As winter settles in with its crisp air and sparkling snow, a quiet magic weaves through the pages of new literary releases.
Book lovers and armchair adventurers will find comfort in the season’s offerings, from introspective tales of solitude to heartwarming stories of renewal. With the chill outside, these upcoming narratives offer a perfect escape, drawing readers into worlds where transformation and hope shine even in the darkest months.
Snuggle with a cozy blanket, sip on hot cocoa and explore the Daily Bruin’s curated collection of winter book recommendations.
“Nobody’s Empire” by Stuart Murdoch
Stuart Murdoch employs poignant lyricism and intimate reflections in his latest coming-of-age novel.
Set to be published Jan. 21, “Nobody’s Empire” works as an autofiction of the songwriter’s young adulthood, including his struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome and the tumultuous journey of becoming lead singer of the Scottish band Belle and Sebastian. The music group, which has released 12 studio albums since its humble government-funded formation in 1994, is known worldwide for its chamber pop tunes and unorthodox rise to fame. What began as a small-scale plan to record Murdoch’s demos transformed into a musical sensation, and now the 56-year-old singer has turned to pen and paper.
Beginning in Glasgow, Scotland, vagabond Stephen joins his close friends, Richard and Carrie, in the perpetual search for recovery and purpose. Upon discovering Stephen’s talent for songwriting, he and Richard set out for California, where they hope to capitalize on this chance for personal reinvention. Instead, the young duo encounters a rollercoaster of adolescent heartbreak, religious plight and the transcendent power of music.
Featuring charmingly witty notes with chords of melancholic acuity, “Nobody’s Empire” will keep in tempo with Murdoch’s acclaimed career of lyrical excellence.
– Eleanor Meyers
“We Could Be Rats” by Emily Austin
Emily Austin fans will soon discover that happiness is not a rat race.
“We Could Be Rats,” a bittersweet ode to the complexities of revisiting childhood, will be released Jan. 28. In the contemporary novel, Austin delves into the lives of two dissimilar sisters as they navigate the challenges of growing up. Younger sister Sigrid, detached and independent, and older sister Margit, perceptive yet disillusioned, are caught between family turmoil, addiction and the struggle to co-exist. As they merge their lives and confront their pasts, they soon discover the true battle lies within themselves, ultimately paving the path toward both of their healing.
The dark-humored author, known for her sharp explorations of queerness and existential crises, has received multiple accolades across Canada. Her previous works, “Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead” and “Interesting Facts About Space,” delve into the impermanence of human life and the masked yearning for human connection. In her upcoming novel, Austin continues to build on the realness that lives within her characters, using the power of imagination to tell a chilling tale of lies and regret.
A glimpse into “We Could Be Rats” will unveil not only the meaning of Sigrid and Margit’s lives but likely those of the readers as well.
– Isabella Appell
“Tartufo” by Kira Jane Buxton
Kira Jane Buxton is promising to bring new flavors to her upcoming novel.
The Thurber Prize finalist’s latest tale “Tartufo” will hit bookshelves Jan. 28. Buxton is the author of the 2019 novel “Hollow Kingdom” and its 2021 sequel “Feral Creatures.” Where those two books centered around the adventures of a domesticated crow named S.T. in the Pacific Northwest, “Tartufo” is set to transport readers to the foothills of Tuscany, Italy.
“Tartufo” descends upon the impoverished Italian village of Lazzarini Boscarino, where a recent mayoral election nearly left the town under the command of a donkey named Maurizio. With tourism largely dried up and spirits among the residents somber, the fate of the community appears uncertain. After the discovery of a highly prized truffle – “un tartufo” – that could fetch thousands of dollars, the fortunes of Lazzarini Boscarino may change in unexpected ways.
If Buxton satiates readers’ palates with her characteristic writing style and sense of humor, readers can expect another memorable story from “Tartufo.”
– Reid Sperisen
“I Am Not Jessica Chen” by Ann Liang
Ann Liang is showcasing the dangers of wishing to be someone else.
“I Am Not Jessica Chen,” a young adult speculative book from the award-winning author, is scheduled to release Jan. 28. The novel spotlights the character Jessica, who is everything her cousin Jenna has ever wanted to be. While Jessica was accepted to Harvard, Jenna was rejected from every Ivy League university. Dismayed, Jenna fears she will forever be the lesser version of who she thinks is her perfect relative.
Yet suddenly, her dream comes true. After hoping to be Jessica, Jenna finds herself in her cousin’s body with access to all of her personal information. Despite gaining what she has wanted – Jessica’s life – she faces the struggles of the model student at a competitive private academy. Additionally, everyone begins to forget Jenna. Throughout the novel, Jenna must choose whether living as Jessica is worth sacrificing everything she has ever known, including herself.
Through living life as Jenna turned into Jessica, readers will be more intentional about who they wish to be.
— Amy Wong
“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins
A beloved “The Hunger Games” character is making his fiery return.
Emblazing bookstores March 18, “Sunrise on the Reaping” is the second prequel to Suzanne Collins’ bestselling “The Hunger Games” trilogy. The story takes place 24 years before the events of the first novel and follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy as he survives the 50th Hunger Games, becoming the second winner from District 12.
Those familiar with Collins’ previous work will recognize Haymitch as the mentor of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the protagonists of the original trilogy. Despite appearing surly and cynical, Haymitch cares deeply for his mentees and devises several strategies that ensure their survival. Moreover, his outward attitude is a consequence of the deep trauma he endured almost many years earlier.
The odds may have been in Haymitch’s favor, but at what cost?
— Sanjana Chadive
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