Shuffling of the Shelves – September, Part One
By Hannah Moore, Lucy Shardlow, Melissa Tran and Holly Watson
As we move into Autumn there is a focus on romance novels and these types of books are perfect for those wanting to get cosy on colder days! That being said, there are still darker themes in the thrillers and non-fiction in this issue of Shuffling of the Shelves for those interested.
Scoring high in the Waterstones chart is Tess Gunty’s debut novel The Rabbit Hutch currently taking the number two spot. This witty story follows a group of neighbours, all with complex lives – that is, except for Blandine, who spends her time reading and daydreaming. Yet, everything suddenly changes as she is given the chance to escape her life. Sitting at number three is Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood, author of The Love Hypothesis. Once again, Hazelwood offers a science-based romance that is perfect for anyone who enjoys the enemies-to-lovers trope. At number twelve we have Jeffrey Eugenides’ The Virgin Suicides, newly released in a beautiful Collins Modern Classics edition. This novel follows a group of boys as they try to discover why all five of the fascinating and beautiful Lisbon girls took their own lives after years of speculation. This classic depicts suburban American life in a way never seen before.
A new edition to the WHSmiths chart is The Judges List by John Grisham, which has also been named The Sunday Times bestseller of the month. John Grisham’s drama-filled novel places at number three. A thriller that is guaranteed to captivate you, The Judges List follows the story of Lacy Stoltz as she follows the clues of a serial killer. At number eleven is The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella, which is a “chick-lit” beach read following the story of Effie, whose parents have split up and her dad has just got remarried. In a light-hearted, humorous story of growing up, belonging and family dynamics, Kinsella charts with the perfect read to end off the summer.
At number eleven in the Amazon charts this week is Harlan Coben’s Fool Me Once. Coben is well loved for his best-selling thrillers, a love which has only been enhanced by the television adaptations that we have seen over recent years. According to the Today Show, Coben signed a deal with Netflix in 2018 to have fourteen of his novels turned into television shows for the streaming site, and Fool Me Once is rumoured to be one of the fourteen (today.com). Should I Tell You by Jill Mansell is at number fourteen. Mansell creates the perfect romantic novel set against the backdrop of sunny Cornwall. Described as a “gorgeous” read that you can “curl up with,” Mansell’s novel will be perfect for readers desperately waiting for autumn days where you can get cosy with a book and a cup of tea! (Amazon).
If you love a dark contemporary romance, then we have the perfect series for you! Proving to be extremely popular on Bookstagram and BookTok is Ana Huang’s Twisted series. This four-part series features the books Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate and the newest release; Twisted Lies. Kicking off the series is Huang’s Twisted Love, a contemporary brother’s best friend romance centred around characters Alex Volkov and Ava Chen. A love that was never supposed to happen, but when it does, unleashes many secrets that could end up hurting both protagonists. Huang’s ability to capture the “soaring highs and devastating lows" throughout this raunchy series is what really draws the reader in and only leaves them wanting more (@beasleylovesbooks on Instagram). This is a steamy romance series that is bound to get your heart swooning and pulse racing in no time; each book unravels an air of suspense that makes them so addictive to read!
Our noteworthy book this week is I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. McCurdy’s highly anticipated memoir has shot to the top of the charts and is still only a pre-order for those in the UK. McCurdy gained fame as a child star on the Nickelodeon shows iCarly and Sam and Cat. In her book she discusses her life growing up as a Nickelodeon star, as well as her toxic relationship with her mother who forced her into the industry. McCurdy has spoken openly in interviews about why she quit acting, stating that she “chose a path of integrity” instead of following the career her mother had set out for her (ABC News YouTube channel). McCurdy’s novel is extremely honest as she opens up about her personal life and the many struggles she faced as a teenager, an actress and a victim of several forms of abuse. Fans of McCurdy will be desperate to read her memoir and this is reflected in the book’s high ranking across the charts.