Author: Emily Martin

’90s Horror is All That and a Bag of Chips

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 24, 2023

Sponsored by

Horror fans, it’s me, Emily, here to lead you through another week of all things scary! I’ve been watching a lot of Friends over this holiday week, and I went to a ’90s trivia night last night, so I’m feeling inspired to talk about all things ’90s. So with that in mind, I’m going to share some ’90s and ’90s-inspired horror recs this week. I hope you enjoy.

Power up your reading life with thoughtful writing on books and publishing, courtesy of The Deep Dive. Over at our Substack publication, you’ll find timely stories, informed takes, and useful advice from our in-house experts. We’re here to share our expertise and perspective, drawing from our backgrounds as booksellers, librarians, educators, authors, editors, and publishing professionals. Find out why the bestseller list is broken, analyze some anticipated books, and then get a free subscription for weekly content delivered to your inbox. You can also upgrade to paid-for bonus content and community features connecting you to like-minded readers.

Bookish Goods

Lestat and Louis Pendant Earrings by Chaos Theory Designs

Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire was originally published in the ’70s. But the iconic film adaptation starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst, and Antonio Banderas was released in 1994. Celebrate this horror story that definitely left its mark on the 1990s with these earrings, featuring pages from the novel. $18.

New Releases

The Fiction Writer by Jillian Cantor

Let’s take a pause on looking back and look ahead to new releases. We have a couple of exciting ones out this week. After writer Olivia Fitzgerald’s retelling of Rebecca is a major flop, she finds herself battling a horrible case of writer’s block. So when she’s offered a high-paying ghostwriter job, Olivia is more than happy for the opportunity. All she has to do is interview mega-billionaire Henry “Ash” Asherwood, who is eager to spill all of the secrets about his late grandmother. Ash claims the story of Rebecca is actually his grandmother’s life story and Daphne du Maurier stole it from her. But the more Olivia digs into Ash’s family’s past, the more horrifying the truth turns out to be.

Godly Heathens by H. E. Edgmon

Godly Heathens is the first book in a brand-new dark fantasy series with many horror elements. Gem is a nonbinary teen living in the small town of Gracie, Georgia. No one knows the real Gem, not even their trans friend Enzo, who lives far away in Brooklyn. Gem keeps having these haunting visions of dark magic and violence that they feel like no one else would ever understand. But then, new girl Willa May Hardy moves into town. She claims that she and Enzo have known and loved each other for many lifetimes. Gem isn’t sure she can be trusted, but when the Goddess of Death comes searching for them, she might have to be.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

This first book probably seems like an obvious pick for ’90s-inspired horror. But if you have somehow not read this book from Grady Hendrix, maybe you didn’t know it takes place in the ’90s! The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires pits a true crime-loving book club against an actual vampire. Get ready for one of the scariest vampire stories you’ve ever read.

Ahh! That’s What I Call Horror, ed. by Chelsea Pumpkins

I love that the title of this horror anthology is a cross between two ’90s staples: Ahh! Real Monsters and Now That’s What I Call Music. If you don’t know these references, then congrats. You’re young, and I’m old. If you do get them, then you’ll probably love this anthology of 14 short stories set in the ’90s.

Ring by Koji Suzuki, translated by Glynne Walley

Here’s another book you’ve likely heard of before, but as one of the most terrifying horror novels released in the 1990s, it has to be mentioned. In this story, teens watch a videotape and then mysteriously die. But what’s on the viral videotape that everyone is watching? If you’ve only seen the movie, the real answer might surprise you.

That’s it, friends! Until next time, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

Book Radar

You Might Have to Wait A While for Rebecca Yarros’ Next Empyrean Book and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 24, 2023

Sponsored by

Hi Book Friends!

I know we haven’t talked since last Monday, and it feels like FOREVER ago! How was your holiday break, if you had one? Did you get the chance to read and take some time for yourself? For me, the weekend was all about finishing up some books and cuddling with cats. Oh, and going full Christmas. Yep, it’s officially time. But before all that, let’s talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

Yulin Kuang is a writer and director who has adapted multiple Emily Henry works, but now she’s published a romance novel that’s all her own. How to End A Love Story is out on April 9, but you can read an excerpt from the upcoming novel now.

Rebecca Yarros says it might be a minute before we get the third book in the Empyrean series. “I have a release date,” Yarros says. “I just can’t tell you yet.” The second novel in the series, Iron Flame, was released earlier this month.

Electric Lit has the exclusive cover reveal for Loose of Earth by Kathleen Dorothy Blackburn. The memoir will be published by University of Texas Press on April 16, 2024.

Cosmopolitan is sharing the cover and an excerpt from Karen McManus’ Such Charming Liars. The novel will be released on July 30, 2024.

And here’s an exclusive cover art reveal and preview of Amy Chu and Soo Lee’s graphic novel Carmilla: the Last Vampire Hunter. This second volume will be available in bookstores on July 9, 2024.

Tor.com is sharing the cover of In the Shadow of Their Dying by Anna Smith Spark and Michael R. Fletcher. This novella will be available from Grimdark Magazine March 19, 2024.

Here’s the cover reveal of Kelly Murashige’s debut novel The Lost Souls of Benzaiten. This is the story of one young girl’s desire to transform into a robot vacuum cleaner. I get it. I’m jealous of my Roomba every day. This one’s out on July 23, 2024.

NPR has released their massive list of the best books of the year, which features a unique interface for book recommendations.

Project Gutenberg’s AI audiobook project is yet another instance of AI encroaching on the book industry. But how do the audiobooks sound?

Who better to know the best books of the year than the librarians at the biggest library system in the country? Here are the best books of 2023, according to the New York Public Library.

Book Riot Recommends

Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!

Prepare Your Shelves!

Flores and Miss Paula by Melissa Rivero (Ecco Press, Dec 5)

I’m so excited about this book because when I was a child, I had a teacher named Miss Paula. And I loved her so much that I asked my mom to name my little brother Miss Paula. True story.

But really, there are so many reasons to prepare your shelves for Melissa Rivero’s Flores and Miss Paula. Maybe you read and loved Rivero’s debut novel The Affairs of the Falcóns. Maybe you love complicated mother/daughter stories. Maybe you want to read more immigrant stories. Or maybe witty and heart-warming contemporary fiction is your thing. For me, I’m checking all of the above.

Flores and her mother, Paula, live together in a tiny apartment in Brooklyn. But just because they live in close proximity to one another doesn’t mean they’re close. Martín, Flores’ father, and Paula’s husband, died three years ago, and the mother-and-daughter duo have never truly recovered from that loss. Then, one day, Flores discovers a hidden note her mother wrote to her father: “Perdóname si te falle. Recuerda que siempre te quise.” (translation: “ Forgive me if I failed you. Remember that I always loved you.”)

With this new discovery, the rift between Paula and Flores grows even larger as suspicions grow and memories come back to them. And on top of that, the two find out that they are going to be forced to move. With everything going on, this mother and daughter will have to learn to talk with each other and confront their complicated past if they ever hope to move forward.

What I’m Reading This Week

Codename: Sailor V by Naoko Takeuchi

Out There Screaming, ed. by Jordan Peele

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

Making it So by Patrick Stewart

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman

Bookish Memes

This meme really resonated with me. I won’t tell you what book it was, but maybe if you know me, you can guess. And I know you probably all have a book (or several) in your past that this meme will remind you of. It’s okay.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Everyone! I did go to a cat cafe while I was in Leuven, but I haven’t shared pictures yet. So here you go!

This little sweetie is Bowie. He was so cute and fluffy and, as you can see, totally chill. If you ever find yourself in Leuven in Belgium, be sure to go check out Poescafé. Super cute little cat cafe. Friendly cats. Tasty drinks. Etc.

And with that, another Book Radar has ended. I’ll see you on Thursday! Have a wonderful week.

Emily

The Fright Stuff

Harvest Season, Horror Season

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 17, 2023

Sponsored by

Horror fans, it’s me, Emily, your friend in all things frightful. Well, Thanksgiving is this week, and I am pretty vocal about how much I dislike this holiday. But even so, there are some excellent horror reads set around the harvest season. So those of you who are into the whole Thanksgiving thing, I got you. But first! Bookish goods and things!

We’re here to enrich your reading life! Get to know the world of books and publishing better with a subscription to The Deep Dive, Book Riot’s staff-written publication delivered directly to your inbox. Find a guide to reading logs and trackers, hear about why the bestseller list is broken, analyze some anticipated books, and more from our familiar in-house experts. Get a free subscription for weekly content delivered to your inbox, or upgrade to paid-for bonus content and community features connecting you to like-minded readers.

Bookish Goods

Horror-Themed Guess Who by TheAtticFanatics

It’s that time of year when you might have a lot of family visiting and a lot of dead time between meals when you have to figure out how to fill the time without talking about politics. One go-to in my household? Board games. For the horror enthusiast family, there’s a horror-themed Guess Who, including plenty of bookish-themed horror icons. Check it out! It’s $70.

New Releases

Just A Little Snack by Yah Yah Scholfield

We’ve got some exciting indie releases coming out in November! First up: Here’s an excellent new horror short story collection that’s out this week. Yah Yah Scholfield’s stories incorporate Southern Gothic and Afro-Gothic elements to tell spine-tingling stories that explore nature, religion, and the body.

Mothtown by Caroline Hardaker

Caroline Hardaker’s Mothtown mixes horror and literary fiction with truly chilling illustrations from bestselling illustrator and political cartoonist, Chris Riddell. No one would tell David what was going on. They told him it was to protect him. But even as a child, David knew something was wrong. Children kept going missing, and there were rumors of nests of bones spread across the mountains. Now, at 26, David lives on his own and tries to forget the horrors of his past. But then a strange package shows up on his doorstep…

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Harvest of Bones by S.B. Fates

Feeling the Thanksgiving spirit? Here are some horror short stories you should put on your TBR this week! First up, S.B. Fates has a full-on Thanksgiving horror anthology. You heard right. Here are seven horror stories celebrating the harvest season, including titles like “Giblets of Wrath,” and “Pilgrim’s Regress,” and “Stuffing the Void.”

Horror You Crave: The Thanksgiving Monster by Julio Miranda

Julio Miranda’s short story “Thanksgiving Monster” is a quick but enjoyable Thanksgiving read to get you in the spirit this season. Grab this ebook for a quick read on your Kindle today. I think you’ll be shocked by how enjoyable, heart-warming, and, yes, scary this story is. Even if you’re not a Thanksgiving person (like me), this is fun.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday, for those of you in the US who celebrate Thanksgiving. Until next time, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

The Fright Stuff

(don’t use)Harvest Season, Horror Season

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 17, 2023

Sponsored by

Bookish Goods

Horror-Themed Guess Who by TheAtticFanatics

New Releases

Just A Little Snack by Yah Yah Scholfield

Mothtown by Caroline Hardaker

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Harvest of Bones by S.B. Fates

Horror You Crave: The Thanksgiving Monster by Julio Miranda

I hope you have a wonderful holiday, for those of you in the US who celebrate Thanksgiving. Until next time, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

Book Radar

Laura Hankin Announces New Book and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 17, 2023

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

Happy Monday, and happy Thanksgiving holiday week for those of you in the US. I’m still coming at you from Belgium. I went to Bruges yesterday, which was fun! But I’m heading back soon, so next time you see me, I’ll be back in boring ‘ole America. But for now, let’s chat books.

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s the cover of Paul Tremblay’s upcoming novel Horror Movie! It’s out in June 2024.

What would you do if you had to walk down the aisle with a guy who’d given your book a 1-star review? If you’re author Laura Hankin, you write a new book. One Star Romance is coming June 18, 2024, and is available now for preorder.

More exciting cover reveals! Here’s the cover of Cate Baumer’s The Faithful Dark, a new gothic fantasy for fans of The Foxglove King and One Dark Window. It’s out on April 2, 2024.

Erika Robuck’s Prohibition-era novel The Last Twelve Miles releases on June 24, and here’s the gorgeous cover. It’s available for preorder now.

Aimee Nezhukumatathil has a new essay collection coming out! Here’s the cover of Bite by Bite: Nourishment and Jamborees, which features illustrations by Fumi Nakamura. It’s out in May 2024.

Chaotic matchmaking? Childhood friends to lovers? Found family? Check out Swati Hegde’s Match Me if You Can, out on June 4, 2024.

And here’s the official cover reveal of Karmen Lee’s The 7-10 Split, a sapphic romance out from Harlequin Books on May 21, 2024.

Sarah Street’s sapphic “Little Red Riding Hood” retelling A Sea of Wolves is also coming in May 2024, and here’s the cover reveal!

The 2023 National Book Awards were announced during a ceremony hosted by LeVar Burton. Here are the winners.

Here we go, book lovers. Announcing Book Riot’s picks for the best books of 2023!

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

Seven Minutes in Candyland by Brian Wasson (Quill Tree Books, December 12)

December is the perfect month to read a YA rom-com about candy, wouldn’t you agree? Thankfully, we’re getting Brian Wasson’s debut novel Seven Minutes in Candyland in just a few short weeks on December 12.

This adorable rom-com follows sophomore Kalvin Shmelton, who has a little business going, selling candy at school. It’s the perfect way to make a little extra money. His classmates love the candy, and it keeps Kalvin far away from the drama. That is…until his crush, Sterling Glistern, waltzes into his candy supply closet.

Suddenly, Kalvin finds himself running a whole new side hustle: relationship therapist. He only meant to let Sterling know what a jerk she was dating, but when you’re good at something, news travels fast in the world of high school. Soon, Kalvin is supplying way more than sweet treats to broken hearts who are hungry for thoughtful relationship advice. But while on the outside, Kalvin might seem like he has it all together, not everything is as it seems.

What I’m Reading This Week

Making it So by Patrick Stewart

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Out There Screaming, ed. Jordan Peele

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

Codename: Sailor V by Naoko Takeuchi

Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata

Bookish Memes

Wuthering Heights is my absolute favorite book of all time, so I was excited to see this excellent collection of Wuthering Heights/Brontë memes. Hope you enjoy!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

I can’t believe this, but I forgot to wish Remy a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. He turned two on November 9. Look at this cute little Scorpio king! Happy belated birthday, Remy! I love you so much!

And that’s all I’ve got for you today, friends. I hope you have an amazing week. I hope you have a wonderful week. Have a wonderful holiday. Be kind to yourself. Remember that you don’t have to earn your food. And I’ll see you soon!

Emily

Book Radar

Vote for Goodreads’ Best Books of 2023 and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 15, 2023

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

Hello from Belgium! I got to check out a bookstore in Leuven yesterday, and I was excited to see all the fun book covers in different languages. And yeah, they had some English-language books as well. I was able to refrain from buying anything, but I always love a bookstore, no matter where I am. I’m sure you, of all people, would understand this.

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s a cover reveal and excerpt from one of my most anticipated books of 2024, The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim. It’s out on June 25, 2024, from Erewhon Books.

Voting is now open for Goodreads’ Best Books of 2023! You can vote in the opening round from now until November 26. The final round will start on November 28 and last until December 3. Winners will be announced on December 7.

Hugo Award-winning author duo James S.A. Corey—the pen name of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck—has announced a new sci-fi trilogy. The series will start with The Mercy of the Gods, which will be out next summer.

John le Carré’s son Nicholas Cornwell is bringing his father’s beloved spy protagonist, George Smiley, back to the page. Publisher Penguin Random House (PRH) has announced a currently untitled novel by Nicholas Cornwell that’s set in the decade between the end of le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and the beginning of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. It’s set to release next fall.

Here’s an extended excerpt of Erika Johansen’s The Kingdom of Sweets. This reimagining of The Nutcracker is out from Dutton on November 28.

Netflix has unveiled a first look at the Dead Boy Detectives series, based on Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner’s Vertigo comics. The premiere date has yet to be announced.

Time has just posted their 100 Must-Read Books of 2023, including literary fiction, poetry, celebrity memoirs, and more.

Stay in the know. These are the most popular books trending on TikTok right now, including plenty of romantasy reads!

Barnes & Noble has announced their Book of the Year for 2023 — plus the inaugural winner of their Author of the Year award.

We Need Diverse Books has launched a new website dedicated to Indigenous children’s and YA books called Indigenous Reads Rising.

The New York Times and New York Public Library have announced their best illustrated children’s books of 2023.

Book Riot Recommends

Indulge your inner book nerd and join a community of like-minded readers looking to expand their knowledge and their TBR. Subscribe to The Deep Dive, where Book Riot’s editorial staff draws from their collective expertise to bring you compelling stories, informed takes, tips, hacks, and more. Find out why the bestseller list is broken, analyze some anticipated books, and explore the great wide world of books and publishing. Get a free subscription for weekly content delivered to your inbox, or upgrade to paid-for bonus content and community features.

Can’t Wait for This One!

Like Love by Maggie Nelson (Graywolf Press, April 2, 2024)

Maggie Nelson is an award-winning author whose writing defies classification. She writes poetry, essays, art criticism, memoir, queer theory, and much more all in one. Like many others, I have been wowed by her books, especially The Argonauts, and now her latest book, Like Love, collects 20 years of the author’s work into a collection of essays and conversations.

Through these essays, Nelson covers a wide range of topics, but she comes back to a lot of the core topics that interest the author: feminism, queer issues, the nature of art and creativity, and love and friendship. These essays give us insight into Nelson’s life, her way of thinking, and the creative process of writing some of her most beloved works, like The Argonauts and Bluets. This book won’t be out until April 2024, but it’s definitely one worth looking forward to! It’s going to be a must-read in the upcoming year.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“I seized the opportunity and asked him what I needed to learn about film acting. He thought for a moment and then said, ‘You must understand, Patrick, the camera photographs thoughts.’ Simple but profound. No matter what kind of acting you’re doing, you of course have to think. But the camera gets closer to you than any audience member ever will. What might be missed onstage, the camera will absolutely see.”

— Making it So by Patrick Stewart

What’s Up in the Book Community?

My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing…I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.

You know I love sharing a readathon, and Gabby Reads’ horror/thriller-themed readathons are some of my favorites. The whole idea is to make Halloween/spooky season a whole year-round affair, and this time, we’re talking Winterween, friends! This one’s starting in January. And we have a theme: Wicked Winterween. Check out all the details here!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

I’m not at home right now, as I’ve mentioned, but my husband sent me this pic of Remy earlier today. I’m sure he’s crying about wanting treats, but I’d like to pretend he’s missing me. I miss him too!

And that’s all I’ve got for you all today, friends. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Get plenty of rest. Read lots of books. Don’t forget to drink water. Eat your fruits and veggies. Do you.

Emily

The Fright Stuff

The Fright Stuff Goes International

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 10, 2023

Sponsored by

Hello friends! By the time you read this, I will be across the ocean in Belgium—unless you live on that side of the world. In that case, hey! I’m on your side of the ocean now. What’s up? Anyway, since I’m in another country right now, I thought it would be fun to highlight some horror in translation. This is going to be fun. And scary.

Bookish Goods

Battle Royale Poster by Adam Rabalais

This is a movie poster, technically, but it’s an adaptation of one of my favorite horror novels in translation, Battle Royale by Koushun Takami. Seriously, if you’ve only seen the movie, then you’re missing out. I still love the movie (obviously, because I want this poster), but the book is going to blow your mind! Anyway, this movie poster is stunning, and I personally want to frame it and put it in my living room. If you want this giant 27×40 poster, it’s $50. The poster is also available in 11×17 size ($20) and 24×36 ($45). Choose your poison!

New Releases

Where He Can’t Find You by Darcy Coates

We’ve got a couple of thriller/horror hybrids from two fan-favorite authors. First up, a new one from Darcy Coates. Who is the Stitcher? Something more terrifying than anything you can imagine. Abby Ward and her sister Hope live by strict guidelines. In their town, people go missing, and when they’re found, their bodies have been dismembered and put back together in strange ways. So, of course, they understand why they have to be so careful. But then Hope goes missing, and the police say there’s nothing they can do. Now, Abby must find her sister before she is literally torn apart.

Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry

This unnerving story is the latest from Christina Henry. It’s the story of three women who find themselves in three different but equally strange situations. Celia wakes up in a life that isn’t hers, with no idea of how she got there. Allie and her friends go on an unexpected trip to a cabin in the woods, and Allie can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. Meanwhile, Maggie has been kidnapped and forced into playing a deadly survival game. These women have no idea how they found themselves in these situations, but they will have to find their way out.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

The Graveyard Apartment by Mariko Koike

Let’s dive into some horror in translation picks, just as promised, shall we? This first one is a fresh take on one of my favorite horror genres: the haunted house story. And it was recently translated from Japanese: Here we get a haunted apartment rather than a whole house, but it’s just as scary. It all starts when a young couple with a secret tries to start fresh with their young daughter by moving into an apartment overlooking a graveyard. What could go wrong?

Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi

Love Frankenstein? This is probably the best retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic story, and it was originally written in Arabic. Set in U.S.-occupied Baghdad, this is the story of Hadi, a scavenger who collects human body parts and stitches them together as a statement to the government about recognizing body parts as people and giving them a proper burial. But when his stitched-up body goes missing, troubling news begins circulating around the city. A horrifying criminal who seemingly cannot be killed is indiscriminately murdering people.

Friends, I hope you have enjoyed this trip to new countries. Now I’m going to enjoy mine. Until next time, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

Book Radar

Critical Role Announces Prequel Novel by Cassandra Khaw and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 10, 2023

Sponsored by

Happy Monday, Book Radar Friends!

And greetings from Belgium. Maybe I’ll find some cute cats here to send you pictures of. We all know that’s the highlight of travel for me. Finding new cats and visiting new bookstores. We’ll see what I can find! In the meantime, let’s talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

Critical Role has announced their latest project with Penguin Random House, Bells Hells: What Doesn’t Break, a prequel novel written by horror author Cassandra Khaw. It’ll be out July 2024!

Here’s the cover reveal of Danez Smith’s upcoming poetry collection Bluff, designed by Mary Austin Speaker, with artwork by Devan Shimoyama. It’s out from Graywolf Press on August 20, 2024.

Netflix is finalizing details of Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. They are hoping to commence production in 2024.

Oprah Daily has announced their picks for the best books of 2023. Books include Angie Kim’s Happiness Falls and The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis, among others.

These are the books all of the book clubs are reading this month. Grab a copy and learn how to join in.

To celebrate all things nonfiction November, here are some of the best nonfiction audiobooks from 2023 to try.

Spotify now offers audiobooks as part of its premium subscription service and has a catalogue of over 200,000 audiobooks from various genres.

Two major wins for libraries this week. Patmos Public Library is finally being funded after two previous losses and Pella Public Library retains its independence.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

Our Cursed Love by Julie Abe (Wednesday Books, December 12)

Okay. There are a couple of things I love about this book. First, look at this cover. It’s gorgeous. Secondly, I love that this book is giving Fifty First Dates/Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind vibes. But in Japan. It’s also just the perfect cute, sweet, heartbreaking YA romance/fantasy to keep you feeling warm and fuzzy during these cold months. And it’s coming out in December, so prepare your shelves!

Remy and Cam are best friends, but Remy has always felt like their relationship could be something more. And what better place to finally confess her feelings than Japan, on their winter vacation? But in Tokyo, Remy and Cam discover a secret magical apothecary, where they take a love potion…that makes Cam forget who Remy is. Not the outcome Remy was hoping for! Now she has until midnight New Year’s Eve to get Cam to remember her, or they will be forgotten to each other forever.

What I’m Reading This Week

Ankle Snatcher by Grady Hendrix

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Out There Screaming, ed. by Jordan Peele

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

Making It So by Patrick Stewart

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

Bookish Memes

Oops, sorry. I have more Taylor Swift bookish memes for you this week. I hope you’re enjoying.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Alert! Murray has a new cat bed and he loves it. And check out his little Calcifer cat toy. They’re almost the same color.

And that’s all for today, friends. I hope you have the best week. Do at least a few things that are kind. Be kind to yourself. Read books. Drink water. But most importantly, don’t listen to me and do what you want. I’ll see you on Thursday.

Emily

Book Radar

Publisher’s Weekly Picks the Best Books of 2023 and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 8, 2023

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

Happy Thursday! I hope your week is going well and that you’re excited for the weekend. I am because the next time I talk to you, I’ll be communicating from Belgium. It’s been a while since I’ve had a big trip, so I’m pretty excited. Anyway, for now, it’s time to talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

American Psycho meets The Devil Wears Prada in E.K. Sathue’s horror satire youthjuice, and here is the cover reveal! You’ll never moisturize the same way again, starting on June 6, 2024 (which is when this book will be released).

Here’s the cover reveal of M.K. Pagano’s debut YA thriller, Girls Who Burn. It’s out from Penguin Teen on August 6, 2024.

Tor.com has shared the cover of Kerstin Hall’s Asunder, a standalone dark fantasy novel coming out in August 2024.

Here are Publishers Weekly‘s picks for the best books of 2023. Along with a top 10, PW shares their favorites across many genres, including mystery/thriller, poetry, romance, and more.

As we get closer and closer to the release date of Heartstopper: Vol 2, we’re getting more sneak peeks! Here is the full cover of Alice Oseman’s highly anticipated graphic novel. It’s out in December.

Speaking of sneak peeks! Entertainment Weekly has a sneak peek of the sequel to Stephen King’s Cujo. The sequel, “Rattlesnakes,” is one of 12 new short stories included in King’s new collection You Like It Darker. It’s out from Scribner on May 21, 2024.

HarperCollins has signed an agreement to publish a new book by Pope Francis. Life, My Story Through History is expected to publish next spring.

Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary for the Biden administration, has signed a two-book deal with Scribner. The first book, Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World, will be published in May 2024. No date has been set for the second book.

National Book Award finalist and winner of the 2022 Asian/Pacific American Award in Literature Grace M. Cho has sold North American rights to her novel We Will Go to Jinju to Viking at auction. No publication date has been announced yet.

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One!

Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez (Flatiron Books, March 5, 2024)

Xochitl Gonzalez, the author of Olga Dies Dreaming, is out with a new novel next year! And it’s going to be a good one. Gonzalez’s latest work is a mesmerizing literary mystery that examines the art world, academia, and what it takes to be remembered.

In 1985, Anita de Monte was a rising star in the art world and had all the potential for an exciting career. But all of that was cut short when she was tragically found dead in New York City. Thirteen years later, most people have forgotten her name.

It’s here in 1998 that we are introduced to Raquel, an art history student who feels isolated as one of the few people of color at her school. She knows she will be forced to work twice as hard as her predominantly white cohort, and she’s resentful of that fact. But when she becomes involved with an older, well-connected art student who helps her get a leg up in the art world, she wonders if her fortunes have changed. And stumbling across the tragic story of Anita de Monte, Raquel is struck by how much Anita’s story mirrors her own.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“While musical prodigies are always celebrated, early readers aren’t. And that’s because early readers are only good at something others will eventually be good at, too. So being first isn’t special – it’s just annoying.”

— Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

What’s Up in the Book Community?

Want to spend money on books and support a good cause? Books for Palestine is currently holding an auction that will continue until Saturday, November 11. Auction winners will donate directly to their choice of three organizations: Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, the Adalah Justice Project, and the Palestine Writes Literature Festival. Learn more here. And then participate in the auction here.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Does the time change have you feeling as sleepy as Cersei Anne has felt this week? I know I’ve been dragging a bit. And you gotta love those 4:30 p.m. sunsets! Right? November’s the worst!

And that’s all for today, friends. Have a wonderful weekend.

Emily

The Fright Stuff

Spooky Season Isn’t a Time of Year. It’s A State of Mind.

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 3, 2023

Sponsored by

Horror fans, it’s me, Emily, your friend in all things frightful. It’s November, but that doesn’t mean we horror aficionados have to shrink back in the shadows. I’m grabbing a gingerbread latte and picking up some new horror novels to read on my upcoming trip. The scary times live on! Let’s go!

Bookish Goods

Edgar Allan Poe Shirt by Jennymeadow

Still riding the high of Netflix’s adaptation of Fall of the House of Usher? This is the shirt for you. It features a lovely picture of a raven and, of course, his famous words, “Nevermore.” $26+

New Releases

Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng

I’m living for this cover, friends. Now that 18-year-old Sunny Lee’s pop star career has crash-landed, all she can do is reflect on the past. Once upon a time, she and her best friends Candie and Mina were inseparable. But then Mina unexpectedly jumped to her death, and everything changed. Now, Sunny has a chance to attend a K-Pop workshop with Candie and get some answers. But instead of getting the closure she wants, Sunny finds herself haunted by strange visions, and the other competitors in the workshop start getting hurt.

We Are the Crisis by Cadwell Turnbull

We Are the Crisis is the second book in Cadwell Turnbull’s Convergence Saga. A few years after the events of No Gods, No Monsters, the world is still reeling from the revelation that supernatural creatures actually exist. A werewolf pack is investigating the disappearance of some of their members, and the pro-monster activist group New Era is trying to work to bridge the conflict between monsters and humans and fight against the human-supremacist group, the Black Hand. As conflicts escalate, they reveal dark secrets about the gods that could change everything.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer

Still not convinced horror can happen in any season? Check out these holiday horror books that will have you sleeping with all the lights on. First up, Secret Santa. This book mixes horror with satire to tell the story of a publishing firm that holds a very spooky Secret Santa gift exchange. How can a gift exchange be scary? Read and find out.

Mistletoe by Alison Littlewood

Now for something entirely different (but still set during the holidays). Mistletoe is about Leah, who has recently lost her husband and her son. Determined to refocus her energy and avoid the pitying looks over the holidays, Leah escapes to a run-down Yorkshire farmhouse. But right away, something doesn’t seem right. And she keeps hearing the sounds of a child playing in the show. Is it the ghost of her son? Or is it something else?

See? It’s going to be okay in November. Plenty of things to still be scared about. Until next time, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!