Library Reads August 2026
August marks the end of another summer reading program. But just because the summer reading program is finishing for the year doesn’t mean that your summer reading has to end. The new month also brings with it more Library Reads, the books library staff voted on around the country in this post and a blurb from one of the people who voted for that book.
Majestic Hills
Dawn Turner
(Scribner)
Dr. Blaque just wants to live somewhere quiet, and his wife Josephine—wary of the suburbs—agrees to move on a one-year trial basis. At first, their predominantly white neighbors seem like the picture-perfect, friendly community, but after an awful crime, prejudice starts showing up in full force. As the year deadline creeps closer, the couple wonders: can they make it, or is their marriage—and safety—about to blow up?
—Magan Szwarek, LibraryReads Ambassador, IL
NoveList read-alike: Missing Sam by Thrity Umrigar
Dreamland
Olivie Blake
(Tor Books)
Anya's an ambitious actress looking for her big break in L.A. At a Hollywood party, she catches the eye of famed Emmanuelle de Witt, who hires her as a personal assistant and invites her to the de Witt Villa. Anya quickly realizes the family’s image hides something sinister. As Anya gets involved in the family drama, the question becomes whether or not she'll be able to survive it
—Rachel Gable, Milanof-Schock Library, PA
NoveList read-alike: Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
You'll Be Sorry
Lisa Gardner
(Grand Central)
In a small town, a new couple is restoring an abandoned estate where a family of six mysteriously disappeared decades ago. They find a body in an abandoned well, witches, pirate treasure, and a police chief who is desperate to solve this cold case. This is a book readers won’t be able to put down.
—Judy G. Sebastian, Eastham Public Library, MA
NoveList read-alike: Buyer, Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard
When Lemons Give You Life
Anna Johnston
(William Morrow)
In this tender, heartwarming read, a former chef, now in a nursing home, faces some hard truths while trying to make things sweeter for the other residents. This story acknowledges hard realities about Alzheimer's and senior care, lovingly blending the sweet and cozy with the serious and sour, much like a lemon tart.
—Stephanie Larkins, Westmont Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer
Plant Lady
Minyoung Kang; tr. Shanna Tan
(Berkley)
This cozy, literary horror story, translated from the original Korean, is about a plant shop entrepreneur and former office worker. In addition to changing careers to something that makes her happiest, she helps change the lives of numerous female customers. This novella germinates quietly, blossoming into a garden of vengeance.
—Maggie Hurle, Anythink Library-Rangeview District, CO
NoveList read-alike: Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
Time Travel for Beginners
Jaclyn Moriarty
(Berkley)
When Anna is offered a job at The Time Travel Agency, she expects to be promoting a scam. Instead, she finds friendly colleagues and a rich life in many pasts, all for her choosing. This charming story about ordinary people features well-rounded characters, a touch of romantic tension, suspenseful danger, and a satisfying ending. The lessons about quantum physics are also surprisingly understandable.
—Sally Leahey, McArthur Library (ret.), ME
NoveList read-alike: The Second Chance Year by Melissa Weisner
Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II
ed. by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
(Vintage)
This horror anthology delivers in spades. In fact, it's hard to decide whether to read just one story each night or binge the whole thing in one sitting. Featuring a mix of established horror authors and exciting new voices, this is an accomplished collection of creepy tales.
—Jason Wells, Poquoson Library, VA
NoveList read-alike: Out There Screaming ed. by Jordan Peele
You'll Love It Here
Natalie Sue
(William Morrow)
Becoming a reluctant building super pulls Mona into a cast of eccentric neighbors. A warm, grown-up version of The Breakfast Club: funny, tender, and quietly affirming, with sharp humor and found-family vibes. Perfect for readers feeling stuck, burnt out, or who just need a reminder that sometimes belonging shows up in the messiest places
—Robin F., Librarian, PA
NoveList read-alike: The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
(Mostly) Human Resources
Grace Viall
(Crooked Lane)
Alexys joins a corporation in the Appalachian Mountains that handles cryptic creatures, records sightings, and conducts missions to handle the most dangerous beings. This book starts out cozy with straightfrom-folklore tales, and slowly introduces horror aspects that will grab the reader's attention.
—Marlene Robles Ortiz, Placer County Library, CA
NoveList read-alike: Mothman is My Boyfriend by McKayla Coyle
Kitten: A Novel
Stacey Yu
(Random House)
Katie is floundering in adulthood—no friends, no job, estranged mother, and soon, no apartment. A vacation with her boyfriend sparks an obsession with his elderly cat, Silver. With Katie's obsession growing deeper and her life and relationships unraveling, will she be able to pull herself back together?
—Kari Bingham-Gutierrez, Olathe Public Library, KS
NoveList read-alike: Piglet by Lottie Hazell
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As always, your local librarians at Commerce Twp Community Library are ready and able to assist you with requesting materials and helping connect you with the right book.
See you at the library, and happy reading.
