10 Books to Look Out For in 2015
Monday, December 29, 2014
1. Almost Famous Women by Megan Mayhew Bergman
In her second short story collection, Megan Mayhew Bergman explores the lives of several talented, independent women throughout history who attained fame or notoriety in various respects but whose stories have been largely untold and ignored. This is sure to be a fascinating look into the lives of and exploits of fascinating women whose stories would otherwise be forgotten. Available Jan. 6th
2. The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick
Marcus Sedgwick is a master of writing novels with interconnected narratives that merge together into a larger story you’d never have expected. The Ghosts of Heaven contains four episodes about four characters in four different time periods, all of them connected by a series written spirals that will lead them onto their individual journeys. Available Jan. 6th
3. Get in Trouble: Stories by Kelly Link
A new short story collection by Kelly Link is always a treat, and this one is her first collection for adults in 10 years. Her short stories are typically fantastical, dark, and humorous in nature, and these stories contain, among other things “hurricanes, astronauts, evil twins, bootleggers, Ouija boards, iguanas, the Wizard of Oz, superheroes, the Pyramids.” Available Feb. 3rd
4. The Country of Ice Cream Star by Sandra Newman
This novel has already been compared to Justin Cronin’s The Passage and David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas. Set in the crumbling ruins of a future society filled only with children due to a plague that kills everyone before the age of twenty, fifteen-year-old Ice Cream Star sets off on a journey find a cure for her ailing brother, traveling hundreds of miles across the remains of America to save her brother’s life and that of her tribe. Available Feb. 10th
5. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
This looks to be a proper, magical adventure set against the backdrop of London – with a twist. In a world with parallel universe and no less than 4 alternate versions of London, Kell is the ambassador of Red London and one of the last of the travelers, magicians with the ability to cross between the parallel universes. When Kel accidentally commits treason against the land to whom he’s sworn his service, he flees to Grey London where a cut-purse named Delilah Bard forces him to spirit her off for adventure between the universes. Available Feb. 24th
6. The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
Another literary enterprise ten yeras in the making, The Buried Giant opens with a couple setting off across a dark, misty landscape to search for their lost son. Kazuo Ishiguro writes in a quiet, understated manner, but the stories he tells are emotionally powerful and heartfelt. Available March 3rd
7. The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
Award-winning short story writer and translator Ken Liu has written his first novel, which has already been described as “silk punk”. In this first book of a new series, two men become best friends in the midst of an uprising against the emperor, but find themselves at odds following the emperor’s deposition as they find themselves leaders of opposing factions for how best to rule the land. Available April 7th
Toni Morrison’s novels have all explored the intersection of race, feminism, trauma, and personal and historical narratives, and her latest book will be no exception. Following the stories of Bride, a dark-skinned woman born to Sweetness, a light-skinned mother who denies her daughter her love, the young white girl Rain who forges a connection with Bride, and Booker, the man whom Bride loves, this novel is sure to pack a powerful punch for everyone who reads it. Available April 21st
9. Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan
Partially inspired by Scottish myths and fairytales, Gracekeepers tells the story of two inhabitants living in the remnants of our modern world, now flooded beyond repair. Callanish lives in self-imposed exile on an island burying the dead in the ocean while North works as a performer in a floating circus troupe that travels from island to island seeking an audience in order to stay alive. Available May 19th
10. About A Girl by Sarah McCarry
Sarah McCarry writes Greek mythology rooted in the Pacific Northwest and the nineties punk scene while using gorgeous writing and imagery. Eighteen-year-old Tally, a girl who has her future all planned out, finds herself on a quest to find a musician who holds the key to her past, only to find Maddy, the girl she cannot help but fall in love with. Written as a companion novel to her earlier books, but can be read as a stand-alone. Available July 14th
Related Articles
- 10 Books Published by Portland Authors in 2014
- Literopolis: A Weekly Round-up of Portland Literary Events: Dec 15-21
- Literopolis: A Weekly Round-up of Portland Literary Events, Dec. 8-14
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It