With summer coming to a close, NoVA librarians and bookstore staffers have some suggestions for your end-of-summer must-read list.
The Sunset Crowd by Karin Tanabe
“A sizzling summer sensation! In this gorgeously written novel, we follow an artsy group of friends from Hollywood to Cannes in the 1970s as they crash against the unforgiving tides of careers and relationships. But when you make and break your own rules, the stakes become much higher.” — Jen Morrow, Bards Alley Bookshop
The Last Karankawas by Kimberly Garza
“Equally satisfying as a novel and a series of linked vignettes, Kimberly Garza’s masterful debut immerses readers in Galveston’s Mexican-Filipino community, watching as its characters grow up, fall in and out of love, and reckon with history. Its breezy pacing and intimate scope make for a perfect, relaxing late summer read.” — Amy Woolsey, Bards Alley Bookshop
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
“Overcoming an initial hesitancy to read a book with a giant octopus as a main character, I found the book to be a delightful story of connection, friendship, and freedom!” — Jill Stock, Dolley Madison Library
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed
“A refreshing, compassionate collection of candid snippets of wisdom in advice column format.” — Jill Stock, Dolley Madison Library
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
“This memoir describes the effects of living according to others’ expectations and the eventual satisfaction and joy in finding one’s own way.” — Jill Stock, Dolley Madison Library
The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
“A woman wakes up with amnesia in the middle of the night in Paris, and the first person she sees is a hot guy telling her to run for her life — people are trying to kill her. According to Mr. Hot Guy, she has an identical twin who is a spy and has something that every intelligence service in the world wants. This hilarious, action-adventure rom-com is unputdownable!” — Ellen Klein, Hooray for Books!
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher
“The Renaissance Faire is a tradition for my family and this book will give all the right vibes. From the craft and pageantry of the past, to the present problems of how to cope with loss and one’s own self image; this surface light YA romance packs a bit of a punch. A perfect end-of-summer, beginning-of-autumn read. Prepare thyself for a pleasant read to lose or perchance discover oneself in.” — Megan Bell, Ashburn Branch, Loudoun County Public Library
Feature images courtesy Shelby Van Pelt and Ally Carter
