I am still buzzing as I write this. This book is tapped so hard into my subconscious that it feels magical. Bethany Peters is a hero our times need and are still waiting for.
Public Access Afterworld by Jane Schoenbrun, (List Price: $33, Hogarth, 9780593978382, October 2026)
Reviewed by Zack, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
Public Access Afterworld by Jane Schoenbrun Read More »
This book celebrates big ideas: community, school, team projects. But it also celebrates the unique qualities of the individual. Love it! And of course the illustrations are beautiful.
Story Rug by Sophie Blackall, (List Price: $18.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316535380, July 2026)
Reviewed by Wilson, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
Story Rug by Sophie Blackall Read More »
Jaouad has an endearing, welcoming voice that rings clearly from the first page of this book. As a lifelong journal keeper, I found myself writing these prompts down for future creative explorations! I will be giving this to every person I know who wishes to slow down and embrace depth of thought.
The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad, (List Price: $30, Random House, 9780593734636, April 2025)
Reviewed by Mandy, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad Read More »
JFC. If we can’t add a new subgenre JUST for Lauren Groff’s signature style — lushly grim and invigoratingly desolate — maybe I’d best acknowledge the teeny new chamber in my book lovin’ heart that Matrix, The Vaster Wilds and now Brawler have come to inhabit. I didn’t think I could handle bleak, but in her capable hands? “Under the Wave” is the best short story I’ve ever read. Within two paragraphs of beginning “The Wind” (and hence the collection), I was *there* and terrified. I haven’t even read the last two stories yet. Stay tuned.
Brawler by Lauren Groff, (List Price: $29, Riverhead Books, 9780593418420, February 2026)
Reviewed by Kat, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
Brawler by Lauren Groff Read More »
This is such a “me” book! Funny, surprising, full of interesting characters doing unexpected things, all the while racing to a conclusion that I couldn’t possibly predict. Loved this one!
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash, (List Price: $28, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 9780374619237, January 2026)
Reviewed by Kat, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash Read More »
The poetry of Billy Collins never disappoints! A must read this holiday season. Even though I’m a cat person, I couldn’t put this book down. Readers will savor each and every poem along with the dog illustrations by Pamela Sztybel. A joyful read about man’s best friend.
Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins, (List Price: $20, Random House, 9780593979419, November 2025)
Reviewed by Sheri Bancroft, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins Read More »
Loved this one. A heist, a girl, international characters and some insight into what was going on before the war. And I learned about Black Sunday!
War Games by Alan Gratz, (List Price: $18.99, Scholastic Press, 9781338736106, October 2025)
Reviewed by Wilson Robbins, Novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
War Games by Alan Gratz Read More »
The story of the downfall of a prominent Mississippi Delta preacher and his family as told through the eyes of two unforgettable female narrators. I read this in about 24 hours. Citchens brings this world fully to life.
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens, (List Price: $27, Citchens, Addie E., 9780374609337, August 2025)
Reviewed by Kat Leache, Novel in Memphis, Tennessee
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens Read More »
I will be sitting with this one for awhile. Really, really enjoyed it and appreciate the food for thought. I’ll dip back when I’ve had longer to process. Will definitely go on my staff picks.
James by Percival Everett, (List Price: $28, Doubleday, 9780385550369, March 2024)
Reviewed by Kat Leache, Novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
James by Percival Everett Read More »
Prime example of a debut author who came fully prepared to steal your heart, open your mind, and waltz right into your very dreams! I am still processing the numerous levels this book expertly navigated! I feel compelled to name a few parts of this story that will linger in your mind for days on end after reading: the folklore, the southern Italian historical setting, the mystical creatures, deals struck under cover of night, complex family relationships, faith, self worth, and what it means to call out what you want in life. All of this and more are woven into a fantastical world that has left me astonished! I cannot wait to see what he writes next!
The Secret Market of the Dead by Feo Giovanni De, (List Price: $28.99, De Feo, Giovanni, 9781668077368, July 2025)
Reviewed by Mandy Martin, Novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
The Secret Market of the Dead by Feo Giovanni De Read More »
Tiffany D. Jackson’s signature style transitions beautifully to middle grade in Blood in the Water. Tackling heavy subjects with the gravity they deserve while letting her characters have just a bit of fun, Jackson navigates racism, classism, and the concept of controlling the narrative.
Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson, (List Price: $18.99, Scholastic Press, 9781338849912, July 2025)
Reviewed by Carly Crawford, Novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson Read More »
What a gripping, original story! Instantly, I knew Xavier was a narrator who was going to be plum fun to read. Having a completely unrelatable story be told by someone so likeable and relatable is a stroke of genius. This story really makes you stop and think about what we are born into and how our beliefs are shaped by our exposures, and it makes you consider what YOU would do if one day you woke up in this strange new world.
Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel, (List Price: $19.99, Scholastic Press, 9781546158202, June 2025)
Reviewed by Mandy Martin, Novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel Read More »
Rene and Glumfoot have a fine dining establishment in an enchanted wooded area. An ogre comes for a meal, and they get more than they bargained for. Teamwork saves the day! If you like books about ogres, this book has it all!
The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please, (List Price: $19.99, HarperCollins, 9780063345492, October 2024)
Reviewed by Sheri Bancroft, Novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please Read More »
I knew I would like this book, having loved The Woman in the Library. However, it is hard to review because I feel like so much I have to say would be a spoiler. This book has one or two twists that I anticipated, but the big twist left me shocked. I was invested from the first page. I liked that all my original questions were answered while still being open-ended. I believe that leaves room for dialogue if you were to have a book club surrounding this book.
The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill, (List Price: $16.99, Poisoned Pen Press, 9781728285184, March 2024)
Reviewed by Missy Kelly, Novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill Read More »
I didn’t think Reid could top Such a Fun Age, but am THRILLED to be wrong. Come and Get It has everything I loved about her debut (her ear for dialog is unparalleled, and she does realistic social cringe so. well.) with an added layer of tenderness towards her characters — most of which are a whole entire aggravating MESS — that blew me out of the water. I did NOT expect to be sobbing at the end, but sobbing I was. Her characters are ALIVE. The public university setting is priceless and allows Reid room to exercise her WICKED sense of humor as well as explore the transition pains most of us go through in our late teens and early twenties. Some — like Agatha and Robin — are experiencing growing pains well into their thirties. Come and Get It is so very funny and so very generous.
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid, (List Price: $29, Penguin Publishing Group, 9780593328200, 2024-01-30)
Reviewed by Kat Leache, Novel. in Memphis, Tennessee
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid Read More »
