I will break up the novels into their respective genres and give a 2-3 sentence synopsis, including a few tidbits surrounding books where I had a unique experience with the author. If there are Goodreads links available, I will insert them for conveniently adding to your To-Be-Read lists. I hope this is helpful and sparks excitement for upcoming releases!
Since this is my first book haul on the blog, let me know if you enjoy this format or prefer I do it in a different manner. I'm open to all suggestions. To all my new blog subscribers, thanks for supporting my transition from YouTube to blog. I appreciate each and every one of you and hope to keep the interaction going.
Let's start with the category that most of these fall into....
SUSPENSE/CRIME FICTION/MYSTERY
THE GIRLS BY EMMA CLINE- Goodreads Description I'm particularly interested in this one after reading a podcaster's blurb: "A powerful page-turner filled with an incredible use of language, and suffused with details that bring to life the sweaty, dirty, and dangerous summer of 1969. I read the last 200 pages in one sitting." Also, Mercedes from the YouTube channel MercysBookishMusings had it on her anticipated releases. This one comes out very soon...June 14, 2016 from Random House.
LITTLE DEATHS BY EMMA FLINT- Goodreads Description This book is one of the BEA Buzz Selections, so is obviously given extra attention at the event with posters and galley drops. Scheduled for a January 2017 release from Hachette.
WE ARE UNPREPARED BY MEG LITTLE REILLY- Goodreads Description I usually think that most post-disaster/apocalyptic books have seen their day. However, I liked the idea of following a story from different survivalist strategies. Also, Reilly worked with the Environmental Defense Fund and was the Deputy Associate Director at the White House Office of Management and Budget, and prior was a spokesperson at the Treasury. I'm hoping these experiences can lend itself to an awesome story. Expected publication: August 30, 2016 from Mira.
RISE THE DARK BY MICHAEL KORYTA- Goodreads Description The first thing that attracted me to this book was the deliciously creepy title. I also like the cover, but Rise the Dark? Instant chills. The author was also super nice and gracious. Expected publication: August 16, 2016 from Little Brown
A DEADLY AFFECTION BY CUYLER OVERHOLT- Goodreads Description This Historical Mystery cover made me nostalgic for several things. I got the steampunk feel of Gail Carrigher's Parasol Protectorate Series, the charm of certain Fannie Flagg books (not sure why, doesn't make a lot of sense!), and undertones of elements present in Alan Bradley's Flavia De Luce series. Anyways, I heard that this is the beginning of a series so there should be more to look forward to if this suits your fancy. Expected Publication: September 6, 2016 by Sourcebooks Landmark.
BABY DOLL BY HOLLIE OVERTON: Goodreads Description Yes, the front page shown here is just a blurb "Escape was just Beginning", with the true cover inside. I'm a little nervous about this one. We have the same themes as Donoghue's Room, with a girl being a captor for years, with the added trauma of having a child in captivity. However, it seems the differentiation is being marketed right on the front. The main portion of the story is the "after". The author's father was infamously involved in mob activities, so the story could benefit from that crime perspective. Expected Publication: July 12th 2016 by Redhook
THE CRYPT THIEF BY MARK PRYOR: Goodreads Description I think it's a right of passage to pick up a few second books in a series without being aware that you aren't getting in on the ground floor. In this case, this is book two in the Hugo Marsten Series. However, I've been wanting to read The Bookseller by this author, and apparently that's book #1. A win win! Expected Publication: It's been out since 2013 from Seventh Street Books, a wonderful press.
THE TRAP BY MELANIE RAABE: Goodreads Description "I know who killed my sister. I wrote this novel for him." JEEPERS! I needed it. This book came out May 19, 2016 from Pan Books but doesn't have a ton of reviews. I'm wondering if the publication was pushed back?
THE HEAVENS MAY FALL BY ALLEN ESKENS: Goodreads Description I was lucky enough to meet Eskens a second time- last year he was at BEA promoting The Guise of Another. I loved his debut novel, The Life We Bury. A la Tana French and the Dublin Murder Squad, this book isn't a sequel to The Life We Bury, but follows two of those characters in their own narrative. Expected Publication: October 4, 2016 by Seventh Street Books.
LITERARY/CONTEMPORARY/HISTORICAL FICTION:
INVINCIBLE SUMMER BY ALICE ADAMS: Goodreads Description This sounds like a friendship drama/saga. I imagine if you enjoy Meg Wolitzer's The Interestings, or any "the gang gets back together" book, this might be in your wheelhouse. Just in time for your summer beach/pool reading! Expected Publication: June 28, 2016 by Little, Brown and Company
FIRST COMES LOVE BY EMILY GIFFIN: Goodreads Description My 18 year old self demanded that I wait in line to meet one of my favorite authors from my high school/college years. I adored Something Borrowed even though I didn't dig the movie adaptation. Giffin looked exactly like her author photo. I've honestly never seen such flawless skin. If I'd had more than two minutes, I would have taken a piece of paper and written down all her skincare secrets/products. Looking forward to another fun summer read. Expected Publication: June 28, 2016 from Ballantine Books
MISCHLING BY AFFINITY KONAR: Goodreads Description This book, along with the aforementioned Little Deaths by Emma Flint, was all over the place on the show floor. Konar was also present signing. I read the first page of this in my hotel room and was captivated by the vivid description of two twins in the womb. I'm nervous about the emotional difficulty of this novel, but I anticipate some critical acclaim once this book is released. The writing is stunning. Expected Publication: September 6, 2016 by Lee Boudreaux Books.
THE EXCELLENT LOMBARDS BY JANE HAMILTON: Goodreads Description Hamilton's The Map of the World was my first foray into adult literary fiction. I told her this and she immediately laughed and said "I'm so sorry! That must have been traumatizing!" I love coming of age stories, combined with the nostalgia for this author and the apple orchard setting, I'm sold. Expected Publication: Already out! April 19th 2016 by Grand Central Publishing,
THE ORPHAN MOTHER BY ROBERT HICKS: Goodreads Description This author has an interesting background as a musician in Nashville for over 20 years. I've also heard good things about his other works- The Widow of the South and A Separate Country. I appreciate the pop of color with the flower on the cover. Expected Publication: September 13, 2016 by Grand Central Publishing.
THE HOPEFULS BY JENNIFER CLOSE: Goodreads Description I feel like this book will satisfy The Real Housewives-loving-franchise part of myself. The "Readers Also Enjoyed" feature of Goodreads links this book with The Invincible Summer novel in this haul. So if you like one, you might want to give the other a go. This author has experience with the politics and culture of D.C, as she now lives there and teaches Creative Writing at George Washington University. Expected Publication: July 19th 2016 by Knopf.
PACHINKO BY MIN JIN LEE: Goodreads Description The description is slim on GR, but the story is basically a multi-generational family saga featuring events like the Korean diaspora through Japan. The few review bits I did see talked about the lovely writing, and how the sense of loss at the end- like the characters were friends or family. Aren't those the best books? Bittersweet. Along with Mischling, I predict this one will receive high praise upon release, and the buzz is already trending that way. Expected Publication: February 7th 2017 by Grand Central Publishing.
NON-FICTION
THE GEEK FEMINIST REVOLUTION BY KAMERON HURLEY: Goodreads Description I find Hurley an extremely engaging, intelligent writer and speaker. She was part of the Bloggers Conference panel at last year's BEA, and her talk was fascinating. Her twitter feed cracks me up, and her books have garnered mostly positive reviews from my peers. Therefore, I was 100% excited to pick up this collection of essays based on nerdy culture and feminism. I'm hoping this will provide me with the greatest hits from her blog as well. Expected Publication: Already out! May 31, 2016 by Tor Books
MIDDLE GRADE FICTION:
MISSY PIGGLE-WIGGLE AND THE WHATEVER CURE BY ANN M. MARTIN: Goodreads Description Due to the popularity of Martin's Babysitter's Club book series, she was one of the high profile ticketed authors. This means that tickets were free, but due to demand and time constraints, a finite number were given away the morning of the event (first come, first served). I met a woman in line who wrote to Ann Martin several times as a kid, inviting all the characters in the Babysitter's Club to a sleepover and highlighting exactly what they would do. Martin wrote back, and the lady's mom still has the framed response. Said lady is now a children's librarian!!! I haven't read the original Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books, but a friend had enthusiastically recommended them to me for my daughters. I had this one dedicated to Natalie and Sophie, and am tickled pink to have received it. Expected Publication: September 6th 2016 by Feiwel & Friends
THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS (THE NOCTURNALS) BY TRACEY HEICHT: Goodreads Description I started reading it my hotel room. The first in a slated ten book series, the marketing and design is on point! The publicist discussed the importance of the illustrated naked hardcover. The design is purposeful because they realize kids often lose the dust jacket- but the publishers still want them to enjoy a beautiful book. This one is out now, and the rest will be released in short order. This is also strategic- if a reluctant (or even avid reader!) is enjoying them, they don't want any lost momentum due to waiting for the next installment. Stuffed toys of sugar gliders, foxes, and pangolins decorated the booth, and T-shirts were given away as promotion. This was one of my favorite displays at the event! Expected Publication: Already out, with The Ominous Eye (Nocturnals #2) being released September 20th 2016 by Fabled Films Press.
GERTIE'S LEAP TO GREATNESS BY KATE BEASLEY: Goodreads Description This was one of my top five anticipated grabs when I made my pre-show plan! The illustrations remind me of the characters depicted in The Family Circus comics. The story sounds adorable and heartfelt, and I'm a fan of any story championing the strength of little girls. Expected Publication: October 4th 2016 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON BY KELLY BARNHILL: Goodreads Description I'm here for this story in many ways. First, the cover is awesome. Second, just go read the description. It sounds amazing, especially the baby being fed moonlight and becoming emmagicked. I would have loved having this literature available as a pre-teen. My kids don't know how lucky they are to have such an amazing plethora of choice in middle grade! Anyways....Expected Publication: August 9th 2016 by Algonquin Young Readers.
WORD OF MOUSE BY JAMES PATTERSON AND CHRIS GRABENSTEIN: Goodreads Description I can't help comparing this to the beloved Ralph S Mouse of my childhood, and hoping it measures up. This was a galley grab, and the illustrations inside sold me on it's potential adorableness. Expected Publication: December 12th 2016 by Little, Brown and Company
ELITE BY MERCEDES LACKEY: Goodreads Description This was one of those oopsies pick-ups at the conference. This is the second in her Hunter series, with the first being titled Hunter. I've heard amazing things about her Fantasy writing, and she's certainly prolific. Hoping this middle grade series will be a good entry to her other work. Expected Publication: September 6th 2016 by Disney Hyperion.
THE SECRET KEEPERS BY TRENTON LEE STEWART: Goodreads Description I picked this up because it was initially shoved at me during a frenzied galley drop. My father-in-law has this running joke with our family about his powerful watch, so when I read that little Reuben's special pocket gives him invisibility, I had to keep it. Expected Publication: September 27th 2016 by Little Brown.
THE INQUISITOR'S TALE BY ADAM GIDWITZ: Goodreads Description Okay, all I have to say about this one is I picked it for the dog. I mean....The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog? Why can't I think of these things? I like a good story about friendship and unlikely allies as well. Expected Publication: September 27th 2016 by Dutton Books for Young Readers.
ALL THE ANIMAL THINGS!
UNICORNS ARE JERKS BY THEO NICOLE LORENZ: Goodreads Description I have nothing more to add to the description except I found the entire coloring book extremely hilarious, and I have it handy anytime I want a good chuckle! Already out now:-)
CRAZY CAT LADY COLORING BOOK: Amazon Link to Purchase I didn't actually get this at BEA. My husband found this at one of the many Chicago bookstores, and I'm forever grateful. Although the quiz does confirm my status as said Crazy Cat Lady. Oh well, there are worse things. Right?
FREE DAYS WITH GEORGE BY COLIN CAMPBELL: Goodreads Description Any story about the healing power of animals is my jam. Also, George is very much alive!!!!! That's what holds me back from many animal memoirs- the dread at the inevitable pet death. The relaxed and affable Newfoundland was even present at BEA with his owner, and had traveled there in his own tour bus. Talk about comfortable! It was a joy to see such a calming presence on the hectic show floor, and I can't wait to read this heartwarming narrative. Expected Publication: Out now!
THE PUG LIST BY ALISON HODGSON: Goodreads Description Another story about the therapeutic affects of pets. In this case, a fire destroyed the family home and this little Pug was the family's joy throughout terrible trauma. Oliver was also present with his owner (sort of)- adorably asleep sitting up on his stand. Expected Publication: Already out by Zondervan Publishing!
WOMEN WHO STILL LOVE CATS TOO MUCH BY ALLIA ZOBEL NOLAN, NICOLE HOLLANDER: Goodreads Description I don't think this needs unnecessary explanation. I have a problem. Also, I have the first book, aptly titled Women Who Love Cats Too Much. Now I can read them together! Huzzah!!! This nugget of awesomeness is out now.
SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY:
A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT BY SABAA TAHIR (AN EMBER IN THE ASHES #2): Goodreads Description This book won the award for "Longest Wait in Line". However, I got to wait with tons of friends so the time passed quickly. My mother-in-law got the first book for me as a Christmas present. I've been pickier with Young Adult lately, but the premise of this sounded unique. I'm curious to see if it will live up to the hype of book one. Expected Publication: August 30th 2016 by Razorbill.
DARK MATTER BY BLAKE CROUCH: Goodreads Description As well as enjoying the premise, I think Crouch is an interesting author. I know a lot of people who read Pines, and he created the Good Behavior series on TNT. I used to read lots of thrillers where victims were abducted and regained consciousness in captivity, and the ensuing disorientation tends to lead the story in any number of crazy directions. I'm hoping the addition of the Fantasy element will make me love this! Expected Publication: August 2nd 2016 by Crown.
GHOST TALKERS BY MARY ROBINETTE KOWAL: Goodreads Description
I've heard of Kowal from her popular Fantasy series- Glamourist Histories, but also found out she was a puppeteer and voice actor for LazyTown, and various other shows. Best-selling authors always have to be multi-talented, don't they? BEA was the first time she was signing finished copies of this book, so my novel has a #2 written with the dedication. Expected Publication: August 16th 2016 by Tor Books.
COMICS/GRAPHIC NOVELS:
Goodreads Descriptions:
Lady Killer
Jessica Jones: Alias, Vol. 1
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1
I also picked up:
Towles is well know for his bestselling novel, Rules of Civility. I've heard he's an exceptionally strong writer, and when I found out this is Russian historical fiction, I had to send it my YouTube friend ABookOlive, who loves stories in this setting. Towles signed books and used an iconic onion dome stamp on the title page as well. This appears to be a character study, as the protagonist must watch historic events while under house arrest. Expected Publication: September 6th 2016 by Viking.
Congratulations! You have reached the end of this haul. If you read the entire post, congrats! You get a virtual cookie:-) Tell me which of these strikes your fancy, or if you'll be adding any of them to your reading list. I'd love to be friends on Goodreads if we aren't already. Add me!
Have a fantastically bookish day <3
Fabulous haul! <3 I totally missed Mercedes Lackey's book! I have her adult novel on audio so didn't realize she was also writing for younger audiences! :P
ReplyDeleteI did a double take when I saw her name on the cover, because I knew she was such a prolific adult writer. How the heck do they have time to write so much?? :-P
DeleteWhat a great variety of books. I lean towards mystery/thriller. Michael Koryta's Rise the Dark interests me. Lots of buzz for Emma Cline's The Girls but I'm still not certain if that's going to make my list. Sounds like a real coup to get a copy of Emma Donoghue's The Wonder, even if she wasn't in attendance.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing what strikes you.
I always enjoy hearing from you Carol:-)! Thanks for taking the time to check this out. I'm almost nervous to read another Donoghue book because I loved Room so much...which is probably weird, but that's how I feel! Do you think you'll attend BEA next year? I'd love to meet up!
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