Your favorite new read, handpicked by your favorite bookstore

Who can you always count on when you’re in a bind and need a good book? Your neighborhood bookstore, of course, whose employees read all the newest books before you do. That’s why we’re running this semi-regular column featuring must-reads, handpicked and written about by the staff at some of our favorite independent bookstores in Brooklyn.

The BookMark Shoppe’s pick: “The Templar Legacy”

For any fan waiting for the next Dan Brown novel, then “The Templar Legacy” by Steve Berry is a must read this summer! Book One in the Cotton Malone series, “The Templar Legacy” has all of the history and mystery as “The Da Vinci Code,” with a twist of conspiracy. If you are already a Mallone follower, then check out the newest installment, “The Jefferson Key.”

— Bina Valenzano, co-owner, The BookMark Shoppe [8415 Third Ave. between 84th and 85th streets in Bay Ridge, (718) 833-5115].

Greenlight’s pick: “The Devil All the Time”

Following up on “Knockemstiff,” which was his gritty debut collection of interconnected stories, Donald Ray Pollack’s new book takes place in the same rural back-country town and surrounding areas. And I gotta say, it feels somehow wrong to say I like a book that makes me feel so unclean, but it’s dang good. If you like Pete Dexter or Chuck Palahaniuk, then Pollack is right for you.

— Rebecca Fitting, co-owner, Greenlight Bookstore [686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, (718) 246-0200].

WORD’s pick: “The Chairs Are Where the People Go”

This book is part-philosophy, part-self-help, part-business, but without any of the bulls—t you probably associate with those categories. Sheila Heti worked with Misha Glouberman to write down his thoughts on cities, education, art, love, charades, and other important things — in short, smart chapters that cohere closer and closer as the book goes on. Full of sharp insights and never boring. Next time you find your brain needing a jump-start, this is the book to dive into.

— Stephanie Anderson, manager, WORD [126 Franklin St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, (718) 383-0096].