“The Free Verse Society gave me everything I want in a YA book and a romance: flawed characters trying to figure out who they are, real stakes, and a slow burn, sweet romance…The way these two characters struggle, make mistakes, write poetry, and find each other is beautiful and heart-rending,” said Fisher Nash of Carmichael's Bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Tess and Corby’s unconventional romance made me fall in love with falling in love. When Tess tried online dating, she did not expect all of the feelings that arose from her first date with Corby. The idea of falling in love with a man in a wheelchair was difficult for Tess to rationalize. The wholesome honesty and candid account of their romance will give everyone hope that love is worth fighting for!” said Kristin Pidgeon of Riverstone Books in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“A beautiful (and funny!) story about a young Muslim boy navigating his faith and identity. This story will find its way into your heart like a perfectly-folded origami,” said Elisa McIntosh of The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid, New York.
“Every Happiness is a stunning and unflinching debut! Amidst its luminescent prose, you will find complex, flawed characters you can’t help but root for and themes that come alive on the page. The longing Reena Shah infused into every word is so painfully potent that it blurs the line between reader and character,” said Cassie Goodwin of Loudmouth Books in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“Raw, heartbreaking, and unflinching — A Clean Hell exposes the hidden torment inside America’s supermax prisons. Eric’s story is more than survival; it’s a wake-up call. Gripping and timely, this book is a powerful reminder of the hidden truths within our justice system and a must-read for today’s world,” said Ambir Moore of The Book Lovers Era in Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
“I have never been as in awe of a book as I am after I finished reading A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing! Alice Evelyn Yang weaves generational trauma with the mystical in this sweeping family saga, told over three generations from Japanese-occupied Manchuria to modern day New York City. An absolutely heartbreaking novel that I will never get over, this debut is not one to miss,” said Haley Calvin of The Novel Neighbor in St. Louis, Missouri.
“Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore not only delves into the intricacies of running a Black bookstore, but also explores the vibrant narratives and rich experiences within these spaces. It offers a deep dive into the triumphs and trials that bookstore owners face, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the dedication and passion involved. It highlights the cultural importance of Black bookstores, showcasing their role in preserving and promoting Black literature and thought. This book is a celebration of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Black bookstores,” said VaLinda Miller of Turning Page Books in Goose Creek, South Carolina.
“A unique and necessary Native American tale, woven with history, stitched with memoir, and embroidered by myth,” said Marisa Spence of Ballast Book Company in Bremerton, Washington.
“I was blown away by Laura Venita Green’s debut novel, Sister Creatures. The stories of four women, loosely connected by their small Louisiana town, connect, break, and re-connect through their lives and experiences…A must-read,” said Laurie Gillman of East City Books in Washington, DC.
“I felt sick the whole time I was reading this book. Helena sees so clearly a reality we’re swiftly moving to — one we’ve been swiftly moving to, echoed in books like Fahrenheit 451 and The Hunger Games and movies like Death Race — and she deftly managed to make us care about everyone and worry about the end. This one is going to stay with me for a long, long time and I can’t wait to recommend it to everyone I know,” said Grace Lane of Linden Tree Books in Los Altos, California.
