Must Read Books Fall & Winter 2018

Pride

by Ibi Zoboi

What it’s about: A remix of Pride & Prejudice transported to present-day Brooklyn. Zuri Benitez’s neighborhood is rapidly gentrifying, so when the wealthy Darcy family moves into the renovated house across the street, she immediately knows she wants nothing to do with them. Unfortunately, her older sister, Janae, falls for the charming Ainsley Darcy and Zuri is forced to interact with the judgmental and arrogant Darius Darcy. Four very different sister vying for her attention, college applications, and romance are just some of the distractions Zuri has to overcome as she’s trying to find her place in her changing Bushwick neighborhood.

Why read it? Ibi Zoboi is an immensely gifted author; her debut novel, American Street (2017), was a National Book Award finalist. Pride doesn’t just retell the classic story, it also examines timely social issues the same way Austen’s original commented on the issues of her time. For audiobook fans, look forward to narration by the talented and wonderful Elizabeth Acevedo (The Poet X).

The Agony House

by Cherie Priest & illustrated by Tara O’Connor

What it’s about: Denise has finally moved back to New Orleans with her mom and stepdad. They’ve bought an old, storm-wracked house that they plan to turn into a bed & breakfast, but things keep going wrong. Unexplained noises can be ignored, but when floors collapse, Denise knows that something more sinister is lurking there. Maybe Denise will be able to find answers in the comic book she found in the attic, a lost final project of a famous artist who disappeared in the 1950s.

Why read it? It’s a delightfully creepy ghost story and mystery starring an intrepid female protagonist, and it’s set in New Orleans’ St. Roch neighborhood.

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy

by Mackenzi Lee

What it’s about: Last year, Felicity Montague went on an accidental whirlwind tour of Europe, evading highway-men and pirates with her brother in The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue (2017). This time the adventure is hers as she tries to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor, near impossible task for a woman in the 18th century, and avoid the marriage proposal of a lovestruck suitor. When Felicity finds out the eccentric physician she idolizes is taking on research assistants, she knows she needs to get to him in Germany, but has no money to make the trip. So when a mysterious young woman offers to pay Felicity’s way as long as the woman can disguise herself as Felicity’s maid for the trip, she agrees despite her suspicions. Surely, this won’t backfire on Felicity and lead her on a perilous quest? (It does.)

Why read it? The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue was an exciting and funny m/m romantic adventure. This companion book is highly anticipated by fans of the first book but can easily be read as a standalone. There are nuanced female friendships, pirate queens, and sea monsters—what more could you want?

Light Years

by Kass Morgan

What it’s about: Amidst an intergalactic war, the Quatra Fleet Academy has finally abandoned its exclusivity and started admitting the best and brightest students from the less desirable “edge” planets in the solar system. Light Years follows four cadets from different planets and social statuses as they navigate their first year in the military space academy: the ambitious hotshot pilot Vesper whose mother pulled strings to get her into the program; Cormak who stole someone else’s identity for the chance to leave his toxic planet; shy outsider Arran who falls in love with the son of an enemy; and Orelia who is forced to infiltrate the academy on a dark mission.

Why read it? It is a thrilling character-driven space opera full of romance and intrigue. And there’s more to come as it’s a series opener by Kass Morgan, whose previous series, The 100, spawned the hit TV show.

Check, Please!
Book 1: #Hockey

by Ngozi Ukazu

What it’s about: Hockey, pies, vlogging, college life, and just a bit of romance! Eric Bittle (“Bitty” to his teammates) is super excited to leave behind his small town in Georgia to attend Samwell University, a New England area liberal arts college. He even got a hockey scholarship after sending the coaches videos of his skills as a former junior figure skating champion. But college hockey is a lot scarier than when he played in a coed no-checking league, and his new team captain is unfortunately as grumpy as he is handsome.

Why read it? More than a sports comic, it’s a story about friendship, identity, acceptance, and overcoming fears. And since this graphic novel collects the first half of Ukazu’s very popular webcomic, there’s already a dedicated fandom to join once you fall in love with Bitty and his teammates.

These recommendations were provided by Kacy Helwick, Youth Collection Development Librarian at the New Orleans Public Library.

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