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The Pirate Queen: A Landmark Choice by Books-A-Million

In an exciting reveal from Birmingham, Alabama, Books-A-Million has declared Ariel Lawhon's novel The Pirate Queen as its 2026 Book of the Year, honoring a narrative that pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of Grace O'Malley—a woman whose legacy of independence and strength continues to resonate today. Published by Doubleday, part of the Penguin Random House family, this selection highlights the literary and cultural significance of O'Malley's life and challenges the conventional narratives surrounding powerful women.

Celebrating Female Empowerment

Historically, books have played a central role in shaping societal perceptions, and the decision by Books-A-Million to emphasize a story about a strong female character in its award selection is no accident. Kathy Gagliano, the Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Books-A-Million, stated, _"After months of reading, recommending, and discussing this year's titles, our booksellers unanimously chose The Pirate Queen as a standout favorite across the company’s many book clubs."_

Brittany Smith, the Senior Fiction Buyer, echoed this sentiment, expressing that the book serves as a reminder that women have always held the power to define their destinies. _"Grace O'Malley fought against the limitations imposed by a male-dominated world, proving that the fight for one's place is timeless and universal, even today,"_ Smith remarked. This underlying message of resilience and determination encapsulates the spirit of the book and resonates with readers across generations.

Author Ariel Lawhon's Thoughts

Ariel Lawhon herself expressed her gratitude following the announcement. _"I’m so honored that The Pirate Queen has been chosen as Books-A-Million's Book of the Year. Grace O'Malley’s story caught my heart immediately; she embodies the traits that draw me to strong female characters—intensity, humor, rebellion, and loyalty. I’m delighted that new audiences will now discover this fierce Irish woman’s life and legacy,"_ said Lawhon, underlining her excitement for the wider visibility her book will gain through this designation.

Accessible to Readers Everywhere

Fans of The Pirate Queen can easily find copies at any Books-A-Million store or through their online platform at BooksAMillion.com. Additionally, to celebrate this recognition, Books-A-Million will host exclusive author events featuring Ariel Lawhon, beginning with a gathering at the historic Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 5. This will be followed by a special in-store event on October 13 in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and another at Drexel University in Philadelphia on October 15.

Join the Celebration!

The celebrations won’t just end with events. Readers are encouraged to share their experiences and discussions of The Pirate Queen on social media utilizing the hashtag #BAMBoTY2026. By tagging @booksamillion, @DoubledayBooks, and @PenguinRandomHouse, fans can connect over the thematic elements of the novel that resonate deeply in today’s culture of empowerment and personal growth.

About Books-A-Million

As the second-largest bookstore chain in the U.S., Books-A-Million operates over 220 locations primarily located along the East Coast and in the Midwest. Founded in 1917, the company started as a small newsstand in Florence, Alabama, and has grown to be a major player in the retail book industry, offering a wide selection of novels, magazines, and gifts, alongside an extensive online shopping platform and the popular Millionaire's Club loyalty program.

This year’s selection as Book of the Year underscores not just the qualities of The Pirate Queen, but also Books-A-Million's commitment to honoring and promoting literature that enables readers—especially women—to see themselves as owners of their narratives. The collaborative efforts of booksellers and readers alike ensure that stories like O'Malley’s are celebrated and recognized, sparking conversations about legacy, power, and the freedom to dream beyond prescribed boundaries.