Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello, was a delightful read (and the featured book on the holiday gift guide)! Trey’s family has owned Wonderland, the bookstore in Stoke Newington, for several generations, but this might be the year that ends. Wonderland is in trouble, and Trey will have to lean on his friends—old and new—to …
From the blog of Island Books of Mercer Island, WA: It’s finally (almost) here! Our Golden Jubilee, our 50th Anniversary as a Mercer Island landmark. A place where generations of families have walked through the doors and browsed for hours upon hours, year after year. Shopped for gifts, brought their kids—and then grandkids—to storytime and …
James Crossley (Madison Books) and Miriam Landis (author of the new middle-grade novel Lauren in the Limelight) were colleagues at Island Books, Mercer Island, WA. They reunited for this exclusive interview for nwbooklovers.org. James: We’ve known each other a long time, and while you’ve worn many hats over the years, I know you best from …
Our friends at Island Books of Mercer Island, WA are celebrating their 50th year in business. For their Golden Anniversary, they are posting wonderful store histories by writer and former bookseller Miriam Landis on their blog. https://www.tumblr.com/mercerislandbooks/715794400935084032/miriam-and-lola-deane-in-conversation
I’m a fan of romance any time of year, but I don’t want to let February go by without highlighting a favorite (or two, stay tuned for next week!). Emma Lord is on my must-read list since I devoured her PNW-set YA You Have a Match, and I was thrilled to see she had a …
Island Books of Mercer Island, WA has compiled their list of favorite children’s picture books of the year. Here is a sampling: Agatha May and the Angler Fish written by Nora Morrison and Jessie Ann Foley, illustrated by Mika Song I Don’t Care written by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal Kumo: …
I am always up for a novel in letters (84, Charing Cross Road, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Meet Me at the Museum). I like the challenge of piecing together a picture of each character through the way the letter writers describe the landscape of their lives. This novel has the added …
I have a handful of authors who belong to a select category labeled “I will read anything you write.” I find their prose irresistibly compelling, no matter the subject, no matter if the characters are likable, no matter if (gasp!) the ending is hopeful. Ann Patchett. Emily St. John Mandel. And Maggie O’Farrell. When I read the description …
Five stories and one novella that pack a punch! How does she make her stories feel like science fiction, present day reality and historical fiction all at once? I am looking forward to more from this original writer! –Nancy, Island Books, Mercer Island, WA This was one of Island Books’ top fiction books from …
808s and Otherworlds by Sean Avery Medlin is a vibrant collection that bridges poetry and essay. With a hip hop vibe, Medlin explores their coming of age as a queer black person in suburban Arizona. Medlin’s writing has changed the way I look at poetry. –Caitlin, Island Books, Mercer Island, WA This was one of …
