Bestselling author, naval historian, and literary agent James D. Hornfischer passed away on Wednesday, June 2, surrounded by his family at his home in Austin, TX.  He was 55 years old. Hornfischer was the author of four critically acclaimed, bestselling books of World War II naval history, the culmination of a lifelong interest in World War II in the Pacific, all published by Bantam Books.

The intense fighting now raging between Israelis and Palestinians – in an area not much larger than New Jersey – may be the worst since 2014, but it’s part of a complex, bitter conflict that reaches back to the first World War. (USA Today)

In April, President Joe Biden said the war in Afghanistan was never meant to be multi-generational, as he officially announced the drawdown of all 2,500 U.S. troops in that country beginning May 1 and concluding by Sepember 11, the 20th anniversary of the war. (www.defense.gov)

The Taliban insurgency remains resilient nearly two decades after U.S.-led forces toppled its regime in what led to the United States’ longest war. (Council on Foreign Relations).

As consumers grapple with a potential fourth wave of COVID-19 and vaccinations ramp up *just* faster than variants are overtaking certain parts of the country, it’s also time for market to begin to see books on the subject. Larry Wright’s A PLAGUE YEAR goes on sale in early June, and Nina Burleigh’s VIRUS hits shelves even sooner. Other books about epidemics, pandemics, and diseases may see sales increases as they did early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a time when all Americans are looking for a better America, it’s useful to look to the past to remind ourselves of what earlier Americans thought about, fought for, and were motivated to accomplish. Several title lists can help booksellers curate thoughtful and enlightening title collections for promotions.

Bring on the celebration!

Each June in the USA and around the world, celebrations of LGBTQ Month include parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and Pride Month events attract millions of participants. As ever, PRH and its distributed clients have a multitude of books to recognize the impact that LGBTQ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally, including Fiction and Non-Fiction.

In May, Americans pay tribute to generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success. At no time have these Americans needed to see the country acknowledge and celebrate the rich heritages thousands of years old and the people who have shaped United States history. 

Asian-Americans are the nation’s fastest-growing racial group, and for the last year have suffered considerably in an ever-present racist atmosphere. Encourage booksellers to show their support more than ever with a variety of ideas for promotion during this holiday.

“On June 19, 1865, Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told slaves of their emancipation. That day came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. While the holiday was informally commemorated in later years, Texas became the first state to make it a state holiday in 1980. Last year, numerous states, cities and colleges across the US moved to recognize it as an official holiday.” (CNN)

As more companies designate Juneteenth an official work holiday, and the work of racial reckoning is at the forefront of our national priorities, Juneteenth becomes a more recognized historical celebration. Help booksellers help their customers understand this holiday with fiction and non-fiction that shines a light on the past and present.

Illustration: news.crunchbase.com

March is Women’s History Month, which celebrates the vital role of women in American history. Remarkable female entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, athletes, artists, and spies, among others, abound historically and today. Our first female Vice-President has been elected. A woman heads the European Central Bank for the first time ever. The first female president of the New York Stock Exchange has been appointed.

Although many think of St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) as a day of parading and imbibing, St Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture. It particularly remembers St Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century. To commemorate this holiday, bookstores and libraries may choose to focus on the wealth of exceptional writing by Irish writers, or books set in the country. 

New York Times-bestselling author Sharon Kay Penman was one of the foremost writers of historical fiction.  She passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 22, 2021. Penman is the author of eleven historical novels most recently The Land Beyond the Sea (2020) and four medieval mysteries featuring Justin de Quincy, one of Sharon’s favorite characters. The Queen’s Man (1996) was a finalist for an Edgar Award for the year’s best mystery from the Mystery Writers of America.

Over five decades after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death, American society is still working towards the dream that he envisioned. These ten essential books shed light on these decades after Dr. King’s life, the Civil Rights movement, and show how his legacy has shaped the past half-century. These titles share the experiences of activists, lawyers, and journalists about the ongoing and necessary work towards racial equality. (Courtesy PRH.com)