Thursday Themes

Bestseller Spotlight: A Few Questions

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. This week, we noticed a question theme. Two books have “Questions” in their titles, and one book is a collection of questions and answers from an advice column. I Have Some Questions for You Rebecca Makkai (#7 Hardcover fiction) …

Mar 23, 2023

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Mar

24

2023

Dear Mothman book cover (illustration of a child illuminated, under giant moth)

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Dear Mothman by Robin Gow

After Noah’s best friend passes away, he decides to continue their science project on Mothman, the infamous cryptid. As Noah processes his grief, he writes letters to Mothman– about being trans, autistic, and feeling different from other kids. After all, Mothman is misunderstood too; he may understand Noah better than anyone. Dear Mothman is often …

Mar

22

2023

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Heartwood: The Art of Living with the End in Mind by Barbara Becker

An inspiring, moving reflection on embracing loss, grief, and yes, death, as a way to make our lives richer and more love-filled. Becker touches our hearts and opens our minds with stories from her personal life and hospice experiences, showing us that like a tree’s “heartwood,” the dead and dying become a source of strength …

Mar

21

2023

Join the Trans Rights Readathon:
March 20-27

Booktoker and author Sim Kern (@simkern) created the Trans Rights Readathon, taking place March 20th-27th! Special thanks to Simon & Schuster for sharing this in their Simon 💛 Indies e-newsletter. Simon & Schuster created an edelweiss collection of books with trans representation. Libro.fm also created a list of recommendations to support trans authors and the Trans …

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

16

2023

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 …

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? …

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