Wellesley Books Newsletter | June 23rd, 2021
Summer reading means different things to different folks at different ages. It could mean "beach reads," which, when done well, go down as effortlessly as whatever ice-cold liquid is sweating into your non-book hand while you lie on your towel. There's the kind of summer reading you have to do when you're a student--though even that has come a long way in recent years. Then there's that variety of summer reader who likes to use the extra time to knock out an overlooked classic. Whatever you want or need to read this summer, we've got you. Ease into one of our favorite light reads, or come stock up on your rising 10th-grade Honors English titles (even though you're totally going to read them in late August).
Upcoming Online Events
Friday, June 25th at 7:00 PM
Get ready for a bedtime story--Liz Garton Scanlon reads I Want a Boat! In this transporting picture book, a box is not just a box when you have a vivid imagination and a couple of stuffed animal friends to join you on a fantastic ocean voyage.
Tuesday, June 29th at 7:00 PM
Jamie Brenner, author of The Forever Summer and The Wedding Sisters, presents Blush, a bighearted story of love, family, and second chances, and an ode to the blockbuster novels that have shaped generations of women.

Jamie will be in conversation with Helen Ellis, author of American Housewife and Southern Lady Code.
Wednesday, July 7th at 7:00 PM
Join Wellesley Books and other independent bookstores as Christina Baker Kline celebrates the paperback release of her 2020 bestseller, The Exiles. Set in 19th-century Australia, this ambitious, emotionally resonant novel tells the story of three women who are bound together as they fight for redemption and freedom in a new society.

Christina will be in conversation with John Searles, author of Strange But True. Special guests Elin Hilderbrand, Chris Bohjalian, Kristin Hannah, and Paula McLain will also appear throughout the evening.
Staff Recommendations
Betty recommends:
Morningside Heights by Joshua Henkin
Morningside Heights is that perfect New York City novel that you can't wait to read. It has everything: the Upper West Side; charming, zany characters; intellect and sadness; and a very real story. When Pru falls for her professor (she seems to prefer older men) it's because of his Vespa, not just his classroom manner. And so the tangle of this tale begins. There’s a brilliant daughter and a wacky stepson. The writing propels you and then, sadly, it’s over. I hope Joshua Henkin keeps writing.
Eliza recommends:
Somebody's Daughter by Ashley Ford
Ford brings tremendous vulnerabilty to her telling of her childhood as the daughter of an incarcerated father and her tense relationship with her mother. She captures the complexity of her humanity and relationships with precision, and yet I felt more like a friend being let into her world than a reader. A 2021 highlight!
Jane recommends:
The Cave Dwellers by Christina McDowell
Just when you thought Washington, D.C. couldn't be more awful, here comes The Cave Dwellers! Christina McDowell's debut novel is set among the Capital's elite old families. Behind their patrician veneer are stories of racism, adultery, social climbing, back-stabbing, and murder. In other words, all the ingredients for an absorbing read. Enjoy it!
New in Hardcover
Brandon Taylor
James Ellroy
Emma Brodie
Laura Lippman
Jamie Brenner
Alex Michaelides
George Packer
New in Paperback
Ottessa Moshfegh
Sylvia Moreno-Garcia
Alexis Henderson
B.A. Paris
Roddy Doyle
Bookseller Recommendations for Kids & Teens
Colleen recommends:
Beth Bacon draws you in with bold, simple, direct type and bright, geometric illustrations. Each page offers a new colorful burst of witty remarks and humor that kids 0-99 years old will enjoy. Any reader will easily be cajoled into continuing to turn the page. It's like opening a bag of your favorite snack--you just can't stop! Both this book and her previous, I Hate Reading, applaud and encourage readers to go against what the titles say and, whether or not they want to, they will successfully complete the book and relish the ability to not only finish but also enjoy a WHOLE BOOK!
Ashleigh recommends:
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
This was such a delight to read - poetic, evocative, and tender. In a world where there are witches amongst humans (called shaders), their power is used to stabilize the atmosphere. Every witch is connected to a season when their powers are most profound, but Clara is an Everwitch, bound equally to all seasons. The abilities and traits of these seasonal beings are beautifully described; such an homage to nature, time, and change. Living with the trauma of her power’s instability, Clara is isolated and exhausted. With a new tutor, she faces mounting pressure but also begins to understand her capabilities and necessity in a time when Earth is roiling with climate change consequences and increasingly erratic weather patterns. Simultaneously a story about finding and trusting yourself, it’s also an environmental warning, a sweet romance, and a lyrical journey.
New! Middle-Grade Subscription Club!
We're thrilled to announce a new subscription service for kids ages 8-12! Each month, our children's buyer Lauren and school liaison Cassie will 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.

The June 2021 pick is Pawcasso by Remy Lai. To find out more about our subscription service, click here.
Picture Book Subscription Club: A Perfect Gift!
A Child's Library is a 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!

The June 2021 pick is Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner by Angela Dalton and Jestenia Southerland. To find out more about our subscription service, click here.
New Releases for Kids & Teens
Rajani LaRocca
Maureen Johnson
Sarena & Sasha Nanua
Nidhi Chanani
Various authors
In the Gift Department
Don't feel salty if you haven't made it to the beach yet. (See what we did there?) Sea salt from Duxbury is back in stock and ready to add a fresh sea breeze to your summer cooking.
What We're Reading
Rebecca



Geoff
Andy
Sofia
Dog of the Week
Millie

Millie is a French bulldog who just turned 8 months old! Like many puppies, she loves to chew--if she spies it, she tries it, particularly if it's a book. When she's not busy reading chewing, she likes to love up on all dogs and all people. Thanks for the extra love, Millie.
Thank you for supporting your community independent bookstore!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Stimpson
82 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
781-431-1160