I love listening to music while I work, do you? But I can only concentrate if it’s instrumental music, like the Ghibli compilation I’m listening to right now. Lyrics distract me, and we wouldn’t want anything getting in the way of today’s newsletter, now would we?
Want to make your book club the best club? Sign up for our In the Club newsletter. In the Club will deliver recommendations for the best books to discuss in your book clubs. From buzzy new releases to brilliant throwbacks, the books highlighted in this newsletter will drive your book club discussions. We’ll also share some book club-friendly recipes and interesting bookish updates from all over. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations, plus community features. In other words, we’ll keep you well-met, well-read, and well-fed. Sign up today!
Bookish Goods
Personalized Spider-Man Pocket Knife by PersonalizedNYC
The coolest way to make like a Boy Scout and be prepared. Needless to say, keep this out of the hands of the littlest Spider-Man fans! $67
New Releases
Monster Crush by Erin Ellie Franey
It’s immediately clear to Ruby that Ella is not like other girls. In fact, she might not be entirely a girl — or even human — at all. That’s fine with Ruby, but there are others who want to hunt down Ella for nefarious purposes of their own. Can these two teens fight back and find out where they belong?
“Tengen” Hero Wars Volume One by Yasu Hiromoto and Kubaru Sakanoichi
When Oda and his sister get transported to another realm, they end up living many a history lover’s dream: watching the greatest warriors of all time fight to see who is the greatest of them all! Who wouldn’t want a front-row seat in a tournament like that?
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
Today’s Riot Rec theme is: bands! Most people have probably dreamed of performing onstage at least once in their lives. Here are some characters who really went for it!
Bocchi the Rock! Volume One by Aki Hamazi
Hitori might be the most talented guitarist in her whole high school — but nobody knows it, because she practices in her closet and doesn’t like to talk to anybody! Will performing on stage give her the push she needs, or will it send her running back to her room for good?
A Gift for a Ghost by Borja Gonzalez
Teen friends Laura, Cristina, and Gloria want to start a punk band. There are just two problems. One, they have no talent whatsoever. Two, their attempts at musical stardom awaken something from the past and compel them to examine the life of an unconventional girl who tried to pursue her own dream over a century and a half ago.
As usual, I will be back on Tuesday. Until then, rock on, nerd friends!
~Eileen