Summer is finally here! Whether you’re reading by the pool, on vacation or on your lunch break, there are some great books to keep you occupied. Also, don’t forget to sign up for Arlington Public Library’s Summer Reading program. Readers of all ages are invited to read for a cause and win fun prizes! Learn more here: https://library.arlingtonva.us/for-readers/summer-reading/
The following information is provided courtesy of the Arlington Public Library.
Fiction
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women
By Lisa See
In 15th century China, Tan Yunxian defies societal norms to become a physician, despite the restrictions imposed on her by her gender and class. Yunxian’s passion for medicine and her deep friendship with Meiling, a midwife’s daughter, fuel her determination to make a difference. Inspired by the author of Miscellaneous Records of a Female Doctor, Lisa See skillfully weaves together themes of love, loyalty and the complexities of Chinese medicine, while shedding light on the social hierarchy and gender inequality of the era. // Available June 6. Library catalog link here.
Much Ado About Nada
By Uzma Jalaluddin
Nada Syed had high hopes for her app offering culturally sensitive advice to Toronto’s Muslim community. But after she is betrayed by her business partner, she finds herself looking at 30, stuck in a job she hates, still living at home and under pressure to get married. When she attends a Muslim convention with her best friend and comes face to face with Baz, her on-and-off college flame, their unresolved emotions and simmering tension come to the surface in this swoony retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. // Available June 13. Library catalog link here.
Unnatural Ends
By Christopher Huang
In 1921, three siblings return home to Linwood Hall for their adoptive father’s funeral, only to discover that the estate will be bequeathed to the one who can solve his murder. As they delve into their own complicated pasts and uncover family secrets, tensions rise and suspicions grow. Author Christopher Huang weaves a complex web of intrigue, incorporating elements of Golden Age detective fiction into a rich historical setting, while exploring themes of family, legacy and the societal issues of the time. // Available June 20. Library catalog link here.
Road to Roswell
By Connie Willis
Francie reluctantly attends her college roommate’s wedding in Roswell, New Mexico, hoping to convince her friend to reconsider marrying a UFO enthusiast. Her plans take an unexpected turn when Francie is abducted by a quirky alien resembling a tumbleweed who needs her help navigating the desert. Joined by a motley crew of characters, the unlikely pair embark on a madcap journey filled with miscommunication, references to westerns and delightful humor. Author Connie Willis skillfully weaves together comedy, friendship and unexpected romance in this hilarious genre-blending romp. // Available June 27. Library catalog link here.
Nonfiction
National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home
By Anya Von Bremzen
From the origins of pizza in Naples to the community-based traditions of tapas in Seville, explore the connections between food, culture and identity in six iconic culinary destinations: France, Italy, Japan, Spain, Mexico and Turkey. Through her travels, Anya Von Bremzen explores the relationship between food and culture in the age of globalization, most poignantly when she returns home to a bowl of Ukranian borscht. Food and travel enthusiasts will love this rich and enlightening trip through the world’s culinary heritage. // Available June 20. Library catalog link here.
Wannabe: Reckonings with the Pop Culture That Shapes Me
By Aisha Harris
Fans of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast will be familiar with Aisha Harris’s witty pop culture criticism. In this essay collection, she delves more deeply into her relationship with American pop culture, exploring media’s impact on race, romance, friendship and identity. With a blend of cultural criticism and personal reflections, she dissects the evolution of mainstream media, its diversity and its divisive nature. A thought-provoking and enjoyable read. // Available June 13. Library catalog link here.
Girls and their Monsters: The Genain Quadruplets and the Making of Madness in America
By Audrey Claire Farley
Raised in the public eye, the Morlok quadruplets endured abuse at the hands of their controlling parents during their tumultuous upbringing. Diagnosed with schizophrenia in their twenties, they became the subjects of a groundbreaking study on the causes of the illness. With meticulous attention to detail and a keen understanding of cultural context, author Audrey Claire Farley brings forth a nuanced narrative that explores the complexities of family dynamics, societal perceptions and the quest for understanding mental health. // Available June 13. Library catalog link here.
The Ghost Forest: Racists, Radicals, and Real Estate in the California Redwoods
By Greg King
Author Greg King faced threats and risked his own safety to expose the collusion between the lumber industry and the government, revealing how their closed-door deals and nefarious schemes facilitated the exploitation of California’s redwoods. His vivid storytelling and meticulous research offer readers a profound understanding of the forces behind the decimation of these ancient ecosystems and the valiant efforts to protect what remains. This haunting and inspiring narrative sheds light on the environmental challenges faced by activists. // Available June 6. Library catalog link here.
Middle Grade
It’s Not Bragging If It’s True: How to Be Awesome at Life, from a Winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee
By Zaila Avant-Garde with Marti Dumas
Most people know Zaila Avant-Garde as the first African American Scripps National Spelling Bee champion, but she also holds two basketball-related Guinness World Records and was named Sports Illustrated Kids “SportsKid of the Year.” Through conversational prose and relatable anecdotes, Avant-Garde offers practical advice and valuable insights on achieving success and embracing your individuality. She emphasizes the importance of having a support system, asking for help, rolling with the punches, being true to yourself and hard work. An uplifting and motivational read. // Available June 6. Library catalog link here.
Teen
An Echo in the City
By K. X. Song
After they literally bump into each other and accidentally switch phones, a relationship blooms between Nix and Kai. Kai knows Nix is involved in Hong Kong’s protest movement against the proposed Extradition Bill, but she doesn’t know he’s enrolled at the police academy and is the son of a legendary detective. Told in alternating perspectives, this bittersweet romance thoughtfully examines class, belonging, family expectations and the meaning of home, all against the backdrop of 2019’s tumultuous protests. // Available June 20. Library catalog link here.
June is Pride Month. The library has book lists for all ages exploring a range of LGBTQIA+ voices, identities, experiences, history, culture and more. Explore them here: https://library.arlingtonva.us/booklists/books-like-us-book-lists/lgbtq-voices/