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The week of October 11, 2022 What to read in October
The Southern Bookseller Review website publishes a running collection of posts called "Read This Now," reviews of books that booksellers are, well, reading now. But then there are the books that have not just one or two enthusiastic reviews from Southern booksellers, but five or six, or more. SBR highlights these books in its Book Buzz section, and each month selects five newly published books that are causing the most excitement among booksellers for special attention: these are the books indie booksellers want people to read next. If these books aren’t yet on your TBR pile, put them there, right at the top: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (Harper) Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner (St. Martin’s Griffin) This Story Is Not About a Kitten by Randall de Sève, Carson Ellis (Illus.) (Random House Studio) Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng (Penguin Press) Which Side Are You On by Ryan Lee Wong (Catapult)
Read This Now | Read This Next | The Bookseller Directory |
Normally, we announce the new |
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Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer Coburn Adult Fiction, Fiction, Historical, World War II This story of three women shines a light on the existence of Nazi breeding programs during the WW2 era. These maternity homes facilitated the births of thousands of “true German babies” to help repopulate and rebuild the “new Germany.” I had never heard of this! Gundi, Hilde and Irma each had their own reasons for being involved as they were, and for making the risky decisions that would change the path they were on. Engaging, enlightening and well written! Reviewed by Cathy Graham, Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, Florida |
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Bookseller Buzz |
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Spotlight on: Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
“People often ask how much of myself is in a book. Generally I say all of me and none of me. It’s dangerous to associate authors with their work. It’s fiction but the more you are engaged with your writing the more the readers are also involved. I think a reader needs the author to be invested wholly in the writing, otherwise it feels a bit like cheating, in a way. I tend to get emotional towards the end of writing a book, because so much is coming together and the story feels as though it is going to work and do what I wanted it to do. I love endings – beginnings and endings are what I like most in fiction. ” ―Kate Atkinson, Interview, Women’s Prize for Fiction What booksellers are saying about Shrines of Gaiety 
About Kate Atkinson Kate Atkinson won the Whitbread (now Costa) Book of the Year prize with her first novel, Behind the Scenes at the Museum. Her 2013 novel Life After Life was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and voted Book of the Year for the independent booksellers associations on both sides of the Atlantic. It also won the Costa Novel Award, as did her subsequent novel, A God in Ruins (2015), and was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series in 2022. Her bestselling novels featuring former detective Jackson Brodie became the BBC television series Case Histories, starring Jason Isaacs. She has written twelve groundbreaking, bestselling books and lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. |
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Poster Girl by Veronica Roth Adult Fiction, Dystopian Most dystopian stories focus on life during the fall of a society and the plans for the uprising/demise of a new regime. ‘Poster Girl’ tells of the events after the uprising happens, with the added twist of mystery thriller thrown in (because why not). Tempted with the prospect of earning her freedom from life imprisonment, Sonya investigates the whereabouts of a missing girl. During her journey, long-held secrets are uncovered that will have Sonya second-guessing everything she believes. Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver bookseller in Savannah, Georgia |
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Justice of the Pies by Maya-Camille Broussard Adult Nonfiction, African American & Black, Cooking, Courses & Dishes, Pies What a beautiful cookbook! It’s the perfect blend of stunning visuals, original and well-written recipes, dynamite prose in the talky bits, plus a strong social-justice mission. Broussard presents her sweet and savory recipes from the point-of-view of a Black, hearing-impaired, small business owner who has been giving back to her Chicago community through teaching, donating, and empowering others. Between the recipes (and inspiring many) are profiles of people she calls "Stewards": others who strive for equity. If that’s not enough inspiration, how about Salted Caramel Peach Pie, Chicken & Biscuit Pot Pie, Churro Whoopie Pies! Honoring her public defender late father’s memory, this book also makes a great family gift. Reviewed by Kelly Justice, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia |
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Prince of Song & Sea by Linsey Miller Action & Adventure, Boys & Men, Romance, Young Adult, Young Adult Fiction We all know the story of the little mermaid who fell in love with a prince, made a deal with a sea witch and needs a kiss so she can remain a human. However, what do we know about the handsome prince? What is his part of this story? In the Prince of Song and Sea, Lindsey Miller shows you the life of Prince Eric. His friends, his adventures, and his curse. If you loved Littler Mermaid, you will be delighted to read Prince of Song and Sea with its familiar storyline, recognizable characters, and a deeper dive into a well-loved story. Reviewed by Gretchen Shuler, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina |
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Counting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math Poems by Betsy Franco Children, Humorous, Juvenile Nonfiction, Mathematics, Poetry, School Education Multiplying mice, sugary shapes, and family fractions star in this charming collection that practically shouts : Math is FUN! Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina |
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Afro Samurai Vol.1 by Takashi Okazaki Comics & Graphic Novels, Dystopian, Manga, Media Tie-In, Science Fiction This was epic. I absolutely can’t wait to get more into this series. Gave me Black Swordsman Arc vibes from Berserk. I hope to see Afro develop more and maybe gain something to care for instead of being purely based on revenge. The setting in the end also gave me Fountainhead Palace vibes from Sekiro. Reviewed by Ethan Davis, Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida |
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Read This Next! Books on the horizon: Forthcoming favorites from Southern indies… |
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Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng Adult Fiction, Asian American, Family Life, Literary An October 2022 Read This Next! Title Oh, I hope and pray this is the runaway blockbuster of the year, as it deserves to be. Dystopian, centered around concept the US government can re-home children on the basis of anonymous reports of seditious parental behavior. One woman uses poetry to combat this, and the rampant anti-Asian hate that is taking over society. With hero librarians behind the scenes attempting to keep fractured family ties documented – SO MUCH LOVE FOR THIS. ALL OF THIS. I AM SO HERE FOR IT. Celeste Ng is now officially a literary force. I’m calling Our Missing Hearts my one and only official book recommendation of 2022 – no others will come close. Reviewed by Alissa Redmond, South Main Book Company in Salisbury, North Carolina |
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Southern Bestsellers What’s popular this week with Southern Readers. |
[ See the full list ] |
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Parting Thought “The beginning is the word and the end is silence. And in between are all the stories.” |
Publisher:
The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance /
siba@sibaweb.com |
SIBA | 51 Pleasant Ridge Drive | Asheville, NC 28805
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