Announcing the May 2023 LibraryReads List

Two top women gladiators fight for their freedom within a depraved private prison system not so far-removed from America’s own in this explosive, hotly-anticipated debut novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Friday Black.

“In a near-future America, prisoners can opt into a gruesome program of death matches against other prisoners. Their lives are broadcast to a bloodthirsty public, and they can win their freedom if they kill enough opponents. The novel employs an effective series of rotating narrators to tell all sides of this story, forcing us to look at how we dehumanize prisoners.”— Laura Bovee, Chicopee Public Library

NoveList read-alike: Bitch Planet by Kelly Sue DeConnick

A young woman pretends to be someone she isn’t in this stunning novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Girls.

“Alex is coasting through life on the grace and credit card of her older boyfriend for the summer. She can’t return to the city now that her roommates want nothing to do with her, and her friends have all disappeared. There is nothing she won’t do, and no one she won’t manipulate, to get what she needs: a bit more time. Perfect for fans of The Talented Mr. Ripley.”— Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library

NoveList read-alike: Luster by Raven Leilani

Utterly original and wildly entertaining, Killing Me is a laugh-loud-loud thriller with a protagonist whose life is a total mess.

“Amber has very strong opinions about people who fall prey to serial killers and is sure that being savvy and street smart will keep her safe. Until she is taken by a serial killer, and her life becomes a hot mess. This quirky, snarky book reads like Janet Evanovich teamed up with Stephen King.”— Linda Quinn, Fairfield Public Library

NoveList read-alike: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

A small-town sweetheart and an emotionally unavailable bad boy try to find some common ground in this chemistry-filled romance from Sarah Adams, author of The Cheat Sheet and When in Rome.

“A sweet Kentucky florist looking for love asks her sister-in-law’s bodyguard to help her sass up after a date accuses her of being too boring. With wonderful characters, this cute romance is a great second installment in the When in Rome series.”— Sonya Skibicki, Bartlett Public Library District

NoveList read-alike: The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas

A hilarious new essay collection from #1 New York Times bestselling unabashed fan-favorite Samantha Irby invites us to share in the gory particulars of her real life, all that festers behind the glitter and glam.

“If you haven’t already read Irby: 1) Who are you and how do you live? 2) This is a perfect time to start. Reading her relatable essays feels like hanging out with an older sister who doesn’t sugarcoat the awkward parts of life and helps you recognize you’re not the only one faking your way through adulthood.”— Rebecca Hayes, Highland Park Public Library

NoveList read-alike: She’s Nice Though by Mia Mercado

Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel.

“In this magical tale, a beloved children’s author announces a tantalizing game: four fans can compete to win the only copy of his new book. All the contestants are intriguing, but readers will root for Lucy, a teacher’s aide desperate to find the money needed to adopt an orphaned boy.”— Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library

NoveList read-alike: Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan