Jubilant July Staff Picks

“Its category as a young adult novel shouldn't keep grownups from listening to "Clap When You Land." The parallel first-person stories of two teenage girls who lose their fathers in the same plane crash from NY to the Dominican Republic -- and the revelation that their fathers were the same man, who had led a double life -- is tender and wise. Elizabeth Acevedo's poetic prose, and her narration, convey the grief and love of the families. Camino and Yahaira will live in your heart forever.”

“Everyone has played the game of selecting five favorite people to attend their ultimate dinner party. For Sabrina, however, the game has become a reality. The Dinner List is a magical night full of wistfulness, nostalgia, love, and loss. Who among us has not wished for an opportunity to reconnect with a loved one or converse with someone admired from afar? Readers everywhere will sink their teeth into this delicious and heart-warming tale of one enchanted evening.”

“I have had the pleasure of reading all of Elin Hilderbrand's books. My favorite has always been her first novel, The Blue Bistro. I'm afraid to say the 28 Summers has officially dethroned The Blue Bistro in my heart. Listening to 28 Summers was a total delight to my ears. It is based on one of my favorite movies, Same Time Next Year. 28 Summers tells the story of Mallory and Jake. Jake is a college buddy of Mallory's brother, Cooper. Although Jake is involved in a relationship, he immediately becomes enamored by Mallory. The reader is given a birds-eye view of their blossoming romance that begins on Labor Day weekend and continues on that same weekend for 28 years. If you are looking to escape some of the awful news in the world, and you appreciate a story of enduring love, this book is for you. As an added bonus, the fabulous narrator is the cherry on this delicious sundae.”

“Cherie Dimaline’s latest novel packs a wallop of a story. Absolutely stunning in every way, this latest offering follows the story of Joan, whose husband has disappeared, and her courage when confronted with truths and lies. She and her husband, Victor, live in a Métis community, close and tight knit. As Joan deals with the fallout of her emotions after Victor disappears, she comes across another man, Eugene Wolff, who bears her husband’s face. He does not carry Victor’s memories and insists he has no idea who Joan’s husband is. Turning over rocks to find the truth, Joan reaches out to whomever she can in her community for help. What waits for her at the end of her quest is incredible. This novel will have you at the edge of your seat!”

“Fresh, irreverent, and funny, Red, White & Royal Blue is a delight and a treasure. With subtle jabs, Casey McQuiston pokes fun at both the public face of the British monarchy as well as the back-door politicking that dominates the U.S. political scene. The story follows the self-centered Alex Claremont-Diaz (America’s First Son) and his interactions with British Prince Henry of Wales. As hostility increases between two political scions forced into a sham friendship, we see the framework of political destiny and duty begin to fray. Little by little, hostility turns to something else entirely. This is a story about happiness — and, more importantly, honesty — for those who live their lives in the public eye.”

“This title says it all - Beach Read is the perfect romantic beach read book and not just because of the romance. Emily Henry has given us complex characters in a solid story line while keeping the sexual tension at a perfect, steamy temperature. Beach Read IS the perfect beach read; but it is also the perfect vacation read, staycation read, quarantine read, and escape read. Queue it up, pop in your ear buds, and the hours will disappear.”

“The book opens in 2018 introducing you to one of its main characters, Morgan, who is an inmate of the North Carolina Correctional Facility. She is barely 21 years old and is incarcerated for a DUI - a crime that she didn't commit. During her second summer in prison, Morgan is offered an opportunity of a lifetime. Two women visit her and offer her a deal. She will be released from prison permanently and she will be paid 50K to restore a mural in a Post Office in a small town. The story contains two timelines that are weaved together beautifully. The second timeline is in 1939 which is when Anna Dale begins to paint the mural. Both main characters were multifaceted and engaging. The story is peeled back in layer and expertly laced with intrigue. I highly recommend this page turner. The narrator was a delight and delivered a 5 star performance.”