Summer brings longer days and even warmer weather, which means more time for reading—preferably indoors away from oppressive 95-degree Florida weather. But whichever environment you prefer (reading at the beach, at a park, or even relaxing at home), here are some suggestions from two Collection Development librarians to add to your #TBR list this summer.
One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence
Nick Hayes and his circle of Dungeon & Dragons playing friends lives change when a new girl joins their group. When a man delivers Nick a message that this new girl is in grave danger, Nick sets on a race against time to save her. A debut novel that will appeal to fans of Ready Player One and Stranger Things.
Definitely Hispanic by LeJuan James
Social influencer LeJuan James, an Orlando local, is known for his hilarious videos about Hispanic culture. Definitely Hispanic is a collection of essays about his experiences growing up Hispanic in the U.S. that have been the inspiration for his videos. This is a perfect choice for fans of Jane the Virgin and Fresh Off the Boat.
Chasing the Moon by Robert Stone & Alan Andres
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. Chasing the Moon tells the stories of the people beyond the engineers and astronauts that contributed to this monumental event in history. Chasing the Moon is companion to the PBS American Experience film of the same name, premiering in July. We will have a preview screening and discussion about the film at the library on June 23.
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Emoni Santiago dreams of being a professional chef one day. However, juggling between trying to finish high school and taking care of her daughter makes her dream seem out of reach. This is an ode to single parents from Elizabeth Acevedo, National Book Award-winner and author of The Poet X.
The future is now! Cory Doctorow, one of most renowned science fiction writers of our time, brings readers four tales of the very-near-future and how technology will shape the way we live our lives and how we treat those around us. If you enjoy the works of John Scalzi or Ian McDonald, then Radicalized is not to be missed!
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Fantasy doesn’t get more epic than Samantha Shannon’s latest. A queen, a mage and a dragon trainer must find a way to work together and save their world from the brink of devastating war, while also thwarting a threat more sinister than any of them can possibly imagine. An excellent choice for readers of Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan.
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
It’s not summer without some space opera! The year is 2380 and Tyler Jones was hoping to soar through the stars as the academy’s graduating ace. Instead, he winds up in charge of a squad of misfits and underachievers. When the squad encounters a startling discovery in deep space, it could reignite a war from ages ago! Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff’s new young adult space saga is a perfect fit for readers of Marissa Meyer and Martha Wells.
The author of The Silence Of The Lambs returns with the perfect beach-read thriller! Hans-Peter Schneider is obsessed with finding a hidden treasure buried somewhere underneath a secluded Miami mansion. Cari Mora is the caretaker of the mansion and someone who has plenty of secrets of her own. Will they work together to find the treasure? Or will more sinister forces keep them from reaching their goal? Readers of James Patterson and John Sandford will love the long-awaited return of Thomas Harris!
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
When her sister gets food poisoning after her wedding, Olive jumps at the opportunity to take her sister’s place on the honeymoon trip. There is only one problem – the best man, her nemesis, will be going with her! Can two people who have never gotten along find a way to enjoy a luxurious vacation together and perhaps even fall in love in the process? Perfect for fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Elin Hilderbrand!
