Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

If you love a character-driven suburban drama, Coyoteland delivers with a timely, pandemic-era story full of urgency and relevance. Each character is navigating something big — family conflict, economic pressure, systemic bias — creating a web of tension that feels very of-the-moment. Thoughtful, messy, and compelling, it’s a novel that tackles a lot and does it well.

Coyoteland by Vanessa Hua, (List Price: $28.99, Flatiron Books, 9781250395511, May 2026)

Reviewed by Jamie, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

I am haunted by this story – trapped in its hazy despair, the threads of death woven through each page, the crushing weight of time and boxes and underwater graves. I am trapped in its pages, in the house behind the sword ferns. You want heavy, emotional gothic? This is it. You want unreliable narrators, spiraling depression, trauma, and deaths that echo across time? Bam. Right here. Japanese Gothic is a gorgeous blend of horror, mythology, and science fiction. It’s also a murder mystery, mental health commentary, and a nuanced exploration of Samurai history, all wrapped in a reimagining of the tale of Urashima Taro. Two people. One house. A door that opens across time. How can you know what’s real? 5/5 stars. Absolutely recommend.

Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker, (List Price: $30, Hanover Square Press, 9781335001559, April 2026)

Reviewed by Rachel, Friendly City Books in Columbus, MS

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Have you ever read a book that is so timely and effective in its message that you do not feel the slightest bit qualified to review it? This is that book. It’s eye-opening. It’s ballsy. It’s crass. It’s wild and brilliant. This is a book worthy of discussion.RF Kuang basically said, “Talk about the publishing industry? How about the racism, misogyny, xenophobia, plagiarism, pretty-privilege, and everything else revolting that comes along with it? You don’t want to acknowledge that? Welp, too bad. Cause I’m gonna write it so well, you’ll be begging to publish it.” And she delivered. This is a compelling, cynical, and thought-provoking satire that delves into themes of plagiarism, racism, and internet trolling. The story revolves around an anti-heroine driven by power and insecurity, who assumes the identity of her deceased friend to publish a masterpiece. Loneliness and the desperate desire for recognition serve as driving forces, pushing the protagonist to extreme measures. The character evokes strong emotions, including frustration towards her misogyny, blind ambition, and obnoxious justifications for her actions. In this book, nobody is a saint, as being good-hearted does not guarantee financial security, career success, fame, or power. The author skillfully portrays flawed and complex characters who challenge the reader’s perceptions. Unflinching, uncomfortable, and absolutely necessary reading. Kuang holds up a mirror to the publishing industry and forces us all to look.

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang, (List Price: $18.99, William Morrow Paperbacks, 9780063250857, January 2025)

Reviewed by Taylor, Baldwin & Co. in New Orleans, LA

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Kiese Laymon writes a powerful memoir in which he immerses the reader in the individual experience of growing up Black in the Deep South. Laymon’s coming-of-age story, placed in the 80s and 90s, is layered with observations about body image and body awareness in the context of a geography intent on subjugating those who look like him. The entire book is written in second person, directed toward his mother, which has the effect of drawing the reader close to his story. He beautifully gives access to his own flaws, his family’s wisdom, and imperfections. A must-read for anyone interested in Black stories, Black people, and U.S.-American history.

Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon, (List Price: $18, Scribner, 9781501125669, March 2019)

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

Buy from your local indie.

A heartfelt look at a difficult subject, this book explores end-of-life care in a positive and honest way. Stories of personal experiences and lists of resources are masterfully woven together to confront the reality of death in a manner that should be more common than it is. Callahan doesn’t offer strict solutions or pretend to have all the answers; instead, she provides important insight and empowers the reader to find what will work for them when the time comes. The value of this conversation is not to be overlooked, and this book is a great addition for those both new to and already familiar with death acceptance.

A Death Doula’s Guide to a Meaningful End by Jane K. Callahan, (List Price: $21.99, Chicago Review Press, 9781556528262, April 2026)

Reviewed by Oliver Ditenhafer, Epilogue: Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

An insider’s view of the culinary world tempered through a very personal lens. Attending the Culinary Arts Institute is a grueling experience, more so for students of color, and more so if you are trying to mend a broken heart. Filled with personal and culinary ups and downs, this is both a cautionary tale and a romantic journey. Not just for foodies.

Salt, Sweat & Steam by Brigid Washington, (List Price: $30, St. Martin’s Press, 9781250333377, April 2026)

Reviewed by Jan, Main Street Books in Davidson, NC

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

If any book should be required reading for booksellers, librarians, and educators, this is it. Abandon your preconceived notions of what children’s books should be, and let Mac Barnett remind you how magical they can be. This message comes at the perfect time and makes a lovely gift for people who want to spread the joy of reading to all ages.

Make Believe by Mac Barnett, (List Price: $20, Little, Brown and Company, 9780316601122, May 2026)

Reviewed by Becca, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

I love all of Allison Ashley’s books and was so excited for a young adult book by her! The summer setting in this is just absolutely perfect, and the way she writes the love triangle is so well done!! I love her writing, the emotional connection in her books, and the family dynamics. Allison is just one of my favorite authors ever, and I am so excited for everyone to be able to read this!!

Until Next Summer by Allison Ashley, (List Price: $12.99, Simon Pulse, 9781665982214, May 2026)

Reviewed by Bethany, Court Street Books in Florence, Alabama

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

I truly love a good novel written in verse, and this one is no exception. Chandni’s character carries the burden of a deep secret that she shouldn’t even have to carry. The emotional depth shines as she balances the weight of this secret and the everyday issues of being a middle schooler. Filled with honesty and heart, a great read.

All That Chandni Knows by Khushboo Patel, (List Price: $18.99, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 9798217004485, March 2026)

Reviewed by Jess, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC