- September 5, 2026
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As students are heading back to school and reading lists are growing, the team at the Longboat Library is prepped to offer book suggestions for any visitor.
Plenty has been happening at the little library at 555 Bay Isles Road, which has been operating for nearly 70 years through countless hours of volunteer work.
One of the latest updates is a refreshed reading room, replacing a corner the town used for permitting work. The team is rolling out the welcome carpet and setting up new table and shelf space.
Of course, visitors will need fresh reading material to enjoy in the new space, and the librarians have plenty of suggestions. When asked what some of their top title recommendations from the library's shelves are at the moment, these were their ideas.
'Jimmy Buffett: A Good Life All the Way' by Ryan White
Music critic Ryan White dives into the life and times of one of paradise's most recognizable voices. The biography traces Jimmy Buffett's footsteps long before he rose to fame and became the man behind Margaritaville.
What do you find interesting about this book?
We know him for singing the wonderful songs that we love to sing along with when we're enjoying the island life, but he had a lot of issues. He didn't make it right away. He wasn't an overnight success at all. He went all through Key West — all through the whole country — with different bands, trying to get his name recognized. Even down in the Keys, it didn't happen immediately. But then when he took off, he was huge. He dealt with addiction issues. There is a lot more to it than when you think of Jimmy Buffett.
'This Book Made Me Think of You' by Libby Page
In a novel about a rekindled love of reading, Tilly Nightingale receives a surprise birthday gift courtesy of her recently deceased husband, Joe. She learns how to navigate grief with each monthly trip to her local bookstore for the latest selection.
What do you find interesting about this book?
It sounds so sad when you describe it, but it's a fun, uplifting book. [The husband] went to her favorite bookstore before he died and arranged to have the owner of the bookstore give her a new book every month to help her get through it. I get teary-eyed just talking about it. But I didn't cry while reading the book because it is so uplifting. It sounds sad, but it's not. It is such a good book.
'Theo of Golden' by Allen Levi
Following the titular Theo, the novel embraces stories of second chances and random acts of kindness. Theo starts his exploration of human connection by buying portraits of the townspeople in Golden and attempting to track the subjects to gift them the paintings. Through each encounter, Theo learns more about how people navigate loss and growth, and he finds a way to revisit his own past. Hollywood rumors suggest Tom Hanks may soon star in a film adaptation of the book.
What do you find interesting about this book?
Allen Levi has never written a book before and is in his 60s. Now, it is a bestseller. This is a book I always recommend and would enjoy reading again. It is very positive and shows how a little kindness and compassion toward strangers can make a profound difference in their lives and yours. The chapters are short, and you will meet many different types of people while reading it. It is wonderful bedside reading and a nice way to end your day. I hope he will publish another book soon. We all need a little more Theo in our lives.
'Whistler' by Ann Patchett
This is a tale of family relationships surrounding the memory of an event from the past. It is a story of love and forgiveness and how family does not have to be related by blood.
What do you find interesting about this book?
I really enjoyed the book largely because the characters involved were very relatable. The way the book switched between the event of the past and how it is remembered by the different family members made me want to keep reading to see how the book concluded.
'The Correspondent' by Virginia Evans
Literature lovers can enjoy following the story of Sybil Van Antwerp through a series of letters she writes about books, classes and other daily events. Similarly to "Theo of Golden," this story focuses on the journey of revisiting the past and the complexities of finding forgiveness.
What do you find interesting about this book?
The book I recommended is an entertaining story by a female author who excels in character development and unique storylines. It is sensitive, humorous and captivating. I think it would make a great book club selection.
