Lists
by Powell's Staff, September 15, 2021 9:11 AM
Powell's Book Buying team are our go-to experts for general advice on publishing trends, authors to watch, and industry news, but like all of us, they're also deeply passionate about niche topics from dried flower embroidery to Afrofuturism to RPGs. Here are 26 of the books they're most excited about reading this fall. (Pro tip: See something you want to read too? Save yourself the supply chain woes and preorder it now to ensure a timely arrival.)
÷ ÷ ÷
Jennifer H.'s Picks
Jennifer buys books for the mystery and sports sections. Her three favorite things are books, cats and basketball.
Grave Reservations (October 2021)
by Cherie Priest
Hugo and Nebula Awards nominee Priest has written her first mystery novel, and I hope it is the first of many. Leda is a travel agent and inconsistent psychic. Based on a very strong feeling, she rebooks a customer’s flight and accidentally saves them from an airplane that catches fire. When that customer, detective Grady Merritt, returns to Seattle, he tracks down Leda and recruits her to help with a case he can’t crack. I look forward to recommending this highly entertaining mystery with its cast of quirky characters and psychic karaoke to anyone looking for a light and clever read.
Dwyane (November 2021)
by Dwyane Wade
This is a gorgeous and inspirational memoir from beloved three-time NBA Champion and Olympic gold medalist Dwyane Wade. Full of color photos, it covers his personal journey from growing up on Chicago's South Side, to his college career at Marquette, to his very successful NBA career. He also talks about the people that have supported him along the way, his focus on family life, his thinking about the legacy he is leaving behind, and his love of socks.
÷ ÷ ÷
Leah B.'s Picks
Leah buys books for the art and craft sections. She is getting better at keeping her houseplants alive.
Dried Flower Embroidery (October 2021)
by Olga Prinku
Gosh, this book is pretty. There are a lot of embroidery books out there, but this is the first one I’ve seen that incorporates dried flowers and tulle. What an ethereal and dreamy combination. If you’re an experienced embroiderer, trying these new materials is a fun way to switch things up, and if you’re a beginner, the projects are still within reach. They range from wall hangings to wearables, each more lovely than the last.
Chip Carving (November 2021)
by Daniel Clay
If you feel a little intimidated by woodworking, chip carving is an excellent way to dip your toes in. Using just a few simple tools, you’ll learn the basics of carving and be able to complete a number of projects. Despite the use of the words “classic” and “traditional” in the subtitle, nothing about the projects in this book feel old-fashioned. The geometric designs are very contemporary, and I can’t stop looking at them.
Felicia Chiao: Sketchbook 6 (September 2021)
by Felicia Chiao
I’ve followed artist/illustrator Felicia Chiao on Instagram for years, and I’m so excited to see a book of her work being published. Her art has always explored themes of isolation, but for many of her fans the work took on new significance during the long months of quarantine. Her illustration style is clean, light, and surreal. A recurring figure often explores interiors — encountering flowers, pools, empty sky, outer space, and sometimes a cozy bedroom. Despite expressing feelings of loneliness and even depression, the illustrations maintain a playful feeling, and are punctuated by hilarious swearing pigeons.
÷ ÷ ÷
Kim T.'s Picks
Kim is one of the children’s book buyers and adult nonfiction buyers. She loves spending time with her family and their sweet Australian Shepherd.
Misfits (September 2021)
by Michaela Coel
Michaela Coel, British actress, screenwriter, director, producer, and singer, most known for groundbreaking work in the BBC series Chewing Gum and the phenomenal HBO comedy/drama I May Destroy You, writes an honest, witty, and powerful personal manifesto that encourages readers to embrace differences and change the narrative, based on her 2018 MacTaggart lecture. A powerful voice from an outstanding artist!
Tidesong (November 2021)
by Wendy Xu
Written and illustrated by the illustrator of Mooncakes, one of our bestselling teen graphic novels, Wendy Xu immerses us in this gorgeously illustrated fantasy middle-grade graphic novel. We follow Sophie, a 12-year-old water witch who is sent to live relatives to train and audition for the Royal Magic Academy. When a spell goes wrong, she meets Lir, a water dragon in human form lost in the spell and together they work to get Lir back home. A perfect read for fans of Tea Dragon Society and Pilu of the Woods.
The Queen on Our Corner (October 2021)
by Lucy Christopher and Nia Tudor
Most people walk by a homeless woman sitting in an abandoned lot, but the young girl in this picture book imagines her as a queen with a past of fighting dragons and adventuresome faraway journeys with her canine companion. When the girl and her mother show the Queen kindness and understanding, she tells tales of her real adventures and later warns the neighborhood of a dangerous fire. The queen becomes a heroine and the community builds a home for her that becomes a small castle for her and her royal hound. A rare picture book topic that’s compassionately and beautifully written, perfect for ages four and up.
÷ ÷ ÷
Corie K-B.'s Picks
Corie is our sciences and tech buyer, and a self-proclaimed DNA nerd.
A Dog's World (October 2021)
by Jessica Pierce and Marc Bekoff
We are a dog-loving people, collectively. Approximately 76,811,305 dogs are in the United States as I write this, and just how many of those dogs do you suppose could go on living happily without their loving human (or any human for that matter) by their side? It's an interesting question, and one that the authors, Jessica Pierce and Marc Bekoff, have tried to figure out. What traits would make the sturdiest specimen in the wilds, roaming free without a leash? With solid research, strong facts, and a bit of expert reasoning, they've put together a fascinating book that will appeal to anyone who loves and appreciates the fur babies so deeply entrenched in our lives.
How to Suffer Outside (September 2021)
by Diana Helmuth and Latasha Dunston
Here in the PNW, we have certain reputations with the general public. We have the brewery reputation, the creative/artsy reputation, and the outdoorsy "let's go outside" reputation. The problem is that even those of us who were born and raised here don't always have the proper skills to make nature trekking safe or even remotely fun. Whether you are a bonafide couch potato who has been ignoring the outdoor requirements of your own state, or you're an honorary Pacific Northwesterner ready to act the part, How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner's Guide to Hiking and Backpacking will help you fill in all those getting-back-to-nature goals. Everything from gear and clothing to make your journey more comfortable and practical to navigating safely while correctly pooping in the woods (Wait! There are rules to this?!). If you need to know it, it's in here. Happy trails!
Windswept (September 2021)
by Annabel Abbs
The documented history of men walking the earth for pleasure or purpose, discovery or whim, is plentiful. The women's story is far more elusive. Whether these women were by the adventuring men's sides the entire time or roaming on their own, their stories were mostly lost or never recorded for posterity. Author Annabel Abbs is bringing to light the stories of various notable women — Georgia O'Keeffe and Daphne du Maurier to name just two. These are women who often risked reputation and safety to achieve discovery, a freedom that we modern women take for granted. And while the politics of our past are difficult to reason with, through modern eyes Abbs brings to life the joys and inspirations that only a nature walk can provide.
÷ ÷ ÷
Madeline S.'s Picks
Madeline is one of our children’s book buyers, with a focus on YA and middle grade; she also buys world languages and some adult nonfiction. In high school, she was voted “most likely to randomly give an inspirational speech.”
Vespertine (October 2021)
by Margaret Rogerson
I stayed up until 2 a.m. finishing this book and I regret nothing. Rogerson’s Sorcery of Thorns was my favorite read of 2019, and I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting to see what she’d do next. This gorgeous, atmospheric series starter does not disappoint! Born with the Sight, Artemisia was trained by the Gray Sisters to subdue spirits. When her convent is attacked, she comes to its defense by taking up a revenant: an ancient, violent spirit. Now on the run — and on the trail of dangerous Old Magic — Artemisia will need to work with her sarcastic passenger if she wants to save the world from the restless dead.
The Ultimate Random Encounters Book (October 2021)
by Travis "Wheels" Wheeler, Logan Jenkins, Lee Terrill, and Greg Leatherman
I listen to a lot of actual play podcasts (I know, I’m incredibly cool), and Very Random Encounters is the cream of the crop. They use a number of systems, but their basic premise is randomizing as much as they can, from stats to names to villains to settings. It’s always a delight, and has made me want to add some randomness to my own games (I know, I’m incredibly cool). The VRE crew’s new book facilitates just that, and is the perfect addition to any tabletop gamer’s collection! Whatever system you use, these random encounter tables and prompts are sure to liven up your game.
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy (October 2021)
by Anne Ursu
I want to give a copy of this masterfully woven fable to every young person in my life. Marya doesn’t fit the role demanded of her in her incredibly patriarchal society. She’s too loud, too curious, too much, and ends up at Dragomir Academy, a finishing school for “troubled” girls. Following her childhood mentor’s advice to consider “Who does this story serve?,” Marya untangles just what makes these girls “troubled,” and how they can reclaim their power and reshape society around them. Ursu doesn’t pull any punches in this patriarchal takedown, but it’s also deft and immersive; The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy is a brilliant story, not just a vehicle for its (excellent) message.
÷ ÷ ÷
Doug C.'s' Picks
Doug buys graphic novels for Powell's, writes rarely published fiction, and lives with a wonderful spouse and a ridiculous dog.
Noor (November 2021)
by Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor creates great characters, rich and real future worlds, and stories filled with high stakes and tension. Here she does it again, a fast-paced and thrilling tale with a protagonist faced with rejection from all around her, imminent danger, a questionable companion, and a race against time.
Leviathan Falls (November 2021)
by James S. A. Corey
The great hard science fiction saga of the Expanse comes to a close with this ninth and final volume. This universe that seems so recognizable, because the politics, the motives, the people who inhabit this great story, they are all things we see every day. Now the stakes, which have been raised in each book, couldn't be higher, the danger more existential. What a wonderful and satisfying read.
Far Sector (October 2021)
by N. K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell
N. K. Jemisin is the remarkable writer of the award-winning Broken Earth trilogy. Here she creates a new Green Lantern, African American Jo Mullein. As Green Lantern, Jo has been protecting a city in the far reaches of the galaxy, a city ruled by peace and nonviolence. Until it all changes. Having seen what Jemisin brings to the world of science fiction, I can't wait to see what she brings to the renowned science fiction universe of Green Lantern.
÷ ÷ ÷
McKenzie W.'s Picks
McKenzie is a romance and true-crime junkie! She spends most of her free time reading, knitting, or listening to podcasts.
Brioche Knitting for Beginners and Beyond (November 2021)
by Lesley Anne Robinson
Better known online as Knit Graffiti, Lesley Anne Robinson has been creating and publishing incredible knitting patterns for many years now. She has an exciting approach to color and texture, producing beautiful accessories and garments for all seasons and bodies. Anyone looking to learn brioche knitting — a gorgeous, squishy, and very fun knitting technique — will find her tips and tricks really helpful! More advanced knitters will find a challenge here too, especially in later chapters.
Payback's a Witch (October 2021)
by Lana Harper
Lana Harper's romance debut fairly shouts SPOOKY SEASON. Emmy returns to her hometown to arbitrate a magical tournament, but she is roped in by high school classmates Linden and Talia to defeat their shared enemy: cocky, clueless Gareth Blackmoore. Payback's a Witch delivers cozy, witchy, autumnal vibes on every page. It's sweet and sexy and perfect for fall reading.
Ice Planet Barbarians (November 2021)
by Ruby Dixon
I'm truly, seriously looking forward to the publication of this book more than any other this fall. Ruby Dixon has been a cult favorite in Romancelandia for years now, but her books have been hard to find in print! Finally a major publisher has noticed the demand for erotic stories featuring sexy, blue aliens and the human women they kidnap.... er, rescue. Please, please, please treat yourself to this bizarrely delightful series opener.
÷ ÷ ÷
Mary Jo S.'s Picks
Mary Jo buys literature, science fiction, and horror. She firmly believes in the redemptive power of strong tea.
Light From Uncommon Stars (September 2021)
by Ryka Aoki
Refugees from another solar system running a donut shop, a violin teacher who needs one last soul to harvest for hell, and a young trans runaway violinist are all magnificently blended together in Ryka Aoki's superb and heartwarming Light From Uncommon Stars. The descriptions of food and music are especially good, and you'll certainly be craving donuts before the book ends.
Under the Whispering Door (September 2021)
by TJ Klune
Wallace Price is a nasty, heartless workaholic who unexpectedly dies of a heart attack. Afterlife for him is neither heaven nor hell, but a tea shop called Charon's Crossing run by Hugo, who makes a kickass cup of tea, but also helps people to cross over. Under the Whispering Door is TJ Klune in fine form: tender, romantic, terrifying, and full of heart.
÷ ÷ ÷
Ryan V.W.'s Picks
R.V.W. is the buyer for history and social science. Any free time they have is devoted wholly to Dungeons & Dragons and scotch whisky.
Atlas of the Invisible (November 2021)
by James Cheshire and Oliver Uberti
When we think about data we rarely think about beauty. In their previous book, Where the Animals Go, James Cheshire and Oliver Uberti used data on animal migration and movement to craft fascinating maps and infographics that let us peer into parts of the animal world we could never see on our own. In Atlas of the Invisible, they apply these same techniques to illuminate aspects of the human world normally invisible. Using enormous data sets they have been able to show how geography and history continue to influence our present and future.
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons, D&D 5th Edition (October 2021)
by Wizards RPG Team
I love dragons! They are part of the very bedrock of D&D. Though dragons have made appearances in many adventures and rule books, this is the first 5th Edition book solely devoted to these enigmatic and terrifying creatures. Along with new dragon types and dragon-related monsters, this book is packed with advice for integrating dragons into a campaign. This also may be the closest Wizards of the Coast ever comes to producing a real Dragonlance supplement. That alone will have me adding this book to my D&D library.
÷ ÷ ÷
Deana R.'s' Picks
Deana buys for Cooking, Gardening, Agriculture, and Religion. In her down time, she knits and watches too much Great British Baking Show .
You Better Be Lightning (November 2021)
by Andrea Gibson
Gibson’s poetry of love, loss, light, and survival leaves me wordless and goose-bumped, and when I found out they had a new book of poetry coming out, I nearly broke my phone hitting the Preorder button so hard.
Conveniently Delicious (October 2021)
by Devin Connell
With easy-enough-for-weeknights recipes and gorgeous photography, I know this is a cookbook I will return to over and over.
|