Visit LibraryReads for more information about how this list was created, and to view favorites from previous months!

The Weight of Blood
by Laura McHugh

“The Dane family has been keeping secrets in the Ozark town of Henbane for years. An outsider steals the heart of one of the Dane brothers, and the secrets threaten to unravel. When sixteen-year-old Lucy’s friend is found murdered after being missing for a year, Lucy begins to ask questions–the answers to which may destroy her family. Atmospheric and visceral, McHugh’s story is vividly and effectively told.”

– Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ

The Accident: A Novel
by Chris Pavone

“Kudos to Pavone for coming through with another captivating international suspense novel. How ironic that I couldn’t put down a book about Isabel, a literary agent who stays up all night to finish an unsolicited manuscript that’s so explosive, some will kill to keep it from being published. During the 24 hours that Isabel is on the run, readers will be on the edge of their seats. Be prepared to lose some sleep!”

– Paulette Brooks, Elm Grove Public Library, Elm Grove, WI

The Divorce Papers: A Novel
by Susan Rieger

“When Sophie, a lovable 29-year-old lawyer, gets roped into working on a divorce case, her life takes an unexpected turn. Though this gives her a new perspective on life, it also forces her to confront some unresolved childhood issues. Except for a few tearful, poignant moments, I had a smile on my face for the entire book. Engaging and humorous, this debut epistolary novel has become a favorite read.”

 – Jennifer Asimakopoulos, Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien, IL

The Outcast Dead
by Elly Griffiths

“After the bones of the notorious Mother Hook are possibly uncovered in Norfolk, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway finds herself on TV. Was Mother Hook truly guilty of child murder? This is just one strand in a mystery that revolves around children and the people who care for them. One of the most addictive mystery series being written today.”
– Janet Lockhart, Wake County Public Libraries, Cary, NC

Panic
by Lauren Oliver

“A deadly high-stakes game of Panic takes place in modern-day small town America, and Oliver does a wonderful job making all of it seem real. I loved that the book didn’t take place in a post-apocalyptic future like so many titles do nowadays. Oliver is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!”
– Carol Brumfield, Timberland Regional Library, Tumwater, WA

A Circle of Wives
by Alice LaPlante

“When prominent plastic surgeon Dr. John Taylor is found dead, the police investigation uncovers his secret polygamous life. As the narration alternates between Taylor’s three wives and a young female detective, the story explores the characters’ motivations and relationships. Part psychological thriller and part literary mystery, the end result is wholly captivating reading.”

–  Melissa DeWild, Kent District Library, Comstock Park, MI

Gemini: A Novel
by Carol Cassella

“After an unidentified hit-and-run victim is received in ICU, Dr. Charlotte Reese struggles to keep her alive, questioning how far medical technology should go to do so. Meanwhile, in an alternate story, teens Bo and Raney explore their budding friendship and attraction. Book groups will devour this compulsively readable novel with thought-provoking themes. Perfect for readers of Jodi Picoult and Chris Bohjalian.”

– Robin Beerbower, Salem Public Library, Salem, OR

Precious Thing: A Novel
by Colette McBeth

“Clara and Rachel have been friends since high school. Life has intervened and they’ve grown apart, so when Clara invites Rachel for drinks to catch up, it’s a chance to reconnect. But before that can happen, Rachel is called to cover a missing girl story, and the missing girl is Clara. Was she abducted, murdered or did she simply leave on her own? In the vein of Gone Girl and The Husband’s Secret, this is a fast read that is sure to entertain.”

 – Robin Nesbitt, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH

Kill Fee: A Stevens and Windermere Novel
by Owen Laukkanen

“In the third book in this series, Carla Windermere and Kirk Stevens find themselves reunited when people around the country seem to be dying from contract hits. Young war veterans, under the influence of a mysterious man, are turning into emotionless killers. Stevens and Windermere try piecing together who’s behind the crimes, but keep falling one step behind. Reminiscent of Thomas Perry’s novels, and fast-paced.”

– Lora Bruggeman, Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien, IL

Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered
by Austin Kleon

“Show Your Work! is a wonderful follow-up to Austin Kleon’s first book, Steal Like an Artist. Utilizing the same fun, graphic novel-ish type of format, Kleon gives practical recommendations about using the Internet and social media to create a community. I particularly appreciate his advice to concentrate on process, not on product, and the rest will follow. A must-read for anyone involved in the creative process.”

– Rebekka Hanson, Madison Library District, Rexburg, ID

 

Watching the Oscars on Sunday night, I was struck once again by how many of the year’s best films were adapted from books.  Here are just a few of the nominations I spotted that have their roots in the printed word.

Philomena: A Mother, Her Son, and a Fifty-year Search
by Martin Sixsmith

Also published as The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, BBC reporter Sixsmith tells the story of a young unmarried Catholic girl sent to an Irish convent to deliver her child.  Forced by the nuns to surrender her child, she is determined later in life to discover what happened to him.  The movie was nominated for Best Picture.

 

A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea
by Richard Phillips

Also nominated for Best Picture was the film Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks.  This unbelievable true story of his capture by Somali pirates and subsequent rescue by Navy Seals is told here in heart-stopping prose by the Captain himself.

 

The Wolf of Wall Street
by Jordan Belfort

Leonardo DiCaprio won a Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of the fast-talking Wall Street con artist who authored this book. Belfort’s life of excess is on full display in this tell-all memoir.  Although, perhaps he didn’t tell all, because it turns out he wrote a sequel called Catching the Wolf of Wall Street: More Incredible True Stories of Fortunes, Schemes, Parties, and Prison. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, was also nominated for Best Picture and comes out on DVD later this month.

August: Osage County
by Tracy Letts

Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts both earned Oscar nominations for their performances in this award winning play by Tracy Letts.  The play debuted at Chicago’ Steppenwolf Theatre where Letts is an ensemble member, and went on to win a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as a Tony Award for Best Play.  His portrait of a dysfunctional American family has earned him comparisons to Eugene O’Neill.

 

The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This stylish retelling of Fitzgerald’s Great American Novel garnered no Best Picture or Performance nominations, but it did  earn kudos from the Academy for looking good.  Winning Design awards in Production and Costume, I think Zelda would have approved.

 

The Hobbit Or, There and Back Again
by J.R.R. Tolkien

The second installment in a three part film adaptation of this classic fantasy novel by Tolkein did not go unnoticed by the Academy.  The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was nominated for sound and visual effects.  The film does take a few departures from the book,  but you’ll be there and back again before you know it.

 

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10
by Marcus Luttrell

As the title suggests, this book is a first hand account of a Navy SEAL who was the lone survivor of an ill-fated mission to kill or capture a high-ranking Taliban leader.  The film earned no best picture or performance nominations, but was recognized for sound mixing and sound editing.  Don’t ask me the difference between the two.

The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak

While the movie was passed over for the major nominations, aside from Best Music Score by John Williams,  the book is still a winner in my book.  The “book thief” is none other than 10 year-old Liesel Meminger, who comes to live with the Hubermanns when her parents disappear under suspicious circumstances in Nazi Germany.  She can barely read when she arrives, but under the patient tutelage of her new papa, she develops a passion for books and a talent for stealing them .