“The Wedding People hits the absolute sweet spot of compulsively fun to read while asking serious questions about life, love, and a lavish destination wedding. Alison Espach’s mix of light and dark makes for deeply authentic characters,” said Nina Barrett of Bookends & Beginnings in Evanston, Illinois.
“A yellow bus drives children to school each day and finds joy in her purpose. Then, she transports senior citizens from one place to another, finding joy there, too. Loren Long’s picture book is full of detail and wonder that will enthrall readers of all ages,” said Cathy Berner of Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, Texas.
“Liz Moore is on another level. The God of the Woods is the best kind of twisty story — not everyone is who they say they are, not everyone can be trusted, and everyone has something to hide. A missing person tale unlike any other,” said Sarah Hutton of Village Books in Bellingham, Washington.
“Full of clever puzzles, exciting rooms and adventures, and (of course) a little bit spooky. I love a good ‘kids solve it themselves’ story, and this one had the perfect character trio front and center. This book made me want to be a kid again,” said Jordan Felkey of Three Avenues Bookshop in Chicago, Illinois.
“The Ministry of Time is a rare story that mashes up favorite time-worn tropes — from Star Trek to spy thrillers to Victorian romances — in a crucible of colonialism and the pitfalls of diversity in a near-future London. Oh, and it’s sexy as hell,” said Amanda Qassar of Warwick’s in La Jolla, California.
“Percival Everett, deep into his brilliant career, adds another indelible novel into his vast canon. James reimagines an emblematic — and yes, problematic — American classic and asks about life, history, and our cultural psyche,” said Stephen Sparks of Point Reyes Books in Point Reyes Station, California.
“Luigi may have eight legs instead of four, may prefer webs over snuggling under blankets, and would surely rather eat a bug than play with a toy one. He may be a spider in body, but he’ll always be a kitten at heart. A super sweet, unique pet story,” said Angie Tally of The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina.
“Wandering Stars is an epic tale grounded in truth and elevated by Tommy Orange’s phenomenal storytelling. He brings a gruesome slice of US history to life and gives voice to a generation of Native people who live its legacy,” said Claire Benedict of Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, Vermont.
“Bride is the great start of a new paranormal world full of werewolves, vampires, and humans,” said Revati Kilaparti of Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins, Colorado.
