It's the Weekend - Giddy Up!

Dear Readers,

Next week we are hosting writer and teacher Courtney Maum along with New York Times journalist Sarah Maslin Nir as we celebrate the release of The Year of the Horses. If you aren't familiar with Courtney or her writing, this would be a good place to start.

While we're chatting events, our Spring calendar is bursting with oodles of opportunities to gather. A few highlights: our inaugural meeting of the Barrett Bookstore Book Club, featuring a conversation with Leigh Newman; YES we snagged Julianna Margulies for an in-person conversation; and back in action, better than ever, tickets for LADIES OF SUMMER are ON SALE NOW. I wouldn't wait on snagging a seat for these or any other of our upcoming events which are sure to be sell-out affairs. Check out our website for the full event lineup.

Regular newsletter readers may note we're shaking things up with the format. Don't despair: Friday Five, Listening with Leslie and all the other fun will be back, but in the meantime, we've got some quick and dirty behind-the-counter-chat-style reviews below.

Finally, this weekend is kind of a big deal in the world of independent bookstores; Saturday marks the ninth annual Independent Bookstore Day. Our doors open at 10AM and we'll have coffee and doughnuts on hand to help fuel your morning routine. Hope to see you then.

Have a great weekend,

Page

Courtney Maum + Sarah Maslin Nir

Wednesday, May 4

7PM

We are THRILLED to celebrate the release of Courtney Maum's new memoir The Year of the Horses with a not-to-be-missed IN-PERSON event. Courtney will be in conversation with New York Times staff reporter and author Sarah Maslin Nir. The conversation will be followed by a book sale and signing. Wine and light bites will be served. This event is a must attend for anyone who loves horses and/or being in the presence of writers at the top of their game.

In addition to writing about the role horses have played in her life, Courtney is the author of five books, including the game changing publishing guide BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL and is committed to helping people hold on to the joy of art-making in a culture obsessed with turning artists into brands

Click Here to RSVP

Barrett Bookstore Book Club

Leigh Newman: Nobody Gets Out Alive

Tuesday, May 17

7PM

We are thrilled to welcome author Leigh Newman to Barrett Bookstore for our inaugural Barrett Bookstore Book Club! Newman is most recently the author of Nobody Gets Out Alive, a collection of stories released a couple of weeks ago that is garnering RAVE reviews. A taste of what you'll be in for:

"While the stories can stand alone, they are loosely connected as characters appear as minor figures in one story and protagonists in another ... All the stories are standouts, and readers, especially fans of Annie Proulx and Elizabeth Strout, will find much to appreciate in Newman’s unforgettable collection." -Lindsay Harmon, Booklist

"Electric ... Throughout, Newman’s prose is both distinctive and efficient ... Dark and poignant ... The author’s crisp portrayal of the Alaskan landscape and rugged culture holds the collection—and its magnetic characters—together. Newman firmly establishes herself as a talent with these stunning stories." -Publishers Weekly

Your purchase of Leigh's book via this link = your ticket. Please choose "in-store pickup" of your book and a copy will be held for you at the front counter. You can purchase your book ticket HERE. Tickets are required for attendance and include a copy of Leigh's book, wine, and light bites.

Existing book clubs are absolutely welcome. We will limit attendance at this event to ensure a robust conversation so be sure to snag your spot!

What We're Reading

*Pro Tip: Click on the cover image to learn more

"What a wonderful book! With great wit and pathos, the author explores her role as a mother, and the unexpected joys and sorrows she encounters in the different stages of parenting. Anyone who has been gobsmacked upon the birth of a child with the shocking responsibility of what lies ahead will find comfort on every page." - Sheila

"Sometimes the right book finds you at exactly the right time. When I started Susan Cain's newest masterpiece, I didn't know how much I was going to need it. Filled with meticulous research presented through a personal filter, I savored this read. The perfect companion for anyone going through tough times." - Page

"I just loved this book about a quirky female scientist turned cooking show host who rallies against the misogynistic culture of the 1950s and 60s in laboratories and beyond. Lessons in Chemistry is about motherhood, friendship, work. Filled with humor and heart, this book has a little bit of everything." - Yvette

"Originally published in 2004, this book has an old fashioned gothic feeling, Rebecca-like if you will. Dark and atmospheric, the action centers around the Cemetery of Forgotten Books where a young boy, upon discovering a treasured book, embarks on a quest to solve one of Barcelona's long-held mysteries. Surprising to the very end, you'll want to savor this one." - Brianna