What Libby Life Writers Read this Summer

by Mayo Momoyo

I've recently been obsessed with comics that fall into a particular subgenre I can't necessarily name, but essentially: funny, lighthearted romances with a vaguely Victorian setting featuring strong female leads. This manga series ticks every one of those boxes, and I devoured the first volume in roughly half an hour. Cannot wait to delve into the other available volumes! – Kate F.

See more picks from Kate

by Emma Brodie

I LOVED Into the Blue by Emma Brodie. It made me feel so many things. I wanted to reach into this book and shake (being kind here...) the MMC (that’s “male main character” for the uninitiated). In his defense, he has a reason for his behavior- you'll have to read and find out! This love story spans years of reunions and will they, won't they, hurt feelings but still soul mates. It was devastating in the best way. – Jen L.

See more picks from Jen

by Nicola Harrison

If you like historical fiction, drama, female friendships, and tennis, The Island Club is the perfect beach (or poolside) read for summer. Once I started this novel, I couldn’t set it down. Set in 1956 on Balboa Island off the California Coast, three women find their carefully curated lifestyles are falling apart in very different ways. A crumbling marriage, financial ruin, and the unraveling of a hidden identity are looming for these women. Can their unlikely friendship and shared love for the game of tennis get them through it? If you loved The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick, The Island Club will be right up your alley! – Madison S.

See more picks from Madison

by Matt Dinniman

I spent the summer with Dungeon Crawler Carl, finishing the first four books and working my way through number five. I really enjoy these books for the humor, descriptive writing and emotion that is poured into every page. I loved sitting on the porch, listening to a ball game in the background while I was right there with Carl and Donut, working towards the next floor. – Jeff R.

See more picks from Jeff

My summer reading looked a lot like Jeff's. I devoured the first four Dungeon Crawler Carl books and am already deep into book 5. On the audiobook side, I listened to Last Rites by Ozzy Osbourne (RIP) and Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall, proving that my reading habits/tastes are all over the place, and I'm perfectly okay with that. – Shannon K.

See more picks from Shannon

by Kathryn Stockett

I read The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett and couldn't put it down. Each character was so beautifully crafted, and as an eldest daughter I related to Birdie and her conflicting responsibilities to herself, her family, and her chosen family so, so much. I listened to the audiobook and January LaVoy and Jenna Lamia were phenomenal at bringing the slew of fascinating characters to life. – Gabriela M.

See more picks from Gabriela

by Chuck Tingle

I read Fabulous Bodies by Chuck Tingle on my vacation, and it was a blast! It has body horror and some psychologically disturbing scenes, but there is plenty of camp to keep it fun. You don’t have to be a die-hard horror fan to enjoy Chuck Tingle, although if you are, like me, you probably already love his books! This latest blends heist vibes and social media commentary with survival and gore. It’s a bloody joyride with dark humor, and it is outrageous entertainment through and through – the ultimate summer read! – Claire W.

See more picks from Claire

by Catherine Cowles

I read Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles. As a person who loves suspense in my romance books, her books scratches that itch for me.  Just like the meme from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia with the conspiracy board, I cannot figure out who is the villain in her books. I've tried and failed every single time. Catherine Cowles has a way of crafting themes of mental health in her books and I feel so seen in her series. – Meredith S.

by Robert Jackson Bennett

I really enjoyed the Shadow of the Leviathan series by Robert Jackson Bennett this summer.  It hit the trifecta of excellent world-building, intriguing mysteries, and compelling characters.  Not surprised that the first book won a Hugo and a World Fantasy award. – Liz T.

See more picks from Liz

by Sonia Feldman

My favorite book I read this summer was Girl’s Girl by Sonia Feldman, a beautiful queer coming of age novel about three best friends growing up in Ohio. I loved how it captures the messiness, sweetness, and complexity of girlhood, and at the same time felt like a love letter to the Midwest. The friendship at the center of the story felt relatable, and I loved all the little nostalgic touches throughout the book, including The Sims! It’s the kind of story that feels both super specific and universally relatable. I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I finished. – Nahomy O.

See more picks from Nahomy

by Carley Fortune

Carley Fortune books have become a new summer staple! Our Perfect Storm follows childhood friends Frankie and George as they navigate an adult relationship. For friends to lovers trope fans, this story is a page turner! – Emily A.

See more picks from Emily