This week’s bestsellers include a couple new titles. First is The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness, which is the fifth book in the All Souls series that started with A Discovery of Witches. The other is not a surprise: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance hit the bestseller list after being nominated as Vice President, running alongside Donald Trump. Here at Book Riot, we’ve been writing about the flaws of Hillbilly Elegy for years, especially as a representation of Appalachia. First there was Josh Corman’s Lies, Damn Lies, and Hillbilly Elegy in 2016, then Kendra Winchester’s 15 Books About Appalachia to Read Instead of Hillbilly Elegy in 2020, and even more in years since. Of course, we can’t stop you from reading it, but we can suggest that if you do, you pick up some of these other examples of Appalachian literature to get a more accurate view of the region and the writers who represent it. Now, onto the bestsellers.

The Bestselling Books of the Week, According to All the Lists

I recently attended a book club meeting for The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. Believe it or not, I had never before attended a book club where we discussed a nonfiction book. Well, I didn’t finish the book (I know), but I did engage in some great conversation and I have a great tip to share with y’all: I like how the person leading the book club started it off with a summary of the book to focus the discussion and bring those who maybe hadn’t quite finished *ahem* up to speed.

New Nonfiction for Your Book Club

Casey McQuiston’s The Pairing, the #9 book in the country, “delivers all the hallmarks their readers will expect, with lovable queer heroes and zany side characters aplenty,” according to our review. McQuiston’s 2019 debut, Red, White & Royal Blue, was a watershed for traditionally published queer romance and to date has sold 716K print copies. First-week print unit sales soared for the follow-up, One Last Stop, and flagged a bit with the author’s YA romance, I Kissed Sarah Wheeler. Their new book’s debut week is a return to form.

This Week’s Bestsellers: August 19, 2024

One genre is taking the lead when it comes to new releases this week and that’s romance. We definitely have some other genres peppered in, but if you’re in the reading mood for stories with a happily ever after, you’re going to be thrilled with many of these new books.

New YA Books Hitting Shelves This Week, August 19, 2024

Los Angeles County, CA

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Herbie J Pilato

[Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the commentary and quotes in this article are from the author's interview with those mentioned.]. Elizabeth Montgomery was one of the most popular actors from the 1950s to her unfortunate passing from cancer in 1995. Before, during, and after her benchmark Emmy-nominated role as twitch-witch Samantha Stephens on TV's Bewitched (ABC, 1964-1972), Montgomery made over 200 additional appearances in other weekly shows, TV-movies, and feature films.

'Bewitched' Star Elizabeth Montgomery Received Death Threats for Protesting the Vietnam War

It's been eight years since former TV child star Sawyer Sweeten, best known from Everybody Loves Raymond, died tragically by suicide at only 19 years old. Sawyer Sweeten, his twin brother Sullivan Sweeten, and their older sister Madylin, played Ray Romano's TV children on Everybody Loves Raymond, the Emmy-winning sitcom that originally aired on CBS 1996 to 2005.

The Tragic Suicide of Former TV Child Star Sawyer Sweeten ('Everybody Loves Raymond'): 9 Years Later

It's been three years since beloved actress Betty Lynn passed away at 95 years old in 2021. As Thelma Lou on TV's 1960s classic sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show (CBS, 1960-68), actress Lynn was the ideal girl next door. As girlfriend to series star Don Knotts, who played Deputy Barney Fife to Griffith's lead Sheriff Andy Taylor, Lynn made Barney's heart flutter, and maybe a few home viewers too.

In Memory of 'Andy Griffith Show' Actress Betty Lynn ('Thelma Lou'): 3 Years After Her Demise

New Jersey State

Call me old fashioned, but I love nothing more than curling up with a good book and getting lost in the story created by someone else. This experience is only improved when the drama within the pages is actually true, and the literary adventure becomes a history lesson as well.

10 Greatest Books Based on True Stories for Your Reading List

North Carolina State

Town Talks

North Carolina is home to a variety of communities, each with its own unique character. Among these are places known for their affluence, high educational attainment, and perceived sense of superiority—qualities that some might consider snobbish.

These are Top 4 Snobbiest Places In North Carolina For 2024

Alabama State

It's been 21 years since actress/singer Nell Carter, best known for the 1980s NBC sitcom, Gimme a Break!, died of natural causes at only 54. This is her story. Nell Carter was born September 13, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama. After initially finding fame on and off-Broadway, and via a brief role in 1977 on the TV datime drama, Ryan's Hope, Carter took the lead in Ain't Misbehavin'!, a live stage revue of the works of composer Fats Waller.

The Brief Life & Tragic Death of Nell Carter ('Gimme A Break' & 'Ain't Misbehavin'): 21 Years Later

Best Life

Big news for beach readers, and for fans of Beach Read: The Emily Henry book universe is coming to screens big and small.

4 Emily Henry Books to Hit Big Screen Soon! Here’s When

Oregon State

I love summers in Oregon. Despite a strong aversion to super hot temperatures, I relish those sweltering days when it’s finally the right temperature to dash off to the coast, float in a beautiful river, or jump in a gorgeous alpine lake. But after a few weeks of summer fun, I’m that annoying friend gleefully counting down the days left until fall. I am a deeply autumnal soul.

Bookish Crewneck Sweaters for Bookworms Ready for Fall

Port Richey, FL

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Akeena

Florida’s buffet lovers are in for a shocker as the popular Royal Sushi Buffet & Hibachi in Port Richey has been temporarily shut down following a state inspection. This isn’t the first time the eatery has faced such trouble, but the recent closure has sparked quite a buzz among its loyal patrons and food enthusiasts alike.

Live roaches, flying objects in the kitchen and soiled shelves- Buffet closed again in Florida

A new report is offering a list of which North Carolina cities and towns are most known for their Southern hospitality. WorldAtlas released a list of the most welcoming towns across the state, known for hospitality intertwined with history, culture, and beauty.

These are the ‘most welcoming towns’ in NC, report says. Which ones made the list?

Colorado State

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David Heitz

A bill quietly introduced this spring in the Colorado legislature to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia obtained by harm reductionists has become law. As low-key as the legislation was introduced, the bill was signed into law without fanfare June 6. It garnered little to no media attention.

Colorado legalizes needles, pipes for meth and crack if obtained by harm reduction group

Art Carney was born Arthur William Matthew Carney on November 4, 1918, in Mount Vernon, New York. he was best known as Norton, Jackie Gleason's right-hand man and relative foil on the classic TV hit, The Honeymooners. He died at 85 of an undisclosed cause on November 9, 2003, in Chester, Connecticut.

The Tragedies of 'Honeymooners' Actor Art Carney: A Look Back at His Life 21 Years After His Death

Happy Sunday, kidlit friends! This week we’ve been battling our first school illness. It really does feel like a battle! I’m still hoping we have fewer illnesses this year than last, but it’s not looking promising. Speaking of surviving, today I review four great middle grade books...

Middle Grade Books About Wilderness Survival Plus Two Great New Releases

Tom's Guide

Dig into all the new Netflix TV shows and movies heading to  Netflix this week, including part one of "Emily in Paris" season 4.

New on Netflix: 7 movies and shows to watch this week (Aug 12-18)

South Dakota State

Former child star Bobby Buntrock's life ended in tragedy. Best known as Harold “Sport” Baxter on the popular 1960s TV sitcom Hazel, Butrock died at only 21 years old in a car accident in 1974.

The Tragic Death of Child Star Bobby Buntrock, and How TV's 'Hazel' Shirley Booth Protected him

Cooking With Maryann

I love macaroni salads, and this is truly a special one. It's got something for all of the tastebuds and textures. Soft, crunchy, chewy, sweet, savory, tart, creamy, and oh so fresh! Here's what you'll need to make 8-10 side servings:

Amish Macaroni Salad

NewsBreak

The Biggest Bookish News of the Week

Welcome to Today in Books, our daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Here are the most popular stories...

The Biggest Bookish News of the Week

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