Four new adaptations come to screens big and small today. The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump by Andrew G. McCabe is the newest Trump book to break big and make news. There is more on literary (and maybe musical) fakers.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides leads the way for 12 new books on the bestseller lists. The NAACP Image Award nominees are out. Multiple outlets offer Valentine's Day reading suggestions. Vulture says the locked-room mystery is back.
Ta-Nehisi Coates, Lauren Wilkinson, and Valeria Luiselli dominate coverage today. Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines sold astoundingly well. Ottessa Moshfegh writes about Whoopi Goldberg. A forthcoming children's book has a huge payday as it moves to the big screen.
Michelle Obama makes the bestseller list in Iran. A medieval nun fakes her death. The Devil in the White City is headed to Hulu, and a Joe Hill short story is set for Netflix.
Spanning the sweep of the twentieth century, We Must Be Brave explores the fierce love that we feel for our children and the power of that love to endure. Beyond distance, beyond time, beyond life itself.
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo leads holds this week. Black Panther and BlacKkKlansman win awards on two continents. Stephen King has more adaptations on the way and EC comics is headed to a screen near you.
This month, the New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost will delight her fans with a new novel, More Than Words. This heartbreaking and romantic new novel centers on a woman at a crossroads after the death of her father, and caught between the love of two men.
Book-based series return to small screens this week and new shows launch. More V.C. Andrews TV adaptations are coming, and the Clinton/Patterson novel, The President is Missing, is headed to Showtime.
February 2019 to date as identified by GOBI Library Solutions from EBSCO
Fans of the “Delta Squad” books are the most likely to pick this up; fans will welcome this novella that revisits the Leigh family decades later while enjoying the emotionally satisfying love story; if the bumps get ironed out, this could be an intriguing series for readers
The cliff-hanger endings are sure to commit readers to the whole series; experienced sf readers will catch some winks at other series; purchase only where Margolin fans clamor for more; this impressive debut is highly recommended for fans of Gillian Flynn; a must for mystery shelves
Learning about women in culinary history; nurture vs. nature; an excellent introduction to Samuel Johnson and his world; sound strategies for new moms; the intersection of crime and literature; for readers who enjoy pop technology titles; for libraries serving policy analysts; remembering Merce Cunningham; for fans of Shange’s work
This rip-snorting, two-fisted pulp adventure is the first of four titles in TKO’s debut lineup; of interest to fans of “Peanuts” or vintage children’s comic books; a midnight-hewn thrill ride whose sophisticated art perfectly captures the electrifying colors and terrifying aftermath of deeds most foul
Marlon James wins the day, with Jasmine Guillory and Angie Thomas having great days as well. Zaitoun by Yasmin Khan is proving to be a cookbook with buzz.
Strawser’s great hybrid of women’s fiction and suspense intrigues; Ward's latest is recommended for readers who enjoy suspense novels or thrillers, as well as fans of Paula Hawkins, Ruth Ware, and Liane Moriarty
The New Yorker has an explosive story on A.J. Finn (aka Dan Mallory). Locus publishes its Recommended Reading List. On the Come Up by Angie Thomas is headed to the movies.
Marlon James gets notable coverage. More J.D. Salinger work is set for publication. The Audie award finalists are announced. Mostly to yawns, new trailers debut during the Super Bowl. Pennie Clark Ianniciello and Reese Witherspoon both announce their monthly book suggestions.
In fiction, Philip Caputo and Edwidge Danticat offer short fiction, David Lagercrantz returns with the next Millennium title, and Téa Obreht follows up her triumphant debut, The Tiger's Wife. In nonfiction, New York Times reporter Jason DeParle examines immigration, best-selling Alexandra Fuller has a new memoir, and National Book Award winner Ibram X. Kendi considers antiracist society.
A former white nationalist on confronting the new culture of extremism, a distinguished philosopher on learning from the Germans about dealing with America's racist past, healthcare concerns from two former members of President Obama’s bioethics commission, and more.
Cozies, hard-nosed sleuthing, and lots of unsheathed CWA daggers in these late-summer mystery reads.
Top work from the likes of Jonathan Coe, Tupelo Hassman, and Rion Amilcar Scott, plus promising debut authors whose subjects range from talking crows to dissident journalists during World War II.
Stephen King announces his next book. A YA author withdraws hers. Margaret Atwood's newest gets its cover. Three adaptations open today and new book lists arrive.
Crucible by James Rollins leads seven new books onto the bestseller lists. LJ issues its Editors' Spring Picks. There is more Stephen King heading to TV, and an exhaustive Harry Potter podcast wraps up.
The story line is full of intrigue and will be a hit for those who enjoy slow-burn romances; this classic romance conundrum of opposites attracting keeps readers rooting for that bad-boy QB to throw the Hail Mary and score the ultimate touchdown
Hoffman’s work on Hecht is assiduously researched and delightfully entertaining; a solid acquisition for all performing arts and modern Judaica collections
Vibrant coloring and fascinating secondary stories create a gripping read that will attract graphic memoir fans; thoughtful and relatable, this touching account should be shared across generations; for fans of graphic biographies, 20th-century philosophy, historical leftist ideology, and current radical political movements
A touching erotic romance by Baker; Auntie Poldi is bigger than life; not as spine-tingling as some but a solid medical mystery; Kleypas links two of her best-loved series; Monroe presents an absorbing story line; historical mystery buffs will love this; compelling reading; an insightful look into the world of publishing; Scibona critiques the veneration of national and economic power
Megan Abbott's Dare Me is headed to TV and Gillian Flynn has a project with Amazon. The Costa Book of the Year award is annouced, as are the finalists for B&N's Discover Awards.
Chakraborty's second book in the trilogy wraps readers in a lush and magical story; politics and personalities blend with an immersive setting; a twisting tale of science, faith and creatures beyond imagination; with solid YA crossover appeal but highly enjoyable for all ages
Children's books win big prizes and political memoirs make noise. Marlon James gets a glowing review and librarian Nancy Pearl suggests literary journeys.
These five novels trace Regencies over time.
Memoir from Michelle Obama, Sara Westover, and Tina Turner, plus the lives of Babe Ruth and Frederick Douglass
Jenoff seamlessly weaves the stories of three remarkable women in this fast-paced title that boasts an intriguing plot and strong female characters; a great choice for historical fiction fans, particularly of World War II–set novels, mystery readers, or anyone seeking well-crafted stories in which good triumphs over evil
Will appeal to readers interested in the effects of this alternative to the noise of modern life; an impressive look at myriad, diverse examples of invisibility that will appeal to those interested in social sciences and the arts
Public librarians will find practical, inspiring support here; important work on a relevant trend; this thought-provoking, radical, and persuasive work will excite even the most theory-averse readers
These 36 titles provide a journey through Afrofuturism from its pioneers to the present, plus a grounding in its scholarly analysis.
Where the publishing industry led the way in 2018 and where it's headed in 2019 as seen by the author of LJ's Book Pulse daily news report.
Activism, escapism, intersectionality, romance are key to these 43 titles our editors want librarians to know and buy.
Origami Boxes by Tomoko Fuse; Aneela Hoey's Stitch & Sew; The Handmade Quilt
An interview with Fran Dorricott about her debut crime thriller AFTER THE ECLIPSE.
Team of Vipers: My 500 Extraordinary Days in the Trump White House by Cliff Sims leads holds this week. The ALA adult book awards are out and the youth awards will follow later this morning. Hillbilly Elegy has a big payday. Spiegel & Grau is shuttered and the Booker prize loses its sponsor.
This month, Marie Kondō’s decluttering movement takes to the airwaves with Netflix’s Tidying Up with Marie Kondō. Yet books about cleaning up and getting organized populate the publishing calendar well into March. Below are a few examples for a well-stocked display.
E. L. James is writing a new book. The CNN reporter Jim Acosta is too. The PEN Award finalists are announced and Jamel Brinkley wins The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence.
January 2019 to date as identified by GOBI Library Solutions from EBSCO
Sabotaging Nazi scientists, liberating Paris, and marching through the Pacific: plenty for World War II fans in July. But there’s also the 1,700-mile journey of two brave friars, domestic terror in the 1970s, and the semicolon throughout history, with the consequences of grammar spelled out.
Liar Liar by James Patterson leads four new bestsellers onto the bestseller lists. Bill Clinton will write a new memoir. Endpapers get notice and Nancy Drew is headed back to TV.
This second book in the series maintains the sass and mystical elements, but it attempts to cover too much; the mystery is complex, the relationships are developing, and readers will want to know what happens next; those familiar with the Harlow brothers will be glad to get to Judd’s story
Frequent readers of spy novels will get a vicarious pleasure; Eason never disappoints; Canadian Leung’s exquisitely sublime collection marks her Stateside debut; ideal for readers who enjoy nail-biting suspense; fans of Iris Johansen, Laura Griffin, and Lisa Jackson will enjoy this series; the incredibly graphic and violent story delivers a colossal twist; plus homages to Christie
An elegant cooking-for-one experience; for libraries in need of broad military history; valuable tips for using a Dutch oven; a little gem for parents of children on the autism spectrum; a remarkable record of Native peoples of Canada; “white shoe” Wall Street law firms; the latest Pushcart winners; Teicher on poetry; how Buddhism took root in American soil
This unabashedly pot-positive polemic is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the subject and its history; thoughtful and beautifully done, this is a great introduction for anyone seeking a job in animation, or looking for encouragement to try something new
On January 18–19, more than 10,000 comics fans, creators, publishers, and community members gathered for the Seventh Annual Black Comic Book Festival (BCBF) at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem.
ALA award weekend approaches and LJ has a galley guide for those heading to Seattle. LJ picks the best audiobooks and DVDs of 2018, the Bollingen Prize is awarded, and Russell Baker has died.
Dodgy homicide detectives, murdered CIA operatives, endangered FBI agents, and a Chinese crime syndicate make for chilly reading this summer.
A mother advocates for a Down syndrome son, a comics masters recalls how writing saved him, a designer reveals his well-crafted life, and more.
In fiction, Janet Fitch continues the story of Marina M., David Szalay interconnects multiple stories, and Laura Lippman, Bianca Marais, and Helen Phillips all introduce women in trouble. In nonfiction, Jeff Guinn takes Henry Ford and Thomas Edison for a spin, while Isha Sesay takes on the serious subject of the kidnapped Chibok girls.
Orange Prize long-listed Clare Clark, IMPAC short-listed Tim Pears, and National Book Award finalist Howard Norman are joined by aspiring young writers who are already buzzing.
Romantic suspense from Heather Graham, romance from Debbie Macomber, women’s fiction from Nora Roberts, and historical fiction from Beatriz Williams. Plus more.
LJ editors and reviewers and our Fast Scans columnist have chosen the year's best audiobooks and films for those continually popular media collections. One thing is clear: Mr. Rogers is a hit no matter the format.
The Edgars, Oscars, and National Book Critics Circle all announce finalists and nominees today. A new Trump tell-all captures media attention. The NYT looks at books forthcoming in 2019 from around the globe and NPR looks at the year ahead in poetry.
Fans of the BBC TV show Doctor Who will delight in the new short stories of each Doctor; adults and older teens interested in behind-the-scenes medical fiction will find this gripping
The poet Mary Oliver has died. Min Jin Lee recommends 5 books by women. The 800-CEO-READ Business Book of the Year is announced. Deborah Harkness is featured in the NYT.
Plenty of new books on the bestseller lists this week, with An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen leading the way. Author Sherrilyn Kenyon accuses her husband of trying to poison her. Chris Christie's forthcoming book makes waves, and Amazon says that the Authors Guild study is "flawed."
January 2018 to date as identified by GOBI Library Solutions from EBSCO
Readers of Borges, Cortázar or Vila-Matas will embrace the unconventional narration; Kenney delivers a deep tale that balances wit with human folly; a solid melding of sf and thriller; highly recommended for fans of Paula Hawkins and B.A. Paris
The sensation listeners get at the end of the last track of a wonderful recording; a welcomed addition to the parenting literature; for readers who are interested in aspirational lifestyle cooking; for Pat Conroy’s many fans
The Brothers and their enduring bond are a mainstay and wonderful to spend time with; this story will appeal to readers who enjoy stories with a strong military service ethic; moderately sexy and predictable but nicely sets the stage for future “Hansen Brothers” entries
Poets get funded. The February LibraryReads list is out. Carmen Maria Machado and Bill Bryson have new books on the way.
The history of the 20th century is alive and well in the era's fictional recountings. These 26 novels and video adaptations reveal the truth and turbulence that will resonate among avid readers.
Baker & Taylor sells part of its entertainment division to Ingram, Hannah Sullivan wins the TS Eliot prize, and the NYT writes about looted books in libraries across Europe.
Liar Liar by James Patterson and Candice Fox leads holds this week and several other hot titles have high hold ratios. Game of Thrones will debut on April 14. NPR reports on "The World's Most Beautiful Bookstore."
In several of the works below, the main characters are thrown together by circumstance, and while they may—or may not—have a choice to stay together, outside influences almost always make that necessary or desirable, conveniently creating an environment for love to bloom.
EarlyWord updates its diversity title list. There is also a spreadsheet. Mouthful of Birds: Stories by Samanta Schweblin gets a glowing review. A Discovery of Witches, the TV series, starts its run on Thursday and some book critics are not happy with Marie Kondo.
For fans of Ann Patchett's Bel Canto, Annie Proulx's Accordion Crimes, Amanda Coplin's The Orchardist comes The Weight of a Piano, a tour-de-force about two women and the piano that inexorably ties their lives together through time and across continents, for better and for worse.
A fascinating, scholarly work that emphasizes how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve in terms of gender equality; Westervelt’s refreshing take on feminist literature will inspire further exploration of both classic and current works
A thorough read for all interested in the Tudor era, the Reformation, and the British monarchy; royal enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in Hardman’s portrait of the woman behind the crown; royal enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in Hardman’s portrait of the woman behind the crown
Whether readers are familiar with or new to the music, they’ll appreciate this oversize full-color tome that communicates the energy, power, culture, and images of hip-hop; the theme is ultimately love, and this work will resonate with rap lovers and memoir fans
A sweeping history of the Gilded Age, this novel is for fans of historical fiction, PBS’s Downton Abbey, and the recent royal wedding; plenty for book groups to discuss about work-life balance; this is a great fit for readers of Christine Baker Kline and Lisa Wingate, and will surely be a popular choice for book clubs
This thought-provoking resource makes a nice complement to extensive collections on Native studies; a fascinating, must-read for anyone interested in American history and politics as well as Native American studies; all American history collections will benefit from this important work by an important native scholar
In keeping with this column’s end-of-the-year tradition of sharing favorites, students learning to become librarians, collection development librarians working in the field, and two notable librarians who retired this year each share a book they have deeply enjoyed in 2018.
Verses for the Dead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child leads the way as three new titles hit the bestsellers lists. The Story Prize finalists are announced. Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union is getting adapted.
Anyone seeking to study, and dismantle, structures of oppression will appreciate this clarifying read; this engaging, forthright, and personal history of both the author and her muse will be a valuable addition to most libraries
The Millions publishes its Most Anticipated: The Great First-Half 2019 Book Preview. Poetry gets attention as well. William Gibson will be named the 35th Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
The Costa book awards are out. Sally Rooney wins best novel for Normal People. Lin-Manuel Miranda buys a bookstore and more lists of anticipated 2019 titles are out.
Cuba watchers should read this informative new work, as should all interested in a country that is geographically closer to the United States than some might realize; if you read only one recent book on Cuba, have it be this delightful popular history
Bullock-Prado is a thoroughly knowledgeable and extremely fun teacher; fans of Chung’s cooking and Chinese food in general will find much to enjoy; recommended for medium and large collections where farm-to-table cookbooks are in demand; a delicious introduction to Iranian life and food; Hood's warm, humorous, touching, and wonderfully readable book will appeal to fans of culinary biographies
Highly recommended for archivists, records managers, and other information professionals; those unfamiliar with voice computing will gain a basic understanding of the technology and its potential uses in library settings; an engaging and intellectually stimulating read highly recommended for all librarians; library managers will find this useful information for designing rewarding short-term work experiences
A timely account that will interest advocates and concerned citizens; McGreal offers a brisk, persuasive, and sobering look at an epidemic that is unlikely to abate any time soon
Turning Point by Danielle Steel leads holds this week, while Becoming leads the USA Today list of its 100 best-sellers of the year. The Golden Globes honor a few book adaptations and HBO offers a quick look at some key 2019 adaptations, including Game of Thrones and Big Little Lies.