It’s Tuesday, my friends! That means I am going to Muppet arms at you about books again. You know, the usual. Today, I have a supernatural YA story, a twist on Frankenstein, and a fantastic middle grade graphic novel about a squire. I am also excited to pick up so many of today’s releases! At the top of my list are Hope You Are Satisfied by Tania Malik, Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi, and Barbara Isn’t Dying by Alina Bronsky, Tim Mohr (translator).
You can hear about more of the fabulous books coming out today on this week’s episode of All the Books! Jeff O’Neal guested on ATB for the first time, and we talked about some of the books we’re excited about this week, including To Shape a Dragon’s Breath, Our Migrant Souls, and Hope You Are Satisfied.
But first, be sure to check out First Edition! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.
And now, it’s time for everyone’s favorite game show: AHHH MY TBR! Here are today’s contestants.
I’m Not Supposed to Be in the Dark by Riss M. Neilson
Aria Cayetano used to be able to see ghosts, until a special tea helped cut her connection to the spirit world. Aria also used to have a best friend who lived across the street, Derek Johnson, until their friendship was severed too. But then he starts acting strangely and the rosebush in front of his house wilts from mysterious circumstances. Aria thinks something supernatural is going on, and she’s going to have to face ghosts and her ex-best friend in order to save him and restore peace to their neighborhood. This is a solid, entertaining second novel, with ghosts, grievances, and romance. (CW for substance use, illness, injury, violence, death, and loss of a loved one.)
Backlist bump: Deep in Providence by Riss M. Neilson (Out in paperback today!)
Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill
When Victor Frankenstein’s great-niece stumbles upon his controversial works, she decides to take up where he left off. Mary has grand ambitions of being a scientist, but hasn’t had much luck. She realizes her discovery could change things for her and her husband. But before she can do anything with the information, they will have to flee to Scotland and try and protect the information from a rival who will stop at nothing to get it. This is a fantastic Gothic debut from a new young talent, for fans of Frankenstein, queer historical fiction, horror, and fun! (CW for mentions of violence, gore, animal death, child loss, miscarriage, and misogyny.)
Backlist bump: The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss
Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler
And I have had a really amazing year reading middle grade graphic novels. I haven’t read many in the last few years, and I am so glad I decided to dive into them in 2023. This is an excellent medieval story about a clever young squire called, er, Squire, who travels with the big, brave (boneheaded) knight Sir Kelton. When they stop in a small village on their travels, the villagers implore them to vanquish the dragon who plagues their town. But it will turn out that it is actually Squire who has all the brains and bravery, and is the one who can fix the dragon problem. The story is charming and the art is wonderful! Plus: bone dog!
Backlist bump: Apprentice Lord of Darkness by Ced
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This week, I am reading System Collapse, the seventh Murderbot Diaries book by Martha Wells and Saint Juniper’s Folly by Alex Crespo. Outside of books, I am rewatching one of my favorites, Regular Show. It’s so weird and ridiculous and easy on my brain. I’m a fan of the eleven-minute episode format employed by the cartoon network. The song stuck in my head is “Games Without Frontiers” by Peter Gabriel. And here is your weekly cat picture: Zevon sleeps like he’s Marty McFly.