Shelf Awareness for Readers, our weekly consumer-facing publication featuring adult and children's book reviews, author interviews, backlist recommendations, and fun news items, is being published today. Starred review highlights include The Rent Collectors by journalist Jesse Katz, which "deftly probes systemic ills" surrounding the true story of a gang shooting in L.A.; and Jared Pechaček's debut novel, The West Passage, "an absorbing tale of political intrigue" set in a world reminiscent of medieval Europe; plus, The Coin by Yasmin Zaher presents a "hypnotic character study" of an unconventional Palestinian teacher in New York. And for younger readers, Wicked Marigold by Caroline Carlson has "strong-willed princesses, nasty wizards, a fastidious imp, and a sentient yellow blob." In The Writer's Life, We Could Be Heroes author Philip Ellis recalls his favorite books, including a "swoonworthy lesbian romance and a rollicking Dickensian crime story wrapped up into one, with a twist you'll never see coming." Also, rediscover the country's best-known sex counselor and prolific author Ruth Westheimer, better known as Dr. Ruth.
Today's issue of Shelf Awareness for Readers is going to more than 690,000 customers of 251 independent bookstores. Stores interested in learning more can contact our partnership program team via e-mail. To see today's issue, click here.