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Book Radar

Reese’s Book Club Picks a New YA Book and More Book Radar!

Book friends, hello!

I’m back in Seattle. The Austin trip was so fun, and yes, I did get to pop into a couple of bookstores. I came home with a suitcase heavy with books. Not gonna lie. I also saw a few movies (I highly recommend I Saw the TV Glow). But again, we are here to talk books, so let’s do it.

Book Deals and Reveals

twelfth knight book cover

YA book picks are back at Reese’s Book Club, and they’re kicking it off with Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth! Check out the announcement on Instagram now.

Here’s the trailer for My Lady Jane, a new series based on the novel by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. The show will stream on Amazon Prime Video starting on June 27.

Paste has the exclusive cover reveal and an excerpt from the upcoming horror novella Pocketknife Kitty by Shannon Riley. The book is out from Ghoulish Books on June 24.

And here’s the cover of the latest novel from Sally Rooney, Intermezzo. Rooney’s highly anticipated novel hits bookstores everywhere on September 24.

Abigail Hing Wen, author of Loveboat, Taipei, has a new book coming, and here’s an excerpt! Kisses, Codes, and Conspiracies hits shelves on August 13.

Alice Oseman has shared a big update on the final chapter in the Heartstopper series! In their Instagram stories, the author wrote, “I think I have a first draft of vol 6. (Just the writing, haven’t started the drawing yet). I think it’s probably too long [right now] but maybe I can make it work… but mostly feeling pretty good about it. Gonna share with some friends and colleagues and get some opinions, then make some tweaks probably.”

George R.R. Martin’s latest series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be coming to HBO next year, but the author says fans can expect a very different tone from Game of Thrones. Martin says the new spinoff series “will be a lot shorter than Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, with a much different tone. But it’s still Westeros, so no one is truly safe.” The show is slated to premiere in June 2025.

The winner of the 2024 International Booker Prize has been announced! And it’s Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck, translated by Michael Hofmann.

Summer is almost here! Get ready by adding some of these 120 summer reads to your TBR list.

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!

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls book cover

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (Berkley, January 14, 2025)

This is probably one of my favorite Grady Hendrix covers of all time, and that’s really saying something because Grady Hendrix has quite the history of cool book covers. I can’t wait to have this stunner on my shelf, but more importantly, I can’t wait to read it. Not just because I will look super cool while I read it on the bus. But also because Grady Hendrix is one of the best horror authors of all time, and I’m always excited about his books.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is set in a maternity home in Florida in 1970. It follows five young women living in the home who come across a guide to witchcraft. And yeah, as you can imagine, everything goes haywire from there. According to the publisher, Berkley, Hendrix’s new book is like “Rosemary’s Baby set in a home for unwed mothers in 1970,” and it will “deliver fresh takes on traditional horror tropes with [Hendrix’s] signature voice full of humor, heart, jump scares and a bit of a wink.”

In the early 1970s, these types of homes for unwed mothers were popping up all over the United States. Hendrix told People he took inspiration for his novel from the real-life terrors young women went through when entering these homes. They were meant to be safe havens, but they often turned out to be anything but. It sounds like a lot of research and thought went into constructing this story, and with Hendrix’s ability to always find fresh ways to explore horror tropes, I’m excited to see what he does with this material.

Unfortunately, we are going to have to wait until 2025 for this one, but I’m certainly counting down the months!

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Freddy never uses a gun, does he? Ghostface? Michael? Jade can’t even imagine Michael Myers using a gun. They’re so impersonal, so ‘all at once’ instead of ‘one at a time.’ Jason Voorhees? C’mon. He’ll use a speargun, sure, but that’s just for a 3-D gag. No, any self-respecting slasher finding a pistol in his hand, what he’s supposed to do is look down at it like it’s a strange bug, then shake his hand until this bitey, attention-drawing thing is gone again.”

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones

Bonus Thursday Book Meme

Since we didn’t get a Monday meme this week, here’s a Thursday meme to get you through. I think I need to start asking my booksellers for notes. This is genius.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

calico cat

Today, I leave you with a picture of the most beautiful girl cat, Cersei Anne. She wants me to tell you that she hopes you have a wonderful weekend, and we’ll see you back here on Monday for more book talks.

Emily

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Book Radar

Get a Sneak Peek at BRIDGERTON Season 3 Part 2 and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Welcome to another wonderful Thursday of book talk. Today, I’m coming at you from the super scorching hot city of Austin, TX. Super excited to be here and to see my friend get married. But also, as I always do when I’m visiting a new city, I’m excited to check out some bookstores. If you have favorites, be sure to reach out and let me know! Now let’s talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

finlay donovan digs her own grave book cover

The fifth novel in the Finlay Donovan series is coming soon! Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is hitting shelves on March 4, 2025. You can preorder it now.

Have you finished Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1, and now you’re pining for Part 2? Here’s a brief teaser for what’s to come in the second half of the season. It releases on Netflix on June 13.

Netflix’s adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole series has found its lead. Tobias Santelmann (The Last Kingdom, Exit, and The Arctic Convoy) will star as the Nordic detective. Also heading the series is Joel Kinnaman (The Suicide Squad), who will play Tom Waaler, and Pia Tjelta (Made in Oslo) as Rakel Fauke.

Emma Törzs’ debut fantasy novel Ink Blood Sister Scribe is being adapted as a fantasy series by Amazon MGM Studios company.

Here’s the cover of Swordcrossed, a new enemies-to-lovers queer fantasy romance from Freya Marske. It’s out on October 10!

Celia Imrie has joined the cast of the movie adaptation of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club. Chris Columbus is attached to write the screenplay and direction. Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley were also previously announced as stars.

Netflix’s The Sandman series has cast the remaining family members of The Endless for season 2. Destiny will be played by Adrian Lester, Delirium will be played by Esmé Creed-Miles, and Destruction, now referred to as “The Prodigal” by his siblings, will be played by Barry Sloane.

Mystery and thriller lovers, here are the most anticipated mysteries and thrillers coming out in 2024, according to Goodreads.

The 2024 Eisner Award nominees have been announced! Winners will be announced at San Diego Comic-Con during a gala awards ceremony on July 26.

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!

what the woods took book cover

What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould (Wednesday Books, December 10)

Get excited, because in December, we’re getting a new YA novel from Courtney Gould, author of The Dead and the Dark. This one is being compared to Yellowjackets with a dash of Girl, Interrupted, which sounds…okay, fun is probably not the right word. But intriguing, certainly. Right up my alley, definitely. I can’t wait to pick this one up.

When Devin Green is abducted in the middle of the night and dragged into the woods with a group of equally confused teens, she’s surprised to discover her family has signed her up for an experimental therapy program. Two camp counselors explain to the group that they will all be tasked with surviving a 50-day hike through the wilderness. Ideally, the teens will learn how to fight their inner demons and come out on the other side as stronger, more well-adjusted versions of themselves. That is the idea, anyway.

But deep in the Idaho woods, Devin finds many unsettling surprises. She keeps getting these strange visions of people she knows aren’t really there. And the trees seem to have faces. Then the camp counselors go missing, and suddenly Devin is stuck with a group of people she barely knows, unsure of who she can trust, but totally reliant on each and every one of them for survival.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Being alone isn’t a skill. It’s a disposition.”

— The Incendiaries by R. O. Kwon

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

orange cat napping on a blanket

The worst thing about leaving town is having to leave my cats at home. Seriously, I wish I could take them everywhere with me. Just look at this cute little freckled face resting so peacefully in my arms. Cats are actual angels!

And that’s all I have for you today, friends. I hope you have a gorgeous weekend, and I’ll see you Monday, after my friend gets married! Until then!

Emily

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Book Radar

WICKED Releases Official Trailer and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Happy Monday, and once again, it’s time for another round of Book Radar! I’m back with more book news and a lot of fun new trailer news to share with you as well. Yay for the movies! Yay for books! Yay for Monday? Sure. Let’s do this.

Book Deals and Reveals

when the wolf comes home book cover

Get ready, because one of my most anticipated books of 2025 has entered the chat. Here’s the cover of Nat Cassidy’s When the Wolf Comes Home. It’s out from Tor Nightfire on April 22, 2025.

Speaking of 2025 books I absolutely cannot wait for, Grady Hendrix has a new one out on January 14, 2025. And People has the exclusive cover reveal! “Think Rosemary’s Baby set in a home for unwed mothers in 1970,” says publisher Berkley, about Hendrix’s latest, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls.

Let’s talk trailers. First up, here’s the trailer for the highly anticipated film Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Part I is out this November!

Here’s another highly-anticipated book adaptation that just got a trailer: It Ends with Us. The film, starring Blake Lively, is out in August.

Even more film adaptation news. Keira Knightley is set to star in the upcoming film adaption of Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel The Woman in Cabin 10 at Netflix. The film will be directed by Simon Stone.

Ken Follett will be publishing his next book with Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK in 2025. The book is not yet titled.

Today is the last day to take part in Libro.fm’s massive sale! Members always get 30% off sale audiobooks, but right now, all sale audiobooks on Libro.fm are 30% off for everyone (not just members). Just use the code NOTTODAYSATAN.

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!

Prepare Your Shelves!

tiananmen square book cover

Tiananmen Square by Lai Wen (Spiegel & Grau, June 4)

Y’all know I’m really careful about the books I hype up when they’re over 500 pages. I know some people read books that long all the time, but for me, if I’m sticking with a book that long, it has to be worth it. Maybe a 500+ page book is appealing to you. Maybe you’re like me and the thought of diving into a longer book is daunting. Either way, all of this is to say Tiananmen Square is totally worth it, and you will devour every page. It’s a coming-of-age story set in the years leading up to the Tiananmen Square student protests.

Growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Beijing in the 1970s, Lai is mostly ignored by her parents, who seem preoccupied with other things. But after a childish prank lands her in trouble with the police, Lai sees the realities of the Chinese state and understands what her parents went through during the Cultural Revolution. We follow Lai as she learns about the world around her, falls in love with literature, and opens up her mind to revolutionary ideas.

It’s when Lai wins a scholarship to study at the prestigious Peking University that she really begins to fight against the Communist pressure of conformity. Here, Lai meets a group of individualists who are committed to living their lives as their most authentic selves. And as the events of 1989 unfold, Lai finds herself wrapped up in the protest.

Yes, this is a novel, but author Lai Wen is drawing heavily from her own life and experiences. Expect to learn a lot about a historical moment that maybe you remember, or maybe, if like me, you were just a wee baby in 1989, you’re finding out about for the first time. But what I enjoyed most about this one is following Lai’s journey and reconnecting with the hope and idealism of youth. (yeah, ok, I’m old now—I was a baby in the ’80s)

What I’m Reading This Week

the mystery guest book cover

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

Codename: Sailor V, Volume 2 by Naoko Takeuchi

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones

Monday Memes

Here are a buncha random literary tweets, and they’re great. Twitter might be on fire, but the bookish memes keep coming.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

tuxedo cat curled into a ball

And to finish off everything this Monday, we have Remy curled up in a tight ball. I love him! He loves all of you.

That’s all for Book Radar. See you on Thursday. Have a great week!

Emily

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RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE Gets a Sequel and More Book Radar

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 book cover

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.

Emily

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THE IDEA OF YOU Author Speaks Out About Film Adaptation’s Changes and More Book Radar!

What a weekend, Book Friends!

I hope yours was restful. I was working for most of the weekend, but it was fun work, so don’t be sad for me. I’m happy that it’s Monday, though. I’m one of those weirdos who actually likes Mondays. Especially because it means I get to say hello to you again. Shall we talk books?

Book Deals and Reveals

Zoe Brennan, First Crush book cover

Paste has shared the cover and an excerpt from Laura Piper Lee’s Zoe Brennan, First Crush, the follow-up to the rom-com Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair. It’s out on January 21, 2025.

Here’s a first look at Netflix’s adaptation of The Decameron, starring Zosia Mamet, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, and Tanya Reynolds. It’s coming out in July!

Adam Cesare’s Audible Original Influencer is getting an expanded paperback release, and here’s the cover reveal! The cover features art by Tomasz Majewski.

Did you love Amazon Prime Video’s adaptation of The Idea of You, starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine? Author Robinne Lee is a little disappointed with the changes the film made to her story. (warning: spoilers for the film and the novel)

Check out the cover of Jenni Howell’s YA dark academia thriller Boys With Sharp Teeth. It’s out in winter 2025 and is available for preorder now.

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that they’re developing a new movie based on Gollum from the Lord of the Rings. Andy Serkis is set to reprise the role of Gollum and direct Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.

Sailor Moon has officially launched a new line of clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home-related items in an official collaboration with the Japanese brand RoseMarie Seoir.

Here are all the book club picks for May 2024. What books are your book club(s) reading this month?

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!

Prepare Your Shelves!

bright and tender dark book cover

Bright and Tender Dark by Joanna Pearson (Bloomsbury, June 4)

Joanna Pearson’s debut novel Bright and Tender Dark is perfect for fans of Notes on an Execution and I Have Some Questions for You. If you love dark academia books, this is for you. If you love literary thrillers that are character-driven, this one is for you. And, it’s out right at the start of June, so make sure you prepare your shelves.

Set in 1999 and 2019, this book examines the murder of Karlie Richard, a charismatic 19-year-old student who was the It Girl on her campus. Twenty years after Karlie is found murdered, those who were close to Karlie are still rattled by her untimely death. Karlie’s freshman roommate, Joy, is now a middle-aged woman still living in the town where it all happened. But now, fresh out of a divorce, Joy is desperate to leave the past behind her.

But then Joy finds a letter from Karlie that the authorities missed, and the letter is enough to convince Joy that the man who was convicted for Karlie’s death might actually be innocent. In an effort to find out the truth about Karlie’s death, Joy dives deep into the case, exploring conspiracy theories and amateur sleuth blogs. Her investigation connects her with others who are still unable to stop thinking about Karlie’s murder: KC, the trans night manager at the building where Karlie was killed; Sheri, the mother of the man convicted of the murder; and Jacob, the professor with whom Karlie was secretly in a romantic relationship.

What I’m Reading This Week

a graphic of the cover of Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

Codename: Sailor V, Volume 2 by Naoko Takeuchi

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones

Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh

Monday Memes

Have you seen The Challengers yet? I know you’ve at least seen the meme! Here are some bookish Challengers memes! Love to see it.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

tuxedo cat with a journal

Did you know that my little tuxedo cat, Remy, is also a huge fan of journaling? This is his little “Cattitude Journal” and he loves it. Cats! They’re bookish just like us!

And that’s it for this Monday! I’ll catch you all on Thursday. Thanks so much for reading.

Emily

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Book Radar

Michelle Yeoh to Star in BLADE RUNNER 2049 Sequel Series and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Welcome to another Thursday Book Radar! It’s been a really busy week over here, and the weekend’s not going to slow down. I’m hoping maybe I can get some sleep…next week. But I hope you’re feeling well-rested and on top of your game this week! If not, the weekend is almost here! Woo! Let’s chat books.

Book Deals and Reveals

slow dance book cover

Rainbow Rowell is back with a new novel, and People has an early sneak peek. Slow Dance is out on July 23 from William Morrow.

Michelle Yeoh has been cast to star in Blade Runner 2099, a new Blade Runner sequel series in the works at Amazon Prime Video. Amazon declined to comment on specific character details.

And here’s the cover of the upcoming novel from Ann Hood, The Stolen Child. It’s out on May 7 from W.W. Norton & Company.

Check out the cover of this upcoming anthology, Fears: Tales of Psychological Horror. This collection of eclectic horror short stories, edited by Ellen Datlow, is coming out on September 10 from Tachyon Publications.

George A. Romero, the director of Night of the Living Dead, will posthumously publish a new novel, co-written by Daniel Kraus. It’s out on September 3.

Priscilla Presley is set to publish a new memoir with Hachette Books. In the book, Presley opens up about “life after Elvis; the passing of her daughter, Lisa Marie; Lisa Marie’s marriage to Michael Jackson; and forging her own identity as an actress and businesswoman, as well as offering never-before-shared intimate stories about her romantic life with Elvis.” It’s out in fall 2025.

The once highly-anticipated book festival Readers Take Denver is now being called the “Fyre Festival of Books.” The four-day event took place April 18-21 and turned into an utter disaster.

Oprah has announced her 105th book club pick, and it’s Long Island by Colm Tóibín

The Winners of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize have been announced! Check out the winners and finalists here.

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!

Looking for a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift? Go beyond the tried and true flowers and chocolate and give the gift of reading with Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists are standing by to help your mom find her next favorite read, delivered right to her inbox or doorstep. And with gifts starting at just $18, there’s something for any budget! Head to mytbr.co/gift to send the gift of reading to the book nerd in your life!

Can’t Wait for This One!

i'll have what he's having book cover

I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram (Forever, August 27)

In late August, we’re getting a new book from Adib Khorram, the William C. Morris Award-winning author of Darius the Great Is Not Okay. And I really can’t wait for this one. With this novel, Khorram is making his adult debut, and it’s a queer romantic comedy that promises to genuinely have readers laughing out loud.

It all starts with a case of mistaken identity. Farzan Alavi is just minding his business, drowning his sorrows in wine at Kansas City’s newest wine bar, hoping to put his recent break-up in his past. Then, without understanding why, Farzan finds himself escorted to the bar’s VIP table, where he is wined and dined and treated to the best meal of his life. Why though? Sommelier David Curtis thinks Farzan is an influential food critic. Oops.

David only finds out the truth about Farzan after the two have a hot one-night stand. But it’s definitely only going to be a one-night thing if David has anything to say about it. David has all eyes on work at the moment, and he has no interest in pursuing a relationship. So that is the end of that, right? Wrong.

When Farzan inherits his family’s bistro, he suddenly finds himself in need of David’s restaurant expertise. Now the two agree to meet up again, but it’s all going to be strictly professional, right? Yeah, we’ll see.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Trust people’s actions, not their words. Don’t love anyone who isn’t ready to love you back. Let go of the people who don’t hold on to you. Don’t wait on anyone who’s in no rush to get to you.”

Funny Story by Emily Henry

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.

Friends, I don’t know if you’ve been keeping up with what’s going on with author Freydis Moon and their alleged multiple identities in the literary world, but it’s a wild web of deceit. You can read more about the scandal here, or if you’re more of a YouTube video essay person (like me), some of my fave YouTubers have covered this: WithCindy and Jess Owens.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

an orange cat

I don’t know if you can see, but maybe if you zoom into the nose, you’ll be able to see Murray’s beautiful, perfect little nose freckles. I love this angel cat so much. I haven’t been home much this week, and I miss snuggling!

Hopefully, you have lots of cat snuggles in your future this weekend. I will see you on Monday!

Emily

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Book Radar

QUEENIE is Heading to Hulu and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Welcome to Monday, and thanks for checking out this Monday’s Book Radar. It’s the first full week of May, and reflecting back on last month, I had such a great reading month. I even read some new faves. How did your April go? Are you excited for this month? Either way, it’s here, so let’s do this.

Book Deals and Reveals

cover of cover of Trang Thanh Tran's They Bloom at Night

Check out the cover of Trang Thanh Tran’s They Bloom at Night. This new novel from the author of She is a Haunting is out on March 4, 2025

Here’s the trailer for Queenie, the new series based on the best-selling novel by Candice Carty-Williams. Queenie premieres June 7, only on Hulu.

Colleen Hoover’s Verity is in development to be adapted as a film at Amazon MGM Studios. Hillary Seitz is currently writing the script. Eat the Cat’s Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund will produce.

And here’s the cover reveal of Christian J. Collier’s Greater Ghost. It’s out from Four Way Books on September 15.

Another cover reveal! This one’s for The Empire Wars, a debut fantasy from Akana Phenix. It’s out on August 6.

If cute lil romcoms are more your speed, here’s the cover of Charlotte Stein’s My Big Fat Fake Marriage. This one’s coming out on March 11, 2025.

The sexy erotic fiction podcast Dirty Diana, starring Demi Moore, is going to be a book! The book is written by Jenn Besser and Shana Feste, and it’s out from Dial Press on November 19.

Here are the 2024 Edgar Award Winners for best mysteries. This is the 78th annual award.

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!

Prepare Your Shelves!

the house that horror built

The House that Horror Built by Christina Henry (Berkley, May 14)

Love horror stories about horror movies? Look, same, which is why I’m so excited for Christina Henry’s latest, The House that Horror Built. Christina Henry has already proven herself to be a master of horror and dark fantasy (Near the Bone? Chilling). Trust me, she keeps the horror party going in her latest. This one is out NEXT WEEK, so you’d better get that shelf prepared. This one is coming so soon!

Javier Castillo was an award-winning horror movie director who had audiences at the edge of their seats with every new film release. But after his family was hit with tragedy and scandal, the director was forced to step away from the spotlight. Now, he spends his days hidden away in his Chicago mansion, Bright Horses. No one ever visits him, and he lives all alone…or does he? More on that later.

Now single mom (and horror film aficionado) Harry Adams has accepted a job cleaning Javier’s home. Javier values discretion over everything else, and Harry promises not to ask questions. Frankly, she’s a little starstruck and in awe of all the horror movie props and costumes that fill the house. But when Harry hears a voice behind a locked door calling for help, she’s not so sure she can keep her promise to stay silent.

What I’m Reading This Week

cover image for How to Solve Your Own Murder

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

Codename: Sailor V, Volume 2 by Naoko Takeuchi

Monday Memes

I really love reading books I love, but you know what I love even more? Recommending those books to others and getting others to love them. I’m sure many of you relate.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

writer Emily and her orange cat Murray showing off their chins

Just a girl and her cat, showing off their chins. Murray absolutely wins the chin contest though. So orange! So fluffy! Good job, Murray!

That’s all I have for you today, book family. You’ve made it to the end of this week’s Book Radar. I hope your May is beautiful! Talk to you on Thursday!

Emily

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Book Radar

MEXICAN GOTHIC Series No Longer Happening on Hulu and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Hello, and happy Thursday. It’s me, Emily, coming to you from my cat cave. I am surrounded by all three of my cats right now, and they say hello. The cats and I have a lot of book news to share with you today, so let’s do this!

Book Deals and Reveals

cover of Mexican Gothic

Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia has shared some rather disappointing news: “Hulu did not renew the option for Mexican Gothic: so no show will be made,” she tweeted. “I appreciate the hard work of everyone in trying to bring it to the screen. Hopefully it gets adapted in the future.”

Here’s the cover reveal of If I Were You by Cesca Major. The author describes the book as a “mad & sad ‘What If’ soul swapping [love] story set over a fancy wedding weekend!” It’s out this July!

Yellowjackets actress Nicole Maines has announced a new memoir, It Gets Better…Except When It Gets Worse. The book will be published on October 15.

Here’s the cover for Alan Moore’s upcoming novel The Great When. This one’s out from Bloomsbury on October 1.

Jenna Bush Hager has announced her next Read With Jenna book club pick! It’s Real Americans by Rachel Khong!

Butterfly in the Sky, the documentary about Reading Rainbow and its beloved host, LeVar Burton, is now available to stream on available on demand on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, and XBOX!

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo, the sequel to the international bestseller The Light We Lost, will be published in spring 2025 by Putnam.

Kayla Hardy’s The Quarter Queen, “a mother-daughter saga set in a magically and racially divided 19th-century New Orleans,” with be published by Ballantine. No publication date has been set yet.

Sean “Big Sean” Anderson will publish his book Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace with Simon Element this October.

Participating in Book Riot’s Read Harder challenge? Here are six AAPI books you can read for the challenge to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!

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!

Looking for a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift? Go beyond the tried and true flowers and chocolate and give the gift of reading with Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists are standing by to help your mom find her next favorite read, delivered right to her inbox or doorstep. And with gifts starting at just $18, there’s something for any budget! Head to mytbr.co/gift to send the gift of reading to the book nerd in your life!

Can’t Wait for This One!

cover for roland rogers isn't dead yet

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen (Zando, September 10)

Samantha Allen, author of Patricia Wants to Cuddle, has her sophomore novel out from Zando this fall, and I absolutely cannot wait for this one to hit shelves! It has everything you could possibly want! Romance! Celebrity gossip! Ghosts!

Roland Rogers is an A-list actor who has been hiding a secret for years. But now he’s ready to spill in his brand new tell-all memoir, and he’s chosen the perfect ghostwriter to help him tell his story. For ex-Mormon and memoirist Adam Gallagher, helping a Hollywood heartthrob tell his life story sounds like a pretty cushy gig. There’s only one problem…Roland Rogers isn’t alive anymore.

Yep, you heard right. Roland Rogers is already dead. But with a lot of concentrated effort, the late actor has found a way to communicate to the world of the living through his kitchen speaker. Now he must tell his story to Adam before time runs out and the rest of the world discovers that he’s dead. As the two men race against the clock to get Roland’s story down on paper, they don’t always agree with how the memoir should be written. Nevertheless, they might just fall for each other anyway.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“If TV has taught us anything, it’s that the murder rate in small villages is disproportionately high.”

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

a photo of three cats sleeping near each other on a couch

Here we have a very unique sight! A three-cat pile-up! Cersei, Murray, and Remy all existing peacefully together. The end of the world must be nigh.

But we already knew that.

Anyhow! That’s all I have for this round of Book Radar. I hope you have a gorgeous weekend, whether you finish seven books or whether you read nothing at all. Just have fun! And see you Monday!

Emily

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Book Radar

X,O KITTY Begins Production on Season 2 and More Book Radar!

Happy Monday, Book Friends!

Welcome to another Book Radar. I can’t believe it’s going to be May later this week. Who let this happen?!?! I’ve already shared so much news about 2025 books coming up, and I have more to share this week, including something for 2026! I am not well. The wheels of time, they keep turning. Let’s talk books though!

Book Deals and Reveals

lonely places book cover

Here’s the cover of Lonely Places by Kate Anderson. It’s out on October 29th from Flux Books.

X,O Kitty has begun filming season 2! And, they’ve added three more cast members: Audrey Huynh, Sasha Bhasin, and Joshua Lee have all joined the project.

Speaking of projects! The film adaptation of Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel Project Hail Mary has finally gotten a release date! The movie, starring Ryan Gosling, hits theaters on March 20, 2026.

Let’s check out another reveal. Here’s C.J. Cooke’s The Book of Witching. Appropriately, it’s out this October from Berkley.

Three of the four leading roles in the film adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling mystery The Thursday Murder Club have been cast! Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley are all attached to the project. Chris Columbus is set to direct.

John Logan, the three-time Oscar-nominated writer of films such as The Aviator and Gladiator, will adapt Pulitzer Prize-winning author Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian novel into a feature film. The film will be directed by John Hillcoat.

Here are the most popular nonfiction books of 2024 so far, according to Goodreads. How many nonfiction titles from this list have you loved so far this year?

The 2024 Gotham Book Prize finalists have been announced! The Gotham Book Prize is given to the best fiction or nonfiction book published each calendar year that takes place in or is about New York City. The prize grants its winner $50,000.

More awards news. Here’s the shortlist for the 2024 Women’s Prize! Winners will be announced June 12.

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!

Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help with handpicked recommendations. Tell the Bibliologists at Tailored Book Recommendations about what you love and what you don’t. You can get your recommendations via email or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! Subscribe today.

Prepare Your Shelves!

housemates book cover

Housemates by Emma Copley Eisenberg (Hogarth Press, May 28)

Emma Copley Eisenberg, author of 2020’s The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia, has written her first novel! And it’s coming out next month (well, almost this month… omg it’s ALMOST MAY). So, it’s time to prepare your shelves, because this queer road trip story sounds really fun.

Leah and Bernie are two housemates living in Philadelphia who share a love of art and exploring the world around them through their art (Leah is a writer, and Bernie is a photographer). So of course, they’re both game to take a three-week road trip, documenting rural America through their photographs and written words.

But a road trip is never just about discovering the world around you. It’s also about discovering yourself. Through their journeys, Leah and Bernie meet all kinds of people from all different walks of life. People who challenge the two housemates to reflect on their own beliefs and their perspectives of the world and what they want from their lives.

What I’m Reading This Week

cover of the centre by ayesha manazir siddiqi

The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

Monday Memes

You knew we were going to have to focus on Tortured Poets Department memes this week. Enjoy!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

sleeping calico cat

My shy girl is sleeping right behind me as I write this, so I thought I would share! Look at this beautiful angel. I do it all for her.

And that’s all, book friends! See you Thursday!

Emily

Categories
Book Radar

Deadpool and Wolverine Join Forces and More Book Radar!

Hi, Book Friends, and Happy Thursday!

So good to see you here for another Book Radar. And this Thursday, I have a lot of piping hot book tea for you. So pull up a chair, grab a cup, and let’s get to pouring and sipping.

Book Deals and Reveals

Deadpool and Wolverine movie poster

Deadpool and Wolverine are joining forces in Marvel’s first-ever R-rated movie, Deadpool & Wolverine. And the first trailer is out now! You can see the movie, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, in theaters starting on July 26.

Speaking of collabs, writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Esad Ribic are releasing Aliens vs. Avengers this summer.

Farrah Rochon has announced a new novel! Bemused is the “untold origin story of the 5 Muses from Disney’s Hercules.” It’s out on January 7, 2025.

Crime Reads has shared an excerpt and a cover reveal for the upcoming cicada-pocalypse novel from Laurie L. Dove, Mask of the Deer Woman. It’s out from Berkley in January 2025.

Here’s the cover of Ravynn K. Stringfield’s novel Love in 280 Characters or Less. It features art by Kgabo Mametja and a design by Abby Granata. And it’s out on April 15, 2025!

Elliot Page’s Pageboy Productions has optioned the rights to author Eliot Schrefer’s 2021 novel The Darkness Outside Us.

PEN America has canceled its awards following a writer’s boycott over Palestine. Twenty-eight of the 61 writers nominated had withdrawn from consideration, including 9 of the 10 nominees for a $75,000 prize.

Here are the winners of this year’s Los Angeles Times Book Prize, presented to books in over 13 different categories.

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!

Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help with handpicked recommendations. Tell the Bibliologists at Tailored Book Recommendations about what you love and what you don’t. You can get your recommendations via email or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! Subscribe today.

Can’t Wait for This One!

castle of the cursed book cover

Castle of the Cursed by Romina Garber (Wednesday Books, July 30)

Looking for an unconventional beach read to drop in your bag this July? One that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Then get ready for Romina Garber’s dark gothic YA romance/horror, Castle of the Cursed.

Following the mysterious death of her parents, Estella is left alone and determined to be the one to uncover the person responsible for their deaths. As she spirals deeper into depression and survivor’s guilt, Estella agrees to travel overseas to her aunt’s home, la Sombra, a gothic castle in the small town of Oscuro, Spain. Oooh. Estella was looking for an escape, but she soon discovers la Sombra might be the missing key to all the secrets of her parents’ deaths.

Then she meets Sebastián. Sebastián is a boy with silver eyes who claims he is trapped in the castle. But that’s not the most disturbing thing about him. Most troubling of all, it seems like the only one who can see him is Estella. Is he a figment of her imagination? Or is something supernatural happening at la Sombra? And could he possibly help Estella find out what happened to her parents?

Words of Literary Wisdom

“But all these traits — style, hygiene, the ability to care for oneself and one’s home — are, in a man, considered exceptional, almost miraculous. Whereas in women, they are the bare minimum.”

The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

orange and black cats on the couch

And before I go, here are two gorgeous sleeping kitties, living their best lives. Murray and Remy wish you a good night, and sweet dreams. No matter what time of day it is when you read this.

That’s all I’ve got for you! Have a fabulous weekend. Do something fun. Eat cookies. Drink plenty of water. Pet cats. Talk soon!

Emily