What better way to meet your 2026 reading goals than with the gems discovered right here in The Library!
If you have a complete or in-progress work you’d like added to The Library or an indie-published book to include in our Buy Indie section, follow this guide, and we’ll help spread the word.
And thanks again to everyone for helping us support indie authors!
What are you reading?
We’d like to hear from you! What fiction have you been reading on Substack, and what do you recommend? Please refrain from self-promotion. This is an opportunity to discuss a serial or novel on Substack or a Buy Indie book that has impacted you, or that you believe deserves more attention.
In the stacks
Speculative
Science Fiction
Welcome to Elk Valley | Graham J. Wilson | Science Fiction; Mystery, Thriller (N) (I) (F) →($)
Emmett Brewer comes from a different world. Our world. The modern world. Until he finds himself stuck in a small northwestern town in 1957. But something about it feels so… normal to him. He knows he has to find his way out, but how? And when? Follow Emmett’s journey week to week, as he navigates his new reality and tries to find a way back home.
Are you publishing a book, comic, or story/poetry collection on Substack that you’d like to add to The Library? Send it our way!
Buy Indie
Historical
The Field of Blood | The Myth of Sisyphus | Historical; Literary (N) (I) (F)
In the shadows of San Francisco, where neon lights glint off rain-slicked streets and luxury masks decay, Jude drifts into a world of chaos, devotion, and danger. Drawn into the Brethren, a fractured commune teetering between faith and fanaticism, he encounters the charismatic yet ruthless Josh, the fragile and brilliant Maria, and the silent forces of a city that watches but rarely intervenes. As morality clashes with survival, and loyalty is tested against manipulation, Jude navigates a labyrinth of human desire, political indifference, and FBI intrigue. In a city of beauty and brutality, how far will a man go to save the ones he loves—and what is the cost of paying attention when the world looks away?
Literary
Chapel Bay Secrets | Julie Snider | Literary; women’s fiction, LGBTQ+, small town (N)
Librarian Brenda Kato has always felt safe in idyllic Chapel Bay, California, despite being a lesbian of Japanese American descent. When a book banning threat arrives in her work email, Brenda’s sense of security slips away. The anniversary of her mother’s death sharpens the need to find the father she’s never known. To make matters worse, her heart still aches over the loss of her one true love. As Brenda struggles with these painful assaults on her psyche, several retirees—Harriet Conley and Joe West—insert themselves into her life uninvited. When a nefarious local author appears, the three find their fates intertwined. Lonely and confused, Brenda joins a group that is planning a presentation in honor of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. Meanwhile, she’s becoming increasingly distracted by the beautiful blonde woman who seems to appear every time she goes for a run. Will the power of love be enough to heal wounds of the past? In Chapel Bay Secrets, the tension builds as bigotry, book bans, and the ache for community collide. Perfect for book clubs!
Nonfiction
America ‘Toons In | David Perlmutter | History (B)
Animation has been part of television since the start of the medium but it has rarely received unbiased recognition from media scholars. More often, it has been ridiculed for supposedly poor technical quality, accused of trafficking in violence aimed at children, and neglected for indulging in vulgar behavior. These accusations are often made categorically, out of prejudice or ignorance, with little attempt to understand the importance of each program on its own terms. This book takes a serious look at the whole genre of television animation, from the early themes and practices through the evolution of the art to the present day. Examining the productions of individual studios and producers, the author establishes a means of understanding their work in new ways, at the same time discussing the ways in which the genre has often been unfairly marginalized by critics, and how, especially in recent years, producers have both challenged and embraced this “marginality” as a vital part of their work. By taking seriously something often thought to be frivolous, the book provides a framework for understanding the persistent presence of television animation in the American media—and how surprisingly influential it has been.
The Encyclopedia Of American Animated Television Shows | David Perlmutter | Nonfiction (B)
Once consigned almost exclusively to Saturday morning fare for young viewers, television animation has evolved over the last several decades as a programming form to be reckoned with. While many animated shows continue to entertain tots, the form also reaches a much wider audience, engaging viewers of all ages. Whether aimed at toddlers, teens, or adults, animated shows reflect an evolving expression of sophisticated wit, adult humor, and a variety of artistic techniques and styles. The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Series encompasses animated programs broadcast in the United States and Canada since 1948. From early cartoon series like Crusader Rabbit, Rocky and His Friends, and The Flintstones to 21st century stalwarts like The Simpsons, South Park, and Spongebob Squarepants, the wide range of shows can be found in this volume. Series from many networks―such as Comedy Central, the Disney Channel, Nickleodeon, and Cartoon Network―are included, representing both the diversity of programming and the broad spectrum of viewership. Each entry includes a list of cast and characters, credit information, a brief synopsis of the series, and a critical analysis. Additional details include network information and broadcast history. The volume also features one hundred images and an introduction containing an historical overview of animated programming since the inception of television. Highlighting an extensive array of shows from Animaniacs and Archer to The X-Men and Yogi Bear, The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Series is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history and evolution of this constantly expanding art form.
Short Fiction Collection
Nothing About Us Without Us | David Perlmutter | Fantasy (S)
Anybody who loves animated cartoons should be interested in knowing the truth about them. Which is that they have lives after the camera stops filming, and pretty interesting ones at that. This book will give you the truth about who they are and what they feel, direct from their lips. Particularly about how the leaders of the world want them out of the way, for good....
The Singular Adventures Of Jefferson Ball | David Perlmutter | Super Hero (S)
There never was a heroine like Jefferson Ball. And, thankfully, there may never be. She is, simply, the most powerful humanized female dog in a universe full of them. Faster, stronger, more attractive to boys. Unbeatable as a lover. Unfortunately, her brains are not up to this quality, but don’t tell her that. About the only one who can is Major Hamilton Pomeranian, the diminutive ex-soldier who is Jeff’s best friend and conscience. When she gets too big for her limited clothing, Hamilton tells her what for. And it’s usually only after that point that they are able to escape from whatever convoluted situation they find themselves in. This collection will have readers both laughing and awestruck at the events that happen. And, hopefully, you will be one of them.
Speculative
Honey And Salt | David Perlmutter | Super Hero (NA)
Olivia Thrift, a.k.a. the superheroine Captain Fantastic, is excited to be meeting fellow Canadian superheroines for the first time. However, when their gathering is violently interrupted, it quickly becomes a savage fight against evil. And, when Olivia suddenly loses her powers, will she be able to set things right when her fellow heroines are immobilized?
Let’s Be Buddies | David Perlmutter | Super Hero (NA)
Major Hamilton Pomeranian, once a highly decorated Star Soldier, has been discharged for a recently gained injury. Now forced into a non-military life, she is uncertain about what to do until reconnecting with Jefferson Ball, an old army buddy, and agreeing to assist her at her “job”- not realizing exactly what that will involve until it is too late.
Orthicon | David Perlmutter | Science Fiction; Utopian & Dystopian (N)
The United States government discovers, to its horror, that the creatures featured in animated cartoons are not fabrications but real beings. Fearing the social and political consequences of the discovery being made public, they proceed to exile them off Earth to another planet. However, things do not go according to plan...
Split Decision | David Perlmutter | Super Hero (NA)
What happens when two of the most powerful heroines in the universe are duped into battling each other? A lot of chaos!
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Advance Review Copy (ARC)
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From the Stacks
Featuring different, randomly-selected books every week.
Short Fiction Collection
The Belles of St. Anthony’s | Alex Scott | YA Flash fiction (S) (I) (F)
A series of slice-of-life flash fiction stories about some eccentric girls at St. Anthony of Padua High School.
Thank you.
This week's read is Liane Moriarty's Here One Moment. I've never read anything by her before.