Sponsored by Black Heroes of the Wild West from TOON Books.
This graphic novel by James Otis Smith celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black heroes who took control of their destinies and stood up for their communities in the Old West. Born into slavery, Mary Fields became famous as “Stagecoach Mary,” a cigar-chomping coach driver who never missed a delivery. Bass Reeves, the first black Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi, was one of the wiliest lawmen in the territories. Bob Lemmons lived to be 99 years old and was so good with horses that the wild mustangs on the plains of Texas took him for one of their own.
Welcome to Read This Book, a weekly newsletter where I recommend one book that I think you absolutely must read. The books will vary across genre and age category to include new releases, backlist titles, and classics. If you’re ready to explode your TBR, buckle up!
It’s finally October, so my pick this week has to be the book that gives me the most cozy fall feelings: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks.
This is a super charming graphic novel about Josiah and Deja, two work best friends at the pumpkin patch where they pick up some extra cash each fall. But this is no ordinary pumpkin patch–it’s the Disneyland of pumpkin patches, where fall glory abounds! It’s Halloween, the last night of the season, but also Josiah and Deja’s last night working together, as they’re seniors who will be off to college next year. Deja wants Josiah to finally ask out his crush, and she concocts a plan to give Josiah his chance–if he can find his courage!
I dare you to pick this book up and not be grinning by the time you finish it! Rowell and Hicks have created a fall paradise for those who are in love with the season, and this book is full of charm and laughs, and illustrated in gorgeous fall hues. I loved the friendship between Josiah and Deja–she nudges do-gooder Josiah to get outside of his comfort zone, and he patiently indulges Deja in her desire for alllll the amazing fall snacks the pumpkin patch has to offer as they are sent on a bit of a scavenger hunt to find his crush. This allows readers to take a delightful journey through the pumpkin patch and all it has to offer, although Josiah and Deja’s journey is thwarted by a wayward goat, some misbehaving youths, and a crush that’s always just out of reach. By the end, you have a deeper appreciation for their friendship, and Josiah and Deja even learn a thing or two about their relationship.
The transience of the season is also a big theme in this book, especially as Josiah and Deja are facing some changes ahead and Josiah in particular has a hard time letting go. But with humor and heart, Rowell and Hicks show readers that it’s okay to say goodbye to a wonderful thing, and even while you’re mourning the end of an era, sometimes the saddest endings lead to the best beginnings.
I recommend grabbing your favorite fall beverage and cuddling up with this book. You might want to even buy a copy, because reading this book might become your new fall tradition!
Happy reading!
Tirzah
Find me on Book Riot, the Insiders Read Harder podcast, All the Books, and Twitter.
If someone forwarded this newsletter to you, click here to subscribe.