Wellesley Books Newsletter | October 26th, 2022 |
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The last two weeks have seen the publication of some big-deal, much-ballyhooed new books from the likes of Cormac McCarthy, John Irving, George Saunders, Stacy Schiff, Jon Meacham and more. All very exciting, and many a bookseller's TBR pile will grow dramatically this October. But let's not overlook those slightly quirky books about subjects like slow birding and the joys of mutual aid that are also--somewhat more quietly--hitting our shelves. Booksellers delight in sharing the lesser-known books we feel passionately about with our customers, especially as the holidays roll around and folks present us with a huge variety of recommendation needs. (Queer-rep YA for your niece? We've got you.) What better way to say "thanks" to your favorite bookseller for that perfect recommendation than to nominate them for a James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus? In recognition of their importance to authors and publishing, Mr. Patterson has made it his mission to reward indie booksellers every year. Anyone can nominate a bookseller--friends, colleagues, family, bookstore regulars. There are some low-key amazing people in the world of bookselling--why not put a little spring in their step this December? |
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Please note that we are now featuring a mixture of online and-in-person events.
For further details about each event, please click the author photos below.
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Thursday, October 27th at 7 PM (in-person) |
Casey Sherman joins us to discuss his new book, Helltown, the untold true story of the serial killer who terrorized Cape Cod and captivated a nation.
In the winter of 1969, the bodies of four young women were discovered in a cemetery near the tip of Cape Cod. The perpetrator—a young, handsome serial killer named Tony Costa—soon led investigators on a deadly cat-and-mouse game, catching the eyes of literary icons and rivals Kurt Vonnegut and Norman Mailer.
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Tuesday, November 8th at 10 AM (in-person) |
Join us for a very special Storytime with not one but THREE fabulous picture book authors!
This is a free in-person event, but we ask that you RSVP with the link below--thank you!
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Tuesday, November 8th at 7 PM (in-person) |
With an array of menus to help plan any meal, big or small, this simple, nostalgic, sophisticated cookbook encourages everyone to find joy in the art of cooking and entertaining.
Your $10 ticket includes a food tasting at the event!
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Saturday, November 12th at 2 PM (in-person) |
Education journalist, parent educator, and the author of the “All the Time" picture book series, Deborah Farmer Kris, joins us to read her brand new book You Are Growing All the Time. This is a free event, but we ask that you RSVP with the link below--thank you! |
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The Boston Book Festival returns to Copley Square with a kick-off on Friday, October 28 and continuing all day on Saturday, October 29. Join 200 fiction, nonfiction, YA, and kids authors for a day of readings and discussions, book signings, workshops, kids activities, walking tours, the Copley Square Street Fair, live music, food trucks, and other lively events.
And it’s all FREE. Celebrate the power of words, together once again.
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Bookseller Recommendations |
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A story of life, loss and love, it illustrates how one moment in time can change multiple trajectories forever. It's fractured people and fractured families searching for "signal fires" to rise above and out of pain. It is also hopeful, and proves that connections of the heart are the beacons that hold us steady and help us to move forward. I cried happy tears at its end. |
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This novella, originally published as a short story in the New Yorker in 2010, is the story of a young Irish girl who is sent to live with another family on their farm while her mother reluctantly deals with the birth of a new baby. While on the farm, she receives kindnesses and attention that were previously unknown to her. Each sentence is more beautiful than the next, and the climactic ending will stay in your heart. I wished it were 300 pages longer. |
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Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a brilliant, page-turning novel. At face value, it is a book about gaming, and since I'm not into video games, I didn't think this one was for me. However, this book dives deep into friendship and love and the messiness of real life contrasted with the backdrop of meticulously created digital worlds. Tomorrow spans 30 years and takes the reader to both coasts of the United States. It touches on contemporary issues such as gun control, environmentalism, and gender equality. There are plenty of fun call-backs for readers of a certain age (Oregon Trail, Donkey Kong, etc.). You won't be able to stop thinking about this book! |
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Bookseller Recommendations for Young Readers |
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This is the most charming girl-meets-boy-and-breaks-family-curse meet-cute I've read in ages. I loved the interwoven family histories with contemporary Salem, Willow, and Mason. The supporting cast was delightful--the French cousin, the scheming great-aunts, the foster family, and the moms. Oh the moms--each struggling so hard against their own demons, and to do the right thing for Willow and Mason. There was so much depth and richness to these characters; and the sweet, slow-burn romance between W & M was perfect. I love this book for all seasons, not just the witching ones! |
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David Levithan is a titan in YA queer rep! As a result, he has dealt with his fair share of his books being challenged and banned. This book take an empathetic approach to the issue, allowing the reader to fully understand the consequences of book banning on kids. Despite the tough subject matter, you'll leave this book with hope. |
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Middle-Grade Monthly: A Subscription Club |
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Middle-Grade Monthly is our subscription service for kids ages 8-12! Each month our children's book buyer Lauren selects a newly-released chapter book. Get your hands on the newest and soon-to-be coveted books of the year. We offer monthly and yearly subscriptions, and you can pick up your book at the store or have it mailed to you. Click on the link below for FAQs about the program.
The October 2022 pick is Bhai for Now by Maleeha Siddiqui. To find out more about our subscription service, click here. |
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Picture Book Subscription Club: A Perfect Gift! |
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A Child's Library is our subscription service for children ages 0-5! Lauren selects one newly-released picture book each month to be sent or picked-up from the store. The goal of A Child's Library is to help foster a love for books within the child's home. It makes a great baby shower gift!
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Show a fun guy (or gal) that there's mush-room in your heart, or grow some love with these flower kits. |
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What We're Reading Now... |
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Maisie is a 5-year old retriever with a classic Golden smile. She's best buds with her two cat roommates, Oreo and Tiger, and loves visiting the bookstore when she can tear herself away from their company. Her talents include snuggling and playing in the backyard. Truly, is there anything else you could want from a dog? |
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Thank you for supporting your community independent bookstore!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Stimpson
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82 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
781-431-1160
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