Leah's Listens

Women and Other Monsters

“Women and Other Monsters is a fresh and invigorating reflection of ancient mythology, gender, and the modern world. Zimmerman re-examines eleven monstrous women of Greek mythology (the Siren, the Hydra, the Fates, Medusa, etc) and applies her findings to not only her own life experiences, but to the world at large. The result is part memoir, part literary analysis, and part manifesto. Fresh and feminist AF, Women and Other Monsters will gut punch you with its realness, its relatability, and its monstrousness.”

Kelly, Mysterious Galaxy Books

Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)

“When you start something by the McElroy Brothers, you know you're going to be giggling, chuckling, guffawing as you listen or read, and you may also find moments of tenderness and sweetness. This book has all of that PLUS their incredibly valuable wisdom as professional podcasters! The information in this book is extensive and the advice is sound. The Brothers McElroy manage to make even the most mundane podcasting advice sound fascinating and hilarious. Get this for the podcaster in your life or the MBMBaM fan or the person who talks nonstop and constantly says they should have their own podcast.”

Ryan, Gibson's Bookstore

First Comes Like

“The third installment of Alisha Rai's Modern Love series might just be her best. Jia is a practicing Muslim who has been communicating with soap star and son of Bollywood royalty, Dev Dixit. Dev has recently arrived in Hollywood with his niece and Uncle in tow to make his crossover attempt in the American television market and he has no idea who Jia is. Through a series of events that only Rai could conjur, the two go from a horrifying catfishing situation to fake dating as they attempt to live up to their family expectations. Only, might they be falling for each other? First Comes Like is an insanely steamy yet almost completely sex-free novel that somehow manages to seamlessly fit all the tropes -- from fake dating to arranged marriage to only one bed -- and I could not love it more.”

Faith, Page 158 Books

How to Fail at Flirting

“A sweet romance about a professor who decides to take a chance when she finds herself out at a bar by herself seated next to an attractive man in town on business. Naya never would have imagined that their one-night stand would turn into a week-long fling with the potential for even more. And because of her toxic past relationships, she is hesitant to trust Jake. I loved reading about a professor as a romance leading lady!”

Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks

If you enjoyed When No One Is Watching, then you’ll love How to Catch a Queen.

“After reading "When No One Is Watching" by the brilliant Alyssa Cole, I couldn't wait to get my hands on "How To Catch A Queen", the first of her Runaway Royals series. This novel is the perfect update to the regency romance subgenre! Strong female representation, a setting rich in culture and tradition up against changes that threaten the patriarchy, and an arranged marriage are the makings of a highly entertaining romance. Not to mention the dazzling narration by Karen Chilton (her reading had me laughing out loud more than once!). This is my first romance by Alyssa Cole, and now I can't wait to work my way through her backlist!”

Jessica, Main Street Books Davidson

Newbery Medalist and New York Times–bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly transports readers to 1986 and introduces them to the unforgettable Cash, Fitch, and Bird Thomas in this pitch-perfect middle grade novel about family, friendship, science, and exploration. A great choice for readers of Kate DiCamillo, Rita Williams-Garcia, and Rebecca...

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets The Farewell in this incisive romantic comedy about a college student who hires a fake boyfriend to appease her traditional Taiwanese parents, to disastrous results, from the acclaimed author of American Panda.

Chloe Wang is nervous to introduce her parents to her boyfriend, because the truth is, she hasn’t... Read more »

With Anna-Marie McLemore's signature lush prose, Dark and Deepest Red pairs the forbidding magic of a fairy tale with a modern story of passion and betrayal. Summer, 1518. A strange sickness sweeps through Strasbourg: women dance in the streets, some until they fall down dead. As rumors of witchcraft spread, suspicion turns toward Lavinia and... Read more »

If you enjoyed A Song Below Water, then you’ll love The Deep.

“This book has the power to transform. The approach to trauma (both individual and generational), the world building, the relationships... Solomon has created something undeniably special and incredibly important. And the mythology? I am blown away. Give me more Black mermaids STAT!”

Britt, Second Star to the Right

Poetic Remedies for Troubled Times

“Timely, heartwarming, and brimming with tough love, this little volume is just what we all need. Zura Johnson’s narration is versatile and absolutely perfect. ”

Leah, Bards Alley

From the award-winning author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager comes a whip-smart and layered romantic comedy. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han. 

Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful first-generation Haitian son,...

Legendborn

“Tracy Deonn expertly takes Arthurian myth and weaves them into the modern day in Legendborn with magic, secret societies, and high stakes action. Whether you are familiar with those myths or not doesn't even matter. Either way you'll quickly be captivated by her writing, world building, and compelling characters - all paired with an excellent narrator. But this isn't just an addictingly good fantasy. It's also a commentary on the systemic racism in this country, and how colonial practices directly influence oppression faced by Black people in the United States today. The end result is a must listen that will leave you hungry for the story to continue and rooting for Bree to come out on top. ”

Dany, Rediscovered Books

Eat a Peach

“Unapologetically honest and raw, "Eat a Peach" is David Chang's no holds barred account of his rise to fame in the culinary world. David writes candidly about his complicated upbringing, mental illness, crippling anxiety and self doubt, and major anger management issues as he dishes up subversive, accessible food to the masses.  I appreciated how Chang's praise of his peers, mentors and aspiring chefs was peppered throughout the book. "Eat A Peach" doesn't shy away from anything, including Chang's fight against racism and his answer to the #meetoo movement.  If you are a foodie or enjoy a look behind the scenes of a business, you'll devour this memoir!The audio narrated by David Chang is excellent!”

Jessica, Main Street Books Davidson

The Silver Arrow

“So great! For fans of every good, classic story for the young and the young-at-heart, reminiscent of Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling, with powerful-yet-accessible-to-children commentary on the state of our Earth and the creatures that inhabit it. Please, Lev, please, write more! The audio version is phenomenal! ”

Jen, Townie Books

The Voting Booth

“Marva is stoked to vote in her first election. She's driven, focused, passionate about civic involvement and unapologetic. Duke is only voting out of honor to his older brother's memory. When Duke learns he isn't at the right polling place, Marva has to step in to help. As their whirlwind day takes off from there, the two strangers learn more about themselves and each other than they bargained for. A sweet story that isn't afraid to comment on current social issues, this is a great listen for those who enjoy audiobooks!”

Chelsea, Parnassus Books

You Should See Me in a Crown

“You Should See Me in a Crown is a quintessential prom story with some twists—namely that the protagonist is a queer Black girl. Liz Lighty dreams of following in her late mother’s footsteps and attending Pennington. But she can’t go to college without financial aid, and the music scholarship she was counting on fell through. She has no other choice but to run for prom queen in the tiny Midwestern town where she’s never fit in, fighting for the cash prize like her future depends on it. Campaign sabotage eventually forces her to stand up for herself and her values, because fairytales aren’t just for white heteros. Read on for Black joy and queer romance!”

Mary, Raven Book Store

An insightful, inspiring, “candid and warm” (Booklist) memoir from Karamo Brown—beloved culture expert from Netflix’s Queer Eye—as he shares his story for the first time, exploring how the challenges in his own life have allowed him to forever transform the lives of those in need.

When Karamo Brown first auditioned for the casting directors of... Read more »

Naturally Tan

“Maybe the most fun audiobook ever. Plus I know now how to find the perfect pair of jeans.”

Mollie, HearthFire Books and Treats

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

GOOGLE'S BEST AUDIOBOOKS OF 2019

NPR'S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR

INDIE BESTSELLER

GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER: BEST MEMOIR & AUTOBIOGRAPHY

A laugh-and-cry-out-loud memoir from the beloved star of Netflix’s Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness, sharing never before told, deeply personal stories of growing up gay, transforming...

We all need a place to escape from the real world.

For Divya and Aaron, it’s the world of online gaming. While Divya trades her rising-star status for sponsorships to help her struggling single mom pay rent, Aaron plays as a way to fuel his own dreams of becoming a game developer – and as a way to disappear when his mom starts talking about... Read more »