Book Buzz: Problematic Siblings, Foodie Friends, Intergenerational Trauma, Talented Monsters, Courtroom Drama, and Derailed Safaris

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For September, we’re looking at historical fiction about one of America’s most infamous families, a sweet tale of food-based friendship, a magical realism family saga, an atmospheric Victorian gothic fantasy, a well-researched chronicle of legal battles over agricultural pollution, and an audiobook thriller.

Book Buzz: Scottish Fantasy Islands, Commuting, the Weather, Old West Crime, Seafaring Tales, and Housewife Thrillers

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For August, we’re looking at an atmospheric fantasy romance set in Scotland, a celebration of friendship among commuters, a cute romance set at a news station, an engrossing anthology of Westerns with a side of mystery, two fascinating tales of real-life adventure on the high seas, and an audiobook thriller about catty rich housewives.

Book Buzz: Magical Realism, the Titanic, Tacos, Chefs with a Side of Murder, Black Foodways, and Tractors

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For April, we’re looking at magical realism about an Ecuadorean family, historical fiction about one of the most famous shipwrecks, a romantic comedy about a food truck, murder mysteries with a culinary twist, a fascinating cookbook/anthology about Black food culture around the world, and a nonfiction examination of the now little-remembered Tractor Wars of the early 20th century.

Book Buzz: Pack Horse Librarians (Again), Poison Gardens, Hippo Mysteries, and Problem Wildlife

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For December, we’re looking at historical fiction about Kentucky pack horse libraries during the Great Depression, a fantasy about a green thumb and deadly plants, a comedic children’s mystery, and Mary Roach’s latest nonfiction romp.

What a Wonderful World: Hot Chocolate Brown

This year, our theme at the library is What A Wonderful World. We’re focusing on a different color for each month, and December’s is hot chocolate brown. To that end, we’re highlighting books at the library with that color (or something close to it) on the cover!

What a Wonderful World: September

This year, our theme at the library is What A Wonderful World. We’re focusing on a different color for each month, and September’s is treasure turquoise. To that end, we’re highlighting books at the library with that color (or something close to it) on the cover!

Book Buzz: Robots, Conservationists, Inheritances, and Stand-Alone Fantasies

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For August, we’re looking at science fiction about robots who are out of the loop, a history of the efforts to save endangered species, a tale that is equal parts family mystery and historical fiction, and an audiobook featuring a coming-of-age high fantasy.

Jordan Ifueko’s Raybearer

Tarisai wants nothing more than a normal childhood, wherein she is allowed to do normal childish things. However, she spends her early years sequestered away from, well, everything. She occasionally gets visits from her mother, The Lady, but mostly she is raised by the servants. It seems like everything will change when her mother sends her to the empire’s capital city to compete with other children for the chance to serve on the crown prince’s council, but her mother only allows Tarisai to go because of her own nefarious plans. Namely, that once Tarisai is accepted as a trusted council member, she will assassinate the crown prince. Complications ensue.

Melinda recommended this book to me earlier this year, and I am so glad she did. It’s a really unique, interesting reading. Thanks so much for the great recommendation, Melinda!

Book Buzz: Therapeutic Phones, Disappointing Weddings, Haunting Circuses, and Chess Champions

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For June, we’re looking at a tender piece of literary fiction about mourning, an entertaining thriller/mystery set in Ireland, a darkly fantastical historical romance about 1920s circuses, and a drama about a chess prodigy.

Book Buzz: Chinese-History-Inspired Epic Fantasy, Unwitting Hitwomen, WWII-Era Cooking Contests, and Audiobooks Galore

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For May, we’re looking at a fantasy series rooted in Chinese history, a funny cozy mystery with a bit of bite to it, a heartwarming tale set on the homefront during WWII, and a pair of very different audiobooks.