novel.

Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson

, , ,
Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.

It will surprise no one familiar with my taste in books that while I enjoyed the romance subplot (read: didn’t actively annoy me like most romance plots do!) and genuinely liked the characters and their development, what I loved most about this novel was the questions it posed about the nature of criticism and artists: who is owed what, what should or shouldn’t be out of bounds, and the dramatic expansion of the court of public opinion in the internet age. Wonderful read that will appeal to readers of all kinds!

Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson, (List Price: $30, St. Martin’s Press, 9781250431295, October 2026)

Reviewed by Kat, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee

Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson Read More »

The Henchperson’s Guide to Unionizing by Marshall J. Moore

, , , , ,
The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing by Marshall J. Moore
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

This is a fun, fairly light-hearted riff on Frankenstein, the novel, and the Universal horror films. Narrated by the hunchback Igor, the novel features memorable characters who are vampires, werewolves, zombies, evil witches, and a few that defy easy categorization. Fun, with a nice message about being oneself, community, and found family, I enjoyed this book. This one will be fun to hand sell.

The Henchperson’s Guide to Unionizing by Marshall J. Moore, (List Price: $21, Bantam, 9798217374168, September 2026)

Reviewed by David, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee

The Henchperson’s Guide to Unionizing by Marshall J. Moore Read More »

Public Access Afterworld by Jane Schoenbrun

, , , , , ,
Public Access Afterworld by Jane Schoenbrun
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

Story Rug by Sophie Blackall

, ,
Story Rug by Sophie Blackall
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.

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 »

The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad

, , , , , ,
The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

Brawler by Lauren Groff

, , , , ,
Brawler by Lauren Groff
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.

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 »

Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash

, , ,
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins

, , , , , ,
Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

War Games by Alan Gratz

, , ,
War Games by Alan Gratz
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

Dominion by Addie E. Citchens

, ,
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

James by Percival Everett

, , ,
James by Percival Everett
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

The Secret Market of the Dead by Feo Giovanni De

, , ,
The Secret Market of the Dead by Feo Giovanni De
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

, ,
Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel

, ,
Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

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 »

The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please

, , , ,
The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.

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 »

Scroll to Top