Grundy Staff Summer Reading Picks!
You don’t need a trip to somewhere far, far away to escape this summer! At Grundy Library, our summer is fully booked! Dive into Grundy Staff’s summer reading picks and discover a new literary adventure. And be sure to participate in our summer reading challenges for a chance to win prizes for readers of all ages.
Brielle, Preschool Librarian: In the World of Whales by Michelle Cusolito
“A free diver witnesses the birth of a baby sperm whale and experiences an amazing, intimate experience with the pod. Educational and inspiring, this nonfiction easy picture book is sure to dazzle young readers about these beautiful creatures that dwell in our oceans.”
Olivia, Patron Services Technician: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz has been my go-to summer reading since it was released in 2012. It’s about two boys learning to swim, learning what it means to be a friend, and learning what it means to be yourself. I have never read another book that treats its characters with so much gentleness.”
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
“My most anticipated read of the summer is Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab. With the rise in popularity of movies like Sinners and TV shows like AMC’s Interview with the Vampire, vampire stories are officially in style again – and I could not be more excited.”
Laura, Teen Librarian & Makerspace Specialist: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
“What do you think about when you think of summer? I think of going on an adventure and this book and The Lord of the Rings is certainly an adventure!”
Sue, Collections Librarian: Behooved by M. Stevenson
“A marriage of duty between the heirs of neighboring kingdoms, an attempted assassination, and a husband who magically transforms into a horse. You know…that old trope. This book looks ridiculous in the very best way—can’t wait to read it!”
Kevin, Patron Services Manager: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey: The Tastiest Way to Discover the Beaches, Mountains, and Cities of the Northern Mid-Atlantic by Hannah Powell
“Pennsylvania and New Jersey both offer a wide variety of outdoor spaces. I look forward to mapping out some new hiking opportunities as I continue to explore this region.”
Megan, Associate Director: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“I’m over the moon to dive into Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest book because she has an incredible talent for crafting emotionally complex characters whose personal journeys feel both intimate and universal, such as Daisy Jones and the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. With her signature blend of compelling storytelling and deep exploration of human relationships, I know Atmosphere will deliver another stellar reading experience that will stay with me long after the final page.”
Chris, Administrative Assistant: Salt by Mark Kurlansky
“’The only rock we eat’ is an interesting way to describe one of the most ubiquitous consumer goods on earth. Whether used as a food preservative or to add flavor, salt has been indispensable for centuries. Often overlooked today, the history of salt is a history of human civilization.”
Knife by Salman Rushdie
“Who knew getting stabbed could be so funny? Rushdie turns tragedy into comedy in this real-life account of his own attempted murder.”
Gina, Programming & Marketing Librarian: Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza
“Philly-based author Jo Piazza never misses, and I cannot wait for her newest thriller release! Everyone Is Lying to You is sure to be a clever, juicy, and extremely relevant peek into social media and influencer culture, with plenty of twists and turns—what Jo Piazza does best. If you binge-watched The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives like I did, this book is for you.”
Houda, Community Services Manager: The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
“If you love magical worlds, strong heroines, and Studio Ghibli vibes, this one’s for you. A dreamy, myth-filled adventure that totally swept me away.”
Wotakoi by Fujita
“This feel-good manga is perfect for summer—sweet, silly, and all about love between two nerds. You’ll giggle and kick your feet the whole way through!”
Kathryn, Reference Assistant: The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgsen
“This is a fantasy novel that blends elements of the murder mystery genre. I haven’t read a fantasy novel in awhile, so this twist on the epic fantasy genre might be refreshing.”
Dawn by Octavia Butler (First book of the Xenogenesis series)
“Butler’s works are always very inventive; she’s described herself as a pessimist who hopes to be proven wrong. This is a sci-fi book about humans, aliens, and the consequences of war.”
Want more staff recommendations? Be sure to visit the Grundy Staff Picks book display at the library for even more summer picks!
Check out these books and much more with your free library card!
