"Happy independent bookstore day from me and a couple divas who joined me on the road this week. And speaking of being on the road, it is a good day to mention, again, that workers have been immeasurably vital to my being able to be on the road for a year in support of a book, the support from that book, on its own, existing because booksellers put my work into the hands of people in their communities. There are workers carrying boxes of books to venues, writing names on sticky notes, staying late to manage a long signing line, and so on. On stage, I often extend gratitude to workers (booksellers, venue workers, etc.) by saying that my presence on stage is the most visible piece of the machine but not the piece that should get the most gratitude from everyone in any audience. I echo that gratitude today.

Hanif Abdurraqib at Two Dollar Radio (via)

"If you are in Columbus today, there are signed copies of my books at Two Dollar Radio, Storyline, and Prologue, and they are free, as long as there is still stock of them. If there is a bookstore or community literary space to support where you are, I hope you will consider it today and beyond. Independent bookstores have, in some cases, acted as safe havens for political radicals, have made themselves available for young people in peril, offered material care to people under siege, been sites of organizing and community growth. I'm thankful for all of the booksellers I've met during my life as a person who writes, and what many of them have taught me about the places they work in."

At Read Between the Lynes, Woodstock, Ill.

Saturday's 12th annual Independent Bookstore Day, organized by the American Booksellers Association, was the largest, busiest, and perhaps most significant ever, with more than 1,600 indie bookstores in the U.S. participating, along with more than 200 Canadian indies joining in Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (see story below), and hundreds around the world participating in the first Global Book Crawl, which took place last week and ended yesterday, nicely overlapping the festivities in North America.

The day's events included many of the usual features of Indie Bookstore Day, including exclusive book and merchandise offerings, parties, author readings and signings, storytimes, raffles, games, live music. Ever more cities and regions had passport programs with prizes and discounts for those visiting a variety of participating stores.

But this year, of course, Indie Bookstore Day in the U.S. occurred at a time of unprecedented threats to and assaults on free speech, free expression, democracy, the rule of law, books of all kinds but particularly ones with GLBTQ+ and BIPOC themes and characters, the rights of citizens and immigrants, respect for and interest in other countries and cultures, political ideas and movements that don't align with the current administration, and more. In this new atmosphere, the role of independent bookstores is all the more important--as oases of sanity where ideas and opinions can be discussed freely, where curiosity, knowledge, facts, and the written word are valued, where there are homes for people and organizations that are attacked and assaulted elsewhere; and where all are welcomed.

Changing Hands in Tempe and Phoenix, Ariz., created a Banned Bookstore pop-up.

Some stores emphasized these themes. Changing Hands, Tempe and Phoenix, Ariz., for example, set up a Banned Bookstore pop-up that, as the store wrote, would help customers "learn why Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was labeled 'Marxist propaganda' in Texas, why police investigated a Valley high school teacher over a Homegoing reading assignment in an advanced placement course, why the picture book bestseller Pinkalicious was deemed 'lewd and inappropriate' and 'patently offensive,' and what a group of concerned parents did about Gilbert the Goblin's 'pornographic' bare bottom in Unicorns Are the Worst.

"You'll also learn why 'after any advance by Black people in America, you'll see stirrings around banning a Toni Morrison book,' and why, earlier this month, a sci-fi novella about a robot named Mosscap and a gentle, tea-serving monk named Dex was purged from the Naval Academy's Nimitz Library by executive order of the President of the United States.

"You'll also learn what you can do to fight back." 

Changing Hands donated a portion of profits from the Banned Bookstore titles to Unite Against Book Bans.

And Bookshop West Portal, San Francisco, Calif., which featured its traditional Indie Bookstore Day llama visit in the courtyard as well as many other festivities, also engaged in what Susan Tunis called "some grassroots activism" with a postcard campaign. "We are very fortunate not to have issues with book banning in San Francisco, but library funding, First Amendment rights, and Amazon.com's monopoly affect us all. Many postcards were written and will be mailed to legislators." Tunis added that the day continues to be "one of our biggest business days annually. We topped last year's sales, and possibly set a new IBD record. The community actively shows their love and support on this day."

Libro.fm supported Indie Bookstore Day with an Indie Bookstore Appreciation Sale during the week of thousands of audiobooks, many for $5 or less, as well as a special membership offer and nearly 800 golden tickets good for 12 free Libro.fm audiobooks hidden in participating bookstores for customers to find. Libro.fm also celebrated by rolling out a web player that syncs with the listening app.

Noting that this year the company has had "the largest spike in new monthly membership sign-ups in company history," co-founder and CEO Mark Pearson said, "While big tech companies are all around us selling audiobooks, more and more readers are searching for ways to support their independent bookstore instead of a major corporation--and these are the people coming to Libro.fm."

Bookshop.org offered free shipping over the weekend.

Friday's Lit Hub podcast focused on Indie Bookstore Day and featured a bookseller roundtable about bookstores-bars-coffee shops, poetry readings, and--last but not least--Shelf Awareness editor-in-chief John Mutter on the importance of indie bookstores and the history of Shelf Awareness.

Crowd waiting outside Bookends and Beginnings as the store opened.

Reports and posts from bookstores were wonderfully positive, with many stores saying that they were happily overwhelmed by the crowds and that sales set records or were among the highest ever. At Bookends & Beginnings, Evanston, Ill., for example, owner Nina Barrett said that overall revenue on Saturday was up 44% over Indie Bookstore Day in 2024 and set a record for one-day sales in the store's 11-year history; the number of transactions rose 65%, in part because of how the Chicago bookstore crawl has caught on with book lovers; and sales of used books quadrupled, benefiting from the store's new used store, Middles Used Bookstore.

Across the country, it seemed booksellers and book lovers alike were happy to celebrate the positive power of books, authors, ideas, community, fellow readers, booksellers, and the place where they intersect and thrive: independent bookstores.

At Lift Bridge Bookshop

One of the best Independent Bookstore Day traditions is the end-of-the-day expressions of gratitude by booksellers across the country. "Thank you" was definitely the watchword during and after Saturday's festivities, as bookstores shared their #IndieBookstoreDay good vibes. Here's a sampling:

Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, Tex.: "Thank you for an unforgettable Indie Bookstore Day, neighbors! The bookshop was packed all day, and we had the best time celebrating books and community with you.... We are so grateful to be your bookstore."

RoscoeBooks, Chicago, Ill.: "Feet: sore. Throat: sore. Shelves: sparse. Erika's post-work cocktail: large. But, smiles? So big, and SO many! Thank you, Chicago, for making this not only our best Indie Bookstore Day ever, but our best DAY ever. By A LOT. Not like we needed the reminder... but book people really are the BEST people!!"

Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books, Philadelphia, Pa.: "Indie Bookstore Day was a success. Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday. We really appreciate y'all! Shout out to @harrietts_bookshop for bringing a whole bus load of folks. See y'all again real soon!"

At Monarch Books, Arroyo Grande, Calif.

Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, N.H.: "Wow, wow, wow, wow, WOW! This was our biggest and best Indie Bookstore Day EVER!... Thank you all so much for showing up and celebrating with us! We are blown away by your support."

The Bookshop, East Nashville, Tenn.: "Empty shelves, FULL HEARTS. This was our busiest day ever, by a long shot. We feel the love and hope, hope, hope you feel it back. Y'all are simply the best community a lil indie bookstore could ever wish for--THANK YOU!"

Monarch Books, Arroyo Grande, Calif.: "Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. Thank you to all of you who have supported us over the last three years. Now more than ever, books are so important. Truth and knowledge. Escapism and happiness. Instruction and distraction. We look forward to many more years being a part of your book world!"

Books on the Square, Providence, R.I.: "We wanted a party and our community turned out! We were busy all day with our wonderful customers and friends and cannot thank you all enough for your continued support for our store. Truly, thank you all so much for such an amazing day!"

Femme Fire Books, Jacksonville, Fla.: "Today was absolutely incredible seeing so many readers come through our doors.... Thank you to our readers that go hard for books not just today but all damn year at Femme Fire Books. We love y'all so much."

At Greedy Reads

Greedy Reads, Baltimore, Md.: "I think we must have the coolest, chillest, funniest, and most brilliant customers around, and someday I'll understand how we got so lucky. Thank you, Baltimore, for always showing up for your indie bookstores!!!"

Edmonds Bookshop, Edmonds, Wash.: "A huge thanks to everyone who came to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with us!! We appreciate this community so much, you truly are the reason we are here."

Bookends, Pontotoc, Miss.: "THANK YOU! I am so appreciative of every person who came in and made the choice to SHOP SMALL this Independent Bookstore Day! Today was such a steady stream of good conversation and kindness."

At Nowhere Bookshop

Nowhere Bookshop, San Antonio, Tex.: "Wow. We are humbled and so grateful for the way you turned out today for Independent Bookstore Day. Thank you from the bottom of our exhausted but invigorated hearts. Where you shop matters and it matters a great deal to us that you choose to shop with us."

Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, Wash.: "We didn't stop smiling all day. We didn't sit down all day. We talked books and then talked books some more. This is our fifth Indy Bookstore Day and it was the best one yet. Thank you to everyone who ignored Amazon and walked into a store today. You are our heroes."

At Snail on the Wall Bookstore

The Snail on the Wall Bookstore, Huntsville, Ala.: "Wow! What an incredible, joyful day! Our first Independent Bookstore Day as a brick-and-mortar store was beyond our wildest dreams."

The Nook, Manitowoc, Wis.: "Today we celebrated our first ever Independent Bookstore Day and it absolutely blew us out of the water!... To all who came out to support our business, thank you."

Lift Bridge Book Shop, Brockport, N.Y.: "What an AMAZING indie bookstore day. Words alone can not convey the overwhelming gratitude we are filled with.... Thank you to every person who stopped in today and thank you to anyone that visited an independent bookstore anywhere."

Plaid Elephant Books, Danville, Ky.: "They came. They shopped. They LOVED THEIR BOOKS.... Infinite appreciation to everyone who joined in the fun. I have the best job in the world--thanks to you."

Lake Country Booksellers, White Bear Lake, Minn.: "Thank you to EVERYONE who helped support independent bookstores today. We had a blast meeting people from all over.... We are so honored to have such wonderful people in our world."

At Books on the Square, Providence, R.I.: children's book buyer Cristina Iannarino (l.) with part-time children's bookseller (and Shelf Awareness children's and YA editor) Siân Gaetano.

Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, N.C.: "Thank you all for such an amazing Indie Bookstore Day celebration!!! We love being here, and we love doing all we can to contribute to this lovely community of readers.... Am*zon could never be this fun and silly and whimsical."

Bookery, Cincinnati, Ohio: "When 'thank you' doesn't feel like enough. You showed up for us yesterday and for bookshops across the city. Supporting local and each other feels so hopeful and we hope you had a fantastic day. Every time you support local, you build the community you want to see. We appreciate and are grateful for this community." 

Lovestruck Books & Cafe, Cambridge, Mass.: "Our hearts are so full. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shopped, celebrated, and shared the love with us on Indie Bookstore Day. Every conversation, every laugh, every new book finding its forever reader--it means more to us than words can say. You make this bookstore a home, and we're endlessly grateful. Here's to more stories, more community, and more magic ahead."

At Annie Bloom's Books

Annie Bloom's Books, Portland, Ore.: "Thanks everyone who showed up for us in the store today (or online) for Independent Bookstore Day! It was a dream of a day. Our community of readers is the absolute best, and that was no different today.... Thanks, as always, for choosing to support small, local, and independent. We're here because you're here."

Literally, A Bookshop, Gilbert, Ariz.: "From our very exhausted, very grateful family to all of you: THANK YOU.... We are so, so grateful for all of you who supported us today."
 
Watermark Books & Cafe, Wichita, Kan.: "And just like that, Independent Bookstore Day is over for another year! Watermark Books and Cafe wants to extend the hugest thank you to our community--this was our most successful IBD ever, and it's because you showed up to support your local Indie. It means the world to us and we are so, so grateful for you!"

Oliver & Friends Bookshop, Waterville, Maine: "The lights are off, the door locked and another Independent Bookstore Day is behind us. There are simply no words to express my gratitude for all of the ways you showed up for us today."

Across the country, booksellers, authors, and readers celebrated books, reading, and each other on the 12th annual Independent Bookstore Day.

Inkwood Books, Haddonfield, N.J.: "There are no words. We opened the doors and you all poured in for 10 hours. Our busiest Indie Bookstore Day ever!! We are humbled, grateful, a bit tired, and extremely motivated to keep on slinging books in this wonderful community we are so lucky to be a part of.... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!"

Búho Books, Brownsville, Tex.: HAPPY NATIONAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY!! Our first couple of hours easily had well over a HUNDRED people going in and out of Búho to celebrate literature and curiosity. We can’t do what we do without ya'll.... Come celebrate how far our bookstore has grown, and the excitement of what awaits in our future--only at Búho!"

The Center for Fiction hosted the afterparty for the popular Brooklyn Bookstore Crawl. Pictured: Participants who visited all 26 stores on this year's list, onstage with (far left) Melanie McNair, CFF's senior director of public programming, and (far right) Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, owner of Brooklyn's Greenlight Bookstore.

Rachel Rokicki, v-p, publishing director of backlist and the Modern Library at Random House, and Gilbert Cruz, editor of the New York Times Book Review, stopped by [words] Bookstore in Maplewood, N.J. Pictured from left: store owner Jonah Zimiles, Rokicki, and Cruz.

From Brazos Bookstore in Houston, Tex.: "We've made it to the final hour of Indie Bookstore Day, after running FOUR registers all day, a dozen new tattoos, 4 bottles of bubbles, soooo many @thevillagebakeryhouston cupcakes, and the best conversations--our team is all smiles. This may be one of the best days in our store's history. Thank you all for that. Really. #ShopSmall #brazosnotbezos"

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day was also held on Saturday, with more than 200 indies participating. Led by the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association, CIBD invited "readers, writers, illustrators, publishers, and others to support and advocate for independent businesses and a flourishing bookselling community, while investing in Canadian culture."

This year, CIBA commissioned artwork from Canadian artist and illustrator Josée Bisaillon to help celebrate CIBD, describing the illustration as "a bright and dynamic ode to the role that indies play in their communities."

"Canadian Independent Bookstore Day is a joyful celebration of readers, reading, and local bookstores," said Laura Carter, CIBA's executive director. "What better way to spend a Saturday than in a bustling bookstore, surrounded by your community, sharing the love of books and the connections they create?"

Many Canadian indies shared their #CIBD2025 experiences and reactions on social media, including:

Another Story Bookshop, Toronto

Another Story Bookshop, Toronto, Ont.: "INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY IS HERE! We are transformed: today, our displays are highlighting some of the many independent publishers we love! Come by for snacks, to find the good to sort, to win prizes, and to read some of our favorite books!"

Munro's Books, Victoria, B.C.: "Today is the day--Independent Bookstore Day!! It's a beautiful day to come downtown to celebrate with us! Not in Victoria? Stop by your favorite indie wherever you are to show your support and celebrate the vibrant literary ecosystem independent bookstores bring to your community."

Black Cat Books, Sherbrooke, Que.: "We've partnered with our new neighbours @pop.kettle.corn for today's snacks--come grab yours while supplies last!!"

Lighthouse Books, Brighton, Ont.: Thanks to everyone who came by the store today to help us celebrate Canadian Independent Bookstore Day.... Happy Reading!"

Yooneek Books, Okotoks, Alb.: "Indie Bookstore Day is happening NOW!!!!"

At Dartmouth Book Exchange

Dartmouth Book Exchange, Dartmouth, N.S.: "Good morning and Happy Canadian Independent Bookstore day from the staff at Dartmouth Book Exchange!... A BIG thank you to everyone who came out to support Canadian Independent Bookstore Day."

A Novel Spot Bookshop, Thorncrest Village, Ont.: "A big, BIG thank you to everyone who came out to support us to celebrate #cibd2025 today. We're so grateful to this community for all the love and support you show us--today and every day. We had the very best time with you today."

Yellow Canary Books & Stationery, Gull Lake, Sask.: "Our hearts are full! Thank you to everyone who joined us for Canadian Independent Bookstore Day. Whether you stopped by to enter the raffle, pick up a book (or five), or just say hello, we're so grateful for your support. Indie bookstores thrive because of readers like YOU, and we couldn't be more thankful to be part of this amazing community."

Books on Main, Bath, Ont.: "WE LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! The support was UNBELIEVABLE today! A bookish buzz in the air, crowds of happy people, well wishes and just all the love. Record-smashing in every way. We truly have the best community! Canadian Independent Bookstore Day was a huge success, my heart is full to bursting and I'm tearing up."

Bookmark, Charlottetown, P.E.I.: "We have had so many amazing visitors to the store today!... Thanks to everyone who has already stopped by to help celebrate Canadian Independent Bookstore Day!"

At the Book Keeper

The Book Keeper, Sarnia, Ont.: "Canadian Independent Bookstore Day gives off Christmas level vibes (especially for our feet!) but the best thing about it is that we are all in the store together (a rare occurrence), we see all our favorite people aka our customers, the books go flying out the door and we feel all the love from this community who has continued to support us for 45 years."

Tidewater Books, Sackville, N.B.: "It's been a great #CIBD2025! We are so thankful for our community that supports us, reads banned books, supports Canadian content & buys local! We love ya all!!"

Analog Books, Lethbridge, Alb.: "Highlights from Canadian Independent Bookstore Day--the most visitors to Analog Books in one day ever! Such a positive community experience."

Thistle Bookshop and Cafe, Port Dalhousie, Ont.: "Yesterday felt like one giant hug. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for an amazing #CIBD2025. We are truly, truly grateful."

The Spaniel's Tale Bookstore, Ottawa, Ont.: "That's a wrap on #CIBD2025, and Ottawa, you blew us away! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We really felt the love today. Even on a wet, rainy day, booklovers from all over Ottawa took the time to come out and show their support for a little indie bookstore like us. You gave us our BUSIEST DAY EVER! Thank you for being there for us."

Lake House Books, Port Stanley, Ont.: "THANK YOU so much for an incredible #CIBD2025! You came, hunted for the golden ticket, listened to poetry and bought books! You liked and shared my posts and reel. You had lovely things to say about the store! My heart is full. Thank you." 

Entershine Bookshop, Thunder Bay, Ont.: "Wow! We had a fabulous turnout yesterday for #CIBD2025! Thank you to everyone who came out in support of our little indie bookshop. We'll see you all next year at CIBD2026!"

The day after the crash, the Book Jewel reopened and posted this sign.

The Book Jewel in Los Angeles, Calif., was struck by a vehicle early Friday morning, FOX LA reported.

At approximately 1:15 a.m. Friday morning, a man crashed his car into the Book Jewel, which is located at 6259 W. 87th St. in L.A.'s Westchester neighborhood. Shortly after the driver reversed and backed out of the bookstore, the vehicle burst into flames. No injuries were reported and the bookstore sustained no fire damage. The driver appeared to be driving under the influence and was taken into police custody.

"Our beloved store, The Book Jewel, was badly damaged last night when a driver crashed into our entrance," the team wrote Friday. "Thankfully, no one was hurt and [store cat] Paiges is safe. We will be CLOSED today to assess and repair damage, but we plan to REOPEN tomorrow in time for Independent Bookstore Day. Tonight's Sibylline event will be hosted at TOMAT, next door to The Book Jewel. Thank you for your love and support--it means the world to us."

The store was indeed open in time for Independent Bookstore Day and the boarded-up window featured a sign saying "NO Drive-Thru, Please Use Door."

The Book Jewel opened in September 2020. It is owned by Karen Dial and managed by Sean Moor, who previously owned and operated Gatsby Books in Long Beach.

In the first quarter of 2025, revenue for all Lagardère publishing operations, including Hachette Book Group in the U.S., rose 8%, to €623 million (about $708 million). Without the addition of sales from Barnes & Noble's Sterling Publishing, which it bought last year, offset by the sale of Paris Match, revenue rose 4.6%. Chairman and CEO Arnaud Lagardère stated that Lagardère Publishing "had a good first quarter, with growth in all geographic areas--especially the United Kingdom--lifted by bestsellers and the board games business, which is continuing to expand."

Concerning Hachette Book Group, CEO David Shelley noted that sales in the first quarter rose 8.9%, when sales from Sterling's Union Square &. Co. are included. Sales without Union Square rose 0.4%. The revenue gain reflected "continued strong momentum in backlist sales (notably Verity by Colleen Hoover, The Housemaid by Freida McFadden and Quicksilver by Callie Hart, published at the end of 2024)," Shelley continued. "This growth performance was achieved despite a lighter release schedule than in the first quarter of 2024."

Other first-quarter bestsellers included On the Hippie Trail by Rick Steves, Nobody's Fool by Harlan Coben, Will the Pigeon Graduate? by Mo Willems, How to Menopause by Tamsen Fadal, Nightweaver by R.M. Gray, and four James Patterson titles (Paranoia, The Writer, The Texas Murders, and Holmes Is Missing).

Shelley added that the second quarter "has started extremely well with double Number One New York Times bestsellers for Grand Central with Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez and Enchantra by Kaylie Smith, as well as new titles from David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, and more."

Back Cove Books in Portland, Maine, hosted the launch for Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder's (r.) Mother, Creature, Kin: What We Learn from Nature's Mothers in a Time of Unraveling (Broadleaf Books). She discussed her book with author Meghan Gilliss (left), and the event also featured live music from acclaimed fiddler Liz Knowles.

Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, Vt., shared a photo of the bookshop's sales floor display for a new, "fun collaboration with our local bookstagram community. Each month we set up a display for a bookstagrammer to be able to share their shelf talkers in store and to have a place for customers to shop their book recommendations, along with a sign to the bookstagrammer socials. Next month on May 20 we will be hosting a bookstagrammer and local author event to bring our bookstagrammers and local authors together!"

Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science by Therese Huston (Mayo Clinic Press).

Today:
CBS Mornings: Ed Helms, author of SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups (Grand Central, $32, 9781538769478). He will also appear tomorrow on the View and Live with Kelly and Mark.

Today: Zarna Garg, author of This American Woman: A One-in-a-Billion Memoir (Ballantine, $30, 9780593975022).

The View: Christie Brinkley, author of Uptown Girl: A Memoir (Harper Influence, $34, 9780063385757).

Kelly Clarkson Show: José Andrés, co-author of Change the Recipe: Because You Can't Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs (Ecco, $26.99, 9780063436152). He will also appear on the Tonight Show.

Fresh Air: Daria Burke, author of Of My Own Making: A Memoir (Legacy Lit, $30, 9781538766804).

Tomorrow:
CBS Mornings: Jeremy Renner, author of My Next Breath: A Memoir (Flatiron, $29.99, 9781250383532). He will also appear on the Tonight Show.

Kelly Clarkson Show: E.A. Hanks, author of The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road (Gallery, $29.99, 9781982131296).

Late Night with Seth Meyers: Graydon Carter, author of When the Going Was Good: An Editor's Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines (Penguin Press, $32, 9780593655900).

Netflix has released a premiere date and set of first-look photos for The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osman's bestselling 2020 novel and directed by Chris Columbus, Deadline reported. The film, starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie, and Ben Kingsley, will premiere August 28.
 
The latest film to be produced through a partnership between Netflix and Amblin Entertainment, the project's cast also features Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Tom Ellis, Jonathan Pryce, David Tennant, Paul Freeman, Geoff Bell, Richard E. Grant, and Ingrid Oliver.

Jennifer Todd and Columbus produced, with Jo Burn, Osman, Eleanor Columbus, Holly Bario, and Jeb Brody serving as executive producers.

A shortlist has been released for the 2025 Branford Boase Award, which is sponsored by Walker Books and presented to the author of an outstanding debut novel for children. The prize also honors the editor of the winning title and highlights the importance of the editor in nurturing new talent. The winner, who will be named July 9, receives £1,000 (about $1,330), with author and editor each getting an inscribed plaque. This year's shortlisted titles are:

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond, edited by Ruth Bennett
The Boy in the Suit by James Fox, edited by Lauren Fortune
Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence, edited by Katie Sinfield
All the Hidden Monsters by Amie Jordan, edited by Rachel Leyshon
Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald, edited by Alice Swan, assisted by Ama Badu
The Boy to Beat the Gods by Ashley Thorpe, edited by Sarah Stewart

LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 May titles public library staff across the country love:

Top Pick
The Missing Half: A Novel by Ashley Flowers and Alex Kiester (Bantam, $30, 9780593726983). "Nic has been messed up since her older sister went missing. Enter Jenna, who is searching for connections between her sister's disappearance and Nic's. They decide to work together to uncover what happened, but the deeper they get the harder it becomes. A twist ending completely turns the tables on this tightly written thriller." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, Tex.

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (Tor, $29.99, 9781250880055). "In an alternative medieval Europe, a young monk is tasked to lead a disparate group of supernatural beings on a holy quest using very unholy methods. Abercrombie's endlessly quotable wit, deft character work, crackling dialog, and gift for large cinematic action set pieces are on full display. This novel about found families will absolutely draw in new readers." --Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, Kan.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (‎Berkley, $29, 9780593638927). "Alice is more comfortable behind a camera than living her life. When her Nan has surgery, Alice takes her for rest and relaxation at their favorite lake cottage. Alice falls for their handyman neighbor Charlie, who brings her out of her shell and lets her discover who she really is in this fun and flirty romance." --Jacquie Daddato, Cherry Hill Public Library, N.J.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis (Del Rey, $32.99, 9780593875469). "In a grim future, a military dictator sends forces after modified humans with psychic powers. Most have a tell when they use their powers. Wren wants revenge on those who destroyed her family, but she has a secret: she has powers, but no tell. Nonstop action, great world-building, and a blisteringly hot enemies-to-lovers romance make this a winner." --Jayna McDaniel-Browning, Delaware Library, Ohio

The Names: A Novel by Florence Knapp (Pamela Dorman, $30, 9780593833902). "This debut novel is told in three alternating storylines based on three different names that the main character could have been given at birth. What results is a beautiful and nuanced story of a family attempting to survive and overcome domestic abuse and forge their own identities in the process." --Jessica Sweetland, Manchester Public Library, Conn.

A Fate Forged in Fire: A Novel by Hazel McBride (‎Delacorte, $28.99, 9780593972946). "Stakes are high for the kingdom of Tir Teine. A toxic influence looms in the form of the True Religion, a patriarchal group that condemns magic. Aemyra is fierce, headstrong, and unapologetically ambitious as she prepares to claim the throne. Fast action, romantic drama, mythical creatures, and the sinister allure of a dangerous cult will pull readers in." --Marcie Fitzherbert, Fort Myers Regional Library, Fla.

Maine Characters: A Novel by Hannah Orenstein (‎Dutton, $19, 9780593851555). "Two half-sisters meet for the first time at their father's lake house after his passing. Lucy and Vivian have led very different lives and knew very different versions of their dad. Readers will enjoy the characters, setting, and the twists and turns this story delivers." --Shelby, Thomas B. Norton Public Library, Ala.

Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (Forever, $29, 9781538772805). "Hendrix, a strong, intelligent Black woman, has big goals and no time for love. Then she meets billionaire Maverick, and everything changes. The characters are compelling and have strong chemistry. Ryan continues to excel at bringing big topics--in this case Alzheimer's and racism--to her romances." --Laura, West Bloomfield Public Library, Mich.

The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson (Berkley, $30, 9780593550540). "In this modern take on a classic small-town mystery, book club members get drawn into amateur sleuthing when money to repair the town's community center goes missing. The characters are well drawn and likable, the setting is cozy, and the motives are plentiful. The mystery twists and turns with several reveals leading to a satisfying conclusion." --Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Ohio

Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang (Tordotcom, $21.99, 9781250357342). "The tale of Yeva, a masked dragon slayer who has never felt truly at home, is both mythic and achingly human. Her journey to Quanbao sets the stage for an exploration of identity, duty, and love. The world building, storytelling, and representation has made Yang an author to watch in the realm of queer fantasy." --Addy, Montrose Regional Library District, Colo.

Austin Taylor's sharp, insightful debut novel, Notes on Infinity, charts the meteoric rise of a pair of Harvard students who may have discovered a miracle anti-aging drug, and the high personal and professional costs of their success.

Zoe and Jack first meet in an organic chemistry class, where they become intellectual sparring partners. When Jack helps Zoe secure a coveted position in a professor's lab, Zoe finds herself joining Jack in all-hours, all-consuming lab work, to the detriment of her coursework (and her sleep). The two begin to suspect they've cracked the code to prevent aging, with promising results in their initial tests, so Jack convinces Zoe to drop out of Harvard, bring their idea to an investor, and join the breathless, cutthroat world of biotech startups. Jack and Zoe find themselves increasingly entwined on a personal and professional level, as they're caught up in the glamour and the pressure of their undertaking and its potential. But when the glittering facade of their work begins to crack, showing glimpses of the darkness underneath, neither of them is sure they can sustain what they've been striving toward, or how long their bond will survive.

Taylor, a Harvard graduate, turns a razor-keen eye on the dynamics of a world-famous, high-pressure environment filled with young, ambitious students convinced they are (or should be) the best. She grounds her narrative in the streets of Cambridge, tracing her characters' journeys between the imposing brick and history of Harvard Yard and the shiny new glass monoliths of Kendall Square. Zoe, the diligent but anxious daughter of an MIT professor, feels a desperate need to prove herself to her father and outshine her older brother. Jack, meanwhile, plays up his classic by-your-bootstraps tale of reinvention from backwoods Maine to the halls of the Ivy League, rarely letting anyone glimpse the messier, more painful reality. Taylor shows each phase of their turbulent partnership from both Zoe's and Jack's perspectives, reminding readers how many layers and variables always exist: in lab work, in competition, in love.

As their startup hurtles toward fame, gaining notoriety with every round of funding and publicity, a serious allegation forces Zoe and Jack to stop and defend what they've built and all they've sacrificed for it. Notes on Infinity is a blazing meditation on the pressure cooker of academia, the price of fame in the digital age, and how far is too far to go for a chance at corporeal--or scientific--immortality. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams

Shelf Talker: Austin Taylor's blazingly insightful debut novel traces the meteoric rise of a biotech startup whose founders are convinced they've found the key to prevent aging.