Ah August!  Sun, surf and extra time for reading.  Here’s what the Random House, Inc. Library Marketing Staff is bringing on vacation.

Jen:

Sherry Thomas DELICIOUS: This top-notch (though not cookie-cutter) historical romance will surely heat up your beach blanket, even on a cloudy day.  Library Journal just gave it a starred review.

Erica:

Catherine Sanderson PETITE ANGLAISE: If Bridget Jones had been a real woman living in Paris, juggling a dying romance with the demands of motherhood, she too might have discovered escape, excitement, and–possibly–true love, though not in a diary, but through the click of a mouse as…Petite Anglaise.

Marci:

Rita Rudner I STILL HAVE IT…I JUST CAN’T REMEMBER WHERE I PUT IT: If you’ve ever seen Rita live in Las Vegas, or on one of her PBS fund-raisers you’ll know why this will have people nearby in their beach chairs looking at you laughing away as you read this.  Seriously hilarious.

Marie:

Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY: Written in letter form and set against the back drop of post-WWII Britain, this is a light and endearing story of friendship met with humor and warmth.  A quick, fun read.  check out the official Guernsey site.

Dave:

Haruki Murakami WHAT I TALK ABOUT WHEN I TALK ABOUT RUNNING: If you find it strange that I chose a book about running for best beach reads, you’re probably not alone, but Murakami’s dream-like prose is perfect for slipping in and out of consciousness–and besides, reading about someone else running while you’re sipping lime-aid is just unbeatable.