Thanks for Giving Recap: Here’s How Much You Spent at Local Bookstores

“Put this book at the top of your listening list! Clap When You Land is a beautifully written and compellingly narrated story of two half-sisters who are unaware of each other’s existence until their father dies in a plane crash. Elizabeth Acevedo not only writes with an exquisite voice, but she and Melania-Luisa Marte alternate narrating with voices that carry into the readers heart and soul. One of the best audiobooks I have listened to in a very long time.”

Mary, bookseller at Anderson’s Bookshop

“Riveting! I hurried through this apocalyptic novel about two families thrown together during an earth shattering event. Alam builds tension even during a relaxing family day at the beach and expertly paces the reader through idle, dreamy stages and amps up the speed during stressful times. A thought-provoking study of humanity.”

Melanie, bookseller at The Well-Read Moose

“Luster centers on Edie, a young black woman working in New York publishing and barely making rent each month, who finds herself navigating a suburban white couple’s open marriage. This novel is filled with unexpected turns taken at breakneck speeds….This is a multifaceted and brilliant book, as well as an extraordinary debut from Raven Leilani.”

Billy Butler, bookseller at Bookshop Santa Cruz

“Want to learn how to be a good ancestor? Need to address your privilege and feel uncomfortable about talking about racism? You need to read and work through Me and White Supremacy.”

Rachel, bookseller at Avid Bookshop

“This is a beautifully written story about two small towns in Maine and the paper mill that is the foundation of their economy. It tells the much bigger story of the sacrifice of the workers, and the injustices to them and the environment. Arsenault masters the nuances of family and history, which pulled me into the story in the first few pages and kept me there….I’ll be recommending this as a must-read to our customers.”

Todd Miller, bookseller at Arcadia Books

An original full-cast audio adaptation of the graphic novel from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft, performed by the author with Jesus Del Orden, Nile Bullock, Robin Miles, Guy Lockard, Peyton Lusk, Rebecca Soler, Dan Bittner, Phoebe Strole, Marc Thompson, Miles Harvey, and Ron Butler.

“This one’s a stunner. Emily Danforth writes so compellingly, that even for its slow pacing, Plain Bad Heroines is impossible to put down. This is so much more than horror—a queer, coming-of-age, love story, history rewritten to include those it should never have erased—so atmospheric and character-driven, I found it difficult to find myself afraid, only undeniably intrigued. I giggled hysterically. I shook my fists at the patriarchy (because of course I did). Reader, I’d dive right back in again, even at the risk of yellow jackets following me back out.”

Britt, bookseller at Second Star to the Right

“It might be that Lindy West talks during movies, but you wouldn’t shush her. She’s better than the movie. This audiobook is read by the author and she is hilarious. Smart, funny, irreverent and feminist. I’ll take that with a bowl of popcorn. PS: I really, really want West’s Hermione-lead HP remake.”

Robin, bookseller at Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West

“I was blown away by this book. I listened to the audio and Jason Reynolds’s narration is engaging, funny, and moving all rolled into one. I found myself interested in history in ways I have not been in the past. As [a] white woman, I found myself grieving for the crimes my race has committed. For hatred that continued to take root and spread. Yet I also found hope….I wish I could make everyone read this book.”

Kristin, bookseller at Fables Books

“I love N.K. Jemisin’s books, I love New York City, and I love this book about the soul and personification of New York. The City We Became might just be my favorite book to be published in 2020. This story is filled with tension, humor, and great characters, with a guest appearance near and dear to me. While this book is the beginning of a trilogy, it is completely satisfying as a stand-alone novel. Read it and be happy.”

Doug Chase, bookseller at Powell’s Books

“I just finished listening to this one and will soon be reading it with a stack of post-it notes in hand!”

Angela, bookseller at Reading Rock Books

“This is a must-read thriller rooted deeply in Brooklyn and its racist past. As the neighborhood makes plans for the annual block party, Sydney ends up battling more than the micro-aggressions from her new white neighbors. When her best friends go missing, her mom’s prized garden is threatened, and a fake meter reader breaks into her home, she will put everything on the line to get out alive. At least she’s got a semi-charming, well-meaning Theo by her side.”

Christy, bookseller at Avid Bookshop