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The Goods

Book Marks 11/16

You love books. You love a list. You’re going to love Book Riot’s original reading journal. Order your copy today!

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Kissing Books

Are You Ready for MODERN AUSTEN?

Happy Monday, folks! I finished Crash Landing On You, and I gotta tell you, if you have the mental capacity to read subtitles (or happen to speak Korean), K-Dramas are the way to go. I have to do some digging to find out which ones don’t have an HEA, but CLOY was basically exactly what I’ve been looking for in a series: spending a long time investing in characters and their HEA, and getting that without the other aspects of the show getting in the way. No last minute cliffhanger pulling the central couple together so they can go another season or two. No will-they-won’t-they dragging on for years. Just a lot of Feelings. It’s perfect for a romance reader. 

Okay, let’s get into the romance reader thing. 

News and Useful Links

The auction isn’t open yet, but the items available for bid are up on the Romancing the Runoff site. Donations include annotated books by authors like Diana Biller, Alyssa Cole, and Mia Hopkins; a cameo in a book, hangouts with authors, gift baskets, and autographed books—including a copy of The Duke & I signed by Julia Quinn and a couple of the stars of Bridgerton.  Look out, folks. Things are about to get heated. 

(And if you haven’t seen it, this is a heck of a thread of videos from Georgia authors.) 

And an article about Stacey Abrams that also talks about RTR. 

The CW is bringing us Modern Austen, and I gotta say, I’m intrigued. That network seems to be better at making shows with monsters than they are human drama, but we’ll see!

We’re also getting a series adaptation of The Wrath and the Dawn.

Also, if you want a deeper look into Bridgerton, here’s a great article about it (with more pictures *fans self*).

This is an amazing longread.

If you’re a fan of the Nymphs & Trojans books, you can now get merch

And if you’re excited about the release of How to Catch A Queen, check out the release party with Alyssa and Meg Cabot!  

Romance Class webseries!

Finally, vote for your favorite HEA with The Swoon Awards! (A new project by some awesome Romancelandia folks!)

Deals

Family Man by Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton

I am by no means Italian nor do I claim knowledge about what it’s like to be part of a big Italian family, but I loved the crap out of this book. It’s an age-gap romance featuring an older man still discovering his identity and a younger one who helps him with that. And of course, the aforementioned big Italian family. I mean, it’s soooooper white, but it’s precious. It’s 1.99 right now, so you gotta tell me if it still stands up (since it’s been a while since I read it)!

Recs!

We’re getting into holiday reading territory! I don’t read a million holiday books every year, but I do enjoy picking up a few when I get the chance, especially if they’re not your run-of-the-mill cold hands, warm heart Christmas self-discovery romance. Here are a few I’m looking forward to picking up this year. (Yeah, they’re mostly Christmas. Sorry.)

Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman

Bakery rivals fall in love around Christmastime in the Phillipines! When a new fancy baker from Manila comes into town, trying to lure away her customers, cafe owner Sari goes to war—prank war, that is! 

A Timeless Christmas by Alexis Stanton

(Now a Hallmark Movie!) You know I love a good time travel romance, and this one gives it a holiday spin! A tour guide at a historic mansion is in for a shock when the famed historic owner of said historic mansion shows up in modern times. Obviously, he has to go back, but how? 

The Captain’s Midwinter Bride by Liana de la Rosa

This historical features an estranged married couple who have to get to know each other when he returns home from service and the pair must prepare for their daughter’s Christmas marriage. Yep, this is a couple old enough to have a daughter getting married. When does that happen, especially in a historical?

Being Merry by Meka James (November 27)

Even if I had no idea what this book was about, I would be all about a Meka James Christmas story. Her stories are fun and sexy. And this one sounds like the grumpy/sunshine wlw story of my dreams, with a woman full of holiday cheer in need of a home and the Grinch who grudgingly takes her in. 

Her Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau

Another Jackie Lau Christmas book! Another Jackie Lau fake dating Christmas book! And look at that cover; he’s so grumpy, I’m so excited. 

All They Want for Christmas by Andie J. Christopher 

Three people. One snowstorm. Lots of Feelings. I’m so ready.

(This book was previously published in the Reindeer Games anthology, so check your kindle to see if you have that already–I’m speaking from experience.)

Miracles and Menorahs by Stacey Agdern

This is a new romance centering Hannukah and two people who love it. While Sarah, who has been put in charge of coordinating the town festival celebration is excited to go big or go home, Isaac is more interested in the idea of celebrating quietly with family and food. But when Sarah comes into his life because of his metal sculptures, their chemistry (and her enthusiasm) might help change his mind. 

Every New Year by Katrina Jackson

Katrina Jackson published two New Years books last year, and I took the easy road with Grand Theft NYE, a quick, fun romance about a thief and the man who let her get away. This one is a super slow burn between two people who take much longer to figure their stuff out. I’m ready.

This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens

Minnie and Quinn were born at the same time in the same hospital, but Quinn was the one to get the special prize for being born first. And of course, Minnie has resented that for years. But when they meet later as adults, and keep running into each other, maybe there’s something there. 


What holiday romances are you reading this year?

As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!

Categories
What's Up in YA

Native and Indigenous YA Nonfiction For Your TBR

Hey YA Readers!

As we journey through this month highlighting nonfiction for young readers, it would be a tremendous oversight not to talk about Native and Indigenous nonfiction, as November is also Native American Heritage Month.

You may remember back in October, I had the honor of talking with a wide range of outstanding Native and Indigenous writers who discussed the past, present, and future of their voices in children’s and young adult literature. The bulk of the books highlighted there were fiction, but Native and Indigenous voices and stories are also important to explore in nonfiction. Let’s take a look at a few you can grab now and some for you to preorder for future reading.

Descriptions for these come from ‘zon because I’ve only read one myself (which I’ll talk about a bit after the description). But you better believe they’re all on my to-read.

Apple: Skin to the Core by Eric Gansworth

How about a book that makes you barge into your boss’s office to read a page of poetry from? That you dream of? That every movie, song, book, moment that follows continues to evoke in some way?

The term “Apple” is a slur in Native communities across the country. It’s for someone supposedly “red on the outside, white on the inside.”

Eric Gansworth is telling his story in Apple (Skin to the Core). The story of his family, of Onondaga among Tuscaroras, of Native folks everywhere. From the horrible legacy of the government boarding schools, to a boy watching his siblings leave and return and leave again, to a young man fighting to be an artist who balances multiple worlds.

Eric shatters that slur and reclaims it in verse and prose and imagery that truly lives up to the word heartbreaking.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask by Anton Treuer (April 6)

Note: this description comes from the publisher’s catalog and it doesn’t yet appear to be available for preorder outside the linked audiobook edition.

From the acclaimed Ojibwe author and professor Anton Treuer comes an essential book of questions and answers for Native and non-Native young readers alike. Ranging from “Why is there such a fuss about nonnative people wearing Indian costumes for Halloween?” to “Why is it called a ‘traditional Indian fry bread taco’?” to “What’s it like for natives who don’t look native?” to “Why are Indians so often imagined rather than understood?”, and beyond, 

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People by Jean Mendoza, Debbie Reese, and Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz 

Going beyond the story of America as a country “discovered” by a few brave men in the “New World,” Indigenous human rights advocate Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz reveals the roles that settler colonialism and policies of American Indian genocide played in forming our national identity.

The original academic text is fully adapted by renowned curriculum experts Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza, for middle-grade and young adult readers to include discussion topics, archival images, original maps, recommendations for further reading, and other materials to encourage students, teachers, and general readers to think critically about their own place in history.

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale

Whether looking back to a troubled past or welcoming a hopeful future, the powerful voices of Indigenous women across North America resound in this book. In the same style as the best-selling Dreaming in Indian#Not Your Princess presents an eclectic collection of poems, essays, interviews, and art that combine to express the experience of being a Native woman. Stories of abuse, humiliation, and stereotyping are countered by the voices of passionate women making themselves heard and demanding change. Sometimes angry, often reflective, but always strong, the women in this book will give teen readers insight into the lives of women who, for so long, have been virtually invisible. 

This book is absolutely beautiful and powerful, showcasing Native teen voices, art, and creativity. It’s a shorter one, so you can read it quickly, but it’s really one to sit and savor!

Urban Tribes: Native Americans in the City by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale

Young, urban Natives powerfully show how their culture and values can survive—and enrich—city life. Urban Tribes offers unique insight into this growing and often misperceived group. Emotionally potent and visually arresting, the anthology profiles young urban Natives from across North America, exploring how they connect with Native culture and values in their contemporary lives. Their stories are as diverse as they are. From a young Dene woman pursuing a MBA at Stanford to a Pima photographer in Phoenix to a Mohawk actress in New York, these urban Natives share their unique perspectives to bridge the divide between their past and their future, their cultural home, and their adopted cities. Unflinchingly honest and deeply moving, contributors explore a wide-range of topics. From the trials and tribulations of dating in the city to the alienating experience of leaving a remote reserve to attend high school in the city, from the mainstream success of Electric Pow wow music to the humiliation of dealing with racist school mascots, personal perspectives illuminate larger political issues. An innovative and highly visual design offers a dynamic, reading experience.


Hope you found some excellent new books!

See you later this week.

— Kelly Jensen, @heykellyjensen on Instagram and editor of Body Talk(Don’t) Call Me Crazy, and Here We Are.

Categories
Read This Book

Read This Book: BECOMING by Michelle Obama

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

Former President Barack Obama’s highly-anticipated memoir is slated for release tomorrow. It is the first installment of a two-part volume spanning Obama’s political career from the beginning through his first presidential term. A Promised Land is sure to be on top of the bestseller lists for weeks following an historic presidential election where America elected the first Black woman to be the 46th Vice-President and Obama’s second in command, Joe Biden, is now the President-Elect. While I expect nothing short of an excellent read from President Obama’s A Promised Land. Today, I am recommending the other Obama’s must-read memoir. 

Becoming Book Cover

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most compelling women of our era. As the first Black woman to serve as First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, established herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls around the world, encouraged her fellow Americans to embrace healthier and more active lifestyles, and raised two daughters under the unforgiving glare of the media. 

In her first memoir, Michelle Obama invites readers into the world that shaped her. Becoming chronicles Mrs. Obama’s life from her childhood in the South Side of Chicago to the years she balanced motherhood and a demanding executive job to her time residing at the world’s most famous address with everything in between. 

I am not one for reading memoirs and biographies, but I couldn’t wait to read the words of America’s first Black First Lady. Yes, after all of these years, it is mind-blowing we are still celebrating firsts. I’m happy to say Becoming was engaging from beginning to end. For me, Michelle Obama was the best First Lady and Becoming helped solidify that opinion. Reading Becoming inspired me to cultivate my strengths and strive to reach my fullest potential. Anyone who reads her memoir will certainly feel the same. 

Becoming made me laugh out loud and even shed a few tears. Whether you’re a Michelle Obama Stan or a hater, there is something in this memoir for you. It will either make you appreciate Mrs. Obama’s grace and optimism, or it will entice you to devour every piece of content she creates. Either way, you’re welcome. 

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha


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Riot Rundown

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Today In Books

Today in Books

‘Modern Austen’ Anthology Series Reimagining Of Jane Austen’s Novels In Works At The CW

Thanks to the success of the adaptation of Emma earlier this year, Jane Austen adaptations are in vogue again. The CW is aiming to adapt the series, but with a modern twist. In this anthology series, each season retells a different novel set in modern day San Francisco, beginning with Pride & Prejudice. Here’s hoping it’s great!

New Franzen Novel Set For October 2021

Jonathan Franzen, author of The Corrections, Freedom, and Purity, will publish a new novel next October. It will be called Crossroads, and it’s the first book in a trilogy called A Key to All Mythologies. It will tell the story of three generations of a family from Vietnam to the 2020’s.

5 Books Temporarily Removed From Reading List For Burbank Schools Amid Outcry From Parents

Five books have been temporarily removed from a required reading list in a Burbank, CA school after a racist incident. The books are To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, The Cay by Theodore Taylor, and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. The books are still readily available in the school district, but many parents are questioning why these five are on the required reading list and are asking the list be updated.

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Today In Books

Randomly Read First Pages Of Books Without Knowing The Book: Today In Books

Randomly Read First Pages Of Books Without Knowing The Book

Have you already formed a judgement about a book before you start reading the first page? Wonder if your opinion of a classic book would be different if you didn’t know you were reading it? Here’s a fun site that allows you to randomly read the first page of a book, prejudgment, before finding out what you’re reading.

Black Lightning Will Have CW Spinoff Show

Black Lightning, the CW show based on the DC comic character created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, has just had the pilot for a spinoff series, titled “Painkiller,” get the greenlight at the CW. Jordan Calloway will star as Khalil Payne / Painkiller and the pilot episode will air as the seventh episode in Black Lightning’s fourth season.

Public Votes Half Of A Yellow Sun As Winner of Winners

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel Half of a Yellow Sun won the Women’s prize for fiction thirteen years ago. Now, in a public vote by more than 8,500 people, the book has been voted the winner of winners as it was voted the best out of the 25 past winners, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the award.

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Riot Rundown

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Book Radar

A Series of Reimagined Austen Novels and More Book Radar!

Hello, book lovers, and welcome to a new week! And congratulations, you made it through another Friday the 13th. I am a bit sad because we just experienced an unprecedented week of warm November weather here and Maine. And while I know that’s not a good thing, it was so lovely to have.

Now we’re back to miserable spitting rain and cold temperatures. It occasionally blows my mind when I remember that some of you live in places where you don’t experience cold weather. (But those are also usually the places where you have things like tornadoquakes and giant twelve-legged piranha spiders, so I don’t know which I would prefer.)

Okay, now on to the newsletter: I have a stellar book recommendation, trivia, cat pictures, my new favorite pun, and great book news to share with you. So hold on to your butts, because it’s going to be fun!

Remember that whatever you are doing or watching or reading this week, I am sending you EXTRA love and hugs. Please be safe, and remember to wear a mask and wash your hands. And please be mindful of others. It takes no effort to be kind. I’ll see you again on Thursday. – xoxo, Liberty

Here’s Monday’s trivia question: The Fault In Our Stars takes its title from which Shakespearean play? (Scroll to the bottom for the answer.)

Deals, Reals, and Squeals!

Blue Ivy Carter narrates the Hair Love audiobook.

The upcoming Silence of the Lambs series, Clarice, has added four new cast members.

Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was voted the Women’s Prize ‘winner of winners’.

A modern Austen anthology series reimagining of Jane Austen’s novels is in the works at The CW.

There’s a new series based on The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells in the works. (More like Island of Dr. MORE-eau, amirite?? I’ll see myself out.)

Ernie Cline has hinted at a Ready Player One prequel.

Here’s a peek at the first chapter of C.M. Waggoner’s The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry.

Jonathan Franzen announced a new novel, the start of a trilogy, set to release in October 2021.

Here’s the first look at Laura Lippman’s Dream Girl.

Netflix has renewed The Umbrella Academy for a third season.

Eloise is getting a new adaptation.

Michel Gondry will produce the adaptation of As She Climbed Across the Table by Jonathan Lethem.

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!)

Loved, loved, loved: 

Version Zero by David Yoon (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, May 25, 2021)

David Yoon has been very busy. He has a new YA novel coming out tomorrow—Super Fake Love Songs—and Version Zero, his first novel for adults, coming in 2021! I am here to rave about the latter, because it is EXCELLENT. And so, so timely.

Max is a 20-something tech whiz working in Silicon Valley for Wren, one of the world’s largest social media companies. One day, while working on a huge project involving user data, he discovers that Wren is collecting and sharing its users private information in seriously shady ways. Thinking he is helping the company by mentioning it to his bosses, he instead finds himself unceremoniously fired from his position and blacklisted from all the other tech companies who might have hired him.

So Max, Max’s best friend (and unrequited love) Akiko, who also works for Wren, and his other best friend, Shane (who is also Akiko’s boyfriend) decide to teach Wren a lesson. But where to start: Hacking? Data erasure? A full shutdown of the site? Soon their technological anarchy has grown to a global scale. It brings them into the orbit of a famous reclusive billionaire, and also makes them targets hunted by Wren’s owners and competitors, who wish to silence them before they—gasp—make a difference in the world for the better.

I loved this book! Much like We Could Be Heroes by Mike Chen, which also comes out next year, I was fully on board for these heroes in a not-so-distant future, trying to help the world. But this book is much, much darker than the Chen. It asks some very important questions, like what would the world look like if hateful people had not been given anonymous voices and platforms? What happens when only a handful of people have almost all of the wealth in the world? And what would happen if the internet went away? This is a smart, entertaining read, and I hope to see it make its way onto the screen someday, too.

What I’m reading this week.

Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder by T.A. Willberg

Dream Girl by Laura Lippman

Are You Enjoying?: Stories by Mira Sethi

Olympus, Texas: A Novel by Stacey Swann

Pun of the week: 

Napoleon may not have designed the coat he wore, but he did have a hand in it.

And this is funny:

Sound on.

Happy things:

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

  • The Great on Hulu. Horrifying and hilarious, my favorite combo.
  • Palm Springs. I haven’t gotten tired of watching this yet.
  • They Can Talk comics. I’m always down for animal jokes.
  • It’s always a good time to watch Over the Garden Wall, but fall is the goodest time! (Yes, I know ‘goodest’ isn’t a real word, but I like to think that Greg would use it.)
  • Numberzilla.
  • Purrli: This website makes the relaxing sounds of a cat purring.

And here’s a cat picture!

“And bend, and reach, and stretch, and hold it…” – Farrokh

Trivia answer: Julius Caesar.

You made it to the bottom! Thanks for reading! – xo, L

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Beautiful Box Sets!

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

I think one of the best things about books are box sets! Who’s with me? 🙋🏻‍♀️ There are some beautiful box sets available these days, perfect if you’re looking for gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

What You Do Matters Boxed Set by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom

These bestselling books are beautifully packaged in a boxed set inlaid with gold foil. GOLD FOIL! The books include What Do You Do With an Idea?, What Do You Do With a Problem?, and What Do You Do With a Chance? I love the messages of these books, which encourage children to try, fail, think, and persevere.

Jon Klassen’s Hat Box by Jon Klassen

I have been a huge fan of Jon Klassen’s art for years. I Want My Hat Back is one of my all time favorite stories. The subsequent stories in this trilogy, This Is Not My Hat and We Found a Hat, are just as charming. Who knew stories about hats could be so fun? The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. A fish has stolen a hat; will he get away with it? Two turtles have found one hat, but the hat looks good on both of them. What to do?

Mercy Watson Boxed Set: Adventures of a Porcine Wonder by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

These chapter books are a perfect mix of humor, fun story, and beautiful illustrations – a home run for newly independent readers. Foiling a robber, driving a car, squeezing into a tutu—is there anything the porcine wonder won’t do in her single-minded pursuit of treats, buttered toast, or just a rollicking fun time? And who knows what other adventures twinkle in her mischievous eyes?

Dory Fantasmagory: Outside the Box by Abby Hanlon

I recommend the Dory Fantasmagory series to everyone who has a newly independent reader in their home. Dory is one of my favorite characters, a little rascal with a big personality and an imagination to match! As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants someone to play with. But she’s too much of a baby for her big brother and sister, so she’s left to her own devices–and soon enough, Dory is busy with friends both real and imaginary. This box set contains the first four books: Dory Fantasmagory, The Real True Friend, Dory Dory Black Sheep, and Head in the Clouds.

Amulet #1 – 8 Box Set by Kazu Kibuishi

The eight book graphic novel set is stunning. The drawings and colors and packaging make this a perfect gift for graphic novel fans. After tragedy strikes their family, Emily and Navin move with their mother into the old, mysterious home of their great-grandfather. On their first night in the strange house, Emily and Navin’s mom is kidnapped by a tentacled creature. Determined to rescue her, Emily and Navin are led into a world of robots, talking animals, flying ships, new friends… and enemies. I found this series to be particularly popular among third to fifth graders!

Smile, Sisters, and Guts: The Box Set by Raina Telgemeier

Speaking of graphic novels, you cannot go wrong with books by Raina Telgemeier. I love this set of graphic memoirs, covering issues that range from health, friendships, anxiety, and sibling rivalry. Raina perfectly captures the feelings of growing up, giving readers today a book they can laugh with, relate to, and be encouraged by.

Gaither Sisters Trilogy Box Set: One Crazy Summer; PS. Be Eleven, Gone Crazy in Alabama by Rita Williams-Garcia

I absolutely love this middle grade series! Rita Williams-Garcia has a beautiful way of capturing family and sisterhood, while exposing readers of today to what life was like in the 1960s. The books follow eleven-year-old Delphine and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, as they visit their kin all over the rapidly changing nation—and as they discover that the bonds of family, and their own strength, run deeper than they ever knew possible.

Jason Reynolds’s Track Series Paperback Collection: Ghost; Patina; Sunny; Lu by Jason Reynolds

This stunning series for middle grade readers follows the lives of four runners: Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu. Together they make up a relay group on an elite track team. While they couldn’t be more different, they have to trust each other in order to accomplish their shared goals.


What are you reading these days? Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.

Until next time!
Karina

When I get Zoom fatigue, I put Ginger Pye on the case!

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