A beautiful and mind-boggling (in a very good way) book about grief and moving backward and forward through time. As much a literary drama as it is speculative fiction. Loved and perfect for book clubs!
Under Story by Chloe Benjamin, (List Price: $32, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 9780593545218, September 2026)
Reviewed by Kate, Main Street Books in Davidson, NC
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What a fascinating story! Ariel Lawhon does not disappoint.
The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon, (List Price: $32, Doubleday, 9780385550345, September 2026)
Reviewed by Carrie, The Snail on the Wall in Huntsville, AL
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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
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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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Introspective novel set in two dystopic versions of the US where the same people experience different versions of themselves due to a doorway at one party. Mandel is a master of gorgeous prose and plots that weave together in unexpected ways.
Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel, (List Price: $32, Knopf, 9780593321461, September 2026)
Reviewed by Carrie, Dog-Eared Books in Raleigh, North Carolina
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Imagine sitting in an Irish pub being regaled with the story of how a lost Irish tradition was revived. The flow of this memoir is very much like such a conversation. Keohan’s enthusiasm shines through as he shares his journey discovering lost lifting stones and encourages towns to embrace their history and a new generation to test their mettle lifting stones at least high enough for wind to blow under. The result is an engaging tale of discovery, camaraderie, and a singular passion.
The Wind Beneath the Stone by David Keohan, (List Price: $28, Chelsea Green, 9781645024897, September 20261)
Reviewed by Jan, Main Street Books in Davidson, NC
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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
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As I was reading, I kept falling in love more with the story. Kyoko is a relatable main character who highlights how it feels to work and feel stuck in something you originally loved. I love Hayami’s storytelling; it feels like you’re talking to a friend that you connect deeply with. This book feels perfect and personal.
How Can My Manager Be So Stupid? by Kazumasa Hayami, (List Price: $30, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 9798217182299, September 2026)
Reviewed by Victoria, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC
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Set in a seaside Colombian community wrought with struggle and apathy, this taut and gritty narrative packs an unbelievably desolate and poignant punch. Somehow, it nourishes and chokes you at the same time.
The Bitch by Pilar Quintana, (List Price: $18, Riverhead Books, 9798217434749, September 2026)
Reviewed by Joshua, The Underground Bookshop in Carrollton, GA
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A beautifully rendered coming-of-age story told through a high schooler’s sketchbook after her dad takes in a coworker with AIDs in the ’80s. This book is full of care and empathy; family strife but also understanding as Lou reflects on her parents’ backgrounds; and pops of humor, primarily from the dancing Pomeranian duo. The Nightingales will break your heart but heal it too.
The Nightingales by Emil Wilson, (List Price: $38, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster, 9781668217771, August 2026)
Reviewed by Julie, Hub City Bookshop in Spartanburg, SC
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Katherine Rundell celebrates books written specifically FOR children, literature that “allows itself the unsophisticated stance of awe” as a benefit to all of us, no matter our age. We follow the path from the earliest stories written for children to the work of today’s great authors. After you read this tiny tome, you may find yourself wandering to your keeper shelf from childhood or the children’s department of your favorite indie bookstore.
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 Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN
This story of a giant jellyfish wreaking havoc on the residents of a small island in Maine grabbed my attention immediately and didn’t let go. Jo Ness, a jellyfish researcher, is summoned to the island by an old friend to study it. But when Jo arrives, her friend is gone, and strange appearances begin to haunt Jo as she struggles to understand how and why the jellyfish can have such control over the residents. The story is haunting and suspenseful, but not fast-paced action. Spooky, but not scary. I found myself thinking of it all day and couldn’t wait to get back to it!
The Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang, (List Price: $30, Berkley, 9780593955826, June 2026)
Reviewed by Amy, The Snail on the Wall in Huntsville, AL
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As a child born and educated in Wilmington, North Carolina, who—like so many others—knew nothing of this massacre until adulthood, I am always grateful to see new scholarship on this topic. The author’s care in tying history to present conditions for descendants of the massacre makes this a particularly noteworthy document. Even the Philly Deli makes an appearance. Excellent work, which gives me hope more will eventually come to light in my lifetime.
They Stole a City by Lauren Collins, (List Price: $32, Penguin Press, 9781984878816, July 2026)
Reviewed by Alissa, South Main Book Company in Salisbury, NC
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The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age book that tells the story of the main character’s first love. The story itself has so many fun aspects, including the family dynamics along with the friendships between characters. This book is perfect for someone looking for a series that starts off lighthearted and then leads into more depth as the series progresses.
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, (List Price: $11.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665922074, May 2022)
Reviewed by Grace, The Bookshelf on Church in Kilmarnock, VA
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This is the reminder every Black person in America needs. Beautifully illustrated and written with the soul of a poem, this book is more than a picture book; it’s a love letter. Read it and be inspired.
That You Are Here Is No Small Thing by Traci N. Todd, (List Price: $18.99, Viking Books for Young Readers, 9780593353028, September 2026)
Reviewed by Jess, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC
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