Libraryreads September 2014

SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES TOP ! And Other Lessons from the Crematory PICK by Caitlin Doughty (W. W. Norton & Company) “Part memoir, part exposé of the death industry, and part instruction manual for aspiring morticians. First-time author Doughty has written an attention-grabbing book that is sure to start some provocative discussions. Fans of Mary Roach’s Stiff and anyone who enjoys an honest, well-written autobiography will appreciate this quirky story.” —Patty Falconer, Hampstead Public Library, Hampstead, NH

The top ten books published this month that librarians across the country love. SEPTEMBER 2014

STATION ELEVEN THE SECRET PLACE ROOMS A Novel A Novel A Novel by Emily St. John Mandel by Tana French by Lauren Oliver (Knopf) (Viking Adult) (Ecco) “An actor playing King Lear “French has broken my heart “A family comes to terms dies onstage just before a yet again with her fifth novel, with their estranged father’s cataclysmic event changes the which examines the ways in death in Oliver’s first novel future of everyone on Earth. which teenagers and adults for adults. Told from the What will be valued and what can be wily, calculating, and perspective of two ghosts will be discarded? Will art have backstabbing, even with their living in the old house, this a place in a world that has lost friends. The tension-filled unique story weaves so much? What will make life flashback narratives, relating characters and explores worth living? These are just some of the issues to a murder investigation in suburban Dublin, will keep their various past connections. Great book!” explored in this beautifully written dystopian novel. you turning pages late into the night.” —Rachel Fewell, Denver Public Library, Recommended for fans of David Mitchell, John Scalzi —Alison McCarty, Nassau County Public Library Denver, CO and Kate Atkinson.” System, Callahan, FL —Janet Lockhart, Wake County Public Libraries, Cary, NC

THE CHILDREN ACT THE DISTANCE HORRORSTÖR A Novel A Thriller A Novel by Ian McEwan by Helen Giltrow by Grady Hendrix (Nan A. Talese) (Doubleday) (Quirk Books) “Judge Fiona Maye is at “Imagine a modern-day “You know how some a difficult point in her Robin Hood who deals not horror movies would marriage. Taking refuge in in money, but identity. Karla, work better as novels? addressing other people’s the protagonist of The Horrorstor is that book, problems in family court, Distance, is a tech guru perfectly capturing Fiona extends herself more with a conscience, and the everything that is terrific than usual, meeting a boy security of several nations about the horror genre. whose future is in her dependent on her. This In its catalog-style pages, hands. McEwan is a masterful observer of human nuanced book kept me on the edge of my seat. you’ll find a hefty dose of satire, as a Scandinavian distress. With a simple story and flawed, genuine I cannot wait until the next one comes out” furniture store is transformed overnight into a prison. characters, this novel is poignant and insightful.” —Cathy Scheib, Indianapolis Public Library, With characters that you’re rooting for and terror that —Jennifer Alexander, St. Louis County Library, Indianapolis, IN creeps up on you, Horrorstor will keep you up all night St. Louis, MO in the best possible way.” —Donna Matturri, Pickerington Public Library, Pickerington, OH

THE PAYING GUESTS THE WITCH WITH SEASON OF STORMS by Sarah Waters NO NAME by Susanna Kearsley (Riverhead) A Novel (Sourcebooks Landmark) “You can almost bet that a by Kim Harrison “Once again, Kearsley situation with long-term (Harper Voyager) introduces you to a cast of guests—paying or not—is “In this book, Harrison ends characters who will quickly not going to turn out well. her long-running Hollows hold a special place in your This novel by Waters, who series, featuring witch Rachel heart. Celia and Alex mirror many know from her earlier Morgan, vampire Ivy, and pixy lovers from decades past, books Tipping the Velvet and Jenks. Rachel’s come a long sharing similar secrets and The Little Stranger, will keep way; now, she and her friends passions. Flashbacks are you turning the page to see attempt the impossible and woven seamlessly into the just how tense things can get, face their toughest battle yet. Harrison skillfully wraps storyline, and the strong and how far fear and passion can push someone.” up many plot points, leaving readers sad that the family component is handled beautifully, with —Elizabeth Angelastro, Manlius Library, series is over but satisfied by its ending. Fans will surprising twists and turns.” Manlius, NY surely cheer Rachel on and shed a tear or two.” —Marianne Colton, Lockport Public Library, —Ilene Lefkowitz, Denville Public Library, Lockport, NY Denville, NJ

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