Category: Book Radar

New Anthology Featuring Stephen Graham Jones and S.A. Cosby and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date September 10, 2021

Sponsored by Friends Forever by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham with Macmillan Children's.

A follow-up to the mega-bestselling Real Friends and Best Friends graphic memoirs, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham are back with Friends Forever, a story about learning to love yourself exactly as you are. Shannon is in eighth grade, and everything keeps changing. Her classmates are starting to date each other, and no matter how hard she tries, Shannon can never seem to just be happy. With their signature humor, warmth, and insight, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham have crafted another incredible love letter to their younger selves and to readers everywhere, a reminder to us all that we are enough.

Hello, Book Friends!

I hope you’re having a wonderful Monday. As we get further into September and get ready for the seasons to change, the types of books we’re in the mood to read start changing as well. So what have you been reading lately? For me, it’s all about dark academia this week, which I know is super trendy at the moment but I can’t help myself. I’ve always loved a school setting. And even though a lot of people went back to school in August, I feel like September is official back-to-school month, especially during Virgo season.

Anyway, aside from reading and getting excited about fall (my favorite time of year), I’ve also been pulling together a lot of book news, deals, and cover reveals to share with you. Oh, and cat pics. Always cat pics. Let’s do this.

❤️ Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

We just got a cover reveal for Other Terrors, an inclusive anthology featuring original tales of horror from Stephen Graham Jones, Tananarive Due, S.A. Cosby, Alma Katsu, Jennifer McMahon, and more. This cover features artwork by Venezuelan graphic designer Pablo Gerardo Camacho. You can get your hands on this anthology on July 19, 2022. other terrors

We’re getting closer and closer to the second season of The Baby-Sitters Club, friends! And Netflix has released a new trailer for upcoming season. Mark your calendars for October 11.

Stacey Abrams has revealed the cover art for her first ever children’s book, Stacey’s Extraordinary Words. Coming to your favorite bookstore on December 28.

And the winner of the 2021 Women’s Prize for fiction is… (drumroll please) Susanna Clarke for Piranesi.

Stephen Curry is producing an adaptation of Jewell Parker Rhodes’ young adult sports novel Black Brother, Black Brother.

Here’s the cover reveal for This Vicious Grace, a new novel from Emily Thiede. This one’s out June 28, 2022.

Bestselling author Kate Quinn has sold her new novel The Briar Club, set in an all-female boarding house in the 1950s, to William and Morrow in a seven-figure two-book deal.

Andrea Bartz’s thriller We We Never Here is getting a film adaptation on Netflix.

Exciting cover reveal alert! Here’s the cover for Annie Hartnett’s upcoming novel Unlikely Animals. Coming 4/12 from Random House!

The Scotiabank Giller Prize announced its 2021 longlist.

The Marvel Unlimited app is relaunching with exclusive Infinity Comics from creators like Jonathan Hickman and others.

Gossip Girl has been renewed for a second season on HBO Max.

Here are the top 25 most widely read and highly reviewed books on Goodreads for 2021 thus far.

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Prepare Your Shelves!

The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale book cover

The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale (St. Martin’s Press, December 7, 2021)

If you have ever been a dancer, or if you have ever enjoyed dance, or you like reading about female friendships, or if you just really love character-driven stories featuring people who are driven by artistic passion, then The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale is a debut novel you’ll want to check out when it hits shelves in early December.

The Ballerinas is the story of three friends: our narrator Delphine Léger and two other students she becomes close with at the Paris Opera Ballet School, Margaux and Lindsey. The novel goes back and forth between two timelines. An earlier timeline explores the girls’ adolescence when they’re learning their craft and entering the competitive world of ballet. The second timeline checks back on these women now that they’re in their thirties when their careers are changing. The Ballerinas is about female friendship and the price of ambition and passion in a cutthroat environment.

You might have read books about dance before. Some of my recent favorites are Meg Abbott’s The Turnout and and Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton. And yes, I’ve also seen Black Swan and Center Stage a bajillion times. But The Ballerinas is coming at the world of dance from an entirely different angle. Author Kapelke-Dale brings her personal experience into the story and the setting. She lives in Paris and was also a dancer. There’s an authenticity to this story and its characters that makes everything about this story feel all the more real. And all the more shocking. You’ll never look at ballet the same.

What I’m Reading This Week

You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing

All’s Well by Mona Awad

Near the Bone by Christina Henry

Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Bookish Meme Corner

Blue’s Clues is kind of bookish, right? Either way, I’m living for all of the memes that have popped up online ever since Blues Clue‘s Steve Burns posted an uplifting viral video last week. Here are some of my favorites:

“We’re all so emotionally damaged from this last year and a half that Steve from Blue’s Clues was like ‘I have to address the nation'” – Jaron Myers

“Now that steve from blues clues apologized i can begin to work on my issues with men. 2021 is about healing.” – CHIKA

This was totally me watching this video.

And here’s one for The Office fans.

Okay, this one’s for the book-loving folks.

Finally, this is the crossover we need and deserve.

Anyway, I thought this would bring you some joy on a Monday.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

It’s September, which means it’s almost fall, which means I can fully lean into my obsession with all things scary. This past weekend, I got to play Betrayal at House on the Hill with some friends. If you love board games and haunted houses, grab a copy of this game!

Oh hey, have you heard of Purrli? It’s the purring cat that lives in your laptop. Thanks as always to Liberty for sharing!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Phantom certainly has a case of the Mondays today. I love when he rests his little head in this cat tree.

And hey, do you love my cat calendar? It’s from Kitten Lady, and 2022 calendars are available now!

I’m such a huge fan of Hannah and all the work she does for kittens and other animals. If you’re looking for a cute cat calendar for the upcoming year, support her!

That’s it for Monday, friends. I hope you have a wonderful day, and wonderful week, and remember. Steve from Blue’s Clues thinks we’re all doing a great job. ❤️ Emily

Book Radar

New Samira Ahmed Novel Cover Reveal and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date September 8, 2021

Sponsored by Flatiron Books, publisher of Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney.

Rock Paper Scissors is the latest exciting domestic thriller from the queen of the killer twist, New York Times bestselling author Alice Feeney. Think you know the person you married? Think again… Things have been wrong with Mr. and Mrs. Wright for a long time. When Adam and Amelia win a weekend away to Scotland, it might be just what their marriage needs. Every anniversary the couple exchange traditional gifts–paper, cotton, pottery, tin–and each year Adam’s wife writes him a letter that she never lets him read. Until now. They both know this weekend will make or break their marriage, but they didn’t randomly win this trip. One of them is lying, and someone doesn’t want them to live happily ever after. Ten years of marriage. Ten years of secrets. And an anniversary they will never forget.

Happy Thursday, Dear Friends!

I can’t believe it’s been a whole week since we last talked, and so much has happened since then. So much news in the world of books. So many new reads to get excited about. So many weekend reading plans to prepare for. And cats. We can’t forget the cats. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do, so let’s get on with it.

But before we do, a quick announcement. Book Riot is looking for an Ad Operations Associate! This role will execute a variety of daily tasks that support the sales and ad operations teams. If you or someone you know would be a good fit, applications are open until September 30th!

— Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

Did your heart skip a beat when you saw this cover reveal from Samira Ahmed? Because mine did. Hollow Fires is out in May 2022.

K-Drama star and star of the Academy Award-winning film Parasite Park Seojoon is joining the cast of the new Captain Marvel film.

On Instagram, Paul Tremblay revealed the mass market paperback cover for his bestselling novel Survivor Song. And as a bonus? There’s a short preview of Tremblay’s new novel The Pallbearer’s Club at the end of this version of Survivor Song. I’m crying I’m so excited.

Here’s why many authors are turning down book deals in favor of Substack.

Love wine and comics? Well, this deal is for you. Syndicate Wine has announced five custom wines featuring labels with exclusive artwork from comic book publisher TidalWave Productions.

If you feel like you’ve been waiting all fo your life for this Dune adaptation, get excited. The first reviews for Dune are out, and here’s what critics have to say.

Here’s the cover reveal for Mya Rodale’s upcoming novel The Mad Girls of New York, inspired by the true story of Nellie Bly.

Joan Allen will be narrating Hillary Clinton’s political thriller audiobook State of Terror, scheduled to come out on October 12th.

Here’s the cover reveal for Long Story Short, a new YA romcom from author Serena Kaylor.

UK publishers are warning that a shortage of lorry drivers over Christmas might lead to potential delays with book distribution.

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One

Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert (Flatiron Books, June 28, 2022)

Have you read Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood books (2018’s The Hazel Wood and 2000’s The Night Country)? I have. They were great. But I’m always excited to see a book from an author I love that isn’t going to be part of a series. Why? Low commitment. I love a one-and-done book. I love knowing that I’m going to get the full story within these pages. And I love that I don’t have to remember what happened in the last book to enjoy what’s going on in this book. That’s not to say I never love a series, but a standalone? Yeah, that’s what really excites me.

So when I found out Melissa Albert was coming out with a standalone novel next year? I was pumped. When I read Melissa Alberts description of this book as a “a standalone urban/suburban contemporary fantasy about secrets, lies, super-bad choices, and, yes, witchcraft”? I was like, “Where do I stand in line to get this book, like… yesterday?”

This story is told in two timelines and two different places. In the suburbs in contemporary times, seventeen year-old Ivy encounters a stranger in the middle of the road in the middle of the night and discovers that he’s a harbinger of bad things to come. Then there’s the timeline of the past, in the city. In the summer when Dana turns sixteen, her gifts of perception turn into something decidedly supernatural. Eventually, these characters’ stories will converge in a reckoning between a daughter, a mother, and the dark forces they never should have messed with.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Being loved is one thing, being hated is another, but there’s nothing worse than being ignored.”

— For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing

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.

This is probably old news for a lot of people who spend a lot of time on TikTok, specifically BookTok, but…

If you’re wondering why we’ve been seeing a lot of backlist titles on the bestsellers list, we 100% have BookTok to thank for that. Some of the books that have experienced a substantial rise in popularity and sales thanks to the people on TikTok? Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us (2016), Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End (2017), Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life (2015), E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars (2014), and Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles (2011). Is your favorite backlist title not making the list yet? Time to fire up the ole TikTok app, I guess.

Your Weekend Reading Soundtrack

I’ve been doing a little rewatch of The OC lately, so nostalgia is still very much on my mind. So this week, I’ve got a 2000s themed playlist for you. And since Y2K fashion is back, it’s time to bring the music back too. I think you’re going to love this. 🎶🎵🎶

And Here’s a Cat Picture!

Murray, our cinnamon swirl best cat friend, is back to say hello!

If you see strings strewn all around Murray in this picture, it’s because he found my hat and decided to deconstruct it. I’m still waiting for him to make something new and creative with the scraps. What do you think it’ll be?

And with that, another Book Radar is in the books. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you here next week, same time, same place.

❤️ Emily

Book Radar

C.L. Polk’s Kingston Cycle is Being Adapted for Television and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date September 1, 2021

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s the cover reveal for an exciting new YA anthology. Game On, edited by Laura Silverman, features new works from Sona Charaipotra, Kathleen Glasgow, Gloria Chao, and more!

C.L. Polk’s award-winning Kingston Cycle (Witchmark, Stormsong, and Soulstar) is being adapted for television.

The 2021 Anthony Award winners have been announced.

MacArthur Genius Grant winner Jacqueline Woodson is publishing two new picture books for kids ages 5-8 in 2022, and here’s the cover reveal for one of them, The Year We Learned to Fly.

B.B. Alston’s Supernatural Investigations series will continue with Amari and the Great Game, out on April 5, 2022. Here’s the cover reveal!

Batwoman season 3 is adding Agent Carter’s Bridget Regan to the cast as Poison Ivy.

The first Cowboy Bebop comic, written by Dan Watters with art by Lamar Mathurin, is out in December.

New Line’s feature adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot has added Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, and Spencer Treat Clark to its cast.

H.E.R. will be making her acting debut in the upcoming musical feature film adaptation of The Color Purple.

Monday, August 30, 2021, marked the launch of a new literary prize, the Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Presses.

LeBron James has written a new children’s book, entitled We Are Family.

Here are 20 upcoming releases from small and university presses that you won’t want to miss.

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James (Riverhead Books, February 15, 2022)

Earlier this week, Marlon James announced the details of his upcoming follow-up to Black Leopard Red Wolf, and everyone is very excited. So the pick for the book I’m anticipating the most this week was an easy one. Moon Witch, Spider King is the second book in James’ Dark Star trilogy. This is a series that people keep comparing to Game of Thrones, which… fair enough. If you love fantasy and you’re looking for a new series to fill the Game of Thrones-shaped hole in your heart, then I absolutely encourage you to pick up this series. But I want to stress that James’ series is definitely doing its own thing, and the characters, world-building, and general feel of this story is unlike anything you’ve read before.

So what is this second book going to be about, you ask? Rather than being a linear sequel to the first book in the series, Moon Witch, Spider King takes place at the same time as Black Leopard, Red Wolf, but this time, we’re getting the story from a different perspective. While the first novel was told from the perspective of Tracker, this one is told by Sogolon the Moon Witch, who was Tracker’s adversary in the first novel. Of course, this means she’s going to see the story much differently. And it also means you can absolutely pick up this new novel and enjoy it before or after reading the first book in the series.

In fact, Marlon James encourages readers who haven’t read Black Leopard, Red Wolf to try out this one first. In his interview with Gizmodo, James said, “Because this is not a linear trilogy, the reader who has not yet read Black Leopard, Red Wolf could absolutely start with Moon Witch, Spider King. In fact, I’m looking forward to hearing their take on the BLRW, having gotten to Sogolon first.”

So now, basically, this means you have no excuse to not pick up this book when it comes out in February.

Literary Words of Wisdom

“People often felt the need to prepare a side of themselves to display to passers-by – as they might in a store window – and that such a display needn’t be taken so seriously.”

— Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

What’s Up in the Bookish Community?

This week, I’ve got more of just a general recommendation to keep you informed while you wait for me to come back in a week. I know. What will you do without me? (since I’m new here, I want to clarify that this was sarcasm… but I do really have a general recommendation for you)

If you’re wanting to keep up with all of the online book community gossip, Jess Owen‘s “Book CommuniTEA” YouTube videos are so informative and entertaining. Here’s a link to the most recent episode. Or if you’re looking to catch up on everything you’ve missed so far, here’s a playlist of all the videos so far.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

No playlist for you this week, but here’s an awesome music video, in honor of Beyoncé’s birthday this weekend. Our girl is turning 40!

Let’s keep Purrli going. What’s your favorite purr setting at the moment? Right now, I’m into a sleepy but lively purr on the “purrfect” end of things. Around one meow every four minutes just to keep things interesting.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Murray is sending us off for a long weekend here in his favorite pose, with his cute little paws folded under his chest in the perfect cat loaf position.

Murray is having deep thoughts about all the toys he’s going to play with this weekend and all the treats he’s going to try to steal.

And that’s this Thursday’s Book Radar! I’m going to miss checking in with everyone on Monday, but I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend. I hope you stay safe. And I hope you have a moment to rest and read. See you next Thursday!

❤️ Emily

Book Radar

Get Excited for Nic Stone’s Third SHURI Novel and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 27, 2021

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s the cover reveal for The Book Woman’s Daughter, an upcoming historical fiction novel from Kim Michele Richardson, the author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

Netflix has announced a release date for the second season of Baby-Sitters Club! The show will be back on October 11, and in the meantime, you can have a look at a few images from season 2.

Amanda Gorman’s highly anticipated poetry collection is going to be triple the length that was initially announced, and it’s going to cost more too.

Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive look at Sabaa Tahir’s upcoming contemporary YA novel All My Rage, including the cover reveal and the first three chapters!

Nic Stone’s third Shuri novel is coming out January 2022! Here’s the cover reveal for Symbiosis.

AMC has cast Game of Thrones star Jacob Anderson as Interview With the Vampire lead Louis.

The Nerd Daily has the exclusive cover reveal of Charles A. Bush’s debut YA novel Every Variable of Us, available on March 1st, 2022 from Flux Books.

Lakeith Stanfield will star in Apple’s series adaptation of Victor LaValle’s novel The Changeling.

Pantheon Books will release Gengoroh Tagame’s Or Colors in English in one volume in May, 2022. The manga will be translated by Anne Ishii.

Milkweed Editions has announced a new disability-centered series, titled Multiverse. Multiverse will hit shelves in April, starting with non-speaking autistic poet Hannah Emerson’s debut collection The Kissing of Kissing.

Tordotcom Publishing has announced a new novella from C.L. Polk, Even Though I Knew The End. The new title is scheduled to publish in Fall 2022.

The Rumpus has an exclusive first look at the cover for Oscar Hokeah’s debut novel Calling for a Blanket Dance. The book will be available from Algonquin Books in July 2022.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

cover for margaret and the mystery of the missing body

Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body by Megan Milks (Amethyst Editions, September 14, 2021)

Last week, I said I’ve really been feeling the 90s nostalgia, and this book is totally feeding into that in the best way. Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body is a look back at what it was like to grow up in the 90s, and it’s a queer coming-of-age story. Trigger warnings for some difficult content in this story, including self-harm, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia.

As the title suggests, this is Margaret’s story. At age twelve, Margaret was the head detective of the mystery club Girls Can Solve Anything, a club that she started with her three best friends. The four friends solved crimes together and went on adventures. But now Margaret is entering high school, and things have gotten more complicated. The club has disbanded, much to Margaret’s dismay. Margaret isn’t ready to grow up, and she wishes her friends weren’t ready either. Instead of moving forward with her life, Margaret does her best to stay still, developing an eating disorder that starts to take over her life. To find a path to recovery, Margaret will return to the mysteries that consumed her childhood, including a ghost, a hidden passage, and her own troubled relationship with herself.

This is such a beautifully written, inventive, surprising, and satisfyingly strange book. And this Megan Milks’ debut novel, which makes me so excited for what this author is going to come out with next. But in the meantime, definitely prepare your shelves for this one. You won’t want to miss it.

What I’m Reading This Week

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo

The Upstairs House by Julia Fine

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky

Bookish Meme Corner

If you’re working from home, you’re probably going to feel this meme on a deep, personal level.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

What makes me happy? Cats and books, obviously. This adorable library cat dresses up in literary costumes every Caturday to promote his local library. This was an immediate Instagram follow for me.

Let’s keep the cat material going. Here’s Purrli, the purring cat that lives in your laptop. Thanks to Liberty for sharing!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Did someone say they wanted more cat pictures? Oh, that was me. This is a picture I took this morning as I was leaving for work. How special am I that I have this beautiful face bidding me farewell every time I go outside?

Cersei, you are truly the window queen.

And that’s all I have today, everyone. Thanks so much for reading, and I hope your week is wonderful. ❤️ Emily

Book Radar

Here’s What You Need to Know About #TransBooks365 and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 25, 2021

Sponsored by Astra House, dedicated to publishing authors across genres and from around the world.

For fans of Etgar Keret, a debut collection of stories that fuses life in Israel with technology’s challenges and the latest discoveries about the human brain. At once compassionate, philosophical, and humorous, Jerusalem Beach is a foray into the human condition in all its contradictions. Through a series of snapshots of contemporary life in Israel, Gefen reveals a world that’s a step from the familiar. Entirely heartfelt and infused with pathos. Whether ruminating on the stakes of familial love or pitching the reader headlong into the absurdity of success and failure, Gefen leaves the reader intrigued throughout.

Where has the time gone, Lit Lovers? Somehow it’s Thursday again.

Do you have any big book reading plans for this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday? I have a little road trip coming up (don’t worry, I’m being COVID-safe), so I’m planning to get through a few audiobooks this weekend. Here’s hoping you get through some good books too. After all, reading is one of the great joys in this world. To help prep you for another book-filled weekend, I’ve got lots of book news, recommendations, words of literary wisdom, cat pics, and more. Enjoy.

— Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

It’s beautiful! Here’s the cover reveal of Steven Salvatore’s And They Lived, a book that will feature “an original fairytale, poetry, [and] sex positivity.”

The police officer who murdered Breonna Taylor has pulled out of his book deal with a conservative press after Simon & Schuster refused to distribute his book.

Netflix has announced an adaptation of Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin. The streaming service will release the film in October!

The Beijing International Book Fair will be postponed due to the spread of COVID-19 around Beijing. The organizers say they will release more information about the fair “as soon as possible.”

Here’s the teaser trailer for the upcoming film Spider-Man: No Way Home. The movie will be in theaters December 17th.

LGBTQReads has an exclusive cover reveal of K. Ancrum’s upcoming novel Murder of Crows.

Candice Carty-Williams is creating a television series adaptation of her best-selling novel Queenie.

Here’s the cover reveal of Hope Larson and Rebecca Monk’s middle grade graphic novel Salt Magic, on sale October 12, 2021!

Ashley M. Jones of Birmingham, AL was just named the first Black poet laureate for Alabama, according to the Magic City Poetry Festival.

If Thelma and Louise and Heathers had a baby, it would be Wendy Heard’s new novel Dead End Girls, and NOVL’s got the cover reveal.

50 bookshops in the UK will be opening early on September 7th to mark the publication of Sally Rooney’s new novel Beautiful World, Where Are You.

Oprah has chosen The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers as her latest book club selection.

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One

An Arrow to the Moon by Emily X.R. Pan (Little Brown Books, April 12, 2022)

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the cover of Emily X.R. Pan’s upcoming novel An Arrow to the Moon is absolutely stunning. And let’s give credit where credit is due. This gorgeous book cover was art directed by Sasha Illingworth, and the art and design is by David Curtis, according to Pan’s cover reveal tweet.

But beyond the cover, there’s a lot to be excited about with this book. First of all, this is the follow up to Emily X.R. Pan’s unforgettable debut The Astonishing Color of After. Secondly, the novel is being described as “Romeo and Juliet meets Chinese mythology.” All I can say is give it to me now. I know in these weird pandemic times, the months are going by fast, but still, there is no way I can wait until April of 2022 to get my hands on this book.

This book tells the story of Hunter Yee, who has it all together when it comes to wielding a bow and arrow. As for everything else in his life? Well. It’s sort of a mess. He’s constantly haunted by his family’s past mistakes, and the only things keeping him from running away from home and starting a new life somewhere else are his little brother, a supernatural wind, and this girl at his new high school. Her name is Luna Chang. Luna feels weighed down by her family’s high expectations, and she dreads the future they have planned for her. But things begin to change when Luna starts breaking the rules and hanging out with Hunter. This book promises magic, romance, and family drama. Sign me up!

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Everyone loves to hate love triangles, but actually they’re great. They exist so the main character can choose between different versions of themselves: who they used to be, and who they’re still becoming. Side note: If you ever find yourself choosing between a vampire and a werewolf, choose the vampire.”

— Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

What’s Up in the Book Community?

This week, I’ve got some uplifting news from the bookish side of Twitter!

Emery Lee—author of Meet Cute Diary—is calling on everyone to tweet about their favorite trans books/authors on Monday, August 30th using the hashtag #TransBooks365. Lee explains the hashtag: “because trans books are worthwhile all year, not just as a bigotry response.” Check out his twitter thread for more details, but the general rules are simple. Just be sure to tweet (and post across all social media platforms) about trans books/authors on Monday, August 30th. And then feel free to keep talking about trans authors throughout the year!

Your Weekend Reading Soundtrack

I’m feeling a little nostalgic this week, so I’ve put together a 90’s themed playlist to help get you through your reading this weekend. Relax, grab a cup of tea and your favorite flannel, and enjoy! 🎶🎵🎶

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Phantom is the star of the show this Thursday. And I was able to catch him mid-stretch, which I was really excited about! An action shot! Or as action-y as a cat can be when napping.

If you look closely, you might notice that Phantom’s right eye is a little cloudy because of scarring. We call this his magic eye. He seems to see perfectly fine out of it, and it’s where he keeps all his magic, of course.

You’ve made it to the end of another Book Radar! And almost to the end of another week. I’m proud of you. You’re doing amazing things. See you next week.

❤️ Emily

Book Radar

Get Your First Look at THE WHEEL OF TIME and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 20, 2021

Book Deals and Reveals

Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Dial A for Aunties is getting a sequel, and here’s the cover reveal for the new book, entitled Four Aunties and a Wedding!

Disney Branded TV announced on Twitter that they’ll be developing a film adaptation of Janae Marks’ From the Desk of Zoe Washington.

On Thursday, I told you Akata Woman was coming. Now, Tor.com has revealed the cover of Nnedi Okorafor’s third novel in the Nsibidi Scripts series. So exciting.

Picturestart and Lionsgate Television are teaming up to adapt Squad, an upcoming graphic novel by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Lisa Sterle.

Amazon’s Wheel of Time series kicks off in November. But for now, you can get a first look at the series over at Entertainment Weekly.

Double cover reveal! Mindy McGinnis has revealed the redesigned cover for the paperback release of The Initial Insult and the cover for its sequel The Last Laugh, out on March 15, 2022.

Webtoon, a moblie comics platform, is teaming up with DC to create digital comics set in the DC superhero universe.

Here’s another highly-anticipated cover reveal: Ibi Zoboi’s novel Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler.

Based on the results of a listener poll and the thoughtful consideration of a panel of judges, NPR has announced the 50 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of the past decade.

Here’s the first full trailer for Foundation, Apple’s adaptation of the Isaac Asimov trilogy.

Anthony Mackie is officially picking up the shield to star in Captain America 4.

Global publisher Quarto is reorganizing its management team as COO Ken Fund prepares to retire.

Tim Robbins has just joined the cast of Apple TV+’s series adaptation of the dystopian novel Wool.

Here’s the cover reveal of Heather O’Neill’s upcoming book When We Lost Our Heads, out in February 2022. Heather O’Neill tweeted, “Can’t wait for you to meet all my lovely murderesses.”

Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor has signed on to a new project: the TV adaptation of the novel Exciting Times.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw (Nightfire, October 19, 2021)

I don’t know if it’s because fall is so close that I can almost taste the pumpkin spice in the air (we are team pumpkin spice here, by the way). But for whatever reason, I’m really in a horror and thriller mood lately. Nothing But Blackened Teeth is the perfect horror novella to read this fall if you too are in the mood to get into some creepy, atmospheric reads.

And since this is a dark, atmospheric book, let’s set the scene first: an abandoned Heian-era mansion with a dark history. It’s said to be built on the bones of a ill-fated bride, and the walls are packed with the remains of sacrificed girls who keep the bride company. The perfect place to hold a romantic wedding, right? Well, the group of friends at the center of this novella think so anyway. They’ve all traveled to Japan for a destination wedding, and the bride and groom have their hearts set on exchanging their vows at this haunted mansion. Shockingly, what starts off as a night of food, drinks, and fun amongst friends… gets a lot more sinister. Lurking in the shadows is a ghost bride with dark desires.

Reading this book is like journeying though a real-life haunted house. Was that a creaky floorboard or the wails of the dead? Did you really just see what you thought you saw out of the corner of your eye? This is how Nothing But Blackened Teeth will make you feel. Get ready for twists, shocks, and surprises, all in a taut 124 pages.

What I’m Reading This Week

Velvet W as the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

Bookish Meme Corner

This book meme is the Mondayest book meme to ever Monday. You’ll see what I mean. The struggle is real.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

I’m finally watching The White Lotus on HBO Max. And yes, it is so good! If you’ve watched it already, no spoilers. I’m only on episode 2, and I hear there’s a big twist!

Love a good book/card game crossover? Check out the game Marrying Mr. Darcy. We recently leveled up our game and got the undead expansion pack, which adds an undead plague to your Jane Austen shenanigans. There’s also a really fun Emma expansion pack, because Emma is the best.

Purrli: It’s a purring cat right at your fingertips. Thanks to Liberty for sharing!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Look at Murray. He is the ultimate office desk cat, isn’t he? Murray is our middle child, but don’t worry. We still give him plenty of attention. I mean. Just look at those pink toe beans. How can you say no to pink toe beans?

You can’t. Unless you’re a monster.

You did it! You made it through Monday’s Book Radar! I hope all of your new-week resolutions come true. ❤️ Emily

Book Radar

LeVar Burton Wants to Read Your Stories and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 18, 2021

Sponsored by HarperCollins Children's Books.

Dragoslava is a vampire kid, but sometimes being stuck as a kid forever can be a pain in the neck. And that’s not even the worst part. Centuries ago, a witch cursed Drago. If they don’t complete every task she sets, they will be turned into worms. When the witch wants a spellbook from Baneberry Falls, Drago sets off with their immortal friends. But mysteries await in this sleepy Midwestern town, and Drago must figure out if the keepers of the spellbook have a hidden agenda. One thing’s for sure though: Drago’s immortal life will never be the same again!

What a week it’s been, book friends. I hope you’ve been taking care of yourself and giving yourself moments to breathe amidst any stress or chaos you might be personally feeling.

I know Thursday isn’t technically the beginning of the weekend, but it certainly feels that way to me, so around here, we’re going to start thinking about weekend plans on Thursday. What’s my weekend looking like? Lots of cuddling with cats, drinking iced coffee, and reading. As you can see, I’m going to be very busy. I hope you’ve got fun reading plans as well! And in the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about books today.

— xoxo, Gossip Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s what you all came here to know: from now until 8/31, you can submit a short story for LeVar Burton to read on his podcast LeVar Burton Reads. Hop to it, creatives!

Tordotcom Publishing has revealed the cover of Seanan McGuire’s Seasonal Fears, a companion novel to Middlegame.

Speaking of our hero LeVar Burton, the actor will be hosting the 2021 National Book Festival Broadcast on PBS.

Nnedi Okorafor has announced the title of the final book in her Nsibidi Scripts Series: Akata Woman. Cover reveal coming soon!

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe has started a monthly book club with Literati called The Call In.

MGM has landed the rights to Lisa Taddeo’s Animal. Plan B is set to produce the film adaptation as part of its overall deal with MGM.

After 46 years, Judy Blume’s Forever is finally becoming an audiobook.

Hachette is buying Workman publishing, an independent publisher known for titles What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Brain Quest.

The Shirley Jackson Award winners have been announced!

Author Ashley C. Ford is starting a newsletter.

AMC is working on an adaptation of Anne Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches series.

Here’s the cover reveal of The Tobacco Wives, a debut historical novel from Adele Myers.

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One

The Undertakers by Nicole Glover (Mariner Books, November 9, 2021)

This author only has one novel currently out (The Conductors), but I already feel confident enough to say this: Nicole Glover is the absolute master of genre mixing. Glover’s Murder and Magic series is the perfect mix of fantasy, alternate history, and murder mystery. And she doesn’t cut any corners here. This is 100% a fantasy series. The world-building is incredibly detailed and unique. This series is also totally satisfying from an alternative history/historical fiction perspective. The world of this book is set in an alternate version of post-Civil War Philadelphia. The characters and storyline are heavily influenced by this setting and its real historical background. And if you’re looking for an intriguing mystery, you’re going to get that too. This isn’t a little bit of everything. It’s everything of everything, and Glover makes it all fit seamlessly together.

The second book in the series, The Undertakers, is out in November. The Undertakers continues the story of Hetty Rhodes and her husband Benjy, two people practicing celestial magic and solving crimes in the city that the Philadelphia authorities are likely to ignore. In this book, Hetty and Benjy investigate the death of Raimond Duval, a victim of one of the many fires that have erupted in the city recently. The more they look into the case, the more suspicious the circumstances surrounding Raimond’s death are. And they discover a powerful Fire Company is actually allowing homes within the Black community to burn to the ground.

One of my favorite things about this series is that each book is pretty self-contained. So if you read The Conductors, you’re getting a full mystery story, from beginning to end, with a definite conclusion. With this next book in the series, we’re getting another full story that can stand on its own, but we’re also getting to learn more about the characters we love and the world they live in. I’m especially excited to learn more about the magic systems in this world as the series continues.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“I judge people two ways—on how they treat animals, and on what they like to eat. If their favorite food is some kind of salad, they are definitely a bad person. Anything with cheese, they are probably OK.”

— The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

What’s Up in the Book Community?

So what’s going on this week? Well.

On Monday, I told y’all about the OwlCrate scandal. In case you missed it, the book subscription box announced on Instagram that they would be selling Harry Potter merch once again (and now, a few days later, they’ve reversed that decision). Overall, the Bookstagram community was not happy about this choice. For a thorough, thought-provoking, and funny overview of how that conversation went down, I highly recommend checking out BookTuber Jesse’s video about the controversy over at Bowties & Books. And definitely hang around and check out some of their other videos. They’re great!

Your Weekend Reading Soundtrack

If you’ve got weekend reading plans, you need a good soundtrack. I put this one together for you, and it’s giving me good mid-August vibes. I hope you enjoy! 🎶 🎵🎧

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

an orange and white cat next to an orange and white pillow

On Monday, I introduced you to Murray and Phantom. Today, it’s time to meet cat #3: Cersei! Her full name is Cersei Anne Boleyn Lannister. Sometimes I call her Cersei Anne for short. And although I just called her cat #3, she’s the one we’ve had longest, so she’s still #1!

She loves this BB8 pillow because it looks like her. Orange and white. One of a kind!

It’s been fun, everyone. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to delivering you more book news and other such things next week!

❤️ Emily

Book Radar

Akwaeke Emezi Cover Reveal and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 13, 2021

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s the cover reveal for Akwaeke Emezi’s new middle grade novel Bitter.

Penguin Random House has partnered with poet Amanda Gorman to launch the Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry.

American hero Dolly Parton has written a novel Run, Rose, Run, coming out in 2022.

Surprise! Prince makes a cameo in the new movie-inspired Batman ’89 comic.

Speaking of Batman, Robin is now canonically bi-sexual in the new Batman: Urban Legends comic.

Scholastic is releasing a new series of children’s books based on the TV show Friends.

Here’s the cover reveal for singer/songwriter John Darnielle’s upcoming novel Devil House.

Anti-critical race theory parents are fighting The Hate U Give.

Akashic Books has acquired world rights to The Reservoir by author and actor David Duchovny.

Owlcrate has reversed its decision and will reintroduce Harry Potter items in boxes.

Here’s your guide to all the new Marvel movies coming out in 2021 and 2022.

And Shveta Thakrar revealed the cover and title for her upcoming novel The Dream Runners.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

book cover of My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones

My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones (Gallery, August 31, 2021)

Since this is my first time writing for Book Radar, I had to start this off with my most anticipated book of 2021: My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones. That title! The cover art! We are here for it.

Last year when I read Stephen Graham Jones’ The Only Good Indians, I was completely unprepared. There were several moments in this book where I had to slap the pages closed and shout, “WHAT THE HECK DID I JUST READ?” And I mean that in the best way. I’d never read a book like it before, and I still can’t get the images from that book out of my head. No spoilers here if you haven’t read that one yet (YOU ABSOLUTELY SHOULD). But it goes without saying that whatever this author wrote next, I was on board.

Thankfully for me (and all you other Stephen Graham Jones fans out there), this author keeps busy. I didn’t have to wait long to get my hands on My Heart is a Chainsaw. This novel is a homage to slasher films of the 1970s and 80s. To escape from her abusive father, a mother who wants nothing to do with her, and a town in which she feels like an outsider, Jade Daniels disappears into the imaginary world of horror movies. But when a dead tourist’s body is found in Indian Lake, Jade begins to wonder if the horrors on the screen are bleeding into real life. Can her encyclopedic knowledge of horror films save her?

If you’re going into this book expecting another predictable slasher thriller, think again. Stephen Graham Jones would never do that to you. Yes, this is a thrilling horror story, but it’s also a critique of Indigenous displacement and gentrification. And a thoughtful examination of racism, sexism, and the “final girl” trope in horror.

What I’m Reading This Week

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

#FashionVictim by Amina Akhtar

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Bookish Meme Corner

I love memes. Do you love memes? Here’s a bookish meme that made me smile. Perfect for anyone in need of a Parks & Rec/Shakespeare crossover.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

Hey, have you seen The Green Knight (starring the wonderful Dev Patel) yet? If not, you should! And if you’re worried about going to see it in theaters, guess what? A24 is making the film available to stream for one night only! I think this calls for a rewatch for me.

If you love Sailor Moon and social justice and are not yet following Sailor Moon Wisdom on Instagram, do it now! You’ll love it.

Purrli: Because the Internet has a cat, and shout out to Liberty for bringing this wonderful website into our lives.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Meet Murray and Phantom! I actually have three cats, but getting a pic of all three of them together is rare, so you’ll have to wait and meet the other one next time. Murray is the orange cinnamon roll, and Phantom is the tiny panther. Also, it was Phantom’s birthday this past Saturday. He’s officially one year old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHANTOM!

Thank you for joining me for all the books, cats, and more! See you Thursday for even more Book Radar! It’s been fun. ❤️ Emily

Book Radar

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON Gets John Lithgow and More Book Radar!

Post author By Liberty Hardy
Post date August 11, 2021

Sponsored by Einstein: The Fantastic Journey of a Mouse Through Space and Time by Torben Kuhlmann, published by NorthSouth Books, September 7, 2021.

Time is relative! A new Mouse Adventure from bestselling author Torben Kuhlmann! When an inventive mouse misses the biggest cheese festival the world has ever seen, he’s determined to turn back the clock. But what is time, and can it be influenced? With the help of a mouse clockmaker, a lot of inventiveness, and the notes of a young Albert Einstein he succeeds in traveling back in time. Award-winning illustrator Torben Kuhlmann’s brilliant new book, Einstein, bends time and imagination!

Happy Thursday, kittens! This is it, my last Book Radar for the foreseeable future. But don’t forget, you can still join me each week for the New Books newsletter, which I’ll be updating with additional stuff starting next week (please do sign up!), and the All the Books! podcast, and you can always find me on Instagram and Twitter. I talk about books in all those places! Thank you to Emily for taking over, and a big thank you to everyone for tuning in here each week. Book people are the best people. ❤️ (And Kaye, I can still text you cat pictures!)

Moving on to today’s newsletter and book talk: I have a lot of fun news, including adaptation deals, a lot more book cover reveals, and a look at my most anticipated novel of 2022. Plus I’ve included a picture of my big orange turkey, some trivia, and more! I hope you goodbob and we same place again very now. – xoxo, Liberty, Your Friendly Neighborhood Velocireader™

Trivia question time! Velvet Was the Night, the upcoming novel by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, is set in the capitol of Mexico, which is…? (Scroll to the bottom for the answer.)

Deals, Reals, and Squeals!

The Turnout by Megan Abbott is the new Read With Jenna book club pick.

Here’s the cover reveal for Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell by Taj McCoy.

Keah Brown has written a comic for DC Comics.

John Lithgow has joined the cast of Killers of the Flower Moon.

Here’s the cover reveal of Sisters of the Forsaken Stars by Lina Rather.

Denne Michele Norris has been named the new editor-in-chief of Electric Literature.

Check out the animated series The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf trailer.

Don Winslow’s City on Fire release has been pushed to 2022.

Here’s the cover reveal of A River Enchanted (Elements of Cadence Book) by Rebecca Ross.

Vince Vaughn will star in the series adaptation of Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen.

Here’s the cover reveal of Our Little World by Karen Winn.

Here are 10 of the most anticipated 2021 fall middle grade releases.

Here’s the cover reveal of Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor.

Here’s a round up of August book club picks.

Book Riot Recommends

At Book Riot, I work on the New Books! email, the All the Books! podcast about new releases, and the Book Riot Insiders New Release Index. I am very fortunate to get to read a lot of upcoming titles, and learn about a lot of upcoming titles, and I’m delighted to share a couple with you each week so you can add them to your TBR! (It will now be books I loved on Mondays and books I’m excited to read on Thursdays. YAY, BOOKS!)

Excited to read:

cover of to paradise by hanya yanagihara

To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara (Doubleday, January 11, 2022)

For my last newsletter, I had to choose this book, because I am desperate to read it! And as if I wasn’t excited enough to read the new book from the author of A Little Life, it sounds like it’s going to be very David Mitchell-y! It’s set in an alternative America and spans THREE centuries in New York, where people’s lives can be lived a little differently that our reality. But it still sounds like there will be lots of complicated relationships and love and loss, just like A Little Life. I cannot wait to sink into this novel—and it’s another big one, it’s 720 pages! MY BODY IS READY.

What I’m reading this week.

The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang

Marion Lane and the Deadly Rose by T.A. Willberg

Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong

The Book of Ebenezer le Page by G.B. Edwards

Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey by Florence Williams

Song stuck in my head:

Driftin’ (feat. Han Han) by Lex Junior. I heard this in a popsicle commercial and it makes me want to boogie. (Also, I’m still really into listening to songs I loved when I was young. You can listen to a lot of them in this playlist I made!)

And this is funny:

Where is the lie? (And more Ted Lasso humor.)

Happy things:

Here are a few things I enjoy that I thought you might like as well:

Purrli: This website makes the relaxing sounds of a cat purring. (Why do I include this every time? Because it’s really that helpful.)

And here’s a cat picture!

orange cat sitting on a brown cutting board

Should I wait until Thanksgiving to eat this turkey?

Trivia answer: Mexico City.

Thank you for being a part of this experience, and please be sure to visit me at my other projects, which I listed in the introduction. Have lots of fun with Emily, and I will see you soon! ❤️ xoxo, Liberty

Book Radar Uncategorized

The New Hanya Yanagihara Book Cover and More Book Radar!

Post author By Liberty Hardy
Post date August 8, 2021

Deals, Reals, and Squeals!

Colson Whitehead’s Sag Harbor is going to be an HBO Max series, with help from Laurence Fishburne.

Here’s the cover reveal of To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara.

Vanessa Hua announced her new book: Forbidden City, coming in 2022.

National Book Award winner Kacen Callender also announced a new book!

Ramon Rodriguez will join Aubrey Plaza in Hulu’s adaptation of Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl Gonzalez.

Here’s the cover reveal of Black Love Matters: Real Talk on Romance, Being Seen, and Happy Ever Afters edited by our very own Jessica P. Pryde!

Take a look at the first official trailer for Y: the Last Man.

Kerry Washington will star in the adaptation of the memoir Rockaway: Surfing Headlong into a New Life by Diane Cardwell.

Tillie Walden is collaborating on a new children’s book.

Jasmine Guillory announced that she is writing a Disney princess book about Belle.

Here’s the first look at Emily Henry’s next book, Book Lovers.

The Hunger Games prequel will start shooting next year.

I really, really need this book: Magic, Lies, and Murder Pies.

Twitter has since suspended the fake Cormac McCarthy account they first verified without checking the usual requirements needed to get a blue checkmark.

Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series is being adapted for television.

Here’s the trailer for Cinderella with Camila Cabello and Billy Porter.

Book Riot Recommends

Loved, loved, loved:

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel (Knopf, April 19, 2022)

Oh hello, beautiful novel. I am sorry to tease you, since this book isn’t out until April of next year, but this is my new favorite Emily St. John Mandel! It’s a time travel story, set in a few different time periods, most of which are in the future, which I LOVED. In the future, we’ve colonized other moons and planets, and people travel around like it’s no big thing. There are several characters, including a disillusioned young man in Canada in 1912; an author in the future touring for her bestselling book about a plague when an actual pandemic breaks out; and a visit with a character from The Glass Hotel, set in the present day. The common thread is a strange glitch in time that several people experience throughout out history.

The story is melodic and sad, and so fascinating. The future sounds like the world now: scary and worrying and also hopeful. I loved how ESJM pulled all the threads together and the ending was *chef’s kiss*. It was the perfect number of pages, too, which sounds weird but it’s true. I can’t wait for everyone to be able to read it!

(CW for mass illness and death, war, suicide, and murder.)

What I’m reading this week.

The Verifiers by Jane Pek

The Caretakers by Amanda Bestor-Siegal

These Toxic Things: A Thriller by Rachel Howzell Hall

The Book of Ebenezer le Page by G.B. Edwards

Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey by Florence Williams

Groan-worthy joke of the week:

How do you make 7 even? Remove the ‘S’.

And this is funny:

I wish this was my name, tbh.

Happy things:

Here are a few things I enjoy that I thought you might like as well:

Purrli: This website makes the relaxing sounds of a cat purring. (Why do I include this every time? Because it’s really that helpful.)

And here’s a cat picture!

three cats, one gray and two orange, standing and sitting in front of a door

I was down in our basement doing laundry when my husband took this picture of my children waiting for me to come back upstairs.

Trivia answer: Vietnam. (Seriously, read this book.)

Remember that whatever you are doing or watching or reading this week, I am sending you love and hugs. Please be safe, and be mindful of others. It takes no effort to be kind. I’ll see you again on Thursday for my last Book Radar newsletter for the foreseeable future. ❤️ xoxo, Liberty