Chapter 16 - Part 37

Werewolves in the Heartland

With Forever, Maggie Stiefvater concludes her haunting Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy

By Tina LoTufo | July 27, 2011

July 27, 2011 This month the story of the Wolves of Mercy Falls comes to its much-anticipated conclusion. Maggie Stiefvater launched this riveting young-adult saga of humans and werewolves in the Minnesota woods in 2009 with a New York Times bestseller called Shiver. Linger followed in 2010, and the concluding volume, Forever, rounds out the trilogy. Stiefvater spins a compelling tale of humans and wolves both in love and at odds. Her characters make choices out of fear and hatred, self-sacrifice and loyalty, pain and grief. And after a while, it’s not so easy to tell the men (or women) from the beasts. On July 31 at 3 p.m., Stiefvater will read from and discuss her new book at the Nashville Public Library as part of the Salon@615 series.

Cherokee Ghost Story

Sonia Gensler’s first YA novel is set against a suspenseful background of mystery, murder, and miscegenation

By Tina LoTufo | June 28, 2011

June 28, 2011 As Sonia Gensler’s new historical novel The Revenant opens, Willemina Hammond is running away from boarding school in Columbia, Tennessee, to escape her family’s expectations. Willie assumes the identity of a graduating schoolmate and heads to Oklahoma in her place, but she never dreams that her new job as a teacher at the Cherokee Female Seminary will lead her on a chilling journey into the supernatural. Sonia Gensler will read from and sign copies of The Revenant at Borders Books in Clarksville on July 3 at 2 p.m.

Stairway to Heaven

Karyn Henley’s new fantasy novel, her first for young adults, adds angels to the mortal realm

By Tina LoTufo | June 23, 2011

June 23, 2011 Sixteen-year-old apprentice priestess Melaia sings the myths and legends of the kingdom of Camrithia, including the “Tale of the Wisdom Tree,” never suspecting that the song contains a startling and bitter truth that will deeply affect her own destiny. In Breath of Angel, Karyn Henley deftly weaves together the elements of Melaia’s journey of self-discovery in a way that should speak to young-adult readers. Karyn Henley will launch Breath of Angel, the first novel of her “Angeleon Circle” trilogy, at the Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Brentwood on June 24 at 7 p.m.

Once Upon a Time in South Beach

In Cloaked Alex Flinn puts a modern spin on some timeless tales

By Tina LoTufo | May 2, 2011

May 2, 2011 Cloaked, Alex Flinn’s latest recipe for fairy-tale mashup, calls for a ditsy princess and an enchanted prince, a hapless shoe repairman and a level-headed waitress, a handful of talking animals, at least one witch, and two very stupid giants. Add a heaping tablespoon of magic, mix well, and bake in the Florida heat until all is “uncloaked.” Alex Flinn will read from and discuss Cloaked at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Brentwood on May 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Baseball Through the Looking Glass

Alan Gratz talks with Chapter 16 about Fantasy Baseball, his latest novel for children

By Tina LoTufo | April 26, 2011

April 26, 2011 A breathtakingly diverse assortment of characters culled from fairy tales, nursery rhymes, mythology, folktales, children’s literature, and even Manga inhabits Fantasy Baseball by Knoxville children’s author Alan Gratz. It’s a fast-paced adventure, a thrilling come-from-behind sports story, an artistic tour de force, and a heck of a fun read.

A Taste for Murder

Michael Lee West’s latest novel is a mystery of gastronomical proportions

By Tina LoTufo | April 19, 2011

April 19, 2011 Set in and around Charleston’s historic district, Michael Lee West’s Gone with a Handsomer Man mixes candy-colored row houses, crab cakes, and high humidity with betrayal, greed, and long-lost love. The result is a bittersweet confection that’s lighter than a praline and smoother than a peach martini. West will discuss Gone with a Handsomer Man at Books-A-Million in Nashville on April 21 at 7 p.m.

Tias and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us

By Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, illustrated by Josie Del Castillo
Seal Press
304 pages
$30

“Within these pages, I found my abuela, my tías and my primas — laughing, crying, and nodding alongside me. This book is a gift of understanding, and loving one’s family, even when our families are complicated and painful. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling and the profound connection of kinship.”

~ Paola Mendoza, author, organizer and filmmaker