Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For March, we’re looking at a fantasy anthology that celebrates a classic work, a profile of a small Vermont town that generates an unusually high number of Olympians, and a coming-of-age science fiction trilogy.
Mad Hatters and March Hares (2017)
An anthology that features stories from writers like Seanan McGuire and Jane Yolen, this collection is, essentially, literary fan fiction. Eighteen contemporary writers were asked to generate their own stories about Wonderland, and Mad Hatters and March Hares is the result. If you’re a Lewis Carroll fan but want to try something a little different than just rereading his work, this would be a great option! It also serves as a wonderful way to uncover new authors worth reading.
Karen Crouse’s Norwich (2018)
The northern Vermont town of Norwich only has about 3400 residents, but it has produced more Olympic athletes per capita than any other town in America. The town’s success in the Winter Olympics is perhaps not surprising — lots of skiers come from the town — but it is also the hometown of Summer Olympic runners. Perhaps even more interesting than the town’s success is its rejection of the attitudes that seem to have permeated competitive athletics. Norwich Olympians aren’t pressured into sports and aren’t forced to specialize early. Indeed, many return home after their Olympic careers to live in the community. Karen Crouse’s book profiles the town’s Olympians and the town itself.
Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti trilogy (2015-2018)*
Nnedi’s award-winning science fiction trilogy has recently wrapped up, and we have all the books in the system! It’s the perfect time to binge read this series since you don’t have to wait for the next installation. Binti is a Himba and the first of her people to attend the storied Oomza University. She will find herself surrounded by people who have no respect for her or her homeland, but before she can face that, she has to arrive there safely. Complications ensue.
*First book in series also available as ebook and audiobook on Libby.
As always, please follow this link to our online library catalog to learn more about any of these items and to place holds.
What’s your favorite new-ish books? What books are you buzzing about these days? Have you read any of these books? Tell us in the comments!
Berryville Book Buzz 