Left Unread Books | January Book Club Pick: House of Fr...
January Book Club Pick: House of Frank
If you participate in our monthly bookclub, here is some information on our January pick! Make sure you read the entire article though, because there ...Show more
Left Unread Books\ \ Michael LaBorn\ \ • Dec 27 2024
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With the year winding down, many of us are focusing on putting together our end of year lists. You know the ones:
- Top ten books of 2024
- Five books I wish i would have read
- The biggest and smallest book I read
And of course… which books made me cry.
It’s that last one I want to focus on. Because, while I am a very emotional person who cries fairly regularly (like… daily), only two books brought me there in 2024. One of them was The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters, which is about an indigenous woman who was kidnapped as a small child and her brother, who spent the rest of his life believing it was his fault. When I tell you that book ruined me emotionally, I mean it. I am currently near tears just thinking about it. Watching as that little girl grew up, plagued by the woman she only knows in her dreams (her mother), and fighting to figure out who she really is in her waking world. I just… I can’t. That book will MESS YOU UP.
But it’s the other book that I want to talk about right now, because it’s actually our Bookclub pick for January.
House of Frank, by Kay Synclair, is one of the best books I read this year. But it’s also very different than any of the other books I read. Jaysen Headley, the acquiring editor who picked up the book, calls it “ a warm hug on your worst day”, and I can’t think of a better description!
House of Frank follows a Black woman who is trying to deal with her grief over the loss of her sister. It has been about a year since Saika’s sister was tragically taken away from her, and now she has arrived at Frank’s with one purpose in mind: to fulfill her sister’s dying wish of having her ashes buried at the magical Ash Gardens. But little does she know, there is much more to be found at Ash Gardens than just a burial ceremony.
She arrives alone, overwhelmed and struggling to use her magic. But what she will leave with is hope, a new family and a future that she thought had died with her sister.
Y’all… this book is everything. I snorted, I laughed, I blushed and I wept as it brought back every moment of grief I had been too busy to really wrestle with throughout my life. Saika is exactly what I needed to find peace and I cannot wait to share her with you!
If you are not already in my Fable bookclub, now is the time to join. We are starting the year off strong with this next level book and we will only get stronger from there. Here is a direct link to the club and it is FREE to join and participate in: https://fable.co/club/left-unread-with-michael-laborn-207620876510
I will also link the book down below. Just click the little picture of the cover and it will allow you to purchase the book from multiple different places. I would greatly appreciate it if you used those links, as I do receive a small commission and that is a part of how I fund the work I do here. Those links will take you to bookshop.org or amazon-- boo hiss. (I deeply prefer you choose bookshop.org, but do you).
And now for the part you’ve been waiting for…
MY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
First… I have already spoken to the author (Kay Synclair) and she has agreed to do a virtual event with us while we are reading the book. We have not worked out the details yet, but it will be in January and I will provide you details with plenty of advance warning so that you can arrange your schedule! We have done an event with her before and it was a real delight, so I can’t wait to talk with her again!
Second… I will be giving away three special edition copies of House of Frank!
These editions are only available through Bindery and they cost around $30 each. But three of you will be getting one for FREE as a thank you for being a part of this community and our monthly book club! All you have to do to enter for a chance to win is be subscribed to this community and to comment on this post with your most anticipated read of 2025!
All subscribers are eligible, whether you are subscribed for FREE or at a paid tier. I am grateful for all of you!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Date of drawing: January 10th
Eligibility: Be subscribed to this community at any tier and comment your most anticipated read of 2025 on this post
Limitations: This will only be available for US subscribers. Sorry!
Winners will be notified via email, so please watch your inbox around the 10th, as we cannot hold the book indefinitely.
I cannot wait to dive into this incredible story with all of you!!!
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Left Unread Books\ \ Michael LaBorn\ \ • Dec 27 2024
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librarydragon926
• Dec 27 2024
Such exciting things to come! Thank you for sharing how these books affected you. What you said about House of Frank helping you find peace and deal with a lifetime's compilation of grief helped seal the deal for me to read it too. I could definitely use some of that, so thank you ❤️ I think my most anticipated read for next year (or at the very least it's really high on my hopeful list) is For She is Wrath by Emily Varga. If I may ask, what's your most anticipated read next year?
4
• Dec 27 2024
Cry, Voidbringer is mine, of course 😍😍😍😍
2
librarydragon926
• Dec 29 2024
Yes!! Are we thinking it'll be released in October like the bindery books were this year?
Lilnny
• Dec 27 2024
I think my most anticipated read for this year is going to be the ending of Husky and His White Car Shizun because that series had been a RIDE
4
brioches
• Dec 27 2024
Sooo excited for this book club read, sounds exactly like what I need! My most anticipated read for 2025 is The Glade by Naseem Jamnia— comes out in May!
4
SillyGooseReads
• Dec 27 2024
My most anticipated read is Strange Beast by Susan J Morris
2
jazzyjbox
• Dec 27 2024
Loved this book SO much! It helped with my own grief journey. 💜 One of my most anticipated reads of 2025 is Heavenly Tyrant.
3
AingealWroth
• Dec 27 2024
Heavenly Tyrant released 12/24/24 as a fyi so you can start it now!
Tasha
• Dec 27 2024
I read the book last month and 100% agree with everything you said about it. I was very impressed with all of the Bindery releases this year so I am really excited for all the releases next year! But I'm definitely most excited for The Unmapping and Cry, Voidbringer
3
AingealWroth
• Dec 27 2024
Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours, the cover is gorgeous, the premise sounds solid (and nicely challenging, with a cool bit of magical realism)!
1
AingealWroth
• Dec 27 2024
Also, that SE looks amazing and I am so excited about the bookclub event!
1
Mycha
• Dec 27 2024
I just lost my brother in July and I have had to explore my likes and dislikes and what I truly want to do with myself as far as hobbies and career. TikTok helped me remember that I truly love reading and so books have given me some comfort since I lost him. House of Frank being about grieve and exploration of grief is amazing I never heard of it before. I thank you for allowing us to experience such amazing books that I never would have found on my own. My most anticipated book for 2025 is Oath bound by Tracy Deonn.
2
• Dec 27 2024
I’m so sorry for your loss. That’s unbelievably hard. I hope Saiki’s story brings you a little bit of comfort.
1
Sariel
• Dec 27 2024
My most anticipated read is out early in 2025: An Honored Vow. I've been reading this series for a couple years now and can't wait for the next.
3
• Dec 27 2024
ITS SO GOOD! I read it last week! Can’t wait to hear everyone’s thoughts on that book
Uselesspenguin
• Dec 27 2024
Waiting for The Possession of Alba Díaz Isabel Cañas
I can’t wait to see who the true monsters are in her latest book.
2
Lifewithrei
• Dec 27 2024
I have House of Frank on my TBR, excited to dive in during next month. I think I'm most excited for Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
2
ArdentInks
• Dec 27 2024
I'm super excited for You Started It by Jackie Khalilieh!!
1
Lea Finnk
• Dec 27 2024
Most anticipated 2025 release is Silverborn by Jessica Townsend which is the 4th book in her Nevermoor series. So whimsical and wonderful! The release date has been pushed back again and again so I don't want to jinx it so I'm also going to mention not a 2025 release but a book I am anticipating reading IN 2025 is literally House of Frank! I try to have my first book of the year be a 5 star read so I've been saving this one for new year's because I'm so sure I will adore it. It feels even more perfect that it aligns with your bookclub!!
2
Rencountry
• Dec 28 2024
OathBound by Tracy Deonn is way up there as a series finisher, but Hemlock & Silver by T Kingfisher is my top anticipated read for 2025 as a new book !
1
moira
• Dec 28 2024
Cry, Voidbringer is actually top of mine. I’m also going to finally crack into Legendborn in 2025 after all the great things I’ve heard about it!
1
• Dec 29 2024
Yay!!
Sasha
• Dec 28 2024
Thank you for putting this book on my radar - it sounds wonderful! One of my most anticipated books of 2025 is Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One by Kristen Arnett 🤡
1
badwolfbooks
• Dec 28 2024
Oh man!! An event with the author would be amazing!! I’m really gonna try to read this one this month. This has been on my list since yall first started talking about it!! Adding it to my cart now!!! ❤️❤️ I think you can probably guess my most anticipated read for 2025…katabasis. 😂😂 I NEED IT.
1
Nbut36
• Dec 29 2024
I think I’m most excited to read Heavenly Tyrant, the follow-up to Iron Widow
1
breeezie
• Dec 29 2024
I think it was already published. I've seen the author posting on Bluesky about people reading it and how she can tell how far into it they are by how mad they are.
1
breeezie
• Dec 29 2024
My most anticipated read of 2025 is probably Queen Demon by Martha Wells. It's the sequel to Witch King and I had such fun reading that book that I can't imagine the sequel would be any less amazing
1
Natix
• Dec 29 2024
I'm still putting together the lists of everything I want to read next year, but I think right now I'm most looking forward to Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe. I studied social anthro in collage and it was very eruocentric. I love seeing more and more research coming out disproving the bad assumptions and lies.
1
Abby
• Dec 29 2024
I cannot WAIT to get my hands on Tiffany D. Jackson's new book: Blood in the Water.
mrsriggss
• Dec 30 2024
I am so ready for Oathbound by Tracry Deonn! The Legendborn Series is one of my favorites for 2024
RubysBiblioteca
• Dec 31 2024
So many great books are being released in 2025! I am definitely going to pick up the Berry Pickers!!! Books I am looking forward too:
- My Name is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
- Isabelle Olmo 4th book
- Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa
- The Posession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Canas
Annalisa
• Dec 31 2024
I probably most anticipate reading Heavenly Tyrant. My library doesn't have it even though it has just come out so I will have to ask them to buy it for their collection!
DeeMarie
• Dec 31 2024
Excited to join!
My most anticipated for this next year is probably all of Natalia Hernandez’s books. Mainly The Name Bearer series. I got them in 2024, but didn’t make my way to them yet. So they’re first on the list!
1
jdkizzle
• Jan 2 2025
Picking ONE book that I'm most anticipating this year is torture. But I will name one and hope the other books on my list done get jealous lol Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan is definitely high on my list!
thechangelingbard
• Jan 4 2025
Okay, my anticipated reads are probably either "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" by VE Schwab or "The Dead Cat Tail Assassins" by P Dejeli Clark
Blueberry
• Jan 4 2025
My most anticipated book is Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours. I am also looking forward to all the new books I'll discover through this group. Just moved from Fable.
EmilyS21
• Jan 5 2025
Well, after that description - my new most anticipated read of 2025 is, in fact, now House of Frank! (Previously it was Baby Dragon Cafe & Lore of the Wilds - both due out this month for me! My non-fiction read would be We Are Not Numbers & The Eyes of Gaza ✌🏼💔🫶🏼
Ps appreciate the giveaway & glad I have now joined on binders. 🫰🏼
KatzenFrau18
• Jan 5 2025
Loved House of Frank when I read in November—it’s such a beautiful approach to grief and love.
My most anticipated release of 2025 is The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
bookswithmads
• Jan 7 2025
Katabasis by R. F Kuang, An Honored Vow by Melissa Blair, and Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q Sutanto
Melsmagicalreads
• Jan 7 2025
I think my most anticipated release this year is Heavenly Tyrant. But of course looking forward to Cry, Voidbringer as well!
DeeAnnReads
• Jan 7 2025
My most anticipated read for 2025 is Immortal Dark...and it's sequel.
Cozylifewithabby
• Jan 7 2025
My most anticipated read is Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) Jesse Q Sutanto
Vashsa
• Jan 7 2025
My most anticipated reads of this year are House Of Frank (obviously) and An Honored Vow (I’ve been aching for more Keera since you introduced me to her and I devoured the first three books.)
FeliciaCarbone
• Jan 7 2025
So excited to give this book a go! I also can’t wait for the release of Onyx Storm and Never Flinch!
Chesgirl
• Jan 8 2025
This sounds awesome. I am excited for Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E Schwab. It looks so good.
BookwormBen
• Jan 8 2025
Looking forward to the new Grady Hendrix Witchcraft For Wayward Girls as well as the new Rachel Gillig The Knight and the Moth!
1
JennYoung
• Jan 8 2025
I'm also excited for The Knight and the Moth. 2025 is the year of the Lady Knight. I have a list of like 7 books featuring Lady Knights that are being published in 2025!
RJayne90
• Jan 8 2025
My most anticipated book for 2025 is Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez. It released a few months ago but currently reading another book.
ReadingTillMidnight
• Jan 8 2025
My most anticipated book for this year has to be "Practical Potions and Premeditated Murder" by Wren Jones :)
Amermanda
• Jan 8 2025
Thank you for hosting, Michael! My most anticipated read would honestly have to be House of Frank, my library copy just arrived and I've heard nothing but rave reviews! 🎹
ArtsyBec
• Jan 8 2025
I’m going to have to check out The Berry Pickers this year!!! I love love love House of Frank it was such an amazing read!!! Can’t wait for the event with Kay Sinclair! May just have to reread the book so it can be fresh in my mind for that event.
1
ArtsyBec
• Jan 8 2025
My most anticipated read for 2025 is probably Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor! I’m obsessed with everything she’s written so I know this is bound to be good
KrisS
• Jan 8 2025
My most anticipated book for this year is Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan. I found out about the series last year and absolutely fell in love with the characters, Ryan's writing style, and the amount of research, work, and love she puts into her books.
ThatWitchyLynx
• Jan 8 2025
Currently my most anticipated book of 2025 is Bones at the Crossroads by LaDarrion Williams. I loved Blood at the Root and I'm REALLY looking forward to the sequel!!!
That being said: OMG!!!!!! I NEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDD THIS!!!!!! I just finished reading this last month and I already decided to buy a physical copy for my collection. If I could get it for free, that would make my WHOLE month at the least!!!!
kateorfiction
• Jan 8 2025
House of frank was on of my favourite reads last year 😭💜 SO GOOD
SaraRobyn
• Jan 8 2025
I love a chance to win a giveaway, and this book sounds so good! I saw someone else mention Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor as their most anticipated book of 2025, and I think I agree on that, I love her work.
1
WisteriaApothecary
• Jan 8 2025
Our family has so many books we want to read this year. House of Frank is right at the top. 📚
VioletValkyrie
• Jan 8 2025
Oh my gosh there is going to be a Kay Sinclair get together!?!?!?!?! Adding myself to the sweepstakes. I have a ton of books I received for Christmas I am so excited about. I have a ton of hype around James by Percival Everett which I am currently reading, I'd loooove to read House of Frank. I have Parable of the Sower I am hype to get through and to also make my way through R F Kuang with the Poppy War or Babel. Excited for all my 2025 reads!
JennYoung
• Jan 8 2025
I loved House of Frank and it was definitely in my top 5 for 2024. My Most Anticipated read of 2025 has to be Alchemised by SenLinYu!
vidaislife777
• Jan 8 2025
My most anticipated book for this year is katabasis r.f. kuang. Not to sound like a glazer but I've loved every book I've read by her so far
BookDragon36
• Jan 8 2025
My most anticipated book of the year is always whatever book Patricia Briggs is publushing.
LisaLovesBooks
• Jan 9 2025
I've been dying to read this book and your post just makes me want to read it more! Thank you for a chance to win the stunning special edition!
My most anticipated book of the year is King of Ashes by SA Cosby!
RachReadsALot
• Jan 9 2025
My most anticipated read is Oathbound by Tracy Deonn which I'm so excited for it to come out, I'm almost finished with the 2nd book in the Legendborn Cycle so I can be ready for it lol
GabbyIsBaking
• Jan 9 2025
I can’t wait to read House of Frank! My most anticipated book of the year is a tie between Parable of the Talents: A Graphic Novel Adaptation and The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
smgreads
• Jan 9 2025
Honestly House of Frank is one of the reads I’m most excited about for this year! I’m also scrolling these comments and getting some goooood ideas 👀
riseofbunny
• Jan 9 2025
House of Frank has been on my list of books to read since the first time I heard you speak about it on TikTok a while back. It sounds fun but also poignant and I need great books to get back into reading regularly. My most anticipated read of the year, I think, is Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin. It’s a classic and I want to have that experience! But I just started Pet by Akwaeke Emezi and can’t wait to see how it goes.
thelefthandedkat
• Jan 9 2025
My two were:(one released already one upcoming release) House of Frank (first book finished this year) King of Ashes by SA Cosby (releasing in June)
Shemoneyyy
• Jan 9 2025
My top two are the sequel to Lore of the Wilds, and the final book in the Legendborn trilogy.
AmandaVermeerArt
• Jan 9 2025
The Berry Pickers is high on my list for 2025! I’m also really looking forward to reading Her Deadly End by Tikiri Herath.
AlvarezT
• Jan 9 2025
I want to read “House of Frank” in 2025. :)
Aidenpouge
• Jan 9 2025
House of Frank is on my TBR list but I'm also really excited to read Build It and They Will Come, it's about building community! All about connecting this year.
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