By now, I've told almost everyone I know—and a lot of strangers—about my favorite book of the year so far. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is, on the surface, a retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet, but I think even the Bard would be a bit awed by David Wroblewski's exquisite, riveting prose.

Edgar is a mute boy who believes his uncle killed his father so he could have the farm and the farmer's wife. There are also the Sawtelle dogs, unique animals whose connection to Edgar goes way beyond the traditional boy-and-his-dog relationship. What happens to them all in the wake of the murder will surprise and haunt you. This book is one of the most beautiful, moving novels I've ever read. If you only read one book a year, make it this one.

My other favorite book—for entirely different reasons—is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Don't let the title put you off—this is not "chick lit"—although there is nothing whatsoever wrong with chick lit. The story, in the form of letters and notes, is about a young woman who goes to the Guernsey Islands in search of fellow book lovers and discovers so much more. The people of Guernsey, which was occupied by the Germans during World War II, show a colorful, eccentric resilience that makes us love them. It is a surprisingly vivid, deep and touching story and I loved it.

Moscow Rules by Daniel Silver is a hit. It brings back Israeli superspy Gabriel Allon, who must grapple with Russian arms dealers and his own complicated personal life. This book is an entertaining summer read that just zips along, from start to finish.

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff is a novel about Brigham Young's rebellious nineteenth wife, Anne Eliza Young. Not only did she divorce Brigham Young, but she went on to lead a crusade against polygamy that ultimately ended the church's practice of allowing multiple wives. Publisher's Weekly calls this an "exquisite tour de force" and essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the practice—all the more interesting in light of recent events in Utah.

The Way of the World: A Story of Truth and Hope in an Age of Extremism by Ron Suskind follows a group of characters whose actions and struggles may well provide our best example for salvation and even redemption in a time of unsettling moral issues. This is not just the story of how we lost our way, post-9/11, but of how we are trying to find the moral authority that we relied on for most of our existence as a nation. By examining the lives of a diverse group of people, the author gives us lots to think about—and lots to feel hopeful about.

Mary Alice Monroe once again brings us interesting, strong Southern women, in Time Is A River. Mia, a cancer survivor, must also come to terms with her husband's infidelity, and she retreats to a fishing cabin in the North Carolina mountains to lick her wounds. There she explores a mystery from the past while finding her own path to happiness. This is a nice book to end the summer on.

There are some good books out for young adults looking for a last enjoyable read before focusing on school.

Frozen Fire by Tim Bowler is a supernatural thriller that involves an out-of-this-world boy and a girl who wants to protect him. The book also includes some serious stuff about a rapist and an angry mob seeking vengeance without justice. This is a dark story that will nevertheless hold the attention of fans of both suspense and fantasy alike.

Sarah Dessen is one of the most talented, empathetic and gifted writers in the young adult genre. She continues her winning ways with Lock and Key, the story of Ruby—abandoned by her mother, rescued by her wealthy aunt and uncle and given all the things a girl could want. But what if she doesn't? Want it, that is.

In The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, powerhouse James Patterson tell us that the greatest power is not to be part spider, part man, or to cast magic spells—the greatest power is the power to create. Daniel X has that power and he must use it to protect the Earth. He also wants to use it to find the killer who murdered his parents.

For younger readers, we have How To Find Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker. This is a spectacular new novelty book where every page unlocks the secrets behind the magical places fairies call home. Five eye-popping spreads include intricate three-dimensional pop-up images of flowers and trees that magically open up to reveal the secret homes of the fairies.

Twenty Heartbeats, by Dennis Haseley and Ed Young, introduces us to a wealthy Chinese man who dreams of having a painting of his favorite horse. He seeks out a man named Homan, known as a great painter of horses, and commissioned the portrait. Then he waited…and waited…and waited. As the years passed, his hair grew gray, and he grew furious. What was taking so long? Haseley's simple story about the nature of art and the value of time is subtly amplified in stunning layered collages by Caldecott medalist Ed Young.

There are so many other wonderful books; there's just not room to name them all. We have new titles from Ridley Pearson, Christopher Reich, Anne River Siddons, David Sedaris and more. Stop by soon.