What a powerful book about grief in all its different forms, and the fact that it is a debut novel makes it even more incredible. I was completely wrapped up in this story and all the ins and outs of it. The characters are relatable and feel like people you would know in your own life. Kristin Koval's writing allows the reader to understand not only our interconnectedness with each other but also the effects that tragedy can have on those bonds.

Jane and Elijah found love when they were young, not just for each other, but for music. Her music and lyrics and his voice propelled them to fame as The Lightning Bottles. From the Seattle grunge scene to worldwide stardom, Jane and Elijah lose themselves to a world of fame, fortune, and, ultimately, addiction. When Elijah mysteriously disappears, the world is shocked, and Jane is blamed by their fans when he is presumed dead.

This is a lush and seductive book. This rich gothic novel immerses readers in Italy, the art world, and culinary pleasure. Crystal King's descriptions and narrative, mixed with the authentic creations of Dali and the actual Garden of Monsters, will make you want to visit Italy, an art museum, or both! The myth of Hades and Persephone is especially poignant in this story, and it left me craving pomegranate (if you know, you know).

Akeem and his father (the author) live on a farm and keep bees. From the arrival of a new hive by mail through harvesting the honey, young readers (and adults alike) discover new things they didn't know about our buzzy friends. Vibrant and beautiful illustrations make it engaging on a visual level. I love how author Kamal E. Bell advocates for Black farmers and teaches young Black people about the importance of farming to our society.

I just realized that I have finally surpassed 100k in Litfluence! As someone who joined this app in its early days, I can honestly this is my favorite community. Thank you all for your friendship, book recs and for being a safe space for all readers. Litsy is truly the best.

I received the best book mail today! A selection of trivia books and a coloring book to boot! I love trivia so these should be a lot of fun.

As the world feels scarier and scarier each day, I decided to find something to read that would be comforting and uplifting, and The Wild Robot was that book. For middle-grade readers (but frankly, anyone should be reading this), Peter Brown gives us a found family that will warm your heart and make you believe in unconditional love. I think it would be great for a family to read and talk about together. All the stars!!

From her role in the "Pitch Perfect" franchise to her journey towards physical and mental wellness, she puts a smile on faces with everything she does. But her path to the star we know today came with many twists and turns. Wilson opens up her life to readers as she chronicles her life. I appreciated her frank discussion of her health and fertility issues, something that many people can relate to as they struggle with those same things.

So often, especially in YA literature, you see main characters reflect the "chosen one" trope, highlighting extraordinary characters changing the world. Riggs creates a different feel with Leopold, who can be the hero just because of who he is. It reminded me that believing in yourself is its own magic.

On this National Day of Mourning, I want to dedicate my post to my hero, Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter was someone that lived his life serving the world, knowing he didn‘t need a title to do good. His faith and works speaks volumes about the man he was, and his marriage to Rosalyn was one for the ages.

I‘ve been collecting his books, all signed, for years now, and they mean so much to me. Thank you President Carter for your service.

This collection of 13 short stories is an exploration of horror and the paranormal. Dean brings fresh ideas to scare her readers, allowing them to reconsider the concept of fear. Dean does a great job building that feeling you get when you read horror - a combination of anxiety, fear, isolation, and terror. The atmosphere of each story creates a fantastic backdrop for the characters, allowing the unbelievable and unknown to take center stage.

Described as a horror novel, I think it is fair to say that Victor Lavalle defies genre with this book. It‘s western, gothic, horror, historical fiction and social commentary all wrapped into one work of art. Good horror asks “Is the monster the one you cannot see, or the one standing right in front of you?” and Lavalle pulls the reader in as his characters grapple with this question.

If you have read Kira Jane Buxton‘s books,you know she is a master of creating unforgettable characters with humor and feeling. This town is a "found family" like no other; you will fall in love with every villager, human and animal alike. Add in the beautiful setting and the food galore; readers will feel like they are a part of every delightful scene. Books like this, which strike every sense, are such a joy to sink into.

The drama, the talent, and the music still have an impact today. Rumors wasn't just an album, it was a once in a generation piece of art. Christine McVie and Fleetwood Mac created music inspired by their joys and pain, creating a pantheon of hits over the decades. Very few groups manage this kind of longevity, and Christine was the one who kept it all together. Can you imagine a world without songs like "Don't Stop" or "You Make Loving Fun"?

And what a year it was!!!

Poet Maria Zoccola takes the character of Helen of Troy and reimagines her in Sparta, TN, as a housewife in the 90s. Helen's life is not what she imagines it would be, as her day-to-day responsibilities as a woman in the South begin to force her to push back against these expectations. By setting this in a small town, Zoccola can take familiar settings like a Chuck E. Cheese or a Piggly Wiggly and keep this epic tale rooted in reality.

Shock Induction is such a Chuck Palahniuk novel, and if you have read him before, then you know what I mean. What a fever dream of a novel! Filled with his signature dark humor and writing style that makes the reader feel as if they are in the head of his characters, Palahniuk brings you into the insanity of this dystopian world he has created. It's a WTF book, with weird, cutting and trippy prose, and let me just leave it at this...avocado.

Matt Haig has such a way with a story, and this one is remarkable. As an author, he can mix emotion with magical realism and present the reader with a tale that strikes a chord every time. He deftly takes issues like aging, grief, guilt, the environment, family, and relationships and creates a story that readers will relate to in a deeply poignant way. Matt Haig's books have a way of hitting close to home no matter what stage of my life.

The holidays have legends from all around the world, and many of them are pretty terrifying! Enter the "Scary Book of Christmas Lore", a history of Christmas-time tales from around the world. From the well known Krampus and Yule Cat to lesser known tales from Japan and South Africa, this comprehensive volume shows us how many of these tales have developed over time and space. It's a fun holiday read for sure!

This rom-com was a lot of fun! Sophie and Joe make for a cute couple. Lindsey Kelk proves once again that she can take romance tropes like enemies to lovers and one bed and create a fresh romance like this. There are tons of nods to popular romance authors and books, and I also loved the secret identity aspect. Joe and Sophie got steamy, and I loved the HEA.

This is a brilliant masterpiece. Powers expertly weaves culture, class, technology and nature together to allow the reader to understand the impact we all have. His diverse characters reflects different viewpoints, especially poignant to issues we are facing and having to deal with. Powers has a magical way of writing that few authors can achieve, making Playground one of his crowning achievements.

As someone who has read all of Hillary Rodham Clinton's non-fiction books, I knew I had to pick this one up. What a thrill ride! State of Terror is the story of a newly appointed Secretary of State who is thrown into a massive worldwide terrorist plot. Clinton's own tenure as Secretary of State gives the story a realness that only someone on the inside would have experienced and Penny's sharp plot keeps the pages turning.

Laurie Gilmore continues to bring us cozy (and spicy) romance set in a small town, and many of us desperately want to be a real place. You've got all the good tropes: grumpy/sunshine, one bed, and a holiday atmosphere that inspires a steamy romance. I cannot wait to read the next one in this series!!

Gallery Books sent me a copy of this; honestly, I had never seen Matt Rife perform. So before I even cracked the spine on this, I watched his specials and watched his YouTube channel. His crowd work blew me away; it was some of the best I have ever seen and is genuinely funny and entertaining. His quick wit, rapport, and ability to relate to his fans are second to none. He also says things that many find controversial and offensive.

What a fun dark comedy this was! Not only are you along for the ride with David and Stacey, but I loved how this crazy situation goes completely off the rails into the writing of his next big novel. Art for art's sake, am I right? Loved the twist in this book and I cannot tell you too much more without giving it away. Highly entertaining, introspective and a total roller coaster ride!

The Puzzle Box is a fast-paced thriller with interesting characters and a twisty, fun plot. As I enjoyed the first book in this series, I knew I would be pulled into this story. I love how Trussoni mixes legends, cultures, and modern technology to create believable adventures that are true page-turners. Mike Brink is such a unique character, and his ability to solve everything thrown at him will keep readers invested in his unique solutions.

When you have held the most powerful job in the world, President of the United States, what do you do when you no longer have that weight on your shoulders but still want to do good in the world? Former President Clinton takes us along on this journey in his new book "Citizen: My Life After the White House." After two terms in office, President Clinton was only in his 50s and had a vision of what he still felt called to do.

Selected by Oprah for her Book Club, this book has also been honored by The Booker Prize, The Orwell Prize, and The New York Times. This novella packs power in its exploration of the Magdalene Laundries of Ireland, open until 1996. As you read this, your understanding of the small things we do for others is the only reason for living. Keegan is a voice for these young women who were victims of misogyny and the corruption of the Catholic Church.

With the continued success of the musical and the triumphant movie based on this book, I decided it was time to venture into this book. If you are living under a rock, Gregory Maguire's book delves into the life of Elphaba, otherwise known as The Wicked Witch of the West. His vision of Oz and the characters we all know and love is filled with heart, emotion, and societal and morality questions. What are good and evil, and who defines them?

This is a new series and it is so adorable! I love Coal and Hex! They are total relationship goals, and their chemistry in the book leaps off the page. With plenty of steam, banter, and adventures, readers will find this to be a fun take on holiday traditions with new festive friends!

The Mighty Red begins in 2008 and follows a young woman named Kismet and her mother, Crystal. Crystal works the night shift, driving a truck for a sugar beet farm and Kismet has graduated from high school. Two young men, Gary and Hugo, are both in love with Kismet; she decides to marry Gary against her own better judgment. She and her mother are also caught up in a scandal when her father skips town, appearing to have stolen the church fund.

This new edition is a must-have for anybody's kitchen. It has been updated to include vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free recipes, along with considering the change in mealtime prep many of us have had to shift to. It's about more than just the stove; many of us use microwaves, air fryers, and grills for preparation. This also shows delicious recipes from around the world, allowing cooks to delve into different cultures and tastes.

I have read Hillary Rodham Clinton's books, and this one is my favorite. This is like sitting down for coffee with a dear friend who is reflecting on life. You can feel the fight she still has regarding politics, but the fact that she has found a way to still work for the causes she believes in as a citizen is something we can all be inspired by. I do not doubt that Hillary Rodham Clinton's best years are still to come.

In 1999, I was watching Cher's episode of Behind the Music. During that interview, she was asked about why she dates younger men. She responded, "If I was a man, we wouldn't even have this conversation. And that sucks out loud." In that moment, I realized the power of women when they don't give a f*** and speak their minds. From that moment on, I was obsessed.

I am a huge fan of Dan Brown's books, and this series scratches that itch! Cryptic and gothic mysteries like this are some of my favorites, and I especially love it when they have a cultural, religious, or historical bent. Danielle Trussoni's writing and pacing keep the pages turning. Her blend of creepy and twisted settings, characters, folklore, and legends made this a fun and engaging read. I am looking forward to starting the next one!

The Booker Prize winner for 2024, Orbital is a work of fiction that is a reflection on the world and how we need to treasure it. This novella follows six astronauts as they live in a space station orbiting around the Earth. Through 16 rotations, they conduct experiments, live together and find themselves drawn to thoughts about home. As they pass over Earth, they bear witness to the beauty, frailty and destructive forces that occur every day.

Divided into sections like Awe and Contempt, Hope and Fear, Richards‘ photography & storytelling will leave readers curious and in complete awe of our beautiful planet and the people and cultures that exist across the globe. Readers will feel connected to both after viewing these photos & learning about people we might never have a chance to know otherwise. Richards will take you to the most remote places on earth and fill you with inspiration.

I completely understand why this book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. This debut novel is a slow burn, but around 2/3 of the way through it, a twist completely turns the reader's understanding of the characters upside down. This book is intimate and sensual and gives a new sweeping perspective on the effects of WWII after the fighting ended. This debut novel deserves all of the accolades.

As readers, we are so lucky to get all these fabulous retellings. This tragic tale of revenge, love, and sacrifice is fantastic. It is fascinating, emotional, and un-put-downable. The power of Eastern mythology comes through beautifully, as author Ann Liang takes this ancient tale and puts her signature on it. Light fantasy with a sweeping love story makes for a rich reading experience. Plus, this edition is gorgeous.

This is an unflinching oral history featuring the good and bad aspects these women encountered in the spotlight in a segregated America. These women were often still in their teens, unable to make their own career choices, and found themselves working hard without seeing any real benefit. This book also gives us an understanding of the songwriting process, the recording sessions, and the relentless touring that would take a toll on these groups.

The Message takes readers through three places Coates traveled to. Dakar is his first time in Africa, and his revelations about it are honest and highly personal to him as he looks at his ancestral roots. His time in South Carolina is timely as he meets a teacher who is at risk of being fired for teaching one of Coates' books. Finally, his trip to Palestine shows the continuing turmoil in that region and how injustice is on full display daily.

Based on his podcast of the same name, Aaron Mahnke has created a fabulous dive into some of the most interesting stories ever told. I listened to this on audiobook, which he also narrates, and found it to be so enjoyable. These stories are broken up into sections and each story is just a few minutes long, allowing the listener to jump in and out of it easily.

Poe is my favorite author, and I have been drawn to him since I first read "The Raven" in elementary school. I've gone out of my way to visit his haunts around the US, collect every book I can, and have a literal bookcase (bordering on a shrine) dedicated to his works and all of the pop culture ephemera he continues to inspire today. The best part of my passion for him is that I know I am not alone, and this digs into why Poe still calls to us.

This book is about sexual obsession, addiction, power, and toxic relationships. Fair warning: None of these characters are likable, making this novel so deliciously readable and so "WTF did I just read". So much drama, erotic and raw, Rosenfeld gives the reader the heat this fall when it hits shelves 11/19/2024.

This incredibly detailed and researched book describes how innocent people were victims of misguided religiosity, ignorance, bigotry, and misogyny. Even in modern times, powerful people use the fear of demonization and the unknown to exploit and control people. Today‘s social and political climate continues this persecution and the term "witch hunt" has been twisted by the rich and the powerful when their own actions are called into question.

What a way to close out my official "spooky reads" season! This book is eerie, creepy and a total Gothic mood, but with all good stories like this, the overarching theme is one that transcends the scary. This locked room mystery touches on topics of abuse, misogyny, gaslighting, and sexual assault, allowing the readers to understand not only what the main character is going through, but the women of the past who battled these same demons.

The idea of the "Indian Card" reveals mindsets and processes that are still rooted in racism and the idea of "Indian-ness." The attempted erasure of Native culture date back to the arrival of white settlers to America, and the effects of colonization are still being felt. As tribes move forward to keeping their culture and traditions from fading away, the idea of who gets to be Native in America is something they will continue to grapple with.

This is a horror book that will keep you up all night. It is horrifying, filled with terror and body horror, and is not for the tame of heart. It is disturbing, gross, and may bring you phobias you never knew you had...AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. Think of it this way: this book is what would happen if The Fly and Jurassic Park had a squishy and disgusting baby. It's awesome.

Nancy Pelosi shattered the marble ceiling when she became the first and only female Speaker of the House. At 46, her run for Congress led to one of the most storied political careers in the history of the United States. In her new book, Pelosi takes us through her career, leadership, and roles in some of the most pivotal issues and events over her decades of service.

I love a folklore retelling. The story of Baba Yaga is fantastical and magical, and author GennaRose Nethercott imaginatively reworks this tale for modern times. The blend of family, Jewish folklore, magical realism, and Jewish-Russian-Ukrainian cultural history defies genre, and this novel stands on its own as a unique story filled with fun but also allows the reader to understand topics that may be difficult to discuss.