The Librarian's Nightstand, Summer 2025

The Wedding People by Alison Espach is a smart, funny, and heartfelt novel about starting over after loss. Phoebe, emotionally drained, arrives at a luxury wedding resort seeking solitude, but when mistaken for a guest, she’s swept into a weekend full of chaotic celebrations. Surrounded by a quirky cast—a perfectionist bride, anxious bridesmaids, and eccentric guests—Phoebe slowly reconnects with life in surprising ways.

Espach skillfully blends grief, healing, and sharp humour with a fresh, relatable voice. The characters are messy, vibrant, and unforgettable, making the story both moving and entertaining. Set against the backdrop of a picture-perfect wedding gone off the rails, this feel-good tale of second chances is perfect for fans of emotional, funny fiction.

Kumkum's favourite book so far this year: The Vegetarian by Han Kang

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner had me from page one and is a wonderful summer read. Adventure diving and treasure hunting merge with historical sea witchcraft set in the beautiful cliffside of Positano, spanning between the 1800s and modern day. Nautical archeologist Haven Ambrose travels to Positano to investigate mysterious shipwrecks off the Amalfi Coast, but secretly, she is also there to recover the gemstones her father discovered on his final diving expedition before his death. While there, she stumbles across an old tale of ancient sea sorcery and seeks to unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region meets its destruction. Dive into this picturesque summer read interwoven with history, adventure, mystery and romance, especially if you enjoy books set on the Amalfi Coast.

Sarah's favourite book so far this year: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Summer is the time of year when I like to dive into a good adventure story, and boy, did The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi deliver! After a career as one of the Indian Ocean’s most notorious pirates, Amina has retired to a quiet life with her family. Done are the days of battling vengeful merchant princes and escaping supernatural demons... or so she thinks. When the wealthy mother of one of Amina’s former crew seeks her out to help rescue her only granddaughter, Amina can’t refuse. What starts as a simple rescue mission quickly evolves into an adventure you won’t want to miss. This book is great for anyone who wants to escape into a rich world with compelling characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and an ending you won’t see coming.

Sarah-Ann's favourite book so far this year: Lore Olympus, Volume 8 by Rachel Smythe

Flashlight by Susan Choi is a powerful family story that spans decades and continents. In 1978, ten-year-old Louisa is found alone on a beach in Japan—her father is missing. Louisa’s father, Serk, was born to Korean parents living in Japan; he lost touch with them when they relocated to North Korea following the war. Her American mother, Anne, is estranged from her family, including a son born when she was 19. After Serk’s disappearance, Anne and Louisa must find a way forward.

This novel is written in dense, lyrical prose, yet it is propulsive and thrilling. The characters feel real—flawed, complicated, and deeply human. It’s been a while since I fell into a family saga, and Flashlight did not disappoint.

Kathleen's favourite book so far this year: James by Percival Everett

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune, the much-anticipated sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, raises the stakes for the family as Arthur's past come back to haunt them. The storytelling and writing are just as compelling as in the first book, with its heartwarming found family moments. Watching these characters face challenges together made for an engaging reading experience. It's a great sequel that grows the story in meaningful ways. I picked this up because I loved the first book, and I'm glad I did.

Deepti's favourite book so far this year: When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward