Leah's Listens

If you enjoyed Circe, then you’ll love Women and Other Monsters.

“A perfect introduction to Women’s Studies using familiar and recognized pieces of western mythology. Moyen strikes a perfect balance allowing Zimmerman’s self deprecating humor and keen critical voice to come through. If you enjoy the retelling of story or the surprise of a different perspective, you will love Women and Other Monsters.”

Charity, Schuler Books

Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)

“Even if you have never listened to My Brother, My Brother, and Me, you'll love the wit, humor, and entertaining banter the McElroy brothers bring to this easy-to-use guide for podcasting. Whether you're looking to start a podcast, or just interested in what goes on behind the scenes, this fun book will delight and entertain. Plus with 10 years of podcasting under their belts, who better than to help you with tips and tricks for making the best possible podcast.”

Kristin, Fables Books

First Comes Like

“Alisha Rai has continued to deliver another relevant, swoon-worthy romance with First Comes Like. This book is perfect for readers who love a slow burn or fans of You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria. I enjoyed seeing the perspective of a contemporary Muslim woman in a way that wasn’t sensationalized or exoticized. Rai has written a book that is still sexy, even when the characters aren’t having sex. Jia, the heroine, is a ball of sunshine toward whom I instantly gravitated for her open, generous heart, big dreams, and strong work ethic. Reading about her journey to conquer self-doubt taught me a little bit about reframing my own flaws and accepting myself, too.”

Stephanie Otani-Sunamoto, The Novel Neighbor

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

How to Catch a Queen

“In a time when Black kings and queens are a much-need balm to a seeming overflow of anti-Black sentiment, I fell in love with Shanti and Sanyu. Bogged down by tradition, ritual, and grief, Sanyu is trapped in a well of unrealistic expectations. Shanti, a queen searching for her kingdom, is the self-assured heroine we all look for and want to be. This story of their partnership turned love affair is filled with forbidden heat and flames, as well as the promise of a better tomorrow. Complex characters for complex times. I loved it.”

Keiana Mayfield, East City Bookshop

Newbery Honor Book

“A captivating story about family’s enduring bonds.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Another wondrous title from a remarkably talented author.” —Booklist (starred review)

“A 10 out of 10. Anyone interested in science, sibling relationships, and friendships will enjoy reading We Dream of Space.” —Time for Kids

Newbery Medalist...

A YALSA 2022 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Selection!

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets The Farewell in this “entertaining and nuanced” (Kirkus Reviews) 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... 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 »

The Deep

“Solomon is perfectly suited to expand the concept of a civilization of merfolk whose origins were born in the violence of pregnant African women sent to the depths from the vessels of white slave traders. The Deep focuses on Yetu, whose role as historian is to be individually burdened with six centuries of memories of all the wajinru (merfolk), and the consequences when she abdicates her responsibility. With shades of Hans Christian Andersen, Ursula Le Guin, and Lois Lowry, plus inimitable explorations of difficult social interrelationships, Solomon’s short tome is, indeed, a deep read.”

Maryelizabeth Yturralde, Creating Conversations

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

“Everything has two histories. Especially the South. In "Legendborn," we discover at least one more history to learn about - that of the Arthurian Legend. A fantasy/mystery mashup set on a southern college campus would have easily drew me in on its own. Add in the premise that Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table has secretly existed for the last 15 generations as a secret society to fight demons made it even more enticing. What made this truly magical is how Deonn gives us even greater depth with her #ownvoices authorship by also deftly highlighting how the modern day Black experience is still haunted by the lingering legacy of slavery in the South. She gives this experience voice through Breonna’s experiences of microagressions and blatant racism and more poignant observations such as the contrast of how easily the Southern whites can proudly trace their roots and family tree instead of the disruption and loss of lineage created by slavery for Black families. Grief tied more immediately to the recent death of her mother as well as these encounters of inter-generational trauma are addressed well throughout the story lines. A stellar sense of place exists with rich descriptions of southern culture, North Carolina and UNC Chapel Hill that could have only been created through deep personal experience. I loved that she created the implication that UNC was created and exists to be the stronghold and legacy of the Roundtable with us Onceborns not having the slightest clue. I immensely enjoyed the audiobook narration as it pulled the emotion and tension directly off the page in a wonderfully immersive way.”

Cori, Bright Side Bookshop

Eat a Peach

“This memoir by renowned chef David Chang is less a traditional memoir and more about the trials and tribulations of opening your own business, how to build and maintain a team of people, and the ups and downs of what it feels like to have all the weight on your shoulders. I relate to his story, and anyone who’s ever tried to build something from nothing will feel like Chang is speaking directly to them. I loved this book.”

Michael , Books Are Magic

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...

"Wonderfully geeky and deeply compassionate." —Marieke Nijkamp, #1 New York Times bestselling author

In this charming novel by Eric Smith, two teen gamers find their virtual worlds—and blossoming romance—invaded by the real-world issues of trolling and doxing in the gaming community.

We all need a place to escape the real world. For Divya and... Read more »