Hi, Book Friends!
You’re getting one bonus Book Radar for the month of February, because it’s a leap year! How lucky are we? So let’s leap right into this book talk. Sorry, that was so corny, but I had to do it.
Book Deals and Reveals
Oprah Winfrey has chosen her next book club pick! And it’s The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin.
Electric Literature has shared the cover of Unsex Me Here, a collection of short stories by Aurora Mattia. It’s out from Coffee House Press on September 24.
The Nerd Daily’s got the cover reveal for Sir Callie and the Witch’s War by Esme Symes-Smith. This is the third book in the Sir Callie middle grade fantasy series, and it’s out this October.
Entertainment Weekly has shared the cover and an exclusive excerpt from Chloe Gong’s upcoming novel Vilest Things. This is a sequel to last year’s Immortal Longings, and it’s out on September 10.
BookTuber Cindy Pham has written a book and signed on with book agent Thao Le at Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. Pham wrote on Instagram, “I’m resisting the urge to share too many details about my book until the time is right, but here is a baby step. As you may know, publishing is a very slow process, but I hope to share more announcements in the future.”
John Waters is filming an adaptation of his novel Liarmouth. Aubrey Plaza is set to star in the movie, Waters’s first film in 20 years.
Lionsgate is looking to make a new adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dead Zone, with Roy Lee attached to produce.
Max Greenfield is publishing a children’s book inspired by his late friend Leslie Jordan. The book is called Good Night Thoughts, and it’s illustrated by James Serafino. It will be published this fall by Putnam Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers.
Actor Jay Ellis has announced a new memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)? “I never thought I would write a book. It wasn’t something that I aspired to,” Ellis told PEOPLE. “But one day during the pandemic, I sat in front of my computer and started writing stories from my childhood.” The book is out on July 9.
Book Riot Recommends
Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!
2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!
Can’t Wait for This One
Memorials by Richard Chizmar (Gallery Books, October 22)
We all know October is for horror, and here’s one coming out this October that I can’t wait to read. It’s a new one from Richard Chizmar, author of Chasing the Boogeyman and Becoming the Boogeyman. So you know you can expect something inventive and bone-chilling from this author.
In 1983, three students ventured into the backwoods of Appalachia to film a documentary project for their American Studies class. But what starts as a fun road trip between friends turns dark when they start to notice that the memorials they are filming include strange symbols. Symbols that suggest something sinister is going on.
Things escalate for the group when they realize they are being followed, and one night, their vehicle is tampered with. When they try to reach out to local authorities, no one seems to care or take them seriously. The group begins to wonder if all the roadside accidents along this stretch of empty road are really accidents. Or is something truly terrible happening out here?
Words of Literary Wisdom
“We’re not normal people. We are monsters. But if we’re monsters, we’ll thrive in the dark. Together.”
— Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
And Here’s A Cat Picture!
If you’ve been here for a while, then you probably already know that Murray is a baby. But here’s some more evidence: Murray all tucked up like a baby in his little Sailor Moon blankie. Sweet dreams, Murray.
That’s all for today, friends. Have a wonderful Thursday and a great weekend. See you Monday!