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Mar

30

2023

Thursday Themes

Bestseller Spotlight: Cats!

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. On Tuesday this week, a lot of stores celebrated the release of the new Dog Man book, but last week’s bestsellers featured a few cats. Meow! The Cat Who Saved Books Sosuke Natsukawa (#15 Paperback fiction) The First …

Mar

29

2023

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Dear Little One written by Nina Laden, illustrated by Melissa Castrillon

One of my favorite illustrators, Melissa Castrillon, brings vibrant and whimsical art to the story of one little one wandering through the beautiful natural world. In celebration of mother nature, slowing down, and being thankful. –Molly, Paulina Springs Books, Sisters, OR Discover treasures for the little ones and the not-little ones in your life at …

Mar

28

2023

NW Voices

TikTok, Dumpster Diving, and Earl Sweatshirt

Pedro Hoffmeister’s disaster thriller American Afterlife and Meredith Hambrock’s dark humored crime novel Other People’s Secrets were both released by Crooked Lane Books in recent months. The publishing house mates connected to talk about writing, process, and what’s next. PH: First, let’s each answer a few of the same rapid-fire questions. Then we’ll go deeper. …

Mar

27

2023

Face Out

This is Not a Personal Statement
by Tracy Badua

This was bonkers in the best way possible. After not getting accepted to her dream college, “perfect Perla Perez” devises a plan to change their mind before her parents find out. Of course, it involves lying to them and everyone else she knows that she did get accepted, that she is living in the dorms, …

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

23

2023

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, …

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.

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