Newsletters Dev – Page 47 – getting it done!

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Season 2 to Premiere in Summer 2024 and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date November 3, 2023

Sponsored by

Dear Reading Community,

Hello! Happy Monday! Guess what? We’re less than a week out from my trip to Belgium, so that means it’s time to start thinking about what books to bring along with me and what I can manage to finish before I go. I place a lot of significance on the books I read while traveling because I always remember that book when I think back on the trip, and vice versa. Like, I don’t know, for instance, when I think about the first time I went to Portland, I will always remember I was reading Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey.

Anyway! We’ll see what happens. In the meantime, let’s talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

Tor.com has revealed the cover of Mouth, an upcoming debut collection from Puloma Ghosh. Tor.com calls the 11 short stories in this collection “eerie, uncanny, and surreal.” This book is out from Astra House on June 11, 2024.

HBO is bringing back House of the Dragon! Season 2 will premiere in “early summer” 2024.

Want to read romance but not sure where to start? Romance bookstore The Ripped Bodice has teamed up with Free Period Press to create a fun checklist of 50 must-read romance novels. You can pick up yours online or in-store!

Heartstopper fans, Alice Oseman has created adorable new Nellie enamel pins. 10% of the proceeds will go to Gendered Intelligence.

Here’s the cover reveal of Marjan Kamali’s The Lion Women of Tehran. According to the author, “This story follows two girls from different stations in life who forge an indestructible friendship through decades. All along, one of them, Homa, fights tirelessly for Iranian women to be free.” It’s out on July 2, 2024.

Britney Spears’ bestselling memoir The Woman in Me might have just hit shelves, but studios are already in a bidding war to adapt the book into a TV series, feature film, or documentary.

Britney Spears’s memoir sold 1.1 million copies in its first week. Here are some other recent celebrity memoir sales numbers.

TikTok star Harley Laroux will be publishing their novel Her Soul to Take with Kensington Books. The book follows “a college student who, while investigating paranormal phenomena, accidentally summons an ancient and seductive demon who helps her solve a string of grisly murders around her college campus, but also leads her to question everything she knows about morality and desire.” The book is scheduled for a February 2024 release.

Goodreads has announced its commitment to ensuring trustworthy and respectful reviews, and has described a plan to prevent review bombing.

This year’s annual Summer Scares spokesperson and timeline are here, and you’re in for a scary good time.

November 2023 horoscopes are also here, along with new book recommendations for each sign.

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!

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

Prepare Your Shelves!

The Fiction Writer by Jillian Cantor (Park Row Books, November 28)

Readers (including myself) just can’t get enough of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. There are so many recent books that have given romantic gothic Rebecca vibes. The Hacienda. Verity. Mexican Gothic. You get the idea. Jillian Cantor’s upcoming book is also going to be one that’s great for fans of Rebecca, but not in the way you’re expecting.

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

Intrigued? This one comes out in November, so prepare your shelves!

What I’m Reading This Week

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Out There Screaming, ed. Jordan Peele

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

Black Paradox by Junji Ito

Monday Memes

I have a confession to make. I’m absolute trash for a Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce meme. Especially when they’re about books.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Look who’s back in her home! I know I’ve mentioned that it’s getting colder here, and as it gets colder, the cats change their habits. As do we all! Well, Cersei used to go into this little cat house all the time, but during the summer months, she stopped doing that. It warmed my heart to see her back. She looks so cute! And she doesn’t even know she’s a cat cuddling inside a house that looks like a cat!

Friends, I hope you have the best week. We’ll talk on Thursday!

Emily

Kissing Books

Hello November

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date November 3, 2023

Sponsored by

Greetings and salutations! Welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, here to give you the rundown on the world of romance, including new releases, recommendations, and other entertaining ways to pass your time.

We’re in the first full week of November (hence the newsletter title), which means that 2024 can be seen on the not-too-distant horizon. Seriously, it’s only nine weeks away, which boggles my mind. I’m going to try my hardest to not focus too much on that or the associated busyness that will be crammed into those weeks.

Instead, I will do what I always do, which is focus on book goals. Which for this month is to try — seriously try — to play catch-up on all that I’ve purchased this year.

Bookish Goods

Fade to Black Happens Bookmark by Fictitiously

I mean…it’s not wrong. A very elegant and discreet bookmark that is perfect for all romance readers, even if this may not be their favorite or go-to type of romance novels. Priced at $4

New Releases

Fancy Meeting You Here by Julie Tieu

All of Elise’s friends are getting married around the same time. While this is great for her florist business, it is also stressful since they all also want her to be a bridesmaid. When she hires grumpy Ben to help cater Rebecca’s wedding, she discovers that he is her friend’s estranged younger brother. As they work together, an attraction develops, but when a complication with Rebecca’s high-profile wedding pops up, Elise has to decide if she is willing to do what it takes for her own HEA.

A Common Bond by T.M. Kuta

Carneline is a project manager who is known for her stoic demeanor and attitude. That is why her father trusts her with their first project in Clover Hill, where she is put into direct contact with the sunshiny Josie. As the lead on the construction site, Josie is intrigued by Carneline and becomes determined to break through the other woman’s walls. And when mechanic compilations lead to the two of them being in close quarters, the inevitable happens, which leaves the two women unsure of how to proceed both professionally and personally.

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

Riot Recommendations

On last week’s episode of the When in Romance podcast, Trish and Jess discussed this video from Jessen Reads Romance about spiciness in romances and how important it may or may not be. Be sure to give both a listen, although hopefully, you’re already a regular listener of WIR, because there’s a lot of good food for thought there. Both got me thinking of my own opinion on it.

I’ve said before that, for the most part, I don’t care about the level of spice in a romance. And that is true. Do I like to know the level going in? Absolutely; I’ve even gone so far as to make my own personal rating system. But that is a personal preference and a courtesy that I tend to extend to others.

However, much as sex doesn’t make a relationship, it doesn’t make a romance novel. The love story does. And, honestly, if there is too much sex in a romance novel with a noticeable lack of relationship development, it will leave me (pardon the phrasing) wanting. I have read at least one book this year where I felt there was too much on-the-page sex.

That said, my recommendations today are in consideration of those who may prefer low steam, off the pages, or very few sex scenes on the page. Because, after all, when it comes to romance, the one thing we all yearn for is an HEA.

Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins

In search of a new life, Eddy heads West and, through a series of circumstances, gets stuck in Nevada. She vows to stay there only until she saves up enough money working for Rhine to continue on to California. Despite her best intentions, she finds herself drawn to the handsome man but knows they can never be. What she doesn’t know is that Rhine has spent most of his life passing for white, but the draw he feels to Eddy is causing him to wonder if he wants to continue the charade any longer. This is a very slow burn with one on-the-page scene that comes at the end of the novel.

Calling the Shots by Kelly Farmer

Regan may be retired from being on the ice, but her love of hockey lands her a job as the couch for the Boston Ice. This places her in direct opposition to one-time hook-up and now rival Tierney, who is the coach for the New York Lady Libertys. As the two teams face off, both women quickly realize that the embers of their fling are still simmering and wonder if they can be professional enough to have completely separate relationships both on and off the ice. This is one where everything is off the pages, but the tension build-up is quite delightful.

And that’s all for this Monday morning. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday, and in the meantime, you can still find me over on the bird app under @PScribe801. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

The Kids Are All Right

A Farewell from Karina Yan Glaser, Books about the Marathon, and More!

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date November 3, 2023

Sponsored by

Dear Kid Lit Friends,

After nearly 400 newsletters, it is time for me to bid you farewell. I have loved originating this newsletter, back when the first send was just a few dozen subscribers. Now, it has grown to over 30,000, and I’m grateful for all the ways this community has grown and flourished. I have loved shouting out books and authors and teachers and librarians and curating book lists (so many book lists!). For now, I leave this newsletter in the amazing hands of Margaret Kingsbury. She has been bringing such wonderful content to you all, and I’m grateful for her expertise and passion.

This newsletter is coming out on the day of the New York City Marathon, which I am running in! If you’re reading this between 11 AM and 3:30 PM ET, I will most likely be in the middle of the race and could use all of your good thoughts. I’ve been training for this race for the past year, and it feels a bit surreal that the big day is finally here. I’ve run in snow and pouring rain and beautiful spring mornings and humid summer heat waves. I think running a marathon is a lot like writing a book. It’s tough, requires patience and stamina and perseverance, and it’s a long process. I don’t have a race completion time in mind — I simply want to make it across the finish line! Today’s book list focuses on books about the marathon, but first…let’s look at this super cute mobile and some new releases!

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

Bookish Goods

Vintage Children’s Book Mobile by MaisyandAlice

I love this star mobile featuring pages from a vintage children’s book. A perfect gift for a book-loving family! $45

New Releases

Best Wishes: Time After Time by Sarah Mlynowski and Christina Soontornvat

In this magical series, a bracelet gets circulated between friends and grants any wish. In this third book, Lucy Usathorn of Fort Worth, Texas, is excited to visit the Museum of Natural History, where her father works. Unfortunately, the chaperone is Ms. Brock, the strict school librarian. Even more, unfortunately, her father is dating the aforementioned librarian. And most unfortunately, he proposes to Ms. Brock during the field trip. Lucy is horrified, and when she receives the magic bracelet, she makes a wish to redo the day and prevent the proposal. But things get out of hand, as they do with this wish-granting bracelet…

The Last Kids on Earth and the Monster Dimension by Max Brallier, illustrated by Doug Holgate

This bestselling series is back with the ninth book: The Last Kids on Earth and the Monster Dimension! Chaos ensues in this captivating series. Jack discovers that his Cosmic Hand is now even more powerful than he realized, and it might just be able to stop the inevitable from happening. But to save the world, he needs to go to the monster dimension!

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

Riot Recommendations

And here are the marathon book recommendations!

Ready, Set, Run!: The Amazing New York City Marathon by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrations by Jessie Hartland

This fun book shows runners all over the world training and getting ready for one of the biggest races in the world: The New York City Marathon! I love how it shows the diversity of the runners and the details of the challenging and iconic route.

Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh, illustrations by Baljinder Kaur

This incredibly inspiring book follows marathon runner Fauja Singh, the first person over the age of 100 to complete the marathon! After a lifetime of working hard, Fauja Singh decided to run a marathon at the age of 81. He continued to run and break records everywhere!

Daughter of the Light-Footed People by Belen Medina, illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro (June 2024, Atheneum)

Even though this book won’t publish until next summer, I wanted to highlight it because of its gorgeous illustrations and wonderful story. Indigenous athlete Lorena Ramírez runs in the traditional clothes of the Rarámuri, “the light-footed people,” rather than embracing the newest running trends and high-tech gear. I can’t wait to read this book when it comes out!

Her Fearless Run by Kim Chaffee, illustrations by Ellen Rooney

Kathrine Switzer was the first registered female runner for the Boston Marathon, and this book follows her childhood to her historic race in 1967. She defied conventions and experienced backlash for running in a race considered for men only, paving the way for women everywhere to participate in this race.

Keep in touch with me!

I’d love to keep in touch with you all! Find me on X at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.

Much love to you all, and most of all, happy reading!

Karina

What's Up in YA

“Rival” Food Trucks and Earworms: YA Book Talk, November 6, 2023

Post author By Kelly Jensen
Post date November 3, 2023

Sponsored by

Hey YA Readers!

I write this to you post-Halloween, cold and frozen in what went from an 80-degree temperature just days ago to now hardly cracking 30. Whiplash, I tell you.

But we’re here for books and not for crankiness about the weather in the upper Midwest. So this week, let’s dive into a host of fabulous new releases and look ahead at some 2024 titles that might get stuck in your head.

Bookish Goods

Big Book Cart Sticker by Artimation1104

This is such a fun sticker featuring a lovely book cart. If you’ve got a book cart, this would fit on it perfectly. If not, it’d still look darn good on a notebook or water bottle. $3.50.

New Releases

It is a stellar day for new book releases, both in hardcover and, as you’ll see on Thursday, in paperback too. Let’s look at two hitting shelves in hardcover today that are very different, but both sound excellent.

As usual, you can grab the full list of new hardcover YA releases over here.

Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng

Sunny is part of a K-pop trio that is rocketing up the charts. Her two fellow bandmates, Candie and Mina, are struggling to resist feelings flaring between them, and in the midst of a scandal, Mina dies right in front of them. Sunny always suspected it had to do with secrets between Mina and Candie.

Fast forward two years, and with questions still remaining about Mina’s death, Sunny hears that Candie might be trying out to be part of a new K-pop band. So Sunny does what anyone would do: she follows Candie to the K-pop workshop. While there, Sunny keeps getting otherworldly visions and experiences and realizes the only way to get to the bottom of Mina’s death is to tell some ugly secrets.

This is a horror-meets-thriller book set in the glossy world of K-pop, and sounds so fun.

With Or Without You by Eric Smith

Cue the U2, everyone, and prepare to enjoy a warm hug in the shape of a book (for long-time readers and/or Hey YA listeners, you’ll know that as one of Eric Smith’s favorite book descriptions!).

Looking for an enemies-to-lovers rom-com about rival food trucks? Then look no further.

Jordan Plazas and Cindy Ortiz hate each other. Everyone knows this. Their families own rival cheesesteak food trucks in Philadelphia, and the teens’ bickering and animosity is well documented.

But…the truth is the two of them like each other. When their fake fighting lands them an offer on a reality TV show, can they keep up the act, or will they be forced to confront the truth of their “rivalry?” Sign me up, please!

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

Riot Recommendations

You ready to get very dorky for a moment with me? Well, you have no choice. One of my favorite things to do every year is look at the books publishing in the coming year and see which ones have titles that share their names with songs. With Or Without You is being released this week, which inspired me to begin the look for 2024. So, without further ado, a few YA books hitting shelves next year that are earworms.

This list is not comprehensive or complete. It’s just a slice–I will do a longer dive into these YA earworms soon!

Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada (February 6)

This book looks like such a fun read. It follows Wesley “Big Mac” Mackenzie, the resident bad boy of his school. He’s failing senior year for all of the reasons you might imagine. So when his mom drags him to see The Nutcracker, he is not interested. Not in the least.

Until he sets his eyes on Mr. Nutcracker himself, Tristan Monroe.

This is a romance about the closeted bad boy and the lengths he’ll go to in order to win over the good-boy crush.

(Would it be unhinged to share a weird dream I had here? I’m going to. I am a huge Matchbox 20 fan, and I recently had a dream that lead singer Rob Thomas told me he had an idea for a YA book he wanted to tell me about. When I asked him what the idea was, he said he knew exactly what the first line would be: “He was a sk8r boy, she said see you later boy.” Perhaps one of my favorite dreams, um, ever?).

This Is Me Trying by Racquel Marie (April 16)

Bryce, Beatriz, and Santiago were always best friends. At least, they were until Santiago moved away before high school, and everything fell apart.

It’s now three years later, and Santiago is back. But Bryce and Beatriz’s lives are so different–can the three of them reconnect and reestablish a friendship? Or are there hard feelings and other difficult situations that are too big to overcome?

We Got The Beat by Jenna Miller (February 20)

Jordan has worked hard and is prepared to be the first junior editor-in-chief of the high school newspaper. She’s set her sights on this goal since being humiliated by Mackenzie, her best friend turned enemy, freshman year.

But Jordan doesn’t get the role. Instead, she’s assigned the role of covering volleyball for the paper. And who but Mackenzie is the volleyball team captain?

You can probably guess where this one is going…

As always, thanks for hanging out. We’ll see you on Thursday with your paperback YA releases and book news for the week.

Until then, happy reading!

–Kelly Jensen, who you can follow on her personal substack.

Giveaways

110323-DeepFreeze(pre-pub)-Giveaway

Post author By Vivek Patel
Post date November 3, 2023

We’re giving away 3 copies of Deep Freeze by Michael C. Grumley to 3 lucky Riot readers!

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

From Michael C. Grumley, the bestselling author of the Breakthrough series.

The accident came quickly. In the dead of night, a precipitous plunge into a freezing river trapped everyone inside the bus. It was then that Army veteran John Reiff’s life came to an end. Extinguished in the sudden rush of frigid water.

There was no expectation of survival. None. Let alone waking up beneath blinding hospital lights. Struggling to move, or see, or even breathe. But the doctors assure him that everything is normal. And yet, he has a strange feeling that there’s something they’re not telling him.

Canada Giveaways

110323-ConsiderMe-CanadaGiveaway

Post author By Vivek Patel
Post date November 3, 2023

We’re giving away five copies of Consider Me by Becka Mack to five lucky Riot readers!

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

Enter for a chance to win book one in Becka Mack’s sizzling Playing for Keeps hockey romance series that has taken BookTok by storm! In Consider Me, the ultimate player turns romantic in order to charm the woman he’s desperate to win over.

Swords and Spaceships

How to Get Over the End of the World

Post author By Alex Acks
Post date November 2, 2023

Sponsored by

Happy Friday, shipmates! I’m Alex, and it’s…somehow already November? Where the heck did October even go? Well, here we’ve had our first snow of the season and a fun Halloween with some cute trick-or-treaters. For you today, I’ve got new releases, and a last couple of indie releases over from October that I didn’t want you to miss. Stay safe out there, space pirates, and I’ll see you on Tuesday!

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 Entertainment Community Fund, which supports entertainment workers who are striking for living wages and a future where humans can continue to create art for each other.

Bookish Goods

MCRN Coffee Mug by FictionalMugs

This is a fun reference to The Expanse series — MCRN is the Mars Congressional Republic Navy. Comes in black or white. And you can get an OPA mug to go with it! $25

New Releases

Shanghai Immortal by A.Y. Chao

Lady Jing is half-vampire, half-fox spirit, and one hundred percent attitude thanks to her mother pawning her to the King of Hell as a child to pay a debt. After 90 years of being a minor servant, she’s mostly learned to control her temper. But when she overhears some courtiers plotting to steal from the king, she takes it as her chance to rise above her station, so long as she has an airtight case. She just needs the help of a mortal whose actual job is to set up the Central Bank of Hell…and she’ll drag both of them through Hell and Jazz-age Shanghai to get the information she needs.

Communications Breakdown: SF Stories About the Future of Connection edited by Jonathan Strahan

In this anthology, editor Jonathan Strahan has asked famous and familiar science fiction authors what communication will look like in the future and how it may well change — even if the fundamental human need to connect does not.

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

Riot Recommendations

Here are a couple more cool indie releases that came out in October to check out!

Off-Time Jive by A.Z. Louise

In an alternate Harlem Renaissance, Black artists are creating new forms of magic, and Bessie Knox is an investigator who specializes in just that, even though her own abilities are fading. But when her old colleagues start turning up dead, she needs to use every skill at her disposal if she doesn’t want to be next.

How to Get Over the End of the World by Hal Schrieve

James is a goth, gay, trans stoner who is in his last year of high school — and he cannot wait to get out. He’s sliding by on his classes and focusing on punk shows and fundraising for Compton House, the local LGBTQ+ support group. But when he meets and falls in love with Orsino, he needs to ask himself if the world and its possibilities are bigger than he’s imagined…and Orsino hopes that he’s finally found someone who can accept his telepathic powers and the apocalyptic visions of the future he experiences.

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.

True Story

Cookbooks Perfect for Gifting Season

Post author By Kendra Winchester
Post date November 2, 2023

Sponsored by

Now that it’s November, I’m finalizing my gifting plans for the holiday season. Every holiday season, without fail, I’m gifting one of my favorite cookbooks. I ADORE cookbooks and books about food culture and history. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite food books that might be perfect for the food lovers on your list.

So, let’s jump in with new books!

Bookish Goods

Written in the Stars Reading Journal by Stella Bookish Art

This cover! This particular reading journal is a favorite that I have seen circulating around the bookish internet for the last couple of years. I love the metallic details on the cover. $22

New Releases

Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook: A Cookbook by Sohla El-Waylly

Sohla El-Waylly gives new cooks the confidence to advance their skills in the kitchen. Start Here is the perfect starting place for cooking 101.

Kung Food: Chinese American Recipes from a Third-Culture Kitchen: A Cookbook by Jon Kung

Jon Kung’s cooking is rooted in his diasporic identity. Using his third culture perspective, he introduces home cooks to a wide range of delicious recipes they won’t be able to find anywhere else.

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

Riot Recommendations

Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat, Illustrated by Wendy MacNaughton

I’ve given Salt Fat Acid Heat to everyone I can think of, even going to the length of buying several copies to have on hand just in case I need a last-minute gift. Nosrat walks readers through concepts around cooking, particularly around ideas about the elements of salt, fat, acid, and heat. She doesn’t just tell you what or how to cook; she describes WHY we cook in certain ways. This gives home cooks the tools to create their own delicious dishes without having to follow a recipe from someone else.

Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ by Rodney Scott and Lolis Eric Elie

Rodney Scott took over his parents’ barbecue place and wanted to take it to the next level. Scott began trying new things with barbecue and worked through the logistics of cooking a ridiculous amount of it. Eventually, Scott received a James Beard Award for his mastery of BBQ, establishing himself as a legend of South Carolina BBQ traditions. His cookbook delves into his story and shares some of Scott’s favorite recipes.

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Giveaways

110223-Nov.EACPushes-2023-Giveaway

Post author By Vivek Patel
Post date November 2, 2023

We’re partnering with Cearnach Grimm to give away a $250 gift card to Powell’s Books!

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

Here’s a bit more from our sponsor: Cearnach Grimm is the creator of the hilariously captivating world of The Runebreakers which garners more than one million social media views per week. He writes fantasy and sci-fi, and revels in D&D. Join and dive deep into the behind-the-scenes of Cearnach Grimm’s writing process and discover new artifacts and characters for your D&D party.

Read This Book

Read This Book: THE CHANGING MAN by Tomi Oyemakinde

Post author By Tirzah Price
Post date November 2, 2023

Sponsored by

Welcome to Read This Book, a newsletter where I recommend one book that I think you absolutely must read. The books will vary across genre and age category to include new releases, backlist titles, and classics. If you’re ready to explode your TBR, buckle up!

Today’s pick is a great one if you like dark academia with a little supernatural twist! I know we are just coming off of spooky season, and I’ve been recommending a lot of creepier books, but this one was too fun not to shout about.

Content warning: Racism and bigotry, death of a family member

The Changing Man by Tomi Oyemakinde

Ife doesn’t like her new, posh boarding school, but when she wins a place and a chance to secure a sponsor to fund her education at university, she can’t refuse. But the people are stuck up, some fellow students seem out to get her, and a recent disappearance has Ife on edge. When one of her fellow Black students changes dramatically, Ife begins to wonder if the school’s urban legend about the Changing Man is true — and when she begins to probe at the mystery, what she finds is truly terrifying.

I was really intrigued by the setup of this book and the details that made the Changing Man so shiver-inducing. He comes at night, he has magenta eyes, and he leaves the smell of wet pavement wherever he goes. The menace of this story lingers in the background at first as Ife goes about her day, trying to keep her head up and not get ground down by the oppressive rules and classism that are rife at the school.

The more obvious horror of her day-to-day life is the unfair way she’s treated by the white teachers at her school and their contempt for her presence among them. Ife doesn’t always treat her fellow classmates the best in her desperate attempt to stay connected to her old life, and she seems oblivious to the ways that she shuts out another student, Bijal, also hoping for connection amidst the tough and pressurized academic setting. Her actions feel immature but realistic, and as she slowly becomes more aware of the danger of the Changing Man —who is very real but not at all what she imagines — Ife learns that the only way to survive at Nithercott is to embrace the friendships she’s been resisting.

This story has some tense moments and high stakes, and the Changing Man legend had some nice twists that I didn’t see coming. Definitely pick this one up if you want a dark academia read with a supernatural bent!

Happy reading!
Tirzah

Find me on Book Riot, Hey YA, All the Books, and Instagram. If someone forwarded this newsletter to you, click here to subscribe.