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.
Robin also said she advises people to search 'story tropes' online in order to find helpful Goodreads lists.
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!
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:
Weird but Normal by Mia Mercado -Watch the hilarious video we mentioned here. It gives you a great idea of the wit and charm that comes alive in the pages of Weird but Normal.
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!
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!
Elisabeth Thomas, author of Catherine House 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.
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!
Judy Batalion, author of The Light of Days 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.
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!
Elizabeth Wetmore, author of Valentine 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.
Elizabeth spoke at the LibraryReads Debut Authors Panel on Saturday, January 25th. Watch her presentation below!
And here is Elizabeth at the HarperCollins booth on the show floor!
Meet Our Other Incredible ALA Midwinter Signing Authors!
The Book of Rosy by Rosayra Pablo Cruz and Julie Schwietert Collazo A searing tale of the human lives behind the Trump administration-made immigration crisis, written by two remarkable mothers.
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.
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.
The Astonishing Life of August March by Aaron Jackson
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.
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.
An epistolary novel of historical fiction that imagines the life of Katharine Wright and her relationship with her famous brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright.
An addictive and groundbreaking debut thriller set on a Native American reservation that follows a local enforcer who finds himself facing off with dangerous drug cartels.
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.
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.
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.
What J. D. Vance did for Appalachia with Hillbilly Elegy, CNN analyst and one of the youngest state representatives in South Carolina history Bakari Sellers does for the rural South, in this important book that illuminates the lives of America’s forgotten black working-class men and women.
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.
A bighearted debut novel following an undocumented Filipino teenager as he redefines his relationships with his mother, his culture, and the place he calls home.
An illuminating and thought-provoking history of the growth of Hispanic American Republican voters in the past half century and their surprising impact on US politics.
For the first time, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson opens up about his amazing comeback—from tragic personal loss to thriving businessman and cable’s highest-paid executive—in this unique self-help guide, his first since his blockbuster New York Times bestseller The 50th Law.
From the former President and CEO of the United States Tennis Association—the first black woman and youngest person ever to hold the position—comes a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership skills involved in hosting the U.S. Open, the largest and most lucrative sports event in the world—lessons that can be applied across business and to any life challenge.
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.
The New York Times bestselling author of Infidel, Nomad, and Heretic analyzes how waves of Islamic immigration are ushering in massive cultural changes and transforming sexual politics in Western Europe.
From the New York Times bestselling author of Women of the Silk and The Samurai's Garden comes a gorgeous and evocative historical novel about a Japanese-American family set against the backdrop of Hawaii's sugar plantations.
A memoir-in-essays from Rebekah Taussig, disability advocate and creator of the Instagram account @sitting_pretty, reflecting on identity, accessibility, and representation and processing a lifetime of memories to paint a more beautiful, nuanced portrait of a body that looks and moves differently than most.
From the critically acclaimed author of America for Beginners, 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.
The #1 Sunday Times bestseller—a remarkable story of the heroic and unbreakable bond between a father and son that is as inspirational as The Tattooist of Auschwitz and as mesmerizing as The Choice.
The Book of Rosy by Rosayra Pablo Cruz and Julie Schwietert Collazo
A searing tale of the human lives behind the Trump administration-made immigration crisis, written by two remarkable mothers—a Central American woman whose children were taken from her by the United States government at the southern border, and the American who helped reunite the family—and offers a timely and urgent look at a migrant experience, family separation and reunification, and the power of individuals banding together to overcome even the cruelest and most unjust circumstances.
One of the most important stories of World War II, already optioned by Steven Spielberg for a major motion picture: 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.
The Emissary meets The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime in this poignant and triumphant story about how love, friendship, and persistence can change a life forever.
RITA Award Winning author Alexis Daria brings readers an unforgettable, hilarious rom-com set in the drama-filled world of telenovelas—perfect for fans of Jane the Virgin and The Kiss Quotient.
The first book from the Editor-in-Chief of People en Español, En busca de Emma is the moving story of two fathers that overcame incredible obstacles to bring their daughter into this world that is both a personal acccount of the building of a 21st-century family, as well as a universal tale of love.
From the author of Three Souls and Dragon Springs Road comes a captivating historical novel—the third in a loosely-connected trilogy—in which a young woman travels across China with a convoy of student refugees, fleeing the hostilities of a brutal war with Japan.
A bittersweet and humorous memoir of family—of the silence and ignorance that separate us, and the blood and stories that connect us—from an award-winning New York Times writer and comedian.
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.
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.
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.
Spanning nearly a century, from 1930s Siberia to contemporary Brighton Beach, a page turning, epic family saga centering on three generations of women in one Russian Jewish family—each striving to break free of fate and history, each yearning for love and personal fulfillment—and how the consequences of their choices ripple through time.
An critically-acclaimed Iranian author makes his American literary debut with this powerful and harrowing psychological portrait of modern Iran—an unprecedented and urgent work of fiction with echoes of The Stranger, 1984, and The Orphan Master’s Son—that exposes the oppressive and corrosive power of the state to bend individual lives.
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.
Talia Hibbert returns with another charming romantic comedy about a young woman who agrees to fake date her friend after a video of him “rescuing” her from their office building goes viral.
From the international 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.
NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins celebrates her beloved Blessings series with a heartwarming novel set in Henry Adams, Kansas.
From Guardian contributor and prominent BBC race correspondent Emma Dabiri comes a timely and resonant essay collection exploring the ways in which black hair has been appropriated and stigmatized throughout history, with ruminations on body politics, race, pop culture, and Dabiri’s own journey to loving her hair.
From the author of Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors comes another clever, deeply layered, and heartwarming romantic comedy that follows in the Jane Austen tradition—this time, with a twist on Persuasion.
The heartbreaking and redemptive story of a fallen-from-grace NFL player discovered by a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist on the streets of New Orleans, and the transformative friendship that binds them.
In this rousing call to leadership, the self-described millennial spokesperson for the culture, CNN’s designated "woke AF" former commentator, and the youngest national press secretary in the history of the United States shares her take-no-prisoners approach to life, politics, and career success, and shows a new generation how to be loud and powerful in their own right.
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.
Emmy Award winner, renowned lawyer and journalist, and The View cohost Sunny Hostin makes her literary debut with this dazzling novel about a life-changing summer along the beaches of Martha's Vineyard.
ACC Player of the Year and star Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner recounts his devastating struggle with cancer, revealing the lessons he drew from his miraculous recovery and his extraordinary comeback.
A full-color illustrated collection of riveting, inspiring, and stereotype-shattering stories that reveal the beauty, diversity, and strength of Muslim women both past and present.
A joyful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s development, history, and culture, packed with facts, trivia, timelines, and charts, and featuring 100 full-color illustrations.
Sure to become a treasured collectible, a gorgeous, groundbreaking, full-color Afrofuturist graphic novel that captures the spirit of the record-breaking film Black Panther and its mantra “Wakanda Forever.”
This unforgettable memoir from a prize-winning poet about growing up undocumented in the United States recounts the sorrows and joys of a family torn apart by draconian policies and chronicles one young man’s attempt to build a future in a nation that denies his existence.
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.
An eerie and absorbing novel following a criminal psychologist who has discovered shocking and possibly dangerous connections between a serial killer and her stepdaughter.
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.
A hilarious, fearlessly honest, and profoundly relevant memoir by superstar Filipino-American comedian internationally celebrated for his family-inspired humor.
Part memoir, part call-to-action, Elijah Cummings' final words present a behind the scenes look at the House Democratic leadership, offering an eye-opening account of the relentless and unprecedented obstructionism by both the President and GOP.
Acclaimed playwright and winner of the 2011 Guggenheim Fellowship considers his adolescence as a Syrian Jew in Brooklyn and the cultural figures—from Jean Paul Gaultier to Alfred Hitchcock to Friedrich Nietzsche—who impressed and influenced his development and his dreams.
The creator of the popular Chicano Eats blog and winner of the Saveur Best New Voice People’s Choice Award takes us on a delicious tour through the diverse flavors and foods of Chicano cuisine—Mexican food with an immigrant sensibility that weaves seamlessly between Mexican and American genres and cultures.
A bold and brilliant new indigenous voice in contemporary literature makes her American debut with this kinetic, imaginative, and sensuous fable inspired by the traditional Canadian Métis legend of the Rogarou—a werewolf-like creature that haunts the roads and woods of native people’s communities.
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.
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.
NBC News and MSNBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff, winner of the 2019 Walter Cronkite Award for his reporting on the child separation crisis, delivers a profoundly personal and moving report from the border and beyond, revealing the wrenching human story behind one of the most disturbing passages of modern American history.
A breakout media and political analyst delivers a sweeping snapshot of American Democracy and the role that African Americans have played in its shaping while offering concrete information to help harness the electoral power of the country’s rising majority and exposing political forces aligned to subvert and suppress Black voters.
A grand, sweeping international bestseller that captures the many lives of Italy’s greatest family, the Florios, from their humble origins as Sicilian shopkeepers to their dominance as titans of industry.
In Alisha Rai’s second novel in her Modern Love series, 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.
From talented new writer, Yaffa S. Santos, comes this unforgettable, heartwarming, and hilarious rom-com about chefs, cooking, love, and self-discovery that is a cross between The Hating Game and Sweetbitter.
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. Perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory, Helen Hoang, and Sally Thorne.
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)
***
Simon the Fiddler by Paulette Jiles 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
The Coyotes of Carthage by Steven Wright 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
Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai 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
The Compton Cowboys by Walter Thompson-Hernández 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
The Silent Treatment by Abbie Greaves 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
Something She's Not Telling Us by Darcey Bell 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.
The Ancestor by Danielle Trussoni 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!
Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel by Ruth Hogan 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
Have You Seen Me? by Kate White 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
Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst 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!
The Astonishing Life of August March by 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!
Passage West by Rishi Reddi 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
You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer 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
The German Heiress by Anika Scott 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
Kid Quixotes by Stephen Haff 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!
First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn 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
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski 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
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
Jessica Simpson's incredible memoir, Open Book, goes on sale today.
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.
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.
Here is a photo of Elise holding Helen Stephens' track shoes:
A shot of Helen's Williams Wood track uniform:
Helen's diary from the Berlin Olympics in which she describes meeting Hitler and the photo taken with Hitler:
Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri.
The tracks where Louise Stokes ran in Malden, MA, now paved over into a strip mall:
A postcard of the 1936 American gold relay team Elise took while visiting the State Historical Society of Missouri and viewing the Helen Stephens collection:
Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri.
Elise also mentioned the Dorothea Lange photos from her previous book Learning to See; find those images here.
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!
Mercy House by Alena Dillon: 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
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa: 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.
"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
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!
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
Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore 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!
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell 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!
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
The Shape of Family by Shilpi Somaya Gowda 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
Lakewood by Megan Giddings 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
Separation Anxiety by Laura Zigman 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
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson 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
88 Names by Matt Ruff 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!
Privilege by Mary Adkins 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
If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane 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
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
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
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.
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!
All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White: The New York Times bestselling authors of The Glass Ocean and The Forgotten Room return with a glorious historical adventure that moves from the dark days of two World Wars to the turbulent years of the 1960s, in which three women with bruised hearts find refuge at Paris’ legendary Ritz hotel.
"Full of heart and intrigue, the authors' latest collaboration captures women's perseverance and how history connects us all." —Booklist
Highfire by Eoin Colfer: From the New York Times bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series comes a hilarious and high-octane adult novel about a vodka-drinking, Flashdance-loving dragon who lives an isolated life in the bayous of Louisiana—and the raucous adventures that ensue when he crosses paths with a fifteen-year-old troublemaker on the run from a crooked sheriff.
"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
Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey: New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with a unique, sexy romantic comedy about a young married couple whose rocky relationship needs a serious renovation.
"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
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!
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.
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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Dead to Her by Sarah Pinborough 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
The Lucky One by Lori Rader-Day 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!
Mercy House by Alena Dillon 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
Promises of the Heart by Nan Rossiter 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
The Only Child by Mi-ae Seo 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
Daughter from the Dark by Marina and Sergey Dyachenko 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!
Perfect Little Children by Sophie Hannah 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
No Bad Deed by Heather Chavez 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!
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa 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
Citizen Reporters by Stephanie Gorton 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
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell 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!
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.
Lakewood by Megan Giddings 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
Separation Anxiety by Laura Zigman 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
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson 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
88 Names by Matt Ruff 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!
Privilege by Mary Adkins 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
If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane 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
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 Heiresswas 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 Heiresswas my imagination, and that was nurtured when I was a kid roaming the stacks at my neighborhood library.
Little Godsis 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.
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
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett: The New York Times bestselling author of Commonwealth and State of Wonder 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
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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.
Earlier this year, beloved New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot introduced us to her Little Bridge Island series with No Judgments, a LibraryReads pick for September.
Now, we are thrilled to share an EXCLUSIVE first look at the cover for No Offense, the SECOND book in the series, coming August 2020! And, as if a new book by Meg Cabot isn't exciting enough, No Offensestars a librarian! We also have a short excerpt from the book, which you can check out via the link below.
A Paperback Original—Also Available as a Hardcover Library Edition
Welcome to Little Bridge, one of the smallest, most beautiful islands in the Florida Keys, home to sandy white beaches, salt-rimmed margaritas, and stunning sunsets—a place where nothing goes under the radar and love has a way of sneaking up when least expected…
A broken engagement only gave Molly Montgomery additional incentive to follow her dream job from the Colorado Rockies to the Florida Keys. Now, as Little Bridge Island Public Library’s head of children’s services, Molly hopes the messiest thing in her life will be her sticky-note covered desk. But fate—in the form of a newborn left in the restroom—has other ideas. So does the sheriff who comes to investigate the “abandonment”. When John Hartwell folds all six-feet-three of himself into a tiny chair and insists that whoever left the baby is a criminal, Molly begs to differ and asks what he’s doing about the Island’s real crime wave (if thefts of items from homes that have been left unlocked could be called that). Not the best of starts, but the man’s arrogance is almost as distracting as his blue eyes. Almost…
John would be pretty irritated if one of his deputies had a desk as disorderly as Molly’s. Good thing she doesn’t work for him, considering how attracted he is to her. Molly’s lilting librarian voice makes even the saltiest remarks go down sweeter, which is bad as long as she’s a witness but might be good once the case is solved—provided he hasn’t gotten on her last nerve by then. Recently divorced, John has been having trouble adjusting to single life as well as single parenthood. But something in Molly’s beautiful smile gives John hope that his old life on Little Bridge might suddenly hold new promise—if only they can get over their differences.
Clever, hilarious, and fun, No Offense will tug at readers’ heartstrings and make them fall in love with Little Bridge Island and its unique characters once again.
It's that time of year: the time for the best books of 2019 round-ups! We are so excited to share the following HarperCollins titles that were selected for the Chicago Public Library and the New York Public Library's best books of 2019.
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books of 2019
The Best of the Best list represents the CPL's choices for the year’s most outstanding titles, books of exceptional quality for a diverse, city-wide readership.
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.
Be sure to listen to the podcast episode below to hear them discuss Elisabeth's inspiration for this novel, including an early love of gothic novels like Rebecca and Jane Eyre. They also talk about the house in the novel becoming a character in the story and how she wanted to write diverse characters in a novel in which race isn't the main conflict.
Find a letter from the editor here and a behind-the-book essay from Elisabeth here.
In the episode, Elisabeth spoke about her grandfather's class at Yale. She shared a photo with us of his Glee Club from 1953:
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Library Love Fest team!
We presented some gifts and grub on our November Facebook Live on Wednesday, November 20th. Find the video below as well as a list of the books we discussed and any links we promised to share. We also included the recipes we used to make all of the yummy snacks!
For our grub, Lainey made Gelatina de mosaico/Mosaic Jello from Chicano Eats by Esteban Castillo. Recipe below:
Ingredients: 3 6 oz flavored gelatin packets in the flavors of your choice (I used cherry, lime, and lemon) 6 cups boiling water 4 tablespoons unflavored gelatin 1 cup cold water 3 cups of milk 1 large Mexican cinnamon stick, broken in half 14 oz condensed milk 2 cups half and half 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1. Grease three 8-inch square pans and one 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside. Mix each packet of flavored gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water in three separate bowls, and pour each into its own greased square pan. Refrigerate for an hour.
2.After 30 minutes, make the milk gelatin. Mix the unflavored gelatin into the cold water in a 3 quart saucepan, and set aside so the gelatin can bloom for about 5 minutes. Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat on to medium low. Stir occasionally until the gelatin has dissolved, then add the 3 cups of milk and heat to just under a simmer. Add the cinnamon stick, turn off the heat, and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to let the cinnamon steep. Remove the cinnamon stick and whisk in the condensed milk, half and half, and the vanilla extract. Set aside while you prep the colored gelatin.
3. Remove the flavored gelatin from the refrigerator and cut each flavor into ¼-inch cubes. Evenly spread out half of each flavor in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan then repeat with the rest of the flavored gelatin. Pour the milk jello over the cubes then place in the refrigerator to set, about 1–1½ hours. When you’re ready to serve, invert the jello onto a cutting board, cut into 3-inch squares, and place on a serving platter.
Virginia also mentioned her family recipe for Artichoke Pie:
2 jars of marinated artichoke hearts 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 4 eggs 2 cups grated sharp cheddar 1/4 teaspoon oregano 1/4 teaspoon tabasco 1/2 cup Italian flavored breadcrumbs.
Drain and chop artichoke hearts finely. Beat eggs and add to artichokes with all of the other ingredients. Mix well. Bake at 375 for approx. 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. (It usually takes a little longer than that)
Chris made a vegan burger from Bosh!: Healthy Vegan by Ian Theasby and Henry Firth:
After we introduced our delicious masterpieces, Lisa Sharkey, Director of Creative Development, joined us in the tiki hut!
We are so excited that Africaville by Jeffrey Colvin was selected as a December 2019 LibraryReads Pick! On this week's episode of The Library Love Fest Podcast, we explained how LibraryReads works and gave Jeffrey a call (he called in from a local New York public library!) to offer our congratulations.
Africaville is a stunning debut novel featuring a richly woven story of a town settled by former slaves on the outskirts of Woods Bluff, Nova Scotia, that is both bound together and torn apart by family, faith, and fate. Find out more about the book in the podcast audio below.
The love for Kevin Wilson's Nothing to See Here continues to burn! You've already shown so much support for this unforgettable novel, including selecting it as a LibraryReads pick for October! If you haven't yet dipped into this quirky, heartfelt, one-of-a-kind novel, please do so now!
Want to learn more? Kevin sat down with LLF's Virginia Stanley at ALA Annual in Washington D.C. to discuss Nothing to See Here and his inspiration behind writing it. You can listen to the podcast interview below!
Click below to watch Kevin Wilson speak at the UFL Editor's Panel at ALA Annual!
More exciting news! Kevin will appear on Today to speak with Jenna Bush Hager about Nothing to See Here on Tuesday,11/26, for the culmination of Jenna’s Book Club for November.
PBSNewsHour will also be running an interview with Kevin very soon!
Last month, The New York Times BookReview ran a rave front page review for Nothing to See Here. You can read the review here. They also included Nothing to See Here as an Editor’s Choice pick!
Over the weekend, Elizabeth Gilbert posted a video about how much she loves the book, calling it "Buck wild amazing!" Check her post out below that’s been viewed over 73,000 times!
We can't wait to see what's next for this enchanting novel from Kevin Wilson!
November is National Native American Heritage Month!
To celebrate, we've put together a collection of incredible works that illuminate the Native American experience and remind us how vital these stories are to the history and makeup of America.
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The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich: 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.
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.
House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday: A special 50th anniversary edition of the magnificent Pulitzer Prize-winning classic from N. Scott Momaday, with a new preface by the author.
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden: An addictive and groundbreaking debut thriller set on a Native American reservation, Winter Counts is a tour-de-force of crime fiction, a bracingly honest look at a long-ignored part of American life, and a twisting, turning story that’s as deeply rendered as it is thrilling.
Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline: A bold and brilliant new indigenous voice in contemporary literature makes her American debut with this kinetic, imaginative, and sensuous fable inspired by the traditional Canadian Métis legend of the Rogarou—a werewolf-like creature that haunts the roads and woods of native people’s communities.
Don't Skip Out on Me by Willy Vlautin: From the award-winning author of Lean on Pete and The Free comes this moving novel—an ALA Notable Book and a finalist for the Pen/Faulkner Award—about a young ranch hand who goes on a quest to become a champion boxer to prove his worth.
The Tale Teller by Anne Hillerman: Legendary Navajo policeman Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn takes center stage in this riveting atmospheric mystery from New York Times bestselling author Anne Hillerman that combines crime, superstition, and tradition, and brings the desert Southwest vividly alive.
In a Barren Land by Paula Mitchell Marks: Award-winning historian Paula Mitchell Marks reconfirms her status as one of the foremost contemporary chroniclers of the American West with this definitive account of American Indian cultures under siege from 1607 to the present.
Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones: A spellbinding and darkly humorous coming-of-age story about an unusual boy whose family lives on the fringe of society and struggles to survive in a hostile world that shuns and fears them.
Two Old Women by Velma Wallis: Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River Valley in Alaska, this is the suspenseful, shocking, ultimately inspirational tale of two old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine.
![NoOffense_LibraryNotice[1]](https://s48612.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6a0105368f4fef970b0240a4a4fe64200c-500wi.jpg "NoOffense_LibraryNotice[1]")
