Thursday Themes

Bestseller Spotlight: Guide Us (aka Birds, Beer, and the PNW)

On Wednesdays, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Bestseller list is published. Every week, we love to see what has been most popular in independent bookstores around our region. As we peruse the list, we ponder patterns. Then we present this weekly feature: Thursday Themes. It looks like people shopping in Pacific Northwest local, independent bookstores have been guided by curiosity (and maybe humor) recently. Also noteworthy: These bestsellers are all paperbacks, so they are easy to carry! On Island Time Chandler O’Leary (#4 …

Mar 16, 2023

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Mar

20

2023

The Writing Retreat book cover

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The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

This story takes “never meet your heroes” to a whole new level. I loved the use of tension in the book, and how the author played with supernatural elements while still keeping the story grounded in reality. Twisty, dark, and even fun! — Ann Branson, Beach Books, Seaside, OR Break out of any reading slump …

Mar

17

2023

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The Candy House by Jennifer Egan

Egan weaves together these seemingly disparate characters and storylines into a stunning ending. The Candy House is about family, connection, legacy, technology, and so much more. It is her best work yet. — Ariana Paliobagis, Country Bookshelf, Bozeman, MT Pick up fresh paperbacks from Country Bookshelf and other independent bookstores.

Mar

14

2023

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March Is Disability Awareness Month

March is Disability Awareness Month, “an opportunity to raise awareness about the support and rights of people with disabilities and to appreciate their contributions to our communities and society” (as stated by Vanderbilt University). Northwestbooklovers.org recognizes and appreciates booksellers, authors, and readers with disabilities. Here are a few we would like to shine a spotlight …

Mar

13

2023

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Daughters of Oduma by Moses Ose Utomi

This has become one of my favorite books! The characters are so vivid and compelling, it’s impossible not to cheer for e and year from their succcess and happiness. The narrative surprised me in delightful ways, and I was swept along through the nuanced exploration of tradition and what it means to be strong. –Mikah, …

Mar

10

2023

Cover of "Sugar and Salt" by Susan Wiggs (showing a woman's torso and hands with a pink cake on a white cake stand.)

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Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs

Two women from different generations and cultures bond over a shared restaurant space. One side is a trendy new barbeque spot and the other an iconic neighborhood bakery. Each has a hidden secret from her past that required her to recreate herself. When love appears in their carefully-controlled lives, can they open to romance again? …

Mar

9

2023

Thursday Themes

Bestseller Spotlight: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other

Every Wednesday, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association publishes the regional bestseller list. On Thursdays, we celebrate Thursday Themes to shine a spotlight on some of the books from the list and give our brains a different way of thinking about books. We noticed some recurring numbers in titles this week. Dinner in One Melissa Clark …

Mar

8

2023

Enchantment by Katherine May (blue cover with the illustration of a feather)

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Enchantment by Katherine May

I recall reading Katherine May’s previous book– Wintering— and getting so much out of it. I have enjoyed recommending it and gifting it to others who have also appreciated it. But now, as I attempt to write this review, I must confess that I am almost speechless. Not only does Katherine’s writing flow like a …

Mar

7

2023

author Tanyo Ravics

NW Voices

Nature

“Looks like northeasterly winds fifteen knots with scattered clouds and light rain,” the Alaska Airlines pilot announces (or something like this) when you land at the Kodiak Airport. You drive into town with waterfalls and scree slopes on your left, the seaport on your right, and a magpie dashing along beside you. Maybe you’ve come …

Mar

6

2023

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Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair by June Gervais

In 1985, it isn’t easy for a woman to break into the tattoo business, especially not in a small town like Blue Claw. When Gina turns 18, her brother reluctantly lets her apprentice at his tattoo shop, and the next year is filled with unexpected surprises. I was completely wrapped up in Gina’s coming-of-age story. …

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