Librarian Newsletter: September 2026
Hello,
In this issue, from our coverage of Paul Yoon’s latest and acclaimed work Etna, we bring you and your patrons a featured curated reading list of more novels narrated from a dog’s perspective.
You can also explore our extensive Thrillers category, along with a “beyond the book” article on “nice guys” accompanying our review of Patricia Highsmith’s This Sweet Sickness for our summer backlist issue.
Plus, check out a blog article on the much-discussed phenomenon of women looking away on book jackets, current and upcoming book club discussions, a recent Ask the Author interview with Claire Boyles, and previews of exciting September releases.
— The BookBrowse Team
Curated Reading List: Novels Told from a Dog’s Perspective
The canine protagonist of Paul Yoon's Etna is a great example of a well-executed animal narrator, as he travels the war-torn land in search of home. Here are some other examples of novels written from a dog's perspective.
Thrillers
This Sweet Sickness by Patricia Highsmith, appearing recently in our summer backlist e-zine issue, is just one of nearly 500 recommended books in our Thrillers category, which features suspense of all stripes, from irreverent and beach-readable to serious and socially relevant.
This is one of 100+ themed categories available to BookBrowse members and subscribing libraries.
Non-members can enjoy a limited version of our category lists.
Beyond the Book: David Kelsey and Other “Nice Guys”
In 1960 Patricia Highsmith showed that a woman's greatest threat is not always the obvious villain or monster; instead it might be the "nice guy" who becomes obsessed with her. In This Sweet Sickness, David Kelsey seems to be the perfect man.
The “Women Looking Away” Book Jacket Phenomenon
If you’re a regular reader of historical fiction, chances are you own at least a few books with images on their jackets of female-coded figures whose faces are obscured in some way. Book covers presumably depicting their women characters looking away, walking away, viewed from below the neck, or featured in silhouette has become a persistent phenomenon that shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Book Club Discussions
Find inspiration for your book club(s) among our more than 200 past discussions.
We’re currently talking about The Vanishing Place by Zoë Rankin and Too Old for This by Samantha Downing, among other books. Starting in early September, we feature The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar.
Ask the Author Interviews
BookBrowse regularly hosts Ask the Author sessions in our community forum. You and your patrons are welcome to follow along and post questions in any interviews that interest you. See our recent conversation with Claire Boyles, author of Appraisals, a BookBrowse First Impressions selection.
New & Notable Books in September
We've carefully selected 100+ of the most noteworthy books publishing in September—check them out!
Individual members and subscribing libraries can see, sort, and download the full list for all months. Non-subscribers can view books up to the current month and a limited selection of future books.
