Dear Readers,
Here are a few recent releases the Book Beat staff is enjoying–and a few upcoming events.
Our reading book selection this month is War and Turpentine by Stefan Hertmans. It is based on the life story of the author’s grandfather, an artist who kept a 600 page diary throughout World War I. Reading group books are available and discounted 15% at Book Beat. If you’re looking for an online reading group to share your thoughts, drop us a line and we’ll add your email to the list.
The Book Beat staff recommends:
The Rupture Tense by Jenny Xie, a finalist for the 2022 National Book Award for poetry.
All’s Well by Mona Awad, a new novel in paperback by the author of Bunny.
Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel, a study of how anti-Semitism has been ignored throughout history.
Weasels in the Attic by Hiroko Oyamada, the new novel from the author of The Hole.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, the latest novel from the author of The Poisonwood Bible.
Dyscalculia: A Love Story of Epic Miscalculation by Camonghne Felix, a memoir of heartbreak and healing.
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao, a YA fantasy novel inspired by ancient Chinese mythology.
Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman, a new historical novel set in Georgian London.
The Mermaid of the Black Conch by Monique Roffey, a blend of magical realism and explorations of human connection.
Utopia by Heidi Sopinka, a psychological mystery set in the California art scene of the 1970’s.
Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung, a book of short stories shortlisted for the International Booker Prize.
1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows: A Memoir by Ai Weiwei, part memoir and part history of modern China.
Shuna’s Journey by Hayao Miyazaki, the new manga from the great Japanese animator.
Dual Exhibition: Nancy J. Rodwan & M. Saffell Gardner (March 19 – April 30) is at the Ferndale Public Library. Both artists will exhibit new work in the program room and the front atrium. An opening reception will be happening on Saturday, March 25, from 2 pm – 4 pm. Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and live music!
Visit Printmaking in the Twenty-First Century before it’s gone at the DIA, closing April 9. The exhibit features many local and national artists including Hernan Bas, Susan Goethel Campbell, Enrique Chagoya, Marc Dion, Nicole Eisenman, Walton Ford, Chitra Ganesh, Rashid Johnson, Julie Mehretu, Michael Menchaca, Ryan Standfest, Katia Santibañez, James Siena, Dyani White Hawk, Ai Weiwei, and more. The DIA has also provided a series of videos to accompany the exhibit.
Detroit based journalist and author Denise Crittendon will present her Afrofuturist fantasy debut Where it Rains in Colour on Tuesday March 28 at 7 pm at the Oak Park Library. The book is a fantastic sci-fi read taking place on a glittering and surreal Black planet resort! Read more about this special book event at Denise Crittendon, Afrofuturist.
Also check out the Winter Issue at Three Fold, an online literary magazine featuring the Detroit arts & lit scene.
New and unusual small press books are reviewed monthly by our resident bibliophile Tom Bowden in his column I arrogantly recommend…
Coming in April: Susan Orleans at Books on the Lake.
Thank you for your continued support.
Think Spring & Keep reading!
Best wishes,
~Cary, Colleen and Book Beat staff
A selection of Picture Books for Women’s History Month: Inspiring True Stories of the achievments of tenacious girls and women.
