June is, traditionally, the month for weddings. It is also the time when old-fashioned roses bloom, along with peonies, iris and many other great garden flowers. Is that coincidence? Perhaps. But maybe the two are linked. Let’s look at some great June flowers you can grow, and how to succeed with them.
My mom was an organic gardener who loved her roses. And although she is no longer with us to deny it, I think she may have cheated when it came to her roses. Back in the 1950s and ’60s roses were much fussier than they are now. They suffered from all kinds of fungal diseases and were eaten by ferocious Japanese beetles that made mincemeat of leaves and blooms. I think she used chemicals to kill the beetles and subdue the fungi.
Now we no longer have to resort to chemicals to have nice roses. Breeders have worked hard to develop roses that stay healthy and avoid predation from hungry beetles. The beetles were easy: they bred roses without scent to attract them. I don’t know how they developed roses resistant to diseases, but they have. I never see rose diseases, and I never spray.
My favorite roses are part of the “Knockout” series of roses, though I know others who really like the “Easy Elegance” series. They do not grow blossoms on long stems, but have multiple blossoms per stem. My “Knockouts” start blooming in June and bloom all summer and up until hard frost, or even later.
Siberian iris are tall and elegant. Photo by Henry Homeyer.
Roses love full sun but will grow in part shade. But the more sun they get, the better they do. Six hours of sunshine is considered full sun by most authorities. Afternoon sun is more potent than morning sun, so the west side of the house is better than the east.
Roses need good, rich soil. If you have sandy soil or a heavy clay, you will need to improve it in order to succeed. What does that mean? Mix in lots of compost when you plant, and add some organic fertilizer. Dig a hole that is at least three times as wide as the pot it was in when you purchased it. Mix the soil for the hole 50-50 with good compost, either your own or a good bagged compost. I like Moo Doo or Coast of Maine brands.
Roses need more water than most other things, but do not want to sit in soggy soil. They should get an inch of water per week from rain, or a good dousing from your watering can applied slowly so it can soak in. A deep watering once a week is better than a little sprinkle every day.
Soil pH is important, too. The pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of your soil. You can buy an inexpensive kit to test it, or send a sample out to be tested for pH and soil quality at your state Extension Service. Roses do best in slightly acidic soil, in the range of 6.0 to 6.8. If your soil has a lower number, you should add limestone and mix it in. But don’t add too much. A test should tell you how much to add.
Many roses are grafted onto rootstock. The bud union — a scar — should be buried in the soil. The scar is obvious on bare-root roses but is probably buried if you buy a rose in a pot. The colder the climate, the deeper that graft line or bud union should be. For Zone 4, it should be about 4 inches below the final soil line. Zone 5? 3 inches. Zone 6? 2 inches.
Want more blossoms? Roses do better if they get some fertilizer a few times during the course of the summer. An organic, slow-release bagged fertilizer called Rose Tone is designed just for roses, but I use Pro-Gro, my go-to organic fertilizer, and sometimes use liquid fish and seaweed fertilizers made by Neptune’s Harvest. I add half a cup of Pro-Gro to the hole when I plant.
Other June flowers suitable for a wedding are peonies and iris. Peonies live forever if planted right — deep rich soil amended with plenty of organic matter. I have one from my grandmother, and she died in 1953. If you planted one that never blooms, you have probably planted it too deep. The “nibs” or growing points under the soil surface for next year’s growth should be no deeper than three quarters of an inch. You can feel them by poking around in the soil with your fingers. Pull away some soil if they are too deep, and it should bloom next year.
Siberian iris only bloom for a few days but are magnificent. They come in a variety of blues and purples. Old patches tend to develop a dead spot in the middle because the plants have used up all the soil nutrients. Divide in the fall and re-plant, or add some organic fertilizer now.
There are too many gorgeous flowers to mention them all. But if you are planning a wedding, be advised that flowers do not bloom on an absolute calendar. Your favorite peony may bloom on June 15 this year — and June 21 or June 3 next year. Your best bet is to have a good florist as a backup.
• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center will be hosting its StoryWalk kickoff reception at the Curry Place (846 Route 3, Holderness) on Friday, June 28, at 10 a.m. Attendees can stroll along the Squam channel as they read a nature-inspired story posted one page at a time along the trail. Children can participate in a craft and enjoy a snack connected to the story at the reception. It’s free and there’s no registration required. Visit nhnature.org. The Center’s live animal exhibit trail and hiking trails are open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last trail admission at 3:30 p.m., according to the website.
On stage
• The Impact Touring Children’s Theatre will perform The Emperor’s New Clothes on Tuesday, July 2, at 10 a.m. at the BNH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com). This is a free performance. Seating for this show is mostly on the open floor. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets to sit on.
• Kidz Bop Live comes to the BankNH Pavilion (80 Recycle Way, Gilford, 293-4700, banknhpavilion.com) on Wednesday, July 3, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $49.
Movies!
• Kids Series O’neil Cinemas Brickyard Square (24 Calef Highway, Epping, oneilcinemas.com) features Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem(PG, 2023) on Monday, July 1, and Wednesday, July 3, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• The Park Theatre’s Kids Summer Movie-Rama continues in Jaffrey with Peter Rabbit (PG, 2018) on Saturday, June 29, at 10 a.m. and Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (PG, 2018) on Tuesday, July 2, at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 6, at 10 a.m. Tickets are $7. Visit theparktheatre.org/kids or call 532-8888.
Celebrate Independence Day with multiple days of fun in area cities and towns. Here’s some of what’s going on.
• In Amherst on Sunday, June 30, festivities start around 6 p.m. with fireworks and family entertainment including a magician, a juggler, face-painting, hot air balloon rides and live music at Souhegan High School (412 Boston Post Road). There will be a parade on the Amherst Village Green on Thursday, July 4, at 9 a.m. with bands, local marchers, floats, fire trucks, antique cars, politicians, and a special children’s bicycle parade. Visit amherstcommunityfoundation.org.
• Concord will celebrate on Thursday, July 4, at Memorial Field (70 S. Fruit St.) with food, vendors, and music starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9:20 p.m. Rain date is Friday, July 5. Visit concordnh.gov.
• July Fourth Family Fun Day at Riverway Park in Contoocook starts at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4, and will include parades, live music, face painting, dunk tanks and more. The Tooky Cookie Bake-Off cookie drop-off begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. Visit their Facebook page.
• In Dover the NH National Guard’s 39th Army Band will play at Henry Law Park on Thursday, July 4, at 4 p.m. and the city will launch its annual fireworks display from Garrison Hill on Saturday, July 6, at dusk, according to @CityofDoverNH on X.
• There will be fireworks in Exeter following the 34th Annual American Independence Festival (1 Governors Lane) on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit independencemuseum.org.
• Fireworks light up Hampstead at the Independence Day Festival on Saturday, June 29, which involves frog jumping, games, a barbecue competition, a craft fair and Hampstead’s Got Musical Talent. Visit hampsteadcivicclub.org.
• Fireworks will be launched at Hampton Beach on Thursday, July 4, at 9:30 p.m from the top of B and C streets. Visit hamptonbeach.org/events/fireworks.
• The Hillsborough Summer Fest (29 Preston St.) will have fireworks the third night of their celebration on Saturday, July 13, at 10 p.m. and the national anthem will be sung by Faith Daley. Admission is free but parking is $10 per car. Visit hillsborosummerfest.com.
• In Manchester, fireworks go off on the evening of Wednesday, July 3, at Arms Park.
• Also in Manchester, get fireworks after each Fisher Cats game (at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, 1 Line Drive) Thursday, July 4, to Saturday, July 6. Games start at 6:35 p.m. and the Fisher Cats will be playing the Portland Sea Dogs. Visit nhfishercats.com.
• Merrimack has two days of celebrations. On Wednesday, July 3, the town holds its Patriotic Concert in the Park (behind Merrimack Town Hall at 6 Baboosic Lake Road) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Thursday, July 4, at Merrimack High School (38 McElwain St.) there will be a 5K road race at 8 a.m. and a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., followed by a parade at 1 p.m. that starts at the Tractor Supply (515 DW Highway) and ends at the high school, and fireworks around 9:15 p.m. at the high school. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.
• Festivities start in Nashua at 11 a.m. on July 4 at Holman Stadium for a Silver Knights Game where children under 12 and the first 500 adults are free but tickets must be reserved in advance. There will be an expanded kids zone and on-field activities. At 5:30 p.m. there will be a free concert by The Slakas, followed by local acts at 7:30 p.m. Then there will be the Nashua Hall of Fame Inductions followed by Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps at 8:30 p.m. and finally the fireworks at dusk. Visit nashuasilverknights.com for tickets and check out nashuanh.gov/SummerFun.
• New Boston will hold its 94th annual Fourth of July celebration on Thursday, July 4, with food, games, activities and a parade, all culminating in a fireworks display when it gets dark. This year’s parade theme is sci-fi and fantasy; the parade begins at 10 a.m. Admission to the fairgrounds begins at 4 p.m. and is $10 for those ages 12 and up, $5 for those ages 2 to 11; children 2 and under are free, and this year there is a family package price of $40, according to the website. Parking is free. Visit newboston4thofjuly.org.
• The Independence Day celebration in Pelham will be held on the grounds of the Pelham Municipal Center on Marsh Road on Saturday, June 29, starting at 6 p.m. There will be lots of fair food, face painting, music, glow necklaces and more, with fireworks at dusk, according to the same website. Visit pelhamcommunityspirit.org.
• Portsmouth will launch their Fourth of July fireworks on Wednesday, July 3, at 9:15 p.m. at South Mill Pond across from Portsmouth City Hall. Rain date is Friday, July 5.
• The Fourth of July parade and celebration in Raymond take place on Thursday, July 4, and begins at 9:15 a.m. at the intersection of Route 27 and Epping Street. It will journey toward the Town Commons to Old Manchester Road to Wight Street. Raymond will hold a fireworks display as part of the town fair on Saturday, July 13, at 9:30 p.m. The fair itself runs from Thursday, July 11, through Sunday, July 14. Visit raymondnh.gov.
• In Rye, the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display will be held on Sunday, June 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Parsons Field.
• In Salem, there will be festivities at Tuscan Village (19 Via Toscana) on Wednesday, July 3, with food trucks at 4 p.m., live music at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m., according to a June 4 post at facebook.com/TuscanKitchenandMarket.
• Sunapee will forgo fireworks for an innovative Independence Day Drone Show on Saturday, June 29, at dusk; spectators are invited to watch the setup process beginning at 2 p.m.) at Sunapee Harbor. The town will hold its Independence Day parade on Thursday, July 4, at noon starting on Old Georges Mills Road; celebrations continue that afternoon at the bandstand with music and activities. See town.sunapee.nh.us.
• Windham will have fireworks on Wednesday, June 26, along with music and food trucks. The show runs from 7 to 10 p.m., with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The parking lot opens at 5:30 p.m. Visit windhamnh.gov.
Featured Photo: Market Days Festival in Concord. Courtesy photo.
The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities
• On display now: Catch the art exhibit “Exploration: Line/Shape/Form” on display through Thursday, Aug. 22, at Art 3 Gallery (44 West Brook St. in Manchester; art3gallery.com, 668-6650). The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Get a peek at the show on the gallery’s website.
• American songbook: Welcome to The Club brings the music of the great American crooners to the Rex Theatre (823 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) Friday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m. This is a reinvention of the classic Copacabana Club with a full 19-piece Big Band and hits from Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Bing Crosby, Bobby Darin, Mel Tormé, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Tony Bennett. Tickets are $29.
The Lavender Scare NSquared Dance will present The Lavender Scare in collaboration with New Hampshire Dance Collaborative and Manchester True Collaborative at The Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St in Manchester) on Thursday, June 27, at 7 p.m. “The Lavender Scare”was the dismissal and resignations of thousands of federal workers because of their sexuality and took place during the 1940s to the 1960s alongside McCarthyism, according to a press release. The performance is a 45-minute dance work. Tickets range from $20 to $35. Visit nsquareddance.org/performances.
• Summer theater: Nashua Public Library (2 Court St. in Nashua) as part of their Sunday Cinema Classics Series will be screening Summer Stock (1950) on Sunday, June 30, at 1 p.m., according to their website. The movie follows a small-town farmer, down on her luck, who finds her homestead invaded by a theatrical troupe invited to stay by her ne’er-do-well sister. It stars Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. Visit nashualibrary.org.
• Flip for the circus: The Circus is in town. FL!P Circus, created by the Vazquez family, is bringing its 2024 production and its air-conditioned red and white big top tent to the Mall at Rockingham Park (99 Rockingham Park Blvd., Salem) from Friday, June 28, to Sunday, July 7, according to a press release. This all-new show was specially curated to showcase an eclectic mix of international human performers. Show times are 7 p.m. on weekdays; 1, 4, and 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets range between $25 and $45, and certain discounts, like family or military, can apply. Visit FlipCircus.com.
• Artists reception: The Saxtons River Art Guild is excited for its first exhibition, to run from Friday, June 28, to Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Jaffrey Civic Center (40 Main St.) with an opening reception for the artists to be held on Friday, June 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., according to a press release. At the reception, artists from the Saxtons River Art Guild will be present to talk about their artworks. There will also be receptions on Friday, June 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. for the group shows in the Auditorium gallery and the Cunningham Gallery upstairs. The Saxon River Art Guild was founded in 1976 by a small group of artists who lived in Saxtons River, Vermont, and gathered informally for painting classes with various instructors. It is now a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage the advancement of the fine arts, with about 80 members throughout the Monadnock region in New Hampshire and the Southern Connecticut River Valley area of Vermont, according to the press release. Visit jaffreyciviccenter.com.
To understand the business philosophy of Meme Exum, owner of The Glimpse Gallery in Concord, the story of how she acquired her first piece of art is instructive. At age 20 she studied political science at Georgia State, waiting tables to support herself. Her only roommate was Angelina, an angelfish from the Amazon River.
Exum had an emotional connection with the fish, who’d nibble her finger when she fed it. One day she rushed off to work worried her aquarium’s pH balance wasn’t right, and when she returned from her shift her beloved companion had passed. Heartbroken, she asked a friend, a student at Georgia State’s art school, to paint her portrait.
She paid $50 for the small painting of Angelina in a spray of river silk with tiny bubbles escaping from her mouth. The image now greets visitors to Glimpse; it’s both a logo and the source of the gallery’s name. With the bubbles, “you’re getting a glimpse of her in her native habitat,” Exum said.
What does this have to do with running an art gallery located on the alley side of a building across the street from the Statehouse? First of all, Glimpse isn’t a moneymaker. Exum breaks even on costs, and her web design company pays the bills. She charges a wall space fee sufficient to cover maintenance but doesn’t take a commission when something sells.
She mounts six exhibitions a year, relying on word of mouth to draw people in. The current show offers works from seven artists whose works range from surreal images of stair-climbing fish to watercolor horizons, colorful canvas sculptures that echo Van Gogh, and portraits of players on the NBA Champion Boston Celtics.
It opens July 9, preceded by four Friday evening receptions; the final one is June 28 at 5 p.m. It will include works from Julie Daniels, Mark Ruddy, Kevin Kintner, Rose Culver, Paul Gilmore, Cheryl Mitchell and Christina Landry-Boullion. Art prices can range from under $100 to a few thousand dollars.
“I simply am in it to get the art out,” she said, adding that she eschews social media. “That’s not the vibe, it’s more an underground following. You hear about it from other artists, you hear about it from people who truly love art. Then you come here, have a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage and you simply see new art. If you don’t buy anything, you’re still supporting the artist.”
There’s another reason for her altruism, however.
After being bit by the collector bug in college, Exum got a job at an Atlanta architect’s office. There she ran a side hustle connecting her artist pals with interior designers.
“When I sold a piece from a struggling student who just graduated to an interior designer, that feeling of being the intermediary was my goal,” not money, she said. “It was a power for good.”
Her reward was being able to snag pieces she liked before they ended up on the wall of a million-dollar condo. “You know where I made bank?” she asked. “I get dibs on all the first art … I get to see all these artists and pick what I like.” In other words, she’s in business for reasons very similar to those of people who run used record stores or antique shops.
This explains the ancient Toyota pickup truck parked in front of Glimpse. “We’re never selling this, and our other car is a 10-year old station wagon,” Exum said. “Why buy a fancy car when we could have that cash available for when we see the right piece? We can buy it if we don’t have a car payment.”
Glimpse’s first exhibit in February had works from the online gallery Exum ran out of Atlanta before she and her husband moved north, along with pieces from her brother in Vermont and a few from a Bow artist. Since then she’s managed to fill the walls with mostly New Hampshire artists.
Choosing what to display doesn’t come down to her personal preferences; Exum tries to keep an open mind and find work outside of her comfort zone.
“I really look at pieces that I’m not necessarily drawn to, because we all like our own taste,” she said. “If I’m not really drawn to it let me see if I can understand it more and if that will give me a connection.”
Exum also knows there’s always more to glean.
“I am learning so much from the artists that Glimpse represents, like when they’ll mention an artist that I’ve never heard of,” she said. “It’s a very humbling place to be a gallery owner, and everyone’s telling you stuff you don’t know, but I’m just trying to absorb it as much as I can.”
First Glimpse Art Show When: Friday, June 28, 5 p.m. Where: The Glimpse Gallery, 4 Park St. (Patriot Building), Concord More: theglimpsegallery.com
Whether you’re headed for a beach vacation or just a porch with a cool breeze, summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in a good book.
What to read? Here are recommendations from local libraries, book sellers and others for books to keep you entertained through Labor Day.
GENERAL FICTION
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride From the author of the modern classic memoir The Color of Water. Recommended by: MainStreet BookEnds in Warner. “This is storytelling at its very best. A wonderful mix of Jewish immigrants and African Americans in the 1920s, forming bonds of loyalty in the poorest part of an emerging Pennsylvania city.”
Margo’s Got Money Troubles, by Rufi Thorpe The publisher’s description starts, “As the child of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, Margo Millet’s always known she’d have to make it on her own.” Recommended by: Erin Pastore, operations coordinator at Water Street Bookstore in Exeter. “Just absolutely hilarious. … Very heartwarming story of a young mom.”
By Any Other Name, by Jodi Picoult A novel about two women, centuries apart, one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays. Recommended by: Tanya Ricker, library director at Whipple Free Library in New Boston. “Jodi has been my favorite author since I was in high school and saw her speak at a journalism conference. … This book, she has said, is the book of her heart, the book she feels she was meant to write. You can tell how deeply she feels about it when you read it. I loved the details, the research, the way it made me think and question things I thought that I knew.”
Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt A charming novel about a woman who works the night shift at an aquarium. Recommended by: Jo Flynn at Bookery in Manchester. “It’s a restore-your-faith-in-humanity type of read.” Also recommended by Susan S., Library Director at Seabrook Library.
All Our Yesterdays: A Novel of Lady Macbeth, by Joel H. Morris A debut novel set 10 years before the events of Shakespeare’s play. Recommended by: Jan Locke at Balin Books in Nashua. “Definitely for fans of Hamnet! There is still a love story intertwined, but the times are much more visceral. Lady Macbeth’s character development from young girl to queen is quite powerful. Of course, there are witches!”
The Women, by Kristin Hannah Young nursing student goes to Vietnam to follow her brother and joins the Army Nurse Corps. Recommended by: Andy Richmond, director of Rye Public Library. “[Because Vietnam] from a female perspective is not really addressed anywhere else in novel form … [this book] opened a lot of people’s eyes I think.”
Night Watch, by Jayne Anne Phillips Pulitzer-winning novel about a mother and daughter surviving war and its aftermath. Recommended by: Ken Kozick, proprietor of Sheafe Street Books in Portsmouth. “Like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest but 100 years before Cuckoo’s Nest, just after the Civil War.”
Recommended by Zachary Lewis, Hippo features writer: Welcome to the Monkeyhouse by Kurt Vonnegut “is a collection of really cool, absurd stories. Each one is great. Breakfast of Champions is my favorite of his novels but The Sirens of Titan is a close second. Vonnegut is one of the most sincere and authentic writers.”
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon “is an awesome tale about the creation of comic books, escape artists from pre-war Europe, and the connection of family in all its iterations.”
1666, by Lora Chilton A story about Patawomeck women living through the decimation of their tribe in Virginia. Recommended by: MainStreet BookEnds. “Historical fiction at its best. … Told through the eyes of two women, it is a piece of our history that is finally being discovered and told.”
Long Island, by Colm Tóibín An Irish woman living on Long Island in the 1970s faces an unexpected situation. Recommended by: Andy Richmond, director of Rye Public Library.
American Spirits, by Russell Banks The final collection of stories by the author before his death in 2023. Recommended by: Liz Ryan, adult programming coordinator at Derry Public Library. “[Banks] was an incredible creative voice in fiction.”
North Woods: A Novel, by Daniel Mason A story about a house in New England, told through the lives of its inhabitants over the centuries. Recommended by: Emerson Sistare, owner of Toadstool Books in Peterborough. “Flat out, one of the best books I have read in the last number of years. Mason’s prose and ability to weave and bounce between genres elevate this book to lofty heights. A triumphant anthem to the beauty of New England and its people.”
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, by Robert Dugoni A coming-of-age story about a boy born with red pupils, called “Devil Boy” by his classmates. Recommended by: Diane C., circulation assistant at Seabrook Library. “This book is very inspiring!”
Fire Exit, by Morgan Talty The story of a young man who grew up with his mother and stepfather on a reservation in Maine but must move away when he turns 18 because he is not native. Recommended by: Erin Pastore, operations coordinator at Water Street Bookstore in Exeter. “It’s a really deep family story. Wickedly funny at times while also being very serious about issues of native reservations.”
All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr Pulitzer-winning novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in France during World War II. Recommended by: Mary Kennedy, interlibrary loans and circulation, Whipple Free Library in New Boston. “I always enjoy historical fiction books in general and this book was captivating . You are reading the viewpoints of two main characters and then you see how their worlds collide. It took a little bit to get into but then I was hooked at one point. The descriptives and the author’s writing style have you imagining the characters and scenes easily.”
How to Read a Book, by Monica Wood A novel about unlikely friendships and second chances. Recommended by: Jo Flynn at Bookery. “Another restore-your-faith-in-humanity book.”
The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles A story of two brothers in 1950s America. Recommended by: Marcia de Steuben, circulation assistant at Whipple Free Library in New Boston. “It’s 1954 and Emmett Watson has just been dropped off at his home in Nebraska by the warden of the work farm where Emmett served a year for involuntary manslaughter. Out of the trunk of the warden’s car pop two friends from the work farm. So begins a 10-day adventure for the teenagers and Emmett’s 8-year-old brother Billy. On their journey they meet lots of interesting characters and have humorous and memorable experiences. This is an entertaining read.”
Table for Two, by Amor Towles Six stories and a novella. Recommended by: Ben Brown, director of Harvey-Mitchell Library in Epping. “He’s very popular, he only writes a book every four to five years…. He does… historical fiction.”
Recommended by Hippo Features writer Micheal Witthaus: Beautiful & Terrible Things, by S.M. Stevens (July 18) “This novel explores the personal and political lives of six city-dwelling twentysomethings, using romantic entanglements and professional challenges to explore issues like environmentalism, social justice, mental health and identity. It’s written by a New Hampshire author and the fictional group’s favorite gathering spot is inspired by Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.”
Mayluna, by Kelley McNeil “A great read for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. Its story revolves around a fictional chart-topping rock group but is more focused on the emotional lives of its two main characters: the band’s lead singer and creative force, and the music journalist who becomes their lover and muse. For music industry geeks, Mayluna provides an informative look at its pre-Napster days; the author was once a tour manager.”
MYSTERY
How to Solve Your Own Murder, by Kristen Perrin A cozy mystery in which a woman tries to prevent her foretold murder. Recommended by: Jan Locke at Balin Books. “This is a lovely chick-lit cozy about the bonds of female friendship. Read it in a single bite!”
The Kamogawa Food Detectives, by Hisashi Kashiwai (translated by Jesse Kirkwood) A bestseller in Japan with a sequel due in October. Recommended by: Tracy Kittredge, customer services, Nashua Public Library. “It was the cover that made me pick up this book; I cannot resist cats or noodles. And then I discovered that it’s a cozy mystery, only the ‘detectives’ aren’t investigating crimes. Instead, they bring food memories to life by recreating a dish from their clients’ past. At 208 pages, it’s a delicious, lighthearted read, and the personal stories resonate.”
Lightning Strikes the Silence: A Lane Winslow Mystery, by Iona Whishaw No. 11 in a series. Recommended by: MainStreet BookEnds in Warner. “Wonderful writing and pure escapism. Lane Winslow is back as the former English WWII spy, needing to escape to the quiet of a pastoral little town in British Columbia. But murders happen, and her keen sensibilities are needed at every turn. Caution: you must read them in order, so get started.”
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, by Janice Hallett Stylistically innovative mystery in which a true crime journalist who revives an old case. Recommended by: Jaclyn at Nashua Public Library. “I really loved all the different ways we were fed information. Emails, texts, voice recordings that were transcribed made me feel like I was there with the main character putting all the pieces together. If you like a good mystery and want to help figure out what happened to the fictional cult of the Alperton Angels this is the book for you!”
The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon Recommended by: Andy Richmond, director of Rye Public Library. “It’s a novelization of Martha Ballard’s diaries as a midwife in Maine” with the addition of a murder mystery.
Recommended by Corinne Robinson, Hippo production designer: The City of Brass, by S. A. Chakraborty (the first in a trilogy). “It’s a fantastic read! It has absolutely fantastic worldbuilding and the author does a great job of gradually building political and emotional tension. Also the characters have such dynamic relationships with one another and each character you meet plays a significant role in the overall storyline. I love all three books!”
ROMANCE AND ROM-COM
Pride, Pancakes, and Paris, by Emmie J. Holland Boy needs plus-one for a wedding, girl reluctantly agrees to pose as his girlfriend because trip to Paris! Recommended by: Emily St. Louis at Bookery. “Trope of best friend’s brother and enemies to lovers, perfect beach read.”
Happy Medium, by Sarah Adler A rom-com involving a fake spirit medium and an actual havoc-wreaking ghost. Recommended by: Tammy McCracken at Balin Books. “A reluctant con-woman, a sexy farmer … and a ghost feeding the con-woman…. Plus, baby goats! It’s a fun romp.”
The Idea of You, by Robinne Lee The book that spawned the Prime video starring Anne Hathaway. Recommended by: Amy Hanmer at Manchester City Library. “You’re a 39-year-old mom dating the lead singer of a boy band, whom your daughter loves. Lee’s book is much better than the movie.”
HORROR
The Angel of Indian Lake, by Stephen Graham Jones Book 3 in a trilogy of horror novels centered on generational trauma in Idaho. Recommended by: Ben Brown, director of Harvey-Mitchell Library in Epping. “Really gory but it’s really good if you like Stephen King or something like that. It has a more unique flavor because of the Native American perspective.”
Horror Movie, by Paul Tremblay A chilling twist on the “cursed film” genre. Recommended by: Tammy McCracken at Balin Books. “The only remaining cast member of a never released 1993 horror film is approached 30 years later to be part of a big-budget Hollywood reboot. What are people willing to do to get this made?”
Recommended by Jennifer Gingras, Hippo production designer: The Women of Weird Tales, stories by Everil Worrell, Eli Colter, Mary Elizabeth Counselman, and Graye La Spina, introduction by Melanie Anderson “13 classic tales of fantasy and horror written by women who were influential in developing the modern genre. Including vampires, ghosts, curses, corpses and other horrors, the stories are fun, imaginative and — most importantly — weird!”
EDGE OF YOUR SEAT
The Exchange: After the Firm, by John Grisham Another legal thriller from the prolific bestselling author. Recommended by: Andy Richmond, director of Rye Public Library. “A follow-up on the big hit The Firm,” filled with international intrigue.
The Guest, by B.A. Paris A psychological thriller about unpredictable friends and dangerous secrets. Recommended by: Jess H., adult services librarian at Seabrook Library. “This book will keep you guessing right up until the last chapter. All of our patrons who read this book rate it as 4 out of 4 stars!” and “This is a book that you will not be able to put down. I read it in a day!”
SCIF-FI
Service Model, by Adrian Tchaikovsky “A delightfully humorous tale of robotic murder,” says the publisher. Recommended by: Sue Harmon, information and technology librarian at Manchester City Library “[Tchaikovsky’s] signature style is deep philosophical takes and meandering story-lines. … A refreshing take on AI-based stories.”
Children of Time, by Adrian Tchaikovsky Humans battle on a terraformed planet. Winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award. Recommended by: Michael Joachim at Balin Books. “Epic sci-fi adventure spanning time and space. [Tchaikovsky] world-builds with great imagination and details. Big themes and great characters.”
FANTASY
Road to Ruin, by Hana Lee Gritty fantasy with motorcycles, magic and monsters. Recommended by: Lex Hetrick, library technician at Manchester City Library. “I felt like I was hanging onto the back of Jin’s magebike through this sandstorm ride! You can see the twists coming but that doesn’t make the road any less fun.”
The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, by Brandon Sanderson A fantasy adventure where a man wakes up in medieval England with no idea where he came from. Recommended by: Jo Flynn at Bookery. “A fun, lighthearted immersive fantasy with lots of breaking the fourth wall.”
Recommended by John Fladd, Hippo features editor and food writer: A Deadly Education: A Novel (The Scholomance, Book 1), by Naomi Novik “This is a fantasy about a school of magic. Unlike the one you’re thinking of, it is deliciously dark, with an intricate plot. Imagine Hogwarts, if 60 percent of the students died before leaving. “
Ninth House, by Leigh Bardugo A magical murder mystery set among secret societies at Yale University. Recommended by: Natalie Lapointe, cataloging and technical Services, Whipple Free Library in New Boston. “This is a must-read, can’t-put down kind of book. If you love this, be sure to check out Hell Bent, the second installment of the Alex Stern series. Book 3 will be coming out within the next year (hopefully).”
Threads that Bind, by Kika Hatzopoulou A descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders. Recommended by: Kirsten Rickershauser at Balin Books. “This one reminds me a lot of the paranormal fantasy I read in high school. Io is a private investigator and third sister of fate, able to see and cut the threads that bind people to their loves and lives. Here she is pushed in investigating how women with their life threads cut are murdering others instead of being dead themselves. With a lot of mirror mythology and world-building, this YA (Young Adult) book is fun for teens and adults alike.”
A Court of Thorns and Roses (the whole series), by Sara J. Maas Wolves, beasts, immortal faeries — oh, and romance. Recommended by: Emily St. Louis at Bookery. “A viral favorite, worth the hype for both fantasy and romance lovers.”
A Touch of Darkness (series), by Scarlett St. Clair Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. Recommended by: Emily St. Louis at Bookery. “(Surprisingly) a good spicy romance retelling of Hades x Persephone, as well as a modern aspect of Greek gods. It’s a restore-your- faith-in-humanity type of read.”
Child of a Hidden Sea (Hidden Sea Tales #1), by A.M. Dellamonica A fantasy tale of adventure and adversity. Recommended by: Sue Pellerin, adult services, Whipple Free Library in New Boston. “The book opens as biologist Sophie Hansa crashes into an unfamiliar ocean, suddenly and mysteriously transported there from present-day San Francisco. What follows is a novel full of adventure, political intrigue, magic, and family. The island-world of Stormwrack is fascinating — I loved learning about the various island nations and floating cities as the series progressed. And I adored all the characters, from the unfailingly curious Sophie to her genius brother Bram to the various inhabitants of Stormwrack we meet. The three books in this series are not enough for me — this is a world I could happily return to over and over again!”
Vassa in the Night, by Sarah Porter A dark modern fairy tale. Recommended by: Sue Pellerin, adult services, Whipple Free Library in New Boston. “A modern retelling of the Russian fairy tale ‘Vasilisa the Beautiful.’ Porter’s Brooklyn setting is at once familiar and fantastically alien, and her depiction of Baba Yaga (or Babs Yagg as she’s called here) as a sadistic convenience store owner is nothing short of inspired. Both hauntingly beautiful and deeply unsettling, this gorgeously written book had me hooked from the first page.”
A Broken Blade, by Melissa Blair Fast-paced fantasy about power and resistance. Recommended by: Jaclyn at Nashua Public Library. “If you want a fantasy book with a strong female lead character Keera is your girl. This book is mainly a fantasy but does have some romance. Book 3 just came out and Book 4 is set for next year and I can’t wait to see what the author does with the story!”
POETRY
Good Monster, by Diannely Antigua A 2024 collection from the Poet Laureate of Portsmouth. Recommended by: Ken Kozick, proprietor of Sheafe Street Books in Portsmouth. She “represents her role as Poet Laureate well.” Kosick said.
In the Hour of War: Poetry from Ukraine, edited by Carolyn Forché and Ilya Kaminsky An anthology of current poetry of Ukraine. Recommended by: Ken Kozick, proprietor of Sheafe Street Books in Portsmouth.
NONFICTION
Building: A Carpenter’s Notes on Life & the Art of Good Work, by Mark Ellison Winner of the Inc. Non-Obvious Book Award. Recommended by: MainStreet BookEnds. “This is a lovely meditation on finding the vocation that matters to you and learning its disciplines over time. It is now out in paperback, and makes a great read on finding and living a life that matters.”
Recommended by Hippo features writer Michael Witthaus: Hot Dog Money: Inside the Biggest Scandal in the History of College Sports, by Guy Lawson “Nonfiction that reads like a crime thriller, it begins with the fall from grace of a financial advisor to student athletes on their way to the big leagues. To stay out of prison, he cooperates with federal law enforcement to root out corruption in college basketball, with astonishing success. It turns out that the money involved with keeping amateurs playing for free is irresistible to many.”
The Demon of Unrest, by Erik Larson 592 pages on a slice of Civil War history. Recommended by: Michael Joachim at Balin Books. “A riveting moment-by-moment account of the tense months between Abe Lincoln’s election and the attack on Fort Sumter by a renowned historian.” Also recommended by Ben Brown, Director of Harvey-Mitchell Library in Epping.
Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, by Ben Goldfarb A Smithsonian Staff Favorite and a Science News Favorite of 2023, about the 40 million miles of roadway on Earth. Recommended by: Prudence Wells at Balin Books. “Road ecology affects all of us: turtles, moose, butterflies, humans, etc. Habitat destruction, migration confusion and loss of life (man and beast) occur on account of roads. We can get to where we want to go without damaging our ecology. Here’s how….”
Recommended by John Fladd, Hippo features editor and food writer: No Applause — Just Throw Money: The Book That Made Vaudeville Famous, by Trav S.D. “I’ve always been fascinated by Vaudeville, the traveling variety shows of the late 1800s and early 1900s. I was hoping to learn more about some of the odd acts that toured the Vaudeville circuits, like Swain’s Rats and Cats, where cats dressed in racehorse livery would race around a track, mounted by rats dressed as jockeys. There was a little of that, but No Applause was more about the business model of Vaudeville, which I would have bet anything I wouldn’t care about. Instead, I was fascinated.”
The Flavor Bible: The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity, Based on the Wisdom of America’s Most Imaginative Chefs, by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg “This is the most useful book in my kitchen. And my office. And on my phone, so I can consult it while I’m shopping. It is nothing more or less than a comprehensive series of lists of which ingredients go well together. Creative typography lets the reader know if a pairing is a widely recognized one, or one passionate chef’s guilty pleasure. I use this book to develop new recipes for main dishes, desserts and cocktails. This could be a life-saver for those times when you find yourself shouting to your kitchen ceiling, ‘What am I going to do with all these kumquats!’”
The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family, by Ron and Clint Howard Ron Howard and his brother, Clint, who were both child actors, recount their lives in alternating chapters. Recommended by: Anne P., circulation assistant at Seabrook Library. “This is a memoir about growing up in Hollywood. It is very interesting and well-written.
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt The latest offering from the social psychologist who wrote The Happiness Hypothesis. Recommended by: MainStreet BookEnds. “An important book for our times as California’s governor calls for smartphones to be banned in schools and the U.S. Surgeon General urges a warning label on apps that their use can be addictive to children.”
Who’s Afraid of Gender, by Judith Butler Recommended by: Liz Ryan, adult programming coordinator at Derry Public Library, who called the book “accessible” and said she’s impressed by how Butler puts discussions of gender in terms everyone can understand.
Recommended by Zachary Lewis, Hippo features writer: Me Talk Pretty One Day and Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris “are the gold standards for humorous creative nonfiction. I recommend the audiobook for Me Talk Pretty One Day with Sedaris narrating.”
The Ancient Engineers by L. Sprague De Camp “goes through how civilizations from ancient Egypt, Babylon, etc. could have built their cities in a real, non alien-influenced way. He wrote a lot on debunking claims of the occult and pseudoscience despite also being a fantasy and sci-fi author.”
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Monstress, Volume 1: Awakening, by Marjorie M. Liu & Sana Takeda “An original fantasy epic for mature readers,” according to the publisher at imagecomcis.com. Recommended by: Sue Pellerin, adult services at Whipple Free Library in New Boston. “This is the first volume in an ongoing graphic novel series. It’s set in a matriarchal fantasy Asia, highly inspired by Art Deco and steampunk aesthetics. The world-building is lush and incredibly detailed, and Takeda’s artwork is a feast for the senses. The storytelling is complex, dark and fiercely feminist with political machinations, warring factions and banished old gods. Volume 9 comes out this fall, so there’s plenty of story to catch up on!”
My Favorite Thing is Monsters: Book Two, by Emil Ferris The follow-up to the 2017 graphic novel My Favorite Thing is Monsters, full of mysteries and B-movie horror vibes and set in 1960s Chicago. Recommended by: Liz Ryan, adult programming coordinator at Derry Public Library. “I’ve been waiting for this book for seven years, so I am extremely excited to finally continue the story. … it’s an amazing piece of art.”
Watership Down: The Graphic Novel, by Richard Adams, adapted and illustrated by James Sturm and Joe Sutphin Beloved story of a group of rabbits on an epic journey in search of home. Recommended by: MainStreet BookEnds. “[A] gorgeous interpretation, yet true to the original. After 50 years, something to engage and delight the younger readers.”
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS
Something About the Sky, by Rachel Carson, illustrated by Nikki McClure What do you know about clouds? Recommended by: MainStreet BookEnds.“What happens when you combine the beautiful writing of environmentalist Rachel Carson with the exquisite art of Nikki McClure and roll it into a picture book for children? You get this gem!”
Where is Little Stripe’s Daddy? by Deborah Bruss, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright Turns out zebras are not the only animals with black and white stripes. Recommended by: MainStreet BookEnds. “Concord’s own Deborah Bruss has a new children’s book out and it is perfectly delightful. … Designed graphically so the child has a window to anticipate the next page’s surprise, there are so many things to see and learn throughout.”
Recommended by Zachary Lewis, Hippo features writer: The Monk by Matthew Lewis “is a great traditional gothic horror, bodice-ripper, silly creepy spooky novel.”
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, “got me to put down my Nintendo 64 controller when I was in third grade.”
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley “is wonderful, secretly funny, and absurd in all the right places.”
Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino “is truly a unique book. Anything by Calvino is what you want when you want magical realism.”
