February book preview: Magic, locusts, and splinters
Plus, what really happened at the 2023 Hugo Awards in Chengdu?
For writers and readers of science fiction and fantasy, the annual World Science Fiction Convention is like the National Book Awards, the Academy Awards, and San Diego Comic-Con all rolled into one.
On Saturday, October 21st, 2023, thousands of people gathered in China’s fourth-largest city for panels, parties, and the annual Hugo Awards ceremony to celebrate the best books, movies, and other works published or released during the previous calendar year.
But that’s not what happened last fall. Something went horribly wrong. Someone stole nominations from The Sandman legend Neil Gaiman, Babel author R. F. Kuang, Iron Widow novelist Xiran Jay Zhao, and fan writer Paul Weimer.
For Esquire, I spoke with more than a dozen Hugo Award insiders to explain what happened.
My 13 most-anticipated books of February 2024
The Adversary by Michael Crummey (Doubleday, February 6). A unqiue and fascinating historical novel destined to become a prestige drama on HBO.
The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes (Atria, February 6). A follow-up to I Am Pilgrim, a decade later, from one of the people who secretly wrote Argylle.
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Rey, February 6). A new series-starter from one of our finest living fantasy writers.
The Book of Love by Kelly Link (Random House, February 13). I loved every page of this and I think it will be remembered as one of the best books of the decade.
Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions by Ed Zwick (Gallery, February 13). A memoir from director behind About Last Night, Glory, Legends of the Fall, The Last Samurai, Defiance, and Blood Diamond.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (Everyman’s Library, February 20). A new hardcover edition of one of the greatest Chicago novels.
Working in the 21st Century by Mark Larson (Agate Midway, February 20). A 50-year follow-up on Studs Terkel’s Working (1974).
Splinters by Leslie Jamison (Little, Brown, February 20). Every Leslie Jamison book is event reading.
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (Knopf, February 27). Can’t wait for this follow-up to There There.
The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin (OneWorld, February 27). I loved We Cast A Shadow, so I’m excited to see MCR tackle historical New Orleans.
King Nyx by Kirsten Bakis (Liveright, February 27). If your publicity blurb has the phrase “remote island estate” in it, I’m all ears.
The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard (Atria, February 27). What a premise! A town with past and future versions of itself accessible via hiking in either direction.
Grief Is For People by Sloane Crosley (MCD, February 27). A memoir on grief from one of our most brilliant writers.
Forthcoming in The Frontlist
Behind the book with Sarah Ghazal Ali (Theophanies), Kirsten Bakis (King Nyx), and Scott Alexander Howard (The Other Valley).