Summer Reading 2024

For me, the summer has always been a time to squeeze in some extra reading. In high school, it was required reading for the new school year's English class. But now, I can choose my own books! Here's a quick look at some of this year's fiction best sellers so far.

All the Broken Places by John Boyne - This book is a compelling and complex novel that follows the life of Gretel Fernsby, a 91-year-old woman living in London, who harbors dark secrets from her past. Gretel is the daughter of a Nazi commandant of a concentration camp - a past she has spent her life trying to forget. The narrative alternates between her haunting memories of her childhood in Germany and her current life, where she encounters a troubled family in her apartment building. In his review of this book, John Irving said, "You can't prepare yourself for the magnitude and emotional impact of this powerful novel."

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods - Set in Dublin, the story revolves around a mysterious bookshop that seems to draw in three main characters (Opaline, Martha, and Henry) each struggling with their own personal challenges and secrets. As they connect with the bookstore, they discover that their lives are intertwined with the stories within its walls, leading to revelations that challenge their understanding of reality and themselves. One reviewer commented, "I loved all the details in the story and the last few chapters had some shocking twists that left me speechless!"

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley - Set in a near-future London, debut novel follows an unnamed civil servant who is recruited by a secretive government agency known as The Ministry of Time. This agency has discovered a time-travel device and uses it to bring back "expats" from different times in history who wouldn't have survived their original timelines. The protagonist's role is to act as a "bridge" to these historical figures, helping them acclimate to the modern world. Ron Charles of The Washington Post said of this novel, "Imagine if The Time Traveler's Wife had an affair with A Gentleman in Moscow. Readers, I envy you: there's a smart, witty novel in your future."

James by Percival Everett - This book a profound reimagining of Mark Twain's classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, retold from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man accompanying Huck. In this version, Jim (who prefers to be called James) is portrayed with more depth, agency, and intelligence. The novel focuses on his experiences and struggles, providing a fresh and powerful perspective that challenges the original narrative. Al Woodworth called this novel, "Rip-roaringly American, wry, and hard-hitting... a knockout."

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - This book is the first of a trilogy of fantasy romance set in the brutal and competitive world of a military college for dragon riders. The story follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who, despite being initially destined for a quieter life as a scribe, is compelled by her formidable mother - a high-ranking general - to join the dragon riders' academy. This decision thrusts Violet into a perilous new world where survival is far from guaranteed. At the academy, Violet struggles not only with the physical demands of training but also with the political machinations and personal vendettas that threaten her life. Nalini Singh noted, "Dragons and war, passion and power... Fourth Wing is dazzling."

Head to your local library or bookstore and jump into one of these books today!