The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles (Viking), is the top holds title of the week (10/4/21). LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book. The title appeared on the October 2021 LibraryReads list.

“In 1952, castoffs from a Nebraska juvenile detention camp embark on a road trip that takes them in different directions than initially intended. There’s so much genuine sweetness and aching loss in this exuberant book full of characters you’ll care about deeply. For fans of John Irving and Ann Patchett.”—Diana Armstrong, Multnomah Cty. Lib., Portland, OR

READ-ALIKES

Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan (Scribner; LJ starred review)
Appeared on the October 2017 List

“Anna and her father Eddie arrive at the home of Dexter Styles on Manhattan Beach, searching for a job during the Depression. After Eddie goes missing five years later, Anna supports her mother and sister by working at the Brooklyn Naval Yard. One night, Anna approaches Styles for information about her father. They become involved, but he is still marked by his past relationship with Eddie. Egan’s description of New York in the ’30s and ’40s is so immersive that you feel like you’re waking up when you have to put the book down.”—Barbara Birenbaum, Los Angeles P.L.

Setting Free the Kites by Alex George (Putnam)
Appeared on the February 2017 LibraryReads list

“Robert stands watching the demolition of the old paper mill that stood in the center of town and served as a constant reminder of his friend Nathan. The reader is transported from present day to 1970s Maine, where Robbie finds his friendship with Nathan a literal escape from the bullying at school and a figurative way of coping with his brother’s struggle with muscular dystrophy. The portrayal of family dynamics in the wake of tragedy is reminiscent of Everything I Never Told You, by Celeste Ng, but with an anchoring of boyhood friendship in this coming-of-age tale.”—Emma DeLooze-Klein, Kirkwood P.L., MO

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson (Riverhead; LJ starred review)
Appeared on the September 2019 LibraryReads list

“A rich, multigenerational weaving of two families, starting at Melody’s coming-of-age party. She wears the dress her mother didn’t get to wear because she was pregnant with Melody at the time. Alternating narration moves forward and backward in time, reflecting on family, desire, identity, and parenthood. For fans of Jesmyn Ward and Brit Bennett.”—Julie Graham, Yakima Valley Libs., WA