Now Trending – Books in the News – September 2026

When Jason Irwin visits his mother two days before Christmas, he finds her in bed, racked with pain. Later that night, at the ER, the doctor on duty delivers a diagnosis neither Jason nor his mother is prepared for: terminal cancer. ‘These Fragments I Have Shored’ tells of the unique bond between mother and son. One narrative chronicles Irwin’s role as caregiver during the final 35 days of his mother’s life, while the other tells of Jason’s fight to break free and live a ‘normal life’ despite being born with multiple and life-threatening birth defects.

Set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the 1990s and early 2000s, ‘Neon steel’ is acclaimed writer Jennifer Maritza McCauley’s love letter to millennial nerd culture. Anime fans, vampires, indie rappers, robots, comic book fans, and thrill seekers find their way through the Steel City’s neighborhoods and haunts

“Spring break takes a terrifying turn when Mystery suspects a ghost has entered her home, and refuses to leave”– Provided by publisher.

Traverse high cliffs and descend into deep caves, trek to remote waterfalls, and explore urban oases. ‘Scenic natural wonders of Pennsylvania’ showcases what Pennsylvanians already know: this commonwealth offers far more than just Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. From southwestern Pennsylvania’s thundering Ohiopyle Falls to the northeast’s Salt Springs State Park and everywhere in between, this book covers it all. More than 80 carefully selected wonders showcase Pennsylvania’s diverse landscape.

A beautiful love letter to Black joy, as a source of self-preservation and survival as well as a form of resistance.

“The debut collection from beloved Instagram poet @hannahrowrites, ‘Same’ is a celebration of one thing we all have in common: a desire to be seen and understood. With her artful blend of intuitive and wise insights, Hannah’s observations resonate with readers across multiple life stages-girlhood, marriage, motherhood and beyond. Centering friendship and connection, her poems are filled with the kind of recognizable, intimate details described by a relatable, honest voice that make readers nod along and instantly want to share with someone they love. In a world that often aims to make women feel smaller, Same offers an unparalleled feeling of visibility and validation, and a reminder that not only are we not alone, but we’re also all in this together”– Provided by publisher.