Wellesley Books Newsletter | March 29th, 2023 |
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Spring is bustin' out all over. With the expansion of our events calendar, and those increasingly bountiful New Release Tuesdays, so groweth the newsletter. In an effort to bring you more information with less scrolling, you can now see expanded lists of the last two weeks' new books on our website! Click the links below the New Releases sections you know and (hopefully) love to see a more complete picture of what's going on in our store than could reasonably fit into one e-mail. |
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Wellesley Books is hiring! We are looking for a part-time Gift Merchandiser to work 10-15 hours per week. If you love our store’s delightfully eclectic selection of gifts, games, and more, this may be a great opportunity for you. Visit our Job Opportunities page for more details.
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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, March 30th at 7 PM (in-person) |
Julie Carrick Dalton, author of Waiting for the Night Song, joins us to discuss her new novel, The Last Beekeeper, a celebration of found family, an exploration of truth versus power, and the triumph of hope in the face of crisis.
"Dalton's passion and love for the natural world vibrates gloriously off every page. The Last Beekeeper is not only an intriguing mystery but an important reminder of what we stand to lose."
–Charlotte McConaghy, author
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Saturday, April 1st at 2 PM (in-person) |
Click here to read a recent Boston Globe feature on the authors and their path to gluten-free Italian cooking.
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Monday, April 3rd at 7 PM (in-person) |
April is National Poetry Month! Wellesley Books will host events throughout the month to celebrate. First up is an evening with poets DeWitt Henry (author of Restless for Words), Caitlin Krause (author of Digital Satori), and Adam Scheffler (author of Heartworm). |
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Wednesday, April 5th at 4 PM (in-person) |
Jerry Craft, author/illustrator of the Newbery Medal-winning New Kid and Class Act, joins us to discuss School Trip, the new book in his graphic novel series. Craft sends Jordan, Drew, and a small group of students from Riverdale Academy on a school trip to Paris in this story about friendship, growing up, uncomfortable but necessary conversations, and navigating the world.
"With his signature laugh-out-loud storytelling, which teems with nuanced character dynamics, tender moments of acceptance and connection, and a multicultural cast, Craft offers a zestful graphic novel adventure that mixes lighthearted fare with thought-provoking observations on lasting friendship in the face of future-based anxieties." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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Wednesday, April 5th at 7 PM (in-person) |
"At once a moving character study and a deeply researched look at a dispiriting era from the country’s past, this is history at its most vivid."
–Publishers Weekly
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Thursday, April 6th at 7 PM (in-person) |
Bill Littlefield, novelist and host of NPR's "Only A Game," presents Mercy, a novel made up of interrelated stories in which various characters are seeking mercy, whether or not they know it.
"In clear prose and crisp dialogue, Bill Littlefield deftly explores the themes of life and death, love and betrayal, family and forgiveness. We should all have mercy in our hearts and Mercy on our bookshelves."
–Jim Hirsch, author
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Monday, April 10th at 7 PM (in-person) |
In our second event to celebrate National Poetry Month, we'll host poets Ann Bookman (author of Blood Lines) and Julia Lisella (author of Our Lively Kingdom). |
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Wednesday, April 12th at 7 PM (in-person) |
Learn about writing memory with these two wonderful authors:
Marjorie Agosín is the author of Cross and A Star, a memoir that explores the Nazi presence in the south of Chile after World War II, written in the voice Agosín's immigrant mother. A moving testament to endurance and to the power of memory and words.
Susan Lynn Meyer is a middle-grade author whose books include Black Radishes, a WWII/Holocaust story in which a boy learns what it means to be Jewish and French at a time when everything is changing. Her latest is A Sky Full of Song, a novel about a Jewish family in the early 1900s American frontier.
The authors will be in conversation with literary translator Celeste Kostopulos-Cooperman.
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Bookseller Recommendations |
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As with Wintering, May's new book, Enchantment, belongs on your shelf next to your books on hygge, frilutsliv, rest as resistance, and getting untamed. She returns to us the magic of the world around us, literally, as Earth, Air, Water, and Fire are the leading themes of each section. Thoughtfully composed, precisely written, intently researched, and focusing on the simple pleasures, May truly gives us what we yearn for, whether we know it or not. I feel infinitely calmer, more centered, and less alone when I read her words. |
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Pineapple Street was a terrific palate cleanser after reading several heavier books. It's a fast, fun and funny read that offers up the perfect blend of family dysfunction and inherited wealth as told through the perspectives of three female characters (two sisters who were born into extreme wealth and their lower-middle class sister-in-law). I knew from the opening lines that this book would pull me in and have my full attention and it did not disappoint! I was sick while I read this and subsequently up all night and I couldn't have asked for a better companion. |
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As a fan of Seed to Dust, I gladly reentered the world, life and inner workings of Marc Hamer again with his new book Spring Rain. There are two stories being told--one about his difficult childhood, when he escaped to the world in his small backyard, and one about his current life as the older, retired gardener, planting one last garden, slowing down and reflecting on the past. His memoirs work as meditations on life and nature and are wonderful to read and relax into. Spring is the perfect time to read this book. |
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Bookseller Recommendations for Young Readers |
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A sweet and empathetic look at a kid on the autism spectrum, and how he copes with changes to his classroom routines. Everyone knows that Share Time happens on Friday; when a parade brings changes to the school week's schedule, Henry is not happy. Parades are loud, Share Time will happen on the wrong day, and the Big Calendar will not look the same. But an unexpected Share from one of Henry's classmates makes things much better. I liked the matter-of-fact acceptance of Henry's differences, and the satisfying-but-not-saccharine ending. |
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One of my many pleasures reading to young children is asking them questions, or answering their questions, whether it be in relation to text and/or the illustrations. Twenty Questions fits this bill perfectly, as each spread invites observation, imagination, and storytelling. From the whacky (how did that cow end up on top of a wind turbine) to the sensitive (why is the elephant upset) to counting (how many animals can you see), each of twenty questions paired with their bright and bold illustrations actively engages readers and listeners, with the fun option of creating new stories and conversations the next time you pick up the book. |
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A Child's Library and Middle-Grade Monthly are our two book subscriptions for children aged 0-5 and 8-12, respectively. Each month, our children's book buyer Lauren and school liaison Amy select a newly-published picture book or middle-grade novel. Subscriptions can be purchased on a month-to-month basis, or for a year, and may be shipped to the child's home or picked up in-store. They make a great gift!
Our March 2023 selections are Hoops by Matt Tavares and Rainbow Shopping by Qing Zhuang. Please click on the book covers for more information. |
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We've become known, around town, as the go-to Easter basket (and more) destination, and this year is no exception. In addition to fan-favorite Jellycat rabbits of all shades and sizes, we also have these rather more grown-up bunnies, made of vintage chenille fabric. Pair with a carrot tray, or a matching plush carrot, for a pretty centerpiece. |
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What We're Reading Now... |
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Charlie Brown is a seven-month old rescue from Tennessee who was spotted, looking cute, by bookseller Elle. He looks a little bit like a previous Southern Dog of the Week named Lali--wonder if they could be cousins? He loves visiting the bookstore and looking at all of his favorite books, which are the ones with dogs in them. Stop by often, Charlie Brown! |
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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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