Enthralling, smart, and relatable, these stories offer commentary on society, gender, and power...and feature ghosts. Each story in this book is a retelling of a traditional Japanese ghost tale. A thin thread connects them, growing gradually stronger until the end, making this a superb choice for those novel-enthusiasts looking to try more short stories.
Marika
As the title promises, a perfect Gothic novel: eerie and dark, with electric suspense. It cured my pandemic slump—I couldn’t seem to focus on anything until picking this one up, and then I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend the audiobook on Libro.fm as well!
Leila
This new translation of Beowulf is everything the version you (perhaps begrudgingly) read in high school was not. The language is fresh and florid, brimming with alliteration and bravado and modern slang. Headley translates the characters of this age-old poem into people we can recognize, instead of the granite giants of legend. It is, in a word, readable, and delightfully so. Her introduction is also its own work of art; it would be worth the purchase for that alone.
Meaghan
There are a lot of stories about cis children dealing with getting a younger sibling. Aidan's feelings are extra complicated because people keep asking his parents what gender the baby will be, and they didn't know his real gender until he was old enough to tell them. He wants everything to be perfect from the start for this baby! A beautifully written and illustrated book great for children of any gender.
Shana
If this year has taught me anything, it's that you need good books and food in your life. This book gives you both.
Sinny
An absolutely stunning work of artistry. It's so enchanting and lovely; even as an adult I find it soothing to flip through and admire all of the details.
Stacey