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Wellesley Books Newsletter
July 31st, 2019
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August is such a wonderfully bittersweet time in New England--everyone's aware that the race is on to squeeze as much out of summer as possible, but the ponds are at their warmest, the ocean's finally swimmable, the bright evenings invite long walks, and life still moves a bit more slowly. Here at the bookstore, we're busily putting together our fall author events schedule, which looks to be especially packed this year. In September and early October, we'll be hosting
a dog lover extraordinaire,
a veteran writer,
an awesome school librarian (and Wellesley Books regular),
a buzzworthy middle-grade writer (also a Wellesley Books regular), and a
bookseller-favorite memoirist...and this is just the start! Enjoy your last weeks of summer reading; nothing cushions the blow of having to return to real life like new books.
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Calling all aspiring writers! Wellesley Books is interested in assembling a monthly fiction workshop for young writers, aged 14 to 18, to be led by our children's book expert Cassie. Cassie Duncanson has taught creative writing at Portland State University in Oregon and at the Juniper Institute for Young Writers in Amherst. She is also an avid reader of YA fiction. If you would like to participate, or you know a teenager who might be interested, please contact Cassie at
cassie@wellesleybooks.com.
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Upcoming Events
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All events are free to the public, unless otherwise noted.
Purchase the lead title
from Wellesley Books to enter the signing line
.
Thursday, September 5th, 7:00 PM
Karl Marlantes, whose debut novel
Matterhorn was hailed as a modern classic of war literature, returns with a new novel,
Deep River. Marlantes turns to a different mode of storytelling--the family epic--to craft a stunningly expansive narrative of human suffering, courage, and reinvention. This is a ticketed event.
Tickets are $5 and can be used towards the purchase of
Deep River.
Wednesday, September 11, 7:00 PM
In his new book
The Dog Went Over the Mountain, Massachusetts writer Peter Zheutlin and his beloved rescue dog take a poignant, often bemusing, and keenly observed journey across America and discover a new-found appreciation for the life they temporarily left behind, and a determination to live more fully in the moment as old age looms. This is a free event; however, we request that you
RSVP.
Saturd
ay, September 14, 2:00 PM
Join local author Nandini Bajpai to celebrate A Match Made In Mehendi, a lighthearted young adult novel about tradition, high school social hierarchy, matchmaking, and swiping right (or left!). This sweet and quirky story stars a fifteen year-old girl from a long line of Indian matchmakers who upends the high school hierarchy when her matchmaking app pairs a wallflower with a star soccer player.
Saturday, September 28, 10:00 AM
Lisa Rogers, local elementary school librarian extraordinaire, presents 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and "The Red Wheelbarrow." This simple nonfiction picture book about a beloved American poet is also about how being mindful can result in the creation of a great poem. Young listeners will see how paying attention to the simplest everyday objects can inspire the greatest art.
Tuesday, October 1, 7:00 PM
Maureen Stanton presents her debut memoir Body Leaping Backward. Distinctly New England in setting, this straight-shooting and astutely observed memoir is spot-on with social and cultural references that will resonate with anyone who grew up in 1970s America.
This is a free event; however, we request that you RSVP.
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Book Groups
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Rachael's Book Club for Kids
Ryan Andrews
Rachael Conrad carefully curates choices for children ages 8-12 who love to read. Join her for a lively discussion about a new book every month.
Parents, if your child would like to attend please e-mail rachael@wellesleybooks.com to reserve your spot!
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Bill's Book Group for Guys
This semi-autobiographical Vietnam War thriller is rife in detailed battle scenes with the North Vietnamese Army and the complex politics and race relations of the late 1960s. Written over the course of 30 years by a highly decorated veteran, this reads like an early Tom Clancy novel.
Join Bill's Book Group for Guys for a relaxed evening in the store discussing a specially-chosen book while enjoying a beer, glass of wine, or select single-malt whiskey. $25 buys the book and a ticket to the event.
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Betty's Lunchtime Book Group
by Richard Powers
Betty Sudarsky, unparalleled bookseller and experienced book club leader, chooses each book carefully and leads the discussion. Bring your own lunch if you like; Betty supplies snacks, drinks, and insight. No need to sign up; drop-ins are welcome.
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Bookseller Recommendations
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In Richard Russo's new novel, three best college friends gather on the Vineyard some 45 years after their graduation and a life-changing weekend they had spent together. As close as they had once been, each harbors secrets which Russo skillfully weaves into a suspenseful plot. Piecing together that fateful weekend they reveal themselves and it's a toss-up whether character or narrative wins the day. Richard Russo is such great company to keep; this novel will remain with you.
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Where there's a private school for magical people, chances are that there will be--or already has been--a murder. And, as it turns out, Osthorne Academy is no exception. Magic for Liars is a strange and unsettling mystery that makes for a real page-turner.
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A dash of historical fiction, a pinch of coming-of-age: New York City showgirls circa 1940 lead you through riotous and raucous late-night shenanigans. It's told in letter format but reads like a memoir, and is masterfully crafted with wit and wisdom. A great summer read--dive in!
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Jess recommends:
The Need by Helen Phillips
Helen Phillips weaves together the story of Molly's work place, an archeological dig site where she uncovers a Bible and a Coke can that are just slightly off, and Molly's home where a masked intruder appears to know the house only as Molly can. This is a thriller to keep you up at night!
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New In Hardcover
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Bookseller Recommendations For Young Readers
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Cassie recommends:
If you were to combine the literary genius of Jeff Vandermeer with the cinematic prowess of Guillermo del Toro you would end up with Rory Power. Her debut novel, Wilder Girls, is captivating and grotesquely delightful.
The Raxter School for girls was put under quarantine when a disease known only as The Tox hit the island. The teachers died. The girls were infected. And then they began changing--bodies distorting and growing spines, gills, silver hands. Hetty, Byatt, and Reese are as close as any three girls can be in a world where a normal life is a thing of the past. And then Byatt goes missing. And Hetty will do everything in her power to save her.
Wilder Girls is a powerhouse novel filled with a tangled web of secrets and something wriggling under the surface.
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New Books For Young Adults
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New in the Gift Department
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We've assembled a pretty fearsome debate team.
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Available for Pre-Order Now
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What We're Reading Now...
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Over the past two months, we've been collecting books for the Prison Book Program. So far you've donated two boxes of books and we want to thank you for your generosity! Our book drive is still going strong so visit the store or click below to learn more!
The Prison Book Program believes in the life-changing power of literature. Books give people the chance to learn, grow, and explore the worlds of their choosing. Since 1972, the Prison Book Program has been sending free books to individuals in prisons. Along with each hand-selected package, volunteers send personalized notes to each reader because everyone deserves the freedom to read.
Click here for the Prison Book Program wishlist.
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Pippi
Pippi (named after Pippi Longstocking) is a ten year-old Welsh Terrier. When asked if she had any special talents, interests or abilities--a standard feature of the Dog of the Week interview--her owners replied that, if you hide a baby carrot somewhere in the house, she'll find it. It's a good thing that she loves vegetables so much, because she needs to eat a gluten-free diet. She's also charmingly wiggly and incredibly soft. Thanks for the snuggles, Pippi!
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Thank you for supporting your community
independent bookstore!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Stimpson
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