|
|
|
|
The week of December 12, 2023 Great books make great gifts for readers of any age.
Georgie, All Along: An Uplifting and Unforgettable Love Story by Kate Clayborn City of the Dead by James Ponti Red & Green by Lois Ehlert Wrecker by Carl Hiaasen Cat on the Run in Cat of Death! by Aaron Blabey Be That Way by Hope Larson  Read This Now | Read This Next | Book Buzz | The Bookseller Directory |
|
|
|
Read This Now! Recommended by Southern indies… |
 |
|
The Book of Ayn by Lexi Freiman Adult Fiction, Feminist The rare book that will make you laugh out loud, gasp with disbelief, cringe, and ultimately, cheer. A book that reminds us to have fun, that restores “fun” to its rightful place as a virtue of reading. Anna’s descent into a Randian abyss is spiked with so much humor and insight, you’ll almost forget whose side you’re on. Freiman is a writer of breathtaking talent, and fans of her first book will adore this one. Reviewed by Kristen Iskandrian, Thank You Books in Birmingham, Alabama |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bookseller Buzz |
 |
|
Spotlight on: Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert  I’ve wanted to write pirates forever, probably since I was approximately eight and sitting on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland. I’ve been deeply into Celtic mythology for about as long. So, when it came time to write a fantasy romance novel, it was only natural to meld the two into a fun romp of a story. What booksellers are saying about Hunt on Dark Waters 
Katee Robert (she/they) is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls their writing “unspeakably hot.” Their books have sold over two million copies. They live in the Pacific Northwest with their husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs |
 |
 |
|
Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander Adult Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Romantic Comedy  A December Read This Next! Title Second Chances in New Port Stephen is the perfect mix of heartwarming holiday charm and queer romance. The author does a wonderful job of acknowledging and addressing so many important topics (like being trans in Florida) while remaining hopeful and lighthearted. I loved that the characters are more mature and older – this is not a YA story. And I loved that we get a second chance story, which fits for the age group and for the holiday themes. The tension and slow-burn is great and readers are rewarded at the end! I won’t give any spoilers, but I loved the ending. The characters made my heart ache, they made me laugh, and they gave me the warm fuzzies that come from knowing there are wonderful, genuine, and kind people in the world.Second Chances in New Port Stephen is full of joy and hope and inclusivity with just a dash of holiday cheer. It’s the perfect queer romance for December! Reviewed by Emily Lessig, The Violet Fox Bookshop in Virginia Beach, Virginia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Above Ground by Clint Smith African American & Black, African American & Black Studies, Ethnic Studies, Marriage & Family, Poetry, Sociology, Southern Book Prize Finalist  2024 Southern Book Prize Finalist Smith’s poems are moving and poignant as he navigates being a Black father to a Black boy in today’s America. Even if you are not a parent, you will find this collection breathtaking in its capacity to contain a multitude of emotion, longing, fear, and love. Reviewed by Daniel Jordan, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, Arkansas |
 |
|
Be That Way by Hope Larson Dating & Sex, Social Themes, Young Adult Fiction Hope Larson’s Be That Way is a charming coming-of-age story told in mixed formats of journal entries, illustrations, and comic strips. High school junior Christine is determined that 1996 will be the year she shines. From friendship fallouts to heartbreak and betrayal to first jobs, Christine tumbles through adolescence with snark, wit, and — ultimately — optimism as she finds herself through her art and the support of the people who matter most. Be That Way is the perfect read for when you need a reminder that the awkward teenage moments aren’t forever and that being your true self is the best thing you can be. Reviewed by Charlie Williams, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi |
 |
|
Where Are the Aliens? by Stacy McAnulty Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science, Children, Juvenile Nonfiction, Southern Book Prize Finalist, Technology 2024 Southern Book Prize Finalist Stacy (local-to-me author!) is like the teacher who gets passionately excited about something and her enthusiasm drags the entire class into that geekdom. The kind that when you see a oddly specific kitschy item you know it has to belong to them so you buy it and gift it to them and they tell you a story about something you had no idea about in that item you are handing them. I am delighted that her Our Universe picture books have a middle grade book for their readers to grow into. Reviewed by Lisa Yee Swope, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
 |
|
unOrdinary Volume 1 by uru-chan Action & Adventure, Comics & Graphic Novels, Young Adult Fiction A Webtoon classic! I was wondering when this would get unscrolled. I love fantasy or sci-fi with over powered protagonists that have some reason to hold themselves back or conceal their strength. This does that concept well and with great pacing. Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver bookseller in Savannah, Georgia |
|
Decide for Yourself Books that appear on PEN America’s list of challenged books. |
 |
|
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz Juvenile Fiction, Middle East, Middle Grade Alan Gratz, historical fiction go-to for middle school, has moved from WWII to more contemporary times with his newest novel Ground Zero. Told from the viewpoint of two teens on opposite sides of the globe, Gratz reframes the 9/11 story for the eyes and ears of young readers. This one is sure to be an instant bestseller. Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina |
Southern Bestsellers What’s popular this week with Southern Readers. |
     [ See the full list ] |
Parting Thought “No two persons ever read the same book.” |
|
Publisher:
The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance /
siba@sibaweb.com |
SIBA | 51 Pleasant Ridge Drive | Asheville, NC 28805
You have received this email because you are currently subscribed to receive The Southern Bookseller Review.
Please click @@unsubscribe_url@@ if you no longer wish to receive these communications.