Hi, Book Radar-ites!
How are we doing these days? I’ve been playing the new Childish Gambino on repeat ALL WEEK and I am not well. It’s so good. I feel like we’ve gotten a lot of good music in 2024 already. If you have a favorite 2024 release, let me know about it. We can talk about things other than books sometimes. But okay…let’s get to the books.
Book Deals and Reveals
Here’s the cover of Nalo Hopkinson’s upcoming book Jamaica Ginger, illustrated by Joshua Mays. It’s out this October.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay, HarperCollins is releasing a new, pink version of the essay collection. The new edition will be available on August 6.
Red, White & Royal Blue, the adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, is getting a sequel. Matthew López has returned to write the script, and Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez are also set to return.
Heartstopper‘s season 3 release date has been confirmed in a new teaser trailer. Fans can watch the show on Netflix starting on October 3.
Here’s the new trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Ring of Power season 2. The new season releases on August 29th on Prime Video.
American Girl Doll fans! Mattel has announced the re-release of three American Girl Classics: Kirsten, Addy, and Josefina.
Check out this year’s winners of the Barnes & Noble Children’s & Young Adult Book Awards.
Author Lauren Groff has opened up a bookstore to combat surging book bans in Florida. The Lynx is now open in Gainesville, FL.
Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro has died at the age of 92. Penguin Random House Canada’s chief executive, Kristin Cochrane, said in a statement, “Alice Munro is a national treasure — a writer of enormous depth, empathy, and humanity whose work is read, admired, and cherished by readers throughout Canada and around the world. Alice’s writing inspired countless writers too, and her work leaves an indelible mark on our literary landscape.”
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!
Make this your most bookish summer yet with personalized reading recommendations from Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists (aka professional book nerds) are standing by to help you find your next favorite read. Get your recommendations via email, or opt to receive hardcovers or paperbacks delivered right to your door. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Get started today from just $18!
Can’t Wait for This One!
I Am the Dark that Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea (Henry Holt, November 12)
We know the world of ballet can be a scary place. We’ve seen it in multiple movies (Black Swan… Abigail…) and we saw it in Jamison Shea’s novel I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me. Now we’re returning to that world of horror in a sequel, coming out this November, and I can’t wait!
Following the incident (trying to avoid spoilers here) at the Palais Garnier a few months ago, Laure has decided to set her ballet shoes aside and put the past behind her. But now Laure is just spiraling. The only thing that gives her any solace is going out, partying, and drowning out her memories and feelings of despair.
Then one night when Laure is out drinking, she stumbles across a dead body, and she realizes she won’t be able to just leave the past behind. Somewhere deep below the streets of Paris, there is a dark underworld pulsing with blood. Laure may be a monster, but she’s not the only monster in this city.
Words of Literary Wisdom
“Mourning is sometimes a dull ache that won’t leave, and other times it’s like pricking your finger on a needle hidden in a shopping bag.”
— Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh
What’s Up in the Book Community?
My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing…I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.
How do you feel about illustrated romance covers? Personally, I love them. I think they’re cute. But apparently, some people have issues with them. Thoughts?
And Here’s A Cat Picture!
The sun is finally out here in Seattle, which means the cats are out and they’re enjoying the tennis players and the birds and the rabbits and the bugs. They are so pleased. Hopefully you’re getting sunny weather as well!
And that’s all for today, everyone. I hope you have a lovely weekend. I’ll see you real soon.