Books Making a Buzz This Summer

A number of books are sure to be the talk of the town this summer. Local librarian, Melissa Goins, from the Harrison Township Public Library shares her picks of buzz-worthy books. From romances to mysteries to history it’s easy to make your summer more enjoyable with a good book.

The President is Missing – by James Patterson and Bill Clinton. Best-selling author, James Patterson, teams up with President Bill Clinton for a mystery thriller. These two together create a political thrill ride that is entirely fiction, but could feasibly happen. The country is threatened, the nation is gripped by fear, and then the president goes missing. This author combination might just be the sprinkles on our ice cream this summer!

Before We Were Yours – by Lisa Wingate. This little gem has everyone talking. It’s historical fiction, full of heart, based on true events, and involves a little mystery solving too. Rill Foss is the oldest of five children and left in charge when her father takes her mother for medical attention. All of their lives take a jolting turn when the children are suddenly taken into the custody of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage. That was Memphis 1939. The story flashes between history and present day to reveal a shocking family secret. This novel will keep you reading and give you an unforgettable dose of true American history at the same time.

By Invitation Only – by Dorothea Benton Frank. Two opposite families are brought together by their children’s upcoming wedding. Peach farmer, Diane, must do her best to play nice with wealthy socialite, Susan. Will the family matriarchs ever be able to see eye to eye? Dorothea Benton Frank delivers a light and funny read, with wonderful characters that is perfect for summer lounging.

"I Heard You Paint Houses"– by Charles Brandt. This is the true story of Frank Sheeran, a man who claims to have killed Jimmy Hoffa and have inside knowledge of the JFK assassination. Known to be a friend of Hoffa as well as a hitman for the mob, Frank Sheeran’s story is certainly intriguing. This book is Charles Brandt’s account of confessions made by Frank Sheeran over multiple interviews. While the book is a little older (originally published in 2004), the movie release starring Robert DeNiro and directed by Martin Scorsese is expected sometime in 2019. If you like mobsters, this book lays down a ton of mob lingo like “painting houses” that will make you feel like you’re on the inside.

Every Note Played – by Lisa Genova. Richard is an esteemed concert pianist so dedicated to his craft that he sacrificed his family for his success. Diagnosed with ALS and losing his ability to move, his ex-wife agrees to be his caretaker. This book is about the ties that bind us and finding the strength to let go of our most cherished resentments. If you liked Lisa Genova’s last novel Still Alice, you’re sure to like this one too. She once again tackles a tough subject and gives us the gift of empathy.

Sunburn – by Laura Lippman. Polly and Adam, both just passing through Belleville, Delaware, meet in a tavern and decide to stay in town for the summer. As they get to know each other, we’re exposed to some questionable secrets from each. Sunburn is a psychological suspense novel with an unexpected ending. It begins slow, but will ultimately suck you in and keep you guessing.

Beach House Reunion – by Mary Alice Monroe. Reunion is the fifth book in the Beach House series, but you can read it by itself just fine. It’s an excellent heart-warming summer delight. If you’re looking to keep it light this summer, this is the book for you. Cara Rutledge, 53, returns home to her beach house to live and invites her niece, Linnea, to join her. You’ll get your fill of family and friendship in this new one from Mary Alice Monroe and likely go back to the first four books in the series for more.

Killers of the Flower Moon – by David Grann. The Osage murders are one of America’s most heinous crimes. They took place less than 100 years ago, but you’ve probably never heard the story. Killers of the Flower Moon is a true-crime story about one of the first major homicide investigations of the FBI. Investigative journalist, David Grann, gives an excellent narrative of this critical time in American history. The movie rights to this one have sold, with some pretty big names swirling around its production. Be ahead of the game and read the book before it hits the big screen.

How to Stop Time – by Matt Haig. Tom Hazard may look in his 40s, but due to a rare condition, he’s actually hundreds of years old. He’s lived through history and abided by one main rule, don’t fall in love. He’s lived through plenty of history and the book is often a quirky historical adventure. Tom’s a great guy and a great character. You’ll enjoy his adventures and his thoughtful perceptions. We can expect to see this one as a movie in the future too.