Licorice

Leave a comment

by Kara LaReau
First sentence: “Sometimes I dream about the house at 5 Manderley Lane, dreams that make my legs kick and my whiskers twitch.”
Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!
Release date: Oct 20, 2026
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Content: There are some unsettling moments and talk of a pet’s death. It will be in the Middle Grade (grades 3-5) section of the bookstore.

Kitty is a feral cat that lost her family and has been rescued and placed at a shelter. It’s there that Max finds her and decides to adopt her, even though his previous cat, Licorice, just tragically died months before. Kitty – because she’s anxious and shy and getting used to being inside — has a hard time adjusting, something which is made exponentially more difficult by the bird in the house, Duchess. Duchess, who says that Licorice was perfect. That Max loved Licorice best. That Kitty could never replace Licorice.

I didn’t do a fantastic job explaining it, but this is Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca, but with pets and for middle graders.

Which is kind of weird, if you think about it. How many kids are going to know the source material? Or even seek it out afterward? LaReau did a great job – all the beats of the book/movie are there, and it’s clever in the way she made the story work. It was slow to start – which is its own problem – but I found that it was quite compelling as it went along. I just wonder how many kids are going to want to read this. Or, to be fair, how to handsell it. Because “Rebecca but with pets” isn’t going to cut it.

I need an actual kid who knows nothing about Rebecca to read this and see if it works, because I think it’s clever.

Jesus for Everyone

Leave a comment

by Amy-Jill Levine
First sentence: “Jesus is fascinating.”
Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!
Content: It’s a bit scholarly at times, which I found a little dense to wade through, which is partly why it took me so long to get through this one. It’s in the Religion/Philosophy section of the bookstore.

One of the most important things to know about this book is that Levine is a professor of New Testament and Jewish studies at Vanderbilt and a practicing Jew. That’s important, because she’s coming at the life and teachings of Jesus from a scholarly rather than a faithful perspective, and from someone who knows the Jewish traditions not only from a scholarly perspective but from a faith one as well. Additionally, she’s not trying to increase the faith of the believer in Jesus. Rather, she’s laying out a case that Jesus’ teachings are for everyone, not just believers. It’s a fascinating approach.

Levine looks at the synoptic gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke – and tackles Jesus’ teachings on a variety of topics from Economics to Health Care and Family Values. She knows the scriptures intimately, from a historical perspective, and is asking some interesting questions about the implications of Jesus’ teachings to us today. (If I were a dog-earing/underlining sort of person, I would have underlined a lot.) It’s challenging without being confrontational, and it led to many good discussions with my husband.

It’s definitely worth a read.

Vengeful

Leave a comment

by V. E. Schwab
First sentence: “The night Marcella died, she made her husband’s favorite dinner.”
Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!
Others in the series: Vicious
Content: It is very violent, with a super high body count, and some of the deaths are quite violent. It’s also swearing, with multiple f-bombs. It’s in the Science Fiction/Fantasy section of the bookstore.

Spoilers for Vicious, obviously.

Marcella Riggs is a powerful woman, married to a rising mob man. But when she discovers that he’s been cheating on her, she loses her temper. And then he kills her. She doesn’t die, though, but is turned into an EO – an ExtraOrdinary – with an unusually dangerous power. Eli Ever is still in custody at EON – the organization that was created to track and capture/neutralize EOs – but has become useful (by force? by choice?) to helping them track EOs (since that’s what he was doing before he was captured). Victor Vale has evaded death again, with the help of his sidekick/ward, Syd, who can raise things from the dead. The problem is that she didn’t do it quite right, and Victor’s power overwhelms his system and kills him for an increasingly larger length of time.

And then there’s June.

I found June to be the most interesting of the characters that Schwab introduces. We don’t know much about her: she’s a shapeshifter, she’s a hitwoman, and she takes a fascination/liking to Syd.

A lot happens, plot-wise: Marcella gets revenge and then collects June and another EO and decides to take over the mob and then the city. Eli’s dealing with EON and trying to get his freedom again. Victor spends most of the book trying (and failing) to find a cure. But in Schwab’s deft hands, all these moving parts coalesce into a grand finale that not only wraps this book up but also sets up a third (out this fall! Reading soon!) quite nicely.

Did I love it? No. But then, this series isn’t my favorite of Schwab’s. That said, it is compelling to read about people who are so morally questionable, and explore the idea of what if EO’s really existed and the consequences of their actions (which superhero movies never seem to do). It’s very Watchmen-like in its DNA, which, if you like that, then this is a solid read.

That said, I am curious to see how Schwab wraps this up, and I have the ARC of the third book, so I’ll be reading it.

Audiobook: The Girl with a Thousand Faces

Leave a comment

by Sunyi Dean
Read by Natalie Naudus
Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!
Or listen at Libro.fm
Content: There is a lot of violence, including some gruesome killings, as well as swearing, including multiple f-bombs. It’s in the Science Fiction/Fantasy section of the bookstore.

Mercy Chan has spent the past 30 years since she washed up on the shores of Hong Kong being a ghost talker in the walled Kowloon neighborhood of Hong Kong. She’s made a bit of a reputation for herself and works for the largest gang in town, helping them keep the streets of Kowloon safe (ish). But a new demon has infiltrated the walls of the neighborhood, one that can’t be talked down to and one that is killing indiscriminately. As Mercy finds out more about the demon, she slowly comes to realize that maybe this one has more to do with her than she thought.

I was told by my SFF reading buddies at work (whom I trust to send good books my way) that this was excellent. And when I saw it on audio, I picked it up. First, that was an excellent choice. Nadus is a FANTASTIC reader, one of those that I will actively seek out books she reads. She added a level of atmosphere to this one that added to the creepiness and to the story, which really made it engrossing.

Second, I might have given up on this one if it weren’t for Nadus. It’s interesting but not really compelling until nearly through the second part, when it just hits a different level. The problem for me, though, was that the second part was written in the second person. Which I loathe. I really hate feeling like a book is talking to me rather than just reading a story, but listening to it on audio softened this annoyance. I get why Dean made that choice, but it still was mildly annoying. Even so, this was a fantastic ghost story – horror lite, which I’ve discovered I don’t hate – and one definitely worth listening to.

Monthly Round-up: May 2026

1 Comment

We are looking for a new bookseller at the store, and the floor manager (who has been there as long as I have) was talking about some of the people she interviewed. One of the things: a lot of the people applying don’t read more than 4-5 books a year. We were all baffled: even the slowest reader on staff reads about a book a week. What would compel you to apply as a bookseller at an independent bookstore if you don’t actually read? Maybe I’m being snobby, but it did make us wonder.

Choosing my favorite this month was kind of challenging. There were several that I really loved, but in the end I chose this one:

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest (audiobook)

I think it was because the audiobook was just so perfect for this story. I would happily listen to this story again, thinking about the themes of family and death and choice that it brings up. It’s truly a gem.

As for the rest:

Graphic Novels:

Encore
The Lost Daughter of Sparta

Middle Grade:

Building 903

Adult Fiction:

Sunlight Finds You
Star Shipped (audiobook)
Dolly All the Time
Sea of Charms
Piranesi (reread) (audiobook)
Love Song
Wild Goose Chase

Young Adult:

Young World

Non-Fiction

The Future is Peace

It’s summertime, so it’ll be interesting to see what my reading looks like next month!

The Lost Daughter of Sparta

1 Comment

by Felicia Day, illustrations by Rowan MacColl
Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!
Content: It’s based in the Greek myths, so the general Greek myth stuff – violence, talk of abuse and rape, and parental neglect. It’s in the Graphic Novel section of the bookstore.

Philonoe is the fourth sister whose famous older sisters – Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra, Timandra – all betrayed their husbands and families. Philonoe was born with a “curse” – a facial birthmark – and was sent away, but when she was old enough, she was brought back for one purpose: to marry and to bring honor to her family. She decided, though, that she didn’t trust that the curse Aphrodite put on her family wouldn’t work on her, so she went to the goddess, begging for her to release the curse. Of course, gods can’t just do things, so Philonoe was sent on a quest to get Aphrodite three items in exchange. Artemis – who, for reasons of her own, was intrigued by Philonoe – went along to help.

It sounds simple, but in Day’s and MacColl’s hands, this graphic novel comes alive. It’s based on a throwaway line in an early work that mentions that Artemis gives Philonoe immortality and Day began imagining why. And what we get is a hero’s quest, with a girl at the center, a sapphic love story, and a character who learns to stand up for herself and her desires and not live for the approval of others.

It’s fantastic. The art is perfect for the story, and I was thoroughly engrossed by Philonoe’s quest and growth. I haven’t read a graphic novel this compelling in a long time.

Highly recommended, especially if you like Greek mythology.

Building 903

Leave a comment

by Lois Lowry
First sentence: “Later — much later, when she was grown — Tessa remembered those weeks when she was fourteen years old.”
Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!
Review copy provided by the publisher
Release date: September 29, 2026
Content: There are some unsettling parts. It will be in the Middle Grade (grades 3-5) section of the bookstore.

One day, Tessa’s twin brother Theo just up and disappears. No clue as to where he went, and the government just erases him from the records. It’s a world where the government is run by a fascist dictator, who has outlawed books, music, and pretty much all joy. And then, her next-door neighbor is taken away to Elder Care (she’s 134!) and leaves Tessa with a key that unlocks a secret closet where Miriam’s secret stash of contraband books is.

From there, things get… odd… as Tessa’s parents take over. Her dad’s been working on some sort of secret means of transportation, and the three of them head to Building 903 where all the books are kept, in order to figure out the connection between the books and Theo’s disappearance.

To be honest, once Tessa’s parents got involved, I stopped being interested. I expected more from Lowry, who should know that a middle grade book is where the main character is 11 or 12 (not 14! Though she acted so much younger) and they propel the action, no matter how unbelievable. I was very disappointed at all the exposition (Tessa’s dad goes on for PAGES) and the absolute lack of action from Tessa. What’s the point of having a child as a main character if all the adults do all the work? It’s dumb. I can understand she wanted to write a book about the dangers of book banning and the importance of stories, but this book wasn’t it.

Tragic.

Audiobook: The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest

Leave a comment

by Aubrey Hartman
Read by Marisa Calin
Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!
Or listen at Libro.fm
Content: There are some intense moments, especially for animal lovers. It’s in the Newbery Medal section of the bookstore.

Clair is the usher of animals’ spirits into the afterlife. He’s comfortable in his life; he enjoys his job; and his undeath keeps him from going to the afterworld he thinks he’s destined for: the realm of Pain. Then one day, a badger (of all animals!) comes through and can’t find her way into the afterlife. Clair tries everything he knows how to do, and nothing works. So he and Gingersnipes (the badger) set out on an adventure to try and figure out what to do.

It’s a simple story, and one I think that if I’d read, I’d not enjoy very much. But, listening to it on audio? It was perfect. Calin did an excellent job with the story, keeping me as a listener engaged. Some production elements helped as well – echoes and different effects, and so on — that helped as well. And as a result, I couldn’t stop listening. It was compelling, entertaining, and yes, touching.

This one would make an excellent read-aloud as well.

Wild Goose Chase

Leave a comment

by Sarah Adler
First sentence: “Dear Dr. Worthy – My name is John Otis Morse.”
Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!
Release date: July 28, 2026
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Content: There is some swearing, including multiple f-bombs, and on-page sex. It will be in the romance section of the bookstore.

As part-owner of an antique store, Cal knows his stuff. He’s been working there since the previous owner (who has since died) caught him attempting to steal, became a surrogate father, and completely changed his life. So when the other part-owner takes off for Italy (to get married!) and sends his niece, Annie, to help Cal out, Cal’s a bit put out. Especially since Annie comes in, all whimsy and charm, threatening to upend everything. It also doesn’t help that Cal has suddenly had an illegal taxidermied goose thrust on him. He just has to figure out where the goose came from, and what to do with Annie (NOT fall in love, ha), and all will be as it was.

There are flashbacks to the early 1900s and a woman ornithologist to explain where the goose came from, and that’s a sweet little story in itself. As for the main one, I liked it a lot. I don’t think I loved it – I may be a bit burned out on romance right now – but I had fun with it. I liked both Cal and Annie, and while the 3rd act breakup seemed a bit forced, it wasn’t terrible.

In all, it’s much like Adler’s other books: it’s fun, it’s sweet, and it’s not a bad read.

Love Song

Leave a comment

by Elle Kennedy
First sentence: “Wyatt Graham is staring at me.”
Support your local independent bookstore: buy it there!
Content: Lots and lots of on-page pretty graphic sex, plus lots of swearing and some (kind of – she’s not quite 21) underage drinking. It’s in the Romance section of the bookstore.

Blake Logan and Wyatt Graham have known each other their entire lives, mostly because their fathers are best friends. (See: The Deal.) Wyatt is four years older, which has always been a problem, especially when Blake confessed her crush to Wyatt when she was 16. And then there was the Christmas two years ago when they came close to having sex, but Wyatt was drunk and pulled away. And now, on the heels of a breakup, Blake finds herself at the family house on Lake Tahoe, looking for some solace to recover. Except Wyatt is there, dealing with songwriter’s block. Of course, there is tension between the two. Of course, they (eventually) give in to it. And, of course, there is fallout.

I wanted to like this one a lot more than I did. And my big problem was with Wyatt. The first 250 pages (yes, you read that right) was Wyatt going “oh I’m obsessed with her, but I CAN’T” over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. To say it got repetitive is an understatement. Then at the 280-page mark, I got tired, skipped 100 pages and picked it up again. (Yes, you read that right, too.) I didn’t miss anything. (Well, I missed a subplot item, but I was beyond caring at that point.) I got the Drama with the pregnancy (drunken sex will do that to you) and then the aborton (well, it was an etopic pregnancy, so it had to happen), and then the fallout. And it was all so. much. Drama. Eventually, Wyatt gets his act together, but Blake kind of just mopes around the whole ending until she gets to drop out of college and be Wyatt’s full-time girlfriend.

Ugh.

At the bare minimum, this book was 100 pages too long. But, it was just not good. I liked the idea, I even read The Deal in preparation (it wasn’t bad). It was all very disappointing. Then again, maybe I’m just a little bit burned out on romance right now.

Either way, this was not good.