May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

Goodbye to May! 

I do not think I am alone in asking, "Wait, how did it get to be May 31st already?" I have been hearing it from people all day. The weather here has been spectacular --- what we call California weather. Last weekend, I finally just sat outside and read; it's been weeks since I've had the time to do that. I missed book group last week for the second time, which is not like me.

Onward to share what's been going on to keep me busy...

Luis Alberto Urrea is back with his first novel in five years, GOOD NIGHT, IRENE, which is June’s Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. Taking as inspiration his mother’s own Red Cross service, the Pulitzer Prize finalist has delivered an overlooked story of women’s heroism in World War II. In 1943, Irene Woodward enlists with the Red Cross and makes fast friends in training with Dorothy Dunford. Together they are part of an elite group of women, nicknamed Donut Dollies, who provide donuts and coffee (along with camaraderie and a taste of home) to soldiers who are heading into battle. Click here for the discussion guide.

My publisher contact sent me a copy of GOOD NIGHT, IRENE, telling me that he cried at the end, which sounds like a moving endorsement.

On Tuesday, July 11th at 3pm ET, Barnes & Noble will host a live virtual event with Luis Alberto Urrea. He will be joined in the discussion by Shannon DeVito, the Sr. Director of Book Strategy and Customer Experience at B&N, and Miwa Messer, B&N’s Editorial Director. Click here to sign up.

Bestselling sensation Juniper Song is not who she says she is, she didn’t write the book she claims she wrote, and she is most certainly not Asian American. YELLOWFACE --- an upcoming Bets On selection --- is the much-talked-about new novel from R. F. Kuang, the award-winning author of the Poppy War trilogy and BABEL: An Arcane History. With its totally immersive first-person voice, the book grapples with questions of diversity, racism and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media. Click here for the guide and here for our review on Bookreporter. Don’t miss my Bets On commentary in the next newsletter.

Another future Bets On pick is Megan Abbott’s new psychological thriller, BEWARE THE WOMAN, a nightmarish glimpse at every pregnant woman’s fears about their vulnerabilities. Newly married and with a baby on the way, Jacy and her husband, Jed, embark on their first road trip together to visit his father, Dr. Ash. But shortly after arriving at the cottage, Jacy has a health scare. Suddenly, whispers about Jed’s long-dead mother seem to eerily impinge upon the present, and Jacy begins to feel trapped in the cottage. But are her fears founded? Take a look at the guide and our Bookreporter review --- and find out why I’m betting you’ll love this book in the next newsletter.

We also have added guides for these three books:

• TRUST: Hernan Diaz’s latest masterpiece was recently awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (a joint winner with Barbara Kingsolver’s DEMON COPPERHEAD, for which we featured the guide last October). The novel takes us through the Roaring Twenties and the rise of a Wall Street tycoon and his wife, followed by the ensuing stock market crash that only adds to their affluence and reputation. But at what cost has this couple acquired their immense fortune? How did I miss reading this one?
   
• NO TWO PERSONS: In Erica Bauermeister’s new book, a stunning debut novel finds its way to nine readers --- from a teenager hiding her homelessness to a free diver pushing himself beyond endurance. Together, their stories reveal how books can affect us in the most beautiful and unexpected of ways --- and how we are all more closely connected to one another than we might think. I have heard raves about this one! 
   
• PIECES OF BLUE: Holly Goldberg Sloan makes her adult fiction debut with the story of Lindsey, a mother of three who is mourning the death of her husband, Paul. Once Paul's life insurance finally comes through, Lindsey impulsively uses the money to buy a charmingly ramshackle motel in Hawaii. She eventually bonds with a handsome stranger at the motel, unaware of the secrets he may be holding. I have this one on my shelf to read.

This is your last ReadingGroupGuides newsletter reminder to sign up for our upcoming “Bookaccino Live” book preview event, which will take place on Wednesday, June 14th at 2pm ET. The focus will be on titles releasing between June 13th and July 4th, in addition to a few from August, that we would like to get on your radar. Click here to register. Those attending the live event will be asked to answer a survey about the books from the presentation that they are most interested in reading and will be eligible to win a prize.

On Sunday, my book group is headed to Connecticut to tour the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden and hear a talk with Martha Hall Kelly. I am really looking forward to this. I will share photos in the next newsletter. If you also are going to be there, let me know.

Have a wonderful time with your group at your next gathering!

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])

P.S. For those of you who are doing online shopping, if you use the store links below, ReadingGroupGuides.com gets a small affiliate fee on your purchases. We would appreciate your considering this!

New Guide: GOOD NIGHT, IRENE by Luis Alberto Urrea
June’s Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick

GOOD NIGHT, IRENE by Luis Alberto Urrea (Historical Fiction)
In 1943, Irene Woodward abandons an abusive fiancé in New York to enlist with the Red Cross and head to Europe. She makes fast friends in training with Dorothy Dunford, a towering Midwesterner with a ferocious wit. Together they are part of an elite group of women, nicknamed Donut Dollies, who command military vehicles called Clubmobiles at the front line, providing camaraderie and a taste of home that may be the only solace before troops head into battle. After D-Day, these two intrepid friends join the Allied soldiers streaming into France. Through her friendship with Dorothy and a love affair with a courageous American fighter pilot named Hans, Irene learns to trust again. Her most fervent hope is for all three of them to survive the war intact.

» GOOD NIGHT, IRENE is June's Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. On Tuesday, July 11th at 3pm ET, B&N will host a live virtual event with Luis Alberto Urrea. He will be joined in the discussion by Shannon DeVito, the Sr. Director of Book Strategy and Customer Experience at B&N, and Miwa Messer, B&N’s Editorial Director. Click here to sign up.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.

Click here for the discussion guide.

New Guide: YELLOWFACE by R. F. Kuang
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title

YELLOWFACE by R. F. Kuang (Fiction)
Authors June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to be twin rising stars. But while Athena is a literary darling, June is literally nobody. When June witnesses Athena’s death in a freak accident, she acts on impulse: she steals Athena’s just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I. So what if June edits Athena’s novel and sends it to her agent as her own work? So what if she lets her new publisher rebrand her as Juniper Song --- complete with an ambiguously ethnic author photo? Doesn’t this piece of history deserve to be told, whoever the teller? But June can’t get away from Athena’s shadow, and emerging evidence threatens to bring June’s (stolen) success down around her.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review on Bookreporter.com.

Click here for the discussion guide.

YELLOWFACE will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary in the next newsletter.

New Guide: BEWARE THE WOMAN by Megan Abbott
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title

BEWARE THE WOMAN by Megan Abbott (Psychological Thriller)
Newly married and with a baby on the way, Jacy and her husband, Jed, embark on their first road trip together to visit his father, Dr. Ash. The moment they arrive at the cottage, snug within the lush woods, Jacy feels bathed in love by the warm and hospitable Dr. Ash. But their Edenic first days take a turn when Jacy has a health scare. Swiftly, vacation activities are scrapped, and all eyes are on Jacy’s condition. Suddenly, whispers about Jed’s long-dead mother seem to eerily impinge upon the present, and Jacy begins to feel trapped in the cottage. But are her fears founded or is it paranoia, or cabin fever, or --- as is suggested to her --- a stubborn refusal to take necessary precautions? The dense woods surrounding the cottage are full of dangers, but are the greater ones inside?

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to read our review on Bookreporter.com.

Click here for the discussion guide.

BEWARE THE WOMAN will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary in the next newsletter.

"What's Your Book Group Reading This Month?" Contest: Enter to Win 12 Copies of
TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW
by Gabrielle Zevin for Your Group

New Guide: TRUST by Hernan Diaz
Now Available in Paperback and
Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

TRUST by Hernan Diaz (Historical Fiction)
Even through the roar and effervescence of the 1920s, everyone in New York has heard of Benjamin and Helen Rask. He is a legendary Wall Street tycoon; she is the daughter of eccentric aristocrats. Together, they have risen to the very top of a world of seemingly endless wealth --- all as a decade of excess and speculation draws to an end. But at what cost have they acquired their immense fortune? This is the mystery at the center of Bonds, a successful 1937 novel that all of New York seems to have read. Yet there are other versions of this tale of privilege and deceit. Hernan Diaz’s TRUST elegantly puts these competing narratives into conversation with one another --- and in tension with the perspective of one woman bent on disentangling fact from fiction.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.

Click here for the discussion guide.

New Guide: NO TWO PERSONS by Erica Bauermeister

NO TWO PERSONS by Erica Bauermeister (Fiction)
Alice has always wanted to be a writer. Her talent is innate, but her stories remain safe and detached, until a devastating event breaks her heart open, and she creates a stunning debut novel. Her words find their way to readers, from a teenager hiding her homelessness, to a free diver pushing himself beyond endurance, an artist furious at the world around her, a bookseller in search of love, a widower rent by grief. Each one is drawn into Alice’s novel; each one discovers something different that alters their perspective, and presents new pathways forward for their lives. Together, their stories reveal how books can affect us in the most beautiful and unexpected of ways.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to read our review on Bookreporter.com.

Click here for the discussion guide.

New Guide: PIECES OF BLUE by Holly Goldberg Sloan

PIECES OF BLUE by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Fiction)
When Paul Hill drowns in a surfing accident, his broken-hearted wife, Lindsey, and their three children are left in huge financial trouble. Once Paul’s life insurance finally comes through, Lindsey impulsively uses the money to buy a charmingly ramshackle motel in Hawaii. Teenage Olivia quickly develops a crush on a handsome but monosyllabic skateboarder. Twelve-year-old Carlos reinvents himself as a popular kid named Carl. And Sena, the youngest, will do whatever it takes to protect her beloved motel chickens. But while the kids adjust, Lindsey is flailing. Then a handsome stranger rolls into the motel parking lot, and she’s surprised to feel a long-dormant part of herself stirring. She accepts his offer to help, unaware that he may have secrets of his own.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to read our review on Bookreporter.com.

Click here for the discussion guide.

New May Releases of Interest to Book Groups

Here are a number of books that released in May for the first time (which we aren't currently featuring on the site or in the newsletter) that we think will be of interest to book groups.

ALL THE DAYS OF SUMMER by Nancy Thayer (Fiction)
A woman’s second act on the beautiful island of Nantucket delivers much more than she expected in this hopeful novel by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer.

BETWEEN TWO STRANGERS by Kate White (Psychological Thriller)
A woman receives a bewildering inheritance that may have something to do with her past in this twisty and addictive psychological thriller from the New York Times bestselling author Entertainment Weekly calls “impossible to outwit.”

BLUE SKIES by T.C. Boyle (Thriller/Satire)
From bestselling novelist T.C. Boyle comes a satirical yet ultimately moving send-up of contemporary American life in the glare of climate change.

THE CELEBRANTS by Steven Rowley (Fiction)
THE CELEBRANTS is a moving tale about the false invincibility of youth and the beautiful ways in which friendship helps us celebrate our lives, even amid the deepest challenges of living.

DROWNING by T. J. Newman (Thriller)
With devastating emotional power and heart-stopping suspense, DROWNING is an unforgettable thriller about a family’s desperate fight to save themselves and the people trapped with them --- against impossible odds.

THE FERRYMAN by Justin Cronin (Dystopian Thriller/Science Fiction)
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE PASSAGE comes a riveting stand-alone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia --- where the truth isn't what it seems.

THE GUEST by Emma Cline (Psychological Thriller)
A young woman pretends to be someone she isn’t in this stunning novel by the New York Times bestselling author of THE GIRLS.

THE LIE MAKER by Linwood Barclay (Thriller)
In this twisty, fast-paced thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of FIND YOU FIRST and TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY, a man desperately tries to track down his father --- who was taken into witness protection years ago --- before his enemies can get to him.

LIFE B: Overcoming Double Depression by Bethanne Patrick (Memoir)
LIFE B is an intimate portrait we haven’t yet seen --- of a lifelong struggle with depression, of midlife diagnosis and newly found strength. Most important, it’s a life-affirming blueprint of how to accept and transcend the limitations of mental illness.

THE SENATOR'S WIFE by Liv Constantine (Psychological Thriller)
A D.C. philanthropist suspects that her seemingly perfect employee is secretly plotting to steal her husband, her reputation --- even her life --- in this seductive novel of psychological suspense from the internationally bestselling author of THE LAST MRS. PARRISH.

SUMMER ON SAG HARBOR by Sunny Hostin (Fiction)
Following her New York Times bestseller SUMMER ON THE BLUFFS, "The View" co-host and three-time Emmy Award winner Sunny Hostin spirits readers away to the warm beaches of Sag Harbor for the compelling second novel in her acclaimed Summer series.

SUMMER STAGE by Meg Mitchell Moore (Fiction)
From the bestselling author of VACATIONLAND comes a spirited summer page-turner following a family of actors grappling with fame, scandal and ambition --- perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand.

THERE ARE NO RULES FOR THIS by JJ Elliott (Fiction)
In her debut novel, JJ Elliott draws readers into a deeply affecting story of friendship, loss, guilt, healing and forgiveness. Told from the perspective of Ali, the story starts with her close friend Feeney’s suicide and progresses through its aftershocks, while continually flashing back to memorable incidents over the course of the women’s friendship.

THE TRUE LOVE EXPERIMENT by Christina Lauren (Romantic Comedy)
Sparks fly when a romance novelist and a documentary filmmaker join forces to craft the perfect Hollywood love story and take both of their careers to the next level --- but only if they can keep the chemistry between them from taking the whole thing off script.

THE WEDDING PLANNER by Danielle Steel (Fiction)
In this captivating novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a wildly successful, unmarried wedding planner leads her clients to happily ever after.

ReadingGroupGuides.com’s 12th Annual Book Group
Speed Dating Event: Great Books for Book Groups

On May 12th, ReadingGroupGuides.com hosted its 12th Annual Book Group Speed Dating event for booksellers, librarians, book club leaders and bloggers. Ten small, medium and large-sized publishers shared their May through November 2023 recommendations for book groups --- more than 55 books perfect for discussing!

You can watch the entire presentation here. The video is timestamped, so if you want to jump ahead to a specific publisher, be sure to use the links below.

Hachette Book Group • Harlequin Trade Publishing • Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group • Random House Publishing Group • Simon & Schuster • Soho Press • Sourcebooks •
William Morrow • W. W. Norton • Zibby Books

If you would like to know more about these titles, here is a link to a page with a PDF of the PowerPoint presentation, as well as an Excel spreadsheet that lists the books both by publisher and alphabetically by title, along with a sheet to take notes.

Click here to watch our 12th Annual Book Group Speed Dating event.

Bookreporter.com's 18th Annual
Father's Day Contest: Best Books for Dad

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men in our lives who have raised and loved us. Why not show him your appreciation by inspiring him with a great book? In our 18th annual "Best Books for Dad" contest, we have a selection of books that are perfect gift-giving suggestions for Dad, keeping him busy through the rest of the year. Five readers will be awarded a copy of each of our six featured titles. To enter, please fill out this form by Friday, June 16th at noon ET.

This year's prize books are:

• I WILL FIND YOU by Harlan Coben
• KING: A Life by Jonathan Eig
• LAWS OF WRATH: A Martyr Maker Novel by Eriq La Salle
• THE LIE MAKER by Linwood Barclay
• THE NAZI CONSPIRACY: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch
• SIMPLY LIES by David Baldacci

Bookreporter.com's 19th Annual
Summer Reading Contests and Feature

Summer will be here before you know it! At Bookreporter.com, this means it's time for us to share some great summer book picks with our Summer Reading Contests and Feature. We are hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these titles on select days through mid-August, so you will have to check the site each day to see the featured prize book and enter to win. We also are sending a special newsletter to announce the day's title, which you can sign up for here.

This year’s featured titles include:

• BANYAN MOON by Thao Thai
• THE BLOCK PARTY by Jamie Day
• CUTTING TEETH by Chandler Baker
• FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN by Viola Shipman
• THE GIRLS OF SUMMER by Katie Bishop
• HER, TOO by Bonnie Kistler
• HOMECOMING by Kate Morton
• THE HOMEWRECKERS by Mary Kay Andrews
• THE HOUSE ON PRYTANIA: A Royal Street Novel by Karen White
• LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See
• THE LIE MAKER by Linwood Barclay
• MUSTIQUE ISLAND by Sarah McCoy
• PIECES OF BLUE by Holly Goldberg Sloan
• PROM MOM by Laura Lippman
• THE QUANTUM SOLUTION: An Evan Ryder Novel by Eric Van Lustbader
• WHAT REMAINS by Wendy Walker
• WINDFALL by Wendy Corsi Staub

Click here to read all the contest details
and learn more about our featured titles.

From left to right: Fiona Davis, Wade Rouse (writing as Viola Shipman), Isabel Allende

Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events

Here are a number of upcoming virtual book and author events that you may be interested in attending. Click on the links for more info and to register.

Monday, June 5th at 7pm ET: Random House Studio Sessions: Random House Studio Sessions features live conversations with the biggest names on your bookshelf, filmed in Random House's studio and broadcast virtually to wherever you are. Join Isabel Allende as she discusses her new novel, THE WIND KNOWS MY NAME, with Arianna Davis, the Editorial Director of "Today" Digital.

Tuesday, June 6th at 3pm ET: Barnes & Noble Book Club: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome Patti Callahan Henry for a live book club event to discuss THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA, May's B&N Book Club pick. She will be in conversation with Shannon DeVito, the Sr. Director of Book Strategy and Customer Experience at B&N, and Miwa Messer, B&N’s Editorial Director.

Tuesday, June 6th at 7pm ET: Books & Books, Politics and Prose, and Schuler Books:  Ashley Audrain will be in conversation with fellow New York Times bestselling author Nita Prose to celebrate the launch of her much-talked-about second novel, THE WHISPERS, following THE PUSH.

Tuesday, June 6th at 9:15pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Julia Bryan Thomas will talk to special guest host Lauren Willig about her latest novel, THE RADCLIFFE LADIES' READING CLUB. This heart-wrenching, inspiring, extraordinary love letter to books is set against the backdrop of one of the most pivotal periods in American history.

Wednesday, June 7th at 7pm ET: "Friends and Fiction": The "Friends and Fiction" authors --- Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Patti Callahan Henry --- will celebrate the launch of Kristin's new book, THE PARIS DAUGHTER. This gripping historical novel is about two mothers who must make unthinkable choices in the face of the Nazi occupation.

Wednesday, June 7th at 7pm ET: Titcomb's Bookshop: Join Titcomb's as they welcome Kathleen Grissom to the virtual stage to talk about her new book, CROW MARY. This sweeping saga is inspired by the true story of Crow Mary, an indigenous woman torn between two worlds in 19th-century North America.

Thursday, June 8th at 6pm ET: Viola Shipman's Sizzlin' Summer Book Bash: Visit Viola Shipman's Facebook page for a live virtual author telethon to celebrate the launch of Viola's FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN and the hottest summer reads. The all-star author lineup includes Robyn Carr, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Nancy Thayer and Zibby Owens. FoxTale Bookshoppe is serving as the indie bookseller for the telethon.

Monday, June 12th at 4pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Fiona Davis will talk about her latest novel, THE SPECTACULAR. Set amidst the glamour and glitz of Radio City Music Hall in its mid-century heyday, this thrilling story is about love, sacrifice and the pursuit of dreams.

Tuesday, June 13th at 5pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Kristan Higgins will talk about her latest novel, A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE. Here's the premise: A kid walks into your bookstore and... Guess what? He’s your son. The one you put up for adoption 18 years ago. The one you never told anyone about. Surprise!

Wednesday, June 14th at 2pm ET: "Bookaccino Live: A Lively Talk About Books": Carol Fitzgerald will present titles releasing between June 13th and July 4th, along with a few from August, that she would like to get on your radar.

Wednesday, June 14th at 7pm ET: "Friends and Fiction": The "Friends and Fiction" authors will talk to Fiona Davis and Heather Webb about their latest works of historical fiction: Fiona's THE SPECTACULAR and Heather's STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT: A Novel of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. Appearing on the Aftershow will be Victoria Benton Frank, whose debut novel is MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER.

Saturday, June 17th at 1pm ET: Warwick's: Warwick's will host Hazel Gaynor as she discusses her new book, THE LAST LIFEBOAT, with Susan Meissner. Inspired by a remarkable true story, this moving and triumphant novel is about a young teacher who evacuates children to safety across perilous waters.

"Bookreporter Talks To" Videos & Podcasts

“Bookreporter Talks To” is a video and podcast series that delivers a long-form, in-depth author interview every week. For years, Carol has moderated book festivals and author events around the country. But we know that readers often do not live where they can attend an author event. Our goal is to bring these author interviews to readers, wherever they may be. Watch on video, or listen as a podcast. (The podcasts include audio excerpts.)

Here is our latest interview:

• Linwood Barclay (THE LIE MAKER) Video | Podcast

Other authors we've interviewed include:

• Rachel Beanland (THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE) Video | Podcast
• Alice Elliott Dark (FELLOWSHIP POINT) Video | Podcast
• J.T. Ellison (IT'S ONE OF US) Video | Podcast
• Allegra Goodman (SAM) Video | Podcast
• Jane Harper (EXILES) Video | Podcast
• Sadeqa Johnson (THE HOUSE OF EVE) Video | Podcast
• William Kent Krueger (THE LEVEE) Video | Podcast
• William Landay (ALL THAT IS MINE I CARRY WITH ME) Video | Podcast
• Kate Morton (HOMECOMING) Video | Podcast
• Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo (THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER)
  Video | Podcast
• Shelley Read (GO AS A RIVER) Video | Podcast
• Deborah Goodrich Royce (REEF ROAD) Video | Podcast
• Hank Phillippi Ryan (THE HOUSE GUEST) Video | Podcast
• Lisa Scottoline (LOYALTY) Video | Podcast
• Dani Shapiro (SIGNAL FIRES) Video | Podcast

Upcoming interviews include:

• Nancy Horan (THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN)
• Lisa See (LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN)

Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.

Our Latest Guides

We currently are featuring the following guides on ReadingGroupGuides.com:

BEWARE THE WOMAN by Megan Abbott (Psychological Thriller)
By the "master of thinly veiled secrets often kept by women who rage underneath their delicate exteriors" (Kirkus Reviews), BEWARE THE WOMAN is Megan Abbott at the height of her game.

CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (Dystopian Fiction/Satire)
Two top women gladiators fight for their freedom within a depraved private prison system not so far removed from America’s own in this explosive, hotly anticipated debut novel from the New York Times bestselling author of FRIDAY BLACK.

THE COVENANT OF WATER by Abraham Verghese (Historical Fiction)
From the New York Times bestselling author of CUTTING FOR STONE comes a stunning and magisterial epic of love, faith and medicine, set in Kerala, South India, and following three generations of a family seeking the answers to a strange secret.

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT KITTY KARR? by Crystal Smith Paul (Fiction)
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT KITTY KARR? is a sprawling page-turner set against the backdrop of the Hollywood machine, an insightful and nuanced look at the inheritances of family, race and gender --- and the choices some women make to break free of them.

GOOD NIGHT, IRENE by Luis Alberto Urrea (Historical Fiction)
In the tradition of THE NIGHTINGALE and TRANSCRIPTION, GOOD NIGHT, IRENE is a searing epic based on the magnificent and true story of courageous Red Cross women.

THE HALF MOON by Mary Beth Keane (Fiction)
From the bestselling author of ASK AGAIN, YES comes a masterful novel about a couple in a small town who must navigate the complexities of marriage, family and longing.

HOMECOMING by Kate Morton (Mystery)
This highly anticipated new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of THE CLOCKMAKER'S DAUGHTER is a sweeping novel that begins with a shocking crime, the effects of which echo across continents and generations.

THE NIGERWIFE by Vanessa Walters (Literary Thriller/Mystery)
In this twisty and electrifying debut novel, a young woman goes missing in Lagos, Nigeria, and her estranged auntie will stop at nothing to find the truth behind her disappearance.

NO TWO PERSONS by Erica Bauermeister (Fiction)
One book. Nine readers. Ten changed lives. New York Times bestselling author Erica Bauermeister’s NO TWO PERSONS is “a gloriously original celebration of fiction, and the ways it deepens our lives.” (Nina de Gramont, author of THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR)

PIECES OF BLUE by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Fiction)
From New York Times bestselling author Holly Goldberg Sloan comes a compelling and heartfelt novel for fans of Maria Semple and Emma Straub about a family trying to restore a ramshackle beachside motel --- and their own lives.

THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA by Patti Callahan Henry (Historical Fiction)
When a woman discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during World War II are revealed.

TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin (Fiction)
Sam and Sadie --- two college friends, often in love but never lovers --- become creative partners in a dazzling and intricately imagined world of video game design, where success brings them fame, joy, tragedy, duplicity and, ultimately, a kind of immortality. It is a love story, but not one you have read before.

TRUST by Hernan Diaz (Historical Fiction)
At once an immersive story and a brilliant literary puzzle, TRUST engages the reader in a quest for the truth while confronting the deceptions that often live at the heart of personal relationships, the reality-warping force of capital, and the ease with which power can manipulate facts.

YELLOWFACE by R. F. Kuang (Fiction)
White lies. Dark humor. Deadly consequences. Bestselling sensation Juniper Song is not who she says she is, she didn’t write the book she claims she wrote, and she is most certainly not Asian American.

Please note that these titles, for which we already had the guides when they appeared in hardcover, are now available in paperback:

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS by Therese Anne Fowler (Fiction)
Meet the Geller sisters: Beck, Claire and Sophie, a trio of strong-minded women whose pragmatic, widowed mother, Marti, will be dying soon and taking her secrets with her. Enter C.J. Reynolds, an enigmatic southerner ex-con with his own hidden past who complicates the situation.

THE SHORE by Katie Runde (Fiction)
Set over the course of one summer, this perfect beach read follows a mother and her two daughters as they grapple with heartbreak, young love and the weight of family secrets.

SUGAR AND SALT by Susan Wiggs (Fiction)
The New York Times bestselling author of THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP returns to Perdita Street with a can’t-miss tale of friendship, hardship, redemption and love between a San Francisco baker and a barbecue master from Texas.

THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK by Jennifer Hillier (Psychological Thriller)
THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK is a brilliant new thriller from Jennifer Hillier, the award-winning author of the breakout novels LITTLE SECRETS and JAR OF HEARTS. Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.

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