Month: September 2019

Turns Out I’m 100% That Book

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date September 26, 2019

Sponsored by The Grey Sisters by Jo Treggiari

The Grey Sisters is a YA thriller that really drives home the old adage, “don’t go into the woods.” D, Spider and Min set off on a road trip to the mountainside site of a terrible plane crash, seeking closure. What they don’t expect to find is Ariel, a girl who has lived on the mountain her whole life in an isolated, survivalist community. This encounter has devastating—and shocking—consequences for all. Featuring multiple points of view and dizzying plot twists, The Grey Sisters is perfect for fans of YA thrillers like One of Us is Lying and Sadie.

Welcome to Check Your Shelf! This is your guide to help librarians like you up your game when it comes to doing your job (& rocking it).

Libraries & Librarians

News Updates

Connecting Banned Books Week with the Macmillan eBook embargo.
A window was shot out at the San Jose State University Library. The suspect has been charged with attempted murder.

Cool Library Updates

The Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh is testing out bookmarks that provide information and resources on sensitive topics from abusive relationships to bankruptcy to puberty so that patrons can privately find the information they need.
Bringing the library to the gym.
Or you could be like this Maine library and lend out sports equipment.
Check out the Henrietta (NY) Public Library’s fresh Lizzo display with the bomb lighting!
This tiny library was created from a recycled shipping container.
There’s a Little Free Library in Mississippi that looks like a Tardis.
Is that a dinosaur at the Denver Central Library? Nope, just a giant chicken skeleton.

Worth Reading

Censorship goes beyond banned books.
A new PEN America report condemns the proliferation of prison book bans.
The invisibility of library labor.
The librarian listened: helping children and caregivers handle mental health conditions. Plus a relevant book list.
A look at self-directed programming.
Take a look at this Sicilian library devoted to African immigrants.
How to save a wet book.

Book Adaptations in the News

Some people are talking about the possibility of a Princess Bride remake. Look, I’m not a super diehard Princess Bride fan, but seriously, do we really need to remake everything?
John Mulaney is playing Henry David Thoreau on Apple TV+’s Dickinson. (*insert John Mulaney English major joke here*)
A look at the adaptation of Caitlin Moran’s How to Build a Girl.
V.E. Schwab’s The Archived series is set for the CW.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid will be adapted as a series on the streaming platform Freeform.
James Patterson’s novel Toys is getting the series treatment as well.

Books & Authors in the News

The New York Times is facing some criticism over their coverage of the new nonfiction book, The Education of Brett Kavanaugh by reporters Robin Pogrebin and Kate Kelly. Here is the Time’s response, along with a report by the authors that was published in The Atlantic.
The US Department of Justice is suing Edward Snowden for the profits from his recent memoir, Permanent Record.
Thieves were reportedly after the manuscript for The Testaments.
Oprah starts a new book club with Apple and selected The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates as its first title! Plus, if you purchase her book club selections via Apple Books, a contribution will be made to the American Library Association!
Alex Gino talks about what it’s like to author the #1 most banned book in the country. (Side note, if you haven’t read George yet, you really should because it’s an absolute delight!)

Numbers & Trends

Physical books still outsell eBooks – this article breaks down why.

Award News

2019 National Book Award longlists for Fiction and Nonfiction. You can view all of the longlists here.
The National Book Foundation named its 5 Under 35 Authors.
The Nelly Sachs prize was awarded to, and then withdrawn from, Kamila Shamsie over her support of an Israel boycott. Hundreds of authors have come to her defense.
A video recording of Joy Harjo’s inaugural reading as US Poet Laureate at the Library of Congress.

Pop Cultured

Aron Eisenberg, who played Nog on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, passed away at age 50.

Bookish Curiosities & Miscellaneous

The owner of the Strand Bookstore in New York City is suing the city over the building’s landmark status.
Merriam-Webster updated its definition of the word “they” to include it as a gender nonbinary pronoun.
Book fairies are leaving banned books around Pittsburgh for strangers to find and read.
This penguin intern at Penguin Random House had the busy on its first day at work!
The London house that inspired Peter Pan is up for sale.
Why some people become lifelong readers.
Why this reader’s Goodreads challenge made them sad.

Thanks for hanging! See everyone on Tuesday! And don’t forget to enter our giveaway of the year’s 10 best mysteries & thrillers (so far)!

–Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter. Currently reading Mayhem by Sarah Pinborough.

Today In Books

Read A Novel On Instagram Stories: Today In Books

Post author By Jamie Canaves
Post date September 25, 2019

✨ Harry Potter Goodies Galore!

Post author By Kelly Jensen
Post date September 25, 2019

Sponsored by The Grey Sisters by Jo Treggiari

Hey YA Fans!

I’ve talked before about how Harry Potter is the perfect series for helping define the difference between “middle grade” and “YA” books. The first three books are in the middle grade category, while the following books nudge into the YA category.

Which is why I’m highlighting the series today, but in a different way.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there have been so many recent announcements about Harry Potter goods you can buy this season. It makes sense: not only is it back-to-school time, but the holidays are coming and people are making their wish lists.

Let’s take a peek at some of the awesome Harry Potter lines hitting stores now or in the very near future. I’ve pulled a single image from each collection, then linked to either the announcement or the storefront.

This is in no way comprehensive, but a way to do a little drooling (or shopping or wish list making).

Blackmilk School’s Out Collection

This collection is stunning. If you’re in the market for outerwear or athletic wear (or athleisure), the Australian-based Blackmilk collection for Harry Potter is just [chef’s kiss].

Funko Harry Potter Strategy Game

It’s Funko Harry Potter, but in the style of a strategy game. This one comes out next week, but you can preorder it now. It looks really neat.

Harry Potter x Danielle Nicole

It is impossible to pick just one of the incredible purses and totes in the Harry Potter x Danielle Nicole line. But get a load of the Howler one above! So, so many options here, including bags in every Hogwarts House color scheme (especially great if you want to have Potter pride but in a way that doesn’t scream that you have a Harry Potter themed bag).

Hallmark

True story: my first ever job was at Hallmark during ornament season which at the time was three specific drop times — July, September, and November (and not to date myself, but I did that job before Harry Potter was popular, so there were no HP goods). Harry Potter ornaments have been part of their line for a while though, and each year they add new ones to the collection.

Hot Topic

Hot Topic has always been a mainstay for Harry Potter goods and their current line up is fabulous and cozy. The thing most noteworthy about Hot Topic’s collection is that it’s one of the most size-inclusive, so those of us who are outside straight sizing can also share our love of all things HP.

Jujube x Flying Keys

Whether you need a tote, a backpack, or a fanny pack, this Flying Keys collection from Jujubee has got you covered. The inside material is also highly designed.

LEGO Advent Calendar

Do you need a LEGO Harry Potter advent calendar? I bet you do.

Mini Boden x Harry Potter

If you wear kid sizes or know someone who does, then I am exceptionally envious of the fact this Mini Boden collection of Harry Potter clothing can be in your life. This is so cute I had to include a photo of multiple kids wearing the items.

Pandora x Harry Potter

There’s not an image of any items from the collection yet, but fans of Pandora jewelry rejoice: there is a Harry Potter x Pandora collection dropping in November.

Pottery Barn Teen

This velvet Slytherin robe is just one of the awesome finds in the Pottery Barn Teen Harry Potter collection. There are all kinds of bedroom goods here, from Daily Prophet themed sheets to Golden Snitch bean bag chairs.

Vans

Need some new kicks? You can select from so many options in the Harry Potter x Vans collection.

Vera Bradley

Since this collection doesn’t release until mid-2020, there aren’t yet images to share. But if you love Vera Bradley or various kinds of bags (totes, purses, duffle, etc.), keep your eyes peeled.

I’ll just mention here that my birthday was yesterday, and I wouldn’t mind seeing that Slytherin velvet robe mysteriously showing up at my house. . .

Thanks for hanging out, y’all, and Monday you’ll be treated to a newsletter from a guest writer.

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram (note the new name!) and editor of (Don’t) Call Me Crazy and Here We Are.

Unusual Suspects

Hello, Awesome Heist Book! 💎

Post author By Jamie Canaves
Post date September 24, 2019

New $40 Million Public Library 😍: Today In Books

Post author By Jamie Canaves
Post date September 24, 2019

Motherhood, Patti Smith, and One Lonely Whale in Nonfic New Releases

Post author By Kim Ukura
Post date September 24, 2019

Sponsored by Born to Fly by Steve Sheinkin

A few short years after American women finally got the right to vote, a group of trailblazers soared to new heights in the first women’s air race across the U.S. Follow the lives of legend Amelia Earhart, who has captivated generations; Marvel Crosson, who built a plane before she learned how to fly; Louise Thaden, who shattered altitude records; and Elinor Smith, who made headlines when she flew under the Brooklyn Bridge at 17. These awe-inspiring stories culminate in a suspenseful, nail-biting race that brings to life the glory and grit of the early days of flying, expertly told by the master of nonfiction history, Steve Sheinkin.

Happy Wednesday, nonfiction readers! I spent the weekend reading, hiking, and hanging out with a dear friend, so I’ve been feeling invigorated and excited all week.

Because it was a vacation, of sorts, I dug back through some of the nonfiction of the year I haven’t gotten to read and settled on Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe. It’s a story that combines true crime and history to better understand The Troubles in Ireland, a period I know very little about. The book is fascinating and beautifully written.

It’s another big week filled with great new books. I’ve decided to focus on just five of them:

Make it Scream, Make it Burn by Leslie Jamison – This collection of essays is, perhaps, my most anticipated book of 2019. I absolutely adored Leslie Jamison’s first essay collection, The Empathy Exams, and so far I love this one too. It covers a fascinating mix of memoir, journalism, and criticism on subjects as varied as the past-life memories of children, eloping in Las Vegas, and a lonely whale named 52 Blue. So great.

Preview Reading: You can read an essay from the book, “The Quickening” in The Atlantic.

Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America by Nefertiti Austin – After adopting a young Black baby, single mother Nefertiti Austin came to realize that the idea of mother in the United States often means white. This book is about “her fight to create the family she always knew she was meant to have and the story of motherhood that all American families need now.”

Further Reading: Austin talks about her adoption journey, how the writing community can support mothers, and more with Fiction Advocate.

Year of the Monkey by Patti Smith – I still haven’t read a Patti Smith memoir, and that seems like a dereliction of duty of some kind. In this book, Smith writes about 2016, her “year of solitary wandering” when she turned 70. The year turns into a time to reckon with all sorts of big issues, including loss, aging, and “a dramatic shift in the political landscape of America.”

Further Reading: I’m fascinated with how Smith described writing the book in an interview with Variety: “Year of the Monkey was literally written in real-time, in a journal, because how it opens is what happened when I started, and I had no idea where it was going to go.”

Sorted: Growing Up, Coming Out, and Finding My Place (A Transgender Memoir) by Jackson Bird – This memoir by a writer, YouTuber, and LGBTQ+ advocate is about his experience coming out as transgender to friends, family, and a huge part of the Internet at 25. This memoir shares “the ups and downs of growing up gender confused” through navigating the obstacles of his transition.

Further Watching: I liked Bird’s 2017 TED Talk, “How to talk (and listen) to transgender people.” If you want more, check out his YouTube channel too.

Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller – Chanel Miller is famous, but until just a few weeks ago very few people knew her real name. Referred to as Emily Doe, Miller is the young woman sexually assaulted by Brock Turner in a case now infamous for the six-month jail sentence Turner received. Miller’s victim impact statement went viral, and has inspired other survivors and spurred legislative action. This book is her story of “trauma, transcendence, and the power of words.”

Further Reading/Watching: Miller’s victim impact statement in the case is still a stunning read. As part of an interview with 60 Minutes, Miller also read the statement on video. It’s powerful.

Those are five small but mighty books. I hope you can find something to enjoy. Before we go, make sure to click through to enter Book Riot’s giveaway of the year’s 10 best mystery/thrillers so far! It’s an amazing list!

You can find me on Twitter @kimthedork, on email at kim@riotnewmedia.com, and co-hosting the For Real podcast here at Book Riot. Happy reading! – Kim

In The Club

In the Club – 9/25

Post author By Vanessa Diaz
Post date September 24, 2019

Sponsored by The Spiritual Rebel Book Club Guide

Looking for something fun … and deeply meaningful? Try 3 weeks of creative activities perfectly suited to any book club―from meditating with your pets to forest bathing to sacred space crashing. Spiritual rebelliousness encourages readers to tread their individual paths while still understanding the importance of seeking community to help others, the Earth, and its creatures. As seen in Spirituality & Health Magazine’s “100 Books We Love” and BookRiot’s “50 Memoirs to Make You Feel”

Welcome to In The Club, a newsletter of resources to keep your book group well-met, well-read, and well-fed. I’m back in San Diego for some bachelorette festivities, and you best believe I’m eating all the Mexican food. Before I go eat all the avocados, let’s chat about some book club ideas that go along with my favorite season: fall!!!

To the club!!

Welcome to the Pumpkin Spice Book Club, where the lighting is dim, the blankets are fuzzy, and the hot mulled wine flows freely. I’m going to be sharing some autumn-appropriate book club selections as well as some drink recipes and vibe notes for the book club I clearly wish I was a part of.

The Mood:

The theme here is cozy: dress code is pajamas or comfy loungewear and BYOB (bring your own blanket). Light some delicious autumn-scented candles and prepare some delightful beverages and snacks. I am personally obsessed with the beverage part of this equation, so here are my suggestions for those:

Hot Mulled Wine – Dump a bunch of red wine in a slow cooker with whole spices, an orange, a shot of brandy, and sugar to taste. I like mine with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, but this recipe also calls for star anise and swaps the sugar for apple cider. Interesting!
Cafe de la Olla (pronounced ka-FEH de la O-yah) – If your book group is less into the boozy stuff, try one of my favorite beverages: spiced Mexican coffee! I’ve been making this since I was young by eyeballing it, but here’s a handy recipe with measurements & sh*t. You can also make it with decaf if anyon’s avoiding caffeine, and it comes together in all of 15 or 20 minutes.
Spiced Apple Cider – Here’s another non-alcoholic option. Reduce some cider, preferably fresh, with allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. If you do want to opt for the boozy version, here’s a version with some brandy or bourbon.

The Books:

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo – on Sale 10/8/19 – I have to include this one even though it’s not out yet! Alex Stern has seen ghosts all her life and has turned to drugs to cope. When she hits rock bottom, a mysterious benefactor offers her a life-changing opportunity: in exchange for a clean slate in the form of a full ride to Yale, she’ll be charged with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret (and occult) societies, the Eight Houses of the Veil. (CW: drug use, violence, sexual assault)

Book Club Bonus: The dark magic, demons, ghosts, and a mystery with multiple reveals, all set in New Haven in fall and winter make this so perfect for fall! As for discussion: talk about the concept of inner versus actual demons: the symbolism of one for the other, how the variety of spirits and magic in this book represent a different kind of haunting. Discuss the consequences at the end of the book, i.e. how privilege is the most magically magic of all potions.

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab – Young Cassidy Blake’s parents are ghost hunters who host a TV show about haunted places. What no one knows is that Cassidy herself actually sees ghosts, a “gift” she acquired after a near-drowning experience. When the show lands the family in Edinburgh, Cass explores the city’s graveyards, castles, and secret passageways. She meets ghosts at every turn, and not all of them friendly.

Book Club Bonus: This would make a fantastic pick for book club for kids. It’s creepy and spooky but still appropriate for a younger audience. Discussion topics could include how we do (or don’t) use the gifts we are given, facing fear to fulfill a purpose, how the dead teach Cass more than the living. Maybe also do a quick, fun history of Edinburgh itself with fun (and creepy) facts about the U.K.’s most haunted city.

The Changeling by Victor LaValle – This begs to be read in October!! In this super unsettling blend of horror and urban fairy tale set in New York City, a man’s wife disappears after seemingly committing a heinous and unforgiveable act of violence against their child. (CW: child harm)

Book Club Bonus: Wow, so…. maybe don’t read this if you’re a new or expectant parent? I’m trying to give you topics for discussion without spoiling the plot… hmm. Discuss how the story is an allegory for parenthood in general, and more specifically the perils of the internet.

Suggestion Section

How Reese Witherspoon has taken over the celeb book club game. I still think Oprah wears the crown here, but take nothing away from what Reese has built.

The L.A. Times’ book club newsletter has deets on upcoming conversations with Michael Connolly and Julie Andrews.

Oprah’s Book Club is now a partnership with Apple, and her latest pick is Ta-Nehisi Coates’s The Water Dancer.

Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere makes a great book club read! We have questions ready to go for your discussion.

Meet Renée Hicks, the founder of Book Girl Magic, an online book club that celebrates black female authors.

Thanks for hanging with me today! Shoot me an email at vanessa@riotnewmedia.com with your burning book club questions or find me on Twitter and the gram @buenosdiazsd. Sign up for the Audiobooks newsletter, get it on the Read Harder podcast, and watch me booktube every Friday too.

Stay bad & bookish, my friends.
Vanessa

More Resources:
– Our Book Group In A Box guide
– List your group on the Book Group Resources page

The Goods

Banned Books Week

Post author By Rebecca Joines Schinsky
Post date September 24, 2019

Celebrate Banned Books Week and the freedom to read with 25% off storewide!

New Books

Hooray, It’s Time for New Books!

Post author By Liberty Hardy
Post date September 23, 2019

Sponsored by Arctic Heat by Annabeth Albert, published by Carina Press.

Two snowbound men give in to temptation in this emotional, sexy romance from Annabeth Albert. Former investment banker Owen Han has kicked cancer’s ass and is roaring through his bucket list. Next up: a volunteer gig in Alaska that will allow him to fulfill an old dream of snowy winters, rustic life…and big, strapping mountain men. When a storm strands him with park ranger Quilleran Ramsey, it’s the beginning of a seasonal romance that might just last past spring.

Tuesday: it’s not Monday. That’s my new tagline for Tuesday. I expect it will make me a billion dollars. But while I wait for that fat cash to start rolling in, I have some great books for you to check out today! And you can hear about more awesome reads on this week’s episode of the All the Books! Sharifah and I discussed The Water Dancer, The Dutch House, The Shadow King, and more great books!

Liberty

P.S. More fun news: be sure to enter Book Riot’s giveaway of the year’s 10 best mystery/thrillers so far!

The Liar by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen

This is a compelling tale of lying. Nofar is a teenage girl working in an ice cream parlor, until she tells a lie that catapults her into the spotlight. Raymonde is an elderly immigrant tells tales of her own. But lies like these have consequences. Gundar-Goshen explores and exposes the liar in us all.

Backlist bump: Waking Lions by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen

The Last Seance cover image The Last Seance: Tales of the Supernatural by Agatha Christie

A new collection of Agatha Christie! These are almost all stories published elsewhere, but they are her creepiest. And now they are all together in one place, PLUS there is indeed one story that has never been published in the United States before. That’s a reason to party right there. And reading Agatha Christie is always a comfort.

Backlist bump: Hallowe’en Party: A Hercule Poirot Mystery by Agatha Christie

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones

“In your head, in your head, zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie.” I don’t know about you, but I am not tired of zombie novels. Especially not with Halloween just around the corner. This fun novel is about a family of gravedigger siblings who are trying to scrape together (ha) a living. But it’s hard to finish the job when the dead don’t want to stay in the ground. If Ryn, the oldest, can figure out how to break the curse that brings the “bone houses” back, it will be smooth sailing for all. But that’s easier said that done.

Backlist bump: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

See you next week!

Today In Books

Oprah Has A New Book Club! Today In Books

Post author By Jamie Canaves
Post date September 23, 2019

Sponsored by Frost and Flame by Gena Showalter

Oprah Has A New Book Club!

And Oprah Winfrey’s first book selected for this global book club with Apple is–drum roll, please!–The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Coates will be interviewed by Winfrey on Oprah’s Book Club, a new Apple TV+ series that will premiere November 1st. And if you buy Oprah’s Book Club selections through Apple Books, a contribution will be made to the American Library Association. Really looking forward to see all the books that will be chosen!

Banned Books Week Is Upon Us

The 11 most challenged books of 2018–absolutely no drum roll for this BS–have been released by the ALA: “at least 347 challenges were filed seeking to remove 483 books from libraries or schools.” And the phobics have been busy as more than half of the challenged books were targeted because of LGBTQIA+ content. You can check out the list here.

Know Her Name

Chanel Miller has written a memoir, Know My Name, publicly coming forward as the woman sexually assaulted by Brock Turner: “‘I am a victim, I have no qualms with this word, only with the idea that it is all that I am,’ she writes. ‘However, I am not Brock Turner’s victim. I am not his anything.'” Learn about Miller, as a full person, and her memoir here.