While I’m certainly excited to read all of the books I got from Bookcon 2019, there are some that I had to push to the top of my list. Here are some of the stand-out titles that I’m most excited to read (and possibly review!) this summer.
Please note, these titles are in no particular order. 🙂
Aphrodite Made Me Do It by Trista Mateer
A poetry collection centered around self-care and the mythology of a well-known goddess, this book seems like a better version of Rupi Kaur’s vision. From what I’ve read so far, it’s far more realistic and poetic, and I’m definitely a fan! The cover is beautifully simple and modern, as well.
Outlander’s Scotland by Pitkin
What can I say? If Scotland is involved, I’m sold! In a weird coincidence, my Dad bought this handy little travel/film guide not knowing that I was in the midst of reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Boy, was I thrilled to see he spent $4 well! With a quick flip-through, it’s easy to tell that I’ll be visiting the picturesque locales ASAP.
I’m Not Dying With You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal
Besides the fact that the line for this title was a wonderful, welcoming experience, meeting the authors really turned me on to this title! I love the dual-perspective approach to writing a book that deals with race relations and a traumatic event that brings unlikely friends together. I’m looking forward to discovering what’s beyond the lovely book cover!
Furyborn by Claire Legrand
I bought this book while waiting on line for an ARC giveaway, but I think it’ll easily be worth the $5 I spent on it. A story of friendship and intersecting feminist plotlines, this title includes two points of view, one in the future and the other in the past. Thanks to Fiona Davis, I’m a big fan of this format. Add in royal conflict, and I’m sold!
The Wall by John Lanchester
This book caught me off guard! I picked it up off of a giveaway cart not knowing what it was about, but the title immediately brought to mind Trump’s questionable ambitions. To my interest, the description for The Wall does, in fact, include a dystopian society blocked off by a barrier wall, not unlike what could very well happen to our own borders. I’m excited to see if this story is brave enough to go where I think it might.
Another Life by Robert Haller
To be upfront, the cover of this one drew me in. Beautifull simple, it compelled me to send my Dad traipsing to the other side of the show floor to try and grab a copy. Luckily, the contents of the cover flap are just as intriguing as the cover! Narrated by four very different (but all extremely captivating) characters, this title doesn’t give much away besides the hint of character intersections. While this would annoy me in many cases, it clearly works for this book.
Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly
I’ve noticed a trend in books like this (historical fiction with female narrators) and I’m here for it! I was thrilled when I found a copy of this on the Bookcon floor at the end of the day on Sunday. The title alone (and the title of its predecessor, Lilac Girls) just calls to me in a way that’s impossible to resist.
Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford
I have to be honest: I was so excited about this one that I went ahead and read it before starting any of my Bookcon posts! The beautiful cover and the hour and a half wait time on a quickly-capped line may have had a bit to play in this decision, but I wasn’t disappointed. With clear series potential,
Off Planet by Aileen Erin
Although this book sounds a lot like others I’ve read in the past, in my mind, it means it’ll probably be just as good! Despite my irrational fear of space, I’m a sucker for a good space story, particularly with a strong heroine who has a foot in two doors—in this case, alien and human.
A Danger to Herself and Others by Alyssa Sheinmel
With another beautiful cover, this title brings all the YA angst mixed with what seems like the potential for a discussion of mental health and a WLW romance (or at least a strong female friendship if I’m wrong). I’m excited to see how the setting and character development are handled in this one.
Hopefully none of these titles will disappoint!
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