Below, you can watch a quick introduction to all 11 amazing authors who attended ALA Midwinter 2020 in Philadelphia.
To watch full-length video introductions to each author at the HarperCollins booth, as well as the full presentations of our three author panelists, visit:
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Hello, librarians!
February is Black History Month and what better way to celebrate than with some great reads? We've compiled a selection of titles, some on sale, some upcoming, that will enlighten, inform, and celebrate the stories, experiences, and histories of Black Americans.
-The LLF Team (Virginia, Chris, and Lainey)
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by Zora Neal Hurston
From "one of the greatest writers of our time" (Toni Morrison)—the author of Barracoon and Their Eyes Were Watching God—a collection of remarkable stories, including eight lost Harlem Renaissance tales now available to a wide audience for the first time.
Find out more on HarperCollins.com
The phenomenal true story of the black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America’s greatest achievements in space. Now a major motion picture starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, and Kevin Costner.
Find out more on HarperCollins.com
A ferociously talented writer makes his stunning debut with this richly woven tapestry, set in a small Nova Scotia town settled by former slaves, that depicts several generations of one family bound together and torn apart by blood, faith, time, and fate.
Africaville was a LibraryReads selection for December 2019!
Find out more on HarperCollins.com
A special 75th anniversary edition of Richard Wright's powerful and unforgettable memoir, with a new foreword by John Edgar Wideman and an afterword by Malcolm Wright, the author’s grandson.
Find out more on HarperCollins.com
by Stephanie Powell Watts
No One Is Coming to Save Us is a revelatory debut from an insightful voice: with echoes of The Great Gatsby, it is an arresting and powerful novel about an extended African American family and their colliding visions of the American Dream.
Find out more on HarperCollins.com
by Kathleen Collins
Relatively unknown during her life, the artist, filmmaker, and writer Kathleen Collins emerged on the literary scene in 2016 with the posthumous publication of the short story collection Whatever Happened to Interracial Love? That rediscovery continues in Notes from a Black Woman’s Diary, which spans genres to reveal the breadth and depth of the late author’s talent.
Find out more on HarperCollins.com
Also from the author:
Whatever Happened to Interracial Love?
An intimate and rousing memoir by progressive trailblazer Ilhan Omar—the first African refugee, the first Somali-American, and one of the first Muslim women, elected to Congress.
Lakewood by Megan Giddings
A startling debut about class and race, Lakewood evokes a terrifying world of medical experimentation—part The Handmaid’s Tale, part The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
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by Natasha Tretheway
A chillingly personal and exquisitely wrought memoir of a daughter reckoning with the brutal murder of her mother at the hands of her former stepfather, and the moving, intimate story of a poet coming into her own in the wake of a tragedy.
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From the acclaimed cultural critic and New York Times bestselling author of This Will Be My Undoing—a writer whom Roxane Gay has hailed as "a force to be reckoned with"—comes this powerful story of her journey to understand her northern and southern roots, the Great Migration, and the displacement of black people across America.
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by Walter Thompson-Hernández
A rising New York Times reporter tells the compelling story of the Compton Cowboys, a group of African-American men and women who defy stereotypes and continue the proud, centuries-old tradition of black cowboys in the heart of one of America’s most notorious cities.
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An enthralling literary tour-de-force that pays tribute to Detroit's legendary neighborhood, a mecca for jazz, sports, and politics, Black Bottom Saints is a powerful blend of fact and imagination reminiscent of E.L. Doctorow's classic novel Ragtime and Marlon James' Man Booker Award-winning masterpiece, A Brief History of Seven Killings.
For more great reading suggestions for Black History Month, check out our Black History Month Edelweiss catalog!
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-Chris
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You voted, they counted, and the winners have finally been announced!
This month, we are thrilled to share that My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell has been selected as the #1 LibraryReads pick for March!
More great news: If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane and Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson have also made the March LibraryReads list. With this latest selection, Peter Swanson has officially been inducted into the LibraryReads Hall of Fame!
Congratulations to Kate, Mhairi, and Peter!
Want to know how the authors reacted to being selected for the March LibraryReads list? We called each of them to let them know about the big news! Click below to listen!
Click here to see the full list.
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My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell: Exploring the psychological dynamics of the relationship between a precocious yet naïve teenage girl and her magnetic and manipulative teacher, a brilliant, all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.
"My Dark Vanessa is a hard story to read and a harder one to put down...a well-constructed package of dynamite."
—Stephen King
Click below to listen to an interview between Kate Elizabeth Russell and her editor, Jessica Williams!
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The internationally bestselling author of Don't You Forget
About Me returns with another heartfelt romantic comedy perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Sally Thorne.
"McFarlane's gift is writing romantic comedy that depicts a recognizable world...without dimming the luster of shining moments of humor, love, and connection."
—Kirkus Reviews review
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Looking for more rom-coms? Navigate your options with the Rom-Com Matrix.
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson: From the hugely talented author of Before She Knew Him comes a chilling tale of psychological suspense and an homage to the thriller genre tailor-made for fans: the story of a bookseller who finds himself at the center of an FBI investigation because a very clever killer has started using his list of fiction’s most ingenious murders.
"A devilish premise combined with jaw-dropping execution…. Mystery fans will be salivating as the plot unfolds, trying to outsmart the confoundingly unreliable narrative… Swanson hits every note in this homage to the old-school crime novel, and the turnabout ending will leave readers reeling in delight."
—Booklist review
"The perfect gift for well-read mystery mavens who complain that they don't write them like they used to."
—Kirkus Reviews review
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Previous LibraryReads selections for Peter Swanson:
Her Every Fear
All the Beautiful Lies
***
Thanks to all who participated and submitted votes for the March LibraryReads list!
Be sure to submit your votes for the April LibraryReads list by March 1st. Click here to find out what we're recommending!
Click here to learn more about LibraryReads.
-Chris
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Listen to an interview with librarian Robin Bradford—a 2018 Library Journal Mover & Shaker and a 2016 RWA Cathie Linz Librarian of the Year Award recipient—on the latest episode of The Library Love Fest Podcast.
We talk about Robin's advocacy for diversity in romance, her experiences working in collection development and readers advisory, and what she's reading and loving! Listen to the episode and find a list of the titles we discussed below.
Titles discussed:
Want to learn more about these titles? We have audio book samples available here.
We also discussed Becky Spratford's website RA for All and Robin's original article on LitHub.
Links discussed (and a few Robin provided after the recording) for romance readers advisory:
At the end of the show, Robin offered to answer any questions you may have. Leave a message at our new voicemail number: 212-207-7773. Let us know who you are and your question; Robin will answer the questions and we will feature them on the show. Make sure to tell us how to contact you and we will send you a book for participating!
A big thank you to Robin Bradford for taking the time to chat with us!
-Lainey
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We L-O-V-E-d chatting about books this morning on Facebook Live! If you missed the live video, you can watch it on Facebook now or watch the recorded video below.
First, we welcomed William Morrow Executive Editor Jessica Williams into the tiki hut to discuss some of her upcoming titles and a few that you can buy now. Titles available now:
Forthcoming titles Jessica presented:
Watch Elisabeth speak at ALA Midwinter:
After Jessica wrapped up, we presented the following titles:
We ended with a reminder that we have a new voicemail number! Give us a call at 212-207-7773 and let us know what book you are reading and loving—you just might hear it on the podcast!
Until next month,
-Lainey
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Couldn't make it to ALA Midwinter 2020? Not to worry! Catch up with the audio recording of our world-famous HarperCollins Adult Book Buzz, videos of our three incredible author panelists, as well as short video introductions to our wonderful signing authors who attended the show!
Catch the Replay of the
HarperCollins Adult Book Buzz!
Click below to view all the titles we buzzed about and to listen to the audio recordings of our individual presentations!
Watch Our ALA Midwinter Author Panelists!
Catherine House is a gothic-infused debut of literary suspense, set within a secluded, elite university and following a dangerously curious, rebellious undergraduate who uncovers a shocking secret about an exclusive circle of students...and the dark truth beneath her school’s promise of prestige.
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LibraryReads Votes Due: April 1, 2020
Elisabeth spoke at the LibraryReads Author Breakfast on Monday, January 27th. Watch her presentation below!
And here is Elisabeth at the HarperCollins booth on the show floor!
The Light of Days tells one of the most important stories of World War II: a spectacular, searing history that brings to light the extraordinary accomplishments of brave Jewish women who became resistance fighters—a group of unknown heroes whose exploits have never been chronicled in full, until now.
Find out more on Edelweiss+
LibraryReads Votes Due: May 1, 2020
Judy spoke at the United for Libraries Gala Author Tea on Sunday, January 26th. Watch her presentation below!
And here is Judy at the HarperCollins booth on the show floor!
Valentine is an astonishing debut novel that explores the lingering effects of a brutal crime on the women of one small Texas oil town in the 1970s.
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This week, I had the great honor of sitting down with Sarah Weinman, editor and curator of Unspeakable Acts, an upcoming anthology of modern true-crime writing that illustrates the appeal of this powerful and popular genre. We talked about all things true crime, including the method behind how Sarah picked the pieces included in this collection.
Listen to the podcast here:
Sarah also listed some of her latest true crime podcast listens:
Be sure to check out The Crime Lady Newsletter here and find out more about Sarah on her website here. We also mentioned the podcast In the Dark and Sarah's previous book The Real Lolita.
You can also download an egalley of Unspeakable Acts on Edelweiss and NetGalley now!
A big thank you to Sarah for coming on the podcast!
-Lainey
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This month, we featured several diverse titles in our Booklist ad. Find a list of titles included in the ad below.
Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey
Kid Quixotes by Stephen Haff
My Vanishing Country by Bakari Sellers
Black Bottom Saints by Alice Randall
The Son of Good Fortune by Lysley Tenorio
The Hispanic Republican by Geraldo Cadava
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson
Own the Arena by Katrina Adams
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Wandering in Strange Lands by Morgan Jerkins
Prey by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
The Color of Air by Gail Tsukiyama
Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig
The Aunt Who Wouldn't Die by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay
Mother Land by Leah Franqui
The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield
The Book of Rosy by Rosayra Pablo Cruz and Julie Schwietert Collazo
The Light of Days by Judy Batalion
Almond by Won-pyung Sohn
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
En busca de Emma by Armando Lucas Correa
The Library of Legends by Janie Chang
Missed Translations by Sopan Deb
Passage West by Rishi Reddi
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
The Death of Sitting Bear by N. Scott Momaday
Pulitzer Prize winner and celebrated American master N. Scott Momaday returns with a radiant collection of more than 100 new and selected poems rooted in Native American tradition.
The Nesting Dolls by Alina Adams
Then the Fish Swallowed Him by Amir Ahmadi Arian
The Compton Cowboys by Walter Thompson-Hernández
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
The Shape of Family by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
On the Corner of Hope and Main by Beverly Jenkins
¡Cuba libre!/Cuba libre (Spanish edition) by Tony Perrottet
Twisted by Emma Dabiri
Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev
You Ought to Do a Story About Me by Ted Jackson
No, You Shut Up by Symone D. Sanders
The Coyotes of Carthage by Steven Wright
Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin
Fear Is a Choice by James Conner, with Tiffany Yecke Brooks
Muslim Women Are Everything by Seema Yasmin and Illustrated by Fahmida Azim
The Gay Agenda by Ashley Molesso and Chess Needham
Infinitum by Tim Fielder
Other diverse titles:
Children of the Land by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo
Lakewood by Megan Giddings
The Only Child by Mi-ae Seo
This Is What America Looks Like by Ilhan Omar
Mixed Plate by Jo Koy
We're Better Than This by Elijah Cummings, with James Dale
Lot Six by David Adjmi
Chicano Eats by Esteban Castillo
Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline
Sand Talk by Tyson Yunkaporta
A paradigm-shifting book in the vein of Sapiens that brings a crucial Indigenous perspective to historical and cultural issues of history, education, money, power, and sustainability—and offers a new template for living.
The Lehman Trilogy by Stefano Massini
Magnificent in scope, internationally lauded, and transcendent, the novel in verse that inspired the sensational West End and Off-Broadway play of the same name. The Lehman Trilogy follows the epic rise and fall of three generations of that infamous family and through them tells the story of American ambition and hubris.
Separated by Jacob Soboroff
Say It Loud! by Tiffany Cross
The Florios of Sicily by Stefania Auci
Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai
A Taste of Sage by Yaffa S. Santos
We Want Our Bodies Back by jessica Care moore
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
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Hello, librarians!
We made it back from ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia! There were fantastic authors, thrilling book buzzes, and, of course, cheesesteaks! If you couldn't attend the show, do not fret: we recorded our world-famous book buzz, our three incredible author panelists, and all of our signing authors for your listening and viewing pleasure!
Below, you'll find our staff suggestions for the April LibraryReads List.
As a reminder, votes are due March 1st!
Happy reading!
-The LLF Team (Virginia, Chris, and Lainey)
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For fans of: Varina by Charles Frazier and
The Son by Philipp Meyer
The critically acclaimed, bestselling author of News of the World and Enemy Women returns to Texas in this atmospheric story, set at the end of the Civil War, about an itinerant fiddle player, a ragtag band of musicians with whom he travels trying to make a living, and the charming young Irish lass who steals his heart.
Listen to an audiobook sample below!
"Jiles brings her singular voice to the young couple's travails, her written word as lyrical and musical as Simon's bow raking over his strings. Loyal Jiles readers and fans of Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See (2014), and Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge (2008) will adore the author's latest masterpiece."
—Booklist review
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: The Feral Detective by Jonathan Lethem and
The Sellout by Paul Beatty
A blistering and thrilling debut—a biting exploration of American politics, set in a small South Carolina town, about a political operative running a dark money campaign for his corporate clients.
"The Coyotes of Carthage is at once timely and timeless, an astonishing and assured debut. Like two-faced Janus, it looks back at where we’ve been and forward to where we might be going. Steven Wright's novel should be required reading for 2020—or any year in which there’s an election at any level."
—Laura Lippman, New York Times bestselling author of The Lady in the Lake
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne and The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
In Alisha Rai’s second novel in her Modern Love series, following The Right Swipe, a live-tweet event goes viral for a camera-shy ex-model, shoving her into the spotlight—and into the arms of the bodyguard she’d been pining for.
"Rai follows up The Right Swipe with a sweet and spicy romance that delves into some deep issues of mental health for both main characters (severe anxiety and PTSD), as well as the effects of social media on people’s lives. Essential for public libraries."
—Library Journal review
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: Maid by Stephanie Land and
Dopesick by Beth Macy
A rising New York Times reporter tells the compelling story of the Compton Cowboys, a group of African-American men and women who defy stereotypes and continue the proud, centuries-old tradition of black cowboys in the heart of one of America’s most notorious cities.
"Thompson-Hernández's portrayal of Compton's black cowboys broadens our perception of Compton's young black residents, and connects the Compton Cowboys to the historical legacy of African Americans in the west. An eye-opening, moving book."
—Margot Lee Shetterly, New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Figures
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: Ghosted by Rosie Walsh and Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering
Resonant with the emotional power of the bestselling novels of David Nicholls and Jojo Moyes, a rich and poignant debut about lies, loss, and a transcendent love at the heart of a troubled marriage.
"Abbie Greaves held me spellbound with this intimate, emotional story of the brutal power of silence and ostracism. Yet this deep dive into a troubled marriage is ultimately uplifting as Frank and Maggie make their way through the challenges of isolation, mental health, aging, and the yearning for connection. Keep the tissues handy for this lovely read."
—Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Oysterville Sewing Circle
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell and
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks
From the New York Times bestselling author of A Simple Favor comes an electrifying domestic thriller of how one woman’s life is turned upside down when her brother brings his new girlfriend to visit—and no one is telling the truth about who they really are.
Listen to an audiobook sample below!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield and
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
From the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of the Angelology series comes a bewitching gothic novel of suspense that plunges readers into a world of dark family secrets, the mysteries of human genetics, and the burden of family inheritance.
"The Ancestor is a wonderful shape-shifter of a novel. One minute you’ll suppose you’re in a haunted house: think Shirley Jackson. The next, you’re transported into the sort of world Mary Shelley might have created for Frankenstein."
—Chris Bohjalian, bestselling author of The Flight Attendant and The Red Lotus
Click below to watch a video of Danielle Trussoni at ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: Still Me by Jojo Moyes and First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
From the wildly popular bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things comes a surprising and uplifting story about the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters, and the magic of chosen family.
Praise for The Keeper of Lost Things:
"Hogan’s writing has the soothing warmth of the cups of cocoa and tea her characters regularly dispense…old-fashioned storytelling with a sprinkling of magic."
—Kirkus Reviews
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: Sunburn by Laura Lippman
From New York Times bestselling author Kate White comes a gripping novel about one woman’s dangerous quest to recover lost memories someone would rather she never find.
"Provides the twists and shocks that any reader of domestic thrillers expects and savors, but she also manages to use some of our expectations to create clever dead ends.... An engaging novel that turns some clichés of recent thrillers on their heads."
—Kirkus Reviews
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
Also from the author: The Deepest Blue
In this epic standalone fantasy, the acclaimed author of the Queens of Renthia series introduces an imaginative new world in which a pair of strong and determined women risk their lives battling injustice, corruption, and deadly enemies in their quest to become monster racing champions.
"Durst imbues a thrill-filled story about monster racing with impressive thematic depth and a refreshing spectrum of female characters.... Durst consistently defies expectations in both plot and characterization while exploring sophisticated themes of found family, integrity, and morality. This excellent epic fantasy will appeal to adult fans of Tamora Pierce and Megan Whalen Turner."
—Publishers Weekly review
Click below to watch a video of Sarah Beth Durst at ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
Aaron Jackson
For fans of: Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson
In this enchanting first novel, an irrepressibly optimistic oddball orphan is thrust into the wilds of postwar New York City after an extraordinary childhood in a theater—Candide by way of John Irving, with a hint of Charles Dickens.
"Aaron Jackson's debut is a footlight parade of post war originals in a story that will break your heart and put it back together again with wisdom, hilarity and hope. August March is a misfit miracle. You will root for him every step of the way on his path to true love in this most glorious debut."
—Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of Tony's Wife
Click below to watch a video of Aaron Jackson at ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli and
Salt Houses by Hala Alyan
A sweeping, vibrant first novel following a family of Indian sharecroppers at the onset of World War I, revealing a little-known part of California history.
"Reddi’s engrossing first novel (after the collection Karma) explores the immigrant experience of Indian-Americans in early 20th-century California.... Reddi vividly evokes the landscape and the characters’ place in it, making the conclusion all the more wrenching. Reddi’s Steinbeck-ian tale adds a valuable contribution to the stories of immigrants in California."
—Publishers Weekly
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: Still Me by Jojo Moyes and Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins
The heartbreaking, yet hopeful story of a mother and daughter struggling to be a family without the one person who holds them together—a perfect summer read for fans of Jojo Moyes and Marisa de los Santos.
"You and Me and Us is that rare novel you want to savor even as you’re turning the pages as fast as possible. This poignant and heartrending story of a family redefining their roles in the face of a crisis made me smile and cry. Alison Hammer is an exciting new voice in women’s fiction, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next."
—Camille Pagán, bestselling author of I’m Fine and Neither Are You
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris and The Huntress by Kate Quinn
For readers of The Alice Network and The Lost Girls of Paris, an immersive, heart-pounding debut about a German heiress on the run in post-World War II Germany.
"Meticulously researched and plotted like a noir thriller, The German Heiress tells a different story of WWII— of characters grappling with their own guilt and driven by the question of what they could have done to change the past."
—Jessica Shattuck, New York Times bestselling author of The Women in the Castle
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: Dear America by Jose Antonio Vargas and
The Education of Eva Moskowitz by Eva Moskowitz
The unlikely yet inspiring true story of a teacher struggling with mental illness, a silent daughter of an undocumented mother, and the amazing one-room schoolhouse that helped them find their voices, heal their pain, and become empowering models of resilience.
"A kindhearted, engaging story of helping modern immigrant children via a 400-year-old classic text."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Educators, immigration activists, and school reformers will find inspiration in this frequently lyrical account."
—Publishers Weekly
Click below to watch a video of Stephen Haff at ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
Also from the author: The Other Miss Bridgerton and The Girl With The Make-Believe Husband
Continuing her delightful Bridgerton Prequel series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn presents the latest love story between the Bridgerton and Rokesby families.
Praise for Julia Quinn:
"Quinn is a master of historical romance."
—Entertainment Weekly
"Quinn’s clever dialogue makes the characters sparkle."
—Publishers Weekly
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For fans of: The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne and What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell
Set in early 1980s Poland against the violent decline of communism, a tender and passionate story of first love between two young men who eventually find themselves on opposite sides of the political divide—a stunningly poetic and heartrending literary debut for fans of André Aciman and Alan Hollinghurst.
"Tomasz Jedrowski is a remarkable writer, alive to the ramifications of history and politics, in which the violence of a corrupt state can never fully stamp out the flourishing of beauty, grace, and resistance."
—Justin Torres, bestselling author of We the Animals
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
Growing Old by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
For fans of: Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson
From the revered author of the bestselling The Hidden Life of Dogs, a witty, engaging, life-affirming account of the joy, strength, and wisdom that comes with age.
"Octogenarian Thomas tackles old age in this clever and astute memoir.... Thomas is an inspiring example of a life well lived, and her sense of humor, honesty, and curiosity will resonate."
—Publisher’s Weekly review
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LibraryReads Votes Due: March 1, 2020
For more great reading suggestions for April, check out our
April LibraryReads Suggestions Edelweiss catalog!
The deadline to submit your votes is March 1!
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We hope you enjoy the books! For more information about LibraryReads, visit their website. Remember: Vote early! Vote often!
-Chris
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Jessica recently appeared on Today, which you can watch above. This is a powerful video that pulls back the curtain on the trappings of celebrity. In this case, the celebrity is Jessica Simpson. Fans will love Open Book. But one does not need to be familiar with this artist’s work to appreciate what she has been through and how incredibly raw, honest, and vulnerable she is in her memoir and in this interview. Unforgettable.
-V
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On the podcast this week, we welcome back William Morrow Executive Editor Lucia Macro for a conversation with author Elise Hooper. Elise and Lucia have worked on three books together: The Other Alcott, Learning to See, and her upcoming historical fiction title Fast Girls. In the episode they discuss the amazing female Olympic athletes behind Fast Girls. Take a listen and find some of Elise's photos from her research while writing this book below.
Elise was kind enough to send photographs she collected.
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You voted, they counted, and the winners have finally been announced!
This month, we are thrilled to share that Mercy House by Alena Dillon and The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa have been selected for the February LibraryReads list!
Want to know how the authors reacted to being selected for the February LibraryReads list? We called each of them to let them know about the big news! Click below to listen!
Click here to see the full list.
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"In Mercy House, Alena Dillon gives us one of fiction’s more unlikely lovable heroines: elderly, dynamic Sister Evelyn, whose tale—and that of her housemates—is as unexpected as it is moving. This is a thoughtful, accomplished debut."
—Therese Anne Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald
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"Sosa handles alternating viewpoints with perfect aplomb as she once again deftly dishes up for lucky readers another irresistibly fun romance spiced with a zesty sense of humor and spiked with love scenes as hot as the ghost chilis that pepper the Brazilian cuisine featured in this tantalizing tale of love, family, and friendship."
—Booklist review
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***
Thanks to all who participated and submitted votes for the February LibraryReads list!
Be sure to submit your votes for the March LibraryReads list by February 1st. Click here to find out what we're recommending!
Click here to learn more about LibraryReads.
-Chris
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Happy New Year, librarians!
We are thrilled to share our staff suggestions for the March LibraryReads list. This month, our picks include three powerful debut novels—Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore, My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell, and Lakewood by Megan Giddings—the latest from previous LibraryReads winners Louise Erdrich and Peter Swanson, and so much more. Keep reading to learn more about all of these special titles.
Remember, votes for the March LibraryReads list are due February 1st!
Happy reading!
-The LLF Team (Virginia, Chris, and Lainey)
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Librarian Praise for Elizabeth Wetmore's Valentine
Reading Suggestions for March
For fans of: My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent and
The Leavers by Lisa Ko
Written with the haunting emotional power of Elizabeth Strout and Barbara Kingsolver, an astonishing debut novel that explores the lingering effects of a brutal crime on the women of one small Texas oil town in the 1970s.
Listen to an audiobook sample below!
"Stirring.... Wetmore poetically weaves the landscape of Odessa and the internal lives of her characters, whose presence remains vivid after the last page is turned. This moving portrait of West Texas oil country evokes the work of Larry McMurtry and John Sayles with strong, memorable female voices."
—Publishers Weekly review
"Fierce and complex, Valentine is a novel of moral urgency and breathtaking prose. This is the very definition of a stunning debut."
—Ann Patchett, New York Times bestselling author of The Dutch House
Click below to listen to an interview with Elizabeth Wetmore!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent and
The Girls by Emma Cline
Exploring the psychological dynamics of the relationship between a precocious yet naïve teenage girl and her magnetic and manipulative teacher, a brilliant, all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.
"Russell’s debut is a rich psychological study of the aftermath of abuse...[and] a devastating cultural portrait of enablement and the harm we allow young women to shoulder. 'The excuses we make for them are outrageous,' Vanessa concludes about abusive men, 'but they’re nothing compared with the ones we make for ourselves.' A gut-wrenching debut."
—Kirkus Reviews review
Click below to listen to an interview between Kate Elizabeth Russell and her editor!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Also from the author: Future Home of the Living God, LaRose, and The Round House
Based on the extraordinary life of National Book Award-winning author Louise Erdrich’s grandfather who worked as a night watchman and carried the fight against Native dispossession from rural North Dakota all the way to Washington, D.C., this powerful novel explores themes of love and death with lightness and gravity and unfolds with the elegant prose, sly humor, and depth of feeling of a master craftsman.
"Through the personalities and predicaments of her many charismatic characters, and through rapturous descriptions of winter landscapes and steaming meals, sustaining humor and spiritual visitations, Erdrich traces the indelible traumas of racism and sexual violence and celebrates the vitality and depth of Chippewa life."
—Booklist review
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza and Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
From the internationally bestselling author of Secret Daughter and The Golden Son comes a poignant, unforgettable novel about a family’s growing apart and coming back together in the wake of tragedy.
Listen to an audiobook sample below!
"This beautifully written, poignant novel explores how one loving family deals with an unspeakable tragedy. It's a novel about race and culture, parents and siblings, marriage and love, but most of all, it's about finding hope after darkness. Shilpi Somaya Gowda is a compassionate and wise storyteller who keeps us riveted from beginning to end."
—Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee and Girl in Translation
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: The Power by Naomi Alderman and Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
A startling debut about class and race, Lakewood evokes a terrifying world of medical experimentation—part The Handmaid’s Tale, part The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
"Chilling.... Giddings is a writer with a vivid imagination and a fresh eye both of the body and of society. This eerie debut provides a deep character study spiked with a dose of horror."
—Publishers Weekly
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: French Exit by Patrick deWitt and How Hard Can It Be? by Allison Pearson
From the bestselling author of Animal Husbandry comes a hilarious novel about a wife and mother whose life is unraveling and the well-intentioned but increasingly disastrous steps she takes to course-correct her relationships, her career, and her belief in herself.
Listen to an audiobook sample below!
"Sometimes a book finds its way to you and you just know instantly that this is the book you need now. That’s how I feel about Separation Anxiety. I think it’s the book everyone needs right now. It is compassionate and funny, articulating with gentle humor the terrible things that we’re all grappling with. To steal a phrase from my daughter, it made me happy-cry."
—Laura Lippman, New York Times bestselling author of Lady in the Lake
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
Also from the author: Before She Knew Him, All the Beautiful Lies, and Her Every Fear
From the hugely talented author of Before She Knew Him comes a chilling tale of psychological suspense and an homage to the thriller genre tailor-made for fans: the story of a bookseller who finds himself at the center of an FBI investigation because a very clever killer has started using his list of fiction’s most ingenious murders.
Listen to an audiobook sample below!
"A devilish premise combined with jaw-dropping execution…. Mystery fans will be salivating as the plot unfolds, trying to outsmart the confoundingly unreliable narrative…. Swanson hits every note in this homage to the old-school crime novel, and the turnabout ending will leave readers reeling in delight."
—Booklist review
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
The critically acclaimed author of Lovecraft Country returns with a thrilling and immersive virtual reality epic—part cyberthriller, part twisted romantic comedy—that transports you to a world where identity is fluid and nothing can be taken at face value.
"The action inside the virtual gaming world is sleek and exciting, but the extrapolation of identity, friendship, and human relationships makes the narrative shine. Offer to readers who enjoyed the nostalgia and game action of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One (2011) or the intricate evolution of an increasingly online population in L.X. Beckett’s Gamechanger (2019)."
—Booklist review
Click below to listen to an interview between Matt Ruff and LLF's Chris Connolly!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: The Ensemble by Aja Gabel and That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam
From the beloved author of When You Read This, a smart, sharply observed novel about gender and class on a contemporary Southern college campus in the spirit of The Female Persuasion and Prep.
"Adkins' writing provides a multifaceted portrayal of campus life and politics in the #MeToo era.... A timely and resonant novel."
—Kirkus Reviews
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella and My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
The internationally bestselling author of Don't You Forget About Me returns with another heartfelt romantic comedy perfect for fans of Josie Silver, Sophie Kinsella, and Sally Thorne.
"Mhairi McFarlane’s voice is as clear as a bell—she makes you laugh, but she also makes you feel. I adore her!"
—Sally Thorne, USA Today bestselling author of The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For more great reading suggestions for March,
check out our March LibraryReads Suggestions Edelweiss catalog!
The deadline to submit your votes is February 1!
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We hope you enjoy the books! For more information about LibraryReads, visit their website. Remember: Vote early! Vote often!
-Chris
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Dearest librarians, who's excited? ALA Midwinter 2020 is almost here! We're thrilled to have a wonderful line-up of authors and events, not to mention our world-famous Adult Book Buzz, where exciting upcoming titles, snacks, and sound machines come hand-in-hand(-in hand). Use our schedule below to mark your calendars so you don't miss a thing!
ALA Midwinter 2020
Saturday, January 25, 2020
The big day is almost here. On Saturday, January 25th, the Library Love Fest Team will be up bright and early to buzz about all the can't-miss Summer and Fall 2020 titles coming from HarperCollins. If you haven't yet RSVP'd, now is your chance!
Refreshments will be served and seating is limited,
so RSVP today!
HarperCollins Adult Book Buzz
Saturday, January 25, 2020
8:30-10:00am EST
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Terrace II Ballroom
Find the Handout here!
Check out our full ALA Midwinter 2020 schedule below!
Booth #1148
Saturday, January 25
10:30-11:30am
Julie Schwietert Collazo & Rosayra Pablo Cruz / The Book of Rosy
Booth signing
11:30am-12:30pm
Aaron Jackson / The Astonishing Life of August March
Booth signing
1:00-2:00pm
Elizabeth Wetmore / Valentine
Booth signing
2:00-3:00pm
Patty Dann / The Wright Sister
Booth signing
3:00-4:00pm
Danielle Trussoni / The Ancestor
Booth signing
3:00-4:00pm
LibraryReads Program: Debut Authors Panel
with Elizabeth Wetmore / Valentine
PCC, Room 126-B
Sunday, January 26
11:00am-12:00pm
Stephen Haff / Kid Quixotes
Booth signing
12:00-1:00pm
Judy Batalion / The Light of Days
Booth signing
1:00-2:00pm
Sarah Beth Durst / Race the Sands
Booth signing
1:45-2:30pm
BONUS BOOK BUZZ
Book Buzz Theater with Workman, Norton, & Sterling
2:00-4:00pm
UFL Gala Author Tea
with Judy Batalion / The Light of Days
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Grand Ballroom H-I-J
1200 Filbert Street
For more info, visit ala.org/united
2:15-3:00pm
David Heska Wanbli Weiden / Winter Counts
Booth signing
3:00-4:00pm
Elisabeth Thomas / Catherine House
Booth signing
Monday, January 27
8:30-10:00am
LibraryReads Author Breakfast
with Elisabeth Thomas / Catherine House
Philadelphia Marriot Downtown
Grand Ballroom H-I-J
1200 Filbert Street
Find tickets here: https://bit.ly/2E5efOt
10:10-10:40am
BONUS BOOK BUZZ
Book Buzz Theater with Harlequin
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This week's episode of The Library Love Fest Podcast is packed with announcements! First, we announced the three HarperCollins books that were selected for the January LibraryReads list: Highfire by Eoin Colfer; All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White; and Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey. We were fortunate to get Eoin Colfer and Tessa Bailey on the phone to congratulate them. They were so excited to hear the news. We also had a lovely audio clip from #TeamW, where Beatriz and Karen called Lauren to tell her the good news. Finally, we signed off with our new voicemail number: 212-207-7773. Give us a call, leave a message, and we might use it on the show! This week, we would love to hear from you if you voted for any of these titles for LibraryReads and why you loved the book!
Be sure to listen to the episode below:
A few links related to the show:
-Tessa Bailey has a romance podcast, Read Me Romance. Each week, they play original romance audiobooks from your favorite authors. Check it out here.
-Find Eoin's tour schedule here.
-You can also find a clip from the audiobooks of each title here: Highfire, Love Her or Lose Her, and All the Ways We Said Goodbye.
Did you vote on one of these titles? What did you love about it? Give us a call (212-207-7773) or tag us on social.
-Lainey
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You voted, they counted, and the winners have finally been announced!
This month, we are thrilled to share that All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White, Highfire by Eoin Colfer, and Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey have been selected for the January LibraryReads list!
Want to know how the authors reacted to being selected for the January LibraryReads list? We called each of them to let them know about the big news! Click below to listen!
Click here to see the full list.
***
"Full of heart and intrigue, the authors' latest collaboration captures women's perseverance and how history
connects us all."
—Booklist
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"Witty, well-developed characters, action, and fantastic violence from the author of the 'Artemis Fowl' series will appeal to a wide range of readers."
—Library Journal
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"Bailey once again hits it out of the park in this companion novel to Fix Her Up (2018) that can be read as a standalone.... Perfect for fans looking for a sexy romp with a side of heart."
—Booklist
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***
Thanks to all who participated and submitted votes for the January LibraryReads list!
Be sure to submit your votes for the February LibraryReads list by January 1st. Click here to find out what we're recommending!
Click here to learn more about LibraryReads.
-Chris
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On this week's episode of The Library Love Fest Podcast, Executive Editor Rachel Kahan interviews author Leah Franqui. Leah is the critically acclaimed author of America for Beginners. Her second book, Mother Land, is a wonderfully insightful, witty, and heart-piercing novel, set in Mumbai, about an impulsive American woman, her headstrong Indian mother-in-law, and the unexpected twists and turns of life that bond them.
Check out the interview below:
Be sure to download an egalley below. You can also follow Leah's blogging adventures about sewing and living abroad in India here.
Be sure to check out Mother Land, available on July 14, 2020.
-Lainey
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Hello, librarians!
2020 is shaping up to be an incredible year of reading. Below, you will find our staff suggestions for the February and March LibraryReads lists. We can't wait to hear what you think!
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For fans of: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and
An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena
For fans of Liane Moriarty, Liv Constantine, and Lisa Jewell, a twisty psychological thriller about a savvy second wife who will do almost anything to come out on top—from the New York Times bestselling author of Behind Her Eyes.
"Soapy drama, illicit love affairs, [and] tension as stifling as the Georgia summer heat…. With Dead to Her, Pinborough plants her flag as the master of seductively sinister suspense. This absorbing tale will satisfy and even surprise fans of Jennifer McMahon and Gillian Flynn."
—Booklist review
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LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
For fans of: I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh and
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
From the Edgar Award®-winning author of Under A Dark Sky comes an unforgettable, chilling novel about a young woman who recognizes the man who kidnapped her as a child, setting off a search for justice, and into danger.
"Another harrowing nightmare by a master of the sleepless night."
—Kirkus Reviews
Click below to listen to an interview between Lori Rader-Day and her editor!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
For fans of: 300 Days of Sun by Deborah Lawrenson and
Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan
A powerful debut novel of a refuge in Brooklyn for women in trouble—and the one woman who will risk all to protect them.
"In Mercy House, Alena Dillon gives us one of fiction’s more unlikely lovable heroines: elderly, dynamic Sister Evelyn, whose tale—and that of her housemates—is as unexpected as it is moving. This is a thoughtful, accomplished debut."
—Therese Anne Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald
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LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
For fans of: Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs and Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins
The first novel in a new series from bestselling author Nan Rossiter tells the moving story of a couple struggling to start a family and the young foster girl with a heart condition who changes their lives forever.
"A multi-leveled, beautifully written story that will glow in readers’ hearts long after the last page is turned."
—Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of Life and Other Inconveniences and Good Luck with That
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LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
For fans of: The Plotters by Un-su Kim and My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
An eerie and absorbing novel following a criminal psychologist who has discovered shocking and possibly dangerous connections between a serial killer and her stepdaughter.
"Wholly absorbing, but without any pandering on the author's part, so that the language, the style, and the mood grow about you, as you slip deeper into the story and realize, quite suddenly, you are immersed. An eerie, electrifying read."
—Josh Malerman, New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box
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LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
For fans of: Ball Lightning by Cixin Liu and Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
In this extraordinary stand-alone novel, the authors and translator of Vita Nostra—a "dark Harry Potter on steroids with a hefty dose of metaphysics" (award-winning author Aliette de Bodard)—return with a story about creation, music, and companionship filled with their hallmark elements of subtle magic and fantasy.
"This novel will appeal to those who like dark fantasy quests."
—Booklist
Click below to listen to Harper Voyager U.S. Editorial Director David Pomerico discuss Daughter from the Dark and other can't-miss sci-fi and fantasy titles!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
Also from the author: The Next to Die and Keep Her Safe
The New York Times bestselling author of The Monogram Murders and Woman with a Secret returns with a sharp, captivating, and expertly plotted tale of psychological suspense.
"No one writes twisted, suspenseful novels quite like Sophie Hannah."
—Liane Moriarty
"Her plots are ingenious—she’s a writer in complete command of her material—and it’s O.K. if you haven’t quite kept up. She keeps you puzzled and intrigued, right until the end."
—New York Times Book Review
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LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
For fans of: No Exit by Taylor Adams and
The Boy by Tami Hoag
Packed with the electrifying pacing and pulse-pounding suspense of Harlan Coben and Lisa Gardner, a thrilling debut about a mother desperate to find the connections between her missing husband and a deadly stalker who knows too much about her own dark family history.
"An extraordinary thriller from a debut author that may well become the book everyone is talking about, come February.... This one glows in dark."
—Booklist review
Click below to listen to LLF's Virginia Stanley read an excerpt from No Bad Deed!
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LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
For fans of: 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne and The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
Critically acclaimed author Mia Sosa delivers a sassy, steamy enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy about a woman whose new job requires her to work side-by-side with the best man who ruined her wedding: her ex-fiancé's infuriating, irritating, annoyingly handsome brother.
"Smart, emotional, and sexy, this delightfully modern love story hits all the right notes. Sosa knows exactly what romance readers want, and delivers at every turn."
—Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author of Passion on Park Avenue
"Sosa handles alternating viewpoints with perfect aplomb as she once again deftly dishes up for lucky readers another irresistibly fun romance spiced with a zesty sense of humor and spiked with love scenes as hot as the ghost chilis that pepper the Brazilian cuisine featured in this tantalizing tale of love, family, and friendship."
—Booklist review
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LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
For fans of: Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel and The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone
A fascinating history of the rise and fall of influential Gilded Age magazine McClure’s and the two unlikely outsiders at its helm—as well as a timely, full-throated defense of investigative journalism in America.
"In an era newly-conscious of journalism driven by exposing wrongdoing, Citizen Reporters stands as an essential read of America’s long history with reporting on urgent matters of social justice."
—Eliza Griswold, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Amity and Prosperity
Request the egalley from Edelweiss+
LibraryReads Votes Due: January 1, 2020
For more great reading suggestions for February,
check out our February LibraryReads Suggestions Edelweiss catalog!
The deadline to submit your votes is January 1!
Looking ahead: Reading Suggestions for March
For fans of: My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent and The Girls by Emma Cline
Exploring the psychological dynamics of the relationship between a precocious yet naïve teenage girl and her magnetic and manipulative teacher, a brilliant, all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.
"Russell’s debut is a rich psychological study of the aftermath of abuse...[and] a devastating cultural portrait of enablement and the harm we allow young women to shoulder. 'The excuses we make for them are outrageous,' Vanessa concludes about abusive men, 'but they’re nothing compared with the ones we make for ourselves.' A gut-wrenching debut."
—Kirkus Reviews review
Click below to listen to an interview between Kate Elizabeth Russell and her editor!
Request the egalley from Edelweiss+
Request the egalley from NetGalley
LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
Also from the author: Future Home of the Living God, LaRose, and The Round House
Based on the extraordinary life of National Book Award-winning author Louise Erdrich’s grandfather who worked as a night watchman and carried the fight against Native dispossession from rural North Dakota all the way to Washington, D.C., this powerful novel explores themes of love and death with lightness and gravity and unfolds with the elegant prose, sly humor, and depth of feeling of a master craftsman.
Request the egalley from Edelweiss+
Request the egalley from NetGalley
LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: The Power by Naomi Alderman and Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
A startling debut about class and race, Lakewood evokes a terrifying world of medical experimentation—part The Handmaid’s Tale, part The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
"Chilling.... Giddings is a writer with a vivid imagination and a fresh eye both of the body and of society. This eerie debut provides a deep character study spiked with a dose of horror."
—Publishers Weekly
Request the egalley from Edelweiss+
Request the egalley from NetGalley
LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: French Exit by Patrick deWitt and How Hard Can It Be? by Allison Pearson
From the bestselling author of Animal Husbandry comes a hilarious novel about a wife and mother whose life is unraveling and the well-intentioned but increasingly disastrous steps she takes to course-correct her relationships, her career, and her belief in herself.
"Sometimes a book finds its way to you and you just know instantly that this is the book you need now. That’s how I feel about Separation Anxiety. I think it’s the book everyone needs right now. It is compassionate and funny, articulating with gentle humor the terrible things that we’re all grappling with. To steal a phrase from my daughter, it made me happy-cry."
—Laura Lippman, New York Times bestselling author of Lady in the Lake
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
Also from the author: Before She Knew Him, All the Beautiful Lies, and Her Every Fear
From the hugely talented author of Before She Knew Him comes a chilling tale of psychological suspense and an homage to the thriller genre tailor-made for fans: the story of a bookseller who finds himself at the center of an FBI investigation because a very clever killer has started using his list of fiction’s most ingenious murders.
"A devilish premise combined with jaw-dropping execution…. Mystery fans will be salivating as the plot unfolds, trying to outsmart the confoundingly unreliable narrative…. Swanson hits every note in this homage to the old-school crime novel, and the turnabout ending will leave readers reeling in delight."
—Booklist review
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
The critically acclaimed author of Lovecraft Country returns with a thrilling and immersive virtual reality epic—part cyberthriller, part twisted romantic comedy—that transports you to a world where identity is fluid and nothing can be taken at face value.
"Ruff’s newest technothriller is an exciting page-turner that delves into the online gaming world and should appeal to both veterans and newbies. For fans of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One and Marie Lu’s 'Warcross' series."
—Library Journal
Click below to listen to an interview between Matt Ruff and LLF's Chris Connolly!
Request the egalley from Edelweiss+
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: The Ensemble by Aja Gabel and That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam
From the beloved author of When You Read This, a smart, sharply observed novel about gender and class on a contemporary Southern college campus in the spirit of The Female Persuasion and Prep.
"Adkins' writing provides a multifaceted portrayal of campus life and politics in the #MeToo era.... A timely and resonant novel."
—Kirkus Reviews
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LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For fans of: Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella and My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
The internationally bestselling author of Don't You Forget About Me returns with another heartfelt romantic comedy perfect for fans of Josie Silver, Sophie Kinsella, and Sally Thorne.
"Mhairi McFarlane’s voice is as clear as a bell—she makes you laugh, but she also makes you feel. I adore her!"
—Sally Thorne, USA Today bestselling author of The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine
Request the egalley from Edelweiss+
Request the egalley from NetGalley
LibraryReads Votes Due: February 1, 2020
For more great reading suggestions for March,
check out our March LibraryReads Suggestions Edelweiss catalog!
The deadline to submit your votes is February 1!
***
We hope you enjoy the books! For more information about LibraryReads, visit their website. Remember: Vote early! Vote often!
-Chris
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Today we welcome a guest post by Anika Scott, author of The German Heiress. Propulsive, meticulously researched, and action-fueled, The German Heiress is a mesmerizing page-turner that questions the meaning of justice and morality, deftly shining the spotlight on the often-overlooked perspective of Germans who were caught in the crossfire of the Nazi regime and had nowhere to turn.
“Anika Scott’s epic novel offers a captivating tour through the reckoning years that followed WWII when clarifying identities, unearthing truths, and facing judgements was the only way to rebuild a life.” —Devin Murphy, nationally bestselling author of The Boat Runner
A warm welcome to Anika Scott:
When I was a kid, we didn’t have much money. Raising me alone wasn’t easy for my mom; I could read by age 4, she told me, and from there, it was hard to keep up with all the stuff about the world I demanded to know. The library had the answers, and I dived in, dragging home bags full of books, or riding the bus home with a stack of books held steady by my chin.
I was an adult when Mom began working at our hometown library. At last, I got a glimpse behind the front counter. I followed her into the forbidden realm of cubicles decorated with librarian cartoons. I encountered trolleys stacked with books to be sorted and shelved. New books, old books, books with a torn page or a loose binding, needing care.
Before my debut novel The German Heiress was taken on by my publisher, the library was the only bookish place where I had a glimpse behind the curtain. I’d seen where books end up, and now I’ve had the joy of seeing where they’re created. But the true origin of The German Heiress was my imagination, and that was nurtured when I was a kid roaming the stacks at my neighborhood library.
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Thank you, Anika! Download an egalley below.
Be sure to check out The German Heiress, available on April 7, 2020.
-Lainey
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Little Gods is an unforgettable debut that is both ambitious and deeply intimate. It follows a young woman, Liya, who, after the sudden death of her enigmatic physicist mother Su Lan, travels to China to discover the truth behind her origins. After I finished this story, after following Meng down this lyrical, non-linear rabbit hole of ambition, motherhood, memory, time, and space, I found myself continually drawn back to the book. Trust me: this novel will STICK with you. It was such a joy to talk to Meng and dive deep into her history, her process, and the incredible amount of thought and care she put into this debut novel. You can listen to the interview below.
You can also find out more by reading this Behind the Book essay!
Request the egalley on either Edelweiss+ or NetGalley below:
Check out some of the praise for Little Gods:
"Artfully composed and emotionally searing, Jin’s debut about lost girls, bottomless ambition, and the myriad ways family members can hurt and betray one another is gripping from beginning to end. This is a beautiful, intensely moving debut."
—Publishers Weekly review
"With precocious dexterity, Jin...adroitly privileges her readers with a haunting omniscience she denies her characters, giving voice to Liya’s first caregiver and the runaway stranger whose genes are Liya's dubious legacy. Skillfully revealed, exquisitely rendered, Jin’s first novel undoubtedly presages future success."
—Booklist review
Hope you enjoyed the episode!
-Chris
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You voted, they counted, and the winners have finally been announced!
We are thrilled to share that The Dutch House by Ann Patchett has been selected for the LibraryReads Voter Favorites 2019 list!
Click here to see the full list.
***
returns with her most powerful novel to date: a richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go.
"Patchett’s splendid novel is a thoughtful, compassionate exploration of obsession and forgiveness, what people acquire, keep, lose or give away, and what they leave behind."
—Publishers Weekly review
***
Congratulations, Ann!
Thanks to all who participated and submitted votes for the LibraryReads Voter Favorites 2019 list! Be sure to submit your votes for the February LibraryReads list by January 1st. You can see our recommendations here. Click here to learn more about LibraryReads.
-Chris
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