Riot New Media – Page 38

Brewing Up Love

Post author By P.N. Hinton
Post date May 15, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome, or welcome back, to the Kissing Books newsletter. I’m PN Hinton, your guide to all things romance-related. Thanks for taking time from your day to give this a read! I hope this newsletter helps to brighten up your day just a little bit more.

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!

Tomorrow is the SKULLastic Book Fair and the excitement cannot be contained. Not only will I pick up a few new books, but I will be hanging out with two of my besties and having a brew or two. What better way to start the weekend?

Speaking of books, I’m still working on Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places, which will be released next week. I also started Looking for Sign, the upcoming release from Book Riot’s own Susie Dumond.

Bookish Goods

Metal Library Card Bookmarks by LavenderCloudStudio

As a lifelong library lover, I couldn’t resist sharing these. They are just too cute and super affordable. So if you have trouble picking just one, you can treat yourself and get all three guilt-free. $5

New Releases

Tiny Truths by Teralyn Mitchell

After his fiancée dumps him, Zane decides he is through with love. Unfortunately, his family missed that memo and keep trying to find him his next match. To avoid getting roped into date after date, he says he is dating his best friend, Rhiannon. When this gets back to Rhiannon, she goes along with the charade, figuring that, if nothing else, Zane would owe her a big favor. But when real feelings start developing during their fake relationship, the two are left wondering what comes next.

Cabin Fever by Tagan Shepard

Morgan is hopeful that her first national trade show will prove to be a profitable endeavor. Then she learns that her professional rival Shelby is also there, which dashes those dreams. When a snowstorm results in canceled flights, Morgan is fortunate enough to get the last rental car and kindly offers to give Shelby a ride home. The bad luck doesn’t stop there, and the two women find themselves stranded in a cabin with a wrecked car and no cell reception. However, as the two spend more time together, feelings between them begin to take root and have them questioning if they are for real or a byproduct of their circumstances.

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

Riot Recommendations

I don’t know about y’all, but the exhaustion has been real for me as of late. I’m almost always tired, no matter how much sleep I get. It’s to the point where if I don’t have at least one caffeinated beverage in the morning, I am severely regretting it by the time the afternoon comes.

While tea will do the trick, coffee is usually the default drink. In honor of the delicious beverage, I’m recommending some romances that center around a coffee shop. If you prefer tea, you can expect some tea-themed romances with the next send. Enjoy!

Sweetly Swirled by M. L. Spann

Bri is going through a rough patch in her life and finds it difficult to remain optimistic. One of the bright spots in her life is her visits to her local coffee shop to see Jayce, the handsome barista. When he hears about her troubles, he offers her a job at the shop. He also asks for her help winning back his ex-girlfriend. Bri agrees to both, even though she holds a candle for Jayce. Once he gets to know her more, Jayce appears to have changed his mind, as the looks he gives Bri are as hot as the coffee they serve.

Living La Vida Mocha by H.M. Shander

When Cara’s seemingly perfect life comes crashing down, she walks into Coffee Loft for a sugary drink as a pick-me-up. She’s surprised to find that the barista is Carter, the college classmate who left for Europe before she could reveal her feelings for him. While the attraction is still there, 13 years is a long time, and neither are the same person they were back then. Will this be the opportunity for a second chance, or will this chance encounter end up with them parting ways again?

Take this poll to see how your trope preferences match up with others.

If you’ve been looking into diving into Molly Harper, here is the chronological list for her Half Moon Hollow series.

While I know that the statement made here is likely very true, I’m still going to try.

And that’s all she wrote for today. I hope that the time between now and when we meet again is kind to you. If you want snippets of me between the sends, then you can always give me a follow over on Instagram under @pns_bookish_world. Until then, happy reading and stay hydrated.

Book Radar

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

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 15, 2024

Sponsored by

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!

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

What's Up in YA

A Ghost Tour Business and More YA Book Talk + News: May 16, 2024

Post author By Kelly Jensen
Post date May 15, 2024

Sponsored by

Hey, YA Readers!

No intro this time around. Let’s get right into the meat and potatoes—paperback releases and YA book news.

Bookish Goods

’70s Pride Bookmark by MagicandMeaning

This bookmark popped up when I was working on a post for next month about Pride goods…and whether you see it as explicitly Pride themed or not, this retro rainbow bookmark is so fun. I might end up buying one for myself. $5, with choices on how you want your corners and tassels.

New Releases

There are a lot of paperback releases this week. May’s been a busy month. Don’t miss the rest of this week’s new YA paperbacks over in the mega roundup. As always, you might need to toggle your view when you click the link to get to the paperback edition.

funeral songs for dying girls book cover

Funeral Songs for Dying Girls by Cherie Dimaline

Winifred lives in an apartment above the cemetery office with her father, who works at the crematorium. Her mother died when she was young and is buried in the graveyard. It’s not weird for Winifred, and on the precipice of her 16th birthday, she’s found a routine for a good, lazy summer. One of the things she does is visit the neglected graves with her dog. It’s not weird except it does begin rumors around town that the cemetery is haunted.

This, Winifred thinks, is an opportunity to help bolster business for her dad. If there are ghost tours, that’s good money. The problem is, of course, keeping the ruse up and, well, ensuring her father doesn’t actually believe that Winifred’s mother is alive and well in ghost form.

And then it’s possible an actual real ghost is haunting the place.

i'll take everything you have book cover

I’ll Take Everything You Have by James Klise

Joe comes to Chicago in 1934 in order to make enough money to save the family farm. He’s been set up at a hotel job, and he decides to take part in a con coordinated by his cousin in order to make a lot of money really fast. As he’s in on the scheme, Joe befriends two guys who expose him to things he’s never seen: a rich queer life in the city.

But Joe soon finds himself in big trouble. Between the con and being caught up in danger with the cops and gangsters, he knows he’s gotta get out of town. Leaving, though, means deciding who he truly wants to be.

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

YA Book News

Where we’ve seen an acceleration in YA books being published this month, the opposite seems to be true in YA news. It’s a quieter week in stories!

Here’s all of the new YA science fiction and fantasy hitting shelves this month.
Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty has been pushed to 2025.
Peep the finalists in the young adult category for the Locus Awards.
There’s a new comics imprint for young adults called Holler, whose focus is “trends-driven” stories. I’m…curious about that.
The Outsiders adaptation hits Broadway.

As always, thanks for hanging out. We’ll see you on Saturday with some stellar deals.

Until then, happy reading!

–Kelly Jensen, currently reading Time and Time Again by Chatham Greenfield

Giveaways

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Post author By Vivek Patel
Post date May 15, 2024

We’re teaming up with Dragons & Spaceships to give away $200 to Thriftbooks to one lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win, or click the image below!

Here’s a bit more from our sponsor: Dragons & Spaceships – For the Fans, By the Fans. We keep a close eye on the horizon of fantasy and scifi books, ensuring you’re the first to know about shifts in the genre, upcoming releases, and author interviews. Step into a realm where magic meets machinery, where dragons soar amongst the stars, and where every week is a new journey. Join the adventure!

True Story

Nonfiction Books You Won’t Want to Miss

Post author By Kendra Winchester
Post date May 14, 2024

Sponsored by

A new week means a whole new round of books! I spend a ridiculous amount of time scouring through book catalogs, listening to bookish podcasts, and reading author newsletters, always looking for new-to-me books. This helps me figure out what books I’m most excited to pick up.

This year, we’ve seen a wide range of history, science, and memoirs hit the shelves. With so many new books hitting shelves, it can be easy to miss one. So later in the newsletter, I’ll be sharing some 2023 titles that you may have missed. But first, let’s check out 2024 titles and bookish goods!

Bookish Goods

a photo of a bookmark with a clay model of tea cup, books, and a clock.

Cozy Warm Aesthetic Tea Bookmark by BookmarksBySoleiaV

I have fallen down the clay modeling rabbit hole of TikTok and was delighted by this little cozy tea time bookmark. $27

New Releases

Another Word for Love: A Memoir by Carvell Wallace

Award-winning journalist Carvell Wallace has spent his career looking outward, profiling others, and reporting on events happening in the world around him. But now, Wallace turns his writing to himself. In Another Word for Love, Wallace describes what it’s like to grow up Black and queer in America. With this portrait of his own life, Wallace finds beauty in the simple things and shows gratitude for the people who made him who he is today.

Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham

The author of Midnight in Chernobyl, Adam Higginbotham, returns to write about another disaster, but this time, it’s in America. Higginbotham delves into the history of the shuttle program that led to the disaster on January 28, 1986, when Space Shuttle Challenger fell apart and killed all on board. His in-depth look gives readers a new perspective on one of the worst disasters in the history of space exploration.

Looking for more new releases? Check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Wolfish: Wolf, Self, and the Stories We Tell About Fear by Erica Berry, Performed by Lessa Lamb

Sometimes, the very concept of a book catches my eye and I have to read it ASAP. That’s what happened with Wolfish, a book where Erica Berry delves into societal ideas around wolves. What do wolves symbolize to human civilization? How has that perception impacted society today? These are just a couple of the big questions that Berry examines. Lessa Lamb deftly performs the audio edition, making the listening experience fly by, even in sections that I imagine might be a little dry to read in print. I loved every second of Lamb’s performance.

Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People’s Business by Roxane Gay

Opinions collects the work of Roxane Gay, and includes celebrity profiles, advice columns, cultural criticism, and opinion pieces. I have enjoyed Gay’s writing since I first read her essay collection Bad Feminist. But it can be hard to keep up with all of her pieces that have been published in different outlets over a decade. But now, the best of her published writing from across the internet is all in one place! She interviews artists like Janelle Monáe and writes about the legacy of Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of Black Panther. She strikes a beautiful balance of vulnerability and relatability, writing essays that have just the right amount of personal touch. This collection is perfect for stolen moments at holiday parties or family dinners.

You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, on TikTok @kendrawinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Unusual Suspects

Readers’ Most Anticipated Summer Books

Post author By Jamie Canaves
Post date May 14, 2024

Sponsored by

Hello, mystery fans! I am late to the Bridgerton (Netflix) party, but I’m going with that I have arrived fashionably late and am now properly obsessed as a wonderful distraction from *frantically waves at everything*.

Bookish Goods

bookmarks made of pressed flowers between resin

Pressed Flower Bookmark by JLSquare

Enjoy spring flowers without worrying about allergies or having to water them! ($14)

New Releases

Ash Dark As Night (Harry Ingram Mystery #2) by Gary Phillips

For fans of historical fiction (1960s), a photographer PI, and an L.A. setting!

Harry Ingram is a photographer and PI who finds himself somewhat famous when he photographs police shooting an activist during the Watts riots. This places him with a target on his back from police and also gets him a new client: Betty Payton can’t find her business associate who disappeared during the riots. Dodging all the unwanted attention coming his way, Harry finds himself following leads into robberies and conspiracies…

While you can read this as a standalone if you want to, for the introduction of the character, pick up One-Shot Harry.

Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo

For fans of YA mysteries, fictional missing persons cases, ex-best friends, and characters taking on rape culture.

Jo-Lynn Kirby lost her social standing in school after nude photos of her were leaked. Now her ex-best friend Maddie Price suddenly wants to talk to Jo, asking for help. But Maddie vanishes before Jo can find out what Maddie needed, and this forces Jo to find a way back into the inner circle to investigate, all while reckoning with the past she’s trying to forget…

Looking for more new releases? Check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Here are two mystery novels with buildings on the cover!

The Ancient Nine by Ian K. Smith

For fans of secret societies, ’80s settings, and academic mystery novels!

Harvard student Spenser Collins finds himself invited to join the Delphic Club, an exclusive club shrouded in mystery — including that in the ’20s, a former student disappeared after trying to break into the club. This makes Spenser think there’s more to look into regarding this club, which obviously isn’t going to go without danger…

cover image for The Winterton Deception Final Word

The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by Janet Sumner Johnson

For fans of middle grade mysteries, competitions, fortune, and secrets!

Twins Hope and Gordon Smith live with their mom, who is struggling to make ends meet, when they learn their deceased father was son of the Winterton’s, a tycoon family. They’re holding a charity spelling bee which Hope would happily have nothing to do with — except they may soon be evicted and need the money that can come from winning, so Hope enters. Soon, she and her twin brother find themselves in a clue hunt at the Winterton’s manor, surrounded by unknown relatives and secrets…

News and Roundups

Lady in the Lake First Look: Natalie Portman Is a ’60s Housewife Turned Investigative Journalist

How To Prepare for Pride Month in Libraries 2024

Readers’ Most Anticipated Summer Books

Bodkin and the 3 best crime dramas to watch on Netflix in May 2024

Discover the Top Edgar® Award-Winning Mysteries of 2024

Browse the books recommended in Unusual Suspects’ previous newsletters on this shelf. See upcoming 2024 releases and mysteries from 2023. Check out this Unusual Suspects Pinterest board and get Tailored Book Recommendations!

Until next time, keep investigating! In the meantime, come talk books with me on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Litsy — you can find me under Jamie Canavés.

If a mystery fan forwarded this newsletter to you and you’d like your very own, you can sign up here.

Giveaways

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Post author By Vivek Patel
Post date May 14, 2024

We’re teaming up with Dreamscape to give away a 12-credit bundle to Libro.fm to one lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win, or click the image below!

Here’s a bit more about the Dreamscape Audiobook Newsletter: Sign up to learn about Dreamscape’s newest audiobook releases, hear about audiobooks deals, and be the first to know about our giveaways!

Read This Book

Read This Book…

Post author By Kendra Winchester
Post date May 14, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome to Read this Book, a newsletter where I recommend one book that needs to jump onto your TBR pile! Sometimes these books are brand new releases that I don’t want you to miss, while others are some of my backlist favorites. This week, let’s talk about a novel set in a redwood grove in California.

The Red Grove by Tessa Fontaine

I first read Tessa Fontaine’s memoir, Electic Woman, back in 2019. I fell in love with her writing style, her beautiful descriptions and vibrant characters. Now she’s back with her debut novel, The Red Grove, which centers around a community in the California Redwoods that provides a sanctuary for women seeking a safe haven from domestic violence.

Luce is a teenager living at the Red Grove with her mom, Gloria, and her little brother, Roo. Luce’s whole world revolves around the Red Grove and its teachings. Luce knows all the statistics about women experiencing domestic violence from men. All of the stories, facts, and figures swirl around in her head, making her grateful that in the Red Grove, it’s said that it’s impossible for a man to hurt a woman.

Gloria works as a psychic to help support the household, but when one of her clients collapses and dies while visiting her house, the man’s family believes that she might have had something to do with his death. When Gloria disappears, Luce starts to try to track down where she went. She talks to Grove elders, calls back a mysterious journalist, and begins uncovering secrets that all of the adults around her never told her.

The Red Grove is this immersive story that takes the reader into this community that seems so perfect on its surface. They have their own history and traditions, all set against the peaceful backdrop of California’s giant redwoods. As Luce’s world unravels, we learn more and more about the characters around her and the role they play in the community. Underneath all of that is the thrum of a quiet power that the reader keeps wondering about; is it magic, or do these hints of the fantastical have a scientific reason behind them?

That’s it from me this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, on TikTok @kendrawinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Kid Lit Giveaways

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Post author By Vivek Patel
Post date May 14, 2024

We’re giving away three copies of Not Finished Yet by Sharon Garlough Brown, illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans to three lucky Riot readers!

Enter here for a chance to win, or click the image below!

Win a Copy of Not Finished Yet, the First Children’s Book by Bestselling Author Sharon Garlough Brown!

Gran’s art studio is a special place. Not only is it where Wren and Gran paint, but it’s also where they talk about all the good and hard stuff of life—to each other, and to God. In this gentle story by bestselling Christian novelist Sharon Garlough Brown, young readers will join Wren as she explores her feelings and discovers that God welcomes our honest prayers.

Past Tense

Remembering Genocide Through Literature

Post author By Rachel Brittain
Post date May 14, 2024

Sponsored by

Hi, historical fiction fans,

I’m still sick this week after a brief respite over the weekend, and I’m just so ready to feel better. At least I’ve had lots of good library books and audiobooks to keep me company. My 60-pound dog, who is not the world’s best nurse, has decided that lying on my chest is the best way for her to help me feel better. I’m not sure it’s working as well as she seems to think it is.

Bookish Goods

A small wooden square bedside book holder with a laser-cut front section that says "NOW READING" and room to hold five paperback books in a neat row.

Bedside Book Holder from The Art of Engraving

If you’re anything like me, you’ve always got a stack of books on your nightstand and this little bedside book holder is the perfect way to organize them. $80

New Releases

Spitting Gold by Carmella Lowkis (May 14, 2024)

A gothic mystery set in 19th-century Paris, Spitting Gold sees two sisters reunited years after they fooled the elite by pretending to be spirit mediums. Now, the estranged sisters are united once more to pull off one last con with their elderly father unable to pay off his bills. But are they really pulling one over on this rich family? Or is something supernatural going on?

A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur (May 14, 2024)

June Hur is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. Her novels bring Joseon-era Korea to life in incredible detail, and I never want to put them down. In A Crane Among Wolves, Hur depicts one of the most hated tyrants in Korean history as a girl attempts to save her sister, who was kidnapped to be a part of the emperor’s harem at any cost.

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

Riot Recommendations

This week, I wanted to highlight historical genocides that I think may be less well-known. In the American school system (at least in my experience), the genocide against Native Americans in this country is glossed over. That, along with the United States’ systems of oppression against Black Americans, is not highlighted as a precursor to Nazi Germany, even though Hitler used them as blueprints for his own genocide. This history is so important to understand and acknowledge because if we’re taught to gloss over genocides of the past, what will stop us from ignoring—or missing—genocides of the present and future?

The Armenian genocide, the Khmer Rouge Cambodian genocide, and the Bosnian genocide are just a few examples of how war and conflict can be used to target a specific ethnic, religious, or sociopolitical group. Sadly there are many others.

According to the UN, there are “reasonable grounds to believe that the threshold indicating the commission of the crime of genocide…has been met” in Gaza. If you’d like to help the Palestinian people currently facing genocide, I highly recommend donating to Save the Children or checking out Operation Olive Branch, which verifies and highlights Palestinians using GoFundMe campaigns to try to escape the ongoing violence. It can feel impossible to help in the face of such overwhelming violence, but those are small ways you can make a difference. Educating yourself and others is another.

The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian

A wealthy American woman volunteering with the Boston-based Friends of Armenia travels to Aleppo to help deliver aid and medical care to the recent refugees of the Armenian genocide. There, she meets Armen, an Armenian engineer who has lost his wife and infant daughter. Neither are expecting to fall in love in the wake of all this violence. Decades later, a novelist with Armenian heritage looks into her family’s past, uncovering shocking truths and secrets, long forgotten and left buried.

In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

Raami’s childhood in Cambodia is upended when her father brings home news of civil war. Soon, the 17-year-old’s guarded home is swapped for a forced labor camp, and she faces violence, starvation, and death. Remembering is a death sentence, but Raami’s memories of the stories her father told her are all she has to cling to during this never-ending fight for survival.

Girl at War by Sara Nović

A 10-year-old girl growing up in the Croatian capital of Zagreb in the early 1990s watches her life turn upside down as civil war breaks out in the country. Now playground games are forgotten in favor of war games as she becomes a child soldier, forced to take up a gun to defend herself from violence. A chance to escape to America offers her the only possibility of survival. But 10 years later, as she confronts the life and people she left behind, Ana wonders if going home is the only way to confront the ghosts that still haunt her.

That’s it for now, folks! Stay subscribed for more stories of yesteryear.

If you want to talk books, historical or otherwise, you can find me @rachelsbrittain on most social media, including Instagram, Goodreads, and Litsy.

Right now I’m reading The Titanic Survivors’ Book Club by Timothy Schaffert. What about you?