Summer Reading Recommendations from RPL Staff

Looking for your next summer read? Check out the variety of genres and subjects our staff are enjoying this summer!

The Doorman by Chris Pavone

Recommended by Stephanie, Reference Librarian

Chicky Diaz is everyone’s favorite doorman at the Bohemia, the most famous apartment house in the world, home of celebrities, financiers, and New York’s cultural elite. Up in the penthouse, Emily Longworth seems to have the perfect everything, all except her husband, whom she’d quietly loathed even before the recent revelations about where the money comes from. But his wealth is immense, their prenup is ironclad, and Emily can’t bring herself to leave him. Yet. As Chicky changes into his uniform for tonight’s shift, he finds himself breaking a cardinal rule of the job: tonight, he’ll be carrying a gun, bought only hours earlier, before he had any idea what’s about to happen at the Bohemia. Tonight in the city, enemies will clash, loyalties will be tested, secrets will be revealed–and lives will be lost. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, or check out the ebook available on Libby.

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

Release date: June 24, 2025
Recommended by Stephanie, Reference Librarian

He’s the perfect man. It’s a perfect lie. Nina Swann is intrigued when she received a condolence card from Nick Radcliffe, an old friend of her late husband, who is looking to connect after her husband’s unexpected death. Nick is a man of substance and good taste. But to Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too slick, too polished, too good to be true. Without telling her mother, Ash begins digging into Nick’s past. What she finds is more than unsettling. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, check out the ebook available on Libby, or find the audiobook available on Hoopla or Libby.

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrandt

Recommended by Carolyn, Director of Advancement & Communications

Hollis Shaw’s life seems picture-perfect. She’s the star of the popular food blog, Hungry with Hollis, and is married to Matthew, a dreamy heart surgeon. But after she and Matthew get into a heated argument one snowy morning, Matthew leaves for the airport and is killed in a car accident. When Hollis hears about something called the “Five-Star Weekend”– a woman invites her best friend from her teenage years, her twenties, her thirties, and mid-life– Hollis decides to host her own “Five-Star Weekend” on Nantucket. But her weekend won’t be the Hallmark movie one might expect… It will be a weekend like no other. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, or check out the ebook or audiobook on Libby. (Note: Various physical formats of the book are also available in our collection.)

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Recommended by Carolyn, Director of Advancement & Communications

Liz Moore weaves a richly textured drama, both emotionally nuanced and propelled by a double-barreled mystery. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded drama brings readers into the hearts of characters whose lives are forever changed by this eventful summer: Barbara’s wounded, grieving mother; the “townie” whose family makes a living off this land; the 13-year-old camper struggling to find her way; and the outsider tasked with seeing the bigger picture, and uncovering the truth. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, or check out the ebook or audiobook on Libby.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Recommended by Carolyn, Director of Advancement & Communications

An overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate…only to discover he lives seven years in the past, in this witty and wise new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, or check out the ebook or audiobook on Libby.

The Teacher by Frieda McFadden

Recommended by Carolyn, Director of Advancement & Communications

Something isn’t right at Caseham High School. Last year, the school was rocked by scandal: a teacher was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Now, Addie is a pariah and will do anything to get through the year. More than that, she’s desperate to keep the truth from coming to light. Evie, a colleague of the disgraced teacher, is horrified to find Addie in her class. She knows the girl can’t be trusted and soon realizes she’s being watched–which is dangerous, considering she’s hiding something from her husband. But each has secrets about what happened last year. And someone in this school will do anything to keep them silent. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, or check out the audiobook on Hoopla or Libby. (Note: Various physical formats of the book are also available in our collection.)

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros

Recommended by Carolyn, Director of Advancement & Communications

Twenty-eight-year-old Georgia Stanton has to start over after she gave up almost everything in a brutal divorce. Now back home at her late great-grandmother’s estate in Colorado, she finds herself face-to-face with the arrogant bestselling author, Noah Harrison, who the publisher swears is the perfect fit to finish his great grandmother’s novel. As they read Scarlett’s words in both the manuscript and her box of letters, they start to realize why Scarlett never finished the book–it’s based on her real-life romance with a World War II pilot, and the ending isn’t a happy one. Georgia knows all too well that love never works out, and while the chemistry and connection between her and Noah is undeniable, she’s as determined as ever to learn from her great-grandmother’s mistakes–even if it means destroying Noah’s career. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, find the ebook on Libby, or check out the audiobook on Hoopla or Libby. (Note: Hoopla also has a Spanish-narrated audiobook!)

The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline

Recommended by Joanne, Library Assistant

TJ Devlin is the charming disappointment in the Devlin family, all of whom are lawyers at their eponymous law firm, except him. He works at the firm as its investigator, after rehab for alcoholism and a stint in prison. One night, TJ’s older brother John tells him that he killed his client, an accountant, in self-defense, during a fight that ensued after John had confronted the accountant with evidence of embezzlement. TJ and John hurry to the scene, but they find that the accountant has vanished and so has his car. TJ starts investigating, but the next night, police find the accountant dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, in a different car and at a different location. Soon a mysterious sedan starts following TJ and John, and the Devlins realize they are in the crosshairs of a conspiracy. TJ will fight to save his family, but what he learns might break them first. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, or find the ebook or audiobook on Libby.

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

Recommended by Joanne, Library Assistant

Isabella Shay is usually a very honest person. But when she’s running late for her first day at her dream job and the barista yells for “Amy” three times with no answer, she does the unthinkable. Izzy takes that PSL. It’s the exact drink she ordered and paid for, only way further ahead in the queue–and she’ll take whatever bad karma is coming for her; she’s desperate and very late. But when she turns around and runs directly into the most attractive man she’s ever seen, spilling the drink all over his made-for-GQ shirt and tie, she ends up having the ultimate meet-cute. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, listen to the audiobook on Libby or Hoopla, or check out the ebook on Libby.

The Boundaries We Cross by Brad Parks

Recommended by Joanne, Library Assistant

At 8 o’clock on a blustery, mid-January morning, Charles Bliss is summoned to the head of school’s office at Carrington Academy. Charles, a teacher at the elite Connecticut boarding school, is surprised by the unusual request, but when he arrives, no time is wasted. Charles learns that he has been accused of engaging in a romantic relationship with a student. The student behind the accusation, Hayley Goodloe, is the daughter of a state senator, the granddaughter of an ex-governor, and an heiress to a massive fortune. Hayley’s diary makes it clear she has strong feelings for her teacher. When Hayley disappears under mysterious circumstances, a daunting pile of evidence points to Charles as the chief suspect. Charles swears he’s being framed. And it soon becomes apparent there’s only one way he can clear his name. Find her. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, or find the ebook on Hoopla.

His Face is the Sun by Michelle Jabes Corpora

Recommended by Melissa, Executive Director

Melissa says, “This is the first book in the new young adult Throne of Khetara romantasy series. I haven’t started this book yet, but I can’t wait to start this NY Times bestselling novel while I’m at the beach, imagining my feet are sinking into the desert sands of Egypt.”

Princess. Priestess. Rebel. Thief. Tensions run as hot as the Khamsin winds in the great kingdom of Khetara. Rumors of the pharaoh’s mysterious illness abound, and with them, murmurs of rebellion grow. Meanwhile, in the quiet desert, a forgotten oracle begins to unfold, setting a dark prophecy into action and drawing together four strangers… Princess SITA lives in the abundance of the palace, and in a moment of passion, she unmasks a betrayal that will put her life―and the entire royal court―in grave danger. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, find the ebook on Libby or Hoopla, or listen to the audiobook on Libby.

Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee

Recommended by Melissa, Executive Director

We work feverishly to make ourselves happy. So why are we so miserable? Despite our constant search for new ways to “hack” our bodies and minds for peak performance, human beings are working more instead of less, living harder not smarter, and becoming more lonely and anxious. This manifesto helps us break free of our unhealthy devotion to efficiency and shows us how to reclaim our time and humanity with a little more leisure. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection.

Murder at the Mayfair Hotel by C.J. Archer

Recommended by Melissa, Executive Director

Melissa says, “This is the first book in the Cleopatra Fox mystery series. Set in 1800 England, this book series has unique characters, intriguing mysteries, a strong female lead who challenges the norms, and a hint of romance. It’s a great audiobook option with 10 books that are sure to keep you busy all summer. No physical books are available in our collection, but the series a great option for people who enjoy ebooks or audiobooks.”

Princess. Priestess. Rebel. Thief. Tensions run as hot as the Khamsin winds in the great kingdom of Khetara. Rumors of the pharaoh’s mysterious illness abound, and with them, murmurs of rebellion grow. Meanwhile, in the quiet desert, a forgotten oracle begins to unfold, setting a dark prophecy into action and drawing together four strangers… Princess SITA lives in the abundance of the palace, and in a moment of passion, she unmasks a betrayal that will put her life―and the entire royal court―in grave danger. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the ebook or audiobook on Hoopla.

A Natural History of Empty Lots: Field Notes from Urban Edgelands, Back Alleys, and Other Wild Places by Christopher Brown

Recommended by Emily, Assistant Director

A genre-bending blend of naturalism, memoir, and social manifesto for rewilding the city, the self, and society. A Natural History of Empty Lots is a genre-defying work of nature writing, literary nonfiction, and memoir that explores what happens when nature and the city intersect. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection.

Iron Widow series by Xiran Jay Zhao

Recommended by Caitlin, Youth Services Supervisor

Caitlin says, “This series is an excellent sci-fi, and I am eagerly waiting for book #3’s publication announcement! I enjoyed listening to the audiobooks on Libby, but we also have copies available in the teen loft.”

Zetian seeks revenge for her sister’s death and becomes a powerful Chrysalis pilot in this bestselling YA trilogy which blends Chinese history and mythology with mecha science fiction. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, or find the audiobook available on Hoopla or Libby. (Note: Links take you to “Iron Widow”, the first book in the series.)

A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, illustrated by Fred Fordham

Recommended by Caitlin, Youth Services Supervisor

Caitlin says, “This is a beautiful new adaptation of a classic, which will hopefully warrant graphic novels for the rest of the series.”

Ursula K. Le Guin’s timeless and revered A Wizard of Earthsea is reimagined in a richly expansive graphic novel by acclaimed artist Fred Fordham. Ged was the greatest sorcerer in Earthsea, but in his youth he was the reckless Sparrowhawk. In his hunger for power and knowledge, he tampered with long-held secrets and unleashed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tumultuous tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death’s threshold to restore the balance. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical copy in our collection.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Recommended by Caitlin, Youth Services Supervisor

Caitlin says, “This one is literary and cinematic perfection. 10/10! Chef’s kiss, no notes – and we have a stunning illustrated edition in the teen loft!”

William Goldman’s modern fantasy classic is a simple, exceptional story about quests-for riches, revenge, power, and, of course, true love-that’s thrilling and timeless. Rich in character and satire, the novel is set in 1941 and framed cleverly as an “abridged” retelling of a centuries-old tale set in the fabled country of Florin. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the illustrated edition in our collection, check out the ebook on Hoopla or Libby, or find the audiobook on Hoopla or Libby.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Recommended by Jess, Supervisor of Technical Services

Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, becomes a thief for a band of dwarves and soon finds himself in the midst of a war with the evil goblins and wargs, and forced to make a decision between call of duty and the pull of the simple life. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, check out the ebook on Hoopla or Libby, or find the audiobook on Hoopla or Libby. Read the book already? We have the movie in our collection, too!

Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

Recommended by Jess, Supervisor of Technical Services

If you are looking for a classic series to take you on a grand adventure like no other, consider the Lord of the Rings trilogy, consisting of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Set in Middle-earth, the stories take place after Tolkien’s The Hobbit, following Frodo Baggins and his fellowship’s quest to destroy the One Ring controlled by the Dark Lord, Sauron.

Find the physical book in our collection, check out the ebook on Hoopla or Libby, or find the audiobook on Hoopla or Libby. Plus, we have the Lord of the Rings movies available on DVD, too! (Note: The attached links take you to “The Fellowship of the Ring”, the first book in the series.)

The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting Up A Generation of Failure by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

Recommended by Troy, Supervisor of Circulation Services

Lukianoff and Haidt investigate the many social trends that have intersected to promote the spread of these untruths. They explore changes in childhood such as the rise of fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised, child-directed play, and the new world of social media that has engulfed teenagers in the last decade. They examine changes on campus, including the corporatization of universities and the emergence of new ideas about identity and justice. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Check out the physical book in our collection, or borrow the audiobook on Hoopla.

The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race, and Identity by Douglas Murray

Recommended by Troy, Supervisor of Circulation Services

In The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray investigates the dangers of ‘woke’ culture and the rise of identity politics. In lively, razor-sharp prose he examines the most controversial issues of our moment: sexuality, gender, technology and race, with interludes of ‘wokeness’, the impact of tech and how, in an increasingly online culture, we must relearn the ability to forgive. One of the few writers who dares to counter the prevailing view and question the dramatic changes in our society, Murray’s penetrating book clears a path of sanity through the fog of our modern predicament. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Check out the physical book in our collection.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Recommended by Troy, Supervisor of Circulation Services

Invisible Man is a milestone in American literature, a book that has continued to engage readers since its appearance in 1952. The nameless narrator of the novel describes growing up in a black community in the South, attending a Negro college from which he is expelled, moving to New York and becoming the chief spokesman of the Harlem branch of “the Brotherhood,” and retreating amid violence and confusion to the basement lair of the Invisible Man he imagines himself to be. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Read the physical book in our collection, or check it out as an ebook or audiobook on Libby.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Recommended by Cid, Digital Literacy Instructor

If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. In Atomic Habits, you’ll get a plan that can take you to new heights. Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be readily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Check out the physical book in our collection or as an ebook or audiobook on Libby. (Note: Additional formats, such as CD audiobooks, are available in our collection.)

Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World: A History by William Alexander

Recommended by Ryan, Senior Outreach Coordinator

The tomato gets no respect. Never has. Lost in the dustbin of history for centuries, accused of being vile and poisonous, subjected to being picked hard-green and gassed, even used as a projectile, the poor tomato has become the avatar for our disaffection with industrial foods — while becoming the most popular vegetable in America (and, in fact, the world). Supported by meticulous research and told in a lively, accessible voice, Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World seamlessly weaves travel, history, humor, and a little adventure (and misadventure) to follow the tomato’s trail through history. A fascinating story complete with heroes, con artists, conquistadors, and–no surprise–the Mafia, this book is a mouth-watering, informative, and entertaining guide to the food that has captured our hearts for generations. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Note: This book is only available in our Senior Outreach collection.

Energetic Herbalism by Kat Maier

Recommended by Alison, Marketing Coordinator

In this indispensable resource both for the home apothecary and clinical practitioners, a celebrated herbalist brings alive the elemental relationships among traditional healing practices, ecological stewardship, and essential plant medicines. By honoring ancient wisdom and presenting it in an innovative way, Energetic Herbalism is a profound and practical guide to family and community care for those seeking to move beyond symptom relief and into a truly holistic framework of health. Throughout, author Kat Maier invites readers to explore their personal relationships with plants and their environs as they discover diverse models of healing. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection, or read the ebook on Libby.

Botany in a Day: The Patterns of Plant Identification: An Herbal Field Guide to Plant Families of North America by Thomas J. Elpel

Recommended by Alison, Marketing Coordinator

Alison says, “This is a great beginner’s resource for anyone interested in practicing the art of plant identification and foraging, and what better time to get started than in the summertime? Enjoy!”

Botany in a Day explains the patterns method of plant identification, describing eight key patterns for recognizing more than 45,000 species of plants, and includes an illustrated reference guide to plant families. (Sourced from the publisher.)

Find the physical book in our collection.