Traditionally the summer months were slow times for new books, but in today's always-on world seasonal differences are less pronounced and it was a struggle to decide which ten books to feature as particularly notable from our list of July's best books (see best books coming soon). Interestingly, and entirely inadvertently, three of them have aviation as a theme - from the very early days of flight, to the space program of the late '40s through '60s, and into the distant future.

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We love all types of books but sometimes it's time for a read that doesn't weigh us down too heavily, that lifts our spirits and yet reaches beyond melodramatic cliches. They might not always be "happy" books but the journey is uplifting and worthwhile. Here are a dozen fiction and nonfiction recommendations for exactly this type of book - books that are rewarding to read and discuss, that feel good without feeling mushy. It's a fine line to walk but we believe these do so effectively and will add a heartwarming touch to your book club gatherings.

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Dear BookBrowsers,

As we know, Dads come in all stripes. There are the ones who anoint themselves King Of the Grill and flaunt their culinary skills with their barbecue magic, some others who find nothing more refreshing than a day out on the golf course, and yet others who use Father's Day as a free pass to tinker away in their workshops. Most Dads we know are a combination of all of these, but best of all are the ones who love to get absorbed in a good book. Keeping every kind of father in mind, we have culled ten intelligent recommendations to make his day extra special. And if you're a Dad, Happy Father's Day! Hope it is filled with happy times with family -- and great reading.

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It took me a couple of minutes to recognize her. It was only after a burly security guard urged me to move along did the realization sink in: that was the actress Julianne Moore signing copies of her new kids' book, Freckleface Strawberry: Lunch, or What's That?, at the Penguin Random House booth.

Some years ago, when I first attended Book Expo America (or BEA as it is usually known) I noticed just one signing line, an insanely long one for Stephen Colbert. If I were to know that he would leave The Colbert Report in a few short years, I would have expended the energy to wait around for his signature on the book he was releasing then.

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Dear BookBrowsers,

A few weeks ago, the wildly popular website Humans of New York featured an adorable elementary schooler. What stuck with me was her hugely inventive story -- she had created a country called Manizao, she explained, that was between India and China and its president was a girl called Mahava. These intricately plotted stories from childhood are wonderful products from kids who can color outside their boxes and transport themselves to places of wonder and fantasy. The magic of speculative fiction fills such a niche for adults all while spinning a credible yarn. In this special issue, our book club recommendations deliver great stories, speculative fiction that will fire your imagination by asking a very basic and intriguing question: what if?

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Dear BookBrowsers,

Breakfast in bed with burnt toast. Go ahead, you've earned it. Besides, there are some Mother's Day traditions you simply must not break. But this year, maybe it's time to start a new one: how about giving yourself, or the favorite mom in your life, a day filled with reading? We've selected 10 choice picks from recently published books that will deliver a perfect Mother's Day this May 10 for the reader mom in your life. And if that mom is you, there's no better time like the present to place this list in strategic locations around the house for the crowd to notice. Ample hints can't hurt either. Happy Mother's Day!

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