10 New Books to Read in January

The start of the new year often means starting a metaphoric new chapter, but we’re all about literally starting new chapters in the books we’re reading! There are so many great books coming out this month to start our 2025 with epic stories, intriguing plot twists, and new ways of looking at the world. Don’t forget to jump start the year with our winter reading program! 

Fiction

Homeseeking 
By Karissa Chen

In 1947, Haiwen enlists in the Chinese Nationalist Army, leaving only his violin and a note to his childhood sweetheart, Suchi. 60 years later he sees her again at an LA grocery store. Haiwen’s story starts at the market and works backwards, while Chen starts Suchi’s at the beginning and moves forward. Along the way they travel to Hong Kong, Taiwan, New York and eventually Los Angeles, in an epic story of love and war, home and identity. // Available January 7. Library catalog link here.

Murder in the Dressing Room 
By Holly Stars

Drag queen Misty Divine is fierce and fearless onstage, but during the day, she’s quiet hotel accountant Joe Brown. When her drag mother, Lady Lady, is murdered by poisoned chocolate, police bias and preoccupation with a stolen Judy Garland dress mar the investigation. Balancing her drag world connections and her crime-show binge-watching expertise, Misty takes up the mantle of detective, delving into a web of suspects, from rival performers to a notorious cat burglar. With its vibrant characters, quick wit, and blend of glamour and intrigue, this queer cozy offers a thrilling ride. // Available January 14. Library catalog link here.

Boudicca 
By PC Cast

Combining vibrant world-building, historical detail and Celtic mysticism, the iconic Queen Boudicca comes alive in this new retelling of her life. After Roman forces devastate the Iceni tribe, Boudicca rallies her people and allies, including childhood friend and seer Rhan, to strike back in brutal campaigns. Despite early victories, ominous prophecies foreshadow a tragic fate. Fans of mythic retellings and historical romantasy will appreciate this gripping and emotional epic. // Available January 21. Library catalog link here.

Motheater 
By Linda H Codega

Benethea “Bennie” Mattox is on a quest to uncover the truth behind decades of mysterious miner disappearances in Kiron, Virginia, including the loss of her best friend. During her investigation, Bennie rescues Motheater, a witch bound to Kire Mountain, who has been trapped for over 150 years. Motheater’s magical connection to the mountain and her fragmented memories reveal the devastating impact of mining on the land and its people. Together, they uncover dark secrets while navigating themes of ecojustice, Southern folklore, and queer identity. Rich with Appalachian magic, atmospheric worldbuilding, and sharp social commentary, this exploration of the delicate balance between nature and industrial progress delivers a powerful tale of resilience and transformation. // Available January 21. Library catalog link here.

Nonfiction

The Sinners All Bow: Two Authors, One Murder, and the Real Hester Prynne 
By Kate Winkler Dawson

A mysterious 1832 death inspired American’s first true crime book, Catherine Williams’ Fall River, published in 1833. It also inspired Nathanial Hawthorne’s 1850 classic novel, The Scarlet Letter. True crime historian Dawson builds on Williams’ pioneering investigation, blending 19th-century journalism with modern forensic techniques to examine whether Cornell’s death was suicide or murder. The book explores themes of gender, religion, and societal biases while shedding light on Williams’ groundbreaking use of victimology. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Dawson parallels her work with Williams’, offering a compelling narrative that intertwines historical true crime with a critique of justice and societal norms. True-crime enthusiasts and history buffs will find this an engrossing and thought-provoking read. // Available January 7. Library catalog link here. 

Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist 
By Liz Pelly

This sharp critique of Spotify’s impact on the music industry reveals how the streaming giant favors major labels while exploiting independent artists. Through incisive cultural analysis and extensive reporting, journalist Pelly explores how Spotify’s algorithm-driven playlists prioritize mood-enhancing background tracks over artistic innovation, shaping music into “streambait” designed to maximize profits. Practices such as minimal royalties for creators, data mining, and AI-generated tracks further marginalize human artists. Offering potential solutions, this provocative and well-researched book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of music. // Available January 7. Library catalog link here.

The Containment: Detroit, the Supreme Court, and the Battle for Racial Justice in the North 
By Michelle Adams

A riveting examination of the landmark 1974 Supreme Court decision in Milliken v. Bradley, which halted efforts to desegregate schools in Detroit and its suburbs, marking a major setback for civil rights. Meticulously researched, this compelling narrative chronicles the legal battle that followed Brown v. Board of Education, exploring how housing policies, white flight, and systemic racism perpetuated segregation. This nuanced critique reveals the broader implications of Milliken on modern racial inequality in education, highlighting how the decision preserved de facto segregation, offering a profound reflection on the unfinished fight for equality. // Available January 14. Library catalog link here.

Realm of Ice and Sky: Triumph, Tragedy, and History’s Greatest Arctic Rescue 
By Buddy Levy

At the beginning of the twentieth century, arctic exploration and the search for the North Pole shifted from dog sleds to airships. Highlighting figures like Walter Wellman, Roald Amundsen, and Umberto Nobile, National Outdoor Book Award-winning author Buddy Levy chronicles their ambitious quests, technological innovations, and personal struggles. Showcasing how these explorers became international icons while risking their lives for fame and scientific discovery, Levy vividly narrates key events, from Amundsen’s triumphant flight over the pole to Nobile’s ill-fated Italia expedition, marked by tragedy and a dramatic rescue mission. This gripping adventure blends history, engineering feats, and human perseverance, offering a compelling read for history buffs and adventure enthusiasts alike. // Available January 28. Library catalog link here.

Middle Grade

No Purchase Necessary 
By Maria Marianayagam

Ajay Anthonipillai struggles to navigate strict parental expectations, cultural identity, and fitting in at a new school. When he steals a candy bar to impress a popular bully and discovers it holds a million-dollar prize, Ajay faces a moral quandary: claim the money and transform his family’s life or confess. This poignant and thought-provoking coming-of-age story explores racism, immigration, and the pressures of perfection with humor, tension, and heart. // Available January 14. Library catalog link here.

Teen

Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, a Legacy of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History 
By Karen Valby

Lydia Abarca, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Sheila Rohan, Marcia Sells, and Karlya Shelton were integral to the founding of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, breaking color barriers in a predominantly white world of ballet. In this Young Reader’s Edition of her 2024 work, Valby chronicles their struggles with racism, sexism, and colorism within the dance world and explores their complex relationships with Dance Theatre of Harlem’s founder, Arthur Mitchell. Through vivid storytelling and reflections from the women themselves, the book sheds light on their enduring legacy in classical dance and their ongoing influence on future generations of dancers. // Available January 14. Library catalog link here.

Jennie Rothschild is a collection engagement librarian for Arlington Public Library.