Here are a few of the debut novels coming out in August. These have all received positive reviews in library journals. For a longer list, please visit our catalog.
“We Are the Brennans” by Tracey Lange
When 29-year-old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital, bruised and battered after a drunk driving accident she caused, she swallows her pride and goes home to her family in New York. But it’s not easy. She deserted them all — and her high school sweetheart — five years before with little explanation, and they’ve got questions.
Sunday is determined to rebuild her life back on the east coast, even if it does mean tiptoeing around resentful brothers and an ex-fiancé. The longer she stays, however, the more she realizes they need her just as much as she needs them. When a dangerous man from her past brings her family’s pub business to the brink of financial ruin, the only way to protect them is to upend all their secrets — secrets that have damaged the family for generations and will threaten everything they know about their lives. In the aftermath, the Brennan family is forced to confront painful mistakes — and ultimately find a way forward, together.
Continue reading “Debut Author Spotlight: August 2021”
“The Bees: A Novel” is a truly imaginative thriller that tracks the life of Flora, a sanitation worker bee of the lowest caste, in the hive system. Disney it is not. Dystopian it certainly is. If you are looking for a breezy read about flowers and insects and nature, look elsewhere. What makes the book so engrossing, though, is the author’s deft use of scientifically accurate details to create a sometimes disturbing though always fascinating tale. (Note: I frequently found myself fact checking on the Internet while reading the book. “Are queen bee larvae fed royal jelly?” Check. “Are wasps predators of bees?” Check. In every instance, the detail was accurate). Instead of making up “facts” to fit the story, the author created a story to fit the facts, which makes it that much more compelling.
Three words that describe this book: Imaginative, dystopian, compelling
You might want to pick this book up if: You are fascinated by bees or enjoy a dystopian thriller.
-Jeff
The Appalachian region of the United States is one of the most unique in the country. The Scots-Irish immigrants that settled the region along with the geographic and economic isolation of the area have created distinctive dialects that sound more like Old English than the common dialects in the rest of the country. Continue reading “Travel Through Story: Appalachia”
Michel Faber’s astounding “The Book of Strange New Things” earned him his first gentlemanly recommendation, and I now vigorously re-recommend reading that story of a missionary on a distant planet to spread religion to aliens. I’m typing today to recommend his newest novel, “D (A Tale of Two Worlds).” This is his first novel that is marketed to children, but at DBRL you’ll find it in adult fiction, and to be sure, like all novels, this one can be read by the literate of all ages. Unlike some novels, it won’t traumatize the young or bore the old. Continue reading “The Gentleman Recommends: Michel Faber (Again)”
“Hamnet” is the fictionalized account of Shakespeare’s passionate relationship with his wife Agnes and an investigation of their grief over the loss of a son. The writing is simply gorgeous, and O’Farrell excels and creating intimate portraits and settings you can almost feel. An unforgettable interlude follows the path of a single plague-carrying flea from Alexandria to Stratford and shows the author’s incredible imagination and skill. An outstanding work of historical fiction.
Three words that describe this book: Lush, immersive, moving
You might want to pick this book up if: You love historical fiction, descriptive writing, and enjoy stories of noteworthy literary figures told through the eyes of “secondary” characters.
-Lauren
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading 2021. We will continue to share these throughout the year.
I love talking books. There’s something so magical about sharing a great story with someone; the excitement is palpable. And, sadly, I can not read everything, so journeying through a beloved world with a fellow reader is an excellent way to experience a novel I may never get to dive into personally. Here’s some recommendations of chances to do just that with some authors we all love. Continue reading “Authors and the Books They Love”
“Handle With Care” is about a family with a daughter that has severe medical needs, yet is the highlight of their lives. Her mother decides to sue for wrongful birth in order to win needed funds for present and future medical bills. Her lawsuit slowly tears the family apart though, making her question her decision. I love this book for its ability to tug at my heart as well as make me look deeply at my own opinions.
Three words that describe this book: Sad, engaging, tough
You might want to pick this book up if: You have read any Jodi Picoult before or decide you want a really good read but aren’t afraid to cry at times.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
I was one of the thousands who adopted a dog during the pandemic. Our new dog, Freya, is an intelligent, sweet and motivated young German Shepherd mix. We had a bit of a bumpy ride integrating her into the family back in March 2020, so I had already been working with a local trainer on obedience when I saw “The Art of Training Your Dog, How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-Collar” by the Monks of New Skete and Marc Goldberg in our new books collection and knew that I wanted to check it out. Continue reading “Pandemic Dogs”
“Royal Sisters” describes the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Princess Margaret. As a life long Anglophile, I found this book to be informative and entertaining. Much of the Queen’s early life was discussed, revealing how she evolved from minor royal to Her Majesty. Much had been written about her, so no real surprises. The fascinating aspect of this book was the life of Princess Margaret. She is a tragic figure, often misunderstood and exploited by the press. They shared a bond and history that only the two of them could understand. The peek into the palace was fascinating. I highly recommend this book.
Three words that describe this book: Touching, personal, and captivating
You might want to pick this book up if: You are an Anglophile or interested in British Royalty.
-Donna
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
The fourth word I ever said was “book.” I would ask to look at a book for bedtime (and then sleep with that book) long before I could read the words. Books are comfort in times of stress, knowledge in times of uncertainty, adventure when travel isn’t possible, friends in loneliness, treasured decor throughout houses, conversation impetus between strangers and so, so much more. I love how a book feels in my hand, the smell of the pages, the possibilities within the words. I know many of you feel the same way. So today, National Book Lovers Day, join me in a celebration of books. Continue reading “National Book Lovers Day”
