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The week of September 19, 2023 A well that will never run dry.
September 15 through October 15 we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latine Americans. In the world of books and literature those contributions are a full and deep well that will never run dry: The list of Hispanic and Latin American writers who have influenced our literary landscape and become beloved storytellers is never-ending. Later this week SBR will publish September’s special monthly edition dedicated to Latine writers. That will only be a few of the many, many Hispanic and Latine writers and books that Southern booksellers have loved. 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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This Is Salvaged by Vauhini Vara Adult Fiction, Short Stories (single author) This collection feels so alive. It’s not just the memorable characters set spinning toward questionable ventures, it’s the sense of play and fun that pervades each story, each line. In never taking any moment too seriously, Vara accomplishes the serious work of truth-telling that actually feels true. Reviewed by Kristen Iskandrian, Thank You Books in Birmingham, Alabama |
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Bookseller Buzz |
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Spotlight on: A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid 
“I am always very interested in the deconstruction of fairy tales, the relationship between folklore and nationalism, and the role of stories in shaping identity on both the personal and political level. If The Wolf and the Woodsman is about the pain of being excluded from the narrative, and Juniper & Thorn is about the pain of being forced into a narrative against your will, then A Study in Drowning is about crafting an intricate, epic narrative of your own, in order to protect yourself from the pain of life’s daily, banal cruelties.” ― Ava Reid, Interview, Books Forward What booksellers are saying about A Study in Drowning 
About Ava Reid Ava Reid was born in Manhattan and raised right across the Hudson River in Hoboken but currently lives in Palo Alto. She has a degree in political science from Barnard College, focusing on religion and ethnonationalism. |
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Rouge by Mona Awad Adult Fiction, Literary Fiction
A September 2023 Read This Next Book! Reading this book felt a lot like moving through a dream. The surreal horror and red-soaked imagery stuck with me long after finishing the book. Mona Awad does an excellent job making commentary on beauty standards and the beauty industry in a very unique way. Plus, Tom Cruise! Reviewed by Hallee Israel, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, Arkansas |
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The Six by Loren Grush 20th Century, Adult Nonfiction, History, United States
A September 2023 Read This Next Book! I dressed up as Sally Ride in the fourth grade after visiting the Johnson Space Center, and I’ve been a fan ever since! I have spent hours reading books and watching documentaries about all things NASA for years of my life, but I still learned so many new things reading this book. The new insight that Grush brings to this era of NASA history is fascinating; by telling the story though the perspectives of the first six women astronauts she situates the space shuttle in a way I have not seen before. She also has a knack for explaining complicated engineering or scientific concepts in very clear, short paragraphs, which I really appreciated! This will be a great addition to any space fan’s library. Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
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Alanna by Tamora Pierce Action & Adventure, Young Adult Fiction I have loved Alanna since I was a middle schooler. Before I wrote this review, I literally had been pulling out my old dusty copies for my 14 year old goddaughter to read and I’m so thrilled to see that Tamora Pierce is being reprinted once again! Alanna’s story is timeless and portrays healthy relationships as well as bravery and excitement. I cannot wait to welcome a new wave of readers into Tamora Pierce’s world and hope the reprint of the Lioness Quartet is just the beginning! Reviewed by Katlin Kerrison, Story on The Square in McDonough, Georgia |
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When Moon Became the Moon by Rob Hodgson Astronomy, Children, Juvenile Nonfiction, Nature, Science & Nature The moon, as a “work in progress”. Love this. A sweet and simple way to teach any young astronomer about the lunar body’s history, relationship to the sun, the earth, and us too. (All ages) Reviewed by Jilleen Moore, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi |
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I Escaped a Chinese Internment Camp by Anthony Del Col Comics & Graphic Novels, History, Nonfiction This book shows the very ugly truth that is a reality for many people. This woman survived unimaginable conditions and lived to tell the tale. I have nothing but the utmost respect for her being able to share her truth, and feel this book really opened my eyes to the treatment of the Uyghur people of China. Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller 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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Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore Banned Books, Family, Interactive Adventures, New Experience, Orphans & Foster Homes, Social Themes, Young Adult It’s impossible to say enough about this book! This is definitely being added to my top reads of 2020. There’s magic, art heists, ghosts in the house, space pirates, talking dogs, and so, so much more! It’s part Clue, part Sliding Doors, part Knives Out (before Knives Out existed though), and pure genius on Cashore’s part! It has a Choose Your Own Adventure feel to it, with lots of quirk and heart and just overall fabulousness! Reviewed by Kate Towery, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia |
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Southern Bestsellers What’s popular this week with Southern Readers. |
[ See the full list ] |
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Parting Thought “It’s so important for me, finding the precise word that will create a feeling or describe a situation. I’m very picky about that because it’s the only material we have: words. But they are free. No matter how many syllables they have: free! You can use as many as you want, forever.” |
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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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