9 New Books for December
Here are works by authors on and of the West, including Only Way Out, How to Cook a Coyote, and Television, that we’re excited to see published this month.
ONLY WAY OUT, BY TOD GOLDBERG
In the mountains of a fading town, a van containing millions of stolen dollars careens off a cliff, poised to be found by corrupt police officer Jack Biddle. But as Biddle plans his escape to a new life, he’s being chased by two other folks after the money: the sister of the original thief and a wild-card ex-con. The hunt for the money shoves the three of them together, with dire results, in the latest release from noir master Goldberg. Thomas & Mercer, December 1
THIS YEAR: 365 SONGS ANNOTATED; A BOOK OF DAYS, BY JOHN DARNIELLE
Musical artist Darnielle, the founder and primary member of the band the Mountain Goats, has selected and written commentaries for 365 of his favorite songs, creating a year’s worth of reading material for his most dedicated fans. But even for those who don’t know the band well, the book provides an illuminating look at what goes into songwriting and the unexpected places where inspiration strikes. His family and his musical collaborators make cameos, as do Flannery O’Connor and Stephen King. MCD, December 2
TAROU: THE FALL, BY DANA FREDSTI AND DAVID FITZGERALD
In this epic fantasy, Fredsti and Fitzgerald create the world of Tarou by drawing on tarot symbolism and twisting it into new stories. Readers meet Alia, a warrior stuck in an arranged marriage, and Magpie, a thief, who are forced to work together after a magical experiment goes wrong and their city collapses into chaos. The result is a fast-moving, thrilling fantasy peppered with magic and chaos. Blackstone Publishing, December 2
HOW TO COOK A COYOTE: THE JOY OF OLD AGE, BY BETTY FUSSELL
In this memoir, which is equal parts funny and wise, food writer and critic Fussell reflects on 10 years of personal change. After growing up in Southern California and living much of her life in New York, she finds herself back in Montecito, where she confronts the changes age brings. Fussell writes openly about familial ties, friendships, and past lovers, highlighting the lessons she’s gathered and the relationships that have shaped her life. Counterpoint, December 2
BARBIELAND: THE UNAUTHORIZED HISTORY, BY TARPLEY HITT
Barbie is a symbol of the feminine and girlie, but her history has been mired with controversy. She’s the everywoman’s toy who looks like absolutely no one, with the ability to take on any role that fits the times. Through deft reporting, Hitt chronicles how and why Barbie managed to rise to the status of American icon—and the shady, selfish maneuvers Mattel was willing to perform to get her to the top. Atria/One Signal Publishers, December 2
THE BOOK OF LUKE, BY LOVELL HOLDER
Holder shines a light on the darker side of reality TV in his debut novel. We first meet Luke at 22. Recently recovered from a car accident that ended his football career, he steps into the world of reality television. Here, he easily works the relationships to his advantage—until tragedy strikes. At 32, alone and raising two children, he returns to the reality show Endeavour, where he first met his cheating husband, for quick money, only to confront everything he had hoped to leave in the past. Grand Central Publishing, December 2
WE WILL RISE AGAIN: SPECULATIVE STORIES AND ESSAYS ON PROTEST, RESISTANCE, AND HOPE, EDITED BY KAREN LORD, ANNALEE NEWITZ, AND MALKA OLDER
In a blend of fiction, nonfiction, and interviews, the editors of this anthology embrace the possibilities of the future with a reverence for justice and revolution. Speculative stories imagine what a new world that embraces diversity and hope could look like. Essays from leaders of resistance movements illuminate their visions for universal dignity. Compelling, change-driven voices are collected in this multifaceted guide to creating a better world. Saga Press, December 2
TELEVISION, BY LAUREN ROTHERY
Told through shifting perspectives, Television traces the lives of three people entwined by chance. A famous actor raffles off the earnings from his new blockbuster and starts seeing a younger model, while his best friend looks back on the romantic and not-so-romantic moments they once shared. Alongside them, an aspiring screenwriter imagines the funding that could bring her projects to life. In this debut novel, Rothery crafts a striking, impressionistic story of love and fortune. Ecco, December 2
FLOWERING PLANTS OF THE SIERRA NEVADA: A PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE TO OVER 1,000 WILDFLOWERS, BY JOANNA CLINES AND STEPHEN SHARNOFF
Twenty-five years in the making, this book now stands as the most comprehensive guide to the flowers of the Sierra Nevada. Photographer Sharnoff and botanist Clines introduce readers to more than 1,000 species of flora found in California’s favorite mountain range. With clear, annotated photos and thoughtful descriptions throughout, both plant enthusiasts and beginners will learn something new. Heyday Books, December 9
Jessica Blough is a freelance writer. A former associate editor at Alta Journal, Blough is a graduate of Tufts University where she was editor in chief of the Tufts Daily.
Elizabeth Casillas is an assistant editor at Alta Journal. A graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, she has previously written for the Poly Post and Enspire Magazine.
