Summer Selections

A

roundup of

recommendations from your friends at BookTowne

BookTowne is where good friends meet good books, and the store’s knowledgeable staff has curated a list of recommendations in a variety of genres. Let the summer reading begin!

Memoir

•“You Could Make This Place Beautiful” by Maggie Smith: Poet Maggie Smith’s memoir is a beautiful meditation on love and loss, motherhood, the patriarchy and, ultimately, making ourselves new and whole. — Leigh Mallin, bookseller

• “Solito” by Javier Zamora: The harrowing account of a 9-year-old’s solo, two-month journey from El Salvador to the U.S. border documents the lengths to which parents and children will go to get to America. — Rick Buttafogo, bookseller

Fiction

•“Go as a River” by Shelley Read: In a comingof-age story amid an unforgiving, unforgettable landscape, young love ends in tragedy, with far-reaching consequences. — Stacey Montalto, bookseller

• “The Celebrants” by Steven Rowley: This tale of a relatable, loveable group of friends is “The Big Chill” for our age. The last 20 pages had a river running down my face. — Peter Albertelli, owner and bookseller

• “In the Lives of Puppets” by TJ Klune: This author has a way of making the most unreal characters beat with a loving human heart. Klune’s books will bring smiles to your face.

— Peter Albertelli

Mystery

•“Exiles” by Jane Harper: A baby girl is found alone in her stroller. Did the mother abandon her or is something more sinister at work? Inspector Falk searches for the truth in this Australianbased mystery. — Susan Kuper, bookseller

Romance

• “Fangs” by Sarah Andersen: This book will have everyone who shopped at Hot Topic in middle school howling with laughter. — Kira DeSomma, bookseller

• “The Scandalous Ladies of London: The Countess” by Sophie Jordan: Tropes— forbidden affair, age gap, secrets and lies, regency scandal, strong friendships—did I mention how forbidden it is? Loved this truly scandalous book! — Kira DeSomma

History

•“And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle” by Jon Meacham: Follow Lincoln’s moral journey as he struggles to fulfill the ongoing aspirations of our country. — Rita Maggio, bookseller

Young Adult Nonfiction

•“Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson: Wilkerson links the caste system in India and Germany with the U.S. in a stark and eye-opening must-read with incredible research and great discussion. (Adapted for young adults.) — Rita Maggio

Middle Readers

•“Big Tree” by Brian Selznick: Brother and sister sycamore seeds lose their mother tree and must journey alone and unprepared to set down roots and become big trees. Brimming with humor, wonder and adventure, their story spans time and place from the era of dinosaurs to present day. — Leigh Mallin

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK

•“Take a Chance” by Sujean Rim: In a sweet picture book, Bob, an anxious red bird, navigates new surroundings and meets new friends who encourage him to try new things.

— Leigh Mallin

Monmouth County’s refill shop is right here in downtown Manasquan! Providing nontoxic sustainable products that are good for your home, body and planet. Reduce waste by bringing containers from home to fill with laundry detergent, cleaning products, dish soap etc. Personal care products include hair care, soaps, deodorants, and skin care. All nontoxic and in low-waste packaging. Also offering a large selection of sustainable swaps and fun, eco-friendly gifts.