LibraryReads once again celebrated their second year of reading and recommending great titles by inviting library staff vote on their favorites from the October 2014 through September 2015 lists. We’re so excited that you chose six Penguin Random House titles as your favorites!
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
“Rachel is a washed-up thirty-something who creates a fantasy about the seemingly perfect couple she sees during her daily train ride into London. When the woman goes missing, Rachel manages to insert herself into the investigation of the woman’s disappearance. In the vein of Gone Girl, this dark psychological thriller is fast-paced and features some very unreliable narrators.”―Andrea Larson, Cook Memorial Public Library, Libertyville, IL
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
“In cinematic terms, this dramatic page-turner is Das Bootmeets Titanic. Larson has a wonderful way of creating a very readable, accessible story of a time, place, and event. We get three sides of the global story–the U-boat commander, British Admiralty and President Wilson–but what really elevates this book are the affecting stories of individual crew and passengers.” ―Robert Schnell, Queens Library, Jamaica, NY
A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
“In this book, we come to know three generations of Whitshanks–a family with secrets and memories that are sometimes different than what others observe. The book’s timeline moves back and forth with overlapping stories, just like thread on a spool. Most readers will find themselves in the story. Once again, Tyler has written an enchanting tale.”―Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
“I couldn’t stop reading this fascinating portrayal of Beryl Markham, a complex and strong-willed woman who fought to make her way in the world on her terms. McLain paints a captivating portrait of Africa in the 1920s and the life of expats making their home there. Highly, highly recommended.”―Halle Eisenman, Beaufort County Library, Hilton Head, SC
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
“Quirky and delightful, Nina George’s book focuses on Jean Perdu, owner of the Literary Apothecary, a floating bookshop. When a new tenant in his apartment building sets in motion events that force Jean to re-evaluate his past, he finds himself floating off down the rivers of France in search of lost love, new love, and friends he didn’t know he needed.”―Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library, New Rochelle, NY
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal
“This novel is quirky and colorful. The story revolves around chef Eva Thorvald and the people who influence her life and her cooking. With well-drawn characters and mouthwatering descriptions of meals, Kitchens of the Great Midwest will appeal to readers who like vivid storytelling. Foodies will also enjoy this delicious tale.”―Anbolyn Potter, Chandler Public Library, Chandler, AZ