Alice Austen
Why the buzz: “I fell in love with Alice Austen’s manuscript, and then with Alice over Zoom, as she told me of her years living in the real 33 Place Brugmann in Brussels and her inspiration to delve into a terrifying time, 1939. This crisp, immediate, and surprising novel of hope speaks as much to our present as it does to our past.” —Elisabeth Schmitz, VP and editorial director, Grove Atlantic
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Martha Bátiz
Why the buzz: “Richly textured and meticulously researched, A Daughter’s Place is a vibrant addition to the subgenre of historical fiction that seeks to give voice to the overlooked women who shared their lives with high-profile men. With this compassionate yet unsentimental portrait of Isabel, the illegitimate daughter of Miguel de Cervantes, celebrated author of Don Quixote, Martha Bátiz takes her rightful place among the top writers of historical fiction working today.”—Douglas Richmond, editorial director, House of Anansi Press
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Nini Berndt
Why the buzz: “Nini Berndt’s debut novel is the perfect blend of modern and speculative, with a gripping romance at the center. I promise you will feel this book as much as read it—the heat of the too-hot summer days, the buzzing temptations of pills that delight and distract, the instant zing of tension between Helen and Lucy. I had dreams about these characters for days after reading!” —Masie Cochran, publisher and editorial director, Tin House
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Susan Choi
Why the buzz: “Flashlight is built around a riveting mystery—the disappearance of a father—and also has an enormous heart and exquisite prose. It offers scope across time, place, and character. And it brings new understanding about the tensions between the collective and the individual, finding yourself within a family, and how losing the people you love changes everything, forever.” —Jenna Johnson, SVP and editor-in-chief, Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Aaron John Curtis
Why the buzz: “Delivered with crackling wit and skewering insights by its protagonist’s would-be-poet alter-ego, this singular debut is a coming-of-middle-age story about a man returning to his childhood home on the Ahkwesáhsne Reservation, where he must confront his past to have a future. Written by beloved Books and Books quartermaster Aaron John Curtis, Old School Indian is abundant with life’s truths: from what it means to live in a mortal body to how we heal, both individually and collectively, in colonialism’s wake.” —Erin Wicks, senior editor, Zando
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Julie Clark
Why the buzz: “Julie Clark is at the top of her game with The Ghostwriter. The plotting, the pacing, the precise language—it’s all wrapped up in a killer package. I can’t wait for this book to hit shelves this summer and utterly captivate readers.” —Shana Drehs, senior editorial director, Sourcebooks Landmark
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Dennard Dayle
Why the buzz: “How to Dodge a Cannonball brings to life all the absurdities and tragedies of the Civil War and what America believes about itself. This is a laugh-out-loud, unputdownable tale that blends satire, unforgettable characters, and heart. And its many layers will make readers rethink what they know about history and identity. It’s hard to pull all this off, but Dennard does so brilliantly.” —Retha Powers, VP and executive editor, Henry Holt and Co.
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Mason Deaver
Why the buzz: “From the moment I read the first chapter, I knew Mason had done something special with this book. The themes explored in The Build-a-Boyfriend Project are done with such sensitivity and care, whether it be the differences in the queer experience based on identity and community or the painful reality of love and heartbreak in your 20s. Eli and Peter are relatable characters that are so easy to love. And just as importantly, Mason’s quick wit sparkles on the page with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. I’m so excited for readers to get their hands on this one.” —Shannon Plackis, editor, Avon Books
Romance afterparty, Feb. 24
Kiran Desai
Why the buzz: “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is a sweeping literary love story about two young people whose fates intersect and diverge across continents and years—an epic of romance and family, India and America, tradition and modernity. It’s Kiran’s most ambitious and spellbinding novel yet, her first since winning the Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Award for her beloved bestseller The Inheritance of Loss.” —David Ebershoff, VP and editor-in-chief, Hogarth
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Lara Ehrlich
Why the buzz: “Bind Me Tighter Still celebrates the fierceness of female strength in a male-dominated world. In this unique twist on ‘The Little Mermaid,’ the siren goes back to the sea and establishes a mermaid burlesque club. Lara’s incredible ability to embed fiery feminism in her work makes for a captivating novel of intrigue and empowerment.” —Monica Fernandez, media director, Red Hen Press
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Virginia Feito
Why the buzz: “No one puts the ‘gross’ in engrossing quite like Virginia Feito, a master of the new macabre. It took only two words to sell me on her new novel: Victorian. Psycho. But Feito’s wicked imagination exceeded my wildest nightmares, conjuring a maniacal governess on a ruthless quest for revenge. The scariest part? You’ll root for her.” —Gina Iaquinta, senior editor, Liveright
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Rob Franklin
Why the buzz: “Rob’s novel was our first acquisition at the new Summit Books—his thrilling storytelling and laser-sharp observations captured us. A young Black man is arrested for cocaine possession days after his best friend’s mysterious death, and what follows is a dizzying journey through courtrooms, recovery programs, and glittering city nightlife. Great Black Hope has an ineffable sense of possibility and precarity; of falling in love with a friend, a city, and then everything falling apart, yet somehow finding a way back to hope.” —Laura Perciasepe, executive editor, Summit
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Jonny Garza Villa
Why the buzz: “Futbolista is hot and thoughtful AF. My ideal romance book. And it doesn’t matter if you like futbol or not (though if you do, Jonny can really write about it)!” —Nick Thomas, executive editor, Levine Querido
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Hayley Gelfuso
Why the buzz: “From the very first pages, I knew this sweeping novel was something special, a propulsive, poignant story about memory, history, and the power of knowledge, all reflected in the journey of Hayley Gelfuso’s unforgettable characters.” —Kaitlin Olson, executive editor, Atria
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Peter Geye
Why the buzz: “A spirited and well-educated young woman finds herself shoehorned into marriage with a deeply flawed lighthouse keeper, cast into a life she never wanted at his station along the rugged northern cliffs of Lake Superior. I found her journey to self actualization and Geye’s masterful evocations of the many moods of the lake and the surrounding wilderness to be equally enthralling.” —Matt Smiley, sales manager, University of Minnesota Press
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Rachel Gillig
Why the buzz: “The Knight and the Moth is what would happen if a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale met the Chappell Roan VMAs performance in a dark, sexy cathedral. Rachel manages to balance all the emotional tension of the very best romantasy with gripping worldbuilding and a rich, velvety voice. Plus there’s a scene with an armor fitting that will make you tremble.” —Brit Hvide, executive editor, Orbit
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Jessica Berger Gross
Why the buzz: “Hazel Says No is the ultimate sweet-spot fiction. Excellent writing. A commercially strong premise. A Maine backdrop that shimmers. And the ideas embedded within this novel—around agency, ambition, and the bravery it takes to speak the truth—will spark discussion. Above anything, you’ll love the family at the center. Did I mention that Hazel Says No is funny? It’s that, too.” —John Glynn, executive editor, Hanover Square
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Jasmine Guillory
Why the buzz: “I’m always excited when Jasmine writes a new romance, but Flirting Lessons is truly special. I’ve never read a story infused with so much joy. Jasmine always creates nuanced characters, but what’s so wonderful about Avery and Taylor is that by the end you’ll be convinced they’re your lifelong friends. Reading Flirting Lessons is like getting the biggest, warmest hug.” —Cindy Hwang, VP and editorial director, Berkley
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Jennifer Haigh
Why the buzz: “Rabbit Moon offers an extraordinary display of Jennifer’s particular genius for situating intensely personal dramas and finely wrought characters within fraught, hot-button political conflicts. It’s a propulsive and absorbing novel about family and the secrets they carry, but it’s also a brilliant exploration of the ways we try to reinvent ourselves and the ways our societies reinvent us in our increasingly interconnected world.”—Liese Mayer, executive editor, Little, Brown
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Audrey Ingram
Why the buzz: “When we received The Summer We Ran, I couldn’t put it down. First, you get swept up in Tess and Grant’s teenage romance—that all-encompassing, resilient kind of first love. But then, Audrey Ingram takes you on a rollercoaster, back and forth in time, that’s packed with deep emotion, book club conversation starters about class disparity and ambition, and a high-stakes political face-off. The powerful ending chokes me up every time.”
—Gabriela Capasso, senior associate editor, Zibby Publishing
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Emily Jane
Why the buzz: “Here Beside the Rising Tide showcases what Emily Jane does best, mixing heartfelt, all-too-human situations with wild SFF premises that are quickly undercut in a way that only makes her story’s heart all the more potent. Sometimes you don’t know where her prose is going to take you, but you always feel confident sitting back in the roller coaster and experiencing the ride she’s created.” —Adam Wilson, executive editor, Hyperion Avenue
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Morgan Jerkins
Why the buzz: “This is Morgan’s first foray into historical romance, and she researched extensively—from weather patterns to the regional dialects spoken by her characters. She desired to tell this story—between two formerly enslaved people—authentically, and she did a beautiful job in illuminating the humanity and tenderness of Black love during a horrendous moment in American history.” —Adenike Olanrewaju, executive editor, Harper Books
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Claire Jia
Why the buzz: “The female friendship at the core of Wanting feels so true to life, and I love the questions this book poses. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever looked at their own life—in friendship, in love, in career—and wondered: Am I where I’m meant to be? With the people I’m meant to be with? And when do you settle? When do you go for more?” —Elizabeth DeMeo, editor, Tin House
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Susanna Kearsley
Why the buzz: “Susanna Kearsley weaves a compelling love story into an exploration of honor and loyalty at a time when kings were capricious and court intrigues could turn deadly for ordinary people. In every one of her books, Susanna creates a set of characters you root for, while transporting you to another time and place. Susanna’s fans will be surprised and delighted, and her new readers will rush out to find her other books. That’s a dream project.” —Deb Werksman, executive editor, Sourcebooks Casablanca
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
John Kenney
Why the buzz: “It’s not often that a book takes you completely by surprise… you start off laughing from the wit, the charm, the absurdity, and then, all of a sudden, you’re so enamored with the characters, your eyes are tearing up! I See You’ve Called In Dead does it all: It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, it’s emotional, and it makes you ruminate about the secrets of life (and death).” —Kathleen Harris, executive editor, Zibby Publishing
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Alexandra Kiley
Why the buzz: “Scot and Bothered is the purest form of armchair traveling I’ve ever experienced. Come for the free trip to Scotland, stay for Alexandra Kiley’s gorgeous storytelling and swoony hero, Jack! This is a love letter to the Isle of Skye, books about books, and the emotionally satisfying relationships we all come to romance for.” —Lynn Raposo, assistant editor, Canary Street Press
Romance afterparty, Feb. 24
Lily King
Why the buzz: “Lily and I have worked together over seven books since her debut novel, and I’m elated by her latest! A beguiling protagonist juggles two intimate, charged relationships, beginning in college and jumping ahead decades through marriage,
children, and beyond. Savvy, witty and on-point as ever, Lily explores love in many forms, and there’s a surprise connection
to Writers and Lovers.” —Elisabeth Schmitz, VP and editorial director, Grove Atlantic
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Wally Lamb
Why the buzz: “It’s such an honor to work with Wally on his first novel in nine years. All the glorious gifts of his previous works are here, including his brilliant storytelling and profound sense of humanity. Wally implores us to look beyond labels and judgments, and into the hearts and souls of his characters. In The River Is Waiting, Wally breaks your heart but makes you fall in love with his characters anyway.” —Marysue Rucci, publisher, Scribner
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Sarah Landenwich
Why the buzz: “Brilliant and beautifully written, The Fire Concerto gives the reader an historical entrée to the world of music. Landenwich’s vivid characters propel us through the twists and turns of a years-old mystery, a torrid murder, and the revelation of being remembered.” —Claire Wachtel, editor, Union Square
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Daria Lavelle
Why the buzz: “Aftertaste explores the intersection of food, memory, and family and is the most joyous book about grief I’ve ever read. It is a book that grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let me go. Set in the bustling New York City culinary world, Daria’s debut is a love story, a food story, a grief story, a ghost story–and it deserves to be savored.” —Carina Guiterman, executive editor, Simon & Schuster
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
David Levithan
Why the buzz: “David Levithan and Jens Lekman are two of my favorite writers—one of fiction, one of songs. That they’ve joined forces for this charming, tender story of an unlucky-in-love wedding singer is an unmatched treat. They’ve written my favorite kind of book, one that pulls at the heartstrings and makes you laugh in equal measure.” —Zack Knoll, senior editor, Abrams Press
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Kristina McMorris
Why the buzz: “Kristina McMorris has put her heart and soul into The Girls of Good Fortune, which I think is her best book yet. It’s overflowing with fascinating details, and her characters jump off the page. I’ve had the privilege of working with Kristina since her million-copy bestseller Sold on a Monday, and she just keeps getting better and better. I’m so thrilled to be publishing this stunning story.” —Shana Drehs, senior editorial director, Sourcebooks Landmark
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Alice Murphy
Why the buzz: “A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love has everything you could want in a historical romance—swoonworthy characters, irresistible spice, drama!—plus, the story is framed by the fun, snarky commentary of a modern-day historian. Themes of body positivity, marginalization, and community are explored with grace and emotion, and the balance of contention and joy is perfect. I dare you not to fall in love yourself.” —Juliana Nador, assistant editor, Union Square
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Joni Murphy
Why the buzz: “I fell in love with the voice in Barbara from the first page. It’s dreamy and sorrowful and wholly transportive. This novel is about the life of the artist—specifically the female artist in a hypermasculine age—and it’s also about insecurity and fear. A novel about a woman devoted to her craft and a life of creativity feels incredibly urgent at this moment.”
—Emily Bell, editorial director, Astra House
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Kent Nerburn
Why the buzz: “Kent Nerburn has developed a very devoted following with his books Neither Wolf nor Dog, The Girl Who Sang to the Buffalo, and The Wolf at Twilight. Those fans have been waiting with great anticipation for Lone Dog Road, and they won’t be disappointed.” —Jason Gardner, executive editor, New World Library
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Emma Pattee
Why the buzz: “This blistering and inexorable reading experience explores a lifetime in just one day. And though the stakes are life or death, there’s a drumbeat of dark humor due to the unorthodox narration. It’s such a feat—I knew from the first page I had to publish this book.” —Marysue Rucci, publisher, Scribner
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Sarah Penner
Why the buzz: “Powerful sea witches, a hunt for sunken treasure, romance and adventure on the Amalfi Coast—can you ask for a better combo? Sarah Penner is known for writing bold, witchy, feminist historicals, and The Amalfi Curse has been widely praised as her best book yet. Readers will love this delicious, bewitching tale.” —Erika Imranyi, editorial director, Park Row Books
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Shelley Read
Why the buzz: “Set in the Colorado mountains, this debut novel has become a global sensation—it’s been on the Dutch bestseller list for over two years and has sold over 800,000 copies worldwide! I can’t wait for you to fall in love with its protagonist, Victoria, and its stunning writing.” —Cindy Spiegel, partner and CEO, Spiegel & Grau
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Ruben Reyes Jr.
Why the buzz: “Archive of Unknown Universes is an epic multiverse story, bringing the Salvadoran civil war and its consequences to light with Ruben’s trademark humanity and invention. It’s full of little-known histories, brilliant technology, beautiful heartache, and exquisite writing. And it’s more important now than ever before as we grapple with the looming crisis of displaced communities.” —Jessica Vestuto, editor, Mariner Books
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Seth Ring
Why the buzz: “LitRPG author Seth Ring, known for the Battle Mage Farmer and Titan series, brings his signature blend of action, adventure, and immersive storytelling to this fast-paced thrill ride of alien contact and military action. Readers will be hooked by high-stakes battles, compelling characters, and unique twists that only Ring can deliver.” —Anne Fonteneau, chief sales officer, Blackstone Publishing
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Rosália Rodrigo
Why the buzz: “Set in a lush, Puerto Rican–inspired world, Beasts of Carnaval explores community, cultural reclamation, and healing through art and joy in defiance of a violent past. Sofía, a mestiza woman recently freed from slavery, searches for her brother in the magical Carnaval de Bestias. It’s a powerful debut fantasy novel that everybody should read!” —Dina Davis, editor, Mira Books
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Kennedy Ryan
Why the buzz: “Kennedy is brilliant at weaving a beautiful romance with real-world topics, and I love that Can’t Get Enough celebrates a woman who’s childless by choice and who recognizes that even with all her hustle, she needs to allow herself a soft life too. In some ways, it’s a Cinderella story—if Cinderella were a massively successful talent agent falling in love with a tech mogul.” —Leah Hultenschmidt, VP and publisher, Forever
Ignite authors and editors reception, Feb. 22; evening author reception, Feb. 25
Thomas Schlesser
Why the buzz: “Mona’s Eyes goes straight to the heart, exalting beauty and celebrating innocence and experience without pandering to readers or perverting the mystery of deep, unexpected connections between people. There are books whose emotional and intellectual depth render them not merely spines on our shelves but part of who we are. Mona’s Eyes was a wonderful and welcome gift for me, and I hope to pass that gift on to many readers.” —Michael Reynolds, executive publisher, Europa Editions
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
V.E. Schwab
Why the buzz: “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is such a gorgeously seductive read, with all the confidence and spark that Schwab brings to her work. And for all her power with writing about the monstrous or fantastical, her characters are almost unbearably real, and the emotional thrusts are unnervingly timely.” —Miriam Weinberg, executive editor, Tor Publishing Group
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Katie Sturino
Why the buzz: “Sunny Side Up is a modern New York love story with the timelessness of a Nora Ephron film. I fell in love with Sunny Greene and her joyful celebration of resilience and reinvention—Katie Sturino has crafted a story that’s as empowering as it is entertaining.” —Ryan Doherty, VP and editorial director, Celadon Books
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
RaeAnne Thayne
Why the buzz: “The Lost Book of First Loves is the perfect summer read filled with family secrets, romance, and lots of heart. It’s the story of two women who learn that they are sisters from a DNA test, which unravels secrets about the renowned author father they share and his most beloved work. Readers will love seeing these former strangers build a real relationship and finally become sisters.”
—Heather Connor, VP of publicity, HTP Books
Romance afterparty, Feb. 24
Cadwell Turnbull
Why the buzz: “An epic, mind-bending multiverse adventure, Transmentation | Transience combines thrilling escapism with thought-provoking parallels to our own world. With dynamic storytelling from a talented team, including acclaimed and award-winning author Cadwell Turnbull, this is truly groundbreaking.” —Anne Fonteneau, chief sales officer, Blackstone Publishing
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Alejandro Varela
Why the buzz: "Reading Middle Spoon felt like holding a stick of lit dynamite in my hands—volatile, crackling with energy, and impossible to ignore. Alejandro writes about heartbreak with astonishing fearlessness and emotional intelligence, peeling back the layers until you’re left with something raw and utterly universal. This book not only made me laugh and cry—it made me a better editor, helping me see love’s messy truths more clearly." —Ibrahim Ahmad, executive editor, Viking Penguin
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Ocean Vuong
Why the buzz: “Ocean is a quintessentially American writer, and this second novel is an ambitious leap forward in what is already an extraordinary career. Coming from a place of grace, the reader will turn the last page knowing more about themselves, their failures, and those they choose to love. A generosity of spirit and embrace of the moment are on full display, and that’s a very exciting thing to bring to readers.” —Ann Godoff, president and editor-in-chief, Penguin Press
Breakfast keynote, Feb. 24
Kathy Wang
Why the buzz: “The influence of classic American writers like John Cheever, Anne Tyler, and John Irving can be felt in this novel, which is less about a café than it is about the life of Joan—the highs and lows and unexpected twists. Kathy Wang is a gorgeously sophisticated storyteller, and in Joan the reader encounters a character who is kind, pragmatic, a little prone to loneliness, but also solution-oriented, which leads her to cultivate community and connection. This smart, soothing novel is perfect for book clubs and inspires impassioned responses.” —Kara Watson, VP and executive editor, Scribner
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Jennifer Weiner
Why the buzz: “Jennifer Weiner is, and has been for more than two decades, a prolific writer and commentator of pop culture and feminism, so the 2000s pop music scene is the perfect backdrop for her new novel. It charts the paths of three musical women in the Grossberg family and is a love story, a sister story, and a portrait of the golden age of pop music, delivering a perfect balance of entertainment, nostalgia, and reflection on fame and female creators.” —Liz Stein, VP and executive editor, William Morrow
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Kevin Wilson
Why the buzz: “Kevin Wilson has written his zaniest, most moving novel yet: the story of a family finding each other—literally and emotionally—while packed in a PT Cruiser on a road trip across the country. I love these characters, their verve, their hearts, and their dreams to finally uncover the truth about their pasts.” —Helen Atsma, VP and publisher, Ecco
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Callan Wink
Why the buzz: “Beartooth’s portrayal of two brothers, one capable and responsible and the other different, trying to survive in the American West, reminds me of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Like that novella, Beartooth immerses us in the landscape—in this case, the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains in Montana. But it’s also
a brilliant heist novel, filled with suspense, surprise, and heart.”
—Cindy Spiegel, partner and CEO, Spiegel & Grau
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Michelle Wong
Why the buzz: “This is a dark fantasy about a young woman who wants revenge on her aristocratic family for the death of her mother. She makes a pact with a god of nightmares, imbuing herself with his power, and there’s crackling romantic tension. I hope you’ll work up the courage to enter House of the Beast, but I warn you: Once you enter, you may never want to leave.” —Julia Elliott, executive editor, William Morrow Group
Romance afterparty, Feb. 24
Kate Woodworth
Why the buzz: “The reviews are pouring in for Little Great Island, and certainly this will be Sibylline’s first nominee for the National Book Award—the writing is that good. The story is one of real people suffering and yet rising above the nebulous circumstances that climate change presents.” —Julia Park Tracey, editor-in-chief, Sibylline Press
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Char Adams
Why the buzz: “We don’t always think of booksellers as civil rights leaders fighting off FBI surveillance, government shutdowns, and racist attacks, but many Black bookstore owners were activists first and businesspeople second. Char Adams celebrates their heroism in a way that feels in line with Hidden Figures, finding vital Black heroes who otherwise may have gone uncredited for their work moving America forward.” —Emi Ikkanda, executive
editor, Tiny Reparations Books
Breakfast keynote, Feb. 25
Jazmina Barrera
Why the buzz: “In The Queen of Swords, we accompany Jazmina Barrera as she investigates the influential 20th-century Mexican novelist Elena Garro, using everything from her archives to astrology. This is a charming, deeply researched book about the originator of magical realism, who has been too long overlooked by one of this generation’s greatest writers of narrative nonfiction.”
—CJ Evans, publisher and editor-in-chief, Two Lines Press
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Marc Brackett
Why the buzz: “Marc Brackett has devoted his life’s work to helping people understand their emotions. Now he has channeled his expertise into providing practical and effective ways to regulate feelings that will lead to calmer, happier, and more successful lives. His book is essential reading in these turbulent times.” —Jamie Raab, publisher-at-large, Macmillan
Featured speaker, “Wellness Tools to Support Mental Health Challenges in Retail,” 2:30–3:30 p.m., Plaza Ballroom A, and evening author reception, Feb. 25
Karleigh Frisbie Brogan
Why the buzz: “I knew from the opening paragraph of this stunning debut that I was in the hands of an accomplished writer. Holding is about mother love and the lack thereof and everything in between. It’s a vise-grip guided tour through the world of addiction. It’s a deeply personal tale about the American experience: raw, heartbreaking, beautiful, insightful, uplifting, and unforgettable.” —Chip Fleischer, senior editor, Steerforth Press
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Stephanie Burt
Why the buzz: “I called Stephanie during the dreariest part of the pandemic lockdown and suggested a fun, smart book on gay poetry. She said, ‘Let’s make it super gay.’ The rest, dear reader, is history.” —Sharmila Sen, editorial director, Harvard University Press
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Chloé Caldwell
Why the buzz: “Trying began as a record of a limbo period in Chloe’s life, when she was trying to conceive a child. But as she was drafting, some unexpected things happened, all of which transformed the book into a story of queer reawakening and an exploration
of how writing can accompany you through crisis and change.
It’s intimate, funny, masterful, and totally unique.” —Yuka Igarashi, executive editor, Graywolf Press
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Haley Cohen Gilliland
Why the buzz: “Narrative nonfiction that reads like fiction and puts your heart in your throat is the rarest thing in publishing. This is that. A regime tries to terrorize a country, but love resists. Our heroes are the fearless grandmothers who face down murderers and demand the eyes of the world, all for
a chance to someday hold their stolen grandchildren in their arms.”
—Jofie Ferrari-Adler, VP and co-publisher, Avid Reader
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Bridget Crocker
Why the buzz: “Aside from Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, I can’t think of another memoir of a woman coming into her own in the outdoors that’s as gripping and powerful as The River’s Daughter. Crocker is a world-renowned white-water rafting guide, and her story, which takes us from the Snake River in Wyoming to the Zambezi in Africa, feels as thrilling as being on the water itself.” —Cindy Spiegel, partner and CEO, Spiegel & Grau
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Vicki DeArmon
Why the buzz: “Foghorn will resonate with bibliophiles and lovers of a good story. It reveals a great deal about the heyday of small press publishing in the Bay Area in the ’80s and ’90s, and it illustrates the costs of entrepreneurship. We’re getting amazing reviews from booksellers as well as from people who lived through the era. And beyond its accounting of the book industry, this memoir reads like fiction, cover to cover.” —Julia Park Tracey, editor-in-chief, Sibylline Press
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Dudley Edmondson
Why the buzz: “If we are ever going to succeed in addressing climate change, we need to start listening to new voices. Historically, minorities and people of color have been left out of
the sustainability conversation. This book rights that wrong, with interviews from Black and brown people. Many are scientists,
activists, tribal elders, and community leaders. These real-life insights are crucial to creating a better planet.” —Travis Bryant, CPO, AdventureKeen
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Minda Harts
Why the buzz: “I love that Minda Harts is honest about what’s not working in the workplace. If I’m telling a colleague I would want to hear but I don’t actually see what they value, there’s going to be tension. I’m hopeful for all the ways that this book will make workplaces just a little bit better, so we can do better work and get on with our lives.” —Lee Oglesby, senior editor, Flatiron Books
Featured speaker, “Talk to Me Nice: Establishing Effective Workplace Communication,” Feb. 24, 2:30–3:30 p.m., Plaza Ballroom D
Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
Why the buzz: “Misbehaving at the Crossroads is a masterful manifesto of Black American feminist womanhood by one our generation’s most brilliant writers. It’s deeply personal and brave, delightfully and richly Southern, and what I imagine will be read by scholars, thought leaders, and world changers for years to come.” —Adenike Olanrewaju, executive editor, Harper
Ignite authors and editors reception, Feb. 22
David Litt
Why the buzz: “What I love about It’s Only Drowning is its sly depth. David is a genius at using the humor of highly specific scenarios—in this case, learning to surf—to get at deeper, widely relatable themes. We’re all aging. We’ve all tried a new hobby. Almost all of us have a Matt in our lives—a family member or friend who’s fallen on the opposite side of the culture wars and we’re looking for a way to talk to. Come for the laughs. Stay for the poignant insights.” —Max Meltzer,
editor, Gallery Books
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Robert Macfarlane
Why the buzz: “Reading Robert Macfarlane’s follow-up to his bestselling Underland is like watching a David Attenborough nature special or a Hayao Miyazaki movie: the world seems larger and more wondrous. Macfarlane blends so much into this propulsive book: hiking up mountains and kayaking down rivers; ideas on the rights of nature from Gilgamesh to George Eliot to Ursula LeGuin; the contemporary voices of the Earth’s Indigenous
champions. Is a River Alive? left me changed and cheering.”
—Matt Weiland, VP and senior editor, W.W. Norton & Co.
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Laura Nguyen
Why the buzz: “I came to appreciate this practical book so much when I realized how almost anyone could benefit from Laura’s wisdom. Career Break Compass offers burnt-out businesspeople a four-step plan to intentionally take time off and return to the workforce recharged and with new purpose, enabling them to succeed in both their personal and work lives and leave burnout behind them.” —Amy Treadwell, editorial director, the Collective Book Studio
Featured speaker, “Your Bookstore’s Digital Footprint: Google Analytics for Booksellers,” Feb. 24, 2:30–3:30 p.m., Plaza Ballroom A; evening author reception, Feb. 25
Devon Price
Why the buzz: “Unmasking for Life goes beyond the internal healing of Unmasking Autism and supports readers through the outward, interpersonal aspect of unmasking, providing vital tools for navigating friendship, family, work, love, and life as an unmasked autistic. Devon’s compassionate, inclusive guidance on building a more genuine
life, free from neurotypical expectations, is indispensable in today’s increasingly demanding and unsupportive world.”
—Michele Eniclerico Schnipke, Harmony
Featured speaker, “Systems and Support for Neurodivergent Employees,” 9:30–10:30 a.m., Plaza Ballroom D, and lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Jaap de Roode
Why the buzz: “The first book on animal self-medication by a scientist deeply immersed in the research, Doctors by Nature illuminates the amazing ways animals use natural remedies in the wild. Jaap de Roode shares how the awareness of animal medication may lead to the discovery of drugs to treat our own diseases.” —Alison Kalett, editorial director, science, Princeton University Press
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Michael Thomas
Why the buzz: “It’s been worth every minute of the long wait for this memoir of three generations of Black men by the author of the debut novel Man Gone Down. Every page of Michael Thomas’s profound story rings with the effects of America’s struggle with race, class, wealth, education, and land, and offers up an intimate and brave articulation of madness.” —Elisabeth Schmitz, VP and editorial
director, Grove Atlantic
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Patty Wetterling
Why the buzz: “This edition of Patty Wetterling’s bestselling memoir, written with Joy Baker, offers a fresh chance to examine a mother’s heroic response to the disappearance of her son and the enduring impact of her work. The new online reading guide will enhance readers’ understanding
of the high-profile case.” —Jim Cihlar, marketing and publicity manager, Minnesota Historical Society Press
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Tamara Yajia
Why the buzz: “I could not be more excited to work on Cry For Me, Argentina. At first, I thought I would be laughing through each page, but I was blown away by the emotional depth displayed within this hilarious memoir. Tamara’s story of resilience in the face of a tumultuous childhood and her eventual triumphs as a writer in Hollywood is evocative and inspiring.” —Amber Oliver, senior editor, Bloomsbury
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
