The Book Corner: May selections from the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library

Being an avid reader, I start thinking of my summer reading list in May. It’s both an exciting and arduous task because I enjoy a variety of genres and there are many interesting and exciting new titles this season. With so many choices, here are some outstanding selections to start off your list. Let the adventures begin!

“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig centers on Nora Seed, a depressed woman who’s given a second chance at life in the form of a magical library where Nora finds an infinite number of books, each one the story of another life she could have lived if she’d made different choices. As Nora experiments with alternate realities, she gets closer to discovering the secret to a fulfilled life.

“Love Again” by Sofie Cramer is a heartwarming story of love, loss, and serendipity and is a major motion picture in theaters May 12. While grieving the death of her fiancé, Clara begins texting his old number, which was—unbeknownst to her—reassigned to Sven, a lonely journalist. Sven sets out to find who has been texting him, changing both of their lives forever.

“The Secret Book of Flora Lea” by Patti Callahan Henry tells the story of when a woman discovers a rare book that has connections to her past. Long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during World War II are revealed.

“Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun” by Elle Cosimano is the third book in the Finlay Donovan series. A mob boss, a contract killer and parenthood complicate things for main characters Finlay and Vero.

“Black Ice” by Brad Thor is a thriller about Scot Harvath, who is having his best summer ever with a cottage on the fjord, a boat, and a beautiful girlfriend. But out of vacation days and long overdue back home, America’s top spy has a decision to make—return or submit his resignation. When his deadly past comes calling, though, he’ll be left with no choice at all.

“To Swoon and to Spar” by Martha Waters, part of the Regency Vows series, is a story about a viscount and his irascible new wife who hopes to chase her husband from their shared home so that she can get some peace and quiet—only to find that his company is not as onerous as she thought.

“Identity” by Nora Roberts is a terrifying new thriller. When a young woman discovers her charming new boyfriend is an identity thief and ruthless serial killer, she returns to her family's home in Vermont to heal and rebuild. But the killer still has a score to settle with her, and she must fight to reclaim her life in this novel of love and suspense.

Library Director Cathleen Sulli’s picks:

“Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano, a New York Times Bestseller and an Oprah Book Club pick, is an emotional family story of love, family, and friendship.

“The London Séance Society” by Sarah Penner is a spellbinding gothic whodunit introducing two enigmatic women who set out to solve an unusual mystery.

“Happy Place” by Emily Henry is a love story about a former couple who pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends.

Children’s Librarian Jen Gileno’s picks:

“Maybe” by Kobi Yamada is an inspiring book for all ages on the potential they have within them.

“The Crayons Go Back to School” by Drew Daywalt is the latest in this humorous series about everyone’s favorite school supplies.

“When Little Owl Met Little Rabbit” by Przemyslaw Wechterowicz (Author), Emilia Dziubak (Illustrator) tells the heartwarming story of new friends.

May happenings at the library:

History and Biography Book Group

Meets Tuesday, May 16; 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

This month’s book selection is “Madam Fourcade’s Secret War: The Daring Young Woman Who Led France’s Largest Spy Network Against Hitler” by Lynne Olson, acclaimed British historian. The group will discuss how one woman stood up for her nation, her fellow citizens, and herself.

It’s free and open to all with no registration. The library has copies of the book.

Bagels and Books – Monthly book discussion group of Contemporary African Literature

Meets Thursday, May 11; 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

This month’s book selection, “Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi, centers on a Ghanaian family trying to negotiate life in the United States. The group is open to anyone. The library has copies of the book.