Our August Picks Are Here!

“How long does it take to get to know someone? Catherine Ryan Howard’s 56 Days throws this question into disarray when two people meet in line at a grocery store. At first blush, this seems to be a meet-cute. However, the moment you sit down to read this thriller you will not get back up until you understand just what’s at stake. You’ll hold your breath the whole way.” —Jules H, Mystery & Thriller Buyer

“Cursed violins, magic, donuts, and a queer alien courtship. This is a heart-warming tale of music, identity, and found family. This read is Faustian bargain meets space opera! It’s Douglas Adams for the modern era—funny, smart, and defiantly joyful. Perfect for fans of Becky Chambers, TJ Klune, and feel-good speculative fiction.” —Kat S, Speculative Fiction Buyer 

“Perfect for fans of The Devil Wears Prada, A Hundred Other Girls is a debut we can’t stop talking about. Witty and full of both the longing and wonder that encompasses New York City, this story is full of the complicated media landscape, identity, and sisterhood.” —Shannon D, Fiction Buyer 

“When it comes to what we eat, how we eat, and why we ingest, Michael Pollan has been an astute, careful and insightful guide, challenging us to look anew at the reciprocal relationship between humans and domesticated plants. “Food” as sustenance and healer, an avenue to well-being or the altering of consciousness, and now in This is Your Mind on Plants, plants as stimulant and depressive. Pollan plumbs history, medicine, science, culture and memoir for a thoroughly engaging dive into thorny tales of our attraction and antipathy to opium, mescaline and caffeine.” —Sallye L, Nonfiction Buyer 

“Magic and murder collide in this contemporary tale about a centuries-old tournament where seven teenagers from magical families compete to the death. Part Hunger Games, part The Hazel Wood, and entirely captivating, All of Us Villains will leave you on the edge of your seat.” —Stephanie P, YA Buyer

“This fairytale mashup has it all—giants and genies and knights, oh my! Young fans of series like Story Thieves and The Land of Stories won’t want to miss this rollicking new adventure from James Riley.” —Stephanie P, Young Reader Buyer