Book Haul: What Inspired Us to Pick Up the 8 Newest Additions to Our Shelves

Emily’s Pick #1: Over the summer Susan Orlean’s tipsy tweets were hilarious and made the pandemic just a teensy bit more bearable, so I’m forever grateful for her, her wine, and her neighbor’s cute pets. I rarely read nonfiction so I haven’t read too much of her work, but, after listening to her interview on the Spark and Fire podcast and hearing the passion and curiosity with which she approaches her work and life, I knew I wanted to hear more from her. Now THE LIBRARY BOOK is sitting fresh on my TBR stack and I can’t wait to dive into this book that ingeniously explores the evolution and significance of libraries through the lens of a terrifying fire at the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986.

Allie’s Pick: I was late to the game in discovering Matt Haig, but once I did, it was a binge-read to get through THE RADLEYS, THE HUMANS, and REASONS TO STAY ALIVE. Since then, I have closely followed his new releases, and I was thrilled when I discovered he had a new book coming out in 2020. I am elated to be adding THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY to my shelf this year, and I can’t wait to dive into this story of one library and infinite possibilities.

Sharon’s Pick #1: Ever since I read an article on a Pride potluck in a rural community in North Carolina, I have been interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ life in other parts of America. So when I found out about Samantha Allen’s REAL QUEER AMERICA—a journalistic look at queer communities in unlikely places, from Provo, Utah, to the Bible Belt and the Deep South—I knew I needed to get it. Then last weekend one of my best friends and I went to Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore and, as I was debating how many books I “needed” to buy, I found the store’s last copy of REAL QUEER AMERICA! I was so excited to find this book that I immediately grabbed it, with zero qualms.

Emily’s Pick #2: I was convinced to read this book because of a Get Literary article on atmospheric reads. What sold me was the author of the post’s description: “WILD SEED follows two immortals—one a killer and the other a healer—locked in a clash of fate and destiny as they chase each other over continents and time, each hoping to escape, control, and understand the other.” That description alone sounds like such a dramatic, epic read that I immediately purchased this book and hope it makes for one intense fantasy novel!

Jordyn’s Pick: I picked up THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain after seeing it everywhere. I mean it, everywhere: Twitter, Instagram, newspapers, most-anticipated lists. Somehow, though, even after seeing the cover all over, I never actually read a description of what it was about, so I went into it blind. And, wow, that was a wild choice, because THE PUSH was gripping and I felt so much dread and tension the whole way through. It’s a dark character-driven book that you won’t be able to put down, especially if you’re interested in twisted mother-daughter relationships.

Molly’s Pick: Recently I had the good fortune to attend a virtual event with Rebecca Reid, author of RUDE: STOP BEING NICE AND START BEING BOLD. Apart from Rebecca being utterly charming—what else would you expect from a woman who went viral for shushing a man during a live television interview when she couldn’t get a word in?—her words on how ambitious women are perceived as rude resonated deeply with me. (Once, a well-meaning manager praised how I handled a difficult client by calling me a “bitch.” Luckily another high-ranking team member corrected her, saying I was assertive.) In her book, Reid argues that although there is a time for politeness, rudeness is a powerful tool that, when harnessed correctly, can help you achieve your goals. I rushed to grab a copy of RUDE right after the event and can’t wait to dig in.

Courtney’s Pick: ON WRITING is the newest addition to my shelf. I was inspired by the conversation between Stephen King and John Grisham last April, during which they discussed their newest books and writing processes. I have been wanting to get back into writing for a while, and the new year is always a good time to treat yourself. Also, the twentieth anniversary edition of ON WRITING was recently released, which served as a reminder that while King is known for his thrilling and suspenseful novels, the knowledge he holds of his craft is a gift to all kinds of writers, horror fans or not. I’m excited to dive in and feel inspired again.

Sharon’s Pick #2: I first heard of Michelle Zauner through her musical project, Japanese Breakfast. She came to my college to play at an event and I absolutely loved her music; her song “Everybody Wants to Love You” was stuck in my head for weeks afterward. Since that concert I have listened to more of her songs, and my dad and I have bonded over our appreciation of Japanese Breakfast. When I heard at the beginning of this year that Zauner was releasing a memoir, it shot to the top of my TBR list immediately. However, when I saw a post on Japanese Breakfast’s Instagram page that there would be signed copies available for preorder from McNally Jackson, I knew I needed to buy a copy. I just preordered mine, which will be a gift for my future self when the book goes on sale on April 20.