James Patterson, James Patterson, James Patterson. Cincinnati readers really like James Patterson.
The proof is in the below list from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, which shows the prolific author of more than 50 books taking up four of the top five titles of the most-checked out books in May. If you happened to be hoping to snag one of Patterson's books for your summer vacation, never fear - the library has nearly 2,000 copies of his titles available.
Not a fan of James Patterson? (You must not be from here.) You can find last year's list of Cincinnatians' summer reads here, and below, some additional inspiration for a little R and R (reading and relaxing) from WVXU staff.
Adults
- The Cornwalls Are Gone by James Patterson
- The First Lady by James Patterson
- Run Away by Harlan Coben
- The Chef by James Patterson
- The 18th Abduction by James Patterson
Teens
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
- To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi
Juvenile
- Pokemon Adventures
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
- A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle
- The Baby-Sitters Club: A Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier
What WVXU Staff Are Reading
"I have a habit of dabbling in several books at once. Currently rotating through October by China Mieville and How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan. But my current read I’d highly recommend is Lost Connections by Johann Hari. It takes a refreshing look at societal and cultural impacts on our modern epidemic of depression and anxiety and has totally changed the way I look at mental health." –Josh Elstro, recording engineer
"I'm mostly just reading 'garbage' mystery series and cozy mysteries. I'm particularly keen on female heroine sleuth books set in the 1920s or at the turn of the century. The latest Janet and Peter Evanovich mash-up and the Miss Fortune series by Jane Deleon are on deck. Also, after hearing about this book on Morning Edition, I'm planning to pick up The Moscow Rules, which looks at how covert CIA officers evaded the KGB and handled spies in Russia." –Tana Weingartner, reporter
"The Long Game by Mitch McConnell. No matter what your political affiliation is I think we can all agree that McConnell is a great strategist. I am reading this book to learn how I can be more strategic in decisions I make in order to create a successful career of news coverage. I'm also reading High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing by Ben Austen. After living in Chicago for a brief time I am interested in learning more about Cabrini-Green, especially because it is the location in Candy Man, which I use to watch growing up. Beyond that I am interested in how public housing has evolved and the way residents perceive their housing. Biased: Uncovering Hidden Prejudice by Jennifer Eberhardt is another. We all have our own biases so I want to learn when my past experiences are impacting my decisions and be as unbiased as possible. Identifying biases within ourselves allows us to open up and learn more about the people around us. Finally, The Source of Self Regard by Toni Morrison. I want to be intentional about reading more books written by black authors, so of course Toni Morrison!" –Ambriehl Crutchfield, reporter
"I'm reading The Rain-Soaked Bride by Guy Adams. Why? I was shopping the stacks at the library's book sale looking for something by Isaac Adamson. This book had a similar design on the spine to some of Adamson's books, so it leapt out at me. It's an amusing romp about a British paranormal secret service. (Adamson, on the other hand, writes about a Japanese private detective, which is equally as fun.) I’ve got a Neil Gaiman book and a William Gibson lined up for the rest of the summer." –Bill Rinehart, reporter and All Things Considered host
"All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson. This is the first definitive biography of a Hollywood icon, from the so-called Golden Age of pictures. The story is an interesting one to take on during June, which is traditionally celebrated as Pride Month, because Hudson dazzled fans as the industry’s most celebrated leading man, while also leading a double-life in the closet. It wasn’t until Hudson died of AIDS in the 1980s was there a real public discussion about that. This is an important story from a different time." –Michael Monks, host of Cincinnati Edition
"Your Song Changed My Life: From Jimmy Page to St. Vincent, Smokey Robinson to Hozier, Thirty-Five Beloved Artists on Their Journey and the Music That Inspired It by Bob Boilen. I'm a big fan of Bob's work at NPR on All Songs Considered and the Tiny Desk Concerts. One thing he tries to ask many of the musicians he interviews 'Is there a unforgettable song that changed your life? He's assembled those answers into this book and it's a fun read, perfect for summer." –Kevin Reynolds, community relations manager
"I'm reading Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. I got it for Mother’s Day and I’ve just started it. I love to cook and really enjoy reading cookbooks. There’s usually a lot of information, some I already know, but frequently some great tips to make the cooking I already do so much better. Years ago I read the cookbook Flour and while many would say I was already a good baker, this upped my game in ways I never thought possible. So not exactly a beach read, but really enjoy delving in to a good cookbook." –Maryanne Zeleznik, news director and Morning Edition host
"I am reading Don Quixote this summer. Don Quixote is a well-known classic detailing the adventures of an old man whose mind turns to mush from chivalry books. He decides to embark as a knight errant with his full squire, Sancho Panza. This book reveals that Don Quixote may be correct in his opinions and that it may be the world that is truly mad. I am reading this novel because I needed a good classic to read. I also read the first half in Spanish class this year, and I need to finish it." –Rosie Dean, daughter of broadcast engineer Bill Dean and who is now a senior at Western Brown High School
"I just finished reading The Optimist’s Daughter by Eudora Welty. A wonderful classic, beautifully written. Also, recently read Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, the debut novel by Gail Honeyman – that I absolutely devoured. I just started The Secrets Between Us by Thrity Umrigar. It’s a follow up of her novel The Space Between Us, which I also enjoyed. My book club's next pick is The Hate U Give, so that too." –Suzanne Bona, host of Sunday Baroque
"Mike Rowe's Profoundly Disconnected. I read it recently, not currently. It is after all, one page—that's the book. The rest is articles, observations about life and work, and stories about why it’s important to teach trades and not just push college. Proceeds go to his foundation which promotes trade schools and offers scholarships." –Sherri Mancini, vice president for development
"No Walls and The Recurring Dream: A Memoir by Ani DiFranco. She’s a wordsmith, a true original—activist, artist, mother and business owner. A fascinating read of the life and times told in Ani’s frank, funny and fascinating way. Best way to read it? While spinning some Betty Carter." –Elaine Diehl, WGUC announcer
"I’ve been reading The Time Traveler's Almanac: A Time Travel Anthology by Ann and Jeff VanderMeer. It is an enormous collection of short stories that share a common theme – the list of authors includes Douglas Adams, George R. R. Martin, Ursula K. LeGuin, Issac Asimov and many other masters of the sci-fi genre." –Jim Nolan, interactive communications manager
"The Last Battle by Stephen Harding. Published in 1994, it tells the little-known — and almost unbelievable — story of the one and only time U.S. and German soldiers (along with French Resistance fighters) fought side-by-side in World War II — The Battle of Itter Castle. Frankly, I’m astonished it’s never been made into a blockbuster movie." –Richard Eiswerth, general manager
