Sponsored by Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett, published by Celadon Books May 5th.
Hollywood Park is a remarkable memoir of a tumultuous life. Mikel Jollett was born into one of the country’s most infamous cults, the Church of Synanon. After spending years in what was essentially an orphanage, Mikel escaped the cult one morning with his mother and older brother. But in many ways, life outside Synanon was even harder and more erratic. Yet, ultimately, his is a story of fierce love and family loyalty told in a raw, poetic voice that signals the emergence of a uniquely gifted writer.
Happy Thursday, readers. How is everyone doing out there in Week 3 of self-quarantine? I was knocked down by a migraine the last few days, but I am feeling much better today, and can’t wait to get back to reading!
The quarantine has certainly slowed my book mail to almost a halt, but luckily I am able to access electronic copies of the books I need to read for work, and for that I am grateful. I feel like the world is an amazing but scary place right now.
Today I have a little bit of book news for you, and a few links to some things that might make you smile during this time. Also, here’s where you can learn more about COVID-19 Updates from the Bookish World. We’ll continue to update it regularly.
Whatever you are doing or watching or reading this week, I am sending you virtual hugs. I hope you are safe, and please remember to be kind to yourself and others. Thanks for subscribing, and I’ll see you again on Monday! – xoxo, Liberty
Trivia question time! Dr. Henry Van Dyke Carter provided 363 drawings for what work first published in 1858?? (Scroll to the bottom for the answer.)
Deals, Reals, and Squeals!
Here’s the teaser trailer for The Ballad of Songbirds And Snakes, the new Hunger Games novel by Suzanne Collins.
Angie Thomas announced her new novel, Concrete Rose, which is coming in January of 2021.
The Wizarding World is launching Harry Potter at Home, for kids and teachers stuck at home right now.
Dolly Parton and LeVar Burton are live-streaming themselves reading stories.
Lauren Blackwood announced her YA Ethiopian-inspired Jane Eyre retelling.
Fitzcarraldo Editions won the Republic of Consciousness prize for Jean-Baptiste Del Amo’s Animalia, but the prize money will be split.
Here’s the Best Translated Book Awards longlist.
Dhonielle Clayton is launching Black Girls with Magic.
Book Riot Recommends
At Book Riot, I work on the New Books! email, the All the Books! podcast about new releases, and the Book Riot Insiders New Release Index. I am very fortunate to get to read a lot of upcoming titles, and learn about a lot of upcoming titles, and I’m delighted to share a couple with you each week so you can add them to your TBR! (It will now be books I loved on Mondays and books I’m excited to read on Thursdays. YAY, BOOKS!)
Excited to read:
Honestly? Everything right now. Books are getting me through this, as I am sure they are helping so many of you. I’m sorry, my brain is still fried from the migraine, and the quarantine has made me a little sentimental. And I have a big, warm fuzzy feeling in my heart, full of appreciation for all books right now. I promise I’ll be back to myself next week, but right now, I want to just say an epic YAY, BOOKS! 
What I’m reading this week.
Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World by Olga Khazan
Braised Pork: A Novel by An Yu
Luster: A Novel by Raven Leilani
Earthlings: A Novel by Sayaka Murata
The Eighth Life: for Brilka by Nino Haratischvili
And this is funny.
Amazing home mask-making.
Song stuck in my head:
California by Phantom Planet
Happy things:
Here are a few things I enjoy that I thought you might like as well:
- Purrli: This website makes the relaxing sounds of a cat purring.
- Here are livestreams of animals. I particularly enjoy the bat one.
- And more cute animal pictures.
- Music Catch, one of my favorite desktop games. I also still play Lemonade Stand occasionally.
Trivia answer: Gray’s Anatomy.
You made it to the bottom! High five. Thanks for reading! – xo, L