I felt so connected to this book and its characters in a way I never have before. This book follows a 30-year-old trans guy who, after losing his job and housing stability, returns to his hometown– only to find himself face-to-face with his pre-transition teenage self in the bookstore he once worked at. It’s funny, …
Many booksellers from the Pacific Northwest are in Pittsburgh for the annual American Booksellers Association Winter Institute. Some participants got to tour independent bookstores. When we go to bookstores in different parts of the country and the world, we love to spot PNW authors and illustrators on the shelves. At Riverstone Books in the Squirrel …
Two Face Outs/ “walk me to the shelf” recs for Brian Juenemann, the Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, from India at Spoke & Word Books in Milwaukie, OR: Klan members are turning into nasty little monsters (their outsides matching their insides) called ku kluxes. Our trio of badasses is unaliving them in …
A fast read that’s a unique take on the magical girl genre using its tropes for some insightful social commentary on topics like debt and depression, climate change, not living up to your perceived potential, and the darker realities women often face. “The first battle a magical girl must fight is the fight to save …
This is my all-time favorite graphic novel– it’s the perfect blend of funny, heartfelt, and subversive. I cannot recommend it enough. If you haven’t read it, you’re in for a treat! –Jess, Powell’s on Hawthorne, Portland, OR Last week, during Portland Book Week, booksellers, authors, illustrators, and publishing folk from around the country gathered in …
I can understand why Facebook didn’t want this book published. There are moments that are so cringy (bad behavior, obtuse people, insensitive bosses) that I have to remind myself it’s NON-FICTION! Sarah starts at Facebook as an idealistic former diplomat, intent on helping the company reach out to continue where it can be used as …
[From] a new publishing press founded in Seattle, this anthology is so wonderful. There’s truly something for everything and everyone. There’s a spice level guide as well, depending on whatever your speed is. Also this cover is so beautiful. –Katherine, Grand Gesture Books, Portland, OR You can always find love at independent bookstores, but especially …
If you ever wondered what kinds of conversations bookstores have behind the scenes about small business economics, community, obstacles, and current legislative landscapes, this is for you. Caine profiles a host of excellent stores who have faced different types of struggles that apply to other bookstores and small businesses in general. Read this …
Are you looking for a fast-paced mystery that’ll keep you guessing till the last page? Look no further than Killing Me. The opening scene starts with Amber being trapped in a serial killer’s van. He goes by “the Pikachu Killer.” Escaping by a hair (after being shaved and painted blue) by a woman in a …
One of my favorite books, fast, feminist, and fun. A 20-year-old female rap artist has her first headlining show with an all-female national tour. Deza makes a lot of mistakes but works hard to make it in the industry. Will the tour go okay? Will Deza fall in love with the replacement DJ? Find out …
