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To reduce this novel to any one aspect would do it a disservice. It’s about the book world, online discourse, and the relationship between art and criticism. It’s a romance between two industry rivals whose journey mimics the greatest rom-coms from the 90s. It’s clever, full of nuance, and boasts impeccable banter. What resonated with me the most was watching these two characters find common ground over a shared love for specific stories, which ultimately helps them view each other in a more empathetic light. By the end I was left with the hopeful reminder that books can help us see others, and ourselves, more clearly and compassionately.

Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson, (List Price: $30, St. Martin’s Press, 9781250431295, October 2026)

Reviewed by Becca, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC

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A touching look at Black life between the 1930’s and the 1960’s. This book is Morrison’s take on Homer’s Odyssey, with the protagonist Milk Man traveling back to his family’s roots and a supernatural feeling throughout. This one is my favorite!

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, (List Price: $17, Vintage, 9781400033423, June 2004)

Reviewed by Robin, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, AR

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In a world powered by progress and logical principles, consumerism and conformity dominate. Brave New World is a deeply haunting discussion on intimacy, community, and – at its core – what is means to be human. What we want isn’t always what we should get. One of my favorite reads from high school, and a must-read dystopian classic.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, (List Price: $12, Harper Perennial, 9780063482708, September 2025)

Reviewed by Ana, Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs, LA

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*bones creaking* Back in my day, we called The Ick a “turn off”, but honestly, getting the icky feeling from someone’s weird habit nails it. It doesn’t have to be a major red flag; it’s just a feeling in your gut, usually early on, that this relationship is a non-starter. The Icktionary gathers a bunch of people’s confessions of what gave them the ick, some of them hilarious, some completely relatable, some gross, and even some that had me feeling the ick from the poster (Look, Jimmy, running out of toilet paper and using Christmas napkins as an emergency backup option isn’t crazy). This is the perfect book to read al oud with friends and share your own icks.

The Ick Files by Ari Cagan, (List Price: $22, S&S/Simon Element, 9781668245972, September 20261)

Reviewed by Kate, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA

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Imagine sitting in an Irish pub being regaled with the story of how a lost Irish tradition was revived. The flow of this memoir is very much like such a conversation. Keohan’s enthusiasm shines through as he shares his journey discovering lost lifting stones and encourages towns to embrace their history and a new generation to test their mettle lifting stones at least high enough for wind to blow under. The result is an engaging tale of discovery, camaraderie, and a singular passion.

The Wind Beneath the Stone by David Keohan, (List Price: $28, Chelsea Green, 9781645024897, September 20261)

Reviewed by Jan, Main Street Books in Davidson, NC

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As a child born and educated in Wilmington, North Carolina, who—like so many others—knew nothing of this massacre until adulthood, I am always grateful to see new scholarship on this topic. The author’s care in tying history to present conditions for descendants of the massacre makes this a particularly noteworthy document. Even the Philly Deli makes an appearance. Excellent work, which gives me hope more will eventually come to light in my lifetime.

They Stole a City by Lauren Collins, (List Price: $32, Penguin Press, 9781984878816, July 2026)

Reviewed by Alissa, South Main Book Company in Salisbury, NC

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A timely novel reminding us all that the power in books, our imaginations, and our own unique stories should never be forgotten or taken for granted. Once again, Lois Lowry has delivered a masterful and meaningful work for a generation of readers.

Building 903 by Lois Lowry, (List Price: $19.99, Clarion Books, 9780063515109, September 2026)

Reviewed by Mallory, Square Books in Oxford, MS

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Uhm, so that ending was crazy!! What a fun time I had while reading this. Truly, I was entertained the whole time! The full cast audiobook was amazing!! Definitely felt more engulfing and immersive. I won’t lie, I was rooting for the one romantic male lead that is pushed on the reader the whole time and was confused as to why the other romantic lead was even there, but then it hits you, and it hits you good. I genuinely cannot wait to see how Gray explores that relationship in the next book! Also, I understand why Vanessa would have so much rage throughout the book because of what happened to her, but sometimes it just felt too damn annoying. Like, we get it, girl, you have rage. The one thing I will say is this should definitely not be considered YA. Very much so adult themes throughout the whole book, but I digress.

Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray, (List Price: $13.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316584555, August 2026)

Reviewed by Itzy, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina

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The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age book that tells the story of the main character’s first love. The story itself has so many fun aspects, including the family dynamics along with the friendships between characters. This book is perfect for someone looking for a series that starts off lighthearted and then leads into more depth as the series progresses.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, (List Price: $11.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665922074, May 2022)

Reviewed by Grace, The Bookshelf on Church in Kilmarnock, VA