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Book Radar

Akwaeke Emezi Reveals New Book Cover and More Book Radar!

Book Radar Friends!

It’s Thursday, and the weather is freaking wild this week! It’s cold outside, and it’s supposed to snow all weekend. I’m excited to maybe cuddle up with a kitty, some books, and a warm cuppa tea. But before we do all of that, we gotta talk book news.

Book Deals and Reveals

little rot book cover

Akwaeke Emezi has a new novel coming out later this year, and a few days ago, they revealed the beautiful cover of their eighth book! Emezi writes, “Little Rot is an absolutely unhinged story set in the underbelly of a Nigerian city.” It’s out on June 18.

Rainbow Rowell is releasing her first adult novel since Landline. Slow Dance is coming in July.

Tor.com has revealed the cover of Paolo Bacigalupi’s new sweeping literary fantasy Navola. It’s out from Knopf on July 9.

Here’s the cover reveal of Wendy Chen’s debut novel Their Divine Fires, which is described as “a gorgeously poetic family saga that begins at the dawn of the Chinese Revolution and spans 100 years to trace the intricate lives of four generations of Chinese and Chinese American women grappling with history, obligations, betrayal, and love in order to come into their own power and learn not just how to survive but flourish.” It’s out on May 7.

Little Golden Book is making a children’s book version of Alien. A is for Alien: An ABC Book will teach children their ABCs using illustrations from the sci-fi horror movie. The book is set to release on July 9, 2024.

Andrew Garfield and Cynthia Erivo have signed on to lead Audible’s audio adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984. Andrew Scott and Tom Hardy will also star. The audio drama is set to release in April.

Speaking of Andrew Garfield, the actor has left Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein adaptation due to scheduling conflicts. Instead, Jacob Elordi will take on the role of Frankenstein’s monster.

Skydance has bought the adaptation rights to the Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan in the hopes of turning it into a franchise.

Connect with book lovers all over the world by following 17 of the best bookstores and libraries on TikTok.

Based on trends and data, and including everything from fantasy to romance, these are the next big TikTok books.

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!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Can’t Wait for This One!

one of our kind book cover

One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon (Knopf, June 11)

Nicola Yoon is one of those YA authors that never misses. Everything, Everything? Great. The Sun is Also A Star? I’m not ashamed to say I cried my eyes out. And this is wild, but I only realized a few years back that she’s married to David Yoon. Nicola and David launched a YA romance imprint by and about people of color in 2020. Talk about a power couple!

But Nicola Yoon isn’t going to stop there, because this year, she’s releasing her debut adult novel One of Our Kind. Not only is the cover absolutely gorgeous, but this book sounds incredible. I mean, it’s described as The Stepford Wives meets Get Out. Sign me up.

The story begins with Jasmyn and King Williams moving their family to Liberty, California. In this Black utopia, the Williamses hope to find a community of like-minded people who care just as much as they do about social justice and making the world a better place. Instead, Jasmyn is dismayed to discover that everyone in the community seems more intent on ignoring the outside world.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Women got that feeling about him, that funny one we all get when we know something isn’t right, but we don’t know how to politely extricate ourselves from the situation without escalating the threat of violence or harassment. That is not a skill women are taught, the same way men are not taught that it is okay to leave a woman alone if what she wants is to be left alone.”
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

a photo of an orange cat that looks like they're smiling being held

I hate that I’ve had to work so much this week because all I really want to do is cuddle with this cutie! Just look at his little happy face! Maybe this weekend, with the cold weather, I’ll get more cat cuddle time. I hope you get some, too, if you have a cat this cute in your life.

And…that’s it! Stay warm this weekend, friends. January is Januarying!

Emily

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Book Radar

Sapphic Astrological Romance Incoming and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Friends!

It’s Monday, which means it’s Book Radar time. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that you’re ready to dive into books. I’ve got a lot of stuff to share with you today. Let’s gooooo!

Book Deals and Reveals

looking for a sign book cover

Here’s the cover reveal for Susie Dumond’s sophomore novel Looking for A Sign, perfect for lovers of romance and astrology. This queer romance follows Gray, who’s on a mission to date one person of each zodiac sign to find her perfect match. It’s out on June 11.

And here’s the cover reveal of What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould, featuring an illustration by Peter Strain. It’s out on December 10.

Here’s another exciting cover reveal: Before & After You & Me by Dallas Woodburn. This contemporary YA novel is coming on May 7th from Owl Hollow Press.

Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst will become a published author two years after her death. Kryst’s mom, April Simpkins, said that one of her daughter’s dying wishes was getting her book — By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness — published. It will be released on April 23.

Alice Hoffman has announced a new book for young readers. When We Flew Away explores the life of Anne Frank before the diary. It’s out in September.

Here’s an excerpt from The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell. This book was just announced as the January 2024 pick for The Today Show‘s “Read With Jenna” book club.

Attention horror lovers! Start your new year off right with a fright and check out these scary reads for January of 2024.

Start your new year with a bang with Book Riot’s January 2024 horoscopes, paired with new books from Kiley Reid, Bora Chung, and more.

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!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Prepare Your Shelves!

kinning book cover

Kinning by Nisi Shawl (Tor Books, January 23)

Nisi Shawl’s acclaimed debut novel Everfair came out in 2016. I think we can all agree that 2016 seems like a gazillion years ago. But the wait for the sequel to Everfair is almost over. Kinning will be out later this month!

Kinning is an alternate history novel that picks up where Everfair left off. The Great War is over, and Everfair has found peace. Now, our heroes are looking to spread the revolutionary message of Everfair to the rest of the world. Everfair is a symbol of hope, equality, and anticolonialism, but can they keep the dream alive? Or will outside forces prevail?

Kinning imagines a utopian Afrofuturistic world and digs deeper into the realm of sci-fi and fantasy than its predecessor. This imaginative novel will definitely have people talking just as much as Everfair did, so make sure to add it to your TBR ASAP!

What I’m Reading This Week

this thing between us book cover

This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno

Black Paradox by Junji Ito

Out There Screaming, ed Jordan Peele

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

Biography of X by Catherine Lacey

Bookish Memes

We all know Ben Affleck loves his Dunkin. Sometimes, too much. Here are some excellent bookish memes featuring Ben Affleck struggling while drinking Dunkin Donuts.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Murray, an orange cat sitting under a Christmas tree and looking up at the camera

The Christmas tree is still up, friends. And I think it has to be until I finish viewing all of my Christmas movies. Still, I think Murray might be judging me a little bit? Also, hey, check it out; we got an Echo for Christmas.

And that’s all I have for you this Monday! I hope you have a wonderful week, and I hope your reading year is off to a good start. Happy New Year!

Emily

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Book Radar

Rebel Wilson’s Memoir Coming Soon and More Book Radar!

Happy New Year, friends!

This is such an exciting time of year. A time to set new goals and start fresh, yes. But more importantly, it’s a time to look forward to all new book releases and the unforgettable reads that will define our upcoming year. What will be the best reads of 2024? Only time will tell. But for now, let’s talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

rebel rising book cover

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, actor and comedian Rebel Wilson told the publication that writing her new memoir Rebel Rising was a “gut-wrenching” and “emotional” experience. The book is out from Simon & Schuster on April 2.

Reese Witherspoon’s first book club pick of the year is First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston. Witherspoon says, “This fast-paced read has everything you could want in a thriller: secret identities, a mysterious boss and a cat & mouse game that kept me guessing the whole way through.”

Good Morning America‘s first book club pick for 2024 is The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan. Read along and join the conversation all month long on GMA’s Instagram account.

Get your TBR list ready. Here’s BookBub’s most anticipated books of 2024.

Vulture has also released their list of most-anticipated 2024 books.

Paste has a list of their most anticipated fantasy releases of 2024.

Here are the new fantasy, science fiction, and horror books out in 2024 that Goodreads users are most excited to read!

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!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Can’t Wait for This One!

children of anguish and anarchy book cover

Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi (Henry Holt and Co, June 25)

It’s almost time! The last book in Tomi Adeyemi’s YA fantasy series is coming out later this year. And dang, this might be my favorite cover of the three. It’s very eerie and mysterious, and I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!

In this third and final book in the Legacy of Orisha series, the monarchy has finally fallen and the maji have risen once more. But that doesn’t mean Zélie’s troubles are over. King Baldyr, the ruler of the Skulls, now aims to harness her powers for his own gain.

If you’ve been following this trilogy, then you know how exciting, thrilling, and truly magical it is. And if you have yet to read these books, then now’s your chance to catch up before the final one comes out in June. Even if you normally aren’t a YA fan (or a fantasy reader), this is the kind of series that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. And the first book in the series, Children of Blood and Bone is set to be adapted into a feature film.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“I always imagined that everyone’s Sunken Place would look different, a manifestation of our own personal horrors.”

— Jordan Peele, Out There Screaming

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.

I love checking out BookTube around this time of year because everyone’s posting their best-of lists and their most anticipated books of the year. Here are some of my favorites:

Enjoy!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

a photo of a calico cat lying on a towel

If you are a cat parent, then you know that they just go wherever they want, whenever they want. Like, for instance, this morning Cersei decided to curl up next to the coffee maker. Maybe for maximum warmth? Who knows?

With that, our first Book Radar of 2024 comes to an end! Thank you for being here with me, and here’s to an amazing year ahead, friends!

Emily

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Book Radar

2024 is Going to Be a Great Year and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Welcome to the final Book Radar newsletter of 2023. It’s been a fun year, and I thank you for being here with me for it. Last week, we looked at some of the best books of 2023. Now, as we get close to the New Year, it’s time to look at what we’re looking forward to in 2024. Are you ready?

Book Deals and Reveals

Electric Lit shared an exclusive cover reveal of Housemates by Emma Copley Eisenberg. The cover was designed by Lynn Buckley. The novel will be published by Hogarth on May 28th, 2024.

Hulu Japan has announced that it is producing a live-action adaptation of Yukito Ayatsuji’s The Decagon House Murders (Jukkakukan no Satsujin). It has not been revealed whether it will be a film or a series, but it will debut in March.

Here’s the cover reveal of Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid. This feminist retelling of Macbeth is set to be released on August 6, 2024.

Here are the biggest TikTok book recommendations of 2023. Surprise: Colleen Hoover didn’t make the cut this year.

From history books to award-winning literary fiction to memoirs, here are the books Barack Obama named as his favorites of 2023.

Surveying the data reported from 19 public libraries across the country, here are the top 10 most popular books in 2023.

New year, new audiobooks! With 2024 just around the corner, here are 10 of Libro.fm’s most pre-ordered books of winter 2024.

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!

It’s happening, readers — we’re bringing paperbacks! Whether you (or a reader you know and love) hate carrying around bulky hardcovers, you’re on a budget, you want a wider range of recommendations, or all of the above, you can now get a paperback subscription from TBR, curated just for you by one of our Bibliologists. The holidays are here, and we’ve got three different levels for gifting (to yourself or others) to suit every budget. Get all the details at mytbr.co.

Most Anticipated Books of 2024

the eyes are the best part book cover

The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim — This debut horror novel is at the very top of my TBR list for 2024. After the death of her father, Ji-Won is the one who has to keep her family together. But she can’t stop thinking about eating eyes.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid — If you read Kiley Reid’s debut, Such A Fun Age, you’re probably excited for this January release just as much as I am. Millie Cousins is a college student just hoping to get by. So when visiting professor Agatha Paul offers Millie an interesting research opportunity that pays well, how can she refuse?

The Hunter by Tana French — Every Tana French novel is an absolute must-read for me. There’s no one out there consistently writing mysteries as good as hers. Period. In this sequel to The Searcher, former Chicago police officer Cal Hooper has moved to rural Ireland to retire and build a life with a local woman named Lena. He also forms a bond with teenager Trey Reddy. But then Trey’s father comes back into the picture. And along with him, he brings an English millionaire and a scheme to help the whole town get richer.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay — I’m already expecting this Paul Tremblay novel to be one of my favorites of the year. Yes, expectations are high, but this premise sounds so good. Back in 1993, a group of young filmmakers spent four weeks making an art-house horror film that would become a cult classic despite the fact that it was never released. Now, three decades later, there are talks of a major Hollywood reboot.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé — Here’s a YA novel I can’t wait to read in 2024. Sade Hussein is a high school student who just transferred to the elite and prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy boarding school for her junior year. But when Sade’s roommate goes missing, everyone suspects the new girl has something to do with it.

Can’t Wait to Watch in 2024

Here are some book adaptations that I’m super excited to see in 2024!

American Fiction — This one is technically already out, but it gets a wide release in January, which means most of us will get to see it in 2024. This is an adaptation of the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, so if you haven’t read this novel, check it out now before you see the movie!

Heartstopper: Season 3 — This one is self-explanatory, yes? Heartstopper seasons 1 and 2 were absolute delights, and I can’t wait for the third season, which just wrapped filming.

Wicked – Okay, so I haven’t actually read the novel Wicked, but I’m a big musical theater nerd, and I love this musical. Wicked, Part 1 is out in November 2024. It’s a while from now, but I’m marking my calendar all the same.

Bridgerton: Season 3 —The third season of Bridgerton will explore the long-awaited romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Part 1 premiers on Netflix on May 16th, and Part 2 on June 13th.

A Gentleman in Moscow — Here’s another novel I need to read before the adaptation comes out! But I love anything Ewan McGregor does, so I’m totally on board with this one. The series will be available on Showtime at some point in 2024.

And Here’s A Dog Picture!

Here’s something a little bit different. I was dogsitting this week, and I got a cute little pic of these two together. The tall guy is Monty, and the little guy is Sammy.

And yeah, you might notice I was reading Heartstopper: Vol. 5 with the guys. 2023 has been the year of complete Heartstopper obsession for me!

Anyway, that’s all for 2023, friends. See you next year!

Emily

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Book Radar

All of the Best Things of 2023 and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Friends!

Well, this is it. We’ve reached the final two Book Radar newsletters of 2023. So with that in mind, I’m taking this newsletter to focus on my favorite books of 2023. And for the next one, we’ll look ahead to my most highly anticipated books of 2024. Sound fun? Let’s end this year on a good note. Are you ready?

But first, a quick reminder: The holidays have arrived, and so has our new paperback level at TBR! If you (or a reader you know) are just over-carrying around bulky hardcovers or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, we’ve got you. Check out all the offerings at mybtro.com/gift, and give personalized reading recommendations customized for any and every reader.

Book Deals and Reveals

sanctuary book cover

Here’s the cover of Sanctuary by Valentina Cano Repetto, coming April 2024 from CamCat Books. This one is going to be great for fans of The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas, The Stroke of Winter by Wendy Webb, The House in the Orchard by Elizabeth Brooks, and The Winter Guest by W. C. Ryan.

A new novel from Alexander Chee is coming in 2025: Other People’s Husbands, a novel about a “queer Korean American novelist who returns to his alma mater as a visiting writer,” will be out from Mariner Books.

Alice Feeney has also announced a new novel. The thriller author’s seventh novel, Beautiful Ugly, out from Flatiron Books, is coming soon!

And here’s the cover of upcoming memoir Pretty by KB Brookins. “This book is unlike any other project I’ve attempted,” Brookins told Electric Lit. The cover was designed by Chip Kidd, with artwork by Anita Kunz.

If you’re excited about the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith series, then here’s a rom com novel you should check out in 2024: Jewel Me Twice by Charish Reid. The cover features art from Monika Roe. It’s out in July!

Aria Fiction has revealed the cover of The Big Day by Aliya Ali-Afzal. This “funny, heartwarming novel about a British-Asian mother and daughter who clash over plans for the bride’s Big Day” is out on June 6.

The Book Saves Lives Act has been introduced to US Congress. The Books Save Lives Act would ensure trained librarians in every school and classify book bans as federal civil rights violations.

Romance fans, have you read the best romance novels of 2023? Check out Entertainment Weekly‘s top 10 romance novels of the year to see if there are any you missed.

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!

Best Books of 2023

cover of Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah  

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah — This is the best dystopian fiction I’ve read in some time and one of the most important books to come out in 2023. If you only read one book on this list, make sure it’s this one. I read this book around the 4th of July this year, and considering all of the messed up stuff going on in the world and in our country right now, a pointed attack on American violence and the prison industrial complex was the perfect seasonal read.

Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez — This one wins for best cover of 2023, in my book. At 608 pages, Our Share of Night was quite the time investment, but this dark horror novel/family saga was so worth it. I will never be able to get these characters out of my head.

What Kind of Mother by Clay McLeod Chapman — Clay McLeod Chapman’s horror fiction is always wildly inventive, with imagery that will give you nightmares. There’s something beguiling and terrifying about water and the things that live within. It’s something that has always scared me, and this book really taps into those fears.

Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward — Catriona Ward is another all-time favorite of mine. Ward specializes in psychological horror that will leave your brain in knots, and Looking Glass Sound is her mind-bendiest novel yet. In fact, I’m still unraveling what really happened in this twisty novel, but I loved every word of it.

Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling by Elise Bryant — And now for something entirely different. Sometimes the most healing read for the soul is a sweet, heartwarming contemporary YA rom-com. It’s one of my favorite genres, and Elise Bryant’s Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling was the best I read all year. Reggie and Delilah are such fun characters, and I loved that their love story was about so much more than falling for each other. It was about learning to fall for yourself.

What I Loved Watching in 2023

Yes, I read a lot in 2023, but I also watched a lot of movies and TV. Here are some of my favorite things I watched in 2023.

The Last of Us — Have you heard of a lil HBO show called The Last of Us, starring the Internet’s boyfriend Pedro Pascal? No? Crawl out from under that rock and watch it now. I cried watching pretty much every episode. No big deal.

May December — Someone give Charles Melton the Oscar right now! We don’t have to wait for the awards ceremonies. I loved this movie, and it’s now streaming on Netflix!

Heartstopper I can’t get enough Heartstopper. Season 2 was wonderful. I just picked up my copy of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper: Volume 5. And… season 3 just wrapped! Will Heartstopper also be one of my favorite things of 2024? Probably.

Priscilla — Sofia Coppola’s adaptation of Priscilla Presley’s memoir Elvis and Me was visually stunning from start to finish. And again, A+ acting. It’s now available to rent, but I’m probably going to have to buy this one.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-VerseEveryone saw this, right? RIGHT?

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

You know it’s winter because Remy has decided the dryer is a fun place to sleep. Dangerous, but fun. And is life worth living if you’re not living on the edge? (Disclaimer: yes, yes it is worth living.)

Alright, friends! That’s it for looking back on 2023. It’s all looking forward from here on out. What were your favorite things of 2023? Let me know!

Emily

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Book Radar

MURDERBOT Series Starring Alexander Skarsgård Coming to Apple TV+ and More Book Radar!

Happy Monday, Book Friends!

We’re nearing the end of the year, and I’m so ready to sit back for a few days, wrap up some reading, watch more bad Christmas movies, and live my best December life. What are you up to for the holidays? Are you reading 5,000 Christmas rom-com books like I am? Let me know!

Book Deals and Reveals

cover of It's Elementary

Crime Reads has shared the cover and an excerpt from Elise Bryant’s It’s Elementary. It’s out from Berkley in August 2024.

And here’s the cover of Sarah Pearse’s The Wilds. It’s out on July 16, 2024.

Nicola Yoon’s first adult novel, One of Our Kind, is coming out on June 11, 2024. Check out the cover here.

Alexander Skarsgård will star in the upcoming 10-episode series adaptation of Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries. Murderbot will be available to stream on Apple TV+.

Paddington is set to get a musical theater adaptation! The newly announced show — which has the working title Paddington: The Musical — will open in the UK in 2025.

Here’s Autostraddle’s list of the best queer books of 2023, including everything from horror to nonfiction, graphic novels to poetry.

These are the 2024 YA book-to-film adaptations you’ll want on your to-be-seen list, as well as some possible upcoming adaptations.

Here are the highest-rated celebrity memoirs of the last few years.

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!

Are you looking for the perfect gift for that bookish special someone in your life this holiday season? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! Here at TBR, we pair our customers with a professional book nerd (aka bibliologist) who just gets them. They fill out a survey and then sit back and relax as we pick books just for them. We’ve got three levels — recs-only, paperback, and hardcover — and you can gift a full year or one time, so there are options for every budget! Get all the details at mybtro.com/gift

Prepare Your Shelves!

family family book cover

Family Family by Laurie Frankel (Henry Holt and Co., January 23)

It’s time to get excited and prepare your shelves for January 2024 releases. Remember when January 2024 seemed super far away? Well. Here we are. And this is one of the January books you’re going to want to read, especially if you love literary fiction and family dramas.

India Allwood’s dreams are coming true. Sort of. She’s always wanted to be an actress, and now she’s starring in a prestige feature film about adoption. But India hates that the film’s story is the same old adoption tragedy story. Not every story of adoption is a sad story. What about all of the happy adoption stories? Why are those never told?

As someone who is an adoptive mom in real life, she wants the world to know the truth about adoption. And so when she’s asked by a journalist, she tells the truth about the movie. She thinks it’s bad. Almost as soon as the words are out of her mouth, India finds herself under fire in the media. With people coming at her from every direction, India knows it’s time to turn to her family for help.

What I’m Reading This Week

cover of Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaludding and Marissa Stapley

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

Bookish Memes

Okay, this week, we’re going with memes from The Office, which never go out of style!

And Here’s a Cat Picture!

Remy and Murray, a tuxedo cat and an orange cat, cuddled up so close on my reading chair.

Here’s one of my favorite cat pictures of the past year. Just look at Remy and Murray cuddled up so close on my reading chair. They’re the best!

That’s Monday’s Book Radar, friends! I hope you have a great week.

Emily

Categories
Book Radar

Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna Announces REBEL GIRL Book Tour and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Pals!

It’s a big week here in our household because it was my husband’s birthday yesterday. And we celebrated by going to not one but two bookstores. Oh, and maybe even more importantly, it was our cat Murray’s birthday the day before. My little orange angel is four years old! So happy birthday week to two of the most special people in the whole world. And on with the books!

Book Deals and Reveals

a love like the sun book cover

Let’s start with a gorgeous cover reveal! Check out the cover of A Love Like The Sun by Riss M. Neilson. It’s out from Berkley on June 11.

Literary Hub has singled out the 139 best book covers of 2023.

And here are the 12 book covers The New York Times calls the “edgiest, catchiest, most creative book jackets of the year.”

Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna has announced a U.S. book tour in support of her new memoir Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk. The book will be out on May 14, and a portion of all ticket sales from the tour will be donated to the nonprofit Peace Sisters

Jeffery Deaver has a new series coming out with Thomas & Mercer. The first book in the series, Fatal Intrusion, will be out in fall 2024.

Olivia Dade’s paranormal romantic comedy ZomRomCom is being called The Last of Us meets My Roommate Is a Vampire. And it’s out from Berkley in summer 2025!

Speaking of romance, Judith Rosen’s Bookstore Romance is coming out from Brandeis University Press in early 2025. The author calls the book “a celebration of love—and of bricks-and-mortar bookstores—told through the stories (in words and pictures) of couples who chose to get engaged, and sometimes married, in bookstores.”

Dictionary.com’s choice of Word of the Year nods to the prominence of AI in 2023 — and where it falls short.

Get your TBR ready and feast your eyes on all these fabulous new book releases coming in 2024.

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!

Can’t Wait for This One!

i was a teenage slasher book cover

I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones (S&S/Saga Press, July 16)

Y’all know the drill with Stephen Graham Jones by now. He’s always releasing multiple works per year, and I’m always going to send all of them straight to the top of my TBR list. I don’t know how this author does it, but he writes fast and he writes exceptionally well. And there’s nothing quite like a Stephen Graham Jones horror novel. If you’ve read his books, you know what I mean.

Yes, the third and final novel in Stephen Graham Jone’s Indian Lake Trilogy, The Angel of Indian Lake, is coming out in March. But only three months later, we’re getting a fresh new standalone in I Was A Teenage Slasher. Lamesa, Texas is a small town in west Texas where everyone knows everyone else’s business. And in 1989 in Lamesa, a young teenager named Tolly Driver will be cursed to kill others for revenge.

This story is told from the close perspective of a killer, as Tolly Driver writes his autobiography. Stephen Graham Jones is a master of character studies, and I’m so excited to meet his newest protagonist.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Florida’s soil is soaked with so much blood, it’s a wonder the droplets don’t seep between your toes with every step, Mama used to say.”
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

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.

If you’ve been following recent book news, then you know what story we have to talk about this week, friends. First-time author Cait Corrain has lost her book deal after posting fake negative reviews on other authors’ books on Goodreads. Corrain’s book agent, Rebecca Podos, also said she has cut ties with Corrain. The author has issued an apology on X Twitter. You can read more about the story here. Or if you’re more of a BookTube person, here’s a quick explanation.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

orange tabby cat curled up on a sofa

We’ve got to end today’s newsletter by wishing Murray a HAPPY BIRTHDAY one more time! Happy birthday, sweet orange angel! Here’s to being four and more wonderful than ever! And many more years to come!

Okay, friends, that’s where we wrap up this newsletter today. I’ll see you on Monday. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Emily

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Book Radar

Here are the Winners of the Goodreads Choice Awards and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Friends!

Happy Monday. It’s a new week full of possibilities, and it’s Hanukkah, so Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate! This week is also my husband’s birthday, which he doesn’t care about, but it’s a holiday to me. So happy birthday, Ben! And happy birthday to all the Sags out there. Okay, enough celebrating. Let’s talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

Yellowface cover

Goodreads has announced its winners of the annual Goodreads Choice Awards. Winners include Yellowface by R.F. Kuang for Best Fiction and The Woman in Me by Britney Spears for Best Memoir.

Them shared their 23 favorite LGBTQ+ books of 2023, including The Risk It Takes to Bloom by Raquel Willis and Falling Back in Love With Being Human by Kai Cheng Thom.

Tor.com has shared the cover of New Adventure in Space Opera, a short fiction anthology edited by Jonathan Strahan. It’s out on August 13, 2024, from Tachyon Publications.

And here’s the cover reveal of Cally Fiedorek’s Atta Boy. It will be published by University of Iowa Press on April 2, 2024.

Hunger Games actor Tom Blyth is set to star in the upcoming film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. The movie is directed and written by Michael Winterbottom and will star Blyth as protagonist Frederic Henry.

Here’s the trailer for the upcoming Netflix series adaptation of Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben. The series stars Michelle Keegan, Adeel Akhtar, Richard Armitage, Joanna Lumley, Emmett J. Scanlan, and Dino Fetscher. It’s set to premiere on the first of January.

Brigid Kemmerer’s debut adult trilogy has been acquired by Avon at auction. Avon says the “romantasy-centered” series will feature “a princess with a secret” along with a “darkly handsome warrior king” and an “assassin” tasked with killing them both — even though he’s the princess’s childhood friend and first love. The first book in the trilogy is set for a summer 2025 release.

Here are the books being read by all of the book clubs this month, as well as how to take part in the discussion.

And here are Libro.fm’s most popular audiobooks of 2023, including celebrity memoirs, romantasy, a literary thriller, and more.

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!

The holidays have arrived, and so has our new paperback level at TBR! If you (or a reader you know) are just over-carrying around bulky hardcovers or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, we’ve got you. Check out all the offerings at mybtro.com/gift, and give personalized reading recommendations customized for any and every reader.

Prepare Your Shelves!

lucero book cover

Lucero by Maya Motayne (Balzer + Bray, December 26)

I feel like I got an ARC of this book foreeeever ago, and it’s finally coming out at the end of this month. I’m so excited for you all to finally get to read the last book in Maya Motayne’s Nocturna/Forgery of Magic trilogy. So get ready, and prepare yourselves, because it’s coming!

Lucero picks up after Sombra’s return. Castallan and Englass are on the brink of war, and Finn and Alfie must work together to restore balance in magic and save the world. But with Sombra’s shadows lurking around every corner and their own magic becoming more and more unpredictable, this will be no easy feat.

I’m keeping this summary simple because if you haven’t read the first two books in this series, you have exactly two weeks to do so before this one comes out. Enjoy!

What I’m Reading This Week

looking glass sound book cover

Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward

Making it So by Patrick Stewart

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

Bookish Memes

This is one of my new favorite bookish meme accounts, not gonna lie. So you might see a lot of posts from this one in the near future. Anyway, here are some Saltburn bookish memes.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Remy has gotten into the habit of sitting in my lap in the mornings while I work on these newsletters. So anyway, he says hi. This is him sitting here right now. So cute! What a good helper!

Alright, friends. I hope you have a wonderful week, and I’ll see you next time!

Emily

Categories
Book Radar

THE GUARDIAN Names the Best Crime and Thrillers of 2023 and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Friends!

How has the first week of December been going for you? I’m trying to get all of my last-minute 2023 reads in before my end-of-the-year wrap-up. Stay tuned for that. In the meantime, let’s look at what’s going on and coming up in the book world!

Book Deals and Reveals

one perfect couple book cover

New Ruth Ware alert! Here’s the cover of Ruth Ware’s upcoming novel, One Perfect Couple. This one’s giving serious Agatha Christie And Then There Were None vibes. It’s out on May 21, 2024.

Here’s the cover of Rebecca Fraimow’s Lady Eve’s Last Con. This sapphic sci-fi rom-com releases on June 4, 2024.

Electric Literature has the exclusive cover reveal of Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio. It’s out from One World on June 18, 2024.

Get a sneak peek of Ashley Poston’s A Novel Love Story over at Cosmopolitan. Read an excerpt now, and get ready for the release on June 25, 2024.

Horror fans, check out the cover of Heidi Honeycutt’s I Spit On Your Celluloid, “a first-of-its-kind celebration” of women’s contributions to horror films. The book includes a foreword by Pet Sematary and Urban Legends: Bloody Mary director Mary Lambert. It’s out in August.

The Guardian has named its picks for the best crime and thriller novels of 2023!

The Atlantic has also chosen its best books of 2023! They also featured their list in the One Story to Read Today newsletterSign up for it here.

Goodreads Staff, from the CEO to their Visual Editor, weighed in on their favorite reads from 2023. It’s a diverse, fun list.

And here’s the list of The New Yorker‘s Best Books of 2023, including nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. It highlights buzzy and lesser-known books alike.

Every year, Oxford University Press names their word of the year that represents the mood and ethos of our current time. Here is 2023’s.

The Los Angeles Times is using December to look back at the best and biggest cultural moments of 2023, including their top reads of the year.

Here’s another best-of list. This one’s from Esquire, which includes both familiar and unique picks.

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!

It’s happening, readers — we’re bringing paperbacks! Whether you (or a reader you know and love) hate carrying around bulky hardcovers, you’re on a budget, you want a wider range of recommendations or all of the above, you can now get a paperback subscription from TBR, curated just for you by one of our Bibliologists. The holidays are here, and we’ve got three different levels for gifting (to yourself or others) to suit every budget. Get all the details at mytbr.co.

Can’t Wait for This One!

horror movie book cover

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay (William Morrow, June 25)

When Paul Tremblay’s coming out with a new novel, you’d better believe it’s going to the top of my TBR list, and this one is ESPECIALLY exciting for me because I’m a horror movie girlie. And look at this cover! Ominous! Exciting! Intriguing? What’s this one about, you ask? Well, lemme tell you.

Back in 1993, a group of young filmmakers spent four weeks making an art-house horror film that would become a cult classic…even though only a few scenes from the film were ever released to the public. And yet, somehow, the movie became a fascination for film fans everywhere. And now, three decades later, there are talks of creating a major Hollywood reboot.

Only one member of the film’s original cast is still alive. The man who starred in the film as “The Thin Kid” has vivid memories of just how strange the filming process was. And just how dangerous. As he attempts to help the big-budget remake get underway, memories of the original filming and all of its mysteries and secrets come flooding back. And the past and the present begin to blur.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Life is just so damn complicated, isn’t it? A series of random coincidences and chance meetings that add up to a lifetime.”

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

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 the book Communitea series. But this video was especially good, so I wanted to make sure to point it out to you. Recently, Jess Owens posed the question: “Is TikTok turning publishing into fast fashion?” What do you think? Check out the video, and let me know!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

We’re ending today’s Book Radar with a classic Murray-in-the-bed photo. This bed went through three cat homes before it got to me. My coworker’s cat didn’t like it, so she passed it on to another coworker. That cat didn’t like it either. But guess who loved it? This agreeable guy. It’s his new favorite place to sleep!

And that’s all for today, friends! Have the best weekend.

Emily

Categories
Book Radar

John Green and Jodi Picoult Sue Iowa Over Book-Banning Law and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Friends!

Welcome to another Book Radar Monday! I hope you had a lovely weekend. I cannot tell you how RELIEVED I am that November is behind us and that we’re on to December. I’m ready for the holiday vibes. My Christmas tree is up. Let’s do this.

(Speaking of the holidays! Are you looking for the perfect gift for that bookish special someone in your life this holiday season? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! We’ve got three levels — recs-only, paperback, and hardcover — and you can gift a full year or one time, so there are options for every budget! Get all the details at mybtro.com/gift.)

Book Deals and Reveals

the sunlit man book cover

Brandon Sanderson has a new standalone novel coming in March, and here is the cover reveal! You can preorder The Sunlit Man now.

Penguin Random House and several bestselling authors, including novelists John Green and Jodi Picoult, are part of a lawsuit challenging Iowa’s new book banning law that prohibits libraries and classrooms from having practically any book that depicts sexual activity.

Marcela Fuentes’ debut novel Malas is coming out on June 4, and ahead of its release, we’re getting a cover reveal. The author describes the novel as “a story of passion and revenge, the kinship between two women living on the Texas Mexico border, and a curse that reverberates across generations.”

Here’s another exciting cover reveal for an upcoming debut novel. Lauren Ling Brown’s Society of Lies will be published by Bantam on August 13.

Another debut? Here’s the cover of Jenna Satterthwaite’s Made For You, designed by Elita Sidiropoulou. It’s out from Mira on July 2.

Entertainment Weekly has shared the cover of Kristy Greenwood’s The Love of My Afterlife, a romance novel that explores the possibility of finding love after death. It’s out on June 3!

AudioFIle has released its 53-title list of the best audiobooks of 2023, which are spread out across 9 categories.

A list of the best-selling indie books of 2023 has been released by Bookshop.org. It includes everything from self-help to monster romance.

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!

airplane mode book cover

Airplane Mode by Shahnaz Habib (Catapult, December 5)

As you get ready to hop on a plane and travel over the holidays, make sure you pick up a copy of this book. It’s out tomorrow, so don’t even worry about preparing your shelves. Just put this one straight into your carry-on bag.

Airplane Mode is a collection of essays by Indian author and translator Shahnaz Habib. These travel essays explore the history and implications of travel from the perspective of a woman of color raised in a developing country. Through these essays, Habib explores the question, “what does it mean to be a joyous traveler when we live in the ruins of colonialism, capitalism and climate change?” Habib’s essays cover everything from passports to Western consumerism to guidebooks to the concept of wanderlust itself. Airplane Mode is at once curious, optimistic, humorous, and analytical, and it’s the perfect nonfiction read to round out your TBR list at the end of the year.

What I’m Reading This Week

a winter in new york book cover

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

The Only One Left by Riley Sagar

Making it So by Patrick Stewart

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

Codename: Sailor V by Naoko Takeuchi

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman

Bookish Memes

Where are my What We Do in the Shadows fans? I absolutely loved this Instagram reel “Books as What We Do in the Shadows quotes.” I have watched it several (and I mean several) times.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

tuxedo cat in a cat tree

Here’s a cute lil sleepy boy in a cat tree. Look at his little white whiskers! He’s actually meowing at me right now, and I think he’s saying “Tell your Book Radar friends to have a happy Monday.” Thanks, Remy!

So yeah! Go have a happy Monday, and we’ll talk on Thursday, yes?

Emily