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What's Up in YA

🎁 The Perfect Gifts for YA Book Lovers

Hey YA Fans!

Before diving in, it’s that time of year for you to share your favorite YA books of 2020. Drop your favorite 2020 YA book — keep it to 2020 releases and YA books only, please — into the document here by December 14. I’ll tabulate the votes and share your top favorite reads this year in a newsletter before the end of the month. Psst: 99% of folks who take part in this are awesome, but the 1% who think they can slide their own title in or rally others to do it for them…I just delete those answers because that’s not fun.

Onward!

You’re probably seeing tons of gift guides in your inbox, and while you’re getting another one, know this one is tailored to those who love young adult books. AKA: cool stuff you can buy yourself or someone else now or anytime in the future.

I’ve pulled together a few great YA goods, and at the end of the roundup, I’m including a couple of things that have made my reading life a little better this year. One of these items is something I didn’t know exactly how much I’d use, but has become a staple in my life and something I get asked about all the time.

I kept this to items that are broadly YA, though whatever books or fandoms you or a loved one are into, know you can find so much great stuff for those interests in Etsy. Sarah J. Maas, Marie Lu, The Hunger Games…there are so many cool things related to those books and author fandoms.

A beautiful print of a stack of YA fantasy books. $15.

While you’re reading, enjoy the scent of a freesia, violet, and musk candle. $11.

A planter made of YA books! I love this so much. There is only one available as of this writing, but if you click through to the seller’s full shop, there are some other cool repurposed book pieces to explore. $44.

The perfect mug — look at that giant handle! — for YA readers everywhere. $20 and up, depending on size.

The perfect sticker for all of the main characters out there. $3.50.

“It’s a good day to read YA” shirt. Grab this in an array of color options. $29 and up.

If you head to the main shop, you can find a number of YA character and book themed scents. But I thought it was worth sharing the one that was pretty broad: the book and library collection. Three perfume oils in the scent of “old books,” “new books,” and “dusty manuscript.” Buy the set and gift to three different friends (or keep ’em all for you). $32.

And here are two items that have improved my reading life this year:

Early on in quarantine times, I kept seeing this “reading bean” advertised. Did I really need a special pillow to read? The answer is YES. This thing is soft and silky and the way it contours to your lap and belly makes holding a book open so easy. As my pregnancy has gone on, my carpal tunnel has gotten especially bad and not having to hold a book open with my wrists up has been a life saver. The Book Bean has a ton of colors and styles to choose from and is worth every penny of its $30 price tag.

I have child-sized ear canals and a budget, so putting money down on anything Apple-related is squarely in the “not for me” category. I needed a new pair of headphones for audiobook listening and picked up this wireless set. In addition to being affordable — $40, but right now there’s even a 20% off coupon — these buds come with a few different sized pieces to adjust to your ear size. A+, would buy again.


Thanks for hanging out, and don’t forget to cast your votes on best 2020 YA book in the document at the top of the email.

See you later this week!

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk(Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

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Riot Rundown

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Giveaways

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We’re giving away five copies of The Cousins by Karen M. McManus to five lucky Riot readers!

Enter here for a chance to win, or click the cover image below!

Here’s what it’s all about:

Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each other, and they’ve never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before the cousins were born. So, when they receive letters inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they’re surprised.

Their parents agree: not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother’s good graces. But when Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah arrive, it’s immediately clear that the family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn’t over—and this summer, the cousins will learn everything . . . if they can survive the season.

Categories
True Story

Women Musician Reads

Happy Friday to you! It feels like a sleepier week than usual (sleepy-making?) but maybe the short days are to blame. How is it pitch black at 5 PM. How. Although that does make for a good excuse to find a nice reading lamp. Or a reading pillow. Really just use it as an excuse for any reading accessory purchase.

Also — sidebar — but if you feel too guilty doing that, you can always send one to a fellow reader! About ten years ago, my friend wanted a Pride and Prejudice-themed mug, but instead she bought and sent it to me and it sits on my coffee mug shelf to this very day. There’s some kind of lesson there.

Me & Patsy Kickin’ Up Dust: My Friendship with Patsy Cline by Loretta Lynn

This came out THIS YEAR. Acclaimed singer/songwriter and subject of the film Coal Miner’s Daughter Loretta Lynn shares memories of her friendship with the utterly amazing and my first-dance-at-my-wedding-was-to-one-of-her-songs Patsy Cline. Loretta Lynn is extremely charming and her books are an easy read, so pick this up if you like nice things about nice people.

The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey

Yeah, like I’m not again recommending Mariah Carey’s book without still having read it. This book has five stars out of almost 5,000 ratings. That MEANS something. Learn more about the woman who not only gave us the greatest Christmas song of all time, but also “I don’t know her.” Legend. Icon. Mariah Carey.

My Own Devices: True Stories from the Road on Music, Science, and Senseless Love by Dessa

You know who super loved this book? Kim, former runner of this newsletter and still-cohost of For Real. Lin-Manuel Miranda said “Wanna be an artist? Get this book.” She’s a REALLY good writer and if you haven’t heard her version of the cult song “Congratulations” from Hamilton, you are missing out.

Lady Sings the Blues by Billie Holiday, William Dufty

Speaking of ICONS AND LEGENDS, here we have Billie Holiday’s 1956 memoir. Published three years before she passed away at the very young age of 44, Holiday tells the story of growing up in Baltimore, getting a record deal in the 1930s, and performing sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall. Let’s all listen to some Billie Holiday.


For more nonfiction reads, check out the For Real podcast which I co-host with the excellent Kim here at Book Riot. If you have any questions/comments/book suggestions, you can find me on social media @itsalicetime. Until next time, enjoy those facts, fellow nerds.

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Unusual Suspects

Lots Of Best Of Mystery Lists

Hello mystery fans! Going into this weekend, I’ve got for you a bunch of “best of” lists, articles, and some Kindle deals. I plan on organizing my new ereader with all the 2021 books I can’t wait to read, and then staring at my TBR and hoping a book makes its way into my hands. Here’s hoping the final stretch of 2020 is even just the slightest bit gentler.

From Book Riot And Around The Internet

Nancy Drew Wasn’t the Only Girl Detective: Learn About 8 Other Classic Teen Sleuths

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Attica Locke’s Heaven, My Home wins Staunch Book Prize

Ruth Ware suggests 5 gripping mystery novels you need to read

The Guardian: Best crime and thrillers of 2020

Rioters chose their favorite books of 2020 and shocking no one mine is a crime novel.

NPR’s book concierge has their best 2020 books with a great mystery & thriller section.

‘Luther’ creator Neil Cross says there won’t be a season six but new project is coming soon

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Kellye Garrett’s favorite 2020 reads and 2021 titles she’s excited about: A Mystery Maven’s Favorite Whodunits, Thrillers, and Capers of 2020

Mary Higgins Clark remembered by collaborator Alafair Burke

Cry Your Own Cry: Why Accra Is the Perfect City for Noir

Win a 1-Year Subscription to Kindle Unlimited!

Win a $100 Books-A-Million Gift Card!

Kindle Deals

The Silence of Bones by June Hur

If you’re looking for a 2020 historical mystery release here’s one I really enjoyed that is currently $2.99 and is set in 1800, Joseon (Korea)! (Review) (TW past suicides mentioned, detail/ mentions public groping/ torture/ past child murder mentioned/ dog killed, skippable)

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Duped: Double Lives, False Identities, and the Con Man I Almost Married by Abby Ellin

Here’s a true crime memoir for social science fans where Ellin reveals her story about being conned by a con man and also talks to others who have been victims and looks at how our society creates and promotes liars and cheaters. And it’s $2.99! (Review) (TW suicide/ rape/ briefly mentions cases with pedophile)

The Truth and Other Lies by Sascha Arango, Imogen Taylor (translator)

Here’s a translated suspense novel for literary fans about a married couple, their facade, and lies… Currently it’s $3.99! (I don’t remember TW, sorry.)

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Long Bright River by Liz Moore

I think Tana French fans would like this character-focused procedural about sisters on opposite sides of the law. Currently $4.99 (Review) (TW drug addiction/ rape, including statutory not on page)


Browse all the books recommended in Unusual Suspects previous newsletters on this shelf. See upcoming releases for 2020 and 2021. Check out this Unusual Suspects Pinterest board and get Tailored Book Recommendations!

Until next time, keep investigating! In the meantime, come talk books with me on Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Litsy–you can find me under Jamie Canavés.

If a mystery fan forwarded this newsletter to you and you’d like your very own, you can sign up here.

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Read This Book

Read This Book: Amal Unbound by Aisha Saied

Welcome to Read This Book, a 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!

Content warning: Abuse and murder

This week’s pick is one of my favorite children’s books in recent years because it celebrate resilience and the power of education!

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

Amal is a 12-year-old girl living in a small town in Pakistan. She dreams of one day becoming a teacher, and she loves school more than anything. She’s hopeful that she can continue her education for as long as possible, and her family, though poor, are supportive. But then one day, Amal inadvertently offends a member of the most powerful family in the region while at the market, the Khans, and they decide to call in her father’s debt early. Amal’s parents can’t pay, so they are forced to send Amal into indentured servitude to the Khans.

Amal is alone and far from home, and she’s heartbroken to be missing out on school. And life at the Khan household is not easy. Some of the members of the family are cruel and capricious, although others show kindness. As Amal begins to make friends and learn what’s expected of her, she realizes how hopeless her situation is–it’ll be years before her debt can be paid. But she also begins to learn the Khan family’s secrets…and if she can be brave enough to expose them, then maybe she can find her way home.

Aisha Saeed takes a situation that would be unimaginable for many, and she tells a brilliant and sensitive story of a young girl who has a dream and won’t be easily deterred. The stakes are real, and dangerous, which makes this a hard book to put down, and it borders on a thriller in some ways when Amal’s situation goes from bad to dangerous, but it’s not too dark for middle grade readers to handle. I loved that education–both the love of learning and the burning desire to learn–are central to Amal’s character and her motivation, and her gift for teaching comes across in everything she does and how she thinks. This is a great contemporary novel that explores issues of social justice, unfair labor, sexism, and more in a well-written and engaging story that might be intended for kids, but is great for older readers, too!

Bonus–I also loved Saeed’s YA novel, Written in the Stars!

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.

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Check Your Shelf

Why is the Chicago Public Library Still Open?

Welcome to Check Your Shelf. Somehow, in the midst of all *waves vaguely* THIS, we still have our annual Winter Reading Program happening. Maybe this is what people need to keep them occupied right now. Although there’s something innately maddening about trying to figure out the best way to distribute regular prizes via curbside pickup.


Libraries & Librarians

News Updates

Why are Chicago Public Libraries still open amid soaring COVID rates?

Amazon is under pressure to lift its ban on library sales for in-house eBooks.

Cool Library Updates

King’s University College in Ontario receives a one million dollar donation from one of its former librarians, making it one of the largest individual gifts in the college’s history!

Worth Reading

Can a patron who gets sick sue the library?

College libraries once again have to adjust to shutdowns during this second pandemic wave.

This reader misses libraries, especially the browsing part.

Peep this 2020 holiday gift guide for librarians and book lovers!


Book Adaptations in the News

Adam Conover, host of Adam Ruins Everything, has teamed up with the Obama’s production company to transform Michael Lewis’ book The Fifth Risk into a Netflix sketch comedy series about the government.

First trailer for the adaptation of Cherry by Nico Walker.

Here’s your first (adorable) look at Clifford the Big Red Dog, which will be made into a movie in 2021!


Books & Authors in the News

The Romancing the Runoff fundraiser has raised almost $400,000 for the runoff Senate elections in Georgia!

Legendary science fiction author Ben Bova has passed away at 88.


Numbers & Trends

Over 118 million people attended library programs in 2017!

Award News

Mystery Writers of America announced its 2021 Grand Master and Raven Award recipients.

The 2021 Hugo Awards will include a special category for Best Video Game.

The winners and finalists of the Brooklyn Public Library literary awards have been announced.

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell is named as the Waterstones book of the year.

The shortlist for the Costa Book Awards has been released.


Bookish Curiosities & Miscellaneous

Dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster both chose the word “pandemic” for their word of the year.

In 2010, Edie Vonnegut, daughter of Kurt Vonnegut, found 226 love letters from Vonnegut to his wife, Jane. The love letters are now being published in a book called Love, Kurt: The Vonnegut Love Letters, 1941-1945.

What do you get when you cross Where’s Waldo, cats, and Hong Kong markets? You get this adorable photo book!


On the Riot

50+ alternative careers for librarians.

“Is that all you do?” Self-promotion as a school librarian.

5 indie bookstores that started book subscriptions or personalized care packages to survive the pandemic.

6 places to buy books online that aren’t Amazon.


We’ve only got a few more weekends before we’re done with 2020, and I know that it’s not like the world’s going to reset on January 1st, but I’m starting a little countdown…let’s tick one more weekend off our lists.

—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.

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Swords and Spaceships

Swords and Spaceships for December 4: A Celebration of Indie Books

Happy Friday, shipmates! It’s Alex, and as we’re rounding into the home stretch of the year, I’m rounding up what’s definitely been good–the books. So many books! Plus a bit of news. Stay safe out there, stay warm (if applicable) or cool (if applicable), and I’ll see you on Tuesday!

Ryan Reynolds’s production company, Maximum Effort, made this amazing commercial for Match.com


News and Views

The Science Fiction Writers of America have named Nalo Hopkinson as the 37th Damon Knight Grand Master

L.D. Lewis: Radical Fiction or “Are We There Yet?”

Strange Horizons has published a special bilingual issue that focuses on writers from Mexico!

Tor.com has announced a five book deal with Andrea Hairston, author of Master of Poisons

Cover reveal for A.C Wise’s upcoming novel, Wendy, Darling

NPR has a lot of great picks on their best books of 2020

New short story by Martha Wells: The Salt Witch

Aliette de Bodard wrote a short story for Wireless’s The Future of Work: The Long Tail

Sad news: Ben Bova has passed away at the age of 88 due to COVID-19

More sad news: we knew it was coming, but the Arecibo telescope has completely collapsed

On Book Riot

5 royal young adult fantasy novels for fans of The Crown

8 middle grade and YA fantasy novels by Indian writers

This month you can enter to win a $100 Books-A-Million Gift Card and a 1-year Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Free Association Friday: A Celebration of Indie Books

I did this last year for December, and I enjoyed it so much, I’m calling it a tradition! Let’s celebrate the indie and small press books that came out over the last year. And let me tell you… this is only a small selection. If you want to check out more SFF indie goodness, look at the replies to me over on Twitter.

Busted Synapses by Erica L. Satifka

This is rural cyberpunk that gets back to its roots of transhumanism in a group of people who are seriously dehumanized and disenfranchised by the systemic oppression promulgated by corporations. A runaway New Woman ends up in small town West Virginia where she gets caught up with a couple of dead-enders surviving their pointless jobs with the liberal use of drugs and virtual reality.

The One-Hundred Percent Solution by G.M. Nair

Michael Duckett has worked for The Future Group for years, despite having no idea what his company does or even what he does. But when he’s suddenly fired, he takes his place as his roommate Stephanie Dyer’s partner in her detective agency. As it turns out, The Future Group has been harboring a horrible secret for decades, something that could fill the world with indescribable horror.

Exiles of a Gilded Moon Volume 1: Empire’s Wake by Dustin Cummings

While he’s supported by a loving family, Darshima is a young man struggling to balance tradition with his desire to make his own place in the world. Then an utterly brutal invasion of his world by an unknown enemy finds him abducted and enslaved on a distant world. As he fights to survive, he must look inside himself to uncover a secret that could free his people and break this empire.

The Stone Wētā by Octavia Cade

With governments all over the world denying the reality of climate change, an underground network of climate scientists springs up to share and preserve data. But the deniers are willing to kill to silence the exchange…

Community of Magic Pens edited by E.D.E. Bell

This is a hopeful and uplifting multi-genre anthology of stories about the magic of writing instruments and communication, and the strength of the communities that they create. Stories by ZZ Claybourne, Rai Rocca, Tlotlo Tsamaase, Dawn Vogel, Joy Givens, and many more!

Depart, Depart! by Sim Kern

A young, Jewish trans man takes refuge in the Houston basketball arena when a hurricane devestates the city. His fears regarding his fellow refugees take the form of the ghost of his great-grandfather, who fled from Nazi Germany as a boy.

The Four Profound Weaves by R.B. Lemberg

Two transgender elders must learn to weave death if they are to save their land and their people from an evil ruler.

The Silence of the Wilting Skin by Tlotlo Tsamaase

After a nameless young woman is given a warning by her grandmother’s dreamskin, her world begins to unravel. Her skin color starts to peel off, the city she lives in suddenly decides to destroy the train in which the people bury their dead… and the living start randomly becoming invisible.

Refuge by J.J. Blacklocke

900 Vennans have come to the massive space station of tradepoint for business and cultural exchange–and their homeworld is destroyed in their absence. It’s up to a young diplomate named Gredin to engage in a new direction of barter, for the survival of her people.

Glitter + Ashes: Queer Tales of a World That Wouldn’t Die edited by Dave Ring

An anthology of post-apocalyptic fiction about hope, community, and queer joy in the face of disaster. Contains 23 stories, 2 poems, and a roleplaying game.

Ballroom Blitz by Cora Buhlert

The Valentine’s Day installment in Buhlert’s In Love and War space opera serie is about soldiers who were on opposing sides of an intergalactic war… until they fell in love and decided to go on the run together. Right now, they’re just trying to have a romantic dinner, but they get caught in a turf war between gangasters. These are DELIGHTFUL.

The Way of the Laser: Future Crime Stories edited by Eric M. Bosarge and Joe M. McDermott

The future and developing technology brings with it all new kinds of crime that these authors are trying to imagine. Who writes the laws, who investigates, and who is the actual criminal? “The laser’s way is both a scalpel and a gun.”


See you, space pirates. If you’d like to know more about my secret plans to dominate the seas and skies, you can catch me over at my personal site.

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Today In Books

Crowdfunding Campaign To Turn JRR Tolkien’s Home Into Museum: Today In Books

Crowdfunding Campaign To Turn JRR Tolkien’s Home Into Museum

In 1930, JRR Tolkien moved into 20 Northmoor Road in Oxford, which is where he ended up writing The Hobbit, a story that began as a children’s bedtime story. Project Northmoor, created by author Julia Golding, is crowdsourcing to raise ÂŁ4.5m ($6m) with the goal of purchasing the home to convert it into a literary center. And some big name actors have joined in to help.

Memorial Drive Optioned To Sony Pictures TV

Natasha Trethewey, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, will have her memoir turned into a drama series by Sony Pictures TV: Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir. The book follows Trethewey as she deals with her mother’s murder by her former stepfather.

Julianna Margulies Joins The Morning Show’s 2nd Season

The Morning Show, inspired by Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV by Brian Stelter, on Apple TV+ will have a new cast member for season 2: Julianna Margulies. She’ll play an anchor and join the already star-studded cast that includes Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

The Best Epigraphs of 2020

Savor some beautiful words from some of this year’s most wonderful books. These are the best epigraphs from books published in 2020.

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Giveaways

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Book Riot is teaming up with Harlequin.com to giveaway one $100 Books-A-Million gift card! Simply fill out the form here or click the photo below and enter to win.

Here’s a little more about Harlequin.com: Harlequin.com is the official Harlequin book site. Join us to see the newest novels, read exclusive free stories from Harlequin authors, connect with our community of romance book lovers, meet your favorite authors, buy romance books online and more!