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The week of July 4, 2023 Celebrating the freedom to read. This week the Southern Bookseller Review joins the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Association, the Authors Guild, the Association of American Publishers, the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, and the bookstores and booksellers and many readers of SBR in affirming its commitment to our Freedom to Read:
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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First Position by Melanie Hamrick Adult Fiction, Psychological, Thrillers The trope of the lovable anti-hero is beaten out only by that of the detestable anti-hero. Sylvie Carter is inherently unlikable, the hapless victim of every event of the story, including her own poor decisions, the least of which is becoming sexually involved with yet another member of her ballet company, even after the first affair launched her fall from grace. Possibly the most frustrating character since Scarlet O’Hara, her narration is filled with shocking scandal and incredibly loving description of a professional dancer’s lifestyle – and I adored every page. Reviewed by Elizabeth Graben, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina |
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Bookseller Buzz |
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Spotlight on: Girlfriend on Mars by Deborah Willis 
One of my friends said (the story) came from anger, which is so interesting. Sometimes we think of anger as negative and not productive. But, for me, the story came from a sense of anger that we were watching our amazing planet suffer to a degree that is just unbelievable. Then we have people talking about moving to Mars and turning Mars into a habitable planet. To me, it seems like such a bizarre mindset. ― Deborah Willis, Interview, Calgary Herald What booksellers are saying about Girlfriend on Mars 
About Deborah Willis Deborah Willis is the author of Girlfriend on Mars and two acclaimed collections of short stories, including The Dark and Other Love Stories. Her work has appeared in the Virginia Quarterly Review, the Walrus, and Zoetrope, among other publications. She lives in Calgary, Canada. |
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The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec Adult Fiction, Ghost, Historical, Women Genevieve Gornichec is ready to become the historical fantasy queen. This book was everything I wanted and more. Fantasy elements that were easy to follow and that felt so authentic to the story. Romance that made me giddy with relationships that broke my heart. A tale of sisterhood and how our fate can intertwine with others in unexpected ways made for a fantastic read. Reviewed by Alsace Walentine, Tombolo Books in St Petersburg, Florida |
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The Art Thief by Michael Finkel Adult Nonfiction, Biography & Autobiography, Criminals & Outlaws  A July 2023 Read This Next! Title I’ll admit I have a bit of a guilty pleasure approach when it comes to thieves and heists. I’m amazed at the planning, the execution, and most of all, the why. When I saw this book about master art thief Breitweiser and his girlfriend, Anna-Christine, I knew I had to read it. I’m not sure what I was expecting it to be. An over-romanticized account about the wild and daring adventures of this couple that managed to steal billions of dollars right under the noses of the art world and art police alike? Whatever the case, that’s not what I got and I think the novel is all the better for it. It doesn’t read like fiction because it isn’t- everything actually happened! And none of this is to say it was boring or uninteresting. Quite the opposite! I was heavily invested. Rather, the matter-of-fact, understated reporting of the thefts as well as the behind the scenes drama are as true to Breitweiser’s manner of stealing as can be. This was not a man who needed to don all black and plan elaborate, barely made it heists. No, all Brietweiser needed was his pocketknife and girlfriend (with the occasional nail clipper). The detailed retelling of many of the thefts is not only paired with insight into the lives of two of the most successful thieves, but also a thorough psychoanalysis from many a psychiatrist interested in the mind behind the man. Well reported and I’d say authentic, The Art Thief is a must read. Reviewed by Laney Sheehan, Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
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Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino Coming of Age, Contemporary, Disabilities & Special Needs, Romance, Young Adult Fiction Though she’s hearing-passing (using hearing aids & lip reading), every day feels like an uphill battle to Lilah: struggling through interactions others find easy, guessing at bits and pieces of missed conversations, and pretending like everything’s totally fine. One of the few times she remembers feeling fully accepted and accommodated was at a summer camp for Deaf and blind kids that she attended many years ago. So when she gets the opportunity to return as a junior counselor, Lilah is thrilled…never mind that the camp is running out of money. Sortino seamlessly blends spoken & signed dialogue, highlights a myriad of systemic issues facing the Deaf community, and showcases community thriving around disability difference. A sweet, summery coming-of-age story (with a hint of romance) that’s equal parts fun and important! Reviewed by Talia Smart, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
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The Best Bad Day Ever by Marianna Coppo Children, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction The Best Bad Day Ever is a precious children’s book about how even on the worst days, things can turn around for the better. For Wolfie, everything is going wrong today: his cookies are short on chocolate chips, his toothpaste tingles his tongue too much, the sky is "full" of clouds, and even his sidekick Pepito is grumpy. No one understands Wolfie, except for a new friend named Penguin who may just turn the day around. Between the tender message and the adorable yet hysterical illustrations, this is truly the definition of a warm and fuzzy read.. Reviewed by Grace Sullivan, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia |
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Gunhild, Volume 1 by Fred Tornager Action & Adventure, Comics & Graphic Novels, Manga A fresh, creative, and colorful re-imagining of Norse mythology. This story has heart and the motivation Gunhild has to become a God is inspiring! I hope to see much more of this world and these characters! Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver, booksellers in Savannah, Georgia |
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Decide for Yourself Books that appear on PEN America’s list of challenged books. |
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Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi African American & Black, Banned Books, Civil & Human Rights, History, People & Places, Politics & Government, Prejudice & Racism, Social Science, Social Topics, United States, Young Adult Nonfiction WOW! Everyone should read this book. No matter what you think you know, you probably don’t know enough. Clear and accessible non-history book with history in it. As a former teacher, I wish more content was available in this well-thought-out and clear package. There isn’t room to get bored or lost for readers. There are built-in moments to breathe, reflect, and even chuckle. a great strategy for tough material. No matter what lens you view America through, this book will have an impact on your focus. It’s not enough to not be racist, be actively anti-racist. Reviewed by Susan Williams, M. Judson, Booksellers in Greenville, South 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 “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” |
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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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