The FDL staff has been doing their own summer reading! Here are some staff favorites from this summer.
Old Man’s War is a down-to-earth, science fiction space opera in which the ruling human government only recruits seniors into military service. This book was very readable, I have probably never read a book so fast in my life. – Jeremy, Reference Assistant
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Julián sees beautifully dressed “mermaids” around town with his abuela, and he decides to dress up to look just like them. I love that this book is purely a celebration of a boy who isn’t afraid to be his authentic self and his grandmother who supports him without a second thought. – Haley, Youth Services Assistant
As of yet, the best book that I’ve read this Summer has been Grendel, by John Gardner; I had read it once previously whilst I was a sophomore in high school, but I somehow managed to forget just how high this book’s quality is. Gardner’s minimalistic prose never sacrifices its poetic sensibilities in exchange for its brevity, and the novel’s protagonist, the titular Grendel, is at once scorn-worthy, relatable, and just downright hilarious, at times. So, all-in-all: great book. – Kaelan, Circulation Assistant
Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson
As Book 3.5 of the Stormlight Archive series, Dawnshard is a novella with events that occur after Oathbringer (book 3) and before Rhythm of War (book 4). The story follows Rysn, a ship-owning merchant, who is on a mission for Novani Kholin to a long-abandoned island. There’s additional character development that I enjoyed and a bit of plot twist when we learn what a Dawnshard actually is. I’m sure anyone who’s reading the series will regret it if they skip this novella. – Melissa, Reference Specialist
One Piece is the longest manga series I’ve ever read – currently, 96 volumes (English) – but I’m so happy I finally picked it up, and I absolutely can’t wait to see what happens next. If you like friendship, freedom, and fighting for what’s right – oh, and pirates! – then pick it up, since it’s a wild ride! – Katie, Reference Specialist
Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
I think my favorite book this summer was Marie Benedict’s The Personal Librarian. This is historical fiction about Belle da Costa Greene, the librarian who established and ran J.P. Morgan’s famous Pierpont Morgan Library in New York City in the early 1900’s. Belle was famous for her knowledge of antiquities, her wit, and her well- guarded secret. – Becky, Reference Assistant
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
This is beautiful and tragic stand-alone fantasy novel. It’s also historical fiction and a love story. I really enjoyed Schwab’s poetic writing style and the plot twists she introduces towards the end of the novel are well worth it! – Susie, Reference Specialist
The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin
The way Garvin intersperses honey bee biology and beekeeping 101 into this story about three lost humans who develop a bond over saving a region of honey bee hives from a major pesticide company was beautiful. It felt timely and it reinforced the idea that we need to be recognizing the impact of our actions on all creatures, great and small. – Rebecca, Business Manager
–Post by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist
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