January Booksellers’ Picks
We're more than just Booksellers; we're your guides to the wondrous world of literature. Our passion for books goes beyond the pages and the bookstore, and we're thrilled to share that enthusiasm with you. Dive into this month's handpicked selection, curated with care by our team, and discover your next favorite read among our Booksellers' top picks.
Sumayah & Abrielle--Booksellers, Charleston, WV
The Poppy War by R.F.Kuang
This trilogy is action packed military fantasy and has amazing world building! The magic system is eye catching and the plot even more so. The main character, Rin, is truly such an amazing character that goes through immense tragedy, adversity, and PTSD with toxic, if not realistic, coping mechanisms. This series is amazing if you need something high fantasy and gut wrenching. –Sumayah
A wonderfully written book that has changed the way I look towards fantasy. It is full of glorious and miserable moments in the life of Rin. I've never seen a character with as much strength, ferocity, and ambition who is unapologetically powerful yet still has moments of vulnerability and fear. Even beyond the main character each character is a full individual that you can feel through the page, and each moment is one that you experience alongside them. 10/10 recommend. --Abrielle
Kimmy--Bookseller, Biloxi, MS
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
If your favorite Disney song is Colors of the Wind, you won't want to miss this book. The Braiding Sweetgrass author has a way of offering a fresh perspective that will reframe the way you look at life, people, and relationships as well as the acts of gift giving and receiving making this the perfect January read as we move forward into the new year. This book is a thoughtful reflection and urgent invitation for connectivity and nature. Of not only how much both have to offer us but how much we have to give back. In the spirit of the book itself, you'll want to gift it to everyone you know and even people you don't. In a time where growth is imperative this book's message serves as a gentle reminder that, "All flourishing is mutual."
Richard--Bookseller, Bluefield, WV
Old Man's War by John Scalzi
Inventive, and humorous; Old Man's War shows what it’s like to be given a second chance at life, among the stars, and fighting for the survival of humanity. Scalzi does some great world building while keeping the characters human enough to relate to.
Rebecca --Bookseller, South Portland, ME
Sonny Boy by Al Pacino
Heartbreaking, humorous, and philosophical by turns, Pacino describes his childhood, early years as a stage actor, and the opportunities that led to his success in film. At the heart of his story are the complicated relationships he had with his parents and the influence of his friends and grandparents as he navigated each phase of his life. Theater folk in particular will enjoy his comparisons between stage and screen acting, and his reflections on past performances will inspire readers to explore the scripts he mentions through the lens of his experience.
Adrian, Bookseller, Pottstown, PA
Otaku Vampire's Love Bite Vol. 1 by Julietta Suzuki
Another delightful romance by the author of Kamisama Kiss…A shut-in vampire falls in love with an anime character and decides to move to Japan to live out her Otaku dreams. When she moves in... she discovers her neighbor looks exactly like the very character she's fallen for! But her neighbor Kyuta ISN'T Mao... right?
Shelli-Jo--Bookseller, South Portland, ME
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
Among all the frantic and frenetic high energy children's books today, this one stands out for its calmer message and the relief the characters express as they go from a hectic cityscape to a relaxing day at the shoreline. Telling a great amount of story with few to no words per page, the small dog character clearly expresses his exhaustion and unhappiness with city life and transforms into a happy character as he and his owner take a vacation from their fast paced life and enjoy the gentle seashore.
Teagan—Bookseller, McDonough, GA
The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 1 by Martha Wells
An excellent breath of fresh air for the sci-fi genre, and the start of a wonderful series.
Charlie--Bookseller, Alexandria, LA
The Shadow Work Journal by Keila Shaheen
The prompts and exercises in this journal help to really dig into your memories and past experiences. Writing is one of the many ways in which to help heal unresolved wounds from one's past, so writing it out with these insightful prompts, in a way, helps to take that built up pain and release it in a way that's healthy. I love using this journal, as it's very therapeutic and helpful in understanding myself and releasing negative energy.
Audrey--Bookseller, Bradenton, FL
Funny Story by Emily Henry
I LOVED this book! It was so captivating within just the first page that I couldn't put it down. This charming story about love, betrayal, and a cute roommates-to-lovers arch, makes this book a 11/10! It is a must read if you love 'New Girl' and love Emily Henry. Plus, we carry a matching Funny Story Tote in some stores!
Isabella--Bookseller, Johnson City, TN
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
I absolutely loved this book. I could have read it in one sitting. It had everything I could have wanted--adventure, romance, mystery. It was an amazing read and is now in my top five favorite books.
You can head to your local Books-A-Million to get more recommendations from your neighborhood Booksellers. We’re sure they’ve got the perfect book recommendations, just for you.
