We’re halfway into 2019, and here at the BAM! office, we’ve been busy reading! Our buyers review thousands of books every year to choose the very best for Books-A-Million fans. So you know we mean business when we present to you…drumroll please…our buyers’ picks of the very best books of 2019 (so far!).
Keep scrolling to view the entire collection. Happy reading!
FICTION
Redemption, by David Baldacci
Confronted by the first murder suspect of his early career while visiting his hometown, FBI detective Amos Decker reexamines startling connections to another crime that make him question if he arrested the wrong man years earlier.
Sunset Beach, by Mary Kay Andrews
Drue Campbell’s life is adrift. Out of a job and down on her luck, life doesn’t seem to be getting any better when her estranged father, Brice Campbell, a flamboyant personal injury attorney, shows up at her mother’s funeral after a twenty-year absence. Worse, he’s remarried – to Drue’s eighth grade frenemy, Wendy, now his office manager. And they’re offering her a job.
Cemetery Road, by Greg Iles
When Marshall McEwan left his Mississippi hometown at eighteen, he vowed never to return. The trauma that drove him away spurred him to become one of the most successful journalists in Washington, DC. But as the ascendancy of a chaotic administration lifts him from print fame to television stardom, Marshall discovers that his father is terminally ill, and he must return home to face the unfinished business of his past.
HISTORICAL FICTION
The Lost Girls of Paris, by Pam Jenoff
One morning while passing through Grand Central Terminal on her way to work, Grace Healey finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. Unable to resist her own curiosity, Grace opens the suitcase, where she discovers a dozen photographs–each of a different woman. In a moment of impulse, Grace takes the photographs and quickly leaves the station. Grace soon learns that the suitcase belonged to a woman named Eleanor Trigg, leader of a network of female secret agents who were deployed out of London during the war.
The Things We Cannot Say, by Kelly Rimmer
In 1942, Europe remains in the relentless grip of war. Just beyond the tents of the Russian refugee camp she calls home, a young woman speaks her wedding vows. It’s a decision that will alter her destiny…and it’s a lie that will remain buried until the next century.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
The hardscrabble folks of Troublesome Creek have to scrap for everything–everything except books, that is. Thanks to Roosevelt’s Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, Troublesome’s got its very own traveling librarian, Cussy Mary Carter.
PAPERBACKS
Supermarket, by Bobby Hall, a.k.a. Logic
The stunning debut novel from one of the most creative artists of our generation, Bobby Hall, a.k.a. Logic. A darkly funny psychological thriller, Supermarket is a gripping exploration into madness and creativity. Who knew you could find sex, drugs, and murder all in aisle nine?
The Woman in the Window, by A. J. Finn
Twisty and powerful, ingenious and moving, The Woman in the Window is a smart, sophisticated novel of psychological suspense that recalls the best of Hitchcock. What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one–and nothing–is what it seems.
The Immortalists, by Chloe Benjamin
Both a dazzling family love story and a sweeping novel of remarkable ambition and depth, The Immortalists probes the line between destiny and choice, reality and illusion, this world and the next. It is a deeply moving testament to the power of story, the nature of belief, and the unrelenting pull of familial bonds.
PAGE-TO-SCREEN
After, by Anna Todd
Now newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd’s After fanfiction racked up 1 billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the Internet’s most talked-about book for yourself.
A Game of Thrones, by George R. R. Martin
Read the masterpiece that became a cultural phenomenon. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and sinister forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall.
Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (the world’s only completely accurate book of prophecies, written in 1655, before she exploded), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner. The classic collaboration from the internationally bestselling authors Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is now a celebrated original series starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant.
POETRY
The Mermaid’s Voice Returns in This One, by Amanda Lovelace
The mermaid is known for her siren song, luring bedroom-eyed sailors to their demise. However, beneath these misguided myths are tales of escapism and healing, which Lovelace weaves throughout this empowering collection of poetry, taking you on a journey from the sea to the stars. They tried to silence her once and for all, but the mermaid’s voice returns in this one.
One Day I Will Save Myself, by Elvira Sastre
Counting the days that pass after a devastating breakup, Elvira Sastre confronts the haunting questions that surround every failed relationship: What happened? Where did it all go wrong? How did it all fall apart? With a bold, lyrical voice poised on the knife’s edge of romance and grief, Sastre evokes the heady rush of first love and the sorrow of its painful end–even as she learns to pick up the pieces and move on after the worst has happened.
she just wants to forget, by r.h. Sin
A beautiful dedication to powerful women who are tired of wasting their thoughts on people who were never worth thinking about. She Just Wants to Forget is the second title in the “What She Felt” series.
HISTORY
The Pioneers, by David McCullough
Drawn in great part from a rare and all-but-unknown collection of diaries and letters by the key figures, The Pioneers is a uniquely American story of people whose ambition and courage led them to remarkable accomplishments. This is a revelatory and quintessentially American story, written with David McCullough’s signature narrative energy.
Spearhead, by Adam Makos
From the author of the international bestseller A Higher Call comes the riveting World War II story of an American tank gunner’s journey into the heart of the Third Reich, where he will meet destiny in an iconic armor duel–and forge an enduring bond with his enemy.
The First Conspiracy, by Brad Meltzer
Taking place during the most critical period of our nation’s birth, The First Conspiracy tells a remarkable and previously untold piece of American history that not only reveals George Washington’s character, but also illuminates the origins of America’s counterintelligence movement that led to the modern day CIA.
BIOGRAPHY
The Matriarch, by Susan Page
Barbara Pierce Bush was one of the country’s most popular and powerful figures, yet her full story has never been told. her accomplishments, struggles, and contributions are many. Now, Susan Page explores them all in this groundbreaking book certain to cement Barbara Bush as one of the most unique and influential women in American history.
Sea Stories, by Admiral William H. McRaven
Admiral William H. McRaven is a part of American military history, having orchestrated some of the most famous missions in recent memory, including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, and the raid to kill Osama bin Laden. Action-packed, humorous, and full of valuable life lessons like those exemplified in McRaven’s bestselling book, Make Your Bed, SEA STORIES is a remarkable memoir from one of America’s most accomplished leaders.
Furious Hours, by Casey Cep
This year’s BAM! President’s Pick, Furious Hours has garnered rave reviews. Here’s what Books-A-Million President and CEO Terrance G. Finley had to say about Furious Hours: “Casey Cep had me at “Murder, Fraud, and The Last Trial of Harper Lee.” This extraordinary story, these amazing characters, and this portrait of a place close to my heart, will transport readers to an explosive time in our nation’s history. It’s no wonder that Harper Lee was captivated by this story, and it’s a true wonder that Casey Cep has been able to bring it all together in this marvelous book.”
CURRENT EVENTS
The Mueller Report
Released to the public in April, the long-awaited Mueller Report contains the findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. This edition is complete with accompanying analysis by the Washington Post reporters who covered the story from the beginning.
Unfreedom of the Press, by Mark R. Levin
From five-time #1 New York Times bestselling author, FOX News star, and radio host Mark R. Levin comes a groundbreaking book that argues that the great tradition of the American free press has degenerated into a standardless profession that has squandered the faith and trust of the American public, not through actions of government officials, but through its own abandonment of reportorial integrity and objective journalism.
The Right Side of History, by Ben Shapiro
Human beings have never had it better than we have it now in the West. So why are we on the verge of throwing it all away? We can’t. The West is special, and Ben Shapiro bravely argues that we have lost sight of the moral purpose that drives each of us to be better, the sacred duty to work together for the greater good.
HUMOR
Next Level Basic, by Stassi Schroeder
In Next Level Basic, the reality star, podcast queen, and ranch dressing expert gives you hilarious and pointed lessons on how to have fun and celebrate yourself, with exclusive stories from her own life and on the set of Vanderpump Rules. From her very public breakups to her most intimate details about her plastic surgery, Stassi shares her own personal experiences with her trademark honesty–all with the hope you can learn something from them.
Cat and Nat’s Mom Truths, by Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer
Hilarious best friends Cat and Nat created a massive online community of moms by sharing their ultra-real and just a bit R-rated dispatches from the mom trenches. From what not to eat a few days postpartum (chicken wings) to the most effective ways to dodge post-partum sex, Cat & Nat’s Mom Truths shares everything no one will tell you about having kids.
Southern Lady Code, by Helen Ellis
Helen Ellis has a mantra: “If you don’t have something nice to say, say something not-so-nice in a nice way.” Say “weathered” instead of “she looks like a cake left out in the rain.” Say “early-developed” instead of “brace face and B cups.” And for the love of Coke Salad, always say “Sorry you saw something that offended you” instead of “Get that stick out of your butt, Miss Prissy Pants.” In these twenty-three raucous essays Ellis transforms herself into a dominatrix Donna Reed to save her marriage, inadvertently steals a $795 Burberry trench coat, witnesses a man fake his own death at a party, avoids a neck lift, and finds a black-tie gown that gives her the confidence of a drag queen.
PERSONAL GROWTH
The Truth About Men, by Devon Franklin
New York Times bestselling author and Hollywood producer DeVon Franklin speaks out frankly and openly about why men behave the way they do and what everyone–men and women alike–need to know about it. This book is a raw, informative, and compelling look at an issue that threatens to tear our society apart yet it offers a positive way forward for men and women alike.
Let Love Have the Last Word, by Common
Common believes that the phrase “let love have the last word” is not just a declaration; it is a statement of purpose, a daily promise. Love is the most powerful force on the planet and ultimately, the way you love determines who you are and how you experience life. Courageous, insightful, brave, and characteristically authentic, this book shares Common’s own unique stories of the people and experiences that have led to a greater understanding of love and all it has to offer. It is a powerful call to action for a new generation of open hearts and minds, one that is sure to resonate for years to come.
Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope, by Mark Manson
With his usual mix of erudition and where-the-f*ck-did-that-come-from humor, Manson takes us by the collar and challenges us to be more honest with ourselves and connected with the world in ways we probably haven’t considered before. It’s another counterintuitive romp through the pain in our hearts and the stress of our soul. One of the great modern writers has produced another book that will set the agenda for years to come.
LIFESTYLE
Weber’s Ultimate Grilling, by Jamie Purviance
This is your new go-to companion from the most trusted name in grilling. Much more than just a recipe collection, Weber’s Ultimate Grilling is an entirely new take on grilling today, with every recipe step visually depicted in full-color photography. With these extensively tested recipes, anyone–from amateur to ace–can be a barbecue genius. Foundational recipes for popular grilled foods–steak, burgers, pork chops, ribs, chicken breasts and wings, and salmon fillets–are masterfully explained in this keepsake classroom-in-a-book.
Anthony Bourdain Remembered
A moving and insightful collection of quotes, memories, and images celebrating the life of Anthony Bourdain. These remembrances give us a glimpse of Bourdain’s widespread impact through his political and social commitments; his dedication to travel and eating well (and widely); and his love of the written word, along with his deep compassion, open-mindedness, and interest in lives different from his own.
The Home Edit, by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
From the home organizers who made their orderly eye candy the method that everyone swears by comes Joanna and Clea’s signature approach to decluttering. The Home Edit walks you through paring down your belongings in every room, arranging them in a stunning and easy-to-find way (hello, labels ), and maintaining the system so you don’t need another do-over in six months. When you’re done, you’ll not only know exactly where to find things, but you’ll also love the way it looks.
FAITHPOINT
Crushing: God Turns Pressure Into Power, by T. D. Jakes
In his most personal offering yet, Bishop Jakes tells crushing stories from his own journey-the painful experience of learning his young teenage daughter was pregnant, the agony of watching his mother succumb to Alzheimer’s, and the shock and helplessness he felt when his son had a heart attack. Bishop Jakes wants to encourage you that God uses difficult, crushing experiences to prepare you for unexpected blessings. If you are faithful through suffering, you will be surprised by God’s joy, comforted by His peace, and fulfilled with His purpose.
Own Your Everyday, by Jordan Lee Dooley
Does it ever seem like you still have to find your purpose or that you’re stuck with “unfigured-out dreams”? Do you feel the pressure to prove yourself or worry about what others will think? From accidentally starting a small business instead of using her college degree, to embarrassing herself onstage in front of thousands, to wasting time worrying about what others think or say, Jordan Lee Dooley knows exactly how that feels–and she’s learned some important lessons about living a purposeful life along the way.
The Theft of America’s Soul, by Phil Robertson
Phil Robertson, patriarch of A&E’s Duck Dynasty and one of the most recognized voices of conservative Christianity in America, believes that little by little, generation by generation, America has allowed the lines of morality, decency, and virtue to be erased. Our values have disappeared as we began to believe lies–such as that God is dead, truth is relative, and unity is impossible–that have brought discord, division and protest. But Phil also believes that things can change.
YA FICTION
Broken Throne: A Red Queen Collection, by Victoria Aveyard
The perfect addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen series, this gorgeously designed package features three brand-new novellas, two previously published novellas, Steel Scars and Queen Song, and never-before-seen maps, flags, bonus scenes, journal entries, and much more exclusive content. A beautiful must-have companion to the chart-topping series.
The Red Scrolls of Magic, by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu
From #1 New York Times bestseller Cassandra Clare and award-winner Wesley Chu comes the first book in a new series that follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as they tour the world after the Mortal War.
Two Can Keep A Secret
The New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying is back with an all-new, page-turning mystery perfect for fans of Riverdale. Echo Ridge is small-town America. Ellery’s never been there, but she’s heard all about it. Her aunt went missing there at age seventeen. And only five years ago, a homecoming queen put the town on the map when she was killed. Now Ellery has to move there to live with a grandmother she barely knows.
