January 2023 Book Recommendations

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Happy New Year! Book publishing never takes a break, so without much ado about nothing, here are the top 5 titles I'm watching for this January.
1. The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
Release date: January 3rd, 2023
I just started The Bandit Queens this morning, and what I love is a book with a conceit that doesn't waste its time. Within the first chapter you're introduced to Geeta, an Indian woman whose husband disappeared some five years ago. She is both looked up to and, simultaneously, a pariah of her social world. Rumors are abound about what Geeta did to her husband, but as far as I can tell, her husband simply vanished in the night. Now other women in the town are coming to her to ask for assistance on how to kill their husbands. It's already an exciting novel that reminds me a bit of My Sister, The Serial Killer. No doubt, a splashy debut for Parini Shroff.
2. Sam by Allegra Goodman
Release date: January 3rd, 2023
Sam immediately begs your attention. I started this as my first audio book of 2023. What we have is a coming-of-age story. Sam, only 7 years old, is in a world between a stressed mother and a cursory appearing father. But Sam is a tenacious girl who is finding passion in the most surprising things (rock climbing anyone?). I stayed in my car this morning as I started this adventure, and I can't wait to see Sam go from child to teenager and beyond. A no doubt perfect book club book to start the New Year. 
3. Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor
Release date: January 3rd, 2023
The first buzzworthy book of 2023 is an epic clocking in over 550 pages. Following the family Wadia, you have a part-thriller, part-saga that should have me hooked. The premise involves a car crash, the death of five people, and the sole survivor who is a servant. What then transpires is shifts in time and place through India. Definitely excited to jump into the latter half of the month.
Release date: January 24, 2023
This middle grade graphic novel sells itself in the title alone. This is a graphic novel version of the National Book Award nominee Bomb. No doubt, this will be a hit among many many students, and a much needed text that will appeal to a younger male demographic.
Release date: January 3rd, 2023
Captain America is in exciting hands by author Alan Gratz (Refugee, Ground Zero). Blending World War II and the supernatural, Captain America will be a hit among young adults and middle schoolers, and no doubt anyone who is a fan of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes.

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