Emily Henry never fails to exceed reader’s expectations, and her recent release, “Happy Place,” is no exception. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading all of Henry’s books, but “Happy Place” is the perfect follow-up to her three most recent romance titles, all of which I have read: “People We Meet On Vacation,” “Beach Read,” and “Book Lovers.” “Happy Place,” published on April 25, will find a new spot in all readers’ hearts.
Picture this. The shelves are lined with spines of every color, size and font, an eclectic mix of new releases and classics. The soft chattering of book lovers browsing the shelves mingles with the espresso-scented air emanating a cozy ambiance. One alluring cover after the next beckons for attention before the bookseller wearing a welcoming smile comes into view.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past nine months, it’s unlikely that you haven’t heard of “iCarly” star Jennette McCurdy’s recent memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” Eight months since its release, the book still sparks excitement and conversation in literary and non-literary circles alike. I bought my own copy in Dec. 2022 from the Strand Book Store. While fighting streams of people for a look at the shelves, I found myself standing in front of a wall above the customer service desk, which displayed the Strand’s top ten picks. “I’m Glad My Mom Died” was one of them.
The Seahawk closes out its book club with our December pick, “Bigger Than Bravery: Black Resilience and Reclamation in a Time of Pandemic.” Fans of both nonfiction and poetry will marvel at this genre-integrated read. Exploring both the pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism, “Bigger Than Bravery” is a thorough portrait of a perilous year.
The Seahawk book club is spending December break in contemplation with a pick fresh off the press. This month’s selection is “Bigger Than Bravery: Black Resilience and Reclamation in a Time of Pandemic,” edited by Valerie Boyd.
Imagine spending a fun-filled weekend with your celebrity crush. That is exactly what happens to the witty protagonist in The Seahawk’s November book club pick, “Funny You Should Ask.” If you are a fan of BookTok rom-com novels, “Funny You Should Ask” is for you. While falling into the traditional rom-com pitfalls, there is still Hollywood-esque entertainment to be found throughout.
The Seahawk book club is taking the stress off the semester’s end with a fresh, fun November pick. This month’s selection is “Funny You Should Ask” by Elissa Sussman, a new BookTok sensation.
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The Seahawk’s book club pick for October is the perfect pick for a cozy autumn read. Written by up-and-coming author Annie Hartnett, the novel presents a comedic mystery complete with a dysfunctional family situation. At first glance, the reader expects a lighthearted tale that, if done correctly, will leave the audience on the edge of their seats. Hartnett gives all that and more as the novel explores familial and friendship roles while also tackling issues like substance abuse and terminal illness. If you enjoy a classic small-town story with an underdog protagonist, this novel is for you.
The Seahawk welcomes the warmer weather of March with another book club pick! This month’s selection is “Black Cake,” Italy-based writer Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel. Named one of the most...
The Seahawk’s February book club pick “The Christie Affair” is a mystery that will keep you pushing off work for one more page. If you are an Agatha Christie fan, this is the perfect novel for you. Besides the famous author playing a titular role in the plot, the web Nina de Gramont spins in this fictionalized account of Christie’s disappearance is something Christie herself would applaud.
Abigail Celoria, Assistant Culture Editor
• February 2, 2022
The Seahawk’s January book club pick “Over the Falls” is the perfect book to cozy up with this cold month. If you are looking for an adventure-mystery-drama with a hard-hitting emotional center, “Over the Falls” is for you. A slightly disorganized but beautiful novel, its centrality on emotional ties—both those we harbor in anger and those we form in love—is its greatest strength.
