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This is a short story collection that is always honest. The stories move through themes of growing up, messy relationships, and the awkward and painful process of becoming an adult. There’s some body horror, some nonlinear storytelling, and a few second-person narratives that pull you in. The horror feels like late-night scary stories that are unnerving in a specific but familiar way. The strangest moments are very relatable (any other stress poopers?). Each story is different, but they share a common thread that keeps the collection together. The women at the center are messy, funny, and deeply human. The novel balances THE HORRORS with the curiosity of being alive. Beyond All Reasonable Doubt is understanding of what it’s like to move through the world in a body that feels both powerful and vulnerable.

Beyond All Reasonable Doubt, Jesus Is Alive! by Melissa Lozada-Oliva, (List Price: $26, Astra House, 9781662601828, September 2025)

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

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What in the world did I just read. This book was crazy and insane from start to finish and I am genuinely thinking so many things right now. I think it truly shows how animalistic human beings are. It’s horrifying, it’s gory, but it seems so completely realistic – making it worse. It’s the way that human beings change and adapt to new language in order for human horrors to not seem so animalistic, such as calling humans “special meat”. This in a way makes it seem like the atrocities they’re committing make it okay, makes it seem normal. While we’re horrified by what’s happening with these human beings, it’s the exact same thing that’s happening to cattle and other animals that we consume. But because we can physically distance ourselves from them, we don’t seem to care how the dairy industry and meat industry are committing the exact same things to their animals. I think the scene with the dogs is especially important to the story. As humans, we feel compassion for the puppies because we see them as pets and creatures that belong to us and need our care, making the horrific scene that happened to them disturbing. However, no one bats an eye when it’s a cow or another animal that is consumed. Really eye opening right there. Overall, it was amazing and incredibly done, as well as utterly horrific

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica, (List Price: $17.99, Scribner, 9781982150921, August 2020)

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

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Absolute devastation firmly grounded in the ordinary. Through the seasons, a reading primer, a family, a neighborhood, Morrison explores all that the ordinary can build by all it can destroy. Claudia’s fury and Pecola’s longing are presented as two responses to the same wound, a loneliness that never got to be innocence, not just for these girls but for a society that props itself up by allowing these cycles to repeat.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, (List Price: $19, Vintage, 9780307278449, May 2007)

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

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A wonderful little essay/novella that reassures those of us who still love children’s lit that we’re not off base.

Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell, (List Price: $17.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9798217230747, 2026-09-01)

Reviewed by liz, Columbus Bound Bookshop in Columbus, GA

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This book is short and small and oh-so-sweet. It’s great for gifting to a friend or loved one who shares your nostalgia for children’s books or who perhaps needs a gentle reminder that children’s books can ignite the imagination, reinforce a sense of justice, and expand our perspectives on the world – all in a playful, emotionally unapologetic, and visually appealing manner.

Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell, (List Price: $17.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9798217230747, September 2026)

Reviewed by Burch, Righton Books in St Simons Island, GA

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Katherine Rundell explains in a non-judgemental tone how important it is for us all to read children’s literature. This long essay in book form can be read in one sitting, and is well worth your time.

Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell, (List Price: $17.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9798217230747, September 2026)

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

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A delightful story about Murphy the dog and how he spends his day waiting on his best human friend to come home from school. He gets up to some funny antics and has to wait, wait, wait. Would make a great story time book!

I Am Murphy and I Am Waiting by Dan Yaccarino, (List Price: $18.99, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 9781250424280, August 2026)

Reviewed by Claire, River & Hill Books in Rome, GA

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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