This year, we’re striving to read 180,000 books for Summer Reading! While ANY books, magazines and graphic novels count toward our goal, some of the books we’re promoting this year have a common theme—the city of Pittsburgh!

Two Pittsburgh-themed books I’m reading this summer are The Great American Whatever and The Last Boy and Girl in the World.

The Great American Whatever, written by Tim Federle, takes place during a hot summer in Pittsburgh. Sixteen year old Quinn Roberts has been hibernating in his room since his sister, Annabeth died in a car crash six months ago. Quinn and Annabeth used to make movies together, Quinn as the screenwriter, and Annabeth as the director. But how can Quinn keep writing when his sister will never direct again? Quinn’s best friend, Geoff, decides enough is enough and drags Quinn out of the house and straight into a college party—where Quinn meets a college boy, a really cute college boy. Can Quinn let himself fall in love and live his life again without betraying his sister’s memory? Join Quinn as he narrates the not-so-perfect screenplay version of his life, where a happy-ish ending may be in sight.

Siobhan Vivian’s The Last Boy and Girl in the World doesn’t take place in Pittsburgh, but the author lives and teaches in Pittsburgh! When storms and flooding threaten to swallow the fictional town of Aberdeen, everyone packs up and flees to safety. Keeley’s dad won’t leave until the last possible second, so Keeley and her friends decide to enjoy the final hours of Aberdeen. Parties, pranks and danger follow, and Keeley knows this might be her last chance to talk to the boy she’s always wanted to kiss. But Keeley’s increasingly brash and risky behavior hides a lot of fear and confusion. What does it mean to say goodbye, not just to your friends, but to your town? Keeley is determined to figure it out, before Aberdeen sinks into the river forever.

Are you looking for authors from Pittsburgh or stories set in Pittsburgh? This year’s Adult Battle of the Books features ten titles with a Pittsburgh theme. There’s still space to sign up! Compete with a team in a book-based trivia night at Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse! More details about Battle of the Books can be found here.

There’s also an opportunity to see author Siobhan Vivian at CLP – South Side! Stop in on Sunday, June 25^th from 2:30 – 3:30 pm to meet Vivian and hear more about The Last Boy and Girl in the World.

Whatever you’re reading, set in Pittsburgh or across the globe, we need your help to reach our Summer Reading goal! Sign up, log your books and don’t forget to use the hashtag #PGHREADS!

Adina enjoys cooking and eating (mostly eating), ranting about books and watching movies with her friends. You can find her working at the West End branch or relaxing in her cozy apartment