On upcoming or just-released books that need a second look

THERE ARE SO MANY BOOKS IN THE WORLD and here are a few that are new/will be new that you should take a look at:

• Strange Alchemy by Gwenda Bond (August 1st) - This YA story about Roanoke Island legends is pretty fun, though not without problems. It follows two teens whose destinies are tied up with the island and their journey to discover the mysteries of the island. Recommended for YA lovers of contemporary fantasy.

• Surfing With Sartre: An Aquatic Inquiry Into a Life of Meaning by Aaron James (August 8th) - This book was fascinating and a bit difficult to pay attention to all the time. The times I was able to fully focus, I was greatly rewarded for my effort because this book is fascinating. Taking various philosophical ideals and discussing them from the viewpoint of a surfer is unique and wonderful and made me consider lots of things in a new light. Recommended for deep thinkers and philosophy readers.

• Boy Seeking Band by Steve Brezenoff (Sept 1st) - This adorable story about a young boy coping with the death of his mother (and other changes) by forming a band is heart-warming, fun, and an extremely rewarding read. Best of all, every important character has a deep knowledge of music (especially jazz) and has a quirk to offer the band. Highly recommended for young music lovers.

• Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller (Sept 5th) - I liked this book. I really did. The most interesting thing about it was the main character - who is genderqueer and is VERY well-written for that. I also liked that Sal’s gender issues weren’t the main plot - it was merely an interesting aspect of the character. The rest of the book, while good and really enjoyable to read and really interesting, isn’t something that will stick with me in a big way. It’s definitely worth the read (and it’s a pretty short book, too) so you have no excuse not to give it a try at least.

• Vibrator Nation: How Feminist Sex-Toy Stores Changed the Business of Pleasure by Lynn Comella (Sept 8th) - Lynn Comella’s in-depth study of feminist sex-toy stores shows the reader the history, the barriers that these stores have broken throughout history, the change in how these stores have been run, and how these sex-stores have helped to change societal opinions of sexuality - especially when it comes to women. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in women’s issues or the intersection of education/societal change and business.

• The Raven God by Alane Adams (Sept 12th) - This middle grade mythological fantasy is a lot of fun and a good way to get young readers interested in mythology and history. My biggest criticism is that this seems like a middle grade Percy Jackson - which may be a plus for Rick Riordan lovers. Recommended for young fantasy readers.

What upcoming or just-released books would you add to this list?