Category Archives: Reader’s Advisory

January 2022 Book Club Title Announced!

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Please join us on Thursday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m. CT for our Book Club discussion of THE TIME IT NEVER RAINED by Elmer Kelton (DB 49217, LB 03803).

We host our Book Club meetings via toll free phone-in. All you need to participate is a telephone!

To RSVP, please reply to this email, or call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605.  (RSVP preferred by January 6).

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you the digital cartridge, send a large print copy, or if you prefer to download it from BARD. Also, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone-call (or both).

We request that everyone remember the following:

  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.
  • Be courteous and respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.

NLS Annotation:

A cantankerous, independent-minded Texan, Charlie Flagg, fights to save his medium-sized ranch in Rio Seco during a drought. His problems are compounded by ineffectual federal aid programs and difficulties with Mexican ranch workers. Some strong language. 1973.

DB   49217, LB 03803

We look forward to having you join us on January 27!

Holiday Reads

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The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, and holiday music is suddenly blaring through every radio station, convenience store, and shopping mall. That’s right, December has arrived. To welcome the season, we’ve gathered some of our favorite titles in a few genres. So, gather your coziest blanket and warmest beverage and get into the holiday mood with these novels.

Festive Favorites:

STORY OF HANUKKAH by Amy Ehrlich (BR 08929 and DB 33242)
Retells the biblical story that is celebrated by Jewish people in the feast of Hanukkah.

SEVEN SPOOLS OF THREAD by Angela Shelf Medearis (BR 13078 and DB 97859)
Tale about seven argumentative Ashanti brothers, who are given the seemingly impossible task of turning spools of silk thread into gold. They join together to solve the problem, thus exhibiting the spirit of Kwanzaa.

LETTERS FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS by J.R.R. Tolkien (DB 63808)
A collection of Christmas letters penned by J.R.R. Tolkien and signed as Father Christmas that were sent to Tolkien’s children from 1920-1943. Each recapped activities of the preceding year at the North Pole, including reindeer running amok and the North Polar Bear breaking the moon into four pieces.

MR. DICKENS AND HIS CAROL by Samantha Silva (LB 09285 and DB 87973)
Depressed about the failure of his most recent book, feeling pressured by his publisher to write a Christmas book, and worried over his family’s financial stability, Charles Dickens seeks refuge in nightly walks. On one, he meets Eleanor Lovejoy, who takes him on a Scrooge-like journey.

Hallmark Holiday:

ROYAL HOLIDAY by Jasmine Guillory (BR 22879 and DB 96768)
When her daughter gets a job styling a member of the British royal family for the holidays, Vivian Forest jumps at the chance to travel with her. She is intrigued by Malcolm Hudson, a private secretary to the Queen, but Vivian is supposed to return home after Christmas. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex.

TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS by Jenny Bayliss (DB 101994)
The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn’t exactly brimming with dating prospects, but thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner’s best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. With twelve dates with twelve different men, she hopes for love by Christmas. Unrated.

WINTER NIGHTS by Francis Ray (DB 52196)
Compilation of three short African American Christmas novels. In “Until Christmas” Samantha becomes a housekeeper for Principal Rawlings and his twins. “Kwanzaa Angel” finds Erin being reintroduced to an old high school crush. In “Round Midnight” radio talk-show host Summer falls in love with her director. Some descriptions of sex.

Family Fiascos:

SEVEN DAYS OF US by Francesca Hornak (DB 89399)
The Birch family are under the same roof at Christmas for the first time in years, including Olivia, a doctor usually off saving the world. When Olivia is told she must stay in quarantine for a week, it means she and her family are stuck together for the duration. Some strong language.

CHRISTMAS STORY by Jean Shepherd (DBC 13520)
This edition of A Christmas Story gathers in one hilarious volume the gems of autobiographical humor that Jean Shepherd drew upon to create this enduring film. The pieces that comprise A Christmas Story coalesce in a magical fashion to become an irresistible piece of Americana, quite the equal of the film in its ability to warm the heart and tickle the funny bone.

SKIPPING CHRISTMAS by John Grisham (BR 13636, DB 52929, and LB 04959)
Tax accountant Luther Krank calculates that a Caribbean cruise will cost less than what he and his wife, Nora, spent celebrating the holidays last year. Since daughter Blair is in the Peace Corps, they plan to skip Christmas. Luther, however, doesn’t anticipate the town’s reaction. Some strong language.

Murder, Mystery, and More:

FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK by Georgette Heyer (DBC 11081 and LB 07187)
Locals claim it is haunted and refuse to put a single toe past the front door, but to siblings Peter, Celia, and Margaret, the Priory is nothing more than a rundown estate inherited from their late uncle and the perfect setting for a much-needed holiday. But when a murder victim is discovered in the Priory halls, the once unconcerned trio begins to fear that the ghostly rumors are true, and they are not alone after all. Some strong language and some violence.

MISTLETOE AND MURDER by Carola Dunn (DB 73122)
England, 1923. Daisy Dalrymple, her husband Alec, and other relatives spend Christmas at Brockdene, Lord Westmoor’s Cornish estate, which Daisy is writing about. They are hosted not by Westmoor but by his poor Indian relations who reside there. Daisy and Alec investigate when a visiting Indian cleric is murdered.

IN A HOLIDAZE by Christina Lauren (DB 101089)
With her life a mess, Maelyn Jones is looking forward to spending one last Christmas at her family’s cabin in Utah. On her way, she is in an accident, and wakes to find herself in a time loop where she relives the same holiday over and over. Descriptions of sex and some strong language.

Nonfiction Noel Narratives:

CHRISTMAS MEMORY by Truman Capote (DB 30913)
A late November morning and the exclamation “Oh my, it’s fruitcake weather,” conjure up for Truman Capote the memory of a beloved cousin, Miss Sook Faulk, and Queenie, a little rat terrier “who has survived distemper and two rattlesnake bites.”  They make fruit- cake on this, their last Christmas together.

MIRACLE ON 10TH STREET AND OTHER CHRISTMAS WRITINGS by Madeleine L’Engle (DB 63705)
Selections from forty years of the award-winning author’s reflections on Christmas themes conveyed in stories, poems, essays, letters, and journal entries. Topics follow the Christmas season: Advent, Incarnation, Epiphany, Glorious Mystery, Redemption, and Celebration. The title piece recalls a past Christmas when L’Engle feared her daughter had leukemia.

Xavier Society for the Blind Hosts Zoom Event with Author Robert Hanley

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Book jacket for Do You See What I See? Discovering the Obvious by Robert Hanley

The Xavier Society for the Blind is hosting a virtual meet and greet with actor/author Robert Hanley on Thursday, October 21, at 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets are $25 each and will benefit the mission of the Xavier Society for the Blind.

The author of one of the society’s most popular audio books, DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? DISCOVERING THE OBVIOUS, Hanley will discuss his book and answer questions from the audience.  The Texas Talking Book Program has copies of Hanley’s book on audio cartridge. To request a copy, please call us at 1-800-252-9605 or 512-463-5458, or send an email to tbpral@tsl.texas.gov.

Robert Hanley is an author, comedian, singer, and actor. In addition, he founded The Fireside Fellowship – a spiritual supplement to his book, providing a space for people to share their everyday experiences, feelings, and faith as they pertain to pertinent universal topics (e.g., gratitude, coincidence, humor, work) and offering practical and spiritual perspectives to effect a positive change in the life and faith of each person.

The Texas Talking Book Program has copies on audio cartridge. Call us at 1-800-252-9605 or 512-463-5458 or email us at tbpral@tsl.texas.gov to request a copy.

For more information about the event visit: An Evening of Storytelling with actor/author Robert Hanley (donorview.com)

Robert Hanley is an author, comedian, singer, and actor who founded The Fireside Fellowship, a spiritual supplement to his book. The fellowship provides a space for people to share everyday experiences, feelings, and faith and offers practical and spiritual perspectives in hopes of providing positive changes.

Virtual Meet and Greet with Author, Robert Hanley Hosted by the Xavier Society for the Blind
Date: Thursday, October 21st
Time: 6:00 PM EST

September 2021 Book Club Title Announced

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Texas Talking Book patrons: please join us on Thursday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) for our book club discussion of SAM HOUSTON AND THE ALAMO AVENGERS by Brian Kilmeade (DB 97726, LB 12663).

Book Cover for Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers

Our book club meetings are hosted via toll free conference call, so all you need is a telephone to participate. To RSVP call the Talking Book Program at: 1-800-252-9605 (RSVP preferred by March 5) or email us at: tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov. Please indicate if you would like us to mail you the digital cartridge or if you prefer to download it from BARD.

NLS Annotation:

An account of America’s continued fight for Texas after the crushing massacre at the Alamo. The author describes how that defeat galvanized Texans to ultimately win independence for the state. Violence. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2019.We request that everyone remember the following:

  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.
  • Be courteous. Be succinct so as to give everyone a chance to talk; be respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.

We look forward to the discussion on September 23!

Bonus TBP Book Club Title Announced for June 2021!

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Logo for Center for the Book

The Talking Book Program is participating in the Read Across Texas initiative sponsored by the Texas Center for the Book. In honor of this event, we will be hosting a bonus book club meeting so that our patrons can participate in this year’s event. For more information visit https://www.tsl.texas.gov/readacrosstexas.

Please join us on Thursday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) for our book club discussion of WHAT UNITES US: REFLECTIONS ON PATRIOTISM by Dan Rather (DB 90479).

Please join us on Thursday June 24 at 7 pm (Central Time) for our book club discussion of WHAT UNITES US: REFLECTIONS ON PATRIOTISM by Dan Rather.

NLS Annotation: Essays from the television journalist and his longtime collaborator that celebrate the values that tend to be shared throughout America, particularly those related to patriotism. Topics discussed include public institutions such as parks and libraries, the drive for innovation, and more. Narrated by Dan Rather. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2017.

Our book club meetings are hosted via toll free conference call, so all you need is a telephone to participate. To RSVP, call the Talking Book Program at: 1-800-252-9605 (RSVP preferred by May 27) or email us at: tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov. Please indicate if you would like us to mail you the book in digital cartridge or if you prefer to download the audio version from BARD.

Nebula Awards Finalists 2021

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The Nebula Awards were established by the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) in 1965  in order to create an annual anthology of the best science fiction stories of the year. The finalists were announced March 15. Winners will be announced June 5.

https://nebulas.sfwa.org/sfwa-announces-the-56th-annual-nebula-award-finalists/

Here are the finalists for 2021 that are in the TBP collection.

NOVEL


PIRANESI
CLARKE, SUSANNA
Piranesi’s house is no ordinary building: its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, and an ocean is imprisoned within its walls. He shares the house with the Other, who asks Piranesi for help but hides his true intentions. Strong language. 2020.
DB 100700 

CITY WE BECAME
JEMISIN, N.K.
Every great city has a soul. New York City? She’s got six, all newly awakened to their power. But every city also has a dark side. An ancient evil stirs, threatening to destroy New York and her six newborn avatars unless they can come together to stop it. Strong language, explicit descriptions of sex, and some violence. Commercial audiobook. 2020.
DB 98901
 
MEXICAN GOTHIC
MORENO-GARCIA, SILVIA
Mexico City, 1950. After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, socialite Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. Both the home and its owners seem to have a dark past. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2020.
DB 99404
 
BLACK SUN
ROANHORSE, REBECCA
In the holy city of Tova, the winter solstice celebration is coinciding with a solar eclipse, a rare celestial event the Sun Priest believes will lead to an unbalancing of the world. As the priests prepare, a ship heads towards Tova with a seemingly harmless passenger. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.
DB 101429
 
NETWORK EFFECT: THE MURDERBOT DIARIES
WELLS, MARTHA
Murderbot’s human associates that are definitely not its friends are captured and another not-friend from its past also requires urgent assistance, leaving Murderbot no choice but to take drastic action. Commercial audiobook. 2020.
DB 100216

NOVELLA

RING SHOUT: OR, HUNTING KU KLUXES IN THE END TIMES
CLARK, P. DJELI
In 1915, the Ku Klux Klan spread fear and violence in their plan to bring Hell to Earth. Standing in their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her fellow resistance fighters. Armed with blade, bullet, and bomb, they hunt their hunters and send the Klan’s demons straight to Hell. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.
DB 101148
 
RIOT BABY
ONYEBUCHI, TOCHI
Siblings Ella and Kev have extraordinary power, but they face structural racism and brutality while growing up. When Kev is put in prison, Ella works to inspire him to fight against America’s broken society. Strong language and some violence. 2020.
DB 98546; BR 23284

THE ANDRE NORTON NEBULA AWARD FOR MIDDLE GRADE AND YOUNG ADULT FICTION

RAYBEARER
IFUEKO, JORDAN
Raised in isolation, Tarisai yearns for the closeness she could have as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of Eleven. But her mother, The Lady, has magically compelled Tarisai to kill the Crown Prince. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2020.
DB 100566
 
ELATSOE
LITTLE BADGER, DARCIE
In an America shaped dramatically by magic and monsters, seventeen-year-old Ellie uses her ability to raise the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her Lipan Apache family, to find out who murdered her cousin. Some violence and some strong language. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2020.
DB 101473
 
GAME OF FOX & SQUIRRELS
REESE, JENN
After an incident shatters their family, eleven-year-old Samantha and her older sister, Caitlin, are sent to live with an aunt they’ve never met. When Aunt Vicky gives Sam a mysterious card game, Sam is swept up in the dangerous quest, where the line between magic and reality grows thin. For grades 5-8. 2020.
DB 100744

African American Authors – Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs

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From classic African American authors from the early 20th century like James Baldwin and Langston Hughes to newer authors such as Saeed Jones and Nnedi Okorafor, the National Library Service (NLS) has books that tell the stories of their lives.

Biographies

ALICE WALKER: A LIFE
WHITE, EVELYN C.
Chronicles the life of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color Purple (DB 58842, BR 12265). Traces Walker’s experiences as the daughter of Georgia sharecroppers, an acclaimed writer, and wife of a white NAACP lawyer. Explores her feminist and civil rights activism. Strong language. 2004.
DB 59554
 
CHESTER HIMES: A LIFE
SALLIS, JAMES
Discusses the African American novelist’s Missouri childhood, the inception of his writing career from prison, and the failure of his early works in a racially charged climate. Explains that Himes became famous writing crime stories while an expatriate in Europe. Some strong language.
DB 52754
 
LIFE OF LANGSTON HUGHES, VOLUME 1: 1902-1941. I, TOO, SING AMERICA
RAMPERSAD, ARNOLD
Rampersad’s biography of the American poet and writer takes Hughes from a tumultuous childhood in the Midwest, through worldwide travels and ramblings, to the early literary successes in New York. Tracing Hughes’s development and experiences, the book highlights the character of the artist, portraying him as a driven man devoted to his writing. 1986. Followed by LIFE OF LANGSTON HUGHES: VOLUME 2, 1941-1967: I DREAM A WORLD which continues the story of the noted poet (DB 28699)
DB 27535
 
LOOKING FOR LORRAINE: THE RADIANT AND RADICAL LIFE OF LORRAINE HANSBERRY
PERRY, IMANI
A portrait of the activist and writer best known for A Raisin in the Sun (DB 15750). Discusses Hansberry’s bold stances on civil rights, the prominent figures with whom she associated, her involvement in one of the nation’s first lesbian organizations, and the attention she drew from the FBI. Some strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2018.
DB 92981
 
NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT: THE RISE OF TYLER PERRY, THE MOST POWERFUL ENTERTAINER IN BLACK AMERICA (AND WHAT IT REALLY TOOK HIM TO GET THERE)
CHILDS, MELVIN
Entertainment producer describes the rise of African American comedian Tyler Perry as his career expanded from the “chitlin’ circuit” of black Southern clubs into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Highlights the financial side of show business and the author’s estrangement from Perry. Strong language. 2012.
BR 19674
 
RALPH ELLISON: A BIOGRAPHY
RAMPERSAD, ARNOLD
Professor analyzes the life of African American writer Ralph Ellison, whose only novel, Invisible Man (DB 56346, BR 14988), won the 1953 National Book Award. Uses Ellison’s correspondence to detail the personal and artistic struggles he endured, as well as his social and cultural milieu. 2007.
DB 65148
 
RICHARD WRIGHT: THE LIFE AND TIMES
ROWLEY, HAZEL
Interweaving journals, letters, and personal recollections, biographer Rowley illuminates the important African American novelist’s life, work, and ideas. Portrays Wright as a self-taught intellectual, an independent thinker, and an outspoken critic of racism. Examines his relationships with other writers, such as Ralph Ellison and Langston Hughes. Bestseller.
DB 53071
 
STREET POISON: THE BIOGRAPHY OF ICEBERG SLIM
GIFFORD, JUSTIN
Literature professor chronicles the life of Robert Beck (1918-1992), better known as Iceberg Slim, author of Pimp (DB 79726), Doom Fox (DB 80092), and Trick Baby (DB 80284). Discusses Slim’s criminal lifestyle and how it influenced his later writings, and appraises his significance in popular culture. Strong language. 2015.
DB 83628
 
SORROW’S KITCHEN: THE LIFE AND FOLKLORE OF ZORA NEALE HURSTON
LYONS, MARY E.
Lyons inserts samples of Hurston’s fiction, autobiography, and folklore collected in Florida, Louisiana, and the West Indies into this account of the African American anthropologist and Harlem Renaissance writer of stories, plays, essays, and articles.
DB 41455
 
SURPRISED QUEENHOOD IN THE NEW BLACK SUN: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF GWENDOLYN BROOKS
JACKSON, ANGELA
Biography of author of Bronzeville Boys and Girls (DB 63916). Discusses Brooks’ early years in Chicago, personal relationships, racism she experienced, and publishing career. Examines the influence of her experiences on specific pieces of her work. Commercial audiobook. 2017.
DB 88823

Autobiographies and Memoirs

AMERICAN HUNGER
WRIGHT, RICHARD
Compelling autobiographical continuation of BLACK BOY (DB 20415, BR 04398) covering Wright’s struggle to make his way in Chicago and New York. Traces his experience with poverty and racism, his development as a writer, and his conversion to and estrangement from the Communist Party. Some strong language.
DB 10660
 
BROKEN PLACES & OUTER SPACES: FINDING CREATIVITY IN THE UNEXPECTED
OKORAFOR, NNEDI
The author recounts how a simple operation took her from track star to paralyzed. Confined in a hospital bed for months, she began to imagine fantastical things and turn those experiences into writing. Also discusses her childhood and other authors who have used hardship to fuel their work. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.
DB 96603
 
FATHERALONG: A MEDITATION ON FATHERS AND SONS, RACE AND SOCIETY
WIDEMAN, JOHN EDGAR
A collection of six essays examining a strained father son relationship in terms of social issues about race and family. Wideman, an award-winning novelist who wrote about his brother and himself in “Brothers and Keepers” (DB 23360), here combines a memoir of his father with observations about African-American life. Some strong language.
DB 40624
 
HOW WE FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES: A MEMOIR
JONES, SAEED
A poet describes his experiences growing up as black and gay in the American South through a series of vignettes. Describes familial relationships, romantic flings, and friendships. Examines what people do for and to each other in the search for identity. Strong language and some descriptions of sex.  Commercial audiobook. 2019.
DB 98361; BR 21014)
 
I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS
ANGELOU, MAYA
The first book in an autobiographical series. The author describes the childhood and adolescence of a black girl in rural Arkansas, St. Louis, and San Francisco.  She is a strong and sensitive young woman who endures and overcomes many horrors in her life. 1969. Followed by GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME (DB 56481; BR 16910).
DB 24959; BR 15665)
 
NO NAME IN THE STREET
BALDWIN, JAMES
Best known for GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN (DB 33488, BR 08734 ), in this personal statement Baldwin tells of his years of self- exile and renewal abroad, of his activities in the civil rights movement, and his road back to complete involvement in the cause of black people in America.
DB 25147
 
REGION NOT HOME: REFLECTIONS FROM EXILE
MCPHERSON, JAMES ALAN
First African American winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for ELBOW ROOM (DB 16996; BR 12600), in this collection of essays the author discusses his pursuits, from the segregated South to Morris Brown College, Harvard Law School, the University of Virginia, and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Reflects on his love for his daughter, the experiences of Americans, life’s sorrows and delights, and works by other authors. Some strong language.
DB 52007
 
WHAT BECOMES OF THE BROKENHEARTED: A MEMOIR
HARRIS, E. LYNN
Autobiography by gay, African American, bestselling author of Invisible Life (DB 38731). Describes his humble beginnings in Arkansas, his career development, failed romantic relationships, bouts with depression, and deep faith in God. Strong language and some violence. Bestseller. 2003.
DB 56881

NPR’s Book Concierge 2020

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National Public Radio (NPR) has just released the Book Concierge for 2020. This is NPR’s annual, interactive, year-end reading guide. They compile their list by requesting staffers and trusted critics to nominate their favorite books of the year. Then, the editors and producers at NPR Books sit down and select their favorites. 

The books on this list cover a variety of genres such as biographies, book club ideas, and summer reads, as well as the more traditional categories like mysteries and thrillers, and historical fiction. We have indicated the categories that NPR assigned each book beneath the title in BOLD.

The Texas Talking Book Program has a good number of them in our collection. No matter which genre you enjoy, the staff at National Public Radio have chosen a favorite book published this year. Contact us and we can help you find your next favorite book.

For more information: https://apps.npr.org/best-books/

Here are all of the selections in the NLS collection:

BURNING by MEGHA MAJUMDAR (DB 99956; BR 23156) (Book Club Ideas, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)  

CHILDREN’S BIBLE by LYDIA MILLET (DB 99892; BR 23169) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Sci-Fi Fantasy and Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

GAME OF FOX & SQUIRRELS by JENN REESE (DB 100744 IN PROCESS) (Family Matters, Kids’ Books, Seriously Great Writing, The Dark Side)  

GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD by THERESE FOWLER (DB 98910) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Identity and Culture, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

PROMISED LAND by BARACK OBAMA (DB 100966) (Biography & Memoir, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Rather Long, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

SHADOW INTELLIGENCE by OLIVER HARRIS (IN PROCESS) (Mysteries & Thrillers, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World, The Dark Side)  

SONG BELOW WATER by BETH MORROW (DB 100195) (Identity & Culture, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, The States We’re In, Young Adult)  

AGENCY by WILLIAM GIBSON (DB 98628) (Mysteries & Thrillers, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Tales from Around the World, The Dark Side)  

ALIEN OCEANS: THE SEARCH FOR LIFE IN THE DEPTHS OF SPACE by KEVIN HAND (DB 100326) (Eye-Opening Reads, It’s all Geek to Me, Nonfiction, Science, Staff Picks)  

ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER by TAMI CHARLES (DB 100925 IN PROCESS) (For Art Lovers, Identity & Culture, Kids’ Books)  

AMERICAN OLIGARCHS: THE KUSHNERS, THE TRUMPS, AND THE MARRIAGE OF MONEY AND POWER by AMANDA BERNSTEIN (DB 98451) (Biography & Memoir, Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

AMNESTY by ARAVIND ADIGA (DB 98787; BR 23043) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, Mysteries & Thrillers, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)  

AND I DO NOT FORGIVE YOU: STORIES AND OTHER REVENGES by AMBER SPARKS (DB 98786) (Funny Stuff, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Seriously Great Writing, Short Stories Essays & Poetry)  

ANTKIND by CHARLIE KAUFMAN (DB 100090) (It’s all Geek to Me, No Biz Like Show Biz, Rather Long, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction)  

ANXIOUS PEOPLE by FREDRIK BACKMAN (DB 100531) (Book Club Ideas, Funny Stuff, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)  

BARN 8 by DEB OLIN UNFERTH (DB 98859) (Funny Stuff, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

BARRY SONNENFELD, CALL YOUR MOTHER: MEMOIRS OF A NEUROTIC FILMMAKER by BARRY SONNENFELD (DB 98953) (Biography & Memoir, Family Matters, No Biz Like Show Biz, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

BEACH READ by EMILY HENRY (DB 99724) (Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

BEFORE THE EVER AFTER by JACQUELINE WOODSON (DB 100643) (Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, For Sport Lovers, Kids’ Books, Seriously Great Writing, Young Adult)  

BESTIARY: A NOVEL by K-MING CHANG (IN PROCESS) (Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Love Stories, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Tales from Around the World, The States We’re In)  

BETWEEN TWO FIRES: TRUTH, AMBITION, AND COMPROMISE IN PUTIN’S RUSSIA by JOSHUA YAFFA (DB 98134) (Eye-Opening Reads, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)  

BIG FRIENDSHIP: HOW WE KEEP EACH OTHER CLOSE by AMINATOU SOW, AMINATOU (DB 100404) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

BLACK BOTTOM SAINTS by ALICE RANDALL (DB 100828) (Eye-Opening Reads, For Music Lovers, Historical Fiction, Identity & Culture, No Biz Like Show Biz, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

BLACKTOP WASTELAND by S. A. COSBY (DB 100242) (Identity & Culture, Mysteries & Thrillers, The States We’re In)  

BOATMAN’S DAUGHTER by ANDY DAVIDSON (DB 98593) (Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, The Dark Side, The States We’re In)  

BOOK OF V. by ANNA SOLOMON, ANNA (DB 99498) (Book Club Ideas, Historical Fiction, Ladies First)  

BOYFRIEND PROJECT by FARRAH ROCHON, FARRAH (DB 99855) (Funny Stuff, Ladies First, Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction)  

BREATH: THE NEW SCIENCE OF A LOST ART by JAMES NESTOR (DB 99870) (Eye-Opening Reads, For Sports Lovers, It’s All Geek to Me, Nonfiction, Science! Staff Picks)  

BROKEN FAITH: INSIDE THE WORD OF FAITH FELLOWSHIP, ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST DANGEROUS CULTS by MITCH WEISS (DB 98634) (Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

CACTUS LEAGUE by EMILY NEMENS (DB 98762; BR 23028) (For Sports Lovers, Realistic Fiction, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, The States We’re In)  

CAPITAL AND IDEOLOGY by THOMAS PIKETTY (DB 98934) (Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, It’s All Geek to Me, Nonfiction, Rather Long, Staff Picks)  

CARE AND FEEDING OF WASPISH WIDOWS by OLIVIA WAITE (IN PROCESS) (For History Lovers, Historical Fiction, Ladies First, Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, Seriously Great Writing)  

CASTE: THE ORIGINS OF OUR DISCONTENTS by ISABEL WILKERSON (DB 100088; BR 23343) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Rather Long, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

CATHERINE HOUSE by ELISABETH THOMAS (DB 99407) (Mysteries & Thrillers, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

CHIFFON TRENCHES: A MEMOIR by ANDRE LEON TALLEY (DB 99833) (Biography & Memoir, For Art Lovers, Identity & Culture, No Biz Like Show Biz, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

CHILDREN OF THE LAND by MARCELO HERNANDEZ CASTILLO (DB 98683) (Biography & Memoir, Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, The States We’re In)  

CITY WE BECAME by N. K. JEMISIN (DB 98901) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, Rather Long, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

CLAP WHEN YOU LAND by ELIZABETH ACEVEDO (DB 99823) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Young Adult)  

CLEAN: THE NEW SCIENCE OF SKIN by JAMES HAMBLIN (DB 100410) (Eye-Opening Reads, It’s All Geek to Me, Nonfiction, Science, Staff Picks)  

CLEANNESS by GARTH GREENWELL (DB 98150) (Identity & Culture, Let’s Talk About Sex, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)  

CONJURE WOMEN by AFIA ATAKORA (DB 99224) (Book Club Ideas, Historical Fiction, Ladies First, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

CROOKED HALLELUHAH by KELLI JO FORD (IN PROCESS) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, The States We’re In)  

DEACON KING KONG by JAMES MCBRIDE (DB 98819) (Book Club Ideas, For Music Lovers, Funny Stuff, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing)  

DEAD ARE ARISING: THE LIFE OF MALCOLM X by LES PAYNE (IN PROCESS) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Rather Long, Seriously Great Writing)  

DEAR JUSTYCE by NIC STONE (DB 100931) (Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In, Young Adult)  

DEATH OF VIVEK OJI  by AKWAEKE EMEZI (DB 100235) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)  

DESERT NOTEBOOKS: A ROAD MAP FOR THE END OF TIME by BEN EHRENREICH (DB 100164) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Nonfiction, Science, The States We’re In)  

DIRT: ADVENTURES IN LYON AS A CHEF IN TRAINING, FATHER, AND SLEUTH LOOKING FOR THE SECRET OF FRENCH COOKING by BILL BUFORD (DB 99959) (Biography & Memoir, Cookbooks & Food, Family Matters, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)

DJINN PATROL ON THE PURPLE LINE  by DEEPA ANAPPARA (DB 98647) (Book Club Ideas, Mysteries & Thrillers, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)  

EACH OF US A DESERT  by MARK OSHIRO (DB 100866) (Ladies First, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, The Dark Side, Young Adult)  

EAT A PEACH: A MEMOIR by DAVID CHANG (DB 100830) (Biography & Memoir, Cookbooks & Food, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

ECHO MOUNTAIN by LAUREN WOLK (DB 99827) (Family Matters, Historical Fiction, Kids’ Books, Seriously Great Writing, The States We’re In)  

ELATSOE by DARCIE LITTLE BADGER (IN PROCESS) (Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, The States We’re In, Young Adult)  

EMPRESS OF SALT AND FORTUNE  by NGHI VO (BR 23267) (Book Club Ideas, Rather Short, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing)  

EVEN AS WE BREATHE by ANNETTE SAUNOOKE CLAPSADDLE (IN PROCESS) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Historical Fiction, Identity & Culture, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In, Young Adult)  

EVERY REASON WE SHOULDN’T  by SARA FUJIMURA (DB 99186) (Family Matters, For Sports Lovers, Identity & Culture, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult)  

FAITHLESS HAWK by MARGARET OWEN (DB 100140) (Ladies First, Love Stories, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

FATHER OF LIONS: ONE MAN’S REMARKABLE QUEST TO SAVE THE MOSUL ZOO by LOUISE CALLAGHAN (DB 98132) (Biography & Memoir, Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)  

FLYAWAY by KATHLEEN JENNINGS (DB 100178) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Rather Short, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Tales from Around the World, The Dark Side)  

FOLLOWERS by MEGAN ANGELO (DB 98623) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

FOUL IS FAIR  by HANNAH CAPIN (DB 98615) (Mysteries & Thrillers, Seriously Great Writing, The Dark Side, Young Adult)  

FREEDOM ARTIST by BEN OKRI (DB 98627) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, Sci-Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, The Dark Side)  

FUNNY WEATHER: ART IN AN EMERGENCY by OLIVIA LAING (DB 101071) (For Art Lovers, Nonfiction, Seriously Great Writing, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, The Dark Side)  

GIRL GONE VIRAL by ALISHA RAI (DB 100903) (Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

GLASS HOTEL by EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL (DB 98955; BR 23151; LB 12966) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, The Dark Side)  

GODSHOT by CHELSEA BIEKER (DB 99121) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, The Dark Side)  

GORDON RAMSAY QUICK AND DELICIOUS: 100 RECIPES TO COOK IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS by GORDON RAMSAY (IN PROCESS) (Cookbooks & Food)  

HAMNET by MAGGIE O’FARRELL (DB 100166) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Historical Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

HARROW THE NINTH by TAMSYN MUIR (DB 100538) (Ladies First, Rather Long, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, The Dark Side)  

HAVING AND BEING HAD by EULA BISS (DB 100522) (Book Club Ideas, Nonfiction, Seriously Great Writing, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, Staff Picks)  

HEADLINERS  by LUCY PARKER (DB 98733) (Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, No Biz Like Show Biz, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, Tales from Around the World)  

HEAP by SEAN ADAMS (DB 98446) (Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, The Dark Side, The States We’re In)  

HEART OF JUNK by LUKE GEDDES (DB 98475) (Funny Stuff, It’s all Geek to Me, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

HEARTS OF OAK by EDDIE ROBSON (DB 99275) (Funny Stuff, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction)  

HENCH by NATALIE ZINA WALSCHOTS (DB 101086) (Funny Stuff, It’s all Geek to Me, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, The Dark Side)  

HERE FOR IT: OR, HOW TO SAVE YOUR SOUL IN AMERICA: ESSAYS by R. ERIC THOMAS (DB 98878) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Funny Stuff, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, Staff Picks)  

HIDDEN GIRL AND OTHER STORIES  by KEN LIU (DB 98736) (Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Short Stories Essays & Poetry)  

HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD: INSIDE THE MIND OF AN AMERICAN FAMILY by ROBERT KOLKER (DB 99192; BR 23355; LB 12934) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Nonfiction, Science, Staff Picks)  

HIGH AS THE WATERS RISE by ANIA KAMPMANN (IN PROCESS) (Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Tales from Around the World)  

HOAX: DONALD TRUMP, FOX NEWS, AND THE DANGEROUS DISTORTION OF TRUTH by BRIAN STELTER (DB 100892) (Eye-Opening Reads, No Biz Like Show Biz, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

HOMELAND ELEGIES by AYAD AKHTAR (DB 100802) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Realistic Fiction, The States We’re In)  

HOMIE: POEMS  by DANEZ SMITH (DB 99026) (Identity & Culture, Short Stories Essays & Poetry)  

HOOD FEMINISM: NOTES FROM THE WOMEN THAT A MOVEMENT FORGOT by MIKKI KENDALL (DB 98638; BR 23152) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Nonfiction, Short Stories  

HOW MUCH OF THESE HILLS IS GOLD by C PAM ZHANG (DB 99144; LB 12949) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Historical Fiction, Identity & Culture, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

HUMAN COSMOS: CIVILIZATION AND THE STARS by JO MARCHANT (DB 100894) (Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Nonfiction, Science)  

I AM EVERY GOOD THING by DERRICK BARNES (DB 100558) (Family Matters, For Art Lovers, Identity & Cultures, Kids’ Books, Staff Picks)

I WANT YOU TO KNOW WE’RE STILL HERE: A POST-HOLOCAUST MEMOIR by ESTHER SAFRAN FOER (DB 99876) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

IF I HAD YOUR FACE by FRANCES CHA (DB 99495) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

IKENGA by NNEDI OKORAFOR (DB 100731) (Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Kids’ Books, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

INTERIOR CHINATOWN by CHARLES YU, CHARLES (DB 98416) (Book Club Ideas, Funny Stuff, Identity & Culture, No Biz Like Show Biz, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

INTIMATIONS: SIX ESSAYS by ZADIE SMITH (DB 100398) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, The States We’re In)  

INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE by VICTORIA SCHWAB (DB 100901) (For Art Lovers, For History Lovers, Rather Long, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction)  

JACK by MARILYNNE ROBINSON (DB 100592) (Book Club Ideas, Historical Fiction, Identity & Culture, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

JOURNEYS OF TREES: A STORY ABOUT FORESTS, PEOPLE, AND THE FUTURE by ZACH ST GEORGE (DB 100220; BR 23309) (Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Nonfiction, Science, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

JUST US: AN AMERICAN CONVERSATION by CLAUDIA RANKINE (IN PROCESS) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Seriously Great Writing, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

KING AND THE DRAGONFLIES by KACEN CALLENDER (DB 98682) (Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Seriously Great Writing, Young Adult)  

LAST EMPEROX: THE INTERDEPENDENCY, BOOK 3 by JOHN SCALZI (DB 99745) (Funny Stuff, Ladies First, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks)  

LAST MILLION: EUROPE’S DISPLACED PERSONS FROM WORLD WAR TO COLD WAR by DAVID NASAW (IN PROCESS) (Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Nonfiction, Rather Long, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND by RUMAAN ALAM (DB 101085) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, Mysteries & Thrillers, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

LIFE OF A KLANSMAN: A FAMILY HISTORY IN WHITE SUPREMACY by EDWARD BALL (IN PROCESS) (Eye-Opening Read, Family Matters, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

LIFTING AS WE CLIMB: BLACK WOMEN’S BATTLE FOR THE BALLOT BOX by EVETTE DIONNE (DB 99588) (Biography & Memoir, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Kids’ Books, Ladies First, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE  by REBECCA STEAD (DB 99640) (Family Matters, Kids’ Books, Staff Picks)  

LITTLE EYES  by SAMANTA SCHWEBLIN (DB 99674) (Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, The Dark Side)  

LONG BRIGHT RIVER by LIZ MOORE (DB 97977; BR 22990) (Family Matters, Mysteries & Thrillers, Rather Long, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The Dark Side, The States We’re In)  

LOST BOOK OF ADANA MOREAU by MICHAEL ZAPATA (DB 98697) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing)  

LUSTER by RAVEN LEILANI (DB 100173) (Identity & Culture, Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

LYING LIFE OF ADULTS by ELENA FERRANTE (DB 100469) (Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

MAD, BAD & DANGEROUS TO KNOW by SAMIRA AHMED (DB 99829) (For Art Lovers, Identity & Culture, Young Adult)  

ME AND WHITE SUPREMACY: COMBAT RACISM, CHANGE THE WORLD, AND BECOME A GOOD ANCESTOR by LAYLA F. SAAD (DB 98751) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Book, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

MEANING OF MARIAH CAREY by MARIAH CAREY (DB 100908) (Biography & Memoir, For Music Lovers, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

MEMORIAL DRIVE: A DAUGHTER’S MEMOIR by NATASHA D. TRETHEWEY (DB 100452) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Seriously Great Writing)  

MEMORIAL by BRYAN WASHINGTON (DB 101143) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

MERMAID, THE WITCH, AND THE SEA by MAGGIE TOKUDA-HALL (DB 99393) (Love Stories, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Young Adult)  

MEXICAN GOTHIC by SILVIA MORENO-GARCIA (DB 99404) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Mysteries & Thrillers, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL by FLEUR BRADLEY (DB 100640) (Kids’ Books, Mysteries & Thrillers, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

MINOR FEELINGS: AN ASIAN AMERICAN RECKONING by CATHY PARK HONG (DB 98817) (Biography & Memoir, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)

MIRROR & THE LIGHT by HILARY MANTEL (DB 98825; LB 12837) (For History Lovers, Historical Fiction, Rather Long, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

MISSIONARIES by PHIL KLAY (DB 100971) (Book Club Ideas, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World, The Dark Side)  

MONOGAMY by SUE MILLER (DB 100599) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

MOUNTAINS SING by PHAN QUE MAI NGUYEN (IN PROCESS) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, For History Lovers, Historical Fiction, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

NETWORK EFFECT: THE MURDERBOT DIARIES by MARTHA WELLS (DB 100216) (Family Matters, Funny Stuff, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks)  

NEW WAVES by KEVIN NGUYEN (DB 98832) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, It’s All Geek to Me, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

NIGHT WATCHMAN by LOUISE ERDRICH (DB 98896; BR 23078; LB 12937) (For History Lovers, Historical Fiction, Identity & Culture, Rather Long, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

NO FILTER: THE INSIDE STORY OF INSTAGRAM by SARAH FRIER (IN PROCESS) (Identity & Culture, It’s All Geek to Me, Nonfiction, Rather Long, Staff Picks)  

NO RULES RULES: NETFLIX AND THE CULTURE OF REINVENTION by REED HASTINGS & ERIN MEYER (IN PROCESS) (No Biz Like Show Biz, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

NOTES FROM AN APOCALYPSE: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE WORLD AND BACK by MARK O’CONNELL (DB 99815) (Biography & Memoir, Eye-Opening Reads, Nonfiction, Seriously Great Writing, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, The Dark Side)  

NOTES ON A SILENCING: A MEMOIR by LACY CRAWFORD (DB 100632) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

OBIT: POEMS by VICTORIA CHANG (DB 99260; BR 23147) (Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, The Dark Side)  

ONCE AND FUTURE WITCHES by ALIX E. HARROW (DB 100973) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Ladies First, Rather Long, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing)  

ONE LIFE by MEGAN RAPINOE (DB 101309) (Biography & Memoir, For Sports Lovers, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

ONE TO WATCH by KATE STAYMAN-LONDON (DB 101336) (Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Love Stories, No Biz Like Show Biz, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

ONLY GOOD INDIANS by STEPHEN GRAHAM JONES (DB 100116) (Identity & Culture, Mysteries & Thrillers, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

OTHER BENNET SISTER by JANICE HADLOW (DB 99609) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Historical Fiction, Ladies First, Love Stories, Rather Long, Staff Picks)  

OWLS OF THE EASTERN ICE: A QUEST TO FIND AND SAVE THE WORLD’S LARGEST OWL by JONATHAN C. SLAGHT (DB 100252) (Eye-Opening Reads, It’s All Geek to Me, Nonfiction, Science, Seriously Great Writing, Tales From Around the World)  

PARTY OF TWO by JASMINE GUILLORY (DB 99911) (Identity & Culture, Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

PIRANESI  by SUSANNA CLARKE (DB 100700) (Book Club Ideas, Mysteries & Thrillers, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

PIZZA GIRL  by JEAN KYOUNG FRAZIER (DB 99513) (Funny Stuff, Rather Short, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

PULL OF THE STARS by EMMA DONOGHUE (DB 100108) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Historical Fiction, Ladies First, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World, The Dark Side)  

RACE AGAINST TIME: A REPORTER REOPENS THE UNSOLVED MURDER CASES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ERA by JERRY MITCHELL (DB 100648) (Biography & Memoir, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

RACE FOR PROFIT: HOW BANKS AND THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY UNDERMINED BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP by KEEANGA-YAMAHTTA TAYLOR (DB 97566) (Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

RAKESS: SOCIETY OF SIRENS, BOOK 1 by SCARLETT PECKHAM (DB 100175) (Historical Fiction, Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories)  

RAYBEARER by JORDAN IFUEKO (DB 100566) (Family Matters, Ladies First, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks, Young Adult)  

REAL LIFE by BRANDON TAYLOR (DB 98508; BR 23066) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

RECIPE FOR PERSUASION by SONALI DEV (DB 99856) (Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Love Stories, Rather Long, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

REGRETS by AMY BONNAFONS (DB 98648) (Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, The States We’re In)  

REMEMBRANCE by RITA WOODS (DB 98202) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction)  

RICHES OF THIS LAND: THE UNTOLD, TRUE STORY OF AMERICA’S MIDDLE CLASS by JIM TANKERSLEY (DB 100224) (Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

RING SHOUT: OR, HUNTING KU KLUXES IN THE END TIMES by P. DJÈLÍ CLARK (DB 101148) (Book Club Ideas, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Rather Short, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

RIOT BABY by TOCHI ONYEBUCHI (DB 98546; BR 23284) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Rather Short, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, The Dark Side, The States We’re In)  

RODHAM by CURTIS SITTENFELD (DB 99840) (Book Club Ideas, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

ROOMMATE by ROSIE DANAN (DB 100801) (Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, No Biz Like Show Biz, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

RUN ME TO EARTH by PAUL YOON (DB 98462; BR 23049) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Historical Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Tales From Around the World)  

SCORPIONFISH by NATALIE BAKOPOULOS (DB 100277) (Realistic Fiction Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

SEARCHER by TANA FRENCH (DB 100859) (Mysteries & Thrillers, Rather Long, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World, The Dark Side)  

SEX AND VANITY by KEVIN KWAN (DB 99405) (Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

SEXUAL CITIZENS: A LANDMARK STUDY OF SEX, POWER, AND ASSAULT ON CAMPUS by JENNIFER S. HIRSCH & SHAMUS KHAN (IN PROCESS) (Eye-Opening Reads, Let’s Talk About Sex, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)

SHADOW KING by MAAZA MENGISTE (DB 97110) (Book Club Ideas, For History Lovers, Historical Fiction, Identity & Culture, Rather Long, Seriously Great Writing, Tales From Around the World, Dark Side)

SHIT, ACTUALLY: THE DEFINITIVE, 100% OBJECTIVE GUIDE TO MODERN CINEMA by LINDY WEST (DB 101144) (Funny Stuff, It’s All Geek to Me, No Biz Like Show Biz, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, Staff Picks)  

SHUGGIE BAIN by DOUGLAS STUART (DB 101310)  (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

SISTERS IN HATE: AMERICAN WOMEN ON THE FRONT LINES OF WHITE NATIONALISM by SEYWARD DARBY (DB 101014) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The Dark Side, The States We’re In)  

SISTERS by DAISY JOHNSON (DB 100416) (Family Matters, Ladies First, Mysteries & Thrillers, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World, The Dark Side)  

SNAPPED by ALEXA MARTIN (DB 101080) (For Sports Lovers, Identity & Culture, Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT by MERYL WILSNER (DB 99790) (Funny Stuff, Ladies First, Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, No Biz Like Show Biz, Realistic Fiction)  

SPACE BETWEEN WORLDS by MICAIAH JOHNSON (DB 100455) (Family Matters, Ladies First, Mysteries & Thrillers, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing)  

SPLENDID AND THE VILE: A SAGA OF CHURCHILL, FAMILY, AND DEFIANCE DURING THE BLITZ by ERIK LARSON (DB 100054; LB 12943) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, For History Lovers, Nonfiction, Rather Long, Seriously Great Writing, Tales From Around the World, The Dark Side)  

STAMPED: RACISM, ANTIRACISM, AND YOU by JASON REYNOLDS (DB 98926; BR 23102) (Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In, Young Adult)  

SUCH A FUN AGE by KILEY REID (DB 97929; BR 23303; LB 12979) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

SUMMER by ALI SMITH (DB 100537) (Family Matters, For Art Lovers, Realistic Fiction, Tales From Around the World)  

SUPER FAKE LOVE SONG by DAVID YOON (IN PROCESS) (For Music Lovers, It’s All Geek to Me, Love Stories, Staff Picks, Young Adult)  

SURVIVOR SONG by PAUL TREMBLAY (DB 99675) (Ladies First, Mysteries & Thrillers, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, The Dark Side)  

TAKE A HINT, DANI BROWN by TALIA HIBBERT (DB 99905) (For Sports Lovers, Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  


TALK: CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE, LOVE & TRUTH by WADE HUDSON & CHERYL WILLIS HUDSON (IN PROCESS) (Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Kids’ Books, Nonfiction, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, Young Adult)  

TEMPORARY by HILARY LEICHTER (DB 98758) (Book Club Ideas, Funny Stuff, Ladies First, Rather Short)  

THEY WENT LEFT by MONICA HESSE (DB 99223) (For History Lovers, Historical Fiction, Staff Picks, Young Adult)  

THIS IS MY AMERICA by KIM JOHNSON (DB 100194) (Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Mysteries & Thrillers, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, Young Adult)  

TOKYO UENO STATION by MIRI YU (DB 99908) (Rather Short, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Tales From Around the World, The Dark Side)  

TOMBOYLAND: ESSAYS by MELISSA FALIVENO (DB 101217) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Nonfiction, Seriously Great Writing, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, The States We’re In)  

TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM by GYASI YAA (DB 100528) (Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, identity & Culture, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Science, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

TROUBLE THE SAINTS by ALAYA DAWN JOHNSON (DB 100117) (Book Club Ideas, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

UNCANNY VALLEY: A MEMOIR by ANNA WIENER (DB 98158) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, It’s All Geek to Me, Ladies First, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

UNDOCUMENTED AMERICANS by KARLA CORNEJO VILLAVICENCIO (DB 99860) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Rather Short, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

UP ALL NIGHT: TED TURNER, CNN, AND THE BIRTH OF 24-HOUR NEWS by LISA NAPOLI (DB 100038) (For History Lovers, No Biz Like Show Biz, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

UPRIGHT WOMEN WANTED by SARAH GAILEY (DB 98684) (Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Rather Short, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction)  

UTOPIA AVENUE by DAVID MITCHELL (DB 99667) (For Music Lovers, Historical Fiction, Rather Long, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

VANISHING HALF by BRIT BENNETT (DB 99791; BR 23212) (Family Matters, Historical Fiction, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

VESPER FLIGHTS: NEW AND COLLECTED ESSAYS by HELEN MACDONALD (DB 100529) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Nonfiction, Science, Seriously Great Writing, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

WAX PACK: ON THE OPEN ROAD IN SEARCH OF BASEBALL’S AFTERLIFE by BRAD BALUKJIAN (DB 100602) (For History Lovers, For Sports Lovers, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)  

WE RIDE UPON STICKS by BARRY QUAN (DB 99244) (For Sport Lovers, Funny Stuff, Ladies First, Sci Fi Fantasy & Speculative Fiction, Staff Picks, The Dark Side)  

WEATHER by JENNY OFFILL (DB 98466) (Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

WHAT ARE YOU GOING THROUGH by SIGRID NUNEZ (DB 100533) (Book Club Ideas, Ladies First, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

WHAT CAN A BODY DO?: HOW WE MEET THE BUILT WORLD by SARA HENDREN (DB 100228; BR 23245) (Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING by ALYSSA COLE (DB 100647) (Book Club Ideas, Mysteries & Thrillers, Staff Picks, The Dark Side, The
States We’re In)  

WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED by VICTORIA JAMIESON (DB 99879) (Comics & Graphic Novels, Eye-Opening Reads, Family Matters, Identity & Culture, Kids’ Books, Tales From Around the World)  

WHEN THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD WAS SUBDUED, OUR SONGS CAME THROUGH: A NORTON ANTHOLOGY OF NATIVE NATIONS POETRY (DB 100387) (Eye-Opening Reads, Seriously Great Writing, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)

WHISTLEBLOWER: MY JOURNEY TO SILICON VALLEY AND FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AT UBER by SUSAN J. FOWLER (DB 98700) (Biography & Memoir, Identity & Culture, Ladies First, Nonfiction, Staff Picks)  

WHY FISH DON’T EXIST: A STORY OF LOSS, LOVE, AND THE HIDDEN ORDER OF LIFE by LULU MILLER (IN PROCESS) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, Mysteries & Thrillers, Nonfiction, Science, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks)  

WHY WE SWIM by BONNIE TSUI (DB 99409) (Biography & Memoir, For Sports Lovers, It’s All Geek to Me, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

WINTER COUNTS by DAVID HESKA WANBLI WEIDEN (DB 100989) (Identity & Culture, Mysteries & Thrillers, The Dark Side, The States We’re In)  

WOMEN IN BLACK by MADELEINE ST JOHN (BR 23100) (Book Club Ideas, Historical Fiction, Ladies First, Seriously Great Writing, Staff Picks, Tales From Around the World)  

WORLD OF WONDERS: IN PRAISE OF FIREFLIES, WHALE SHARKS, AND OTHER ASTONISHMENTS by AIMEE NEZUKUMATATHIL (DB 100702; BR 23339) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Family Matters, For Art Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Science, Seriously Great Writing, Short Stories Essays & Poetry, The States We’re In)  

WORST BEST MAN by MIA SOSA (DB 98590) (Family Matters, Let’s Talk About Sex, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Staff Picks)  

WOW, NO THANK YOU: ESSAYS by SAMANTHA IRBY (DB 99633) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Funny Stuff, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Essays & Poetry)  

WRITERS & LOVERS by LILY KING (DB 98766; BR 23292) (Book Club Ideas, Love Stories, Realistic Fiction, Seriously Good Writing)  

X + Y: A MATHEMATICIAN’S MANIFESTO FOR RETHINKING GENDER by EUGENIA CHENG (IN PROCESS) (Eye-Opening Reads, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Science, Staff Picks)  

YELLOW BIRD: OIL, MURDER, AND A WOMAN’S SEARCH FOR JUSTICE IN INDIAN COUNTRY by SIERRA CRANE MURDOCH (DB 98873) (Biography & Memoir, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Identity & Culture, Nonfiction, Seriously Great Writing, The States We’re In)  

YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST: A BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON by ALEXIS COLE (DB 98883) (Biography & Memoir, Eye-Opening Reads, For History Lovers, Funny Stuff, Nonfiction, Staff Picks, The States We’re In)

Goodreads 2020 Choice Awards Announced

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The social cataloging website for book lovers, Goodreads, has just announced their readers’ Choice Awards for 2020. The Texas Talking Book Program has a good number of them in our collection. Are you looking for a good suspenseful novel? Goodreads members chose GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley (DB 99917) as their favorite mystery and thriller book for this past year. Are you more interested in non-fiction? LIFE ON OUR PLANET: MY WITNESS STATEMENT AND A VISION FOR THE FUTURE by David Attenborough (DB 100970) was chosen as the best science and technology non-fiction book.  Perhaps you’re in the market for a new author to explore. Goodreads readers awarded Kiley Reid the honor of Debut Goodreads Author for SUCH A FUN AGE (DB 97929). No matter which genre you enjoy, the bibliophiles at Goodreads have chosen a favorite book published this year. Contact us at TBPRAL@tsl.texas.gov and we can help you find your next favorite book.

For more information: https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2020

Here are all of the winners in the NLS collection:

Fiction

MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig (DB 100906)

Mystery and Thriller

GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley (DB 99917)

Historical Fiction

VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett (DB 99791; BR 23212)

Fantasy

HOUSE OF EARTH AND BLOOD by Sarah J. Maas (DB 99138)

Romance

BLOOD AND ASH, BOOKS 1-2 by Jennifer Armentrout (In Process)

Science Fiction

TO SLEEP IN A SEA OF STARS by Christopher Paolini (In Process)

Horror

MEXICAN GOTHIC by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (DB 99404)

Nonfiction

STAMPED: RACISM, ANTIRACISM, AND YOU by Jason Reynolds (DB 98926; BR 23102)

Best Memoir and Autobiography

PROMISED LAND by Barak Obama (DB 100966)

Best History and Biography

CASTE: THE ORIGINS OF OUR DISCONTENTS by Isabel Wilkerson (DB 100088)

Science and Technology

LIFE ON OUR PLANET: MY WITNESS STATEMENT AND A VISION FOR THE FUTURE by David Attenborough (DB 100970)

Best Food and Cookbooks

MODERN COMFORT FOOD by Ina Garten (In Process)

Best Debut Novel

SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid (DB 97929; BR 23303)

Best Young Adult Fiction

CLAP WHEN YOU LAND by Elizabeth Acevedo (DB 99823)

YA Fantasy and Science Fiction

QUEEN OF NOTHING by Holly Black (DB 97610)

Christy Awards Finalists 2020

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The Christy Awards were established in 1999 to acknowledge the value and impact of the novel of faith in contemporary culture. The finalists were announced October 8. The winners will be announced November 12. Here are the finalists for 2020 that are in the Talking Book Program collection and available for checkout to our patrons.

Contemporary Romance

SWEET ON YOU

WADE, BECKY

DB 95308

First Novel

LONG TIME COMIN’

PEARSON, ROBIN W.

DB 99028

Historical

MY DEAREST DIETRICH: A NOVEL OF DIETRICH BONHOEFFER’S LOST LOVE

BARRATT, AMANDA

DB 99439

Historical Romance

LAND BENEATH US: SUNRISE AT NORMANDY, BOOK 3

SUNDIN, SARAH

DB 98793

Short Form

FLOOD OF LOVE (Contained in SERVING UP LOVE: A FOUR-IN-ONE HARVEY HOUSE BRIDES COLLECTION)

PETERSON, TRACIE

IN PROCESS

INTRIGUE A LA MODE (Contained in SERVING UP LOVE: A FOUR-IN-ONE HARVEY HOUSE BRIDES COLLECTION)

JENNINGS, REGINA

IN PROCESS