Chandler's Picks:
Magical Pill by Johann Hari
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Why we chose this: Johann Hari is phenomenal at exploring the phenomenon of contemporary society. Two his previous books, Chasing The Scream and Stolen Focus are books I still refer to and refer to people over and over again. In Magic Pill Hari explores the benefits and risks of Ozempic - a radical new weight-loss drug and what they mean for our world.
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About this book: Johann Hari embarked on a personal journey into the world of weight-loss drugs, starting with his own experience injecting Ozempic. With predictions suggesting a quarter of the U.S. population may soon be taking similar drugs, Hari sought to understand their true impact. Through interviews with experts and global exploration, he uncovered the drugs' significant benefits alongside twelve potential risks. Beyond mere weight loss, Hari delved into the psychological and cultural implications of these drugs, challenging conventional beliefs about shame, willpower, and healing in the context of obesity. Magic Pill serves as an essential guide to this evolving revolution, shedding light on its scientific, emotional, and cultural dimensions, and its potential to reshape our world.
Release Date: May 7, 2024
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Jessie's Picks:
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The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
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Why we chose this: This was incredibly fun and very clever! It had a really unique mixing of genres and a new take on time travel that was so well done. It's just an entertaining read all around.
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About this book: A civil servant is offered her dream salary and assigned to a unique project: investigating time travel. She becomes a bridge between the present and the past, tasked with assisting and monitoring an expat from 1847, Commander Graham Gore. Despite initial discomfort, they form a deep connection amidst the chaos of adjusting to modern life. As the true purpose of the project is revealed, the bridge faces unexpected consequences and must grapple with altering the course of history.
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Release date: May 7, 2024
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The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
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Why we chose this: This blends mystery, suspense and dystopia so well for a tense and incredibly interesting story with plenty of twists and turns. It reminded me of the Knives Out/Glass Onion movie series, a great blend of comedy and suspense.
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About this book: In a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly fog has ravaged the planet, the last remaining humans live peacefully on an island under the watchful eye of three scientists. However, when one of the scientists is brutally murdered, it triggers a countdown to the island's destruction as the security system holding back the fog is compromised. With only ninety-two hours to solve the murder before the fog consumes them all, the islanders must navigate a treacherous path of suspicion and uncertainty, knowing that the killer could be anyone among them. As memories of the fateful night are erased by the security system, the race against time becomes a battle for survival, where uncovering the truth is the only hope for salvation.
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Release date: May 21, 2024
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I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle
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-Why we chose this: This one was highly anticipated for me and ended up being just as good as I had hoped. It's been years since any of Beagle's previous novels and this has been awhile in the making. It was entertaining, whimsical and took some of your standard fantasy tropes and turned them on their head.
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About this book: In the backwater kingdom of Bellemontagne, dragons are a common sight, ranging from tiny nuisances to massive beasts capable of demolishing castles. Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, who prefers to be called Robert, reluctantly inherits his late father's profession as a dragon catcher and exterminator. Despite despising the job, Robert feels a connection to dragons and dreams of transcending his humble origins to become a prince's valet. However, fate has other plans in store for him.
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Release date: May 14, 2024
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Caitie's Picks:
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Behind You by Catherine Hernandez
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Why we chose this: Catherine Hernandez is a renowned Canadian author. I've read another book of hers that was incredibly well written. Her newest sounds powerful, but also distressing.
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About this book: Behind You follows Alma, a Filipina film editor working on a True Crime series called Infamous, while navigating her seemingly stable life with her wife and son. When Infamous features a serial killer from Alma's past, the Scarborough Stalker, she is forced to confront her own traumatic experiences growing up during his reign of terror. The narrative shifts between Alma's past, witnessing the city's hysteria during the manhunt, and her present struggles as she grapples with her son's troubling behaviour towards his girlfriend. This poignant story explores themes of resilience, consent, and the pervasive nature of rape culture, challenging the reader to consider their own complicity in sexual harm.
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Release date: May 7, 2024
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Red Side Story by Jasper Forde
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Why we chose this: This is the 2nd book to Shades of Grey - a funny, dystopian book where class systems are based on colour, and I don't mean racial colour. People can see in reds, blues, yellows, orange, etc, all the colours. That's the basis of the caste system. Overall, very funny, very satirical
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About this book: In Chromatacia, society is strictly regulated based on individuals' limited colour perception, with civilization rebuilt after an unspoken catastrophe. Twenty-year-old Eddie Russett, a Red, faces a wrongful murder trial and imminent execution in the Green Room, where soporific colour exposure awaits. Engaged in a forbidden romance with his co-defendant, the Green Jane Grey, Eddie navigates the society's rules, searching for hidden truths. Jasper Forde's Shades of Grey series continues with this eagerly awaited, darkly humorous, and satirical adventure, as two lovers defy their society to survive and potentially revolutionize it.
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Release date: May 7, 2024
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I Will Ruin You by Lindwood Barclay
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Why we chose this: This is another great Canadian author. He writes fast-paced thrillers. This one sounds truly exciting.
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About this book: English teacher Richard Boyle unexpectedly finds himself in a life-or-death situation when a former student, Mark LeDrew, arrives at his school with a bomb strapped to his chest. Richard successfully talks Mark down, preventing a tragedy, but soon becomes the target of a deranged blackmailer seeking revenge. As Richard delves deeper into the town's dark secrets, he uncovers a dangerous web of deceit involving Mark, the blackmailer, and ruthless drug dealers. With his life and loved ones at risk, Richard must navigate a treacherous path where trust is scarce and betrayal lurks around every corner. "What price will he pay for one good deed?" becomes the haunting question as Richard grapples with the consequences of his actions.
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Lauren's Picks:
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The Deer and the Dragon by Piper CJ
Why we chose this: Honestly love the sound of this book!! I picked up the arc straightaway and I'm currently reading it. I love the sound of the magic, enemies to lovers, fantasy, and paranormal!
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About this book: Marlow finds herself thrust into a world of myth and legend when she discovers she's been sharing her life with the Prince of Hell, who has mysteriously vanished. As she grapples with her newfound reality and the realization of her supernatural gifts, Marlow becomes embroiled in a centuries-old war between powerful beings from various pantheons. With the fate of the world at stake, she must navigate through realms of fae, angels, and demons, all while confronting her own doubts and fears. In this captivating blend of romance and fantasy, Marlow's journey will test her courage and challenge her beliefs as she fights for love and against ancient forces of darkness.
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Release date: May 7, 2024
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Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
Why we chose this: I pre-ordered this book awhile ago! I love the assassin aspect and the hunt for revenge, and of course the fantasy romance!
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About this book: In the kingdom of Yusan, where treachery lurks in every shadow, five notorious deceivers are brought together with a singular mission: to assassinate the tyrannical god king, Joon. Each harbours their own grievances against the ruler, whether it be for personal vendettas or seeking justice for the oppressed. Despite their differences, they unite in their thirst for vengeance. As they plot and scheme, they must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal, knowing that only one can emerge victorious and claim the crown. In this deadly game of manipulation and subterfuge, the ultimate prize goes to the most cunning liar.
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Release date: May 7, 2024
