Starred Reviews for Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Megan Abbott, Stephen R. Platt, Maggie Stiefvater, and more!

By Kate McManus | March 19 2025 | Starred Reviews

With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about.

Fiction

A Novel

“This lighthearted romance has just enough D&D to delight role-players and also welcome unfamiliar readers. Romance fans will be drawn to the growing friendships and blossoming love interest that will keep them engaged from start to finish. A natural 20 on both story and sizzle.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“De Cadenet’s (Not the Plan) well-written novel is riveting. Fans of romance with depth will clamor for this title.” —Library Journal, starred review


City of Glass, Ghosts, The Locked Room

“An immersive and innovative adaptation, blending exhilaratingly experimental storytelling, tropes and an atmosphere drawn from the noir genre, metafiction, and philosophical musings about art and identity.” —Library Journal, starred review


“An immersive and innovative adaptation, blending exhilaratingly experimental storytelling, tropes and an atmosphere drawn from the noir genre, metafiction, and philosophical musings about art and identity.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Rosen skillfully balances romance with a nuanced exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery. Recommend to fans of Elizabeth Berg, Adriana Trigiani, or Nancy Thayer.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“YA author Stiefvater’s (“The Raven Cycle”) first foray into historical fiction retains her unique voice and signature magical realism. Well-drawn characters and excellent worldbuilding bring a little-known element of World War II to life in this must-read for all historical fiction fans.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Edgar Award winner Abbott (Beware the Woman) effortlessly excels at exploring the complexities of women’s relationships with suspenseful, atmospheric storytelling. Unsettling and darkly clever, her latest will delight her many fans and attract new ones.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Tracking the elapsed time from initial collapse encourages speed reading as if to aid the Shaws in their efforts. Perfect for a one-sitting read.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Kate (What’s in a Kiss?) writes a rom-com with witty dialogue, endearing characters, and the enemies-to-lovers trope, mixed with supernatural elements, and creates a vivid and life-affirming story of love across time and space.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“First published in Japan in 2012, Matsuie’s Yomiuri Prize for Literature–winning debut examines the influence of Western culture on postwar Japan and the clash of modernity and tradition.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“Tackling Oates’s lengthy novel feels something like running a marathon, breathless, through a foreboding landscape. She is at her best here: insightful, unrelenting, and devastating.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“From its opening sentence through the author’s final note, this gut-wrenching novel will leave readers missing each character when the story concludes but feeling grateful for the relationships they forged and for their beautifully told stories.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“Fans of thought-provoking historical fiction and compelling characters will enjoy this book.” —Library Journal, starred review


Nonfiction

The Untold Story of a Renegade Marine and the Birth of U.S. Special Forces in World War II

“This biography highlights an important period in U.S. relations with China and will be enjoyed by readers interested in Chinese and World War II history.” —Library Journal, starred review


Gene Krupa and the Music He Gave the World

“A substantial and engaging biography that contributes significantly to the history of jazz in the United States.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Wartime Story of Courage, Friendship, and Betrayal

“Beautifully written and thoroughly absorbing, Goodman’s book is a must-read, particularly for those interested in lesser known aspects of World War II history.” —Library Journal, starred review


Audiobooks

”Although heartbreaking, this novel, told through anecdotes and vignettes, thrums with strength. A powerful audio that takes listeners on an unforgettable roller coaster of emotions.” —Library Journal Starred Review


A Novel

”The novel’s focus on character development and exploration of human nature will resonate with readers who appreciate Strout’s meditative style. Recommend to readers of Ann Patchett, Fredrik Backman, and Fannie Flagg.” —Library Journal Starred Review


A Novel

”Pean’s skillful delivery fully embodies the setting, and the rich listening experience envelopes listeners in the powerful story.” —AudioFile Earphones Award


Stories

”Seven narrators in total create a cohesive listening experience that amplifies the subtleties of relationships in Sittenfeld’s resonant collection.” —AudioFile Earphones Award


A Novel

”Lee’s striking Australian accent settles listeners into Tilda’s landscape, and her enunciation is crisp and pleasing to the ears.” —AudioFile Earphones Award


”Terrific narrations, twisty plotting, and laugh-out-loud moments make this second book in Raybourn’s delightful series a must-listen.” —AudioFile Earphones Award


”Stone’s final entry in the Dear Martin trilogy is made more powerful with this compelling performance by James Fouhey.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

Age 14 and up

”This is a must-listen for fans of Novik’s novels and those who appreciate new takes on fantasy and folk tales. With wide-ranging genres, appealing characters, and beautifully described settings, this collection offers something for every listener.” —Library Journal Starred Review