July – August Book Haul: Seasons Change Edition
It’s September which means time for the fourth book haul of the year. Though I’ve been unhauling books from my collection I still managed to pick up a lot of new titles as well. Barnes & Noble had their huge 50% off hardcovers sale which meant I picked up some anticipated reads on my TBR.
I also went to the Detroit Book Festival in July which meant books galore. I acquired more books than I planned to, but with the rate I’m going from reading from my own shelves, I think I’m doing a pretty good job.
Let’s get onto the book haul!
Bought
Something Good by Vanessa Miller – A novel about When three women find their lives inextricably linked after a terrible mistake, they must work together to make the most of their futures. I’ve been hearing such good things about this author’s works, and I am looking forward to checking this novel out!
The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston – This middle grade novel is about a girl named Candace whose mother skipped town with dreams of becoming a singing star. Cadence inherited that musical soul but she’s as shy as can be.
What if a Fish by Anika Fajardo – This novel’s gorgeous cover art caught my eye, the story is about generational story of family and identity where hats turn into leeches, ghosts blow kisses from lemon trees, and the things you find at the end of your fishing line might not be a fish at all.
Murder in Westminster by Vanessa Riley – I always enjoy a good mystery and this novel looks intriguing. The novel follows the story of a widow whose skin color and notorious family history have left her with few friends she can rely on and then a local vicar names her the prime suspect in a murder case.
This is All Your Fault by Aminah Mae Safi – A YA novel that follows three young women determined to save their indie bookstore. Books about books? Sign me up!
Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo – I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this romance novel. It’s a novel about When a Nigerian woman falls for a man, she knows will break her mother’s heart, she must choose between love and her family.
Wingbearer by Marjorie Liu & Teny Issakhanian – I’ve been seeing this everywhere in bookstore and they had a used copy at the Detroit Book Festival, so I snagged it. The story follows a girl who must stop a threat to her magical world in this epic graphic novel.
M is For Monster byTalia Dutton – A scientist attempts to bring her younger sister back to life with unexpected results in this Frankenstein-inspired graphic novel about ghosts, identity, and family. Seems like a good read for spooky season!
Earthling by Aisha Franz – This graphic novel examines human beings and relationships through an unconventional story. Haven’t heard too much about it but the cover art intrigued me.
Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura – A fantasy series about a twelve-year-old girl who sets out to save her Shinto goddess mother and world by facing down demons intent on bringing chaos.
Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas – Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore. I love Thomas’ writing so much and I can’t wait to dive into this new series!
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis – Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, The Davenports is the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life—and love. As a fan of historical fiction, this synopsis really speaks to me.
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao – I love a epic fantasy novel and this one sounds promising! The story is about a fallen kingdom where one girl carries the key to discovering the secrets of her nation’s past – and unleashing the demons that sleep at its heart.
Midnight Without a Moon by Linda Williams Jackson – This historical novel offers readers an unflinching bird’s eye view of 1955 Mississippi. It seems like based on the topics it discusses it will be an emotional read.
Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tolá Okogwu – A middle grade adventure about a British Nigerian girl who learns that her Afro hair has psychokinetic powers. The synopsis says it’s perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers so I’m sure I’ll enjoy this read.
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas – The prequel to the YA novel The Hate You Give. I’ve been meaning to read this for a while now.
Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim – A novel about exploring all the magical possibilities of life in Paris. I loved reading Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune by Lim, so I hope I enjoy this novel by her too.
Practical Korean: Speak Korean Quickly and Effortlessly by Samuel Martin – I needed a new book to get back on top of my language studies, so I decided I’ll try out this book.
Beasts of Ruin by Ayana Gray – I thought was picking up the first novel in the series, but I guess not? So, I’ll have to read Beasts of Prey before I start this second installment.
What We Were Promised by Lucy Tan – Set in modern Shanghai, a debut by a Chinese American writer about a prodigal son whose unexpected return forces his newly wealthy family to confront painful secrets and unfulfilled promises.
Recommended for You by Laura Silverman – A rom-com following two teen booksellers whose rivalry is taken to the next level as they compete for the top bookseller bonus. Sounds like a very cute and fluffy YA romance!
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison – This beautifully illustrated volume educates and inspires as it relates true stories of black men in history. I also own the Women in Black History book and its wonderful!
For Black Girls Like Me by Mariama J. Lockington – In this lyrical coming-of-age story about family, sisterhood, music, race, and identity, the author draws on some of the emotional truths from her own experiences growing up with an adoptive white family.
Vinyl Moon by Mahogany L. Browne – A story that explores how words have the power to shape and uplift our world even in the midst. I don’t know much about the author, but seeing that the novel written in verse piqued my interest.
Gifted
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert – One of two books I got from Kellogg’s reading program. This is about a quirky content creator and a clean-cut athlete testing their abilities to survive the great outdoors—and each other.
145th Street Stories by Walter Dean Myers – The second book from Kellogg’s reading program Collection of powerful and poignant stories about 145th Street—an unforgettable block in the heart of Harlem.
ARCs/Review Copies
Curlfriends: New in Town by Sharee Miller – In this graphic novel series opener about the Curlfriends, four inseparable Black girls who show us the meaning of true friendship—and being your true self. Review to come soon!
The Kingdom of Sweets: A Novel of the Nutcracker by Erika Johansen – This gloriously transportive reimagining of The Nutcracker tells the tale of twin sisters, divided by envy and magic, set against each another one fateful Christmas Eve. Review to come soon!
Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror by Various Authors – The visionary writer and director of Get Out, Us, and Nope, and founder of Monkeypaw Productions, curates this groundbreaking anthology of all-new stories of Black horror, exploring not only the terrors of the supernatural but the chilling reality of injustice that haunts our nation. Review to come soon!
A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak by Laura Taylor Namey – In this highly anticipated companion to A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, Flora Maxwell heads to Miami to find a path for her future…and finds her heart along the way. Review to come soon!
A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens: A Novel by Raul Palma – A genre-bending debut with a fiercely political heart, A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens explores the weight of the devil’s bargain, following the lengths one man will go to for the promise of freedom. Review to come soon!
What books have you hauled recently? Let me know in the comments.
Some lovely covers there, nice hauls. I didn’t do too badly in August for once, actually reading more than I acquired, and I’ve been busily unhauling books I no longer need to the charity shop as we’ve been having a giant clear-out in the house.
I’m still working on unhauling books all year long since I keep acquiring them. But my bookhelves seem to clearing up a lot so I’m happy.