By: Annie Suhy, Librarian and Collection Development Specialist 

Books in the News

Last month, we reported on the rise in popularity of a number of dystopian novels which coincided with sweeping changes to the U.S. government administration and the inauguration of President Trump. While titles like 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale continue to trend among readers, there are many more trending titles whose subject matter reflect our current thoughts, opinions, controversies, social issues, and the world’s state of affairs.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This newly released YA novel touches on current issues like police brutality, systemic racism, and gang violence—important topics that reflect the world teens live in today.

We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
Parents, educators, and kids alike will find much to love in the highly anticipated picture book by R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder, the bestselling book that deals with tough topics like bullying. Her new picture book inspires children to choose empathy and kindness, a message we can all get behind.

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
History is hot! And so is fantasy. Saunders magically weaves the two genres together in this moving and original father-son story featuring none other than Abraham Lincoln, as well as an unforgettable cast of supporting characters, living and dead, historical and invented.

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay
Gay made headlines recently when she pulled an upcoming book from a publisher who was also publishing a book written by Milo Yiannopoulos, a highly controversial figure and former editor for Breitbart News. In this new memoir, the bestselling feminist author offers a searingly honest memoir of food, weight, self-image, and learning how to feed your hunger while taking care of yourself.

The Secrets of My Life by Caitlyin Jenner
Previously identifying as male, Jenner revealed her identity as a trans woman in April 2015 and received extensive media coverage for her choice. In this new memoir, Jenner reflects on the inner conflict she experienced growing up in an era of rigidly defined gender identities, and the cruel irony of being hailed by an entire nation as the ultimate symbol of manhood.

Dereliction of Duty by H.R. McMaster
McMaster was recently chosen as Trump’s new National Security Adviser. This, his only book, published in 1997, is an explosive and authoritative look at the controversy concerning the United States involvement in Vietnam.

This Close to Happy: A Reckoning with Depression by Daphne Merkin
An utterly candid story about coming-to-terms with an illness that many share but few talk about, one that remains shrouded in stigma. In the words of psychologist Carol Gilligan, “It brings a stunningly perceptive voice into the forefront of the conversation about depression, one that is both reassuring and revelatory.”

“Book in the news” makes a great curated collection idea for your digital library and we have a number of ways you can keep your finger on the pulse of the hottest new releases. Stay up to date on all trending titles by checking out This Week’s Biggest Books (updated every Monday), Books in the Media: March, or our Trending Topics page on the Resource Center.