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The Night Ends with Fire by K. X. Song

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The Night Ends with Fire by K. X. Song
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Give me a warrior woman any day of the week. I had a lot of fun reading this book and loved the consistency of Meilin’s motivations. At times it was almost a strange sort of exploration of the internal struggle that manifests when one is trying to break from the norms they grew up with, even though those norms are actively oppressive….the self-loathing and the hopelessness…But then, we get a scene with Lei or Sky and we’re like “oooh, shiny!” and all our deep, dark thoughts subside for a moment. Did I want to tear up my copy and throw it across the room when I read the ending? Yes. However, I’m okay with that.

The Night Ends with Fire by K. X. Song, (List Price: $30, Ace, 9780593815724, July 2024)

Reviewed by Caroline Johnson, Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

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The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly

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The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly
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The Land of Lost Things is a extraordinary work, filled with both the original spirit of the Grimm fairy tales, and environmental concerns. Phoebe, an eight year old girl, has been severely injured in a car accident, and has been left in a comatose state. Her mother, Ceres, constantly reads to her, especially fairy tales. When the hospital can no longer help her, Phoebe is transferred to a chronic care facility, funded by the legacy of the missing author of The Book of Lost Things, and located very close to his deserted home. When Ceres explores the house, she somehow finds herself transported into the world of The Book of Lost Things. What then transpires is a joy to read, filled with both wonderful characters, and ones that are pure evil. Always stressing the importance and the meaning of books and stories. There are many allusions and characters taken from history and folktales/fairy tales/legends that make appearances, and also some wonderful touches of humor. Throughout the story you are constantly hypnotized by life’s fragility. It is impossible to put down, and you will dream about it if you do.

The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly, (List Price: 28, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, 9781668022283, September 2023)

Reviewed by Amy Loewy, Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

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King of the Armadillos by Wendy Chin-Tanner

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King of the Armadillos by Wendy Chin-Tanner
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Victor’s life is turned upside down at the young age of 15. Diagnosed with Hansen’s disease (leprosy), he’s forced to leave his family and move to Carville, LA to a federal leprosarium. Scared and alone, he wants to flee. However, with the wide and varied cast of characters in his new home at Carville, he finds hope, love, and tragedy…but always hoping for the elusive cure. When Victor’s time at Carville nears the end, difficult choices must be made. You’ll find you are holding your breath at many points of this story. I could not put it down.

King of the Armadillos by Wendy Chin-Tanner, (List Price: 28.99, Flatiron Books, 9781250843005, July 2023)

Reviewed by Amy Loewy, Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

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Lone Women by Victor LaValle

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Lone Women by Victor LaValle
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Lavalle’s surprising and singular horror/western will appeal to lit fic and genre readers alike with its peculiar and anachronistic, but captivating voice, and its unique wasteland of a setting. It delivers both blood and monsters (human and inhuman) and an affecting exploration of trauma and guilt. This is one that’ll stick with you.

Lone Women by Victor LaValle, (List Price: $27, One World, 9780525512080, March 2023)

Reviewed by Carroll Gelderman, Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

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The Hunter by Jennifer Herrera

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The Hunter by Jennifer Herrera
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It’s a great debut, spooky, atmospheric, with family drama, and full of small town secrets. Gotta love a strong female main character, who is unafraid of danger. There are twists and turns in every moment…the suspense is palpable. This book is impossible to put down.

The Hunter by Jennifer Herrera, (List Price: $27, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 9780593540213, January 2023)

Reviewed by Amy Loewy, Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

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The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings

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The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings
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Alex Jennings has absolutely burst onto the scene with this vibrant and completely singular work. Image and sound practically leap off of the page via Jennings’ cacophonous, but specific language. The version of New Orleans he’s created is fantastical, to be sure, but also accurately depicts the very real spirit of this complicated city. Plotting is muddled and over-complicated in parts and one can get a little lost, but it’s undeniable that a special mind produced this work. I’m excited to see what he does next.

The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings, (List Price: $28, Redhook, 9780759557192, June 2022)

Reviewed by Carroll Gelderman, Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

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This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

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This Poison Heart
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A queer, Black book inspired by The Secret Garden and Little Shop of Horrors with a flower-powerful, badass girl at the center trying to unravel a family mystery. I simply can’t love it more. It’s amazing and you need it in your life.

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron, (List Price: 18.99, Bloomsbury YA, 9781547603909, July 2021)

Reviewed by Rayna Nielsen, Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

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Dear Senthuran by Awaeke Emezi

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Dear Senthuran
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A dazzling and devastating look into the life of one of the most unique voices of modern lit. Read to learn how an Ogbanje navigates the highs and lows of success. You may have more in common with a god than you think. (would ‘spirit’ be a better substitute for ‘god’ here? I can’t recall if they refer to themselves as ‘god’ or ‘godly’ throughout) Emezi paints their world with a set of custom brushes. No matter the angle of your view, the picture comes to life in this book. Although these letters are personal and specific, the messages relayed will resonate with a wide audience. The prose, as always, is visceral, raw, and unflinching. The words center around heartbreak and personhood, destruction and growth. A sibling book to their astounding debut, Freshwater.

Dear Senthuran by Akwaeke Emezi (List Price: $27.00, Riverhead Books, 9780593329191, 5/11/2021)

Reviewed by Caroline Bergeron, Garden District Bookshop in New Orleans, Louisiana

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