Sponsored by Oxford University Press
Pirating and Publishing by Robert Darnton offers a sweeping view of the world of writing, publishing, and especially bookselling in pre-Revolutionary France — a vibrantly detailed inside look at a cut-throat industry that was struggling to keep up with the times and, if possible, make a profit off them. Featuring a fascinating cast of characters — lofty idealists and down-and-dirty opportunists — this new book reveals how and why piracy brought the Enlightenment to every corner of France, feeding the ideas that would explode into revolution.
Welcome to Check Your Shelf, where I have one work week left before my extended birthday weekend! Every year, I give myself the gift of PTO to ensure that I never have to work on my birthday, and I intend to continue this tradition for as long as I possibly can.
Collection Development Corner
Publishing News
HarperCollins has acquired the world publishing rights to Martin Luther King Jr.’s archives.
New & Upcoming Titles
Here’s Publishers Weekly’s adult book announcements for Fall 2021.
People has a look at two upcoming books about the Trump administration’s response to COVID and the murder of George Floyd: Nightmare Scenario: Inside the Trump Administration’s Response to the Pandemic That Changed History and Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost.
Will Smith is releasing a memoir.
Valerie Biden Owens, sister of Joe Biden, has a book deal.
A sneak peek at Victoria Schwab’s new YA novel, Gallant, which is like Crimson Peak meets The Secret Garden.
Take a look at John Cho’s debut middle-grade book, Troublemaker.
9 recent books featuring LGBTQ characters.
28 new LGBTQ+ YA novels that will add sunshine to your summer.
Weekly book picks from Bustle, Crime Reads, and USA Today.
June picks from Crime Reads (debut novels, true crime, international crime).
July picks from Barnes & Noble (adult, kids/YA), Epic Reads, and New York Times.
Summer picks from Buzzfeed (historical fiction) and Goodreads.
What Your Patrons Are Hearing About
Filthy Animals – Brandon Taylor (LA Times, New York Times, USA Today)
Widespread Panic – James Ellroy (NPR, Washington Post)
Questland – Carrie Vaughn (NPR, Tor.com)
RA/Genre Resources
NPR’s summer reader poll asks respondents for their favorite new science fiction and fantasy books.
Readalikes for Laura Lippman’s Dream Girl.
Looking for summer reading recommendations? Fall in love with romance.
Queer crime fiction, a roundtable discussion.
True crime is one of TV’s top genres, but critics say it’s failing us.
(TW: psychological abuse) How gaslighting in fiction can reflect the realities of psychological abuse.
On the Riot
5 feel-good books of 2021 that will brighten your summer.
8 anticipated 2021 nonfiction books.
All Things Comics
10 amazing queer manga from the last decade.
On the Riot
20 must-read LGBTQ comics for teens and young adults.
Audiophilia
The audiobook industry is collectively squirming through the cultural debate on representation and casting.
Here’s a list of popular personal finance influencers you can listen to.
On the Riot
6 epic listens for your summer reading list.
Book Lists, Book Lists, Book Lists
Children/Teens
Books to help start conversations around body autonomy and consent.
Dynamic duos in YA books that will capture your heart.
Adults
LGBTQ+ fiction to read for Pride Month.
21 LGBTQ+ authors recommend books for Pride Month.
Great books by queer authors from the last 5 years.
The best LGBTQ+ books to read this Pride Month.
18 Canadian books to read for Pride Month.
10 books about geopolitics that will change how you see the world.
NYPL’s Summer 2021 staff picks for all ages.
10 historical fiction gems for a perfect for a summer day.
10 flight-themed crime novels that Clare Mackintosh read while writing her latest book, Hostage.
10 thrillers that revolve around grief.
Crack the case with 5 SFF detectives.
12 best psychological suspense novels.
On the Riot
18 of the best baby books of 2021.
8 of the best boredom-busting activity books for kids.
10 great middle grade superhero books.
YA books about parallel universes.
5 great YA books about weddings.
15 books like A Court of Thorns and Roses.
30 must-read queer fairytale retellings for Pride Month.
25 of the best queer historical fiction books.
5 of the best LGBTQ+ horror novels for Pride.
A reading list to learn about colonialism and racism in Canada.
Pairing books with Bo Burnham’s Inside.
20 must-read Japanese books by women in translation.
17 enchanting witch romance books.
6 speculative novels full of ennui.
7 of the best books about writing.
6 books with cottagegore vibes.
7 memoirs on learning a new language.
5 recent books about losing a parent.
7 romantic beach reads that celebrate Black joy.
8 of the most empowering nonfiction books.
8 of the best oral histories for your shelf.
15 of the best books about wellness.
Level Up (Library Reads)
Do you take part in Library Reads, the monthly list of best books selected by librarians only? We’ve made it easy for you to find eligible diverse titles to nominate. Kelly Jensen created a database of upcoming diverse books that anyone can edit, and Nora Rawlins of Early Word is doing the same, as well as including information about series, vendors, and publisher buzz.
May you all have a peaceful, uneventful week. Catch you on Friday.
—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.