What Will Westport Read This Summer?

WESTPORT, Conn. – It’s officially summer in Westport, and, for many, that means more down time to do things there isn’t normally time for — like read a book, or two.

With so many titles to choose from, selecting the right read can be a challenge. But the Westport Library can help.

Currently, the most requested book at the library is “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James, said Marta Campbell, director of collection management. There are 76 people waiting to get their hands on a copy, she said. That number is down from 121, as the library orders books based on demand to keep wait times down.

The three books in the “Fifty Shades” series have been in the top three spots on the New York Times Book Review for many weeks. Despite its current popularity, though, Campbell said she doesn’t think “Fifty Shades of Grey” will be the hottest book of the summer.

“Interest in it is already fading,” she said. “It’s a fad.”

Her prediction for this summer’s must-read book is “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. The novel, a psychological thriller, is currently No. 2 on the library’s weekly bestsellers list. There are 51 people waiting for a copy, Campbell said.

At the Westport Barnes & Noble, “Gone Girl" is one of the books sellers cannot keep on the shelves is. Also, “The Amature,” a nonfiction book by Edward Klein, is selling well.

Other current bestsellers at the library include “Lifeboat” by Westport author Charlotte Rogan; “Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake” by Anna Quindlen; “Bring Up The Bodies” by Hillary Mantel; “Canada” by Richard Ford; “The Innocent” by David Balducci; “Shoemaker’s Wife” by Adriana Trigiani; “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed; and “Mission to Paris” by Alan Furst.

For people looking to go beyond the bestsellers list, other popular reads include “The Cove” by Ron Rash, a literary novel about World War I; “NW” a contemporary literature novel by Zadie Smith; “11/22/63,” a novel by Stephen King about a time traveler who tries to prevent the Kennedy assassination; and “Seating Arrangements,” a chick-lit novel by Maggie Shipstead.

Campbell said there are several new releases coming out that people should keep an eye out for as well, such as “Racketeer” by John Grisham and “I Hate Everyone … Starting With Myself” by Joan Rivers.

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