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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]

"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]

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]

"My Body Is Paper" is a collection of unpublished stories and poems by Gil Cuadros, an author known for his work on queer Chicano experiences during the AIDS epidemic.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

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]

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]

"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]

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]

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]

"Best in Show" is a children's book written by David Elliott and illustrated by Cátia Chien and other artists. The book features a collection of poems, illustrations, and prose text about different dog breeds. Each spread showcases a specific breed, accompanied by a poem, an illustration, and additional information about the breed. The book covers a wide range of breeds, from popular ones like Labrador retrievers to lesser-known breeds like Xoloitzcuintli. The book's diverse art styles, engaging verse, and interesting facts make it an enjoyable and informative read for children aged 4-8. [Extracted from the article]

"Hello, Crayons! And Other School Friends" is a board book by Hannah Eliot, illustrated by Anna Clark, that introduces school supplies to young readers in a rhyming format. Each page features a different school supply, such as crayons, a pencil, paint set, and notebook, with a simple introduction and description of what they can do. The artwork by Anna Clark is inviting and cheerful, with basic facial features added to the objects. The book concludes by celebrating the role of school supplies in helping children achieve their dreams. This book is suitable for children up to the age of 3. [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]