Wellesley Books Newsletter | April 27th, 2022 |
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In honor of the last days of National Poetry Month, perhaps this introduction should have been a sestina--though, what six words would we choose?--or, at the very least, a limerick. Bid farewell to April by browsing our poetry display, and, oh, last Saturday in April...it's also time for Independent Bookstore Day! This Saturday, April 30th, we'll be celebrating with literary trivia and a meet-and-greet with one of our favorite middle-grade authors. Meanwhile, our audiobook partners at Libro.fm are celebrating with some special deals for first-time members, and sales on some staff-favorite titles. ( Gideon the 9th? Writers & Lovers? The Charm Offensive?! Yes, please!) Come in, say hi, and win a wrapped pre-publication galley if you correctly answer a trivia question! (If you're able to actually complete a sestina...maybe you can serve as guest newsletter editor for a week? No pressure, though.) |
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Prison Book Program Independent Bookstore Day Match |
Books give people the chance to learn, grow, and explore the worlds of their choosing; in doing so, they change lives. Since 1972, the Prison Book Program has been sending free books to individuals in prisons. In the last three years, we have sent more than 60 bags and boxes of new books to the Prison Book Program, all thanks to you! Owing to a generous grant, all purchases through Wellesley Books from the Prison Book Program wishlist will be matched, up to $1000, from Thursday, April 28th through Sunday, May 1st.
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Friday, April 29th at 7:00 PM (online) |
Kids, don your jammies and join us for a Bedtime Story with the author herself! Yuyi Morales, Caldecott Honoree and author/illustrator of Dreamers, reads Bright Star, her inspiring, reassuring, and beautifully illustrated story that invites readers to listen, observe, accept themselves, and dare to shout! |
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Saturday, April 30th at 2:00 PM (in-person) |
Jennifer Blecher, middle-grade author of Out of Place and Stick with Me, joins us during Independent Bookstore Day for a meet-and-greet in front of the store from 2–3pm. Her new book, Camp Famous—which doesn’t officially come out until May 10th—will be available at this event! No registration required, so don't hesitate to come any time between 2 and 3 to say hi! |
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Thursday, May 5th at 7:00 PM (in-person) |
Coinneach MacLeod, Scottish baker and TikTok sensation, joins us in-person at Wellesley Books to discuss his charming and informative cookbook, The Hebridean Baker: Recipes and Wee Stories from the Scottish Islands. Focusing on small bakes that use a simple set of ingredients, these recipes will unleash your inner Scottish baker—it's all about rustic home baking and old family favorites because, as the Hebridean Baker always says, "Homemade is always best!" |
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Thursday, May 12th at 7:00 PM (online) |
Wellesley Books is one of a few select independent bookstores to offer you the exciting Spring Fling Subscription Box. Each month this spring you'll receive one of this season's most anticipated new releases: Her Last Affair by John Searles (March); Sister Stardust by Jane Green (April); and Something Wilder by Christina Lauren (May).
In addition to receiving the books and some extra special swag, subscribers are invited to join a live online author event with the three authors on May 12th!
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Saturday, May 14th at 11:00 AM (in-person) |
Kids and parents, join us for Ben & Jerry's ice cream and learn about a wonderful new picture book! Lisa Robinson, author of Pippa's Night Parade, presents The Sweetest Scoop, a biography for kids about Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield and their rocky road to success.
Lisa will be in conversation with Jacqueline Davies, author of The Lemonade War series. |
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Wednesday, May 18th at 7:00 PM (in-person) |
B.A. Shapiro, author of The Art Forger and The Collector's Apprentice, joins us to discuss Metropolis, her new psychological suspense novel. Shapiro's latest follows a compelling cast of characters whose lives intersect when a harrowing accident occurs at the Metropolis Storage Warehouse in Cambridge, MA.
Barbara will be in conversation with Maryanne O’Hara, author of Little Matches. |
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Many Graces' Flower Subscription returns! |
We're delighted to once again serve as a pick-up location for Many Graces' beautiful, sustainably-produced flowers, delivered to our store from their farm in Hadley, Massachusetts. In their own words, "our mission as both farmers and designers is to be inspired by the flowers themselves, and thus our floral designs are always unique, striking, and artistic. Subscription members will enjoy a wide range of flowers, all of which are grown, harvested, and lovingly-arranged by our well-trained team. Our flowers are grown on certified-organic land and we employ sustainable, thoughtful practices on our farm and in our design studio."
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Bookseller Recommendations |
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As a Thoreau scholar, I loved this book, but you don't need to be an expert to enjoy this clever and thoughtful book. Shattuck lives my belief that you create your own Waldens. In life, you may not get the adventures that you were looking for, but, in going off the trail, you'll discover your own experiences. |
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The Great Gatsby meets Practical Magic in this darkly atmospheric tale of magic and murder in the Roaring 20s. Enter a dangerous and dazzling world of glittering parties, illicit temptations, and sinister witchcraft alongside sheltered Annie, whose attraction to her glamorous new neighbor Emmeline awakens her to her own powers and desires… May’s prose was the highlight of this read for me. Her writing is both lyrical and visceral, drawing you inexorably into her world. I’m excited to see what she writes next. |
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A marvelous and mesmerizing reimagining of Kaikeyi, a mythological queen in the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. With vibrant prose and meticulous care, Patel has woven a new story for a powerful, fascinating, and complicated woman. Ideal for fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe, Katherine Arden’s The Bear & The Nightingale, Shelley Parker-Chan’s She Who Became the Sun, and Hannah Whitten’s For the Wolf. |
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Bookseller Recommendations for Young Readers |
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Few people write historical fiction as Ruta Sepetys does, this time taking us to 1989 Romania, as citizens fight for freedom from the Communist regime. The story of Christian, an aspiring writer, will tug at your heartstrings as he navigates romance, revolt and espionage. A page-turner!! |
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A lovely parable about growing and letting go that might just cause parents to shed a tear at storytime. Lizzy adopts a cloud, names him Milo, and waters him lovingly...but clouds aren't meant to be confined. As with all of the Fan Brothers' books, there's a ton to look at on every page--I really like the urban setting--and the story sometimes advances through illustration alone. Another winner from this duo! |
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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 and school liaison Cassie select 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.
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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 and Cassie select 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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Mother's Day is right around the corner--on Sunday, May 8th, to be precise. We have an abundance of cards to suit many tastes, whether you're sending a greeting to your mom, or your new-mom BFF who needs some love and support, your grandma, or just someone who mommed you. You can treat Mom to an indulgent body lotion, fancy seasonings and oils, a new spring scarf, pretty gardening accoutrements, or a reminder for her desk that she's the best mom ever. |
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What We're Reading Now... |
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The ageless Nico was our Dog of the Week once upon a time--maybe in 2009?--but we thought that he and his ears deserved another turn in the spotlight. He's a 14-year-old Lab mix who has been coming to the bookstore almost weekly for all of those years. He's a friendly boy, with the softest ears ever, who enjoys hunting (but not catching) rabbits, sleeping by the radiator, and playing with his platypus stuffy. He doesn't enjoy loud noises or the vet's office, but is otherwise pretty chill. See you soon, friend! |
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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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