At the absolute tippy top of my CAN'T WAIT TO READ list is Lucy Knisley's new graphic memoir, Something New: Tales From a Makeshift Bride. I'm especially excited about this one as I followed along in the days leading up to my favorite comics creator's wedding on Instagram. I have loved all of her work, and I'm excited that she's headed back to First Second publishers for this volume. The quality of her last book from First Second, Relish, was impeccable. It was a pleasure to read and a pleasure to hold and enjoy. (First Second, May 3, 2016)
Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars by Nathalia Holt is a non-fiction book I could not pass up. Not only does this book sound fascinating, one of my best friends used to work for JPL, so that's a little cherry on top.
In the 1940s and 50s, when the newly minted Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) needed quick-thinking mathematicians to calculate velocities and plot trajectories, they didn't turn to male graduates. Rather, they recruited an elite group of young women who, with only pencil, paper, and mathematical prowess, transformed rocket design, helped bring about the first American satellites, and made the exploration of the solar system possible. (Little, Brown and Company, April 5, 2016)Trials of the Earth: The Story of a Pioneer Woman by Mary Mann is the only known first-hand account of a pioneer woman. It sounds terrible and fascinating.
"[...] a woman thrust into the center of taming the American South--surviving floods, tornadoes, and fires; facing bears, panthers, and snakes; all while caring for her children, several of whom didn't survive despite her efforts. (Little, Brown and Company, July 12, 2016)
I think that Rocket Girls book sounds amazing. The Trials of the Earth sounds grim, but interesting. Hope all suit when you get around to them. :-)
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it? I just couldn't resist Rocket Girls, especially since I've missed some similar books in the recent past. We'll see how Trials of the Earth pans out!
DeleteTrials of the earth sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteI love books that take me back to another time period, so I'm really hoping this one succeeds at that.
DeleteI've been hearing great things about The Unfinished World lately! And Rocket Girls looks pretty awesome as well!
ReplyDeleteYes! It's probably the one I'm most excited to dive into (The Unfinished World). Now if I could just pry the tablet out of kiddo's hands. lol I'm sad it's the last day of break, though!
DeleteSomething New is on my excitement list too - though the top of that list is definitely filled by The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater, which has been pushed back too many times now!
ReplyDeleteHeather sent me The Scorpio Races for Christmas and I'm excited to try it out. It'll be my first by Stiefvater!
DeleteI too loved Mr. Splitfoot, and Rocket Girls sounds great! Can't wait to hear how some of these turn out for you :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you loved Splitfoot! I found it absolutely engrossing!
DeleteThanks for bringing my attention to Something New - I love Knisley's work. I sure hope my request for it gets approved.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too! I started it earlyyy this morning when I couldn't sleep. I love it so far!
DeleteRise of the Rocket Girls looks great. I read and loved Relish last year after not really loving French Milk so I'm excited about Something New. Great books!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad you loved Relish. It's my favorite of her books and this one is even longer and more involved. Fun and charming so far. Very similar in memoirish style to Relish. :)
DeleteI was already super excited for Something New, and now I have several other books on my 2016 radar! Trials of the Earth sounds especially awesome. Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteOh good! I reallyyyy have my fingers crossed that Trials of the Earth is as awesome as the cover.
DeleteNew Lucy Knisley? YAY! That looks delightful. And I was so excited to see Heather's post (I think?) that included Rocket Girls. That looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteRight??? It's wonderful so far. Heck, I even adore the cover. That's right! I do think Heather mentioned Rocket Girls. Looking forward to it.
DeleteOh, I definitely want to read "Trials of the Earth"--I love me some pioneer reading! "Rise of the Rocket Girls" also sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI can't get enough of pioneer reading either. I can't even fathom living it.
DeleteGreat choices! You have me excited about Mr. Splitfoot.
ReplyDeleteSOOOO GOOOOOD. I'm gonna push it on any and everyone I can find!
DeleteAwesome! Somehow I'd managed to miss both the nonfiction books on your list, but they sound great.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like them if you get to them! I'll be sure to review them and link them up for Nonfiction Friday.
DeleteYay, a Lucy Knisley book. I will have to add that one to my list as well.
ReplyDeleteI can never get enough of her work. :)
DeleteI will definitely preorder the Lucy Knisely book; read Relish and became a fan instantly. I have since her two travelogue books, A License to Life and Displacement, and loved them equally.
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Andi! I haven't heard of any of these and am eager to take a peek at Rocket Girl and Trials of the Earth (which brought to mind Giants in the Earth, which is a great pioneer novel!).
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Trials of the Earth and Mr. Splitfoot sound right up my alley. The only 2016 book I've paid any attention to is the next release by Simon Van Booy. Of course, you know I'll be all over that. :)
ReplyDeleteWhy, Andi?!! Why must you tempt me with MORE wonderful-sounding titles right now? :) These all sound great; I'm sort of disturbingly attracted to this tale from the pioneer woman; I'm going to look it up! Thanks for sharing these...I think.
ReplyDeleteI'm also super pumped for the unfinished world! And, oh my, that Trials of the Earth cover is to die for.
ReplyDelete