Library book picks to round out your summer reading list

The end of the winter semester and a shift to warmer weather means that many Calgarians are spending more time reading outdoors — and our MRU library team is no exception! 

With so many books to choose from, including those you can find in the Library’s Recreational Reading Collection, it can be difficult to pair down that ever-growing reading list. Luckily, our library team is here to help. From harrowing histories to myth-filled whodunnits and tantalizing thrillers, here are the top recommended summer reads hand-picked by our library team.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

ISBN: 0593135202

Publication Date: 2021-05-04

Picked by: Taylor McPeak

“Those looking for the perfect blend of science geek, heart, and pondering the intriguing questions about what’s beyond our world will love Project Hail Mary. I listened to the audiobook and slowed down my usually fast narration speed because I didn’t want it to end!"

 

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

ISBN: 9780593201237

Publication Date: 2021-07-13
Picked by: Tara Fitzpatrick

“I just finished The Final Girl Support Group by Grad Hendrix. I highly recommend it for anyone who was/is a big fan of the slasher movies of the 80s and 90s, like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream. I couldn’t put it down!”

 

Lightlark (the Lightlark Saga Book 1) by Alex Aster

ISBN: 1419760866

Publication Date: 2022-08-23

Picked by: Tara Fitzpatrick

"It’s one of those books you wish you could read again for the first time."

 

 

We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper

ISBN: 1538746859

Publication Date: 2021-09-14

Picked by: Geoff Owens

“The notorious, myth-filled, and now solved tale of the murder of a promising anthropology grad student is a must read.”

 

 

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

ISBN: 9781443428477

Publication Date: 2014-07-03

Picked by: Alice Swabey

“Set in 17th century Amsterdam, this excellent story of race, class, sexuality and gender roles carries a bit of suspense with a dose of early modern European history on the side.”

 

 

The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

ISBN: 9780593128176

Publication Date: 2020-06-23

Picked by: Alice Swabey

"It is the story of two Syrian refugees finding their long and painful way to safety. It is gut wrenching and beautiful all at once."

 

 

 

The Last Viking: The Life of Roald Amundsen by Stephen R. Bown

ISBN: 1553659376

Publication Date: 2019-05-02

Picked by: Jasmine Goodman

"A very interesting biographical account of [Amundsen's] polar expeditions to the South Pole, the Northwest Passage and his failed rescue mission to the North Pole. I found it very fascinating how he planned and executed his travels against impossible odds considering the technology at the time. A good read for those interested in history or arctic exploration."

 

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

ISBN: 0609608444

Publication Date: 2003-02-11

Picked by: Jasmine Goodman

"This historical non-fiction book traces the steps of H.H. Holmes, a murderer who took advantage of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago 1893 for his killing spree. Juxtaposed to such evil is the story of the Fair's architect, Daniel Burnham, and his ambitious vision to transform Chicago into a world class city rivalling Paris. Doesn't read like a boring, dry history book because it is wonderfully written and well-paced. A real page-turner."

 

The Winter Knight by Jes Battis

ISBN: 9781770417205

Publication Date: 2023-04-04

Picked by: Cari Merkley

"A contemporary fantasy with elements of mystery in which the main characters are reincarnations of Arthurian legends and other mythical creatures. I particularly enjoyed the fact that it is set in Vancouver and most of the characters are connected to the university (e.g. the reincarnation of Gawain is a student, Morgan le Fay a Dean)."