WHAT'S HAPPENING

AROUND THE BEND

River Bend Booksellers Staff Picks

Meghan: The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez

"Julia Alvarez is a treasure, and this latest book is a rare jewel. Familiar elements of her writing — four bickering sisters, a secretive father, and vivid depictions of the Domincan Republic — are transformed into something entirely new. Scenes of sending your manuscripts up in smoke, and hearing them call to you from the garden, will having you believing in Big Magic.

A must-read for storytellers and story lovers."

Jillian: The Ministry of Time: A Novel by Kaliane Bradley

"The past meets the future, a boy meets a girl, the beginning meets the end. The Ministry of Time has something for everyone. It is a speculative thriller, a time-travel romance, and a workplace comedy. Unputdownable and addictive, I loved every page of this wild, brilliant, fun debut novel!

You and your book clubs must read it this summer."

Deb: The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

"I'm a diehard literary fiction reader — with the notable exception of Larson's books. His newest, a dive into the months between Abraham Lincoln's election and the first shots fired at Fort Sumpter, is as literary and compelling as his others.

Larson makes of historical figures characters you root for and rage at, giving them the dimensionality and color they deserve. You'll finish this one ready to pass to a friend — and go read everything else Larson has written. 

Taryn: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

"Just in time for summer! I love how these characters came to life. Will this relationship be temporary to prove a point, or will Emma and Justin accept that this unique circumstance is different than anything they've experienced?"

Veronica: The Fox Wife: A Novel by Yangsze Choo

"The Fox Wife is a swirl of mythology, mystery, and a mother's quest for vengeance.

I was engaged, enchanted from start to finish. "

Kaitee: The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert

"What would you do if your best friend went missing and you're pretty sure it all has to do with the urban legend that haunts playgrounds and games of double dutch? Part thriller, part myth, part revenge-fueled fever dream, The Bad Ones hooked me. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!"

Ernio: Erasure by Percival Everett

"His latest novel, James, is atop many book lists and TBRs, but Everett's work that got me reading was Erasure — the one adapted into Best Picture nominee 'American Fiction.' You can see how the main character of Monk — an author at his wit's end — must have leapt off the page and into Jeffrey Wright's depiction almost fully-formed.

Not to spoil much, I'll say this book-world book spins the spotlight on publishing and trains an eye on race, while also celebrating a story of a family filled with loss but boasting with Black joy."

Renee: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

"The fake dating trope at its best! She may not look like a bodyguard hovering around 5ft tall, but she can still knock you on your arse. When a famous actor is called home to spend time with his sick mom, the studio insists he bring a bodyguard to protect against his stalker — a 40-something woman who knits his face into sweaters. Unwilling to stress his mom during her recovery, he sweet-talks our protagonist into pretending to be his girlfriend. But a month is a long time to pretend... A pure joy of a book full of banter, loveable characters, and humor."

Amy: Beartown: A Novel by Fredrik Backman

"A book about a Swedish ice hockey doesn't seem like a likely choice for May, but I found Beartown to be irresistible.

Backman has mastered the morally gray character. I found each member of the cast of characters to be both infuriating and redeemable, and wanted to simultaneously hug them or shake them by the shoulders.

I am excited to explore the second and third books in the Beartown trilogy!"

Thank you for supporting our independent, locally-owned business!