, police detective Barbara Havers has a chance to redeem her standing–if she can unravel the very twisted threads that led to the murder of a prominent English feminist. Meanwhile, her superior officer Thomas Lynley pursues a love interest even as he keeps a sharp lookout for any slip-ups by Havers. This is the strongest addition to the series in years.”

- Starr Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, Falls Church, VA

Slade House: A Novel
by David Mitchell

“Every nine years, Slade House appears in a little alley in London, and every nine years, someone disappears into it, never to be seen again. Fans of The Bone Clocks will inhale this compact, six-part work that draws on Mitchell’s established mythology and reintroduces a familiar character or two. New readers, however, won’t be lost. Literary fiction, fantasy, and a dose of horror combine here to make a deeply satisfying book.”

- Jenny Arch, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA

The Heart Goes Last: A Novel
by Margaret Atwood

“The premise of Atwood’s latest is interesting, grounded strongly in current social and economic issues. The writing is as elegant and beautiful, as always with Atwood. I recommend this book because it is a wonderful and thought-provoking novel. People who have enjoyed other Atwood works should definitely take a look at this one.”

- Lauren Mitchell, Pima County Public Library, Tucson, AZ

The Secret Chord: A Novel
by Geraldine Brooks

“Brooks does it again, in this fascinating and richly detailed fictionalized account of the life and times of King David. We see David as he might actually have been: a charismatic leader of men, both brutal and conflicted. This is perfect for historical fiction readers who enjoy lots of detail and believable characters. It transports you to the times and places inhabited by David.”

- Marilee Cogswell, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Welcome to Night Vale: A Novel
by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor

From the creators of the popular podcast about a nameless town where the supernatural and strange are commonplace comes a new mystery novel. “This is classic Night Vale in written form. It’s an absolute must for Night Vale fans, and will possibly provide an introduction for those who haven’t found this snarky little podcast yet.”

- Debra Franklin, York County Public Library, Rock Hill, SC

In Bitter Chill
by Sarah Ward

“Great new mystery set in the atmospheric Peak District of England. When a woman’s suicide is found to be related to an unsolved case of a missing girl, the police must reinvestigate a long cold case. I hope this book will be the first in a new series!”

- Pamela Wiggins, Wake County Public Libraries, Cary, NC

Then Comes Marriage: United States v. Windsor and the Defeat of DOMA
by Roberta Kaplan, Edie Windsor and Lisa Dickey

“The attorney who argued before the Supreme Court for the plaintiff in this landmark case gives the story behind the headlines. Kaplan integrates personal narrative with legal strategy throughout, combining her own struggles with a fascinating look at the brave and unconventional life led by her client. This is a heartwarming and inspiring account of one widow’s pursuit of justice and dignity.”

- Darren Nelson, Sno-Isle Libraries, Marysville, WA

We Were Brothers: A Memoir
by Barry Moser

“Moser’s deeply personal memoir of his volatile relationship with his brother in the segregated south is thoughtful and beautifully written. Strong differences of opinions divided the brothers. Late in life, reconciliation came, but only after years of heartache. There is much to ponder from this work, which is timely given current racial tensions.”

- PJ Gardiner, Wake County Public Libraries, Raleigh, NC