August Recommendations

All the books listed here are available at the library. Stop in, give us a call, or use the online catalog to place a hold and check one out. All book descriptions are summarized from the publisher’s description on the back of the book, Goodreads, or the library catalog.

Check out one of these books that’s being adapted for the big screen!

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Love Hypothesis by Aly Hazelwood
The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Whalefall by Daniel Kraus
Wild Love by Elsie Silver

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen: Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor’s warning that her impulsive behavior leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love. Available on Palace Project (e-book), Hoopla (e-book/audio), and Libby (e-book/audio).

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: Paris, 1939, Vieanne’s husband heads for the Front and she doesn’t believe the Nazis will invade France. Her rebellious sister joins the Resistance after a betrayal from someone she trusted. Both sisters have to make impossible decisions to keep those around them safe. Available on Palace Project (e-book/audio), Hoopla (audio), and Libby (e-book/audio).

The Love Hypothesis by Aly Hazelwood: Olive Smith, a Ph.D. student who pretends to date her intimidating professor, Adam Carlsen, to help convince her best friend that she is in a relationship. As Olive and Adam spend more time together, their fake relationship slowly begins to feel real. Olive soon discovers that love can be much more complicated and unpredictable than science. Available on Palace Project (e-book/audio) and Libby (e-book).

The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman: The Book of Magic is about the Owens family, who have been cursed in love for over 300 years. When Aunt Jet discovers that she only has seven days to live, the family comes together to break the curse and protect the people they love. Along the way, they uncover family secrets and learn that love, sacrifice, and staying together can be more powerful than magic. Available on Palace Project (e-book/audio).

Whalefall by Daniel Kraus: Jay Gardiner dives into the Pacific Ocean to search for his father’s remains and find closure after his death. During the dive, he is attacked by a giant squid and swallowed by a sperm whale. Trapped inside the whale with only one hour of oxygen left, Jay must find a way to escape. While fighting for his life, he must also face the guilt and grief he has carried since losing his father. Available on Palace Project (audio) and Hoopla (e-book).

Wild Love by Elsie Silver: Ford Grant moves to the small town of Rose Hill to escape the spotlight and focus on opening a recording studio. His life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers he has a twelve-year-old daughter and must adjust to being a father. At the same time, Rosie Belmont, his best friend’s younger sister, returns to town and starts working for him. As they spend more time together, their undeniable attraction grows, forcing Ford to choose between doing what seems right and following his heart. Available on Hoopla (e-book/audio).

Go “back to school” with a twist. Boarding schools, secret societies, magic, murder, and more!

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Bunny by Mona Awad
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Secret History by Donna Tartt

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé: Sade is starting her junior year of high school at a new prestigious boarding school after being homeschooled all her life. Already feeling like a magnet for misfortune, her roommate disappears after Sade’s first night and people think she has something to do with it. This YA contemporary mystery follows Sade’s investigation as she reveals the secrets lurking around every corner. Available on Hoopla (audio) and Libby (e-book/audio).

Bunny by Mona Awad: Samantha is an outsider in her highly selective MFA program, where she feels disconnected from her wealthy, eccentric classmates known as the Bunnies. When they unexpectedly invite her into their secretive social circle, she becomes fascinated by their strange rituals and the unsettling world they have created. As Samantha grows closer to the Bunnies, the line between imagination and reality begins to blur, putting her friendships and even her life at risk. Bunny explores loneliness, belonging, friendship, desire, and the strange power of creativity and imagination.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo: After a string of bad luck and unfortunate events, Alex is offered a second chance: attending one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride scholarship. Alex is tasked by her mysterious benefactors to monitor activities of Yale’s secret societies and she might uncover secrets more sinister than anyone expected. Available on Palace Project (e-book/audio) Hoopla (audio).

An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole: Ellory Morgan starts her freshman year at Warren University, a prestigious school filled with dark secrets and forbidden magic. As she explores the campus, she begins to feel like she has been there before, even though she cannot remember why. With the help of Hudson Graves, Ellory tries to uncover the truth behind her strange memories and the university’s hidden history. As she gets closer to the truth, she risks losing herself to the dangerous magic surrounding Warren. Available on Palace Project (audio), Hoopla (e-book), and Libby (e-book).

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides: Mariana Andros, former student at Cambridge University, is certain that Edward Fosca is a murderer. He’s also untouchable as a handsome, charismatic, Greek Tragedy professor. When a body is found, Mariana becomes obsessed with proving Edward’s guilt, no matter the personal cost. Available on Palace Project (e-book/audio), Hoopla (audio), and Libby (audio).

Secret History by Donna Tartt: Guided by their charming professor, a group of eclectic misfits from a prestigious college in New England uncover a new way of thinking and existing beyond their boring human lives. However, when their morals are challenged, the students slip far past obsession with their brand-new way of living and instead into evil. Available on Palace Project (e-book) and Libby (e-book).