Tag: 250626

Books for your vacation, staycation and lazy afternoons

Compiled by Lisa Parsons
news@hippopress.com

Summer is a great time to dig in to a new book. We asked local community leaders, librarians and other bookish people for some of their favorites — what they’d recommend for a summer read or what they’re looking forward to reading this summer. Here are their suggestions!

FICTION

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry “Henry’s modern romances for bibliophiles always hit the spot. I particularly love that her characters are fully realized and often work through nuanced emotions and life experiences,” said Faithe M. Lakowicz, Concord Public Library circulation supervisor. Also recommended by Carrie Green Loszewski, VP of Engagement at Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, who said, “I loved … how it wove the stories of multiple generations together into one.”

The Most by Jessica Anthony “Ever wished you could hang in the pool year-round but you live in New England? Well, so does The Most’s narrator! Literally. She WILL NOT leave the pool,” said bookseller Garrett at Bookery Manchester.

“Personally, I love a good mystery or beach read this time of year!,” said Nicole, co-founder at Throwback Brewery in North Hampton (which hosts three book clubs). “My two favorites of late are The Wedding People by Alison Espach — not only laugh-out-loud funny, but heartfelt and moving … and All the Colors of The Dark by Chris Whitaker — a combo of mystery and love story, this book was tough to listen to at times as it is full of tragedy and heartbreak, but the story stuck with me for a while. I loved the characters and the underlying current of hope throughout.” The Wedding People was also recommended by Sue Fahey at Bedford Public Library, who said, “No major life lessons, but lots of laughs!”

Fox by Joyce Carol Oates “Oates’ new novel brings us to Langhorne Academy, where a new teacher brings mystery and a psychological thriller that shows why Oates is a quintessential writer of our time. When the teacher is found in a pond, the story takes a dark turn. I’m looking forward to this June release,” said Ryan O’Hora, director of Pembroke Town Library.

“My favorite books are actually a series titled the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, and the first book is a novella titled All Systems Red,” said Melissa Edwards, Executive Director at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord. “I love the series because the author creates a world with many of the themes we are facing today: AI, corporate greed, and human space exploration are explored using humor and great world building. Murderbot is one of my favorite literary characters and its exploration of what it means to be human is both fascinating and heart-warming.”

Witch King by Martha Wells “Something that I really enjoyed about this book is that the reader is dropped into a fully realized world that we learn about organically through the alternating main timeline story and flashback chapters. This can be a little disorienting at first, but I appreciate an author who trusts that their reader will piece everything together as we go… I was especially interested in reading Martha Wells’ take on fantasy, having really enjoyed her science fiction series (Murderbot, recently adapted by Apple TV) … the author does a great job in writing the perspective of outsider characters that find themselves enmeshed in the machinations of the universe around them,” said Yvonne F., librarian at Manchester City Library.

That’s What She Said by Eleanor Pilcher “If you’re in your 20s you need to read this. This is a story about two young women exploring their sexuality, friendship, and learning to adult. You will laugh and cry simultaneously,” said bookseller Reanna at Bookery Manchester.

“I like some horror on the beach,” said Ryan, marketing manager at Gibson’s Bookstore, recommending When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy. “This is a book of fathers and childhood and nightmares and bad miracles and heartbreak and grief and abuse and joy and wonder and fear and fear and fear,” Ryan said. “Nat Cassidy’s writing is propulsive and explosive and jaw-dropping.”

“I’m currently listening to the audiobook version of Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney and enjoying it so far! Beautiful Ugly follows a man trying to get his life back in order after his wife goes missing. The book is set on a remote Scottish island that seems like a peaceful and idyllic scene at first, but as more mysteries are uncovered, the little Island starts to seem like a nightmare. This thriller is captivating …,” said Tess K., NH Room librarian at Manchester City Library. Also recommended by Trinette Doherty, VP of the Friends of the Hollis Social Library, who said it was an “absolutely amazing thriller and the audiobook was fabulous too!” and by Sue F. at Bedford Public Library, who noted, “Best of all, there is a secret clue in the book — see if you can find it!”

“James by Percival Everett is by one of my favorite authors. It retells the Huck Finn story from Jim’s perspective and is really well done. It also either won or came in second in the ‘Tournament of Books’ [tournamentofbooks.com], which happens every March and I recommend to any reader to follow that (like March Madness but with novels!),” said Scott at To Share Brewing Co. in Manchester (which runs a monthly book club and has a community library in the taproom).

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt “The characters are sweet but not saccharine, and the plot has it all: a little bit of mystery, some comedy, a touch of romance, and a lot of charm,” said Faithe M. Lakowicz, Concord Public Library circulation supervisor. Also recommended by Mosaic Art Collective board member Daniela Wenzel, who called it “a beautiful and funny book about the unexpected relationship of a lonely cleaning lady and the escape artist octopus of an aquarium exhibit. Especially enjoyable as audio version.”

The Lost Queen (series) by Signe Pike is a “woman-centric Arthurian retelling (one that doesn’t focus on Morgana). I really loved how [the titular Lost Queen] navigates the divide between her deeply held pagan beliefs and the growing Christian world in early medieval Scotland. The series has a beautiful blend of Celtic lore, magic and historic conflicts, both religious and political. It’s a well done, immersive historical fiction with an informative author’s note, maps and pronunciation guide,” said Caitlin, librarian at Manchester City Library.

“I highly recommend The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer,” said Delaney at To Share Brewing Co. in Manchester. “Her writing brings the nostalgia of childhood books into mature writing for adults. The story uses youthful tones, while keeping the reader’s attention with mystery and riddles.”

“…[T]he ‘It’ book right now I feel is Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This book was an absolute piece of art combining a love story, family and a group of females all trying to be the first women selected for the NASA Space Shuttle program but then everything changes in an instant. It is an emotional roller coaster and had me in tears multiple times,” said Trinette D., VP of the Friends of the Hollis Social Library.

The Apothecary Diaries with story by Natsu Hyuuga; art by Nekokurage; compiled by Itsuki Nanao; character design by Touco Shino; translation, Julie Gonwich; lettering, Lys Blakeslee. “This is an ongoing manga series (adapted from a light novel and now also an anime) … I really like that Maomao is largely a reluctant main character who can’t seem to stop figuring out answers to problems and secrets in the court. I enjoy the tone of the comic, which is serious enough for the mysteries but is also as funny as it is intriguing,” said Yvonne F., librarian at Manchester City Library.

So Far Gone, by Jess Walter “It’s literary in style and in the depth of the characters, but also a hilarious send-up, a la Carl Hiaasen, of our current political moment, with Christian nationalists, militias, disgraced journalists, and bad behavior all around,” said Michael Herrmann, owner of Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

King of Ashes, by S.A. Cosby “It’s a propulsive crime thriller in which a financial whiz who works with wannabe gangsters in the big city has to come home to his small town to save his family from the real thing,” said Michael Herrmann at Gibson’s.

The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig “This book is set partially in New Hampshire, and Gibson’s Bookstore gets a major shoutout in the acknowledgements!” said Ryan at Gibson’s Bookstore. “A group of teens discover a staircase in the woods, and then one of them climbs to the top and disappears. Years later, the remaining friends reunite to try to find and rescue their friend — and that’s when the real horror begins.”

Eat the Ones You Love by Sarah Maria Griffin “A horror novel narrated by a sentient plant with a taste for humans? Yes, please,” said Ryan at Gibson’s. “This book is queer, it’s got great body horror, it’s packed with love and hunger and a manipulative plant named Baby who you just can’t help but adore even if he really really wants to absorb you and all of your memories and feelings and thoughts and organs. Eat the Ones You Love is a gorgeous, horrific novel that has me side-eyeing my garden.”

The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling “Good God. Lesbians. Cannibals. Otherworldly beings lurking above ground and below. Bees. This book oozes and I’m obsessed with it,” said Kat at Gibson’s Bookstore.

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar “This is a fairy tale that is rooted in tradition and blooms into something utterly unique. Two sisters live on the edge of the river Liss, in a land that lies in the pause between sentences, where grammar is magic and riddles have the power to turn brides into birds and fiends into fish. The prose sings, just as beautifully as the sisters, whose bond carries the melody of this story,” said Kat at Gibson’s.

Sky Daddy by Kate Folk “This is the most earnestly odd book I have ever come across,” said Cait at Gibson’s Bookstore. “Linda is a true and lovingly rendered weirdo who is going to marry her airplane soulmate…. If you’re flight averse this is still a rollicking read, but perhaps don’t do what I did and listen to it while on a flight to Chicago.”

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang is “a captivating dystopian and fantasy novel featuring class and gender bias in a dark academic setting,” said librarian Matthew B. at Concord Public Library.

Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley “I enjoyed the development of the characters and their evolving relationships in a story told through songs and musical careers,” said librarian Matthew B. at Concord Public Library.

Still Life by Louise Penny “Set in picturesque Quebec, this novel reads like a cozy mystery but brings much more depth and character. It’s quite immersive and philosophical at times, and then artistic and vivid in others. … There are many books in this series and each one is wonderful in its own way,” said Krystin at To Share Brewing Co. in Manchester

Beowulf, a new translation by Maria Dahvana Headley “It is thousand-year-old slam poetry, ‘Hamilton’ for the Geats and Skyldings — full of blood and honor, inside jokes and historical digressions,” said Michael Haley Goldman, Executive Director at NH Humanities.

Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell “is a great sci-fi book that does a great job of slow world building, allowing the reader to discover the world … without big info dumps,” said Yvonne F., librarian at Manchester City Library. “The book also did what I thought was impossible: make me enjoy a miscommunication ‘why didn’t they just talk about it?’ plot — largely by providing good reasons grounded both in politics of the world and experiences of the characters. “

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend “The first in the Nevermoor series and one of the best magical school books that I have read. Clever and funny with a good amount of world building and enough mystery to keep a reader’s attention — highly recommend!” said Yvonne F., librarian at Manchester City Library.

The Guest by Emma Cline “Our narrator has been dumped by her rich, older boyfriend the week before Labor Day and has nowhere to go. Running from a mysterious ex, she hangs around Long Island, hoping to win back the favor of her rich boyfriend,” said bookseller Emma at Bookery Manchester.

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix “Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias meet Dracula in this Southern-flavored supernatural thriller set in the ’90s about a women’s book club that must protect its suburban community from a mysterious and handsome stranger who turns out to be a blood-sucking fiend,” said librarian Loren at Exeter Public Library.

The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud “This is the first book in the Lockwood & Co. series [and] avoids info dumps while explaining a world where ghosts and phantasms have become commonplace, and allows us to uncover the darker mysteries of the world along with the characters. If you enjoy the idea of steampunk vibes and self-sufficient teens fighting ghosts under questionable government oversight then you should read this book!” said Yvonne F., children’s librarian at Manchester City Library.

The Never List by Jade Presley “This book is a ‘why choose’ romantasy with a spicy rating! (4 chili peppers). Rylee comes from the lowest social class in the country of Lumathyst. One night, she catches the eye of the realm’s most terrifying prince while gate-crashing the 4 Princes’ Choosing celebration. Rylee has a grudge against the four royal families for … the harsh treatment of her class, so each prince will need to try their best to win her over! Light on plot initially, the focus is setting up the romances and laying the groundwork for some intrigue later on. Don’t worry — that gets resolved quickly and it’s right back to romance! This is a fun, quick read!” said Susan H. at MCL.

You Killed Me First by John Marrs “is one of the twistiest thrillers I have ever read,” said Trinette Doherty, VP of the Friends of the Hollis Social Library. “It is about three women who all live in the same neighborhood and are all intricately connected with their dark pasts and secrets. It can be confusing until about 60% of the way through but then it all falls perfectly together!”

Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger “I don’t usually enjoy mystery but this book had me deeply connected with the characters and community Krueger lovingly crafted. It serves as a great jumping on point for the Cork O’Connor series,” said librarian Michelle S. at Wadleigh Memorial Library in Milford.

Wool by Hugh Howey “This book is the original story that inspired Apple TV’s Silo series. A sci-fi post-apocalyptic story where humans have retreated underground into a huge ‘silo’ to protect them from the dangerous outside world. Wool has a lot of plot points that are similar to the show, and some big differences. The first two seasons of the show cover the first half of book 1. I had a great time reading this book, and loved finding the differences! Book 2 is called Shift, and book 3 is called Dust,” said Susan H., head of Information & Technology at MCL.

The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams “Set on a fictional island in the Long Island Sound between post WWII and the Cold War 1950s, The Beach at Summerly deals with love, betrayal, and secrets that keep the reader in suspense until the very end,” said Tess K., NH Room librarian at MCL.

We Do Not Part by Han Kang “The newest Nobel Prize winner, Kang, paints a mysterious and mesmerizing tale of two friends and their introspective lives in Korea. This story had me reading late into the evening as I was entranced by not only the poetic writing but also the plot as the story unpacked historical aspects of Korea we may not know in America,” said Ryan O’Hora, Pembroke Town Library director.

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan is a “female-centered story centered in New England. Jane, a young archivist, overcomes personal struggles while investigating the historic Maine home she visited as a girl. Occasionally intense but informative history of Maine’s indigenous people. Includes a ghost and spirit guides. Lots going on here!” said librarian Amy H. at MCL.

Himawari House by Harmony Becker “The ending of a school year and beginning of summer now makes me think of this excellent graphic novel,” said David B., librarian at MCL. “Before starting college, a young woman moves to Japan for a year to reconnect to her family’s roots, and quickly befriends her roommates who are also from other countries, bolstering each other as they navigate the world on their own for the first time.”

The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness “This is Book 5 in The All Souls series, and I really would recommend reading the entire series if you like witches, vampires, romance, and a hearty amount of science and history mixed in,” said David B, librarian at MCL. “This title sees the central characters of Diana and Matthew learning about Diana’s oft overlooked family lineage while dealing with machinations from the ever-vigilant Congregation.”

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark “After enjoying Clark’s novel The Last Flight from the library’s Brown Bag Book Club, I vowed I would read her newest offering,” said librarian David B. at MCL. “Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has lived her life in the shadow of her horror writer father; now she faces the challenge of ghostwriting his last book, which seems to be about the infamous tragedy her father survived as a child.”

A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher “This updated Southern Gothic captures all the creep of a crumbling mansion with the uncanny antiseptic quality of suburbia. A relatable (and funny!) heroine plus a mind-bending climax where the real horror is watching your parents grow older and taking on the burdens of your family’s past kept me hooked until the very end,” said Michelle S. at Wadleigh Memorial Library.

Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend by Emma Alban is “a swoon-worthy Victorian-era romance, perfect for fans of Bridgerton who wish Eloise would just kiss a girl. Throw in a little Parent Trap, and this is a great summer read,” said librarian Loren at Exeter Public Library.

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone “Red and Blue are on different sides of a war, constantly trying to outwit one another. Then, after a battle, Red finds a letter that changes everything. This fast-paced futuristic sci-fi novel is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and rooting for true love to win,” said librarian Loren at Exeter Public Library.

Take What You Need by Idra Novey “The story of a self-taught lifelong sculptor who welds massive metal towers and the relationship she crafts with a local misfortunate teenager as well as her estranged stepdaughter and how the power of art can create change and focus and chances,” said Daniela Wenzel, board member at Mosaic Art Collective.

The Martian Contingency by Mary Robinette Kowal “I’ve been eagerly awaiting this fourth installment in the Lady Astronaut novels and plan on this being my first book of summer vacation! Set in an alternate Earth struck by an asteroid in 1952, these books have great characters and present a fascinating, well-researched and original take on space exploration in the mid 20th century,” said Patricia Kline Millard at Bedford Public Library.

“I read Playground by Richard Powers this spring, and absolutely loved it,” said Kate Leavitt, executive director of Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne State Park. “Playground is a compelling, layered read, weaving tech, marine ecology, and climate in ways that totally surprised me. It’s thoughtful, a little haunting, and had me thinking about the ocean — and our place in it — long after I finished!” Also recommended by Erin Kennedy, office manager at Beaver Brook Association, who said, “I just read Playground by Richard Powers and it was phenomenal! Themes were the environmental protection and the emergence of AI technology told through very human characters with a perspective I had never read before. Very eye-opening and an ending I did not expect!

Larissa Striga, development coordinator at NH Humanities, is looking forward to “R.F. Kuang’s new novel Katabasis that is coming out later this summer. This dark academia fantasy is sure to thrill me with its magic and mythology (Katabasis is an Ancient Greek word referring to a journey to the underworld).”

We are currently reading Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao,” said Jason DeYoung at Queerlective (which has a book club and storytelling events). “It very much is giving digimon or gundam vibes with some Chinese culture added in. It is very action-packed and you really get to know the characters. So far everyone highly recommends it.”

Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer Smith “The four Endicott siblings haven’t spoken in three years. The story shares the how and why and everything in between. Light, yet interesting,” said Sue Fahey at Bedford Public Library.

Anika and the Great Dog Rescue (GirlScouts), by Sayantani DasGupta “is a great story about how people can make a difference in the world around them,” said Rachel Dvareckas, marketing lead at Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. She also recommended Maven Takes the Lead, by Yamile Saied Mendez, the first in the series of middle-grade Girl Scouts novels, saying “This book shows the importance of being yourself and exploring all the possibilities available to girls.” And Carrie Green Loszewski, VP of Engagement at GSGWM, recommended The Girl Scouts’ The Ultimate Friendship Journal. “My 9-year-old is heading to Girl Scout overnight camp for the first time and I look forward to sending her with the Ultimate Friendship Journal full of things to read and fun activities to do with her friends,” she said.

The Odd Dog by Leia Barrett (pictures by Shannon McKeon) “is a fun, animal-themed children’s book that celebrates differences and finding where you belong. I love the illustrations in this book, and it is such a fun read!” said Carolyn S., animal care specialist at Animal Rescue League of NH (she said the book was popular in their Tales for Tails reading program for kids).

Fiona by Adrianna Calamita Sawaia (illustrated by Hafsa Pinar) is “an excellent children’s book told from the perspective of a dog named Fiona. It delves into the raw emotions surrounding neglect … as well as the heartwarming journey of adoption,” said Carolyn S. at Animal Rescue League of NH.

“This summer I’m recommending … 1984 by George Orwell andIt Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis. Unfortunately, the folks that really need to read these titles probably won’t,” said Ken Kozick at Sheafe Street Books in Portsmouth.

NONFICTION

Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday will help you “discover important lessons for living a just and rewarding life through examining the lives of famous historical figures,” says Matthew B., librarian at Concord Public Library.

Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden by Camille Dungy “I love how the author gets you thinking differently about your garden, lawn, and property differently than conventional wisdom. For anyone who needs some inspiration of how you can make a difference in the world in small ways, this is a great read,” said Shawn Menard, executive director of Seacoast Eat Local in Lee.

It. Goes. So. Fast. by Mary Louise Kelly “Intrepid NPR reporter Kelly shares her failures and successes as a parent and career woman while her oldest son prepares to go to college. A relatable reflection on balancing the fleeting but demanding blessing of young children with the rewarding but draining demands of work,” said Michelle S. at Wadleigh Memorial Library.

“I’d recommend 50 Shades Of The USA by Anna McNuff (also published as The United States of Adventure),” said Paul Susca, Board President of Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire. “…[I]t shows how someone with the right attitude — whether or not they have the training and experience of more seasoned cyclists — can have an epic experience on a bike.”

Cabin: Off-the-Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchinson is a “funny and inspiring read for anyone who enjoys the idea of building their own cabin in the woods with family and friends,” says Matthew B., librarian at Concord Public Library.

The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoë Schlanger “This new addition to the popular science canon will blow your mind and have you questioning everything you thought you knew about plant life!” said Faithe M. Lakowicz, circulation supervisor at CPL. Also recommended by Shawn Menard of Seacoast Eat Local, who said, “This book is especially for anyone who thinks they know a lot about plants. After reading it, you will realize how much you thought you knew.”

Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next Level by Emily Calandrelli “I’ve read this book cover to cover and keep a copy by my desk at work and reference it all the time for fun science activity ideas! Emily Calandrelli is the coolest person ever — and the 100th woman to go to space!” said Kelly Thompson, Visitor Services Coordinator at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.

There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraquib “This book reads so much differently than most books, almost like poetry at times. I found this to be one of the most profound things to read in a long time, making me think about my place in the world and the path that led me here,” said Shawn Menard at Seacoast Eat Local.

Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion “…[I]t’s a wonderful call to action to keep lights off and allow the night to support our world. I wanted to read it because NH Audubon hosts a maternal colony of big brown bats at the Massabesic Center, but I also learned that night is the time day-blooming plants, which support our pollinators, rest and grow, and without natural darkness [they] do not fare as well,” said Anita F., Community Outreach Coordinator at NH Audubon.

Unruly by David Mitchell “is a brief history of English kings and queens from the Anglo-Saxons through the end of the Tudors told with a hefty helping of Pythonesque humor. Snark, sarcasm and monarchs being bad all in one neat little package. Audio recommended for the full experience,” said Caitlin, librarian at Manchester City Library.

Just Kids by Patti Smith is “a poetic, insightful memoir that paints a picture of Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe coming into their own in the 1960s in New York. It covers art, spirituality, tragedy, sexuality and the courage to be who you are,” said bookseller Christina at Bookery Manchester.

The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister “Helpful for those in their sixties and over who want to move forward. Nineteen relevant categories that can be read in any order include: regret, accomplishment, fear, and relationships,” said librarian Amy H. at MCL.

Sounds Like Titanic: A Memoir by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman is “a coming-of-age memoir about authenticity … It reminds me of Bo Burnham’s stand-up/monologue in Inside (2021): ‘The outside world, the non-digital world, is merely a theatrical space in which one stages and records content for the much more real, much more vital digital space,’” said librarian Alice B. at MCL.

Why Animals Talk by Arik Kershenbaum is “an important exploration into how multiple species communicate and the ways in which those audible communications have developed to assist them in surviving in their evolutionary niches. It’s a great reminder that human language isn’t the only form of ‘talking.’”said Anita Fernandez, Community Outreach Coordinator at NH Audubon.

“The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson is an incredible true story about how citizen science was in action in Victorian London and helped change the course of history and human health,” said Adele Maurier, Design Coordinator at SEE Science Center. “I will be … also reading a new book called They Poisoned the World by investigative journalist Mariah Blake. This new book hits much closer to home not just in time and place, but because the issue of forever chemicals is affecting all of us … Together they show the intersection of science and society and the role anyone can play in the struggle for clean water and air.”

“Never Caught by Erica Armstrong Dunbar tells the powerful story of Ona Judge Staines, who escaped enslavement by George and Martha Washington and lived as a fugitive in Portsmouth, N.H. … I was captivated by the compelling narrative, which reveals the moral contradictions of America’s founding fathers and highlights Judge’s extraordinary resilience,” said Katrina Elta Kerr, Deputy Director of NH Humanities.

“As a lover of history and uncovering untold stories, [I recommend] Attention is Discovery: The Life and Legacy of Astronomer Henrietta Leavitt by Anna Von Mertens,”said Melissa Edwards at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. “Henrietta is an unsungNew England genius who laid the foundation for modern cosmology, and author/artist Anna Von Mertens uses both Henrietta’s original glass plates and her own art to tell this fascinating story. … we are excited that Anna will be coming to the Discovery Center on Aug. 2 to present a fully immersive planetarium show about her work.”

The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss “I’m currently reading this fascinating biography, which won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize,” said librarian Christina at MCL. “It tells the story of General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas — the father of novelist Alexandre Dumas — who was a mixed-race soldier during the French Revolution and served under Napoleon in Egypt. Reiss explores themes of race, slavery, and heroism, while also showing how this remarkable man inspired characters in The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers.”

Wild Thing: a life of Paul Gauguin by Sue Prideaux “I’m really looking forward to reading this biography of Paul Gauguin. Prideaux draws on newly discovered source material — including the long-lost memoir of Gauguin’s son and even a forensic analysis of Gauguin’s teeth — to challenge longstanding myths about the artist,” said librarian Christina at MCL.

The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer “The Serviceberry is a guide to how we can be better people to our community and our ecosystem,” said Devin G. at New Hampshire Audubon (which hosts a nature book club on Zoom that meets every other month).

“I am looking forward to reading The Ocean’s Body by Albert Calbet,” said Heather F., volunteer coordinator at the Gundalow Co. in Portsmouth. “I have read the description and it [shows] how the oceans can be compared to the human body with all the interconnected systems that adapt and respond to external changes.”

Art is Life by Jerry Salt “Short stories and anecdotes of all things art and artists. I have not yet started diving into this book, but am looking forward to making it my summer read,” said Daniela Wenzel, board member at Mosaic Art Collective.

Art of Parisian Chic: Modern Women and Modern Artists in Impressionist Paris by Justine De Young “I am excited about this book as it explores how women in 19th-century Paris were portrayed — and how they portrayed themselves…. Justine De Young examines how fashion, art, and literature shaped public perceptions of femininity and identity,” said librarian Christina at MCL.

The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf “A book about the travels of Alexander von Humbolt and the aftermath of his exploration of South America. This book is witty and evocative, educational and entertaining with ties to Keene, New Hampshire, and Burlington, Vermont,” said Daniela Wenzel, board member at Mosaic Art Collective.

“The next book on my to-read list is Being Jewish after the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning by Peter Beinart,” said Alice B. at MCL. “I identify strongly with my patrilineal Jewish heritage, so I thought this would be an appropriate follow-up to another book I just finished, The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Coates draws parallels between the conflict in Palestine [and] his experience as a Black American … and how his arguments have been used to further what he describes as ‘apartheid.’”

Free: My Search for Meaning by Amanda Knox “is an inspiring and intellectual account of human resilience,” said Katie S. at Bedford Public Library. “Amanda Knox was a 20-year-old American studying abroad in Perugia, Italy, when she was accused of murdering her British roommate …. Amanda’s case took on a life of its own in the international media. In her second memoir, Amanda details her mindset, insights, mistakes, and the meaning she has sought in order to heal and build what she calls a ‘life worth living’ both in and out of prison.”

How to Know a Person by David Brooks “Drawing from a myriad of sources, Brooks explores communication and connection in sincere and engaging prose. I was fascinated!” said Katie S., Bedford Public Library.

Red Scare: Blacklists, McCarthyism, and the Making of Modern America by Clay Risen. “This book follows the rise of anti-Communism in the U.S. starting with the Palmer Raids in 1919. It underscores that our current political shenanigans are not an anomaly, but a trajectory of the political use of lies, accusations, and populism,” said Sarah Chaffee, Director of Development at NH Humanities.

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder was recommended by Ken Kozick at Portsmouth’s Sheafe Street Books.