Fresh Finds + A Familiar Face Returns
- Tim Pinel
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
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Join us on Saturday, June 28th at 6 PM for the second installment of our "Six Months of Sierra" book club series.
This month, we're diving into American Prince, the second book in Sierra Simone's New Camelot trilogy. Embry Moore's story unfolds with political intrigue, forbidden desires, and emotional depth.
Even if you missed our first meeting, there's ample time to catch up and join the discussion. Books are available at Queen Takes Book with a 10% in-store discount through June 28th, or order online via Bookshop.org.
Please note: this book club is for readers 18 and older.
New Releases - June 17, 2025
New in Fiction
Dennard Dayle’s How to Dodge a Cannonball is a bold Civil War satire that reimagines history through a lens of biting wit and absurdity.
The novel follows Anders, a 15-year-old white teenager who escapes his abusive mother by enlisting as a Union Army flag-twirler. His journey spirals into chaos as he switches allegiances, eventually joining an all-Black regiment by claiming to be an octoroon.
Dayle crafts a narrative that skewers America's historical myths, offering a fresh perspective on race, identity, and the absurdities of war. The novel's inventive structure, including a play within the story, and its cast of memorable characters, such as a Haitian agent-provocateur and a speculative playwright, add layers of depth and complexity.
Reminiscent of Catch-22 and Candide, this debut novel is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a standout addition to contemporary historical fiction.
Laura Lippman (Wilde Lake High School alum and prolific author of detective fiction) delivers a delightful blend of cozy mystery and international intrigue in Murder Takes a Vacation.
This stand-alone novel introduces Muriel Blossom, a 68-year-old widow and former assistant to PI Tess Monaghan, who embarks on a Parisian river cruise after a surprise lottery win. What begins as a dream vacation quickly turns suspenseful when a charming fellow traveler is found dead, and Muriel becomes entangled in a web of art theft and deception.
Lippman's signature wit and insightful character development shine as Muriel navigates midlife self-discovery, societal invisibility, and unexpected danger. Set against the romantic backdrop of France, this novel is both a tribute to the joys of travel and a celebration of second chances.
Also Available Today in Fiction
New in Nonfiction
Carly Anne York’s The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog is a delightful exploration of how seemingly whimsical scientific inquiries can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. York, an associate professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University, presents a series of stories that highlight the profound impact of curiosity-driven research. From the development of the PCR test inspired by heat-resistant algae in Yellowstone to the aerodynamic insights gained from studying humpback whale fins, York illustrates how unconventional studies have led to significant advancements.
With a writing style that is both witty and accessible, York brings to life the tales of scientists whose unconventional pursuits have yielded practical applications. Whether it's rats trained to detect tuberculosis or a vacuum-powered device aiding salmon migration, each narrative underscores the value of exploring the unknown.
This book is a testament to the importance of fostering a culture that values curiosity and open-ended inquiry. It's an engaging read for anyone interested in the serendipitous nature of scientific discovery and the unexpected paths that lead to innovation.
Also Available Today in Nonfiction
New in Young Adult
Kelsey B. Toney’s The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday is a bold and empowering YA debut that brings long-overdue visibility to the realities of living with chronic, invisible illness. Seventeen-year-old Delia Bridges is a high-achieving student with a dream of becoming a compassionate doctor. But when her excruciating period pain leads her to self-medicate with a homemade THC solution, she’s expelled from her elite prep school, derailing her carefully planned future.
Toney’s writing is refreshingly candid and often laugh-out-loud funny, even as it tackles serious topics like medical gaslighting, ableist school policies, and the emotional toll of being dismissed by the healthcare system. Delia’s voice is sharp and relatable, and her journey toward self-advocacy is both inspiring and validating. The novel also features a standout supporting cast, including Ruby, a former best friend with IBS, who helps Delia find her voice and fight for systemic change.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, this novel is a must-read for teens navigating chronic illness, as well as anyone seeking an honest, compassionate, and empowering story about resilience and self-discovery.
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