Sponsored by A Breath Too Late by Rocky Callen, with Fierce Reads.
For fans of Speak, If I Stay, and All the Bright Places comes a haunting and breathtaking YA contemporary debut novel that packs a powerful message: hope can be found in the darkness. “Achingly poignant . . . a love letter and a life raft to the brokenhearted.” –New York Times bestselling author Alison McGhee. “A necessary story . . . radiates with passion, honesty and love.” —National Book Award finalist and Printz Award-winning author An Na. “An exquisitely played love song to life, in all of its hurts, wonders, memories, and loves.” –Jeff Zentner, Morris Award-winning author of The Serpent King and Goodbye Days.
Welcome back to Tuesday, readers. It’s time for new books! At the top of my list of today’s titles that I want to read are Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Vivek H. Murthy, Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova, and The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter by Aaron Reynolds.
You can hear about some of the amazing new books coming out that I did get to read on this week’s episode of the All the Books! Patricia and I discussed The Knockout Queen, What Is Color?, All Boys Aren’t Blue, and more!
This past weekend, I finished watching the first 30 seasons of The Simpsons, which is just bananas when I say it out loud, lol. Now I plan to watch some newer Agatha Christie adaptations, and possibly reread all her books in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the publication of her first book. I am in the mood for (fictional) murder.
As always, I am wishing the best for all of you in whatever situation you find yourself in now. Please stay inside as much as you can, but don’t forget that fresh air is good for you, so be sure to open your windows now and then. (And be sure to watch your pets and small children around them when they’re open.) And please reach out to your friends and family if you’re having a hard time – talking on the computer or phone is a great way to communicate right now! I wish you all wonderful reading during this hard time.
And now, it’s time for everyone’s favorite gameshow: AHHHHHH MY TBR! Here are today’s contestants:
Sea Wife by Amity Gaige
Many years ago, when I worked at a bookstore, we did an event with the amazing author Adam Haslett, and someone asked him what he recommends people read. He said Amity Gage. It was one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard. She’s a marvelous writer, and her stunning new novel about a couple that cashes it all in to live on a sailboat with their children, and the complications that arise in their marriage, is a smart exploration of motherhood, relationships, and societal expectations.
Backlist bump: The Folded World by Amity Gaige
Little Family by Ishmael Beah
If you listen to the show this week, you’ll hear me mention how I was just starting this novel. Well, ta-da! I finished it that night, and it is indeed great. It’s a look at five young people who live together in the relic of an abandoned airplane, the community they have built for themselves, and the dangers of the inevitable interruption from outsiders. Beah does a great job relaying images of the struggles of life in a postcolonial Africa.
Backlist bump: Radiance of Tomorrow by Ishmael Beah
No Man’s Land: The Trailblazing Women Who Ran Britain’s Most Extraordinary Military Hospital During World War I by Wendy Moore
Why is so little written about World War I, compared to all other wars? I don’t have an answer, but I am interested in all military history, which is why I picked up this book. It’s about two women physicians who broke barriers. Originally treating wounded soldiers in Paris, they were moved to London by the British Army, where they treated hundred of casualties. It’s a big deal, partly because prior to that, women were only allowed to attend to children and other women. The story of Flora Murray and Louisa Garrett Anderson is harrowing and inspirational, and a must-read for anyone interested in history.
Backlist bump: Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II by Liza Mundy
Thanks for subscribing! xx, Liberty