Stoked for This: July 2024

July 2, 2024July 2, 2024 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

I know. I know. I didn’t get around to June’s I had a chunk of it done, but by the time I could actually put time into it, it was halfway over and I didn’t think anyone would want to know what I was stoked for in the past… I don’t know, maybe I should have still posted it? I know a lot of people don’t really read this – that this is more for myself. But I need to do better at remembering to actually get this done – cause here I am at 11 am Tuesday morning, trying to get this together 🙂 Still a work in progress I guess haha.

Anywho – this month is really going to hone in on female rage. What’s the rage level?? Read on to find out! ◡̈

July 2, 2024

49 Miles Alone

By: Natalie D. Richards

Why am I stoked for this release?

Two cousins go out on a hiking trip in the Utah desert to rekindle their relationship. While out, they run into a couple, Finn and Riley. They hear the couple argue in the middle of the night and Riley running off into the wildness with Finn chasing her. With their supplies dwindling, the girls try and find Riley before Finn does.

This is marked as YA, but I don’t know if it could technically be New Adult based on a few things (I’ll let you know when I read it!).

This just sounds like it could be an adventure – and of course, hiking in the desert in this heat right now wouldn’t be too hard to imagine!

Age 16

By: Rosena Fung

Why am I stoked for this release?

The first sentence of this novel is this: “A powerful coming-of-age graphic novel about three generations of mothers and daughters passing down and rebelling against standards of gender, race, beauty, size, and worth…”

Like – how could you not be excited for that?!

As we know, I love me a good feminine rage book – and make it, what looks like, will be a beautifully drawn graphic novel too?? YES.

The Night Ends with Fire

By: K.X. Song

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is inspired by the legend of Mulan, so I have high hopes for this – especially since the last book that told me that, gave me a big let down and I was so bummed.

So, I may be holding this higher standards, but this one is getting good reviews!!

Another kind of feminine rage if you will – or rather, proving the fact that women can do most things men can do too..

July 9, 2024

The Confidence Games

By: Tess Amy

Why am I stoked for this release?

Okay, this one is a little outside my usual read for sure; a mystery thriller.

But, it’s two female con artists – who only swindle men, and only ones who deserve it – must pull off the ultimate heist! Reminds me of that all female Ocean’s 8.

The Spellshop

By: Sarah Beth Durst

Why am I stoked for this release?

THERE IS A MAGICAL SPIDER PLANT IN THIS! I have a freakin’ spider plant tattoo because I love them so much.

This is also said to be “like a Hallmark rom-com full of mythical creatures and fueled by cinnamon rolls and magic”.

God, that just sounds magical and maybe the perfect escape from this dang heat we’ve got going on!

July 23, 2024

Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect

By: Hilda Eunice Burgos

Illustrated By: Siara Faison

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is totally for the younger crowd – but I’m here for the cat.

The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky

By: Josh Galarza

Why am I stoked for this release?

Though the title of this YA novel is funny – this one will be nothing of the sort. It’s going to deal with anxieties, eat disorders, parents with cancer, and a whole lot more.

It’s going to probably rip my heart out, but sometimes you just need a book to destroy you.

Slow Dance

By: Rainbow Rowell

Why am I stoked for this release?

The day I’m not excited for a Rainbow Rowell novel, I’ll probably be dead.

This is an adult romance where two best friends from high school, who everyone thought would end up together, find each other again after fourteen years without speaking to one another.

Also – I have a signed copy of an ARC of this thanks to my beautiful Readers Services Department I work with.

The Lost Souls of Benzaiten

By: Kelly Murashige

Why am I stoked for this release?

“A young outcast transforms into a robot vacuum”

Okay. Okay. I thought WTF when I first read that too – but my friend Lucy (we worked together is the RS Department) picked it up for me at PLA cause she thought I’d like it.

It’s about friend breakups and being human.

I’m sure I’ll have quite a few feels about this after reading it too.

Your Letter

By: Hyeon A. Cho

Why am I stoked for this release?

After transferring schools due to bullying, Sori’s new school seems like it may just be a repeat – until mysterious trail of letters leads her on a magical scavenger hunt.

So this is a Manhwa (Korean Manga; it’s set up like manga, but read left to right like English). I’ve actually only read one other Manhwa before, so I’m excited to read another one.

July 30, 2024

Pink Glass Houses

By: Asha Elias

Why am I stoked for this release?

Two reasons I’m stoked for this.

1. Elite Elementary School PTA Moms. My parents were huge PTA parents while my siblings and I were in elementary school. My mom was the treasurer and secretary and my dad did a lot of the physical work (he also made Fun Night activity stuff that, as far as I’m aware of, is still used today).

2. One of the mom’s is from Wichita, KS – which was where we use to go to “be in a bigger city” while we were in Salina. Totally use to make a shopping trip before school started with my Grandma down there.

That’s it haha. Mostly into for how ridiculous the rich can be.

Stoke for This : May 2024

May 7, 2024May 7, 2024 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

Y’all I’m back! I officially submitted in my selections for the awards I was reading for yesterday and I am now able to tackle more of my TBR (and my backlog of galleys from NetGalley :D). So, be prepared to see more from me as I get back on track with my reviews!

May 7, 2024

The Skunks

By: Fiona Warnick

Why am I stoked for this release?

Reviews I’ve seen of this book have generally described it as being one that will sit with you well after you’ve read it. So, I’m curious to see if this will.

This novel is about Isabel who moves back home after college and just – tries to figure out her life from there. But being back home brings up old memories (including an old crush).

There are also supposedly POV changes, one of course, being a skunk, so let’s try it!

Telephone of the Tree

By: Alison McGhee

Why am I stoked for this release?

I originally heard about this book at a Publisher’s Digital Book Event. This is a book about loss and grief.

As someone who lost her dad when I was only twelve, there’s a lot of stuff I used to do as a preteen that were probably weird. I didn’t really have books like this growing up and I really cherish reading them, even now so I know what the younger generations have.

May 14, 2024

Thirsty

By: Jas Hammonds

Why am I stoked for this release?

Jas Hammond’s debut YA novel, We Deserve Monuments was my 2022 Book of the Year. I’ve been anxiously waiting for their next novel.

In this novel, Blake is doing everything she can to join the mysterious and exclusive Serena Society – but to keep her confidence up, she finds courage at the bottom of a liquor bottle.

Hammonds layered her last novel masterfully and how she talked about the trauma was amazing as well. I’m really excite to see where this one goes.

It Waits in the Forest

By: Sarah Dass

Why am I stoked for this release?

Another story that will be diving into grief – but this one is not only for people, but for the lives we wish we had.

There’s also potentially something to do with botany magic?? I may be misreading or jumping to conclusion on it, but like – the cover! Give me plant magic so I can keep my plants alive and stop accidently killing them!!

With Just One Wing

By: Brenda Woods

Why am I stoked for this release?

After breaking his arm climbing a tree to get a closer look at the mockingbird nest, Coop is stuck at home during the summer. Later, when the fledglings fly away, Coop and his friend, Zandi, discover a baby bird with one wing is left behind. Coop adopts it

This book is a lot about adoption

The Last Rhee Witch

By: Jenna Lee-Yun

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a middle grade mystery/suspense novel mixed with Korean folklore and summer camp.

Again, I know it’s middle grade, but I’m still excited about these titles. These types of novels weren’t around when I was a kid – and if they were starting to come about, I pretty much spend a year reading middle grade before jumping into YA since my reading level was so high as a kid.

And, weirdness at summer camp? Count me in 🙂

May 21, 2024

To & Fro

By: Leah Hager Cohen

Why am I stoked for this release?

I saw this one in a publisher’s email and asked for the ARC of it, I’m hoping I can read it right before it comes out so I can talk it up.

To & Fro has two mirrored narratives with flipped over covers to read each story about girls searching for understanding.

There’s also a stolen kitten involved!

Shae

By: Mesha Maren

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a coming-of-age novel about sixteen-year-old Shae and her companion, Cam. Shortly after Shae becomes pregnant, Cam begins transition and declaring female pronouns.

After traumatic C-section and the birth of their daughter, Shae is given opioids and then becomes addicted.

This isn’t going to be a candy filled read, that for sure – but I’m already rooting for Shae and her fight that so many Americans are dealing with when it comes to the opioids epidemic.

The Light Eaters

By: Zoe Schlanger

Why am I stoked for this release?

And our nonfiction of the month goes to this popular science read about plants!

As I have mentioned above, I love plants and I have quite a few sprinkled throughout my home that I (try) to take care of. Usually I can do great with them for a few months and then something dramatic happens and they die. I do have a handful I’ve kept alive for along time – including a cactus named Max who I’ve had going on 8 years who I’ve propagated three times.

Plants are also amazing out in the wild and how they are able to care for themselves out there interest me so I’m interested in this read for sure!

May 28, 2024

Allow Me to Introduce Myself

By: Onyi Nwabineli

Why am I stoked for this release?

This novel is about Anuri’s life as she tries to break her young half sister out of the cycle of abuse from her influencer stepmother.

I know I keep mentioning about the differences between when I grew up and now – but like, I’m 11 years older than Youtube. Even though I loved filming my friends and family as a kid, those videos were just for us.

Nowadays, there’s so many “influencers” that film everything they do and post it online. I think of the Franke family and how crazy that actually ended up being…

Anywho, I’m curious to see how this one reads and how it goes showing the “bad side” of constantly being online.

A Galaxy of Whales

By: Heather Fawcett

Why am I stoked for this release?

I mostly wanted this book because it’s from the author of of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries. I still haven’t read that book, but it’s on my TBR and based on what I’ve heard of it, I know I will love it.

This book is a summer story that has trials and pleasures of friendships with two preteens trying to best each other in a photo contest.

Stoked for This: April 2024

April 2, 2024April 2, 2024 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

I had a bit to deal with over the weekend and Monday so the first Tuesday of the month kind of snuck up on me – ALMOST!!

I really wanted to make sure to get this posted because as a reminder, I’m judging a few awards right now (I’ve got two categories in one Award alone). Because of this, I unfortunately won’t be posting as much because I can’t post my reviews of those books. I am giving myself a 2:1 ratio though. Two award books, one book of my choosing – mostly to mix it up but to also make sure I don’t poorly score a book simply because I want to get it over with to read another one.

So, thanks to those that stick around. Especially those who stuck around and read all of that ◡̈

Without further ado, my April’s Stoked for This!! There’s quite a few that come out this first Tuesday and there’s a ton of new books by some of my favorite authors. April will be a busy month, but I’m excited!!

Release Date: April 2

The Book of Thorns

By: Hester Fox

Why am I stoked for this release?

I’ll be honest with you here to let you know I really love Hester Fox, so I’ll read everything by her. One of my favorite gothic, dark writers.

But, besides that: sisters separated at birth, bound together by a secret language of flowers!!

And it’s set in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars?! A new historical time I can check off my list.

The Cemetery of Untold Stories

By: Julia Alvarez

Why am I stoked for this release?

Oh, just another literary icon that I absolutely love.

This one is about a writer, Alma who creates a graveyard for all of her untold stories. A legit graveyard for the manuscripts and drafts of stories she never finished. Alma wants her characters to rest in peace, but they have other plans.

As a writer who hasn’t written a fictional stories in years (I know, I know – I have a Fiction Writing Degree and I sure use it huh??), I’ve got A BOX FILLED with unfinished stories – not to mention the unfinished stories on my college external hard drive.

This just gives me hope that maybe one day, I can finish their stories too ◡̈

All We Were Promised

By: Ashton Lattimore

Why am I stoked for this release?

A historical fiction set in Philadelphia, 1837 – another time in history I haven’t read much in.

A housemaid who escaped White Oaks plantation down South conspires with a wealthy young abolitionist to help an enslaved girl escape.

I’ve watched a lot of movies about this time period, but not a lot of books. I’m hoping this one will be interesting and page turning for me.

Lightningborn (Storm Dragons Saga #1)

By: Julie Kagawa

Why am I stoked for this release?

Okay, first off – do you see this adorable dragon on the cover?? Because that’s the first thing that caught my eye. Then the fact it was by Julie Kagawa, I was asking for copy of this quickly.

You know how some girls were horse girlies? I was more of a fairies and dragons type (mostly fairies, but still loved dragons!).

Anywho, in a world where only the rich own dragons, a poor boy finds a wild dragon and becomes the focus of an evil pirate! And, by the looks of the cover, it’ll be sky pirates!!

Release Date: April 9, 2024

The Secret Language of Birds

By: Lynne Kelly

Why am I stoked for this release?

Ah, Song of Whales is a beautiful middle grade story that I love recommending for Middle Grade with a Deaf main character, so when the author’s newest book was announced, I got excited.

This is about a little girl who is obsessed with birds who finds a pair of whooping cranes nesting in the marsh of her summer camp. It’s kind of impossible because all of her resources say they haven’t nested in Texas in over 100 years. But, once wildlife officials are notified, more questions arise about the bird pairing.

Release Date: April 16, 2024

Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder

By: Asako Yuzuki, Polly Barton (Translator)

Why am I stoked for this release?

Okay, please just read the title of this! “Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder”! Tell me that doesn’t piqued your interest?!

No?

What about this: There are two things that I can simply not tolerate: feminists and margarine.

This is inspired by the real case of the convicted con woman and serial killer “The Konkatsu Killer”.

Just – I can’t explain in words my excitement for this, okay?

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Bad Habit

By: Alana S. Portero, Mara Faye Lethem (Translator)

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is about a coming-of -age novel about a trans woman growing up in Madrid in the last decades of the twentieth century.

After finally finding community and kinship in downtown Madrid after growing up in a blue collar suburb where she didn’t belong, the unnamed character finds that each step forward she must confront a violence she does not know yet how to counter.

Trans experiences are getting more and more voices nowadays and I’m all for it.

Release Date: April 30, 2024

Not Like Other Girls

By: Meredith Adamo

Why am I stoked for this release?

I don’t want to get too much into this novel, but based on the description of it, it reminds me a bit of Sadie by Courtney Summers.

But this is said to take a hard look at how we treat young women and their trauma as a teen girl tries to find her former best friend after goes missing and all the secrets that come to light.

Stoked For This: March 2024

March 6, 2024 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

I tried to be ahead of the game this month and prewrote a section of my March’s Stoked for this. When I finished it and posted it last night, WordPress went and “published” it on the day I originally started the draft (which was February 16). I’m reposting this now so it shows up in the right spot on my website.

Here to TRIPLE CHECKING EVERYTHING before posting y’all!

I’m cutting this a bit late on the posting day but I’m really trying this year to post these all by the first Tuesday of the month.

This is a pretty big month for releases as it’s the publisher’s spring burst. I don’t know if I’d call any of these beach reads, which is usually what I think of when I think of March releases – maybe one of my YA romances, but I think it may be pushing the definition of “beach read”.

Some historical fiction (duh), stories with mental health, stories of science fiction, a book with actual science (hello eight legged sea alien), and a mystery thriller I could see a Netflix deal with (if it’s done properly).

You ready to see what I’m stoked for??

Release Date: March 5, 2024

The Fragility of Light

By: Heather S. Lonczak

Why am I stoked for this release?

This book is supposedly an unforgiving dive into mental illness. And I like that about books – ones that tell it exactly how it is and don’t sugarcoat anything.

Mental illness was such a taboo when I was a growing up and it makes me happy that hopefully people can see themselves more and more in text and media.

Hidden Yellow Stars

By: Rebecca Connolly

Why am I stoked for this release?

Historical WWII Fiction – but Alisha, I thought you were trying to get away from this time period?

I’ve been trying not to read WWII historical fiction novels since 2010. It’s not happening. So I’m going to enjoy it.

This one is based on a true story of two WWII heroines who ricked their lives to save Jewish children from the Gestapo in Belgium.

Tell me you don’t want to read that!

The First State of Being

By: Erin Entrada Kelly

Why am I stoked for this title?

I read We Dream of Space when it came out in 2020 and I still think about those siblings to this day.

Set in August 1999, in the loom of the Y2K crisis, Michael and his babysitter Gibby, meet Ridge – the world’s first time traveler.

We all know how I feel about time traveler books (love them) and the fact that this will be a teenage time traveler right before the turn of the century? What could go wrong??

Ellie Haycock Is Totally Normal

By: Gretchen Schreiber

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a teen romance so I may not be in love with it, but I’m willing to give it a try!

Why?

It’s being marketed as The Breakfast Club meets Five Feet Apart.

I enjoy both of those things, so let’s see what mashing them together can mean.

Coyote Lost and Found

By: Dan Gemeinhart

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is the second book to the Coyote Sunrise series and i absolutely adored the first book.

This one is picking up a year later when Coyote finds her mom’s ashes and wants to not scatter them in her chosen place. The only problem is the secret place is hidden in a book that Coyote mistakenly sold the year before while riding around the country. Now she must find it without telling her dad.

If I remember correctly the first book was filled with a cast of characters I loved so I’m ready to meet them again and go on this touching journey.

The Poisons We Drink

By: Bethany Baptiste

Why am I stoked for this release?

I’ve always loved witches and this one is about a witch who brews magic potions (even though it has painful side effects). After her mother is killed by an enemy’s bullet, she has the chance to punish her mother’s killer with potions.

I’m sure there will be lots of corruption and the mix between magic and power questioned.

The Girls We Sent Away

By: Meagan Church

Why am I stoked for this release?

Another historical fiction novel but this one set in the 1960’s about a young woman who gets pregnant out of wedlock. To hide their family from shame, she gets sent to a maternity home.

The library just did a maternity home event about the one that was here in KC and this is just an interesting topic, so of course when I saw this as an ARC come in I grabbed it and hopefully will be able to get to it here soon.

Release Date: March 19, 2024

In the Orbit of You

By: Ashley Schumacher

Why am I stoked for this release?

Another YA romance? Are you sure??

Yes – this one sounds like it will be cute and full of little childish memories and stuff okay??

There’s also recovering from past trauma – which, aren’t we all?

Rainbow Black

By: Maggie Thrash

Why am I stoked for this release?

I’m just going to leave you with the little marketing snippet this book has and tell me you also wouldn’t be intrigued.

“Rainbow Black is part murder mystery, part gay international-fugitive love story—set against the ’90s Satanic Panic and spanning 20 years in the life of a young woman pulled into its undertow.”

Secrets of the Octopus

By: Sy Montgomery

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a companion to the highly-anticipated National Geographic television special will beautiful illustrations.

Octopus are freakin’ amazing and cool and WEIRD, but I love them. I’m excited for the tv show and I’m excited for this release.

The Woods All Black

by: Lee Mandelo

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a queer, trans romance novella that’s historical horror with blood-soaked revenge all set in the 1920’s Appalachia.

Historical fiction? Check.

Revenge? Check.

Appalachia? Also check.

James

By: Percival Everett

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is said to be a “reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and that’s got me curious.

We all know the story of Huckleberry Finn, and it’s set in Missouri – so let’s go!

Release Date: March 26, 2024

What Happened to Nina?

By: Dervla McTiernan

Why am I stoked for this release?

Nina and Simon are the perfect couple until they leave for a weekend trip in Vermont and only Simon comes home. And his story doesn’t add up.

Now, Simon’s family is doing everything they can to protect their son while Nina’s family is doing everything they can to find their daughter.

This has potential Netflix deal written all over the description – if it can be done right of course.

I’m a true crime television addict, you would think I would also be into mystery thrillers. I tried one last year and it didn’t blow my hat off, but I’m willing to try again on this one.

Stoked For This: February 2024

February 6, 2024February 6, 2024 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

I feel like I both went hard and yet, was super stingy on what I picked to showcase this month. Maybe it’s the fact I have well over 300 books sitting in my TBR piles around my house and yet, I still can’t say no to a good ARC when I see one…

Release Date: February 6, 2024

Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out

by: Shannon Reed

Why am I stoked for this release?

Well, that seems like a silly question. This is a book review blog/website no?

I know why I read, but I’d like to know why others do as well..

And clearly I love talking about books, so a new book about books is always on my radar ◡̈

Released Date: February 13, 2024

The Framed Women of Ardemore House

by: Brandy Schillace

Why am I stoked for this release?

I’m not one for mysteries. But more romance and mysteries are on my little personal goals list this year.

This one is about an autistic editor who inherits an English estate, but then finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. There’s also a missing family portrait as well.

Anywho, this just sounds like it would be fun and interesting.

The Warm Hands of Ghosts

by: Katherine Arden

Why am I stoked for this release?

Anyone else read The Bear and the Nightingale?

This is Arden’s new book – set in the Great War in 1917, which is not a year or event I usually read about.

I enjoyed Arden’s book I read last year (though I haven’t read the rest of the series). I’m excited to read about this one as it has some magical realism aspects to it.

The Kamogawa Food Detectives

by: Hisashi Kashiwai, Jesse Kirkwood (Translator)

Why am I stoked for this release?

A newly translated Japanese series where a father-daughter duo who run the Kamogawa Diner can recreate dishes from a person’s treasured memories.

A lot of my greatest large family memories growing up was always centered around food. My cousin could make the best cheesy potato casserole and I don’t care who makes it otherwise, it’s not the same. Okay?

The Book of Doors

by: Gareth Brown

Why am I stoked for this release?

Imagine receiving a book that has the ability to open any door to anywhere the possessor wants! And, after running around with your best friend, you discover there are other books with other crazy abilities and so therefor are bad guys who want your book.

What are you going to do??

This just sounds like such a crazy concept, and it’s giving me all kinds of ideas, but I want to read this to see where it goes before making my own decisions about what doors I would want to open…

The Eternal Ones

by: Namina Forna

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is the last book of The Gilded Ones series and oh boy – is it good!

Full of action and the best found family vibes and a magical shaft shifting companion you could ask for in a YA fantasy.

This Day Changes Everything

by: Edward Underhill

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a Queer YA romance set during one day in New York City around Thanksgiving.

I enjoy books that everything is set in one day. T

This book is 288 pages, there’s bound to be some wild stuff that happen!

Release Date: February 20, 2024

Welcome to Hyunam-Dung Bookshop

by: Hwang Bo-Reum, Shanna Tan (Translator)

Why am I stoked for this release?

You all should know by now I’m a sucker for Japanese literature- especially when it’s about books.

This one is a Korean smash hit about a girl who gets burnt out, leaves her old life behind, and goes to a small neighborhood outside Seoul and opens the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop.

Raise your hand if a dream job of yours would be to open your own little bookshop/cafe/cat sanctuary that you run with your best girl friend.

Island Witch

by: Amanda Jayatissa

Why am I stoked for this release?

Inspired by Sri Lankan folklore (again, something I haven’t read before!). In late 19th century Sri Lanka, the daughter of a traditional demon-priest, tries to solve the mysterious attack that have been happening in her village.

This is horror and though I dipped my toes a little (so little) into horror last year, this seems like it may actually be up my alley.

Release Date: February 27, 2024

Hope Ablaze

by: Sarah Mughal Rana

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a YA about a Muslim teen finding her voice in a post 9/11 America.

I was only in fourth grade when 9/11 happened, but of course it’s a day I’ll always remember.

I’ve only read a handful of books based around that time period, and I can’t wait to read this one, especially as there is poetry throughout it and I enjoy that.

Snowglobe

by: Soyoung Park, Joungmin Lee Comfort (Translator)

Why am I stoked for this release?

Another newly translated Korean novel where in the not-so-distant future, the world has constant subzero weather. It’s a dream to participate in the reality TV broadcasted by Snowglobe, a community protected in an insulated glass dome.

I hate winter – and we just recently had that crazy cold snap here in KC. I feel like I barely survive it every time, so I’m ready to see how others do so 24/7!

Stoked for This: January 2024

January 2, 2024 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

Happy New Year everyone ◡̈

I’ve been pretty busy the last few days getting together my roundup and getting my new journal set up (it’s still got a long ways to go to be honest). I’m trying some new pages and layouts this year though, so I’m excited to move over to a new one. Although this one is already kind of fat and it’s only the 2nd day of the year!!

Anywho, here’s my stoked for this January edition!!

Release Date: January 2, 2024

The Storm We Made

by: Vanessa Chan

Why am I stoked for this?

This is set in Malaya in 1945, when a mother becomes an unlikely spy for the invading Japanese forces during WWII.

I know I have a thing for WII Historical Fiction – but this one is at least in Malaya! And with a spy! Come on – totally different than what I usually read about in this decade.

Here in Avalon

by: Tara Isabella Burton

Why am I stoked for this?

This is about two sisters that fall under the spell of a cult.

There are a few storylines that will always peak my interests. Cults are one of them. I like both reading and watching documentaries about them as well.

There’s some magical realism mixed with this one too, so I’m curious to see where it takes me.

Release Date: January 9, 2024

Soundtrack of Silence: Love, Loss, and a Playlist for Life

by: Matt Hay

Why am I stoked for this?

This is a memoir of a young man who discovered he was going completely deaf just as he’d fallen in love for the first time. Growing up in the 1980’s, Hay loved pop music – so he planned to commit his favorite songs to memory.

I use music to cope with life in general. Especially after my dad was killed in a work traffic accident back when I was 12. Bands and music kept me going.

I’m also mildly fluent in ASL and Deaf Culture and they still listen to music – just in a different way than we do.

With all of that, I’m stoked to dive into this to see the music the writing selected as worthy enough to commit to memory to be his soundtrack.

Release Date: January 23, 2024

Family Family

by: Laurie Frankel

Why am I stoked for this?

This is supposedly about adoption and how it’s not always sunshine and roses. But it’s also about a lot of other trauma and how everyone handles it differently.

This is probably going to be a lot in one book, but I’m easy for it.

Release Date: January 30, 2024

A Quantum Love Story

by: Mike Chen

Why am I stoked for this?

Mike Chen wrote Here and Now and Then, which was a time traveling book released back in 2019 that I really enjoyed.

I also really enjoy a good time travel book. Why? Because what a trip to time travel! And the rules that would have to be a followed to not make a worm hole or something? I’m sure I’d probably get in trouble with how stubborn I am as a woman…

This one is actually a time loop, which is a bit of twist in and on its own. Romance mixed in too!

red

by: Annie Cardi

Why am I stoked for this?

This is being marketed as a retelling of The Scarlet Letter. After moving to a new town when her mother loses her job, 16-year-old Tess finds community in her grandparents’ church. After a personal decision goes public, Tess faces harassment and rejection. She must now find her voice again to get the courage to speak out against the silent cycle of abuse in Hawthorne.

I’m no longer a church going person. I spent my middle and half of high school going to church 3 times a week. It didn’t work for me as I got older, but I understand those who go and the community you can have. But I also know the community can also flipped on you if they deem something you did as wrong.

I want to see how this is written. Based on reviews already, they author did a good job at writing about some tougher topics. So let’s see what it’s about.

Stoked for This: November

November 6, 2023November 5, 2023 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

Sorry this is late (but it’s being published before the first Tuesday releases!). I got the news I didn’t get a job I’d basically been working for since March on Tuesday, right before I was planning on putting this together. Ultimately, this got put aside until I could manage to look ahead at books without crying. I’m not sure what my future holds – “It just wasn’t meant to be” still doesn’t help the heartache, but, books can take me to far off places, so that’s what I’m focusing on here. #Escapism

RELEASE DATE: November 7, 2023

Bookshops & Bonedust

by: Travis Baldree

Why am I stoked for this release?

Legends and Lattes is one of my all time favorite cozy fantasy novels. This one is the prequel that follows Viv shortly after she gets wounded during a hunt.

The last one felt like a warm blanket cuddle on a chilly fall night, so I’m expecting great things from this one too.

Sail Me Away Home

by: Ann Clare LeZotte

Why am I stoked for this release?

This novel pairs with Show Me a Sign and Set Me Free – stories follows Mary Lambert, a young Deaf girl from Martha’s Vineyard, a predominately Deaf Island, in the early 19th century.

I enjoyed the other two because talked about a big part of Deaf history and culture a lot of people don’t know about. This one seems like it will be able the education of Deaf children, which is a so layer and deeper than most people think.

A Grandmother Begins the Story

by: Michelle Porter

Why am I stoked for this release?

This story follows five generations of women and bison as they navigate their traumas try to rebuild their futures.

Written by an author who comes from a long line of Métis storytellers, this novel had received beautiful reviews and as I’ve said in previous months, I love a good generational story.

The Beautiful and the Wild

by: Peggy Townsend

Why am I stoked for this release?

So this one is actually set in Alaska. Last month I believe, I thought I had a YA where it was set in Alaska, and it was not. So, this is my Alaskan novel I plan on reading this winter.

It’s supposed to be about survival in the wilds of Alaska and I watch enough hunting and survival shows that I’m ready.

RELEASE DATE: November 14, 2023

Day

by: Michael Cunningham

Why am I stoked for this release?

I mentioned about loving family dynamic novels before. This is one of those that’s supposedly painful, but beautiful at the same time.

I’ve got a few authors I’m thinking of that I’ll be comparing this to, but I won’t know until I read it. And I have a feeling this will stand all on it’s own.

RELEASE DATE: November 28, 2023

We Must Not Think of Ourselves

by: Lauren Grodstein

Why am I stoked for this release?

I used to read a ton of WWII historical fiction. So much so that I kind of forced myself to take a step back from it for a bit. I still read this time, but I limit myself to only a few a year, and not all 120 of my books.

This is inspired by the testimony-gathering project with the code name Oneg Shabbat, where those trapped in the Warsaw Ghetto began collecting the stories of those living between the walls.

It’s going to probably be a difficult read, but it’s important.

Stoked for This: October 2023

October 1, 2023October 1, 2023 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

I’ve been working all weekend to make sure I actually had this done on the date I always aim for – the 1st – and look what we’ve got! October 3 is a super popular release date this month. After our September, it makes sense there’s not that crazy amount. The next few months will probably be a bit slower, but doesn’t mean I won’t be making these!

So, please enjoy my Stoke for This: October 2023 ◡̈

RELEASE DATE: October 3, 2023

Alebrijes

by: Donna Barba Higuera

Why am I stoked for this release?

Just a middle grade, sci-fi/fantasy novel with an oppressive Regime. Kind of sounds hard hitting for a middle grade novel, but I’m all for it.

Reviews of those who have already read this say it starts off a little slow due to the world building, but after a bit it it’s a page turners and that’s what I’m stoked for.

Gone Wolf

by: Amber McBride

Why am I stoked for this release?

So I read Me: Moth by this author a while ago and it punched me so hard in the gut, I can still feel the faint pain of it even now. I don’t expect anything different from her Middle Grade debut.

This is suppose to be heavy as well so I’m ready for the feels.

The Spells We Cast

by: Jason June

Why am I stoked for this release?

Magical. Gay. Cowboys.

That’s it.

That’s all I needed to know about this novel.

I mean, it’s not all about that, but shoot – the cover ALONE had me sold and when I saw it was a preview event, I immediately went and asked for an ARC online.

It’s also for fans of Cemetery Boys and Carry On, both titles I love so let’s go!

After the Forest

by: Kell Woods

Why am I stoked for this release?

A reimagining of Hansel and Gretel where Greta kept the witch’s grimoire and is using it to make an amazingly delicious (and addictive) gingerbread.

Every once in awhile I like a good retelling / reimagining and I haven’t read one with Hansel and Gretel yet.

Also for fans of Naomi Novic and I love her so I’ve got to see if it lives up to that comparison.

Curious Tides

by: Pascale Lacelle

Why am I stoked for this release?

Right, so this one is “Ninth House meets A Deadly Education” (another Naomi Novic comparison).

Magical schools – I’ve been about them ever since the J.K. Rowling incident(s).

This is said to be dark academia, secret societies, myths & legends, forbidden malice, amazing world building, and much more.

Yea, okay, again, this had me at “magical school” but also all of the above!

RELEASE DATE: October 10, 2023

Stars in Your Eyes

By: Karen Callender

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a gay romance with “two grumpy/sunshine, fake-dating actors navigating their love story both on and offscreen”.

God, yes.

Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexia Hall.

Also, yes!

Something about the fall makes me want to read a romance more, so this may very well be the one I pick.

I Loved You in Another Life

by: David Arnold

Why am I stoked for this release?

Right, so I’m mostly stoked for this read because it’s set in Alaska and I wanted to read something there. I had just mentioned it to my coworker when this book popped up on the BookishFirst website as a review. I don’t know, it seemed like fate so we’re going to go with it.

It’s probably going to be a cheesy YA romance, and I usually stay away from those, but who knows, maybe this one will surprise me like P.S. I Love You did.

RELEASE DATE: October 17, 2023

Confetti Realms

by: Nadia Shammas, Karnessa (Artist), Hackto Oshiro (Colorist), Michael Meyers (Letterer)

Why am I stoked for this release?

This one keeps changing the date on me, so hopefully I actually have the right date on this title.

I’ve got a couple graphic novels I’m stoked for and this is one of them. The art looks fantastic and I feel like I’m going to love it for that.

But also teens messing around in a graveyard when they get transported to another realm where the must collect teeth? Now that sounds unique!

RELEASE DATE: October 31, 2023

The Evolving Truth of Ever-Strong Will

by: Maya MacGregor

Why am I stoked for this release?

Right, so I don’t expect this one to be all puppies and flowers (though, look how beautiful the cover art is).

This YA novel is about Will, an agender teen who is on the cusp of freedom from providing and caring for their abusive, addicted mother, getting out of their small mindset town, and the freedom of having to hide who they truly are. But after their mother dies with a curse being her last words, Will is scrambling to find their former foster mother before Child Protective Service or local drug dealers find them first.

I’m sure this will wreck me a bit, but sometimes you just need a good read to do that to you.

Stoked for This: September 2023

September 4, 2023September 18, 2023 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

Okay, nobody come at me for the fact that this (again) is not on the 1st. I got into a bit of a fender bender first thing in the morning a few days ago and after the adrenaline crash, I was spent for that whole day. So, I’m a little behind… Plus, it’s also Labor Day weekend and everyone’s a little behind, right?? I’m going to go with that ◡̈

This month is a big one for publishers, so there’s a lot of really awesome books coming out that I’m stoked for. So, strap in ladies, gents, and nonbinary lovelies, for some titles that you will for sure be wanting to read yourself.

RELEASE DATE: September 5, 2023

Fly With Me

by: Addie Burke

Why am I stoked for this release?

Lesbians.

I know it looks like I don’t read a lot of romances. I used to read a ton in high school (granted, they were mostly fan fiction, but it’s still reading and it counts).

I do get in a mood where I do want romance, it’s just not one I tend to gravitate towards very often. I’m stoked for this one because it’ll be opposites attract and fake dating, which are fun tropes for me.

While You Were Out

by: Meg Kissinger

Why am I stoked for this release?

As someone who deals with mental illness on a daily basis, I’m always interested in reading about others. I read my first memoir about mental illness last month and this one is about a whole family and their battles.

I’m also interested in the history of mental illness medicine and how it was treated in the past. This memoir talks about the 60’s, which was a time people still didn’t talked about their mental struggles. My generation talks pretty constantly about it now, with dark humor, but that wasn’t a thing even 20 years ago.

This will be nonfiction I’m stoked to read so I can get a better understanding about an older generation.

Others Were Emeralds

by: Lang Leav

Why am I stoked for this release?

I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction of Asian-Americans lately. This title caught my eye because it’s about an Asian immigrant in Australia in the 90’s. Ai tries to overcome a traumatic racist event while also battling a mental health crisis.

I’m obviously familiar with the treatment of immigrants here in America. I’m not so much educated in their treatment in Australia, so I’m stoked for this title to help broaden my perspective on this subject.

What You Are Looking For Is In the Library

by: Michiko Aoyama

Why am I stoked for this release?

Firstly, we’re going to just look at this cover. There’s a cat and a stack of books on it- if you didn’t think that didn’t catch my attention, then you don’t know my that well.

Secondly, the title, What You Are Looking For Is In the Library. I’m a librarian. Anything about libraries is always going to catch my attention.

Japanese literature knows how to capture the human experience and when I read it, it always makes me feel seen and understood.

This is marketed as a look at the magic of libraries, friendship and community and for fans of The Midnight Library so I’m all about this.

Hush Harbor

by: Anise Vance

Why am I stoked for this release?

This novel starts with something we all know too well: an unarmed black man is shot and killed by police. This causes an uprising from citizens.

This is set in a dystopian society but it sounds like this is going to be very close to our own reality. It’s also promises a pretty fast pace, compelling plot with the revolution fighting against white supremacists.

I’m sure it’s going to be an intense read, but I’m pretty stoked.

Mascot

by: Charles Waters & Traci Sorell

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a middle grade, novel in verse, which I have been eating up and loving lately.

Mascot is about six middle schoolers who get involve in the issue of whether or not their school should change their mascot. The suburb gets turned upside down as arguments get ugly.

There are multiple viewpoints in this novel and I’m stoked to see how it is written. It’s a pretty well known topic as well and the author is of the Cherokee Nation (Traci Sorell) and I’m stoked to see how this is written.

RELEASE DATE: September 12, 2023

The Second Chance Hotel

by: Sierra Godfrey

Why am I stoked for this release?

Another romance, Alisha? Really?

Yes.

Just because I have to be in a very specific mood in order to want to read a romance, it doesn’t mean I’m against them completely.

This one is a trope of accidental husband in Greece and now you’ve got a hotel to run together. Classic.

The Vaster Wilds

by: Lauren Groff

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is another historical fiction that caught my eye.

What’s it about you ask?

A servant girl escapes an early colonial settlement in America after a famine strikes. She’s only got a few possessions and her wits to survive.

Guys, I’m all for this. Historical fiction in a time I haven’t read much of. A girl who’s probably going to turn into a badass while she runs around nature. And, though I haven’t read any of Lauren Groff’s previous novels, I’ve heard nothing but good things of their writing.

The Meadows

by: Stephanie Oakes

Why am I stoked for this release?

Okay, I got this one off of BookishFirst (a really awesome website where I first got started in reviewing book in exchange for a copy of the title). This is being marketed as “a queer, YA Handmaid’s Tale meets Never Let Me Go”.

It’s speculative fiction with lesbians.

Duh I’m in.

Eagle Drums

by: Nasugraq Rainy Hopson

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a magical realism middle grade novel about the origin story of the Iñupiaq (Alaskan Native American Tribe) Messenger Feast, a Native Alaskan tradition.

I love reading Indigenous Voices and learning about their cultures and mythologies. This book is aimed at middle grade readers and though I’m obviously quite past that reading level, I love reading these stories in both what I wish I had as a kid and what I’m happy for kids to have now.

RELEASE DATE: September 19, 2023

Starter Villian

by: John Scalzi

Why am I stoked for this release?

Okay, but like, don’t tell me the cover of this did not just catch your attention.

The premise of this book is your dead uncle leaves you his supervillain business that comes with computer-savvy, managerial cats.

Cats could absolutely take over the world… if they wanted to.

I’m stoked to see them as villains.

Red Rabbit

by: Alex Grecian

Why am I stoked for this release?

So, this is to at least start in Kansas (which is where I grew up, so I do have a little soft spot for it), and it’s a horror western with a ragtag group of Witch Hunters.

Again, not my usual go to, but I’ve read some weirdly premised books with unique genres before, so let’s do this!

North Woods

by: Daniel Mason

Why am I stoked for this release?

I think I mentioned this last month, but I do like books where the setting never really changes: it’s a neighborhood throughout a decade, or a family house that’s had 7 generations through it. I don’t know, kind of makes it special.

This one is about a single house in the woods of New England and all of its inhabitants throughout the years.

It sounds like I’m going to fall in love with a cabin in the woods.

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

by: Breanne Randall

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is yet another romance, but it’s witchy!

This is said to be for fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls – I’m not a crazy fan of either, but I have enjoyed both so I’m looking forward to it. Plus, it’s also saying it’s a “warm, witchy novel” and I think that’s going to get me right in the mood for fall.

RELEASE DATE: September 26, 2023

The Salvation Gambit

by: Emily Skrutskie

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is to be about a crew of con women whose last big con goes so terribly wrong, they end up as inmates in a prison run by a crazy AI.

Y’all – a group of con women!

That’s all that needed to be said to about this for me okay?

The author is also highly spoken of and this would be the first novel of theirs that I’ve read and I’m pretty stoked.

Time to Shine

by: Rachel Reid

Why am I stoked for this release?

I know. I know. Another romance?!

But this has gays! I absolutely love the gay romance of Red, White & Royal Blue and I hold a lot of gay romance up to that. But, I have pretty high hopes for this title.

It’s also hockey and that’s not a sport I see to much of (unless it’s Fredrick Backman).

I may not get to this one until closer to winter (I think it is more of a Christmas-y vibe to it), but that doesn’t make me less stoked for it’s release.

Stoked for This: August 2023

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023 / Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

August has SO MANY BOOKS coming out that I’m Stoked for! SEVENTEEN!!

No crazy “theme” this month, though a few of them are being published this month, I know I probably won’t be in the right mood for them until later in the year. But, we shall see! I’ve got quite a list, so here we go 🙂

RELEASE DATE: August 1, 2023

Family Lore

by: Elizabeth Acevedo

Why am I stoked for this release?

Elizabeth Acevedo is one of my all time favorite YA, Novel in Verse authors. She’s also written a few prose pieces, but her Novel in Verse are my favs. She’s one of the few authors I know I will enjoy her books as soon as I find out there’s a new release. This will be her first Adult fiction about a Dominican-American family told through the voices of its women (which, we all know is going to be good).

The Connellys of County Down

by: Tracey Lange

Why am I stoked for this release?

As I love me a family dynamics novel.

Tara is coming out of prison after serving a 18-month drug charge and trying to restart her life at 30 is hard, so she moves in with her siblings. Her brother, a single dad, is struggling with a brain injury he sustained years ago, and her sister is cracking under the weight of huge secrets.

Again, family dynamic novels just hit different for me and the drama that’s probably in this will keep me turning the pages.

Falling Back in Love with Being Human: Letters to Lost Souls

by: Kai Cheng Thom

Why am I stoked for this release?

Sometimes I just want a book with letters/poems/ and essays.

This is written by an Asian Canadian trans femme author during the pandemic when the world was blasting hate and violence full force. This is written during a painful time of the author’s life, so it’s bound to be filled with raw emotions.

The Museum of Human History

by: Rebekah Bergman

Why am I stoked for this release?

I like time morphing novels – rather that’s time travel, alternate histories, future fantasy – I think it’s fun.

This one is about a little girl who, while in a coma after nearly drowning, has stopped aging. While Maeve is in her coma, the adults around her struggle to figure out how and why she’s no longer aging, and their experiments never turn out correctly.

RELEASE DATE: August 8, 2023

A Council of Dolls

by: Mona Susan Power

Why am I stoked for this release?

I’m always interested in Indigenous Voices and this one is spanning three generations of Yanktonai Dakota women from the 19th century to the present day. This is also to shine a light on the generational trauma brought on by Indian boarding schools and the historical massacres of Indigenous people. There’s also rumored to have stunning prose, and I’m always down for that!

Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

by: James McBride

Why am I stoked for this release?

This historical novel set in the 1930’s is about the community of Chicken Hill in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, filled mostly with African Americans and Jews.

At one point, the community conspire together to keep a young deaf black boy out of the state’s notorious mental hospital.

This book is supposed to be about the relationships that molded this community together and I always love those stories.

Tomb Sweeping

by: Alexandra Chang

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a short story collection about histories, technologies, and generational divides that shape our relationships.

Again, sometimes I like having a short story collection for a quick(er) read here and there.

RELEASE DATE: August 15, 2023

The Invisible Hour

by: Alice Hoffman

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a novel about the power of books. So yea, I’m stoked for this.

This is also about Mia and her life inside the Community – an oppressive cult in western Massachusetts. Contact with the outside world is forbidden and book are evil, but when Mia gets her hands on a copy of The Scarlet Letter, it perfectly captures the pain and loss she’s feeling inside her.

Books allow others to feel seen; and this one is going to be one of them.

Fever House

by: Keith Rosson

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is marketed as being “horror, crime, and raw” – mixed with gangsters, black ops government agencies, a punk band, a severed hand, a detached eyeball?

This novel is bound to have it all.

I may not get around to this until it is a lot closer to Halloween, but who knows, there’s a lot happening in this book that seems like it will be a trip.

The Witch is Back

by: Sophie H. Morgan

Why am I stoked for this release?

Rarely.

Very rarely – do I get excited for romance books. But this is a witchy, childhood romance/second chance novel that I can see myself enjoy once I can get around to it.

LET’S GO LET’S GO LET’S GO

by: Cleo Qian

Why am I stoked for this release?

A collection of stories centered around the experience of Asian and Asian American women.

Based of those who have read and reviewed it already, the stories seem to be page turners!

Bride of the Tornado

by: James Kennedy

Why am I stoked for this release?

Okay, listen; I know this one is way out in left field for what I usually read – a secretive midwestern town engulfed by a mysterious plague of tornadoes every generation where the teen girl must now find a way to escape from.

But like, I grew up apart of Tornado Alley. My family was the only family within our immediate group of family and friends who had a basement. Everyone would come over when the tornado sirens went off. I always kind of looked forward to storms because of this. Even now, I love storm watching.

This just changes it up for me and I even went so far as requesting an ARC of it to read.

RELEASE DATE: August 29, 2023

Vampires of El Norte

by: Isabel Cañas

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a historical horror about vampires and vaqueros (cowboys) facing off on the Texas/Mexico border. What is there NOT to like about this?

I’m not a crazy reader of horror, but I’ve always found myself in the mood when it gets cooler outside. So, though I may not get to reading this quite this month, I’m definitely reading it come spooky season!

A Multitude of Dreams

by: Mara Rutherford

Why am I stoked for this release?

Two reasons.

One: I read The Poison Season last year and absolutely LOVED it – so I’ve been pretty stoked about her next title.

Two. This is a gothic fantasy YA (with vampires?).

Yes please!!

Everything/Nothing/Someone: A Memoir

by: Alice Carrière

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a coming-of-age memoir of Alice Carrière in the 90’s as her adolescence gives way to a struggle with dissociative disorder.

I’m a ’92 baby, so some of my childhood was the 90’s (though most of my memories were early 2000s) and revisiting that era would be fun.

But, I also love the way mental health is talked about more and more nowadays. It was still kind of taboo while I was growing up. Anytime I can read about others’ stories with their mental health journey, I do try to read it.

My Father, the Panda Killer

by: Jamie Jo Hoang

Why am I stoked for this release?

I saw this on NetGalley and immediately asked to read it. This is a YA, told in alternating voices of Jane in 1999 San Jose, and her father as an eleven-year-old in 1975 Đà Nẵng.

The Vietnam War is another part of history I’m taking time to read about. I have an uncle who fought over, and I know I can’t even imagine the horrors that war caused.

This book is unflinching in its tale about war and the generational impact it has.

After You Vanished

by: E.A. Neeves

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is said to be Sadie meets We Were Liars. Both are amazing books, but Sadie is a title I’m constantly giving recommendations out for while doing Shelf Helps at work.

This title is told through Teddy’s POV to her missing twin sister, Izzy as she tries to piece together what could have happened to Izzy after she vanished from a midnight swim last year.