The Left-Handed Booksellers of London filled a void in me. Yes, I know that’s dramatic to say, but you know when you read a book and you feel like no other book can live up to it so you’re almost afraid to pick one up when you finish? That’s what I felt with this one. This …
Last week, booksellers, authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals from around the country gathered in Baltimore for the American Booksellers Association annual education conference, Winter Institute. Among the featured authors was WA’s own Deb Caletti, promoting her upcoming young adult book, Girl, Unframed. On her way home, Caletti experienced a particularly uplifting experience. She posted about …
I read an early copy of Ruta Sepetys’ The Fountains of Silence, and it was absolutely fantastic. If you aren’t familiar with this author, she writes books about history that we often aren’t familiar with or taught in school. The Fountains of Silence takes place in Madrid, 1957 when Spain was under the fascist dictatorship …
I read Frankly in Love when the publishers sent an early copy, and I knew this was going to be a big deal in the young adult communities (or anyone who reads YA). There are a lot of elements to love about it, one of which is Frank’s voice. He’s real, he’s funny and he’s …
Larkin is discharged from the Army after a suicide attempt. Her family warmly welcomes “soldier girl” home, but there is no peace or healing, knowing she is responsible for the death of her best friend and a youngster she had befriended in Afghanistan. One pinpoint of light for Larkin is the discovery of a very …
Riverwalk Books of Chelan, WA celebrated its 25-year Anniversary this month. Booksellers from all over the country (as well as one very special best-selling author) recorded a video full of messages of congratulations and thanks for Libby Manthey, the store’s owner. Treat yourself to these heartfelt (and often funny) testimonials from superstars from the literary …
Nima may be awkward and a little lost in life, but she’s funnier than she thinks and so endearing. You can’t help but fall for her voice and feel for her situation. While she may think life is boring and want some changes, she doesn’t quite bargain for all she gets. Filled with kings, queens, …
Have you ever read a book that you finish and say you are a different person when you finish it? That’s this book. There are books that are powerful and important, and then there are books that are POWERFUL and IMPORTANT. This is the latter. This book impacted me on all levels. Beautiful, romantic, smart, …
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo came out last week. It’s a stunning book (look under the dust jacket!) and [Vintage Books and some other independent bookstores] have signed copies! [While supplies last…] I really loved this book! It’s a contemporary young adult about a young teen mother. In her search for identity …
This week, booksellers from around the country with a specific interest in children’s books gathered in New Orleans for the American Booksellers Association’s annual Children’s Institute, an annual educational conference that was hosted last year in Portland. I attended in my role as children’s book buyer for Queen Anne Book Company in Seattle, but I …
