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Kelsey Ford: New Year, New You: 9 Books for a Better You, 9 Books for a Worse You (0 comment)

I’m not a huge believer in new year’s resolutions — they always feel like set ups for failure and disappointment instead of the well-meaning self-bettering they’re intended to be. However, I do believe in the fresh promise of a new year and taking the opportunity to deliberately (and gently) think about your routines and what you might be missing...

Keith Mosman: Powell's Picks Spotlight: Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham's 'Lunar New Year Love Story' (0 comment)
Kate Brody: What If the Real Monsters Were Inside Us All Along: Kate Brody’s Movie Playlist for ‘Rabbit Hole’ (0 comment)

In the Roses of Pieria Blood Files 01

Anna Burke

I discovered Anna Burke this year with Compass Rose and immediately got my hands on every book of hers I could. Roses of Pieria was an absolute delight. Dark academia! Urban fantasy! Vampires! Greek (alternate) history! Mushroom fae! Shapeshifters! I know it sounds like an impossible mishmash, but it does everything with a clear purpose and a skillful execution. The characters were stunning and the sapphic dynamics were so... (read more)
Recommended by Carlee B

I Overcame My Autism & All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder A Memoir

Sarah Kurchak

Funny, engaging, and thoughtful, Kurchak examines how being autistic has shaped her life, both long before she was diagnosed and after. Her experiences follow a common pattern for neurodivergent women — be weird, painfully and slowly learn how to maybe not be so weird anymore, repeat until your brain hits an impossible wall of stress. It’s a comfort to know that someone else has experienced a similar journey and come out the other side.
Recommended by Carlee B

Compass Rose Novel Vol 01 Compass Rose

Anna Burke

Compass Rose gave me the story I didn’t know I was looking for. I’m always interested in narratives where being queer isn’t the focal point, but is still intrinsic to the characters. This was exactly what I wanted. Rose is a complex protagonist with character growth that surprised me in the best ways. Her relationship with Miranda (the hot pirate captain) is an important part of the plot, but it’s not the entire plot. The supporting... (read more)
Recommended by Carlee B

Fiancee Farce

Alexandria Bellefleur

Every so often, I remember how much I LOVE romance. A book with well-done tropes, engaging characters, and a great plot really does the trick for me. And this ticked all my boxes! I loved how self-aware and playful the narrative was, Taylor Swift and romance stereotypes being referenced, poking a little fun while remaining true to the emotional heart of the writing. Gemma and Tansy were such lovely protagonists, their dynamic was so enjoyable,... (read more)
Recommended by Carlee B

Adam Binder Vol 01 White Trash Warlock

David R Slayton

White Trash Warlock begins the story of Adam Binder, a self-trained practitioner whose estranged family never acknowledged magic. His quest to find cursed objects leads him straight to his family and the man he falls in love with. The plot thickens! WTW is such a good example of inclusive urban fantasy. It reminded me a little bit of The Raven Cycle, one of my all-time favorites. The trilogy’s overall arc of solving mysteries... (read more)
Recommended by Carlee B

One Last Stop

Casey McQuiston

One Last Stop is every bit as "magical, sexy, and big-hearted" as it claims to be. The setting is delightful, the queer found family is heartwarming, and the romance is off the charts. The protagonists are lovely. August made me feel so seen as a world-weary young person, Jane made me believe in everything bigger than ourselves (family, community, time travel) and their romance reminded me to keep hoping, trusting, and loving in only the... (read more)
Recommended by Carlee B

Crush

Richard Siken

Siken's poetry gives me words for emotions I didn't know other folks felt. His artistic mastery of language, imagery, and visceral detail lends itself to hard-hitting, beautiful verse. Flip through, even if you're not a poetry person. You might like it!
Recommended by Carlee B

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