What it’s about: When the America’s First Son, Alex, is forced to make amends with his archnemesis Henry, Prince of Wales, their unlikely companionship blossoms into a secret romance. Framed by a royal wedding and a reelection campaign, this amusing romantic comedy is sweet and steamy.

 

Why you might like it: This funny and hopeful debut is set in a weird alternate reality that McQuiston calls “an escapist, trauma-soothing, alternate-but-realistic reality. Not a perfect world…just a little better, a little more optimistic.” The texting relationship between Alex and Henry is particularly witty, and the companionship of the three “White House kids” is comforting and reassuring.

 

You might also like: For another book about archrivals hiding an attraction, try the YA fantasy Carry On by Rainbow Rowell; for a different take on fake relationships, check out The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren; and for another royal romance, read A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole.

 

What it’s about: Who wouldn’t want to be a nanny to children who spontaneously combust? In this irreverent, engaging story, Lillian’s old friend hires her to take care of her stepchildren—whose special talent needs to be kept under wraps while their father is being considered for a Cabinet post. The stakes are high, and the situation is really weird. Completely original and full of surprises.

 

Why you might like it: If you enjoy reading wry, first-person stories about unconventional characters, give this book a try.

 

You might also like: Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson is another quirky novel narrated by a nanny.

 

What it’s about: Amy Gumm lives in Kansas with her deadbeat mother and their pet rat, Star. Her mom goes through waves of depression, in and out like her hand in her bag of Bugles. She is usually found on the couch, but the night of the storm she found her way out to a tornado party. While she is away, Amy gets swept up in the tornado, and lands in Oz. But this isn’t Oz like she remembers. Nothing is cheery. Nothing is bright. She wanders, accompanied by Star, meeting up with a munchkin, Indigo, who has swirling, twirling tattoos, and Ollie, a wingless-winged monkey. She quickly learns you can’t trust anyone in this version of Oz and winds up training with the wicked to kill Dorothy. Will she succeed?

 

Is it for you? If you have an emotional attachment to the angelic, doe eyed, rosy cheeked, Judy Garland version of Dorothy Gale, might I suggest a different title? But if you like gruesome, and sometimes macabre retellings of classic stories, give this one a go.

 

Look for: Book 2 in this series: The Wicked Will Rise.

 

About the author: Eddie Olczyk is an award-winning television commentator on NBC’s coverage of the NHL and thoroughbred horse racing, and for the Chicago Blackhawks. He played 16 seasons in the NHL and was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.

 

Reviewers say: "Olczyk, with Toronto Sun journalist Lefko, presents a gripping account of his remarkable life, from his selection for the 1984 U.S. Olympic Hockey team through his remarkable battle with colon cancer. Olczyk, now a sportscaster for NHL and NBC, takes readers through his life and career with insights from coaches, teammates, and family members…While Olczyk discusses the joys of his post-playing career nimbly, it’s his unflinching account of his battle with cancer that truly stands out" (Publishers Weekly). 

 

You might also like: The Boys of Winter by Wayne R. Coffey and Orr: My Story by Bobby Or

 

What it's about: A presidential historian looks at 4 presidents and asks, are leaders born or made? Goodwin looks at Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D Roosevelt and Lyndon B Johnson, examining their early lives, dramatic reversals of fortune each experienced early in adulthood, and shows how they proved equal to the crises of their time.

 

Why you might like it: If you enjoy U.S. history, particularly learning new things about our presidents, give this a try. Or pick this up if you want a study in leadership qualities that is easily and compulsively readable.

 

You might also like: Presidents of War by Michael Beschloss if you're looking to read more about presidents and their times. Or try Dare to Lead: Brave work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts by Brene Brown if you're looking for more on leadership.

 

What is it? Henry Cloud uses a great mixture of neuroscience, years of first-hand experiences, and tangible steps to guide leaders into lasting strategies for success. Readers will be primed to lead their business, their teams, and themselves in a way that will energize and strengthen them, not deplete them.

 

Is it for you? Also addressed in this book are the deep-seated issues of why and how people deal with their decision-making process. Every one of us have filters that we sort out information through. If we process through our past hurts and failures, we will make faulty decisions. This book encourages us to keep the big picture in focus while dealing with ourselves and others.

 

What it’s about: George Takei and his family were taken to an internment camp during World War II. Although young George looked at the trip to the camp as an adventure, he also saw in hindsight how stressful the situation was for his parents. He discusses how they coped during the war and afterwards, how they struggled as a result of losing their home, their dry-cleaning business, and nearly their citizenship.

 

Why you should read it: This is an eye-opening look at the experience of an American family and the racism they endured because of other people’s fears after Pearl Harbor. It’s also a poignant study of the love the Takei parents had for their children, making the best they could out of a dreadful situation.

 

What it is: The history of an ordinary substance, the only rock humans consume. Throughout civilization, salt has been used as currency, influenced the establishment of trade routes, financed wars and secured empires. And flavored our food, of course.

 

Want a taste? “The Romans salted their greens, believing this to counteract the natural bitterness, which is the origin of the word salad, salted.” “It takes two years for the salt to reach the center of a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.”

 

Reviewers say: “Throughout his engaging, well-researched history, Kurlansky sprinkles witty asides and amusing anecdotes. A piquant blend of the historic, political, commercial, scientific and culinary, the book is sure to entertain as well as educate” (Publishers Weekly).