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Librarian Book Recommendations
For National Library Week, discover the stories that these ultimate book lovers are reading and sharing.
In honor of National Library Week (April 23-29, 2023), an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities, see what librarians across the country are recommending! Be sure to visit your own local library in person or online to check out these great books. Find your local library’s website here.
“Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is one of my favorite Penguin Random House books I checked out from my library and frequently recommend to others. It is the 1960s and times are changing. At the forefront of inspiring this change is Elizabeth Zott, who studied as a chemist, is a single mom, and is now hosting a television cooking show, Supper at Six. Filled with incredible characters and perspectives that will leave you teary one moment and laughing out loud the next, Lessons in Chemistry will stay with you long after you turn the last page.”
—Jen Jumba, Coordinator of The People’s University, Cleveland Public Library
“A compelling multinarrative that spans three generations of strong women. I enjoyed learning about the artistry of the family trade and the little-known history of British Italians during WWII. Oh, and the family secrets! Read by a stellar cast.”
—Korin L. Rosenkrans, Branch Manager, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System
“This highly anticipated book fully delivers! Rebecca Makkai has given us an engrossing, unputdownable twisty true crime thriller that explores tough topics that include privilege, sexual harassment, memory, and justice. A brilliant literary mystery from one of our modern masters.”
—Ron Block, Branch Manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library
“My favorite ‘unputdownable’ read of 2023 so far! Rebecca Makkai has woven a bucolic New Hampshire prep school setting, a 1995 murder of a young female student, and consideration of today’s cultural issues of social media and #MeToo into a veritable page turner.”
—Marianne Paterniti, Book Group Coordinator, Darien Library
“Ted Chiang’s short story collections are a must-read for me! He deftly blends science fiction and existential scenarios into humane stories with compelling characters.”
—Michelle Morris, Collection Development Librarian, Fort Worth Public Library
“Absolutely one of the best short story collections I have ever read. An extraordinary blend of speculative sci-fi and horror that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Every single story blew me away.”
—Nate Gass, Emerging Technology Librarian, Cook Memorial Public Library, host of the Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
“If I can only [pick] one, it would be How to Take Over the World by Ryan North! Practical, informative, and fun, this book is useful to supervillains and non-supervillains alike!”
—Daryl Maxwell, Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library
“Spellbinding! Juno Dawson’s Her Majesty’s Royal Coven conjures a world where witches have worked in secret service to the crown since Queen Elizabeth. But the winds of change are on the rise when a mysterious foundling with great power comes into direct conflict with centuries of tradition.”
—Jessikah Chautin, Community Engagement Specialist, Syosset Public Library, host of the podcast, Turn the Page
“I loved this novel because it offers a rare perspective into Indian women – their entrepreneurship and business acumen as well as their spunk and solidarity, and it does so without minimizing their traditionally burdensome role in society. A very delicate balancing act that Parini pulls off with confidence and humor.”
—Rohini Gupta, Adult Learning & Innovation Specialist, Howard County Library System
“Do not miss this one! In 1933, young British barrister Ivor Castle arrives in Palestine, tasked with assisting in the defense of two Russians accused of assassinating right wing Zionist Haim Arlosoroff. There are no simple answers in his quest as Castle wades into this morass of Palestinian, British, and Jewish identities to find the answers for his clients. This novel has it all – mystery, romance, history, ethical dilemma … where will Ivor Castle find himself at the end? An utterly riveting read!”
—Pat Sheary, Head of Adult Programming, Darien Library (featured on the left)
Marianne Paterniti, Book Group Coordinator of Darien Library, is also featured recommending I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
“Sam by Allegra Goodman is a powerful and astute coming of age story. Allegra Goodman beautifully renders Sam’s voice as a 7-year-old and as she matures through her teen years. As Sam experiences the friendships, hardships, conflict, love, and all the trappings of growing up, Goodman gives us a ring-side seat for all of it that leaves the reader feeling very much #TeamSam. It’s book club gold.”
—Carol Ann Tack, Head of Reader Services, Merrick Library, and host of the podcast Top Shelf
“If I were to check out one book from the library, it would be the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition of Middlemarch. George Eliot’s celebrated Victorian masterpiece is a guide on how to live a life of moral consistency through a combination of intellectual and moral judgements free of compromises. Her novel is instructive in developing sympathy, compassion, and understanding for ourselves and others. No other novel goes as deep into our psychologically complex human natures. Also, Penguin Classics are the best.”
— Lillian Dabney, Adult Services Librarian, Seattle Athenaeum
“If you have ever wanted a Sapphic Pride and Prejudice, this amazing book fits delightfully and perfectly!”
—Jessica C. Williams, Technical Services Librarian, Tiffin-Seneca Public Library
“A book that stays in your thoughts long after you’ve finished it. You’ll want to keep asking your friends if they’ve read the book so you can talk about it. Who wouldn’t want to visit a library that carries books with doorways into another life?”
—Angely Jibaja, Senior Librarian, Bayside Public Library
“I would check out Locklands by Robert Jackson Bennett, a trilogy ending novel that I have been eagerly awaiting. The Founders Trilogy starts out as a fantasy heist and finishes as a reality warping metaphysical tour-de-force. If you like the idea of a rag tag band of misfits banding together to stop an impossible evil, with lots of twisty, finicky magic, and the promise of an emotional conclusion, you should check out these books too!”
—Ashley Rayner, Librarian at NORC, University of Chicago
