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Happy Friday, shipmates! It’s Alex, and I’ve got new releases for you to round out the week. I’ve also got a couple of short story collections that are rather on the horror side of SFF. I hope you all had a great week full of good books, and a lot of reading time waiting for you over the weekend! Stay safe out there, space pirates, and I’ll see you on Tuesday!
Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. Sign up for your free subscription to Better Living Through Books today, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.
Let’s make the world a better place, together. Here are two places to start: Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, which provides medical and humanitarian relief to children in the Middle East regardless of nationality, religion, or political affiliation; and Ernesto’s Sanctuary, a cat sanctuary and animal rescue in Syria that is near and dear to my heart.
Considering what T. Kingfisher’s books have been doing to me this week, I desperately need one of these—it’s a coin to flip so fate can decide if you’re allowed just one more chapter, or if you really do have to go to bed this time, I mean it, really. $12.
Maya Hoshimoto was a sort of Robin Hood of art for 10 years, returning stolen artifacts to the civilizations they were taken from. Then a job gone wrong forced her into hiding and she settled in to trying to live a quiet life. Now an old friend has come to her door with one last job she can’t refuse. At least not when the stakes are the extinction of an entire civilization…
Andre Rade gave himself over to Zyphos Industries years ago, volunteering for the Gene-Mod Program that promised to turn him into a super soldier. He’s been following orders since then…until he’s captured, imprisoned, and put in pit fights for almost a decade. In those 10 years, people like him have been made globally illegal—and agents from the World Unity Council have found him, not to imprison or execute him, but to get his help in capturing one of his former squad mates.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Here are two new short story collections that edge into the bizarre and horrifying—they make a nice set.
This collection of short stories focuses on themes of grief, bodily autonomy, and sexuality, adroitly deploying gore and absurdity to explore truth disguised in fiction.
This collection is one of inner horror and secrets revealed, characters pushed to the brink until they will either break through the bonds that hold them in check or be destroyed in the process.
See you, space pirates. If you’d like to know more about my secret plans to dominate the seas and skies, you can catch me over at my personal site.
Welcome to Check Your Shelf. It’s officially T-minus two months until my husband and I embark on our epic vacation to Alaska!! We’re picking out some easy hikes and noteworthy ice cream shops and planning to see some amazing views!
Attention librarians, booksellers, and book nerds! You can apply to become a Bibliologist for Tailored Book Recommendations and get paid for your bookish knowledge! TBR is a subscription-based book recommendation service where customers receive three hand-picked recommendations per quarter that are tailored to their specific reading likes and dislikes. Of special interest: bibliologists who can recommend across a variety of genres. Click here to read more and fill out an application.
More info about the mass firing/resignation of Author Event staff at the Philadelphia Free Library. Meanwhile, the library previously said that there were no plans to cancel any of its Author Events, but that’s not the case anymore.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is expanding to every zip code in Kentucky.
Get those midnight margaritas ready…Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are in talks to return for a Practical Magic sequel!
There’s reportedly a Crazy Rich Asians TV show in the works.
Lionsgate has acquired the adaptation of Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These, starring Cillian Murphy.
Gillian McAllister’s Just Another Missing Person is being adapted for TV.
James Rollins’ Sigma Force series is being adapted for TV.
How Alabama library supporters took action, and how you can too.
What’s a book ban? It depends on who you ask.
The year in hate and extremism: 2023.
A new anthology for teens is being published next year: Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers’ Rights.
Kirk Cameron and Brave Books’ Storytime are coming back to libraries this year.
Princeton (TX) canceled its entire Pride event because Princeton TX Diverse was distributing banned books.
Documents reveal that a Fort Worth ISD (TX) board member is the only person pushing for library books to be removed. QUELLE SURPRISE.
Brownsville ISD (TX) has removed 5 books and is reviewing a list of over 600 additional titles to potentially remove. The pastor who presented the 600+ book list fully admits that it’s a “generic” list and that not every school district has all of the books. Because why do the work yourself when you can outsource your bigotry to the schools themselves?
“In a victory for the freedom to read, a federal judge in Austin, Tex., has found that a library board in Llano County likely infringed the constitutional rights of readers in the community by unilaterally removing books it deemed inappropriate. The judge has issued a preliminary injunction requiring that the banned books be immediately returned to the shelves and blocking the library from removing any other books while the case continues.”
Corpus Christi (TX) voted to keep four challenged titles, even after an appeal against one of the four books.
The Indian River County School Board (FL) banned a book about book bans because of “how it referenced other books that had been removed from schools and accused it of ‘teaching rebellion of school board authority.’” You can’t make this shit up.
Meanwhile, three Florida parents have sued the state over its recent book ban law, “ alleging the process for removing books unconstitutionally discriminates against parents who disagree with ‘the state’s favored viewpoint.’”
Florida revises its school library book removal training after public outcry.
Pinellas County Schools (FL) voted to ban Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk at all locations.
Hernando County School Board (FL) removed 19 books from school libraries.
Alachua County Schools (FL) voted to retain two challenged titles.
Philadelphia sets the world record for Drag Queen Story Hour attendance!
“The Virginia Beach Public Library is not sending out as many books and materials to Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ libraries as they once were now that new book screening ‘guidelines’ are in place.” Who wins here, honestly?
“A book challenge by Frederick County School Board [VA] Chairman Edward “Scott” Sturdivant has been reviewed by committees at both Millbrook and James Wood high schools.” Both schools refused to remove the book (Crank).
New Hanover (NC) board members are upset about the annual Battle of the Books event.
(Paywalled): Moms for Liberty wants more books banned from Huntsville (AL) libraries.
“A regulation on age-appropriate books in South Carolina’s schools that was widely assumed to be dead for the year will instead take effect in a month, unless a supermajority of legislators agree to block it.”
St. Joseph School District (MO) received its first book challenge over The Bluest Eye…And then they received 10 more challenges.
The St. Charles City Council (MO) passed a resolution against the recent announcement from the St. Charles Library Board that the library may have to close three locations due to supposed budget issues.
Tennessee activists and librarians are fighting a wave of challenges to books, many with LGBTQ+ themes.
“Board member Susan Horn requested Knox County Schools [TN] consider changes to policies about library materials that would specifically exclude materials if they depict sexual activity.”
“Images of naked men and women and drawings of sexual intercourse are included in books in both the adolescent and teen sections at the Alpena County Library [MI], a News review of the books confirmed this week.” Yes, because they’re age-appropriate books about puberty! Good grief, who writes these articles?
A Bourbonnais (IL) teacher used Looking For Alaska in her 8th-grade book club and has since been fired.
Iowa asks the federal courts to lift the injunction on the state’s book ban law, because really this law was meant “to support Iowa’s youth.”
Banishing Captain Underpants: An investigation of the 3400 books pulled in Iowa.
Meanwhile, the Orient-Macksburg school district could be the first school district in Iowa to close since 2015. It’s all connected, folks.
A Wichita (KS) pastor is encouraging members of his church to play a little game of “Hide the Pride” at the library this month. Meanwhile, the librarians remind everyone that checkouts show demand for materials, so it’s very likely that books will be replaced and collections will be expanded if the circulation numbers are high.
Book bans have become a powerful censorship tool in Colorado — here’s how librarians and patrons hold the line.
Campbell County Public Library (WY) board voted to move the book Be Amazing back to the children’s section where it belongs.
Here’s how Utah plans to enforce its statewide book ban law retroactively.
Someone fired a BB gun at one of the windows in the Newberg Public Library (OR), likely due to the Pride flag hanging in the window.
The Mat-Su School Board (AK) has banned seven titles with many more still under review.
Oprah picks Familiaris by David Wroblewski for her next book club selection.
Is the NYT bestseller list politically biased?
A recent UK/Ireland study shows that children are reading fewer and less challenging books.
English language books are filling European bookstores, partially due to younger readers wanting their copies of books to match the English-language titles and book covers that they’ve seen on social media.
A majority of Canadians now get their books for free.
The most-read books on Goodreads last week.
The most popular books of the year so far, according to Goodreads.
The best-selling books of the week.
Colson Whitehead won the Gotham Book Prize for Crook Manifesto.
The Lambda Literary Awards were announced.
Baillie Gifford cancels all of its remaining sponsorships of literary festivals amidst the backlash against its ties to Israel and fossil fuels.
How do fandoms get their names?
Read your way through New Orleans.
Ursula K. LeGuin’s Oregon home will be converted into a writer’s residency.
Dini’s really hit-or-miss when it comes to snuggling, so I know better than to move when he gets all cuddly like this.
I’m out! Have a fabulous weekend, and I’ll see everyone on Tuesday!
—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.
This post is written by Ann-Marie Cahill.
This is the trifecta of book-related articles. We have the awesome power of audiobooks, the enlightenment of nonfiction, and the best target audience of all: kids. I have yet to meet a kid who hasn’t loved a weird and wacky book of quirky facts and then spent half of their summer holidays telling everyone about it. Even the quietest kid will have their favourite nonfiction book; they’re just waiting for the right person to share it with. Yes, I was that quiet kid, and yes, my favourite dinosaur is still the Ankylosaurus.
Kids and nonfiction books can be pretty magical, but when you boost it with audiobooks, it can become a superpower! A good nonfiction audiobook is almost conversational, inviting them into this world of facts, teasing their curiousity, and allowing their minds to wander through what-ifs while still dispersing information and tidbits. Audiobooks are a great way to support kids’ literacy at every level. They promote fluency and expand vocabulary. They help set scenes for visual dreamers. They help with tone and inflection. Nonfiction audiobooks also create a safe space for kids to relax into the words and allow themselves to learn. While we might not love every nonfiction book out there, there are some very compelling nonfiction audiobooks for children that will have them enthusiastic to share their learning with you.
Narrative nonfiction audiobooks are a great starting point for young readers. They usually deliver factual information in a storytelling format. It’s easier for kids to relate to the people and their experiences.
This is like having two books in one, telling the story of the monarch butterflies’ journey from Mexico to northern America parallel to a fictional story of a migrant farmer father and his young daughter. The Monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration from north to south and back again, but across generations. This amazing phenomenon is told with beautiful tenderness alongside the story of Lucía, a young girl whose father must also travel north to find work. The audiobook is available in English and Spanish, with the Spanish title: Un aleteo de esperanza.
Looking for some Olympic-themed audiobooks for kids? Johnston’s historical narrative nonfiction reaches even greater heights with narration from Goodeve. It’s the biography of Lis Hartel, who was paralyzed after contracting polio in 1944 and yet defied doctors and learnt to ride horses again. While it’s no spoiler to know Lis and Jubilee went on to win an Olympic medal, the real story is behind the journey — cliche but true. As an audiobook, kids will hear how Lis rebuilt her dreams and new relationships while learning about the importance of Therapy Animals.
Come and learn the story of Mary Walker, who was born and lived in slavery until her freedom at the age of 15. Only a few years later, she was a wife and mother. Mary worked numerous jobs to help support her family, including cooking, cleaning, and caring for other people’s children. However, it was not until the age of 116 that Mary learned to read.
On June 19, 1865, 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States of America. It is a significant part of American history, and frankly, it is not celebrated enough. For those in Houston, you should definitely visit the Emancipation Park and explore the history it embodies. But for many of us who can’t visit the Park, this audiobook captures the very essence of all it is meant to commemorate: the struggles, the triumph, the courage. Kids will love the open feel from listening to this book and its hopeful message.
Middle school readers are harder to pinpoint for reading. It feels like this category is ever-changing and ever-growing — very much like the kids in middle grade. These kids are desperately trying to keep pace with the world despite many of them not really wanting to. They are too old for the gentle narrative nonfiction but don’t want to think too hard about the topics either. That doesn’t mean you need to simplify it for them! They can handle complex issues so long as you have a bit of fun and respect for the delivery.
Who here loves food? Every single kid in my 11-year-old’s class LOVED this audiobook. It has been played on repeat during their history class while learning about the influence of multicultural cooking during great moments in history. Lisa Ling’s narration carries listeners through categories of foods and shares the folktales and legends behind the dishes like dumplings, Kung Pao chicken, and noodles. Grace Lin’s extensive research is perfectly matched with an approachable writing style that unfolds with each bite.
Aimed at listeners 12 and up, Kendi and Stone narrate this book as if it’s a podcast. It’s like reading with a mentor/friend and learning from the natural flow of conversation. This is a journey, in both the audiobook and where listeners will take it from here. My younger readers especially like the inclusion of anecdotes and data that relate directly to life experience, making it sound more like a guide than a lecture.
Books like this are a prime example of truth-telling in history, highlighting so many elements of history that are ignored or removed because of fear and racism. Asia is a big place with a complex and diverse mix of cultures, languages, and history. The history of Asian migration to North America is equally complex, yet Lee and Soontornvat display a beautiful format for filling gaps, explaining context, and highlighting the future impacts we feel today. There will be many “How Did I Not Know This?” moments, but it may also elicit some fantastic conversation with the kids.
Dr Suzie Edge is already famous on TikTok and Instagram for her fascinating, entertaining, and sometimes a little disturbing facts — “But it was OK!” Her voice has the perfect pace and intonation to deliver these fascinating facts about medicine and science throughout history while still maintaining the appropriate level of humour (i.e., gross but funny). Edge has clearly had fun researching and writing this book, and the middle grade kids will definitely have fun listening to it!
Teen readers, YA Nonfiction, and “I’m not a kid anymore” are all categories claimed by my older teenage kids. When I asked them what they look for in a compelling nonfiction audiobook, they both claimed they were old enough for “the truth,” but they also wished they could go back to narrative nonfiction and the safe space of audiobooks. It’s more than just learning from the audiobooks: it’s learning about responsibility and consequences without feeling like they are already at fault.
Talking about money, reading about money, and even listening to an audiobook about money are unlikely to be top of your to-do list with teenagers. But let’s face it: many adults wish they had some guidance about financial literacy when they were younger. Ignore the cover image: this audiobook is probably too advanced for most younger readers, but it is compelling and supportive enough to hold the interest of teenagers (and some middle grade readers). It’s a fun audiobook that looks at a range of contemporary issues, from credit to scams, and the psychology behind marketing in a consumer-centric society.
This powerful memoir is written with such warmth and tenderness that I was worried the audiobook would be too much for young listeners. I was wrong — it is equally beautiful in audio format: still able to break my heart but also put it back together, stronger and more hopeful than before. It is a long audiobook, coming in a little over 10 hours, and worth breaking up into smaller bites to allow time for young listeners to process all that is shared. Sabic-El-Rayess shares her story of five cousins in the three years leading up to the Bosnian Genocide. In some ways, it will sound like any other tween experience, but it is most influential in how it portrays normal everyday people caught in all of the lead-up to war. It is also worth reading about Sabic-El-Rayess’s experience during the war, in her book The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival.
During World War II, a very very small group of people were invited to attend Station X at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire (UK). Today, we now know it was filled with cryptographers, debutantes, and academic professors. Less is known about the teenage girls who moved around the premises, helping out wherever they were needed. Fleming’s research unfolds over four-and-a-half hours, showcasing the various skills and the roles they played in the most secretive wartime efforts. Fleming and Quirk make it easy to picture the kind of people who could help in Bletchley Park, including the mix of soft skills and the ability to keep a secret.
Each of these compelling nonfiction audiobooks is perfect for children AND adults. They are all great examples of finding the balance between informative content and engaging delivery. Once you find your own magic formula, it’s amazing how much the sweeter the sound of reading can be. Audiobooks are also great for the youngest of readers! Check out Megan Mabee’s list of the Best Toddler Audiobooks, too. Happy reading (and listening)!
Welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, your guide to all things romance-related. Thanks for taking time from your day to give this a read! I hope this newsletter helps to brighten up your day just a little bit more.
Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. Sign up for your free subscription to Better Living Through Books today, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.
Last weekend, I was quite the social butterfly! On Friday, I went to the opening night of Gilbert & Sullivan Austin’s production of The Yeomen of the Guard with one of my besties. Saturday was breakfast with my husband and another bestie in the morning. And that night, I attended Austin Symphony Orchestra’s final performance in their Butler Pops series with another bestie. It was an homage to movie composer Jerry Goldsmith, and we enjoyed the performance so much that we treated ourselves to Season tickets for the 24-25 seasons.
All in all, it was one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. And yes, I have a lot of people I consider to be my best friends, and make no apologies for it.
I couldn’t let Pride month pass without sharing at least one piece of Pride gear! This shirt is gorgeous and meaningful and perfect for everybody. And this month it’s on sale, which means that you can get it for $19.
Taylor is a San Francisco university administrator who is working towards getting his school accredited. Dustin is a consultant who has begrudgingly returned to the Bay Area for an assignment. When the two meet at a drag brunch, they are instantly at odds with one another and walk away expecting to never see one another again. Then they discover that Dustin is the person who will determine whether Taylor’s school gets accredited. As they work together, an attraction slowly begins to develop between them. But, due to their professional relationship, more than their hearts are at risk.
After former actress Val’s directorial debut is derailed by a bad interview. she leaves the limelight for a guest professorship at USC and a new career in academia. Maeve, her co-professor at the university, has little love for her new co-worker and is determined to send her back to Hollywood. When Val meets every challenge Maeve throws at her, Maeve begins to rethink her initial impression. Soon after, the two have settled into a comfortable professional and romantic relationship. But when Val’s directorial debut begins to get good press back in Hollywood, she finds herself having to choose between the love she found at USC and the big screen dream she still has.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
A couple of years ago, the most popular romance trend was the apron tuggers. Last year, romantasy ruled it all. If I were to bet, I would say that 2024 will be the year of adventure romances. People have been wanting the feel of movies like Romancing the Stone and The Mummy, and it shows. And, with the latter returning to the theaters later this year in honor of its 25th anniversary, rumors of a third, and the return of Rachel Weisz, I don’t think this train will stop anytime soon.
One of the best things about an adventure romance is that it can be set in contemporary or historical times, as evidenced by the two movies mentioned above. Today, I’m focusing on historical recommendations and will have some contemporary ones for Monday’s send. Enjoy!
When Catherine and Captain Leighton first met in America, they engaged in a short, passionate affair that ended in betrayal. When they meet again in London years later, Leighton is engaged to someone else while Catherine is on a mission that will hopefully earn her the independence she desires. However, despite how it ended the first time, the spark of attraction is still there. Will they have a chance to reunite under happy circumstances, or will it be a repeat of their first encounter?
Lady Alice is not intimidated by the presence of Sir Hugh in her home, even though she no longer has the green crystal he wants returned. However, she also knows that she can help him recover it. That is, provided he can help Alice and her brother escape their nefarious uncle. Hugh agrees to her proposition under the condition that Alice act as his temporary betrothed. Soon, the two are in a battle not just to recover the stone, but for the love that has unexpectedly developed between them.
If you’ve been wanting to pick up an Alexis Hall book and aren’t sure where to start, this list has some good recommendations to consider.
For all my fellow enemies-to-lovers fans!
Take this quiz to find out your soulmate’s zodiac sign or this one to find your relationship status. Neither were accurate for me but they were fun to take!
And that is all I have for y’all today. Remember, you can always catch up with me over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated!
Hey, YA Readers!
We’re quickly approaching the longest days of the year, and I don’t know if it’s just me, but this period of time is one of doing a lot of lounging. I love a good bed lounge when the alarm goes off in the morning and a long lounge in the evening before going to bed, enjoying the sunlight as it streams into my room during each. It’s one of those small things that I truly notice with the seasons.
Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. Sign up for your free subscription to Better Living Through Books today, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.
I’m unfortunately not lounging now physically, but I am in spirit. That’s because it’s time to talk about one of the best things to lounge with: books.
Now that I’ve talked about daylight, how about something that goes opposite? This evening galaxy planet bookmark is so pretty and would be perfect for keeping your page when you drift off or find yourself stargazing. $2 and you can choose to round the corners, too.
We are beginning to wane in our new releases, which typically happens as summer progresses. That’s especially noticeable in the paperback releases each week. But use these “quieter” weeks of the publishing season to catch up on the books you’ve been stacking all year long—just, you know, know you’ll be adding only a couple more per week for a bit, rather than dozens.
You can catch the entire roundup of this week’s paperback releases over here. As always, you might need to toggle your view to see the paperback editions of the books below.
Deaf pride is at the heart of this one, which follows Lilah, who always feels she’s not “enough.” She’s not deaf enough to be part of the Deaf community, but she has hearing loss.
She decides to spend the summer as a camp counselor at a place for those who are Deaf and/or blind. Here, she finally finds a world where she not only fits in but where she can thrive…and fall head over heels for some of the cute campers. Along the way, she’s able to learn ASL, too.
Lilah might be falling hard for a Deaf counselor, which was never on her agenda. And yet, he might be just who she needs to help her become fully who she wants to be.
This book is so clever and creative. It’s a novel and a mystery but it’s presented as a series of interwoven stories by 18 different YA authors. There’s been a murder of a well-known professor at Galileo Academy, and now every student is a suspect. The school is a magic academy, and over the years, it has become far more of an inclusive institution. Though welcomed by many, there are still people angry that, you know, don’t like the fact it’s diverse.
The young magicians each have a voice in this collection and work not only to clear their names from the list of murder suspects but also to track down who is responsible for Septimius Dropwort’s death.
Check out the contributor list here: Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, Hafsah Faizal, Jessica Lewis, Julian Winters, Karuna Riazi, Kat Cho, Kayla Whaley, Kwame Mbalia, L. L. McKinney, Marieke Nijkamp, Mason Deaver, Natasha Díaz, Preeti Chhibber, Randy Ribay, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Victoria Lee, and Yamile Saied Méndez. Whew!
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Thanks, as always, for hanging out. We’ll see you on Saturday for some fabulous YA book deals.
Until then, happy reading!
–Kelly Jensen
…you read them, of course! Sure, the outdoors might seem pretty inviting right now, but there’s no reason you can’t take one of the titles below with you to the beach or a barbecue.
Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. Sign up for your free subscription to Better Living Through Books today, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.
There is no cooler way to store your comics than this shelf. You can customize it with your favorite color, too! $15+
Rintaro attends a low-class school for underachieving boys. Kaoruko is a student at an elite girls’ academy right next door. Naturally, they hit it off immediately, but can their newfound attraction overcome the class and social boundaries that stand in their way?
Almudena is finally getting to meet her father. In fact, she will be spending the whole summer with him while her absent-minded mother goes traveling without her. Adjusting herself to a new language, a strange environment, and opinionated neighbors, Almudena learns about a part of her identity she never knew.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!
Today’s Riot Rec theme is: best-laid plans! You might have a specific idea of what you want to do with your life, but what happens when life says no way?
Ash has their summer all worked out: spend time with their best friend Ivy (who they also have a crush on) while working as stage manager on a musical production of Cinderella. But when Ivy starts spending more time with her handsome costar, Ash’s friendship with her and their work on the play start to suffer.
High school isn’t going well for Iggy. He wanted to take French but got stuck with Spanish. He has a crush on one girl but ends up having to work with another. And now his abuelito’s ghost is following him around, judging his life and giving terrible advice. Can Iggy get things back on track while also learning to appreciate his heritage?
Life may be unpredictable, but this newsletter is one thing you can always count on. See you next Tuesday!
~Eileen
Hi, Book Friends!
Welcome to another great Thursday Book Radar day. Last night, I hit up a Silent Reading Party, and today, I have a book club meeting, so it’s been a really book-y week for me so far. Let’s keep this party going with more book talk, shall we?
Here’s the cover of Elle Gonzalez Rose’s sapphic YA dark academia thriller The Girl You Know! It’s out from Bloomsbury on February 18, 2025.
And here’s the cover of Olufunke Grace Bankole’s debut novel The Edge of Water. The cover was designed by Beth Steidle. It’s out on February 2, 2025.
A Practical Magic sequel is in the works, with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in talks to return for the project. Akiva Goldsman, one of the writers behind the original, will write the screenplay.
Five Broken Blades author Mai Corland is publishing a sequel to the bestselling romantasy novel. What can we expect from Four Ruined Realms? The author says, “Our killers continue on their quests for freedom and revenge but the lies have only just begun.” It’s out in January.
Adding to their Anne Rice Immortal Universe series, AMC has just ordered The Talamasca to series. According to Variety, “the series follows a secretive society called the Talamasca that’s responsible for tracking and containing witches, vampires, werewolves and other creatures.” Characters from The Talamasca have already been introduced in AMC’s Interview with the Vampire and Mayfair Witches.
Oprah’s 106th book club pick is Familiaris by David Wroblewski! “I’m delighted for us to dive into an epic novel from the tremendously talented bestselling author,” Oprah said. “David takes us on an extraordinary journey that brilliantly interweaves history, philosophy, adventure and mysticism to explore the meaning of love, friendship and living your life’s true purpose.”
Here are some of the other big book club picks of the month, from GMA Book Club to Reese’s Book Club.
Here are the most popular books of the year so far, according to Goodreads. What are the best books you’ve read this year so far?
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!
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I have said it a million times, but it still remains true. I love a good wintery romance novel, and Some Like It Cold is one I’m really looking forward to this year. This YA novel is the perfect book to kick off your holiday season, with excellent autistic rep. I know it’s summer and the next snow might seem like ages from now. But it’ll be here before you know it, and I for one can’t wait to read books like this one.
Arthur Lancaster has dreams of becoming a filmmaker and using his hometown of Lake Pristine as his backdrop for his big vision. But his plans are disrupted when he sees Jasper again. He never thought she’d be back, but he’s never been able to get her out of his mind.
Eighteen-year-old Jasper is finally returning home for the holidays after being away for quite some time. This is meant to be Jasper’s one final goodbye, and then she’ll be gone for good. She had it all planned out, but her plans did not take into account outside factors. Like her sister’s engagement. Or the unfortunate run-in with her former school adversary, Arthur Lancaster. Jasper thought she would be done with Lake Pristine for good after this one last quick visit, but Arthur has her rethinking everything.
“You can’t stay married to someone forever just because they climb out of your attic one afternoon.”
— The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
I leave you with a very good boy who loves getting pets. I know I’ve mentioned this a million times, but I just want you to picture it. Whenever I’m writing these newsletters, you can assume Remy is sitting in my lap, being supportive and offering his two cents. So this is his newsletter, too. He hopes you enjoyed it and hopes you have a great weekend. See you soon!
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Ethan Gatwick is a lobbyist—polished, professional, armed with policy one-pagers and potential campaign donations. He advocates for his clients the same way any other single issue lobbyist in Washington might. Only his issue is the complicated immortal lives of vampires. Meanwhile, roaming around the halls of power is young Senate Appropriations staffer, Gene Regan. Gene is trying to figure out how to advance his career while staying politically neutral.
Although their professional lives are diametrically opposed, their personal ones are about to collide. Start following their story today.
Hello, mystery fans! I really enjoyed the new film Hit Man (Netflix), which reminded me of the fun crime films I grew up with. It understands the genre and plays with it.
Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. Sign up for your free subscription to Better Living Through Books today, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.
For fans of middle grade mystery, friendship, and baking competitions!
Laila and Lucy have been best friends since kindergarten so they’re naturally upset to find out that because of their home addresses, they’ll now be going to different schools for eighth grade. Laila thinks the prize of a scholarship to boarding school at a cookie competition will solve their problems, so she enters. Awesome plan! Except, Laila finds herself on a suspect list after a judge gets ill after eating her food, and a storm cuts them off from communication. Now she has to clear her name in order to still have a chance to win!
For fans of sisters, missing person cases, influencer/child social media stars, and family drama!
Hazel Davis was 10 years old when her younger sister, Evie, was born into a family that was blogged about by their mom. When a video of Evie dancing with her dad hours before he died went viral, the family (mostly Evie managed by her mom) became social media famous. That’s how Evie, who is now 18, grew up to use all the followers she had to become an influencer. When one of her social media videos cuts abruptly and she disappears, her sister Hazel is left to wonder what happened to Evie, forcing her to face her fraught relationship with their mom.
Told mostly from Hazel’s perspective with some chapters by Evie, the novel explores what it’s like to be a child whose entire life is documented for strangers online—something I suspect we’re going to see a lot more of now that many of the kids who spent their childhoods this way are becoming adults. My favorite part was the very end, which, unfortunately, I can’t talk about.
I read an egalley because I didn’t have access to the audiobook, but I saw that it has a full cast of narrators if that’s the kind of production you enjoy!
(TW diet culture, mentions eating disorder/ recounts statutory relationship over internet that is never in person)
Looking for more new releases? Check out our New Books newsletter!
In a lot of the US it is absurdly hot, so I chose two books with “snow” in the title!
For fans of action movies and PIs returning to their hometown!
After winning a giant wrongfully dismissed lawsuit against the police department, August Snow returns to his childhood home in Detroit’s Mexicantown. An ex-marine and ex-cop, he is now working as a PI, fixing up his home, and getting to know his neighbors. Things get dangerous when he turns down Eleanore Paget’s request to hire him to investigate her investment bank and then she dies, and he tries to find out what is going on…
For fans of funny, zany cozy mysteries and being snowed in!
This is a fun series that follows Erica Bloom who doesn’t usually want to come back to her hometown where her best friend is obsessed with solving mysteries, her hippie mom owns a retreat, and the sheriff is her crush. This time she returns for her crush only to find out that her mom rented out their lodge for a reality TV show. Soon they’ll be snowed in with a family at war and a murdered billionaire!
If you want to start at the beginning, pick up Skinny Dipping with Murder! If you want a cozy with witches, pick up her newer series In the Company of Witches!
News and Roundups
13 Queer Thrillers and Mystery Novels You Should Be Reading
Rian Johnson Unveils First Look Photo For Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Making a Murderer inspired Mankato’s Megan Cooley Peterson’s new novel
The best thrillers to watch on Netflix this June
Inside Natalie Portman’s New Murder Mystery Series, Lady in the Lake
BBC delves into six decades of the best detective and crime dramas this summer
Browse the books recommended in Unusual Suspects’ previous newsletters on this shelf. See upcoming 2024 releases and mysteries from 2023. Check out this Unusual Suspects Pinterest board and get Tailored Book Recommendations!
Until next time, keep investigating! In the meantime, come talk books with me on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Litsy — you can find me under Jamie Canavés.
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