The Southern Bookseller Review 10/8/24
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The week of October 8, 2024 You heard it from us first: Booksellers on the National Book Awards The "long list" for the 2024 National Book Awards was announced on October 1st. There is sure to be one of the twenty-five finalists for fifty books on the long list that you haven’t read, have been meaning to read, or decided not to read but now feel deserves a second look. They may also be books that your local indie bookseller has already tried to convince you to read. Here is what Southern indie booksellers have to say about the five books on the fiction finalists list:
This is the most compelling short story collection I have ever read. The first story casts a gruesome overtone on the whole book, but it fits with the unsettling nature of each story. Never quite sure what will happen next, Ghostroots explores mother/child dynamics with a supernatural twist that will keep the pages turning. 
Kaveh Akbar, Martyr! This entertaining book about art and love is the first novel written by poet Kaveh Akbar, so it’s also full of poems and poetry. An Iranian boy loses his mother and moves with his father to Indiana. As a young adult, he is discovering himself as an artist, an addict, an Iranian, and an American, and searching for meaning in life and death. 
Percival Everett, James James by Percival Everett A engaging rendition of Huckleberry Finn and Jim, his enslaved friend and their adventures on the Mississippi. Everett develops Jim’s personality and intelligence and presents his wisdom and humor in the midst of a dangerous time in the South. A fascinating addition to the original Twain tale. Thoroughly enjoyable! A terrific story! 
Miranda July, All Fours This book is completely bonkers in the best way. The main character is delightfully insufferable, but I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Hisham Matar, My Friends I loved My Friends. The writing is beautiful and reflective, and this story of friendship, political turmoil and its rippling effects, exile and the meaning of home will stay with me for a long time. You can help! 
Independent bookstores in the South are still struggling in the wake of Hurricane Helene, and now Hurricane Milton. You can help: Donate to Binc; a relief organization for booksellers and comic book sellers. Visit the SIBA Hurricane Relief Resources page to donate directly to store fundraisers. And shop online at a store that has been impacted. Read This Now | Read This Next | Book Buzz | The Bookseller Directory |
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Read This Now! Recommended by Southern indies… |
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The Trial of Anna Thalberg by Eduardo Sangarcía Adult Fiction, Mexico, World Literature The Trial of Anna Thalberg is a tiny little powerhouse of a novel. The plot is straightforward—a woman is accused of witchcraft in Reformation Germany, her husband and a priest going through a crisis of faith try to save her, their efforts are futile, and she is burned alive. But Sangarcía’s writing, composition, and tone are what makes this book really shine. Through innovative storytelling mechanics, complex emotional worlds, and frenetic, propulsive prose, Sangarcía paints a tragic, compelling portrait of isolation, ignorance, misogyny, fear, and the immutable nature of the human soul. Reviewed by Charlie Marks, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia |
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The Long Game by Elena Armas Adult Fiction, Multicultural & Interracial, Romance Adalyn Rayes has spent her life working hard to earn her spot in her dad’s company. But when a video of her having a really bad day goes viral her world is turned upside down. She is sent to the middle of nowhere North Carolina to help make something of a girls soccer team. The head coach just so happens to be Cameron Caldani, recently retired professional goalkeeper. The hate and attraction are almost instant between the two, with a very slow burn that finally explodes. Add in feisty preteen girls, farm animals, a quirky mayor who seems to have a hand in basically everything that happens in the town, and you have a great weekend read. Reviewed by Heather Way, Angel Wings Bookstore in Stem, North Carolina |
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Bookseller Buzz |
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Spotlight on: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney 
Interestingly, the first voice that came to the page for me in this project was Margaret’s — the character who becomes entangled in Ivan’s life in the course of the book. It certainly wasn’t that I sat down thinking, I have to write a book where the male voice is central. I just felt my way through the story that seemed to emerge when I encountered these characters, which is what I always try to do. Of course I had moments of self-reflection and self-consciousness, because I was thinking, What do I know about this form of interiority and specifically — which is different from Connell in “Normal People” — relationships between men? —Sally Rooney, Interview, The New York Times What booksellers are saying about Intermezzo 
Sally Rooney is an Irish novelist. She is the author of Conversations with Friends; Normal People; and Beautiful World, Where Are You. She also contributed to the writing and production of the Hulu/BBC television adaptation of Normal People. |
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Women in Power by Stephanie McCarter Adult Fiction, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology Stephanie McCarter is so wonderful! The community effort of translators that went into this anthology pays off – with a thorough scope, a great introduction essay, and super helpful notes throughout. I can see this being super helpful in structuring a class about ancient women or ancient literature, and a great jumping board for anyone trying to get into ancient femininity but doesn’t know where to start. Reviewed by Mac Chamberlain, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee |
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Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally Adult Fiction, Historical, Mystery& Detective Petra has lost her beloved fiancé to a terrible accident and has declared that she won’t marry. This is not an acceptable answer in Regency era London. While Petra is defending her decision, a couple of women of her acquaintance die under mysterious circumstances. Petra is determined to get to the bottom of things with help from her maid Annie and other members of the Ton. She feels she is being successful when one of her sources ends up dead…. Reviewed by Monie Henderson, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi |
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The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking by Chloé Crane-Leroux Adult Nonfiction, Cooking, Vegan A beautiful addition to any kitchen or coffee table. This book not only looks great but also is packed with whole food-oriented plant-based recipes. Short ingredient lists make these recipes easy, breezy, and still flavorful. Rather than being sectioned by type of meal, this book is broken up by who will be eating it! Solo lunches, dinner dates, and friend-filled brunches have it all. Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia |
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Fledgling by S. K. Ali Dystopian, Young Adult Fiction In this dystopian sci-fi commentary on the ever-aching sociopolitical battle of choosing between the individual and the many, love and peace, and what is worth fighting for, Ali emphasizes the importance of knowing your story and safeguarding your truth under the thumb of a colonial regime. With beautifully nuanced characters to root for, Fledgling forces you to engage with the effects of war, forced assimilation, and imposing enlightenment head-on without metaphors to hide behind. After you finish this book, flip back to the first page and begin again as the lessons learned last a lifetime. Reviewed by Sol Johnson, Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, North Carolina |
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Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows Children, Friendship, Juvenile Fiction, Social Themes Never want to say goodbye to Bye Forever I Guess! The perfect middle-grade novel about the changing nature of friendship, finding your fit while remaining true to yourself, and where to sit at lunch. Plus, a focus on Nerdy Girls rock! Reviewed by Susan Williams, M Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina |
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Please Be My Star: A Graphic Novel by Victoria Grace Elliott Comics & Graphic Novels, Young Adult Fiction High school stands out in my mind as such a time for being awkward, self-critical, and overly romantic. Thus is the case for Erika, a new student who has a voice in her head that often makes her question herself and if she’s capable of making friends. Surely something has to give! When her school opens up submissions for one-act plays, she writes one for her crush. But she never expects him to agree to be her lead! Full of angst and obsession that only comes with a new crush. Reviewed by Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
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Decide for Yourself Books that appear on PEN America’s list of challenged books. |
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The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee Banned Books, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Young Adult Fiction This Grand Tour was supposed to be Monty’s last big hurrah before adulthood, but it has quickly turned into an unmitigated disaster. Instead of partying and gambling through Europe in style with his (unfairly handsome) best friend Percy, Monty is stuck with a dour chaperone who’s forbidden him from doing anything fun, his unpleasantly bookish sister, and a growing rift between him and (the still handsome) Percy. And that is before the highwaymen attack, setting Mackenzi Lee’s delightful characters on a swashbuckling caper from the highways of France, through Barcelona’s darkened alleys, to the sparkling (and sinking) islands of Venice. A Room with a View meets The Goonies in waistcoats and cravats, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice & Virtue is charming, witty, and heartfelt, and it’s bound to become an instant classic! Reviewed by Rebecca Speas, One More Page Books in Arlington, Virginia |
Southern Bestsellers What’s popular this week with Southern Readers. |
[ See the full list ] |
Parting Thought “I delight in what I fear.” |
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Publisher:
The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance /
siba@sibaweb.com |
SIBA | 51 Pleasant Ridge Drive | Asheville, NC 28805
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September 22-28 is 
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