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Seanan McGuire's book, "The Proper Thing and Other Stories," is a collection of 24 dark and whimsical tales. The author's love for public resources, such as libraries and rural mail service, is evident in some of the stories. McGuire also explores themes of disease and pandemics, drawing from her own experiences during the Covid era. The book includes reimagined fairy tales and a novella that combines folklore and a love for cheese. Overall, the stories create unsettling and imaginative worlds for readers to explore. [Extracted from the article]

In "Someone Like Us" by Dinaw Mengestu, a journalist named Mamush explores the mysteries of his early life after his biological father's death. Mamush travels from Paris to the Ethiopian community near Washington, D.C., where he grew up, and learns that his father, Samuel, has died under unclear circumstances. Mamush then goes to Chicago, his birthplace, to uncover the truth about Samuel and his mother's relationship. The story combines elements of fabulism and realism, offering insights into Samuel's disillusionment with the American dream. [Extracted from the article]

"Let's Get Lost: A Modern Fairy Tale" by Steven Ramirez is a retro-speculative romance novel that follows Adam West, the son of renowned scientists, after the untimely death of his parents. Adam's plans to become a scientist are derailed when he accepts a job in the marketing department of the Bland Corporation. He becomes involved in a scientific experiment conducted by his great-uncle, which brings to life the detached head of a serial killer. The story quickly evolves into a genre-crossing narrative that explores themes of science, marketing, and time travel in the 1960s. [Extracted from the article]

"The Moonlight Market" by Joanne Harris is a sweet and enchanting urban fantasy novel that explores the hidden war between the Butterfly and Moth Kingdoms. The story follows Tom Argent, a photographer living a solitary life in London, who becomes entangled in the conflict after meeting an unhoused man named Spider and falling in love with a woman named Vanessa. While Tom's goals are limited to capturing stolen moments on film and declaring his love, the combination of an epic story and fairy tale prose creates an captivating world. This lighthearted treat is perfect for readers of urban fantasy. [Extracted from the article]

"Tangled Up in You" by Christina Lauren is a romance novel that tells the story of Ren Gylden, a young woman who has been sheltered and homeschooled by her prepper parents in rural Idaho. When Ren wins a scholarship to college, her parents reluctantly allow her to experience the real world under certain strict conditions. Ren meets Fitz, a classmate who is working his way through college and trying to graduate at the top of his class. After a DNA test reveals a shocking secret about Ren's family, she convinces Fitz to take her on a road trip to investigate further. The road trip is filled with adventure and ends with a satisfying twist. [Extracted from the article]

"Feraltales" by Couri Johnson is a collection of five thought-provoking stories that reimagine European fairy tales from a women's perspective. The stories range from an urban legend version of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" to a gritty Americana tale about a hag in the woods. While some stories closely follow traditional fairy tale framing, others offer a more contemporary twist. Johnson's prose evokes the timeless rhythms of folklore, making the stories accessible even to those unfamiliar with the original tales. Overall, "Feraltales" strikes a balance between the timeless and the contemporary, making it a compelling read for fans of fairy tales. [Extracted from the article]

"Stefi and the Spanish Prince" by Donna Freitas is a young adult novel set in Barcelona. Stefi, a seventeen-year-old aspiring pastry chef, meets Xavier, the secret love child of King Alfonso and heir to the Spanish throne. As they fall in love, they face challenges from Xavi's ex-girlfriend and a gossip magazine reporter. The book also explores a queer romantic subplot and tensions between Catalonia and the Madrid government. The story is described as a fairy tale-like romance with lush sensory detail and a focus on food. [Extracted from the article]

"Into the Goblin Market" by Vikki VanSickle, illustrated by Jensine Eckwall, is a children's book that tells the story of Mina, a risk-seeking girl who is lured into the Goblin Market. Her sister, Millie, sets out to find her and encounters various fairy tale menaces along the way. The book features intricate page borders and shadowy artwork that creates an eerie atmosphere. The story emphasizes the importance of clear-headedness and preparation. The characters in the book have diverse skin tones. Suitable for ages 4-8. [Extracted from the article]

"To & Fro" by Leah Hager Cohen is a novel that tells the stories of two young girls, Ani and Annamae, who are both searching for a sense of belonging. The book is divided into two halves, with the first half, "To," narrated by Ani as she embarks on a bike ride and encounters a fussy kitten and a mysterious ferryman. The second half, "Fro," follows Annamae, who lives in Manhattan and longs for a confidant. The author notes that both narratives are equally important and interconnected, with Ani's longing reflected in Annamae's search for friendship. Overall, the novel offers a thought-provoking and playful exploration of these characters' journeys. [Extracted from the article]

"The Sky Was Ours" by Joe Fassler is a captivating debut novel that explores the dream of flight through the story of Jane Hannah-Smith. Jane, a young woman who impulsively leaves her coding program, finds herself drawn to eccentric Barry Haliban, who is working on making human-powered wings. Despite warnings from Barry's son, Ike, about the risks involved, Barry and Jane persist in their pursuit of flight. Fassler's novel combines audacious storytelling with beautiful prose and vibrant characters, resulting in a captivating exploration of the line between fanaticism and genius. [Extracted from the article]

An interview with novelist Julia Fine is presented. She explains about the culture of Venice in 18th century described in her book "Maddalena and the Dark." She describes the relationship between Luisa and Maddalena in the novel. When asked about fairy tales that inspired her to write this novel, she refers to "The Little Mermaid."

In this article, the author discusses how she is exactly like, and just a bit different from, bestselling memoirist Prince Harry. Topics discussed include feeling inferior to a close sibling, fleeing the family business, selling a revealing memoir to Random House, and how Harry debunked the Anglo fairy tale, avenged his mother's mistreatment.

An interview with author Kelly Link about her "White Cat, Black Dog" book is presented. Topics discussed include her writing on fairy tales to retain some of the extraordinary qualities of colors, food, or animals; her story features marijuana dispensary run by a cat, and the difference between fairy tales and myth.

Yuknavitch's novel takes on a watery flow in itself, not only weaving back and forth through time but also replacing a strict sense of plot with movement based on word and object associations, "kind of the way poetry does", she says. FEATURES "Water is everything to me", says Lidia Yuknavitch via Zoom from her home in Portland, Ore. "My world was submerged pretty early on." Yuknavitch tacked these story fragments, along with photographs and sticks and thistles and hair, onto a wall in her office. [Extracted from the article]