Author: Emily Martin

It’s Christmas in July and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date July 5, 2024

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

I just realized I totally told everyone that I was going to talk to you again on Thursday, not remembering that Thursday was going to be the 4th of July and I would, in fact, not be talking to you. So sorry to ghost you like that. We’re back though, and that just means I’ve had extra time to gather all of the best book-related news to share with you. What a way to start out your week.

Book Deals and Reveals

If, like me, you were excited about a potential Moana 2 and Wicked double feature this November a la Barbenheimer, then this is sad news for you (and me). The release date of Wicked has been bumped up to November 22, meaning it will no longer be released on the same date as Moana 2 (November 27). Guess we’ll just have to spend two days at the movies.

It’s Christmas in July, everyone, because People is giving a first look at the upcoming film adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The movie, based on Barbara Robinson’s book of the same name, is scheduled for a November 8 theatrical release.

More movie news! Here’s the first trailer for Hellboy: The Crooked Man. The superhero horror film will be out later this year.

Eric Geron, author of the A Tale of Two Princes, has a new book coming out next year! Leo Martino Steals Back His Heart is out from HarperCollins on January 14, 2025.

Electric Literature has shared a cover reveal for Paul Lisicky’s upcoming memoir Song So Wild and Blue: A Life with Joni Mitchell. It’s out from HarperOne on February 4, 2025.

And here’s the cover and an excerpt from Jessica Goodman’s murder mystery novel The Meadowbrook Murders. This one is also out on February 4, 2025.

Here’s another cover reveal and an excerpt. This one’s for the upcoming sapphic rom-com On Her Terms by Amy Spalding. It’s out February 25, 2025.

Sarah Michelle Gellar has joined the cast of the prequel series Dexter: Original Sin. Gellar will play Tanya Martin, the CSI chief at the Miami Metro Police Department and Dexter Morgan’s new boss.

Check out The Million’s great summer book preview, featuring 80 excellent books you’ll want on your TBR ASAP.

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!

Learn something new, sharpen your skills, and expand your horizons with our Better Living Through Books newsletter. Better Living Through Books is your resource for reading material that helps you live the life you want. From self-help to cookbooks to parenting to personal finance, relationships, and more, Better Living Through Books has got you covered. If it’s part of life, it can be part of your reading life. Sign up for your free subscription to Better Living Through Books today, or become an All Access member starting at $6 per month or $60 per year and get unlimited access to members-only content in 20+ newsletters, community features, and the warm fuzzies knowing you are supporting independent media.

Prepare Your Shelves!

So Witches We Became by Jill Baguchinsky (Little, Brown, July 23)

This witchy YA novel gives me nightmares just based on the cover illustration alone. It’s being marketed as a queer, feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist and the perfect new novel for fans of She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran. And, well, I am seated.

The story is set over a high school spring break. Senior Nell is heading to a private Florida island with some of her friends. It seems like the perfect vacation, but Nell’s secrets will follow her to the island. Secrets that have a deep connection to the island’s history. Secrets that will unlock dark magic hidden on the island, trapping them all in a mist that surrounds it, making it impossible for anyone to escape alive. Now, in order to save herself and her friends, Nell will be forced to confront her past and make sense of the horrors that have followed her since childhood. It turns out that confronting trauma is no easy task.

Making matters even more difficult, Nell discovers each of her friends who have accompanied her on the island are harboring secrets of their own. And unlocking these secrets might unleash a power that’s even more dangerous than the mist.

What I’m Reading This Week

Grim Root by Bonnie Jo Stufflebeam

Portrait of a Shadow by Meriam Metoui

Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen

Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulson and Lydia Wang

I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones

Sociopath by Patric Gagne

Monday Memes

This summer, are you opting for sunny beach reads? Or are you bringing dark horror fiction filled with existential dread with you as you sit by the pool? You know which one I am.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

The warm sunny weather is perfect if you’re a cat and all you have to do all day is lounge in a window in a sunbeam. Must be nice to lie around and watch tennis all day, right? I took this picture on July 4th before all the fireworks went off. Back when Murray didn’t have a care in the world.

And that’s it for today’s Book Radar! Thanks for hanging out with me on this Monday when you could be outside basking in sunbeams. I hope you have a wonderful week, and I’ll see you on Thursday!

Emily

Book Radar

AMC Renews INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE for Season 3 and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date June 28, 2024

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

Welcome to July! It’s hot as heck, and all anyone can do at a time like this is stay indoors and read all the books. So let’s talk about all of the books. Stay cool out there.

Book Deals and Reveals

Is youth a blessing or a curse? This is the question asked in Renee Schaeffer’s genre-bending novel Ageless, which hits shelves on December 3. And Nerd Daily has given us a cover reveal!

SciFiNow has a cover reveal and an exclusive sneak peek at the dark fantasy The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig. This one’s out on September 24.

Emmy-award-winning actress Uzo Aduba is publishing a memoir called The Road is Good, which will reflect on Aduba’s relationship with her mother. This one is also coming out on September 24.

Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire has been renewed for a third season on AMC. The season 2 finale aired on June 30.

Chris McKay, director of The LEGO Batman Movie, is set to direct the film adaptation of Brynne Weaver’s bestselling serial killer romance Butcher and Blackbird.

Director Osgood Perkins says his upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s The Monkey might be funnier than people are expecting. “[My] next movie is called Stephen King’s The Monkey, and it’s a comedy,” Perkins told IGN. “I will play the asshole uncle who adopts the kids, and I have a couple scenes and it’s fun.” The Monkey is scheduled to release in February 2025.

Arundhati Roy has been awarded the PEN Pinter Prize, which celebrates writers whose work display an “unflinching, unswerving” look at the world.

Looking for some good summer reads? These are the books that are popular on BookTok this summer. And a few that should be.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

Hum by Helen Phillips (Marysue Rucci Books, August 6)

Friends, did you read Helen Phillips’ book The Need? If not, I need you to jump on that right away because, wow, it was such an incredible brain teaser of a book. Think home invasion story…but also not? You’ll see. Anyway, Phillips has a new book coming out next month, and you’d better believe I’m lining up to get my hands on this one. And you should, too!

Hum follows May, who has just lost her job to AI (I know, horrifyingly relatable). The city in which May lives has been completely transformed by AI, climate change, and intelligent robots called “hums.” Desperate for money and hoping to help resolve her family’s debt, May agrees to undergo an experiment that would change her appearance, making her unrecognizable to surveillance.

Now, looking for an escape, May decided to take her family on what should be a relaxing trip to a beautiful Botanical Garden. But her family doesn’t share her desire to unplug, and the Botanical Garden doesn’t end up being the calming place May anticipated. When all hope seems lost, help comes to May from an unexpected source: a hum.

What I’m Reading This Week

Portrait of a Shadow by Meriam Metoui

Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulson and Lydia Wang

I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones

Monday Memes

I love that 2024 has brought us “This is going to ruin the tour.” “What tour?” “The World Tour!” So here are some bookish world tour memes. Enjoy.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

I love how cats go through phases where they just constantly nap in the exact same place. And then after a while, they tire of that spot and then move on to somewhere new. Right now, Remy is all about this little hammock area in the cat tree. He pretty much lives there. Must be nice.

That’s all for today, friends! Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you Thursday!

Emily

Book Radar

The Best Books of 2024 So Far and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date June 26, 2024

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

It’s here. The halfway point of 2024. I know it’s wild, and June especially has just flown by. But now that we’re here, let’s reflect on the year so far and look ahead to what is coming. In this newsletter, I’ll share some of my favorite books of 2024 so far and the ones I’m looking forward to in the second half of the year. Ready? Let’s go.

Book Deals and Reveals

Jennifer Lopez’s production company Nuyorican is teaming up with Netflix to adapt Emily Henry’s bestselling novel Happy Place into a series. In a post on Instagram, Lopez said that she “can’t wait” to work with Emily Henry on this adaptation.

Bridgerton author Julia Quinn has spoken out about the big change the Netflix adaptation is making to Francesca’s love story. Spoilers for season 3 if you haven’t watched yet!

Sophie Kinsella, author of the bestselling Shopaholic series, has sold North American rights to her “deeply personal” novella What Does It Feel Like? to the Dial Press.

Remy Lai has sold her debut adult cozy fantasy series, An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating, to Amara Hoshijo at Saga Press.

I Saw the TV Glow director Jane Schoenbrun has a debut novel coming out with Hogarth. The publishing company called the book “an epic blend of literary fantasy, coming-of-age, sci-fi, and horror.”

Hillary Rodham Clinton has just announced a new memoir this September. The press release says Clinton’s new book, Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty, “Hillary like you haven’t seen her before, offering a glimpse into her closest friendships and enduring marriage as well as her unvarnished views on politics, democracy, the threats we face and the future within our reach.”

These are the best queer books of 2024 so far, according to all the lists. What LGBTQ books have been your favorite this year?

And here are the winners of the 2024 Locus Awards. The Locus Science Fiction Foundation announced the winners last weekend.

It’s the end of June, which means it’s time to check in on this year’s Read Harder Challenge! Take this survey, and let us know how it’s going so far.

Book Riot Recommends

The Best Books of 2024 (So Far)

It’s been a good year for books. Here are some of my favorites of the year so far.

Diavola by Jennifer Thorne

A terrifyingly haunting book about a family vacation gone incredibly wrong. But the terrors don’t leave our main character behind after the vacation is over.

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

A funny and heartfelt story about overcoming anxiety, reconnecting with family, true crime podcasts, and space trivia.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

A unique and unforgettable horror novel about an indie horror movie that never was. This book gave me literal nightmares. And yes, I do mean that as a compliment.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

My first Emily Henry novel, and it did not disappoint! I love a love story that’s about more than just the romance. This is a story that’s just as much about self-discovery as it is about finding love.

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

This is a romance story about an author who has to walk down the aisle with a man who rated her novel one star on Goodreads. It made me laugh. It made me cry big ugly tears that stained my face. I rated this one (and all the other ones on this list) FIVE STARS on Goodreads.

What To Look Forward to in 2024 (Round 2)

The rest of the year is yet to come! Here are the books I’m most looking forward to in 2024, round 2:

cover of I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones; image of an empty black hooded sweatshirt

I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones (S&S/Saga Press, July 16)

First up, another new one from Stephen Graham Jones. This man cannot be stopped. This novel is the “autobiography” of a teen boy cursed to kill for revenge.

Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown (Bantam, August 13)

This debut suspense/thriller novel has all the things we just can’t get enough of: secret societies, dark academia, murder. Sign me up.

Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pederson (St. Martin’s Press, August 20)

This queer, supernatural horror debut explores ancient Chinese mythology and family trauma. The story also draws heavily from the author’s own experiences of being adopted from Nanning, China, and growing up in Nebraska on a farm.

A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enríquez (Hogarth, September 17)

Last year, Mariana Enríquez’s epic horror novel Our Share of Night had us all shook. Now the author is back with a new and equally stunning collection of short stories. You won’t want to miss this.

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen (Zando, December 3)

You are in for a treat with this queer supernatural romance novel. What happens when an author is hired to ghostwrite a famous actor’s memoir…only to find out said actor is a ghost himself? A lot of things. But you’ll have to read to find out!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Another day, another cat in the window. Well, this time, it’s two cats in the window, actually. I love how there are two beds in the window, but Murray has decided he needs both of them and Remy gets zero. This says a lot about their dynamic.

Okay, well, that’s the end of this newsletter, friends. I hope you have an incredible weekend, and I’ll see you in July!

Emily

Book Radar

Cassandra Clare Shares Cover of THE RAGPICKER KING and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date June 21, 2024

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

We’ve made it around to Monday again, which means it’s time for another Book Radar. Summer is officially here, by the way, which means it’s officially time for me to retreat into my cave and read books until the weather gets normal again. I hate hot weather. Thankfully, I’ve brought my laptop into my cave with me, so I can still bring you all the book news.

Book Deals and Reveals

Paste Magazine has shared the cover of Costanza Casati’s Babylonia. This novel retells the story of Semiramis, the Assyrian Empire’s only female ruler. It’s out on January 14, 2025.

Here’s an an excerpt from The Get Off by Christa Faust, and a cover reveal! It’s out from Hard Case Crime on March 18, 2025.

And here’s the cover of Embodied Exegesis: Transfeminine Cyberpunk Futures, a new anthology edited by Ann LeBlanc. It’s out from Neon Hemlock on August 27.

Apple TV+ has shared the trailer for the upcoming limited series The Lady in the Lake, based on the Laura Lippman book of the same name. The seven-part series, starring Natalie Portman, will air on Apple TV+ starting on July 19.

Cassandra Clare shared the cover of The Ragpicker King with Entertainment Weekly. The sequel to Clare’s 2023 novel Sword Catcher will be out on March 3, 2025.

John Mulaney will narrate the upcoming audiobook Glory Days by former SNL writer Simon Rich. The audiobook will be published this July by Hachette Audio.

Here are Libro.fm’s bestselling audiobooks of all time. Which ones have you listened to?

Good news: print sales were up in May! These were the bestselling books of May 2024.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

Midnight Rooms by Donyae Coles (Amistad Press, July 2)

Next week, this chilling gothic historical novel is hitting shelves, and while that might not seem like the perfect summer beach read, it is the perfect read if (like me) you’re more of a dark cave dweller during the hotter months. So make some space on your bookshelf right away, I say. This one is going to be a good time.

Midnight Rooms has been compared to books like Catherine House and movies like Crimson Peak, which is a whole vibe. It’s England in 1840. Orabella Mumthrope is the orphaned daughter of a white man and a Black woman. She has zero prospects and no connections, so when a strange man appears and declares his interest in marrying her, Orabella is surprised. She didn’t think she would ever get married, but with her uncle’s debts, she has to consider the offer seriously, especially because the man claims to be from a ridiculously wealthy family.

And so Orabella allows Elias Blakersby to sweep her away to his family estate, Korringhill Manor. The home is not what she expected. Everything is falling apart, and the servants seem nervous. There is some strange hidden darkness in this house. Rooms are locked up, and every corner seems to hide secrets. What’s more, Orabella starts to have vivid nightmares that begin to leak into her days, and in the morning she wakes up with strange bruises. What is real and what is imagined? And is Orabella slipping into madness?

What I’m Reading This Week

Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulson and Lydia Wang

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones

The Astrology House by Carinn Jade

Monday Memes

It’s Chappell Roan summer, so here are some Chappell Roan bookish memes for you. I hope you enjoy!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

calico cat resting in the window on top of two cat beds

The sun is still out, and Cersei is enjoying her window again. I love how she’s got both beds stacked under her, because she is a queen. I’ve never seen a more relaxed kitty!

Well, friends, I hope you have a lovely week. I’ll catch you on Thursday. <3

Emily

Book Radar

Early Reactions to IT ENDS WITH US Movie and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date June 19, 2024

Sponsored by

Dearest Gentle Reader,

I finished Bridgerton last night. Should this author start writing like Lady Whistledown? What did you think about this recent season? I won’t give away my thoughts in case anyone is avoiding spoilers. But feel free to shoot me a message and let me know. Meanwhile, let’s talk about the news around the Book Ton.

Book Deals and Reveals

Check out the cover of Brewed with Love by Shelley Page. It was designed by Casey Moses with artwork by Betsy Cola. It’s out on January 14, 2025!

And here’s the cover of At the Bottom of the Garden by Camilla Bruce. It’s out from Del Ray Books on January 28, 2025.

Here’s an excerpt of the upcoming novel The Villain Edit by Laurie Devore. It’s out on July 2 from Avon Books.

There was a surprise screening of It Ends With Us at Book Bonanza in Grapevine, Texas this past Saturday. Early reactions praise the film for being a “emotional, faithful adaptation of the hit novel.” It Ends With Us is in theaters everywhere on August 9.

Goldie Hawn is writing a series of middle grade novels with bestselling author Lin Oliver. The first book in the Kindness Club series will be out in 2026.

Denver, Colorado’s independent bookstore Tattered Cover was recently purchased by Barnes & Noble for $1.83 million. The sale will be finalized by July 31.

Here are the spiciest books on BookTok in 2024, according to readers.

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One!

The Queen by Nick Cutter (Gallery Books, October 29)

I’m behind the times, but I just recently read Nick Cutter’s The Troop, and I was mesmerized. I know the rest of the book world has been on the Nick Cutter train for some time, but hello, welcome me on. I am finally aboard. And just in time too, because we’re getting a new Nick Cutter novel later this year. I can’t wait for this one, and considering how much horror fans love this author’s work, I know I’m not at all alone.

When Margaret Carpenter wakes up to find a brand new iPhone on her doorstep, she is surprised. But she’s even more surprised when she turns the phone on and sees a text from her friend Charity Atwater. After all, Charity has been dead for over a month. At least, that’s what most people assume.

There have been so many assumptions about Charity, and now she’s finally ready to tell her story and set the record straight. Here’s the thing. Charity’s secrets run deep. Unbeknownst to even her, Charity is secretly Subject Six, an integral part of the Project Athena gene manipulation experiment. But when Charity’s gene sequencing actualizes at a high school party, everything goes terribly, terribly wrong.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“When people thought of mothers, they smelled cookies baking and chocolate melting. But actual mothers got shit for giving their kids too much sugar. When people thought of mothers, they thought soft and warm and cuddly. But actual mothers went to great lengths to eradicate their soft warm cuddly bits. When people thought of mothers, they thought of mama bears and cheerleaders–fierce love and unconditional support–but actual mothers were accused of coddling and helicoptering.”

— Family Family by Laurie Frankel

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Cersei was my sweet little companion while watching Bridgerton, and now we’re moving on to House of the Dragon. What an exciting month for TV adaptations of literature. Doesn’t Cersei look excited?

Amazing. Welp. That’s all I have for you this Thursday! See you Monday for all the book things.

Emily

The Fright Stuff

More Queer Horror Recs for Pride!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date June 14, 2024

Sponsored by

Hi, Horror Fans! It’s Monday, which means it’s time to talk all things horror again. Surprisingly, nothing truly scary happened to me this week. No more crow attacks. But I did read some scary books. And, I have some exciting new releases and recs to share with you this week. So let’s chat about that.

Bookish Goods

Ghost Mug by TheScaryGood

The best companion to a good scary book is a nice cup of tea or a cup of coffee in a cute lil scary mug. I love this one. It’s pink. It’s got ghosts all over it. It says “Boo!” on the inside, so as you drink your coffee down, you’ll get a little scare. And it’s only $9 until July 1.

New Releases

Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil book cover

Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil by Ananda Lima

This first book I’ve got for you this week is a collection of horror stories that are all connected by one interesting premise. It all starts in 1999 at a Halloween party, where a writer ends up going to bed with the devil. From then on, the devil returns to her throughout her life. As the title suggests, this writer keeps creating stories for the devil, stories that are chilling and strange while also delving into the very real fears and hopes of the Brazilian American immigrant experience.

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

This one is such a creepy, mind-bendy experience that’s truly hard to describe, but let me try! Charlie and Eve have just gotten a great deal on an old house and are working on renovating it. Then, one day when Eve is at the house by herself, she hears a knock at the door. It’s a family, and the father, Thomas, claims to have lived in the house three years ago. They say they want to have a look around and will only stay for 15 minutes, tops. But as soon as they enter the house, strange things start happening. And, well, needless to say, they stay for longer than 15 minutes.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

plain bad heroines by emily a danforth cover

Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth

I’ve got more queer horror recommendations for you this week, and this one is one of my all-time faves! Picture it: 1902. Brookhants School for Girls. Two impressionable young students, Flo and Clara, establish their own private club called The Plain Bad Heroines Society, created in honor of the writer Mary MacLane. The club meets in secret in an apple orchard, and this is where their dead bodies are later found with Mary MacLane’s controversial memoir splayed out next to them. Now, over a century later, a controversial horror film is being made about the incident. But the terrors are not over.

She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran

I do love a good ghost story, especially when it’s gothic and queer. Jade Nguyen’s father has one goal: to restore a French colonial house in Vietnam to its former glory. But the house has goals all its own. At night, Jade wakes up feeling entirely paralyzed, and she hears the voice of a woman telling her not to eat. Neither her father nor her sister believe Jade when she tells them there’s something strange about the house. But Jade knows the house will not rest until it destroys them all.

And with that, another week of horror talk is in the books. Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you here next week for another round of thrills and chills. Until then, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

Book Radar

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Renewed for Season 3 and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date June 14, 2024

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

Hello, and HAPPY MONDAY! It’s the best day of the week, as I always say. You know why? I’ve been socializing all weekend, and as an introvert, I am sleepy. I am ready to crawl back into my cave and type type type on my computer to all of you. Not to say I didn’t have fun, but I need a few quiet days, you know? Anyway, let’s talk books. Have I got some news for you.

Book Deals and Reveals

wake up and open your eyes book cover reveal

I am obsessed (OBSESSED!) with the cover of Clay McLeod Chapman’s upcoming novel Wake Up and Open Your Eyes. The cover is designed by Andie Reid. It’s out on January 7, 2025.

Ahead of the premiere of season 2, House of the Dragon was renewed for a third season. Season 2 premiered this past Sunday, June 16.

Sophie Kinsella shared a cover reveal and a special note for readers on her Instagram last week. She writes, “To all my readers and friends around the world, I am so grateful for your incredible love and support following my [cancer] diagnosis. I want to share with you the UK and US/Canada covers for my new short novel, which will be published in October. What Does It Feel Like? is fiction, but it is my most autobiographical work to date. It tells the story of Eve, a successful novelist who is struck down by brain cancer, and who begins to put her life back together. Eve’s story is my story — and through her tough times, she laughs and cries and is upbeat, as am I. I hope you will enjoy it.”

Paddington Bear is back in the new Paddington 3 movie. Here’s the trailer for Paddington in Peru, which is out on January 17, 2025.

Here’s the cover reveal of Karmen Lee’s The Relationship Mechanic, designed by Bo Feng Lin. This one’s out on January 21, 2025 from Afterglow Books.

More queer romance in 2025! Here’s the cover of Sonora Reyes’ The Broposal. This one is designed by Charlotte Gomez, and it’s out on January 21, 2025.

Ben Barnes and Mary Louise-Park are set to star in The Institute, an upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. The series will stream on MGM+.

Jennifer Anniston has written a children’s book! Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life, featuring illustrations by Bruno Jacob, will be published by HarperCollins Children’s Books this fall.

Coraline director Henry Selick has his eyes on another Neil Gaiman novel. Selick hopes to adapt The Ocean at the End of the Lane as a stop-motion movie.

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema shared a first look at their upcoming The War of the Rohirrim anime movie adaptation. This story is set more than 150 years before the original Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Here are Audible’s 24 best audiobooks of 2024 so far, with something for every kind of listener.

The 36th annual Lambda Literary Awards in 26 different categories of LGBTQ+ books were announced. Here are the winners.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (Del Ray, June 25)

When Josh Malerman has a new novel coming out, horror fans everywhere stop and take notice. And Incidents Around the House, coming out in just a week, is going to be a good one. Do you like scary haunted house stories? Do you think kids (and their imaginary friends) can be super creepy? Do you like when horror novels give you literal nightmares? Then prepare your shelves with this one.

I will say Incidents Around the House does tap in to a lot of things I find scary. And I know “scary” can be a personal thing, but haunted houses? Isn’t that just a terrifying idea? Add a child into the mix who is talking to some sort of supernatural, evil entity…welp. I am terrified. How could you not be?

Incidents Around the House is told from the perspective of eight-year-old Bela, who loves her family very much. But then there’s “Other Mommy,” who asks Bela every day if she can go inside her heart. And the more Bela says no, the angrier Other Mommy starts to get. As strange things start happening around the house, Bela wonders if she’ll finally have to give in if she wants to protect her family.

What I’m Reading This Week

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulson and Lydia Wang

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones

Family Family by Laurie Frankel

The Astrology House by Carinn Jade

Monday Memes

Are you a mood reader? Do you agree that sometimes it’s hard to even know what mood you’re in?

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

The weather has been so lovely, and all the cats have been enjoying their time in the window watching all the tennis players. Just look at how calm and pleased little Cersei is! We love to see it!

Fingers crossed the weather stays like this for many, many more weeks. I’ll check back in with you all on Thursday. Have a wonderful week!

Emily

Read This Book

Read This Book…

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date June 13, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome to Read This Book, your go-to newsletter if you’re looking to expand your TBR pile. Each week, I’ll recommend a book I think is an absolute must-read. Some will be new releases, some will be old favorites, and the books will vary in genre and subject matter every time. I hope you’re ready to get reading!

I read this book over a month ago, and I’ve been chomping at the bit to finally recommend it to all of you. Now that it’s finally out this week (with its beautiful red sprayed edges and everything), I’m excited to say this is the best horror novel of 2024. So if horror is your thing, make sure you don’t miss out on this one!

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

This super creepy book takes readers through two timelines. Back in 1993, a group of young filmmakers spent four weeks making an art-house horror film that would become a cult classic. Not because everyone watched it and loved it—in fact, the movie was never released to the public. But the weird events that occurred during the filming of the movie became infamous. And years later, a few scenes from the movie were released on YouTube, only fueling the public’s obsession with the film that never was.

Now, three decades later, a major Hollywood reboot is in the works, and one person from the original film is back to help recreate the “magic” of the original. The man who once starred in the film as “The Thin Kid” has vivid memories of just how strange the filming process was. And just how dangerous. As he attempts to help the big-budget remake get underway, memories of the original filming and all of its mysteries and secrets come flooding back. What was real? What was the stuff of urban legends? And does he even remember the difference?

If you’ve read Paul Tremblay before, then you might have noticed that the author is not afraid of experimenting with form. For example, just look at The Pallbearer’s Club, which was fully annotated. In Horror Movie, we get to read about the filming of both horror movies (the original and the flashy remake). But we also get what appears to be the FULL SCRIPT of the original horror movie. Does the script read the way an actual screenplay would? Absolutely not, and that’s kind of the point. Instead, reading the script made me feel like I was actually watching the notorious horror movie that has everyone talking. And I really got it. There are images from that movie that truly terrified and disturbed me. By the time I got to the end of it, I felt like just maybe I’d actually watched the movie. And maybe it was one of the top five horror movies of all time.

This book was one of my most anticipated books of 2024, and it did not disappoint. This horror novel gave me nightmares. I don’t think I’ll be able to stop thinking about it for quite some time. As of right now, it’s my favorite book of the year, and I’m so excited it’s out now so that all of you can experience it for yourself!

Happy weekend reading, bibliophiles! Feel free to follow me on Instagram @emandhercat, and check out my other newsletters, The Fright Stuff and Book Radar!

Book Radar

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman to Return for PRACTICAL MAGIC Sequel and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date June 12, 2024

Sponsored by

Hi, Book Friends!

Welcome to another great Thursday Book Radar day. Last night, I hit up a Silent Reading Party, and today, I have a book club meeting, so it’s been a really book-y week for me so far. Let’s keep this party going with more book talk, shall we?

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s the cover of Elle Gonzalez Rose’s sapphic YA dark academia thriller The Girl You Know! It’s out from Bloomsbury on February 18, 2025.

And here’s the cover of Olufunke Grace Bankole’s debut novel The Edge of Water. The cover was designed by Beth Steidle. It’s out on February 2, 2025.

A Practical Magic sequel is in the works, with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in talks to return for the project. Akiva Goldsman, one of the writers behind the original, will write the screenplay.

Five Broken Blades author Mai Corland is publishing a sequel to the bestselling romantasy novel. What can we expect from Four Ruined Realms? The author says, “Our killers continue on their quests for freedom and revenge but the lies have only just begun.” It’s out in January.

Adding to their Anne Rice Immortal Universe series, AMC has just ordered The Talamasca to series. According to Variety, “the series follows a secretive society called the Talamasca that’s responsible for tracking and containing witches, vampires, werewolves and other creatures.” Characters from The Talamasca have already been introduced in AMC’s Interview with the Vampire and Mayfair Witches.

Oprah’s 106th book club pick is Familiaris by David Wroblewski! “I’m delighted for us to dive into an epic novel from the tremendously talented bestselling author,” Oprah said. “David takes us on an extraordinary journey that brilliantly interweaves history, philosophy, adventure and mysticism to explore the meaning of love, friendship and living your life’s true purpose.”

Here are some of the other big book club picks of the month, from GMA Book Club to Reese’s Book Club.

Here are the most popular books of the year so far, according to Goodreads. What are the best books you’ve read this year so far?

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One!

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll (Wednesday Books, October 1)

I have said it a million times, but it still remains true. I love a good wintery romance novel, and Some Like It Cold is one I’m really looking forward to this year. This YA novel is the perfect book to kick off your holiday season, with excellent autistic rep. I know it’s summer and the next snow might seem like ages from now. But it’ll be here before you know it, and I for one can’t wait to read books like this one.

Arthur Lancaster has dreams of becoming a filmmaker and using his hometown of Lake Pristine as his backdrop for his big vision. But his plans are disrupted when he sees Jasper again. He never thought she’d be back, but he’s never been able to get her out of his mind.

Eighteen-year-old Jasper is finally returning home for the holidays after being away for quite some time. This is meant to be Jasper’s one final goodbye, and then she’ll be gone for good. She had it all planned out, but her plans did not take into account outside factors. Like her sister’s engagement. Or the unfortunate run-in with her former school adversary, Arthur Lancaster. Jasper thought she would be done with Lake Pristine for good after this one last quick visit, but Arthur has her rethinking everything.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“You can’t stay married to someone forever just because they climb out of your attic one afternoon.”

— The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

I leave you with a very good boy who loves getting pets. I know I’ve mentioned this a million times, but I just want you to picture it. Whenever I’m writing these newsletters, you can assume Remy is sitting in my lap, being supportive and offering his two cents. So this is his newsletter, too. He hopes you enjoyed it and hopes you have a great weekend. See you soon!

Emily

Book Radar

A New HUNGER GAMES Book and Movie Are Coming and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date June 7, 2024

Sponsored by

Hi, Book Friends!

Today is going to be a really good week. I can feel it in my bones. I can also see it on my weather app. This week we’re getting long walks with audiobooks weather. I hope you have similar weather where you are. And I hope you get out there and enjoy it if you do. For now, let’s talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

Suzanne Collins has a new Hunger Games book coming out in 2025! Sunrise on the Reaping, which will tell the story of the Second Quarter Quell, will also be adapted into a movie in 2026.

Here’s the cover of Marguerite Sheffer’s short story collection The Man in the Banana Trees. It’s out on November 5th from the University of Iowa Press.

Anjelica Huston is set to star in the upcoming three-part adaptation of Agatha Christie‘s classic mystery novel Towards Zero.

In other casting news, trans actor and YouTuber Abigail Thorn has confirmed that she has joined the cast of HBO’s House of the Dragon. Check out her character Sharako Lohar in season 2, which premieres later this month.

Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, and Jessica Gunning have joined the cast of the upcoming adaptation of Enid Blyton‘s The Magic Faraway Tree. The film is adapted by Simon Farnaby and will be directed by Ben Gregor.

Ainslie Hogarth, author of Motherthing, took to Instagram to share the cover of the upcoming horror anthology Of the Flesh, featuring her story “Waffle Thomas.” Other authors in the anthology include Mariana Enriquez, Lionel Shriver, Susan Barker, and more!

Here are Barnes & Noble’s picks for the best books of 2024 so far! Yes, it’s that time of the year.

And here are the winners of the 2024 International Thriller Awards. Additionally, this year’s Thriller Master Award was presented to Tess Gerritsen and Dennis Lehane; the Thriller Legend Award was given to Audible.com; and the Silver Bullet Award was presented to Louise Penny.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer (Atria, June 18)

I’m currently reading this book, and weird things just started happening from the jump. Although I’m admittedly not done with it yet, I’m enjoying it so much. I missed out on this story when it was on Reddit’s NoSleep forum. But now, it’s been expanded into a full novel. It’s also going to be adapted into a film starring Blake Lively. So the hype is real, it’s building, and you should prepare your shelves, because this one is out next week.

Eve has just moved into a new place with her partner, Charlie. Their plans are to renovate the house (and/or knock it down…time will tell). But the couple has barely moved in when Eve, at the house all by herself, hears a knock on the door. It’s a family whose patriarch claims to have lived in the house three years ago, and they’re hoping to have a look around. But as soon as the family enters the house, strange things start happening.

This book ramps up quickly and knocked me off my feet almost immediately. I’m so excited to see where it goes from here. So far, it’s sort of giving me House of Leaves vibes, but, like, if House of Leaves were a million times more straightforward. You’ll have to read it for yourself and let me know if you see the connection!

What I’m Reading This Week

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulson and Lydia Wang

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones

Monday Memes

Okay, it had to be done. Here are some Pride book memes for Pride Month. Enjoy!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

My husband is still recovering from surgery, but thankfully, he has this sweet orange angel cuddling him and taking care of him. Murray, you are perfect in every way. Thanks for offering your healing presence!

And…that’s it, friends. I’ll be here again on Thursday to update you on all the new book things. And in the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful week! Farewell!

Emily