Boelter pleads guilty in lawmaker attacks, agrees to two life sentences

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Summer means unwinding outside with a book in one hand and a cool drink in the other. Or, if you’re on the North Shore, it may include a slice of Betty’s Pie and an affogato from Superior Creamery. 

On Thursday, host of Ask a Bookseller Emily Bright spoke with local bookstores and libraries about their recommended summer reads. 

Sign up for the Thread newsletter by MPR News

Though it’s a breezy read, it’s full of twisty mystery and rich in characters from corrupt government agents, greedy and murderous crime bosses, bumbling criminals and a micro-dosing, ex-military, fringe governor character that maybe — maybe not, but probably was —inspired by one of Minnesota’s own former governors. This is the book I most often recommend for a vacation/beach read. — Eric Plumb, owner of Amazing Alonzo Bookstore on “Skinny Dip.”

A fast-paced book that is part dark thriller, part romcom, and wholly excellent. I can attest for audiobook readers that the vocal cast knocked it out of the park. You want to give this a read/listen ASAP! — Randy and Katie Lancaster, owners of Back Forty Books on “This Story Might Save Your Life.”

A totally fresh retelling of Cinderella told from the perspective of the stepmother, wonderfully upending all the tropes of the fairytale. All of the characters are fully realized, neither all saint nor all villain. Responsible for her own two daughters as well as her stepdaughter, Lady Tremaine struggles to maintain respectability, looking for future security for herself and the girls, while also keeping actual food on the table in their crumbling mansion. I sympathized with her and shook my head at some of the decisions she made while recognizing her challenging situation. The book races on towards a satisfying conclusion. — Kelly Kager and Kevin Kager, owners of Drury Lane Books on “Lady Tremaine.”

A captivating historical fiction novel that takes place in the aftermath of WWII in Minnesota. — Jennifer Jubenville, store manager of Bookstore at Fitger’s on “The Jilted Countess.”

Foxes and Fireflies Booksellers, Superior 

The intersection of The Mummy and Jungle Cruise, this historical whirlwind had me hooked within 50 pages. A breath of delightfully feminist air, Ellie and Adam are the kind of protagonists you can’t help but root for. Hints of magic woven with real history made this series not only enjoyable, but educational. — Maria Lockwood, owner of Foxes and Fireflies Booksellers on “Empire of Shadows.”

A gentle tale about childhood friendship blooming into more that is sure to charm readers. Gorgeous vacation setting with lovable side characters, and witty banter, this is sure to be an amazing summer read. — Abby Daigle, owner of Wildflower Bookshop on “Our Perfect Storm.”

A female grad student accidentally kills her problematic professor, and instead of panicking... she likes it! Soon she is seeking out other male chauvinist pigs to keep her high going — but how long can it last? How long until her own family secrets come to light? — Sarah Brown, owner of Zenith Bookstore on “Honey.”

This wildly inventive series begins with an outrageous premise: a Coast Guard veteran and his ex-girlfriend’s prize-winning cat are thrust into a deadly alien game show set inside an 18-floor dungeon. As Carl battles to survive, he discovers the importance of community while seeking revenge against the creators of the galactic “World Dungeon” television spectacle. With the eighth of a planned ten books recently released, the series offers action, humor, and a welcome escape from the constant churn of real-world headlines. — Keiko, adult services on “The Dungeon Crawler Carl” series

A locked-room mystery where our narrator reincarnates into a different body within our cast of characters and relieves the day of Evelyn Hardcastle’s murder in order to figure out who’s responsible. This genre-bending science fiction mystery is mind boggling in the best way and the reveal will leave you thinking about it long after you’ve finished. Perfect for a day when it’s too hot to do anything else. — Emily, fiction librarian on “The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle.”

“Emperor of Gladness” is one of those novels whose characters and story remain vividly alive long after the final page. It was easy to visualize the characters, and I was deeply moved by the empathy and tenderness shown toward ordinary people simply living their lives. Long after finishing the book, I continue to think about these characters and what they represent — the resilience, struggles, and quiet grace found in everyday life. — Maria, MPR regional director

Arts and Culture

The Thread® - Books and Literary News

NewsPartners

Homepage

Minnesota News

Duluth News

Sam Stroozas

Author

MPR News Staff

It’s time to head to the lake with a book in hand. Here are the top recommendations booksellers and libraries are talking about in northeastern Minnesota.

In a reading slump? Check out these summer recs from bookstores and libraries on the North Shore

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox