Summer reads: Hamilton Public Library's 10 most requested books
Hamilton Public Library has plenty of options, but some books are in more high-demand than others.
While a self-help book tops the list, readers are largely vying for mystery, thriller and romance novels.
Here is a list of the most sought-after books this summer.
Want to read one of the books listed? The library has express copies, which cannot be put on hold, available for browsing and borrowing in-branch. Check the status of a book at
hpl.ca
or peruse the library's
list of hidden gems
.
This Mel Robbins self-help book will be flying off the shelves for some time, with a whopping 436 holds on the 76 copies available across the city's public libraries as of July 10.
The New York Times bestselling author also hosts and gives advice on 'The Mel Robbins Podcast.'
Her new 336-page book is a 'step-by-step guide to stop letting other people's opinions, drama and judgement impact your life,' according to an excerpt from
Robbins' website
.
Despite being released in December 2024, the book tops
Amazon's most sold and read charts
and the New York Times'
Best Sellers list for Advice, How-To and Miscellaneous
.
Robbins' daughter, Sawyer Robbins, co-authored the book.
'One Golden Summer' by Carley Fortune.
The Toronto award-winning journalist, editor and author Carley Fortune's 'One Golden Summer' makes runner-up.
Released in May 2025, the library's 70 copies are under 299 holds.
The 400-page romance novel follows a photographer named Alice who ends up back at a cottage town with her injured grandma for the summer. There, she begins to fall for a man from her teenage years.
'The Women' by Kristin Hannah.
Kristin Hannah's 'The Women' follows a woman who joins the army nurse corps in the Vietnam War in 1965. The novel reflects on friendships and patriotism.
The 480-page book has 281 holds on 81 copies at local libraries. It was released in February 2024.
Hannah is also the author of 'The Nightingale' and 'The Four Winds.'
'Great Big Beautiful Life' by Emily Henry.
Emily Henry's 'Great Big Beautiful Life' is about two writers who compete to tell the 'larger-than-life' story of a woman claiming to be Margaret Ives, an heiress, former tabloid princess and daughter of a scandalous family.
Henry also authored 'Book Lovers,' 'People We Meet on Vacation,' and 'Beach Read.'
The 432-page book was released in April 2025. There are 277 holds on 73 Hamilton Public Library copies.
The chilling novel 'Don't Let Him In' is an
Amazon suspense read bestseller
that follows three women plunged into lies and secrets after an unexpected death.
The book's author, Lisa Jewell, is a British creator of other books, including the 'Ralph's Party' series and 'Thirtynothing.'
The 368-page book was published in June 2025 and has 272 holds on 50 copies from Hamilton libraries.
Taylor Jenkins Reid's 'Atmosphere: A Love Story' is a novel about love and life set in a 1980s space shuttle program.
The 352-page book was released in June 2025.
It has 257 holds on 55 copies from Hamilton Public Library.
Reid has also authored 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' and 'Daisy Jones and The Six.'
'Broken Country' by Clare Leslie Hall.
The romance-thriller 'Broken Country' is about a woman living on a sheep farm with her husband when her first love returns with his son.
Novelist and journalist Clare Leslie Hall authored the 320-page novel, which was released in March 2025. It has 238 holds on 48 copies from local libraries.
Fredrik Backman's 'My Friends' is about friendship, grief and the power of art. The book follows the main character, Louisa, who is on a mission to find the three figures in a painting.
Backman also authored 'A Man Called Ove.'
The 448-page novel 'My Friends' was published in May 2025. Forty-eight copies are under 223 holds at Hamilton Public Library.
'Nightshade' by Michael Connelly.
Michael Connelly's 'Nightshade' is the first in a series.
The novel is about a Los Angeles County sheriff who responds to a body found at the bottom of a harbour and uncovers hidden truths.
The book, released in May 2025, tops Amazon's most gifted in police procedurals list.
The 352-page book has 203 holds on 50 Hamilton Public Library copies.
Freida McFadden's 'The Tenant' is a mystery thriller about revenge, privilege and secrets.
The book is about a Manhattan-based marketing VP whose life goes downhill after being fired and renting out a space to cover bills.
The 368-page read was released in May 2025.
McFadden is an American physician specializing in brain injury who also authored 'The Housemaid,' 'The Coworker' and 'Never Lie.'
Hamilton Public Library's 50 copies are under 189 holds.
Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator.
cbholla@thespec.com
.
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