The New Books Roundup for September 13: Black Panther and Feminists!
New books are always there.
Now that we’ve all survived Monday, it’s time to take a look at this week’s new books. As we move into fall, staying in on the weekend sounds more and more appealing, and ditto with sitting down with a fresh book.
As per usual, links for each book’s title will take you straight to Amazon, where you can choose between several different formats. (You can even avoid the physical/electronic debate entirely by getting the audiobook.)
That all being said, let’s get into it, shall we?
The Reader
Traci Chee’s debut novel also kicks off her first trilogy, titled the Sea of Ink and Gold. This YA fantasy features a heroine named Sefia in a society that’s mostly illiterate. However, Sefia has a book in her possession, one that sounds like it’ll help her find her missing aunt and solve her father’s murder. Also, there are pirates and assassins. Naturally, comparisons to Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart abound, because that’s the easiest comparison to a book about books to make. They’re even both YA. Goodreads reviews call it fresh, dazzling, and more. Putnam; hardcover, 464 pages; list price: $19.99.
Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1
Real talk here: getting into comic books after encountering characters through the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains hard. Fortunately, there are graphic novels here to save the day, including Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet. This compiles the first four issues of the series, written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and illustrated by Brian Stelfreeze. We all know Black Panther was probably one of the best parts of Captain America: Civil War. Why not get to know him better ahead of his solo silver screen debut in 2018? Goodreads reviews call it complex, but fascinating. Marvel; paperback, 144 pages; list price: $16.99.
Feminist Fight Club: An Office Survival Manual for a Sexist Workplace
Let’s face it: sexism in the North American workplace still exists, but it’s gotten better at pretending it isn’t sexism. Jessica Bennett’s new guide mixes humor with real career advice and finally puts names to co-workers you may have already had. Take the Himitator for example; he’s that guy that hears your ideas, repeats them, and gets all the praise for it. There’re illustrations, Mad Libs, and yes, real research to back her points up. Goodreads reviews praise its inclusivity, its research, and the fact that it’s sassy. Harper Wave; hardcover, 336 pages; list price: $24.99.
Fates and Traitors: A Novel of John Wilkes Booth
Finally, we have Jennifer Chiaverini’s latest. Once again, she heads back to the American Civil War, but this time, she’s looking at John Wilkes Booth and the four women “who kept his perilous confidence.” In other words: a portrait of an assassin, primarily told by the four most important women in his life. A mix of historical fiction, drama, and a little romance, Fates and Traitors has already earned plenty of positive reviews on Goodreads and from other publications; Goodreads reviewers in particular praised the multiple narrators. Dutton; hardcover, 400 pages; list price: $27.00.
Next: Review: Apprentice in Death, J.D. Robb
Other items coming out this week include the Hamilton 2017 calendar, to bring you even closer to the show without having to win the Ham4Ham lottery; and journalist Elizabeth Vargas’ memoir, Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction.
Think we missed something? Feel free to drop off recommendations for this week’s new books and beyond in the comments below.
As always, happy reading! What’ll be first on your to-read list this week?