Hello book lovers! This week’s books from E. Shaver Booksellers are like the cool kids at a party – you won’t want to miss a chance to hang out with them. Theses curated picks will be your passport to a world of excitement, insight, and maybe a touch of escapism, so let’s dive in!

MCU by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales and Gavin Edwards is a

 comprehensive and engaging guide to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, written by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards. This book delves deep into the intricate world of Marvel’s superhero films, exploring characters, storylines, and behind-the-scenes insights. From Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame and beyond, “MCU” provides an in-depth look at the epic journey of the MCU, celebrating the interconnected narratives and fan-favorite moments that have made these films a global phenomenon. It’s a must-read for die-hard Marvel fans and newcomers alike, offering a vibrant and colorful exploration of the cinematic superhero landscape.

In “The Poppy War” by R. F. Kuang, readers are transport

ed to a richly  imagined world inspired by Chinese history and mythology. The story follows Rin, a young orphan from the Rooster Province, who gains entry to the prestigious Sinegard Academy, where she discovers her latent shamanic powers. As war looms and the Nikara Empire faces an existential threat, Rin must harness her newfound abilities and navigate a world filled with danger and betrayal. Kuang’s novel is a compelling blend of historical fantasy and grimdark storytelling, exploring themes of power, identity, and the moral costs of war.

“Northwoods” by Daniel Mason is a highly inventive novel. When two young lovers abscond from a Puritan colony, little do they know that their humble cabin in the woods will become the home of an extraordinary

 succession of human and nonhuman characters alike. An English soldier, destined for glory, abandons the battlefields of the New World to devote himself to growing apples. A pair of spinster twins navigate war and famine, envy and desire. A crime reporter unearths an ancient mass grave—only to discover that the earth refuse to give up their secrets. A lovelorn painter, a sinister con man, a stalking panther, a lusty beetle: As the inhabitants confront the wonder and mystery around them, they begin to realize that the dark, raucous, beautiful past is very much alive.

This magisterial novel from Pulitzer Prize finalist Daniel Mason brims with love and madness, humor and hope. Following the cycles of history, nature, and even language, North Woods shows the myriad, magical ways in which we’re connected to our environment, to history, and to one another. It is not just an unforgettable novel about secrets and destinies, but a way of looking at the world that asks the timeless question: How do we live on, even after we’re gone?

This article appears in Connect Savannah | October, 2023.