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"Under the Paper Moon" by Shaina Steinberg is a fast-paced debut novel that combines romance and action. Set in 1948 Los Angeles, the story follows Evelyn Bishop, a former spy who becomes a private eye. When her first client's husband is found dead, Evelyn teams up with a fellow spy from her past to investigate the murder. The plot unfolds predictably but is executed with flair and wit. Steinberg's background in screenwriting shines through in the narrative. Overall, "Under the Paper Moon" is an enjoyable read that will leave readers eager for more from the author. [Extracted from the article]

Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow is a children's picture book written by Nicholas DeShaw and illustrated by Tara Audibert. The story follows Loaf, a feline protagonist, as she accompanies her Ojibwe-cued caretaker, Charlie, to a powwow. Through Loaf's perspective, readers are introduced to the powwow's Grand Entry, capturing the energy of the event. The digital illustrations by Audibert effectively depict the playful nature of the cat and the participation of the boy in the powwow. This book is suitable for children aged 3 to 7. [Extracted from the article]

"Bookie and Cookie" is a children's book written by Blanca Gómez. The story follows the friendship between Bookie, a brown-skinned bibliophile, and Cookie, a pale-skinned baker. The two characters live on opposite sides of the book's pages and have never ventured to the other side. However, with the help of a clever plan involving cookies, they are able to explore the world outside their pages together. The book teaches young readers about the importance of adjusting and compromising in friendships. Suitable for ages 3-7. [Extracted from the article]

"Get Out Your Paper" is a picture book by Renee Hayes that tells the story of Garrett, a student who struggles with a writing assignment. The book explores the stress and despair that students like Garrett can feel when faced with an open-ended prompt. However, it also highlights the transformative power of stepping outside one's comfort zone and finding one's voice. The illustrations by Steder effectively convey Garrett's emotions and inner turmoil. This book may resonate with young students who struggle with schoolwork and inspire them to embrace their unique storytelling abilities. [Extracted from the article]

"My Body Is Paper" is a collection of unpublished stories and poems by Gil Cuadros, an author known for his work on queer Chicano experiences during the AIDS epidemic. The book explores themes of mortality, sin, and spirituality. The stories and poems touch on topics such as suicide, shame, caretaking, and queer futurity. The collection serves as a tribute to Cuadros, who passed away prematurely. [Extracted from the article]

"Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread" by Sara Barnes is a reflective guide to embroidery that features open-ended projects and profiles of fabric artists. The book showcases embroiderers who incorporate found items into their work, artists who use needlework to mend clothes and celebrate existing possessions, and those who create daily installments of thread art. The book includes three projects that provide conceptual guidance rather than step-by-step instructions, allowing crafters to explore their creativity. With profiles, photos, and inspiring work, this book offers a refreshing approach to embroidery for those seeking more freedom in their craft. [Extracted from the article]

"A Christmas Eve Love Story" by Ginny Baird is a spellbinding time loop romance novel that follows Annie Jones, an orphan who hopes for a perfect Christmas Eve. Working as an assistant window designer at Lawson's Finest department store, Annie encounters hunky security guard Braden Tate and faces disappointment when staff cuts are announced instead of a promotion. However, Annie wakes up the next morning to relive the same Christmas Eve twelve times, each with a slightly different twist and longer encounters with Braden. Baird's novel captivates readers with a fated connection between Annie and Braden, a charming supporting cast, and genuine humor, making it a heartwarming and clean romance. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the trends and challenges in the publishing industry, particularly in relation to digital solutions and technologies. It highlights the use of artificial intelligence and automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs, as well as concerns about content piracy and bias. Accessibility is also a focus, driven by regulations like the European Accessibility Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The push for open-access publishing is gaining momentum, but most scientific papers are still behind subscription paywalls. The article also explores the compatibility of the General Data Protection Regulation with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and the potential of blockchain technology in publishing. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of following trends, valuing diversity and inclusivity, and experimenting with new digital content formats to succeed in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Crafters who have built virtual communities online are now translating their knowledge and expertise into real-world guides through the publication of books. For example, Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, known as the Brownstone Boys, have released a book on renovation that provides practical guidance and design tips. Jannah Handy and Kiyanna Stewart, owners of BLK MKT Vintage, have published a book that inventories their collection of Black American historical objects and offers insights into the vintage market. Other books include a guide to South Asian embroidery, mosaics inspired by nature, designing with dried flowers, creating art with mushrooms, and crafting paper flowers. These books provide a different learning experience compared to online courses and workshops, allowing readers to work at their own pace. Despite the popularity of online platforms, books offer a more permanent and tangible resource for crafters. [Extracted from the article]

"Processing: 100 Comics That Got Me Through It" by Tara Booth is a collection of comics that explores the author's psychological landscape with sparse text and vibrant colors. Booth, a self-proclaimed loner, delves into her struggles with relationships and the burdens of solitude versus codependence. She grapples with depression, anxiety, and anger, using coping mechanisms such as drinking and binge-eating. The vignettes depict the process of self-discovery as nonlinear and open-ended, but also humorous and beautiful. Overall, the book offers a brisk and satisfying journey through rough times. [Extracted from the article]

"Time Statues Revisited: Then and Next" is a 481-page trade paper written by psychologist Robert F. Morgan. The book combines personal memoir, historical reflection, and speculative predictions for the future. Morgan explores significant moments from the late 20th and early 21st centuries, examining their influence on societal and individual psychology. He also envisions future scenarios, considering how emerging technologies, environmental changes, and evolving social norms might impact human society. The book challenges readers to think about the long-term consequences of present-day actions. [Extracted from the article]

"Frostfire" by Elly MacKay is a children's book about two foxes, Celeste and Miriam, who go on a seasonal walk and encounter a mythical snow dragon. Miriam, the older sister, describes the dragon's attributes, including its collection of snowy "diamond dust" and its ability to create "frostfire" on windows with its fiery breath. The story highlights the bravery of the younger sister, who reassures Miriam that she is not a princess but a queen and is very brave. The book features beautiful mixed-media paper scenes with sparkling photographs, making it an enchanting winter tale for children ages 3-7. [Extracted from the article]

"Entertaining by Design: A Guide to Creating Meaningful Gatherings" by Lorna Gross is a debut book that offers ideas for hosting sophisticated events for various occasions. The author provides suggestions for both formal and informal gatherings, such as using decorative paper plates for a backyard barbecue and incorporating homemade chili or meatballs into a game day party. Music recommendations and recipes are also included. Gross offers useful tips on tableware and event formality, sparking the imagination of hosts. [Extracted from the article]

"Heart on My Sleeve: Stories from a Life Well Worn" by Jeanne Beker is a memoir that explores the author's love of fashion and her experiences in the industry. Beker shares anecdotes from her childhood, including how she developed a passion for fashion through paper dolls. She also discusses her interviews with fashion icons and provides style advice. The memoir also delves into more personal topics, such as Beker's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Beker's writing style is conversational and engaging, making it an enjoyable read. [Extracted from the article]

"The Marriage Gift" is a 156-page trade paper novel by Stephen Evans that follows the story of married couple Paula and James as they receive an invitation to a wedding of someone they don't know. The couple becomes fixated on choosing the perfect gift and figuring out who Angela is, leading to a cast of characters including James's parents, his brother Frank, Paula's co-worker Iris, and their neighbors. Through brisk and snappy dialogue, the novel explores the inner workings of Paula and James's marriage and their thoughts on relationships. The story culminates in a Mall of America excursion that brings healing and unexpected revelations. The novel includes satiric snippets from a fictitious website and ends with an unexpected twist. The book is described as a snappy and intimate comic stage satire of married life and would appeal to fans of Monica Ali's "Love Marriage" and Charles Yu's "Interior Chinatown." [Extracted from the article]

Emmy Noether, a German mathematician, made significant contributions to physics that are often overlooked. In a groundbreaking 1918 paper, Noether elevated the law of energy conservation to a mathematical truth and demonstrated that Newton's laws of physics are constant regardless of location and time. Her work, combined with quantum mechanics, formed the standard model of physics in the mid-20th century. Despite her achievements, Noether received little credit, partly due to prejudice and her own lack of self-promotion. This book highlights her important breakthroughs and argues that she is one of the most important mathematicians in history. [Extracted from the article]

"The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah" by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Felishia Henditirto, is a children's book that tells the story of a Jewish girl in 1830s Russia who is determined to learn how to read. Despite facing obstacles from her family members, Rochel-Leah persists in her quest for literacy. The book highlights the power of reading and includes text in both English and Hebrew. The illustrations use paper textures and brushwork to create a layered effect. The characters in the book are portrayed with pale skin. [Extracted from the article]

Tonbo by Allen Say is a surreal and bittersweet picture book that takes readers on a journey through time. The story follows an elderly man who stumbles upon a paper airplane and begins to follow it. As he follows the airplane, the landscape changes and he encounters strangers who seem to know him. The man realizes that he is getting younger with each stranger he meets, until he eventually finds himself as a small child. The book explores the passing of time and the fragmentary nature of memory. The illustrations depict characters with various skin tones, promoting diversity and inclusivity. Recommended for ages 4-8. [Extracted from the article]

NEWSThe Atlantic has announced that veteran publishing and books reporter and editor Boris Kachka has joined its ranks as senior editor for books. The move comes after the Los Angeles Times let Kachka go in January as part of the largest workforce reduction in the paper's history. Atlantic deputy editor Jane Yong Kim said Kachka's hiring comes as the publication's "books ambitions are growing immensely."PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): Kachka [Extracted from the article]

"Leo's First Vote!" by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Isabel Roxas, is a lively picture book that teaches children about the importance of voting. The story follows Leo, a young boy who is excited to accompany his new U.S. citizen father to vote for president. The book addresses real-life concerns and tensions surrounding voting, such as registration and waiting in line at the polls. The artwork, created with cut-paper, oil pastel, and acrylic, effectively captures Leo's anxiety and excitement. The book features diverse characters, including Leo and his father who are portrayed as Southeast Asian. It concludes with additional voting information. Recommended for ages 4-8. [Extracted from the article]

"Thorn: The Complete Proto-Bone College Strips 1982-1986, and Other Early Drawings" by Jeff Smith is a collection of Smith's college comic strip, originally published in the Ohio State University paper The Lantern. The strip shares similarities with Smith's later fantasy series Bone, but also includes topical characters that did not make the transition. The strip features anachronistic references, fourth-wall-breaking humor, and nods to classic cartoons. The book includes extras such as childhood artwork, story sketches, an interview with Smith, and an essay by Derf Backderf. While the collection serves as a blueprint for Bone, it also stands on its own with its charm. [Extracted from the article]

"Go, Wilma, Go! Wilma Rudolph, from Athlete to Activist" is a children's book written by Amira Rose Davis and Michael G. Long, with illustrations by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. The book tells the story of Wilma Rudolph, an African American athlete who overcame adversity to become an Olympic track-and-field champion. After winning three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics, Rudolph experiences discrimination in her hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee, but finds acceptance and support during her travels in Europe. The book highlights Rudolph's activism and her refusal to participate in segregated events, emphasizing her belief in equality and inclusion. The illustrations, which combine hand-painted cut-paper collage and digital renderings, bring Rudolph's story to life. The book is recommended for children aged 5 to 8. [Extracted from the article]

Sara B. Franklin, a doctoral student at NYU's food studies program, recounts her friendship and collaboration with Judith Jones, a legendary editor at Knopf. Franklin conducted interviews with Jones over six months, resulting in an oral history project supported by the Julia Child Foundation. Inspired by their conversations and friendship, Franklin wrote a biography titled "The Editor: How Publishing Legend Judith Jones Shaped Culture in America." The book draws on Jones's personal papers, interviews with publishing icons, and Franklin's oral history. Franklin highlights Jones's significant contributions to both the literary and culinary landscapes of postwar America. [Extracted from the article]

"The Squish" is a children's picture book by Breanna Carzoo that tells the story of a sandcastle protagonist who faces a series of challenges and indignities after being stomped on by one of its creators. Despite its efforts to rebuild itself, the sandcastle is repeatedly destroyed by various forces. However, when it encounters another sand creation that has also been squished, the sandcastle realizes that they are not alone in their struggles. With the help of engineering-minded sand crabs, the two sandpiles come together to form a dual-towered castle, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and resilience. The book features visually engaging cut-paper collage illustrations and is suitable for children aged 4-8. [Extracted from the article]

"After the Wallpaper Music" by Jean Mills is a children's/YA fiction novel that follows eighth grader Flora as she navigates her passion for music and the challenges of friendship. Flora plays violin in the Arden String Quartet during the day and learns Newfoundland fiddle music from her Auntie Flora in the evenings. When Simon DeLuca, a newcomer to her small town, joins her class, Flora becomes intrigued by him, despite his standoffishness towards her friends. As Flora's friendship with Simon grows and he invites her to join his band, conflicts arise with her existing friendships. The novel explores themes of friendship, music, and personal growth. The writing style is described as cozy and immersive, and the book includes a playlist of referenced music pieces. The main characters, Flora and Simon, are portrayed as white. The book is recommended for ages 8-12. [Extracted from the article]

The latest National Geographic Road Atlas is currently the fifth bestselling book in the country, indicating that many people still prefer using paper maps despite the availability of GPS technology. This updated map book focuses on 20 picturesque drives, including the Centennial Scenic Byway in Wyoming, Cherry Orchards Drive in Michigan, and a rural route through the Kentucky heartland. The atlas also highlights 100 outdoor adventure destinations and 24 national parks across all 50 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Directional Living: A Transformational Guide to Fulfillment in Work and Life" is a review of Megan Hellerer's book. The book is aimed at individuals who are successful on paper but still feel dissatisfied. Hellerer, a career coach, shares her own experience of finding fulfillment as a life coach after leaving a prestigious position at Google. She encourages readers to follow their own personal direction and strip away fear-based thoughts to access their true selves. The book challenges societal myths and prioritizes happiness over certainty. [Extracted from the article]

BESTSELLERSBehind the Bestsellers May 12—18, 2024The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren lands at #7 on our hardcover fiction list. "A marriage of convenience leads to unexpected romance in the swoony latest from bestsellers Christina Hobbs [l.] and Lauren Billings, writing as Lauren," according to our review. In 2021, Gallery moved the longtime collaborators, who had been writing trade paper originals, into hardcover.RECENT FIRST-WEEK PRINT UNIT SALES FOR CHRISTINA LAURENGRAPH: NO TROUBLE IN PARADISEPHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

"Poppy's Family Patterns" is a children's book written by Lauren Semmer. The story follows a mother and daughter, both depicted with brown skin, as they share stories about their loved ones. When Poppy accidentally tears her stuffed bunny's dress, her mom opens an old trunk filled with patterned scraps from old clothes. Each scrap represents a family member and their favorite activities. The book uses digital illustrations with a collage-style to create a paper-doll vibe and connects the present with the past. The book is recommended for children ages 4-8 and includes a pattern library and author's note. [Extracted from the article]

Anil Ananthaswamy's book, "Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI," attempts to explain how artificial intelligence (AI) works by scanning data for patterns and making predictions. However, the book's detailed breakdown of probability, principal component analysis, and eigenvectors may be difficult for readers without an advanced math degree to understand. While there are some interesting examples, such as how statisticians determined the authorship of the Federalist Papers, the book is primarily filled with complex equations and proofs. General readers may find it challenging to follow. [Extracted from the article]

"Planes Flying over a Monster: Essays" by Daniel Saldaña París is a collection of essays that explores the author's relationship between place and identity. The essays reflect on the author's experiences in different cities, including Mexico City and Madrid, and delve into themes of self-discovery, alcoholism, and the challenges of being a writer. With a perceptive and compassionate eye, París examines the complexities of belonging and the process of recording one's self on paper. This thought-provoking collection offers readers a unique perspective on the intersections of personal and geographical identity. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Publishers Weekly provides a review of the book "Settle the Score" by Kris Ripper. The story follows Des, a former journalist, and Orion, a pro soccer player. Des had previously outed Orion in a college paper, causing him to go into hiding. When Des is tasked with signing Orion for a marketing campaign, he travels to Orion's cabin, but is met with hostility. However, when they become trapped together due to a snowstorm, they must work through their issues. The review praises Ripper's character development and narrative voice, making it an enjoyable read. [Extracted from the article]

Merdaddy by Wednesday Kirwan is a children's book that depicts the playful and protective relationship between a father and child. The story follows the merdaddy and merbaby as they interact with various sea creatures, including sharks, jellyfish, otters, and turtles. The illustrations, with their vibrant colors and cut-paper elements, showcase the bond between the two characters. The book ends on a tender note, highlighting the merbaby's desire to stay in the water forever and the merdad's gentle reminder that it's time to get out. Recommended for children ages 4-8. [Extracted from the article]

In "1974: A Personal History," Francine Prose, a bestselling novelist, recounts a pivotal year in her life through her debut memoir. The memoir focuses on Prose's experiences in 1974, when she was 26 years old and preparing to publish her second novel. During this time, she met Tony Russo, who had been indicted for leaking the Pentagon Papers, and became involved in a tumultuous affair with him. Prose weaves her personal story with historical events such as the Patty Hearst kidnapping and Nixon's resignation, providing a poignant reflection on her own coming-of-age against the backdrop of political cynicism in 1970s America. [Extracted from the article]