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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]

"My Body Is Paper" is a collection of unpublished stories and poems by Gil Cuadros, an author known for his work on queer Chicano experiences during the AIDS epidemic.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]

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]

"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]

"One Icy Night: 30th Anniversary of the '94 Delta Ice Storm Edition" by W.A. Pepper is a heart-stopping thriller set during a history-making ice storm in the Mississippi Delta. The protagonist, Ruth "Rook" Kellum, finds herself running for her life after making a series of bad choices. The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, with every character Rook encounters being suspicious in some way. The author, drawing from his own experiences during the real-life Delta Ice Storm in 1994, effectively portrays the chilling sense of terror caused by the storm. This book is recommended for fans of Last Night by Luanne Rice and Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney. [Extracted from the article]

NEWSKazu Kibuishi launched his middle grade graphic novel series, Amulet, in 2008, and it’s since sold more than two million print copies. The series, which follows the adventures of a girl tasked with saving a magical world, concludes with the ninth volume, Waverider. The trade paper edition is the #6 book in the country; the hardcover is #24 on our children’s fiction list.TOP 10 OVERALLPHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

NEWSAfter a string of STEM rom-coms beginning with 2021’s The Love Hypothesis, followed by an advance into YA with Check & Mate, Ali Hazelwood makes another shift with Bride, a “funny and thoughtful urban fantasy romance,” per our review. “It’s a new subgenre for Hazelwood, and she navigates it well, slowly teasing out the sweet and spicy supernatural romance.” It’s #3 on our hardcover fiction list (#5 in the country) and #5 on our trade paper list. Together, the two formats sold nearly 51K print copies, marking Hazelwood’s best debut week to date.PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

NEWSTHE WOMENKristin Hannah #1 Hardcover Fiction, #1 overall “Hannah’s emotionally charged page-turner centers on a young nurse whose life is changed by the Vietnam War,” according to our review. “Fans of women’s historicals will enjoy this magnetic wartime story.”IF ONLY I HAD TOLD HERLaura Nowlin #1 Children’s Fiction, #2 overall This is a companion novel to Nowlin’s 2013 debut, the YA romance If He Had Been with Me, Me which went from modest backlist seller to BookTok phenomenon a decade after its release. The 2019 trade paper edition has sold more than 883K print copies.PHOTO (COLOR)PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

Warwick's, a 128-year-old bookstore in La Jolla, California, has been named Bookstore of the Year. The store is beloved by its community and serves as an anchor business for the village. Warwick's hosts vibrant literary events, including book signings and readings with both local and nationally/internationally known authors. The store's longevity and community loyalty have made it a cherished destination for generations of customers. [Extracted from the article]

"Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins: A Guide for Traveling Recklessly, Living Stupidly" by Paul Manser is a compact debut that combines concise storytelling with tales of adventure traveling across the world. The book features 33 chapters, each offering stories of adventure from various countries, including Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Norway, and the U.S. Manser's writing style is self-revealing and polished, with vivid descriptions and bursts of wit. The book is a triumph of travelogue and design, offering surprising and exciting stories that hold the reader's attention. [Extracted from the article]