Very cute and sweet! Happy ending that wasn’t fully resolved but going in the right direction for the main character.I learned a lot of facts about fencing, which was fun. This was a debut. I will definitely be checking out their future works!
On Guard! by Cassidy Wasserman, (List Price: $21.99, Random House Graphic, 9780593649985, June 2025)
Reviewed by Stephanie StJohn, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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I snatched this as soon as I saw it at the bookshop. This book captures a feeling I’ve been struggling to articulate for so long: showing joy in who you are as a form of defiance when the world does everything it can to push you down. Everything about Marsha’s life embodies that idea, she’s an amazing subject for a biography. Tourmaline does an amazing job telling Marsha’s story – and at giving a good overview of LGBTQIA history in the U.S. as well – but what separates this from other biographies for me is just how much love, passion, and radiance spills out from the pages; Tourmaline clearly has such a deep appreciation for Marsha that makes the writing so engaging and vivid. There’s a wealth of information here but there’s never a moment where the book feels bogged down or heavy. Tourmaline also goes beyond Marsha’s life, going into the impact and legacy she’s left for the LGBTQIA community, in activism and everyday life. It’s made clear that the progress made to equality for LGBTQIA people has happened over a short length of time, and there’s still so much work to be done – especially for Trans people – but Tourmaline makes sure every nook and cranny of this book is filled with hope and joy. I think this should be essential reading for anyone remotely interested in LGBTQIA history and activism, and anyone who just needs some hope and joy right now.
Marsha by Tourmaline, (List Price: $30, Tiny Reparations Books, 9780593185667, May 2025)
Reviewed by Winter Goldsmith, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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My first Colleen Hoover read! I can definitely see where all the hype is with her novels. She does pull you in and stir up all the feels. It was entertaining, I thought the female lead character did not stand up for herself enough, and love triangles are always tricky. The most interesting part was learning how the hearing-impaired male lead was able to teach himself to play and write music. Can’t wait to read more of her books!
Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover, (List Price: $16.99, Atria Books, 9781476753164, March 2014)
Reviewed by Krista Roach, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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This was a violent, disturbing, and brilliantly written fantasy. The characters are flawed, messy, and strong. The depictions of war are horrific and even more so as they’re based in historical reality. Kuang’s research is impeccable and informs her world-building in the best possible way. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds in the next two books.
The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang, (List Price: $9.99, Harper Voyager, 9780063429147, April 2025)
Reviewed by Melissa Taylor, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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Into the Rapids will activate your adventurous side as Addy puts her outdoor survival skills to the test as she prepares for Survival Camp. Follow along as Addy realizes that it’s OK to stand on your own, but it’s never wrong to ask for help when you need it. Perfect for readers who are living with and experiencing emotions caused by grief, panic attacks, and isolation.
Into the Rapids by Ann Braden, (List Price: $17.99, Nancy Paulsen Books, 9780593856369, May 2025)
Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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Definitely one of my new favorites so far this year, the void in my heart left by the cancellation of Ice Adolescence has been filled!! <3 Iori is such a loveable protagonist, seeing her do something she loves fills me with so much joy and inspiration.
Medalist 1 by TSURUMAIKADA, (List Price: $13.99, Kodansha Comics, 9798888771853, March 2024)
Reviewed by Sam Conners, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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First loves and crushes are always awkward, but never have they been this awkward. From raging bowels to horrible allergy attacks, Star Trek references and Vanilla Ice, Pacy and Cecil are two hot messes. This story of nerd love will leave your heart full as you can’t help by root for these two to get together, but you also can’t help feeling a little vicarious embarrassment as things go horribly wrong.
On Again, Awkward Again by Kelly Erin Entrada, (List Price: $19.99, Amulet Books, 9781419775635, April 2025)
Reviewed by Melissa Taylor, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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Soma escalates before you know it as you’re thrown into the action! It’s gorgeous from its character design to its use of color. Can this comic book artist, who can’t be bothered, be persuaded to save the world from an alien invasion?
Soma by Fernando Llor, (List Price: $19.99, Oni Press, 9781637156124, February 2025)
Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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Speak Up, Santiago! is so much more than a bilingual graphic novel. It’s a coming-of-age story that reveals the struggles of how to connect with different generations, break barriers within a new friend group, and build up self-esteem and confidence. The pure magic between the storytelling and illustrations helps readers understand the challenges of learning a second language. Readers will be cheering for Santiago as he finds a way to communicate both at home and on the pitch.
Speak Up, Santiago! by Julio Anta, (List Price: $13.99, Random House Graphic, 9780593651636, March 2025)
Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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A delicious and beautiful cookbook! I love the variety of ingredients that are rooted in the area, especially ones I never even thought about using. If you’re ever bored of the same old same old biscuits and gravy in your average Southern cookbooks, give this a shot! The flavor combinations are to die for.
Our South: Black Food Through My Lens by Ashleigh Shanti, (List Price: $40, Union Square & Co., 9781454949121, October 2024)
Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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Just how far are you willing to go for a bet? Would you kiss a cute stranger on the subway? I have followed this comic for so so long and I’m elated to see it in print! Team subway boy all the way!
The Kiss Bet Volume One by Ingrid Ochoa, (List Price: $18.99, WEBTOON Unscrolled, 9781998341146, February 2025)
Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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Okorafor masterfully threads together a story about the art of storytelling, breaking barriers, and being true to yourself while pulling readers into the passion of being in the Nigerian community. Filled with unexpected friendships, challenges of having a disability, worldwide adventures — and ROBOTS — Zelu and Ankara’s story will challenge your perception of what it means to be part of humanity. You’ll be thinking about Death of the Author long after you’ve returned from the stars.
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor, (List Price: $30, William Morrow, 9780063445789, January 2025)
Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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This might actually be the cutest thing I have ever read. I\’m not lying when I say that I shed a tear because my body could not handle how cute it was (and from how hard I was laughing).Bonus points – I have a cat named Beans so it was so sweet thinking about her playing detective kitty.
Detective Beans by Li Chen, (List Price: $12.99, Andrews McMeel Publishing, 9781524882587, October 2024)
Reviewed by Stephanie St. John, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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I was unsure whether I would truly enjoy this book or have to pretend that I enjoyed it due to its significance and popularity. I am pleased to say that I absolutely loved it – and although quite dark and bleak, this dystopian world does not seem so far away. While I don’t think that it’s something everyone would enjoy, I do think that it’s something everyone should at least try.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, (List Price: $18, Vintage, 9780385490818, March 1998)
Reviewed by Niamh Kenny, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah , Georgia
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If you know me, you know this got downloaded the SECOND I saw Princess Diana’s name. Such cute, almost Studio Ghibli-type illustrations, a beautiful (and sometimes very emotional) story following one family in the day after Diana’s death. This graphic novel touches on many deep subjects which left me tearing up while reading it. Easy and enjoyable read.
All Princesses Die Before Dawn by Quentin Zuttion, (List Price: $24.99, Abrams ComicArts, 9781419776649, November 2024)
Reviewed by Stephanie St. John, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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