Snazzy September Staff Picks
What’s that smell in the air? Dried leaves, cinnamon, colder air? Are enormous sweaters suddenly appearing in your closet? Do you crave a warm cup of tea even though IT’S STILL SO HOT OUTSIDE? Check out September’s Staff Picks to welcome autumn.
Check out the audiobook playlist HERE!
As Literary Sojourn rapidly approaches, I am frantically trying to read at least one book by each of the attending authors. The one I am recommending this month is How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz. The book is primarily a one-sided conversation between Cara Romero, a 56-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic, and her government counselor in the Senior Workforce Program. The program is designed to help find employment for seniors on welfare. As Cara explains her life and work experience to the counselor throughout 12 sessions in which she frequently goes on tangents and overshares, the reader gets a deep understanding of this strong, resilient, yet unmistakably human character. She explains to the counselor her numerous skills and special talents such as her ability to smell cancer. “Write this down. Cara Romero can smell the sickness,” she instructs the counselor. Her unfiltered honesty is refreshing and often hilarious. On her work application when asked what degree she earned her answer is simple and truthful, “survival.”
As of this writing, there are still tickets left for Literary Sojourn here. After reading this book, you will not want to miss hearing this author speak and share her story.
-Danielle
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If you enjoyed News of the World by Paulette Jiles, you’ll want to read her new novel, which takes place after the Civil War. Her descriptive writing pulled me in immediately, the story becoming almost a movie in my mind! After a four-year Civil War, 700 souls have died, the countryside is in charred ruins, and John returns home as a wounded soldier, only to learn that his sister, her child, and her husband had been brutally murdered! He is determined to hunt for the killer, and vows to find him “come hell or high water!”. I could feel the hardship and frustration as John traveled his broken country to Texas in pursuit of the killer, aided by merely a telegraph for communication and a horse for transportation. Jiles’ writing allows the reader to jump into the midst of action, misery, trials, and even a bit of romance throughout this pursuit.
Virgie
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The sun sets over the desert hills, a red sun burning low on the horizon. Two boys astride their horses ride towards the setting sun. Their backs are turned on their home, their faces open to the life they seek over the border. The farther they travel the more they will experience. The more they will grow through pain and dire times, as they traverse the steep hill that is life. Two boys, two horses, and the land they seek to travel to. Travel with the boys as they make their way to Mexico in hopes of finding work and a new life. A tale of cowboys, horses, death, murder, love, and loss.
-Eva
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The unnamed junior at Kyoto University is not happy with his past years at school. He joined a club, called a “circle” in Japan, to get his ideal college life. When he realizes the circle isn’t all that he made it out to be he and his friend Ozu rebel and are kicked out. Together they waste away waiting for some significant event to happen. One night, on a food run, our nameless narrator meets one of Japan’s 3 billion gods. This story is an amazing example of what-could-have-been and what-should-have-been. Each chapter takes place in an alternative universe where he joined a different club. A wonderful book if you like to try and make your life better by looking at the past.
-Izabel
You’d have to have lost your senses if you don’t see what’s been happening to our Earth these past few years: rising waters, torrential storms, raging wildfires, animal and biome extinction! This climate crisis story hits close to home! Imagine a world that is quickly dying. Imagine your child asking, “Why didn’t you do more to save our planet before it was too late?”. This chilling near-future dystopian story of the Great Transition, the mobilization of 20 million volunteers to help save the world, will chill you to the bones! It’s told through the eyes of a girl completing a history project for her high school. If you were intrigued by The Ministry For the Future, then I’m certain The Great Transition will absorb your thoughts of today, as well as the future!
-Virgie
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Perfect for fans of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go. Following Offred during her day-to-day life as she struggles to conform to society's rules. As you learn the rules of her life you also get a glimpse of her past and what once was. However, you must work to piece together the puzzle of her past and learn her plans for the future. This popular story will capture your attention and captivate your mind. I hope you enjoy it!
-Eva
Molly, the Maid, reminds me of the storybook character Amelia Bedelia! She’s quirky, always proper, follows rigid routines, is incredibly naive, and mostly clueless! Yet, Molly prides herself on possessing “A+ employee conduct” at the swanky Grand Regency Hotel. When a murder occurs at the hotel, Molly finds herself a prime suspect, and her personality doesn’t help much in her defense - or maybe just the opposite! This intriguing mystery and the character of “struggling to be understood” Molly will find you cheering for Molly. This is a perfect “soft mystery” for a long, summer vacation day!
-Virgie
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From the opening scene I could tell this book was going to be a hilarious commentary on human behavior, sexuality, and relationships. Arguably John Irving's best novel, The World According to Garp takes place in the ‘60s and ‘70s, following the life of T.S. Garp, his childhood sweetheart, Helen, their two children, and his struggles with his “ahead of her time” feminist mother, Jenny Fields. Though ridiculous and outlandish at times, Irving’s characters are dysfunctional yet endearing, with personality traits just authentic enough that I wanted to know more and more after every page. Through being risque and witty the novel touches on deeper themes of what it means to be a struggling artist, raising kids, the inner workings of a marriage and relationship, the patriarchy, and gender roles. With the use of fast-paced narration, Irving captures the complexity of the human condition in a highly entertaining way. If you’re a fan of John Irving and haven’t read this book, what’re you doing? Get on that.
-Caroline
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I love Hazelwood’s STEAM based rom-coms. This title is no exception. The enemies-to-lovers trope is true to its word, and the back and forth between Jack and Elsie is hot-hot-hot! This couple may actually be my favorite in modern romance, and for someone who can devour one of these things in a day, that’s saying something! It’s nerdy. It’s sexy. When it finally hits, the yearning is 10/10.. What else is there to say? It has everything I love in a romance novel.
-Jenna
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What a great historical romance! I may be the last reader to get to Sarah MacClean, and boy did she impress! I adore a good wallflower story, especially when a rake is involved. Who doesn't love a good bad boy, especially when he’s desperately in love with a completely oblivious, but darling lady? I also like wallflower stories because the heroines are often older, and I can only read about young and impressionable girls getting married so many times before it starts to get kinda weird. So, if you’re like me and you need a palate cleanser that is also an absolute delight, this is your winner!
-Jenna
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A stunning futuristic desi fantasy full of magic, intrigue, and an enemies-to-lovers plot that won't disappoint! Lovingly inspired by the Hindu goddess Kali, Princess Elena Aadya is the only royal in her family unable to control fire, a gift passed down for generations. As the heir of her desert kingdom, she will do anything to earn her place as its ruler and isn't afraid to fight for it. Yassen Knight is a renowned assassin who seems to be repenting for his bloody past by swearing allegiance to the throne but whom Elena profoundly mistrusts. When they are forced to work together as a more significant threat grows, will they be able to succeed even with the rivalry kindling between them? Such an epic story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every page you turn!
-Isabella
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As an absolute sucker for fairytale retellings, Burning Roses pulled me in and sank its thorns deep into my psyche. I cannot fully encapsulate how much I loved this novella. It's got magic, it's got complicated family dynamics, it's got lesbians, it’s got European and Chinese folklore, and it’s beautifully written to boot. If you are looking for an excellent escape from this world into a no less complicated but magical one, this book is for you!
-Izzy
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A sophisticated modern fantasy that takes place in the mythical and intricate realm of Roshar, packed with warring kingdoms, magical discoveries, and political schemes. Brandon Sanderson expertly delivers a compelling big-picture plot through multiple detailed character perspectives. His complex worldbuilding could be compared to George R. R. Martin for both authors are masters of riddling their stories with advanced layouts, characters, and fictional cultures. This novel uses the intimate discovery of each character, as well as the anticipation of the unraveling plot, to draw readers in and keep them wanting more.
-Bella S
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"The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides is a compelling psychological thriller that captivated me with its intricate plot and skillful storytelling. The novel follows Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who stops speaking after she's accused of killing her husband. The narrative alternates between Alicia's journal entries and the perspective of Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to unravel her silence. The book expertly navigates themes of psychology, trauma, deception, and the human mind's complexities. It kept me engaged through its clever twists, psychological suspense, and exploration of the characters' motivations. Michaelides crafts a well-paced, suspenseful narrative that challenges perceptions, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read. If you are intrigued by mysteries that delve into the intricacies of the human psyche, then this is a fantastic read.
-Reshida
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This collection of poetry is both visually stunning and absolutely touching. The lyrical meter and the physical structure of these poems are both of the highest quality. These poems touch on questions of Asian identity, the diaspora, white privilege, and exceptionalism, as well as history, and crossover questions of race and gender. I would love to put a copy of this book into everyone’s hands and think it should be considered a modern classic.
-Jenna
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While I don’t consider myself “old” at 27 (though I do have to stretch more than I used to…), Kotler’s book Gnar Country caught my attention for its promise to help teach an old dog new tricks - gnarly tricks.
Most people will tell you that if you haven’t learned to throw 360’s, ski switch, or slide a rail by the time you’re 12 you might as well accept your future as a boring groomer skier. When the pandemic hit and Kotler was forced to cut his usual ski season short, he decided to put his experience in neuroscience and flow training to the test to see if he could actually teach himself some park kid tricks, partially using an improvised backyard ski hill made of cardboard and fake grass. While this book might say “old” on the cover, it’s really more about exploring one’s psychological limits, what it takes to overcome them, and how overcoming them can introduce more joy into your life.
After reading this book, I think this might actually be the season I learn how to send it on skis - bruises be damned!
- Megan
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Growing up is hard, and growing up in an ever-changing country isn’t easy, especially when it’s not for the better. Satrapi writes a beautiful story, of the hardships of growing up in Iran, as the Islamic revolution occurs. Satrapi uses pictures and words to the this impactful story. This comic book shows us how a child tries to understand the change her country is growing through, and a beautiful representation of the isolation immigrants feel when away from home. Persepolis is a beautifully written and drawn book.
-Izabel
In our modern art scene, finding insight into our techniques and studies that will stick with us, and remain relevant for years to come is a challenge. Gurney's got your back with this book. This is no tome of beginners skills though! Inside you're going to find information on gathering and creating reference materials and studies to help push your work to the next level. From exercises in seeing the energy and flow behind a piece, to sculpting plasticine maquettes, this is old school advice that is just as relevant now as it's ever been; if not more!
-Ryan
In many of my reviews, I espouse the empathy-building virtues of fiction. Solito, Zamora’s memoir of his own migration from El Salvador to California, when he was nine and traveling without any of his family members, every ounce of empathy you have will flame up. Naturally, Zamora is at the center of his memoir and you will instantly engage with the nine-year-old hero. The strangers who become his “fake family” and literally guide him through this odyssey, however, will capture equal parts of your heart.
While Zamora’s journey is treacherous and depressing, he had me eager to pick up the book again each day to learn more. We are lucky Zamora has documented his plight and given testimony to the countless immigrants like him who have endured a similar fate to get to “La USA”.
-Mike
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When Lyz Lenz walked into her living room to find that her husband had taken down a kitschy sign she bought for $3 at Target, she knew their marriage was over. Of course, it wasn’t about the sign - though he had promised in couples therapy to stop stealing her things - it was about the apathy, the garbage that only got taken out by her, the dismissive way he treated her writing career, the unequal childcare, and the unshakable feeling that her husband just really didn’t like her as a person. Really, Liz had known for a while that their marriage was probably doomed to fail, but it took years for her to finally pull the trigger. Why? In part because of the pervasive myth that divorce is something that will ruin your life and wreck you as a woman. But what Liz found on the other side of her marriage wasn’t doom and gloom and copious amounts of wine; it was freedom.
Endearing, heartfelt, hilarious, and a scathing remark on the state of marriage in America - and that’s coming from a happily married person!
-Megan
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If you are looking to step up your baking game, this is the cookbook for you. It reads almost like a delectable textbook. Excellent technical guides give you the base for the simplest to more complex recipes. Heck, even if you don’t bake but just want a beautiful addition to your cookbook collection, the photography in French Patisserie is inspirational and saliva-inducing.
-Izzy
This is the first in a new run for Jen Walters aka She-Hulk. I already love the story Rowell is writing here! All of She-Hulk’s defining characteristics are clear and present, and totally embraced by the creators. She’s smart, funny, and sexy. One of Jen Walter’s classic plotlines is her conflicting desires between being her mundane self, and her desire to exist permanently as She-Hulk. That’s addressed beautifully here! I love her interactions with other famous characters, and that this story references a previous storyline clearly and without being confusing. That being said, it did definitely whet my appetite for Avengers: Disassembled and I’ll be looking for that next. The art is contemporary but with plenty of nods to Marvel’s classic style.
-Jenna
With a unique art style and classic rock, Araki takes us on a ride to the story of a generation. We start with our young protagonist, Jonathan Joestar, who’s kind, gentle, and noble—a true gentleman. When Jonathan’s parents adopt Dio Brando, Jonathan’s life takes a turn for the Bizarre. With memorable characters, intense fighting scenes, and true love Araki will have you searching for the next volume. The Phantom Blood sets the stage for what you’ll soon know and love as Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.
-Izabel
Compared to his noble, kind, and gentle grandfather, Joseph Joestar is the complete opposite. He makes himself known everywhere he goes. Araki uses his strangely beautiful art and writing skills to show themes of good and evil. If the crazy battles, strange villains, and characters of The Phantom Blood didn’t make you a Jojo fan, Joseph Joestar is sure to win your heart! An amazing continuation of the story Battle Tendency, will have you tending to reach for Jojo!
-Izabel
The bizarre saga of the Joestars continues! Now with Jotaro, who’s moody, angry, and stoic. Araki takes us on what may be the strangest journey in the series yet! Araki’s beautiful art style and storytelling makes Stardust Crusaders a fan favorite! The story is engaging, and full of action, and comedy. The characters are nowhere short of amazing, with depth and so much personality you’ll never be bored! Stardust Crusaders is an amazing third part to Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, you’ll be crusading through it!
-Izabel
October is almost here and, as our appetite for the supernatural begins to grow, I have a perfect recommendation for you! Sarah Anderson is the queen of combining comedy and spooky in her graphic novels and is the perfect author to seek out if you need a good laugh! Cryptid Club is full of familiar urban legends including the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot, and good old Mothman, all of them friends trying to find their way in a human-dominated world. I love this book with all of my heart and can’t wait for more people to discover it!
-Isabella
Ever felt the need or the desire to learn all that you can about the different types of gems in the world or even the different processes of refining them? Then I highly recommend reading The Case Study of Jeweler Richard. In this manga, you learn with the protagonist, Seigi Nakata, all there is to the different stones. The first volume explores the past of his family heirloom, a pink sapphire, and the story of the owner of a rare pigeon blood ruby. While reading this manga, I not only felt like I was getting drawn in by the different narratives of all the characters but I was also provided with a more “hands-on” learning of the insides to appraising various types of gems. The author did not just stop at storytelling but took the time to describe and explain everything there is to know about the jewels. If you are interested in gemstones or need another manga for your collection, I highly recommend trying this series!
-Lauren
Have you seen or read Fullmetal Alchemist or Silver Spoon? Well, this manga is written by the same author as those! This is their new series with the same dark feeling as Fullmetal Alchemist, mixed with a magical twist. In this world, some humans possess the ability to command powerful Daemons. They are governed by a prophecy of "children who will separate day and night," destined to rule over all Daemons. When these children were born, they were separated and raised by two opposing parties. In the first volume, follow the story of Yuru. He was raised under the watchful eyes of two stone guardians in a remote mountain village, believing that his precious twin, Asa, was carrying out mysterious 'duties' while locked in a cage. Read the story as Yuru starts to undercover the lies his village always held for him and what it could mean for his future.
-Lauren
Dane Craven, a 16-year-old, is forced to return to his unbearably small hometown of Jasper Hollow after the murder of his cousin, a death he might be partly responsible for. Sadly, his plan to keep his head down and stay unnoticed goes awry because of the fiery powers he can barely control. This causes the local 'mean girls' to desperately want to give him a new makeover while adopting him as their new "gay friend." With the aid of his newfound companions, he endeavors to unearth the identity of the culprit responsible for the killings. However, his efforts prove treacherous as he soon finds himself in the crosshairs of the mysterious rabbit-masked murderer. Read Wicked Little Things for a spooky murder mystery mixed with romance and self-acceptance.
-Lauren
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"We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart is a gripping YA novel that stands out for its unique narrative structure, evocative prose, and shocking twist that left me reeling. The story revolves around the wealthy Sinclair family, their idyllic summer vacations on a private island, and the secrets that unravel over time. Lockhart's writing style is lyrical and immersive, drawing me into the characters' emotions and the suspenseful atmosphere. The unreliable narrator adds depth to the mystery, compelling me to question the truth. The novel explores themes of privilege, family dynamics, memory, and the consequences of deceit. The unexpected revelation in the latter part of the book delivers an emotional punch that resonates, making "We Were Liars" a memorable and impactful read.
Reshida
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We all make mistakes but what’s important is that we learn from them. The only way you can grow and change is if you take the time to learn and grow. When Benjamin refuses to learn, his parents are forced to take the hard road, and send him to his father’s house on the Ojibwe. Forced to learn about himself and how his actions affect others. Watch as he learns about his culture, his dad, and himself.
-Izabel
Welcome to the town of Gumbling! A fairy tale village home to Nell and her family. Nell has lived in Gumbling her entire life. To Nell, Grumbling is as normal as can be. Her schoolmates are unicorns and she lives on a star farm. However, some investors see Gumbling as a place to buy and turn into an amusement park. Will Nell be able to stand up for her town and what they believe in or will the investors take over? I enjoyed the challenges and situations Nell had to overcome throughout the book. The book showcased the importance of second chances, friendship, forgiveness, and honesty. I love how the author represents all types of people both magical and not. A perfect book for a young reader who wants to dip their toes in a magical fantasy world!
-Eva
Growing up Hispanic my grandma felt like I never had any representation as a child. So, she would look for books for me to feel seen in the media. Esperanza Rising is one of them. The story is about Esperanza who grew up rich in Mexico. When her life is turned upside down and she’s forced to move to The United States during the Great Depression. Esperanza has to find a way to leave her past life behind and rise above her difficult circumstances.
-Izabel
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When I was little, I would always ask my parents “Why’s the sky blue?” “What are stars made of?” “Why do stars glow?” I’m sure I nearly drove my parents and everyone who knew me insane. Children are filled with so many curiosities and questions. Really Big Questions For Daring Thinkers is the perfect solution. It has questions and answers! Considering space is one of those things that parents might have no idea about this book is great! It may provide answers for a little one and you may end up with a baby Neil deGrasse Tyson!
-Izabel
Ah, space! A complicated beauty. The Spectacular Science of Space is perfect for a young astronaut, astrophysicist, astronomer, or just science-loving child! Space is explained in simple yet thorough words and with amazing pictures anyone would enjoy!
-Izabel
Local author by the pen name Everest has a beautiful new children’s book, The Call of Everest. The book’s hero is a dragon prince, born in the Himalayas and is perfect in every way—except he cannot breathe fire. His tale is an adventurous pursuit of his “dragonhood” over steep mountains and under deep oceans. He is guided by his wise Grandmama— his namesake— and helped by mythical whale tribes. Risking his life for others, his heroic quest ends with a flaming victory. The author, a conceptual neuroscientist, uses intentionally stimulating language to enrich the vocabulary of young readers and her unique illustrations are inspired by playdough and sticker art.
In the afterword, the author explains how she wrote this book for both her grandson and children around the world. As a refugee herself, she wanted to write a children’s book that would provide comfort to the many young refugees in the world today– most specifically the Ukrainian children who are currently fleeing their country. All proceeds are donated to their cause. This book would make a great gift to a child in your life while also helping a child across the world.
-Danielle
