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The NYT Audio Fiction top bestseller for March is The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. New releases hitting the fiction bestseller lists this week include The Kaiser's Web by Steve Berry, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke, and Kingdom of Shadow and Light by Karen Marie Moning. In forthcoming book news, Joe Exotic is working on Tiger King: The Official Tell-All Memoir, and Joy Williams will publish her first novel since 2000 with Harrow. Keanu Reeves has a new comic book series, BRZRKR, with the first issue out this week. Plus, Rebekah Taussig will co-write and executive produce the series adaptation of her memoir Sitting Pretty and Gore Verbinski will direct a feature adaptation of Sandkings by George R.R. Martin.
Infinite Country by Patricia Engel is getting a lot of buzz—it's Reese Witherspoon's Book Club selection for March, gets a good review in The Washington Post, and she's profiled in Esquire and appears on the Reading Women podcast. For its book club, Good Morning America picks Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. In awards news, the five finalists for the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction have been announced, finalists for the 41st annual L.A. Times Book Prizes are out, and more. Action Bronson has a new book, F*ck It, I’ll Start Tomorrow: A True Story, coming in April. Sister Souljah shares why she waited 22 years to write Life After Death as a follow-up to The Coldest Winter Ever. Plus, Disney's 20th Television picked up the rights to We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker, which debuted this week.
Best sellers in education, February 2020 to date, as identified by GOBI Library Solutions from EBSCO.
In coming months, cozy mysteries will make room for millennial and Gen Z sleuths; travel on pause drives reader desire for far-off settings; and readers can revisit familiar favorites in new titles and formats.
What's Mine and Yours by Naima Coster is getting a lot of buzz this week—it's the March Read With Jenna pick, the NYT has a favorable review, and Coster is interviewed by several media outlets. The Barnes & Noble Book Club selection is Good Neighbors by Sarah Langan, and its YA Book Club pick is Wings of Ebony by J. Elle. The PBS NewsHour/NYT book club selects Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder. Lots of lists are up highlighting the best books of March. There's forthcoming book news on You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi and You Can't Be Serious by Kal Penn. Plus, the documentary Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters, about the comic book artist known for creating Hellboy, is in the works.
LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting for Dark Sky by C. J. Box.
Pandemic and politics, two issues that mightily shaped 2020, will feature strongly in 2021 book publishing.
Highly recommended for lovers of timeslip fiction, readers who enjoy their genres very bent indeed, and those who have dreamed of running away to the circus.
PREMIUM
Paris Without Her
Although slated as a memoir, this touching work is just as much a love story and travel diary. It processes the pain of loss through the lens of beautiful scenery and will appeal to many readers, but especially fellow Francophiles eager to follow the road less traveled.
The book offers helpful insights into the dated preconceptions many couples have when they get married, and positive ways to shift to a new paradigm.
Elena’s narrative-within-a-narrative nicely reveals the creative process, while Dennis’s larger story confirms the value of living boldly even as we step back to frame our experiences. Highly recommended.
This sumptuously produced collection of letters will appeal mostly to literary enthusiasts.
Dewes’s debut is an exciting, fast-paced ride around the edges of the universe, where those rejected by much of humanity are the only ones who can save it. Fans of K. B. Wagers’s “Farian Wars” series and John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War will welcome this military science fiction thriller.
PREMIUM
The Curator’s Daughter
Ember’s story interwoven with Hanna’s is a search for identity unshackled from past mistakes and redeemed by love. Fans of Kristy Cambron and Rachel Hauck will devour this split-time tale with two equally strong story lines. Increased anti-Semitism in her own community of Portland, OR, inspired Dobson (Memories of Glass) to mine the past for lessons in reconciliation, forgiveness, and lasting change
While toponymy, or the study of place-names, may appear to be an overwhelming topic, Jelly-Schapiro’s writing is informative, accessible, and entertaining. He is engaging throughout, and will leave readers thinking twice about the place-names they encounter on a daily basis.
PREMIUM
Fugitive Telemetry
Back in novella form for a sixth outing, Murderbot continues to bring intelligence and acerbic commentary on humanity to the forefront.
PREMIUM
It Had To Be You
Clark creates a quilt of diverse love stories, overlapping and meandering warmly throughout New York City. In her most recent since The Bucket List, each story Clark tells packs an emotional punch, but Savannah’s and Liv’s respective relationships, as well as their own evolution to friends and colleagues, are standouts.
PREMIUM
Piecing Your Heart Back Together: The Road Map to Healing and Thriving after a Breakup or Divorce
Silvestro’s work will help many deal with the current pain of a broken relationship and give them the ability to move on.
PREMIUM
Isabelle and Alexander
Anderson’s first foray into historical romance is an atypical, yet satisfying story set in Victorian Manchester’s upper middle class. Hand this to readers looking for a book that navigates the peaks and valleys of two strangers attempting to make a life together despite the hardships life throws at them.
PREMIUM
Wild Sign
The sixth “Alpha and Omega” book continues to build a realized world of the Montana pack and its members. An intriguing ending will have fans looking forward to the next book.
PREMIUM
Three Dreamers
Fans of Carcaterra’s novels and reporting will appreciate the background on his life and inspiration, and this reflective memoir gives nuance to the dark world he portrays in his novels.
A varied book that will appeal to armchair travelers and others curious about New York. Highly recommended for public libraries as well as large academic libraries the world over.
PREMIUM
The Conductors
Blending historical fantasy and mystery, this fast-paced debut with predominantly Black characters will engage fans eager for a combination of each.
PREMIUM
A Piece of the Moon
Every title by Fabry (Borders of the Heart) draws readers into the story with clear, honest writing in a similar style to Charles Martin and Lynn Austin. The rural South comes to life, with themes of forgiveness and second chances as highlights. The characters are both deeply flawed and immensely relatable, making this another hit for Fabry.
PREMIUM
Philip Roth: The Biography
For an author like Roth, who put so much of his own life into his books, this biography is an essential companion to his novels, enabling readers to discover the true-life inspirations for many of his memorable characters and scenes. Recommended for readers who have read and enjoyed Philip Roth’s fiction.
PREMIUM
Visual Encyclopedia
Containing an enormous range of knowledge throughout human history, this attractive guide is highly recommended for public libraries.
PREMIUM
The Seat Filler
Wilson’s follow-up to Roommaid is a fun romp with only-in-the-movies-level swoons and genuine laugh-out-loud moments. With a fairly PG rating, this one may also work for teen romance readers.
PREMIUM
Grown
Rife with crucial issues, Jackson’s newest YA bestseller will require multiple formats to satisfy audience demands.
PREMIUM
The Incredible Winston Browne
Dietrich (Stars of Alabama) imbues plenty of Southern charm and colloquialisms in a read that will appeal to people of all genders, and especially to fans of small-town living. Readers who enjoy well-developed, realistic characters similar to those from Charles Martin and Lauren K. Denton will want to watch for more from this author.
PREMIUM
Band of Sisters
Listening to the audiobook version and hearing the tension, anguish, and, at times, happiness, provides a deeper connection to the characters in an already outstanding story.
Lyons creates an immersive and complex history filled with delightful characters, bold action, and surprising twists.
Full of clearly conveyed, essential information, this title should be of interest to everyone.
The struggle Tracy and her family are facing is raw and real; it’s a story that needs to be read (or heard). This audiobook brings a powerful depth to the emotions and events.
Pinsker’s (A Song For A New Day) meticulous research and melodious prose bring readers to the heart of a family and the challenges of societal expectations, technology, and the desire to advance without fully understanding the consequences.
Fans of LaCour’s previous YA novels will not be disappointed by this hauntingly beautiful tale. The audiobook is a cathartic masterpiece and will evoke strong emotions in listeners.
PREMIUM
Little and Often
A thoughtful and well-written memoir, this book will appeal to readers who have difficult relationships with family and those who find craftwork healing.
PREMIUM
Second First Impressions
Following 99 Percent Mine, Thorne’s latest novel is a sweet story, merging a woman whose fears tend to overpower her dreams, and a slow-burn romance that turns her world upside down.
This is an excellent resource for couples who are willing to work on their relationship.
An excellent choice for readers who are in a romantic relationship or are preparing for one.
This audiobook is a delight and a good addition to any collection.
Hannon (Starfish Pier) returns to Hope Harbor with an unsurprising romance that reads well as a stand-alone but will satisfy series fans with glimpses of characters from previous books. A couple of retirees’ romantic interest in each other livens up the plot, but this book is recommended mainly for libraries that already own the series or where Hannon is popular.
The narrative can get a little lost in the gorgeous, reflective language but remains an absorbing study of memory and grief.
This will be very helpful for couples who are struggling, particularly during the COVID era, to have a mutually supportive relationship.
An ideal ready-reference guide to understanding one of the greatest—and most popular
Humorous, tender, and altogether fun, Caldwell’s latest will have wide appeal among romance readers.
Chambers (To Be Taught if Fortunate) once again creates an epic space setting with a detailed, personal view of some of its inhabitants. Humor and heartache weave through her insightful prose and diverse characters.
Hall’s (The Border Keeper) solid worldbuilding and strong prose create an utterly gripping novel that blends the boundaries of horror and fantasy.
This engaging book has the potential to become a classic text, thanks to the detailed work and references that have gone into its creation. Recommended for libraries in larger institutions or for others with an interest in New York or urban studies.
This book is a must-read for fans of covert-ops thrillers, and the authors are looking like the next Preston and Child.
The sequel to Blind Search is a riveting, fast-paced story of family and small-town secrets. Tension builds quickly in the emotional story involving unforgettable working dogs and the people who love them.
Siger’s latest novel (after The Mykonos Mob) is as insightful as earlier ones concerning the problems in Greece. Followers of the series will relish a reunion with Kaldis and a group of friends in an engrossing procedural. New readers will discover the gorgeous aspects of Greek life in a mystery that uncovers the corruption of the country.
PREMIUM
Where Have You Gone Without Me?
With its short, brisk chapters, the novel reads as if it were a newspaper column, appropriate for the investigative nature of the book. While there is little suspense, readers who enjoy colorful characters might appreciate this fiction debut by a sports and entertainment journalist who writes what he knows.
PREMIUM
What You Never Knew
With an emphasis on place and characters, the debut is a slow-moving, atmospheric novel. Only readers with a great deal of patience will wade through the alternating viewpoints from the dead May and the living June to uncover a secret that isn’t very surprising.
PREMIUM
The Unkindness of Ravens
While readers may want to compare librarian Hilliard’s debut with the library-centered mysteries by Jenn McKinlay or Victoria Gilbert, this one is actually a little darker than the other cozies. Most of the atmospheric story takes place in the beloved but old village library. Readers who remember those classic girl detective mysteries, and many library staff members, will appreciate this book.
PREMIUM
The Sign of Death
The follow-up to A Study in Murder is a fun, character-driven mystery with two unconventional amateur sleuths. The emphasis on Victorian lifestyle in a humorous cozy should satisfy fans of atmospheric historical mysteries.
It’s been five years since the last Josie Gray book by the Hillerman Prize–winning author of The Territory. The riveting mystery is an intense, ripped-from-the-headlines story for anyone looking for a compelling tale of homegrown terrorists with grandiose schemes.
PREMIUM
On an Outgoing Tide
The multiple cases and personal story lines in this well-written police procedural will only be appreciated if someone has read the series. There’s a great deal of backstory in this follow-up to Red, Red Snow, too much for new readers.
PREMIUM
Heart on a Leash
In this heartwarming, modern-day version of Romeo and Juliet set in Alaska, Josh’s adorable huskies, Pepper, Bella, and Jay, steal the show. This first “Hearts of Alaska” book promises an entertaining new dog-centered series.
This cartographic chronicle of Christianity is an excellent, affordable resource for students of history, geography, and religion; both public and academic libraries will want to add it to their collections.
A unique contribution to culinary literature that would be a great addition to a collection of food memoirs, but may not stand out to readers looking for recipes alone.
PREMIUM
Cook Real Hawai’i
With an emphasis on everyday meals over specialty dishes, the majority of the recipes are practical and feature ingredients that are easy to source. Great for home cooks wanting to explore Hawaiian cuisine at home, or those wanting to try new flavors and enhance their repertoire of fusion-inspired dishes.
Another excellent addition to the “Savor the South” cookbook series that will appeal to fans of Southern cooking, and anyone looking for new takes on a common ingredient.
An approachable collection featuring plenty of suggestions for advice and inspiration. Cooks of all levels will find something to savor.
A rich resource showcasing Oaxacan cuisine that will have readers coming back for the shared stories.
Rewarding for home cooks seeking a unique technical challenge and readers looking for a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese American cuisine. The dessert chapter, with recipes and narrative by Mister Jiu’s pastry chef Melissa Chou, is a particular highlight.
Schillace brings her expertise as a medical historian to this carefully researched, pioneering biography of an eccentric doctor. A compelling read that will draw in variety of readers.
Similar to his previous book, the latest by Moss will draw in fans of investigative journalism, and all interested in learning more about the inner workings of the companies we support.
A skilled film critic, Koresky guides readers through salient plot points instead of rehashing entire films, but his real talent is using cinema as a starting point for conversation. This intimate, probing work will appeal to hard-core cinephiles, lovers of memoirs, and many other readers.
Worldwide famine and the collapse of the climate are real, and the author’s stark challenge to change the system or suffer catastrophe is a clarion call. This ardent work will appeal to devotees of Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Jared Diamond’s Collapse. Highly recommended for all libraries.
A fun and informative exploration for word nerds.
This volume does not focus on Chanel’s biography or her collaboration with the Nazi regime in wartime; for that, see Hal Vaughan’s Sleeping with the Enemy and other biographies of the designer. Rather, it spotlights Chanel’s creations and how she marketed her style and created a brand. This excellent volume is recommended for readers interested in fashion history and French fashion in general.
Similar to his previous works, Isaacson’s latest is another absorbing story of scientific discovery. The final section on the use of CRISPR to combat COVID-19 will only widen the appeal.
An ambitious, impressive debut. The book’s manifold strands will engage all sorts of readers, including bird lovers, science buffs, and eco-adventure fans.
PREMIUM
Terror to the Wicked: America’s First Trial by Jury That Ended a War and Helped To Form a Nation
Advanced readers of American history, political science, and law will enjoy this detail-rich and erudite example of crime and justice in early America.
PREMIUM
A Question Mark Is Half a Heart
Lundberg’s sophomore work (after The Red Address Book) deftly and sensitively tells Elin’s past and present life stories in the ever-popular alternating chapter format. She builds Elin’s story slowly, but once the OMG moment hits, readers will turn the pages as if they are burning. For fans of narratives about conflicted and tormented heroines trying to make peace with their pasts.
An excellent work that will allow readers to get to know one of today’s most unique political voices. Readers from a wide range of backgrounds will find something to relate to in Duckworth’s story.
A welcome entry on the subject of thermodynamics that will spark the interest of readers curious about the names and theories behind physics but unsure where to start.
This original work adds an important new voice to conversations about slavery, disability, and medical history. Exceptional analysis of an understudied topic.
Beginning gardeners who are eager to get their hands dirty will find both inspiration and practical information in this accessible, colorful, and highly illustrated volume.
Theater buffs and students of Black history will be pleased by this cogent defense of Shuffle Along.
PREMIUM
God of Nothingness: Poems
Rising from wells of loss and loneliness (“My future is the only future”), Wunderlich’s poems may seem harsh, even bitter, but their authentic, wounded humanity is no less compelling for that.
For those unfamiliar with Komunyakaa, this volume offers a rich sampling of his postmillennial work. For his fans, it further enforces his reputation as an important and necessary American poet.
Much like her music, Goldman’s book is witty, intelligent, and folksy. A must-read for aspiring performers.
PREMIUM
Index of Women
As her impressions flow together, they add a surreal atmosphere, suggestive of art by Toulouse-Lautrec
Hirono offers an astoundingly compelling glance into U.S. politics, and also provides an honest look at how much grit it takes for people from less privileged backgrounds to make it in American politics and make a difference in their community. A must-read that demands a broad audience.
Although geared primarily toward homeschooling parents, this book will also be useful for teachers, babysitters, and anyone else who cares for children and wants to get them out into nature.
The time Alexander spent embedded in the community gives continuity and depth to the stories of the individuals he connected with and puts a human face on broader issues of social inequality. This expertly reported account will resonate and find a wide audience.
PREMIUM
Girlhood
A thought-provoking collection that will appeal to fans of fierce feminist prose. The inclusion of occasional poetry is a bonus.
An engaging, thoroughly researched biography of a fascinating figure. Though some of the details surrounding Parry’s documentation techniques can feel a bit tedious at times, Kanigel has given readers a thoughtful look at a man whose theories have helped us to better understand the ancient world.
This volume packs a punch and gives a voice to those whose stories need to be fully heard. Libraries, especially those seeking to expand collections related to criminal justice and the politics surrounding issues of race and class, should purchase this title.
Expertly blending biography and history, and using the life of Ann Cooper Hewitt as a backdrop, Farley has created an absorbing biography effectively explaining how the legacy of eugenics still persists today. Hewitt’s story will engage anyone interested in women’s history.
While there is a great deal of theory in this sweeping biography, Brennan has succeeded in writing an account that is both an act of love and a solid study of a fascinating man.
PREMIUM
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines
Filled with vivid landscape descriptions, Southern charm, and heartfelt familial connections, this novel is sure to please readers, especially fans of Southern women’s fiction and family dramas like the works of Mary Kay Andrews and Kristin Hannah.
An informative, enjoyable work that connects the history of technology to our current world of gadgets and devices. With vivid detail, Metz has crafted an accessible narrative that will keep readers turning the pages.
This is a timely topic presented in an accessible way, sure to be welcomed by art enthusiasts of all ages.
This book is an attractive introduction to a personality test that references mainstream popular therapeutic concepts and emphasizes self-care. Readers attracted to personality tests for personal enrichment will be interested.
PREMIUM
White Magic
Washuta’s story and struggles become a metaphor for the toll of colonialism on generations of Indigenous people like herself. Readers of recovery narratives, women’s issues, and keenly observed social commentary will be rewarded here.
An informative but frustrating volume.
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