Read This Next!, the seasonal list which highlights forthcoming books receiving exceptional SIBA bookseller buzz, is now a monthly event!  Southern indie booksellers have selected five books, their hand-sell favorites for the upcoming month, as February 2022 Read This Next titles.

The chosen books all release in February and represent the full range of reader interests of the southern bookselling community. Each of the selected titles has the enthusiastic support of southern booksellers, making Read This Next! the ultimate "You've got to read this!" reading list for avid readers looking to discover great new books.

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The February Read This Next! List:

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
(Anchor) Fiction

There are so many captivating things about this novel...the insight the reader gets as to what it takes to be a classical musician, the background on the history of violins (and one violin in particular) and how they're made, the main character's determination in the face of struggle, family dynamics and expectations, racial issues that rear their ugly heads, and a mysterious theft of a priceless instrument. Brendan Slocumb effortlessly keeps his story flowing, leaving the reader rooting for Ray McMillian while trying to put the pieces of the theft together. Such a great read! . –Mary Patterson from The Little Bookshop in Midlothian, VA

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
(Philomel) Young Adult

Ruta Sepetys tackles the little-known subject of communist Romania with the gut-wrenching, suspenseful story of Cristian. He dreams of writing but instead is blackmailed to turn on everyone he loves. His story explores the endurance of the human spirit even in the toughest circumstances. –Chelsea Stringfield from Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN

Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady, Gracey Zhang (illus.)
(Katherine Tegen) Childrens

Nigel and the Moon will make your heart swell in the best way! Sure to be a beloved book, Nigel's story resonates deeply with those who are scared to share their dreams. When Nigel looks up at the moon, anything is possible; but in school he's hesitant to share. Career week in school is tricky when you want to be an astronaut, dancer, and a superhero! I loved Nigel and his story, and applaud Antwan Eady on this superb debut!. –Lauren Kean from Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC

Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake
(Berkley) Fiction

This is a truly lovely and joyful romance between two women that weaves together conversations of sacrifice, family, and friendship in such a beautiful way. Delilah and Claire are true champions of queer joy, and it was wonderful to read a story where queer women were the only characters. With a focus on second chances in a small town, reckoning with your past, chosen family, and of course, the way falling in love can turn you inside out, folks who enjoy Louise Miller's novels or Casey McQuiston's One Last Stop will fall in love with Delilah and Claire. –Gaby Iori from Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, NC

Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals by Laurie Zaleski
(St. Martin's Press) Memoir

Once you open this book, this story will never leave your heart. Laurie Zalenski tells of her mother’s love as the family escapes an abusive husband and father and attempts life with zero money. As the family scrapes by, they adopt and care for others including neglected animals. The love of people and animals shine on every page as the tale leads to the Funny Farm and the 600 abused and neglected animals that thrive on the New Jersey farm. You will fall in love with Laurie, the many animals, and the book as you plan your trip to see for yourself the Funny Farm. –Nancy Pierce from Bookmiser, Inc. in Marietta, GA

Read more about Read This Next! at The Southern Bookseller Review
https://thesouthernbooksellerreview.org/category/read-this-next/