Wellesley Books Newsletter | May 26th, 2021
High in the blue above, swifts whirled and called over Wellesley Books late yesterday afternoon--does anyone else remember "Duck's Ditty" from The Wind in the Willows?--and a beautiful super moon, swimming in thin yellow clouds, greeted us above the neighborhood behind the store as the sun set. Through this past year of major transitions, one that we'll all be processing for many more to come, the (imperiled) constancy of the outdoors can still be a comfort. But, before we shake off the dust, emerge from our newly whitewashed burrows like Mole, and tentatively get used to being on Beach Time (see "In the Gift Department" below) we need to get through the rush season. Here at the store, we're busy thinking about books and gifts for dads and grads, and we're in the thick of our late spring virtual book fairs. Things might still look and feel a bit different this May, but we can literally and metaphorically feel the sun on our faces again.
Upcoming Online Events
Wednesday, May 26th at 7:00 PM ***TONIGHT!***
Gigi Georges, political scientist and narrative nonfiction writer, presents Downeast: Five Maine Girls and the Unseen Story of Rural America, her captivating and empathetic look at coming of age in one of the most challenging and geographically isolated regions on the Eastern seaboard.

Gigi will be in conversation with Samantha Fields, reporter for Marketplace.
Friday, June 4th at 7:00 PM
Julie Downing reads Hello, Moon, a perfect bedtime read-aloud that describes the magical time—just as we’re drifting off to sleep—when the moon shines brightly and life emerges from the forest.

"With an easy poetic tempo and artwork teeming with ambiance and tone, this will be an enchanting pick for storytime."
–Booklist
Tuesday, June 8th at 7:00 PM
Faith Fuller Wilcox, whose writings focus on the intersection of the humanities and medicine, presents her new memoir, Hope Is a Bright Star, the story of a mother’s journey from shock and fear at her young daughter’s cancer diagnosis, to anguish and despair at her death just a year later—and, finally, to peace and acceptance of her new life.

Faith will be in conversation with Blyth Taylor Lord, Executive Director and Founder of The Courageous Parents Network.
Sustainable Wellesley Book Club
Thursday, June 10th at 7:00 PM
Wellesley Books and Sustainable Wellesley are partnering to sponsor what we hope will become a series of book group events. Register here to receive a Zoom link to the first meeting, and click here to purchase a copy of the inaugural book, Paul Greenberg's The Climate Diet. Wellesley Books will donate a portion of sales to support Sustainable Wellesley.

Greenberg opens his book with this question: “Should we do nothing? Or should we do something?” In the 120+ pages that follow, the food and environmental writer provides a list of modest, achievable actions that could add up to big impact; for example, switch from beef to chicken to cut your carbon footprint by a fifth, hang your clothing to dry instead of using the dryer, which is “the second-most energy-intensive appliance in your home (after water heaters),” or reimagine your gift giving to include less packaging and more creativity.

This is a book to read, discuss and then take along to revisit while sitting on a porch this summer. Pass the book to a friend, or use it as a reference when you wake up at 2 a.m. panicked about the state of our precious natural world. Don’t fret, do something! You can get started today.
Staff Recommendations
Sofia recommends:
Thought-provoking, laugh-out-loud funny, and introspective, John Green's newest book of nonfiction essays is not one to miss. Based on his podcast of the same name, this book of essays explores everyday facets of human life through historical contexts, present day contexts, and Green's own personal experiences. From the heart wrenching ("Auld Lang Syne") to the hilarious ("Mortification") to the just plain interesting ("The Yips"), the essays run the emotional and topical gamut. To read or listen to this book is to get to know John Green, humanity, and yourself just a little better. I give it 5 stars.
Ashleigh recommends:
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten (available June 1st)
Deliciously dark and creepy, this gothic reimagining of "Little Red Riding Hood" is an ethereal delight. It's tremendously imaginative and lusciously descriptive--while I can't say I'd like to get lost in the Wilderwood (unless, of course, Eammon is there), I absolutely get swept there on every page. There's a good balance of macabre and humor, and the plot is evenly paced with well-chosen perspective shifts that build vibrant tension. It's perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, or anyone who seeks a fresh, feminist take on old fairy tales.
Cassie recommends:
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo (available June 1st)
Nghi Vo’s Jordan Baker has my heart in the palm of her hand and gently bruises it with each beat of my pulse. Glimmering and sharp, The Chosen and the Beautiful will leave you cut open, feeling like someone new as you follow Jordan as she dances and drinks her way through the deadly orbit of Daisy Buchanan and 1920s New York white elite lifestyle. Supposedly adopted by the Bakers from Vietnam as an infant, Jordan has grown up with money, education, and has always been left feeling like she’s on the other side of the door. The company she keeps loves confiding in her: her ghosts, her family, her friends, and even the not-so-friendly company. And Jordan has secrets of her own, secrets that will burn. You might know The Great Gatsby. But there’s worlds more to this cast of characters that keep it intoxicating, like a good strong drink you keep going back to taste. Especially when you think it might be poisoned.
For Your Future Shelf: Adults Edition
(Available June 1st)
Ashley C. Ford
(Available June 1st)
Casey McQuiston
(Available June 8th)
Lisa Taddeo
(Available June 15th)
Alex Michaelides
(Available June 1st)
Taylor Jenkins Reid
(Available June 1st)
Sinead O'Connor
New in Hardcover
Claire Fuller
Alex McElroy
Ben H. Winters
Mary Kubica
Stephen Rowley
Katherine Johnson
Sebastian Junger
Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, Cass R. Sunstein
Gigi Georges
Elizabeth Hinton
New in Paperback
Akwaeke Emezi
Maggie O'Farrell
Jan-Philipp Sendker
Scott Anderson
Barbara Delinsky
Bookseller Recommendations for Kids and Teens
Colleen recommends:
Da Vinci's Cat by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
As the days get longer and the temperatures continue to climb, this "twist" of a novel is the perfect early read of summer! Time travel and art history are swirled together like an ice cream cone, dipped in chocolate sprinkles and peanuts with a super sweet cherry on top! Bee from Brooklyn is on a quest to preserve the art of Michelangelo, and trying to get help from his arch rival, Raphael. How can she do this five centuries after these artists walked this earth? With a time traveling wardrobe created by DaVinci himself, of course! This story is a wonderful dive into the Renaissance with a modern perspective. Murdock has masterfully created a story of friendship and strong familial ties that weaves throughout the ages. Great for fans of When You Reach Me and A Wrinkle in Time as well as anyone looking for a sweet adventure.
Eliza recommends:
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon (Available June 1st)
In what may be her best work yet, Yoon has once again delivered an accessible yet poignant coming-of-age novel. As 18 year-old Evie reels from her parents' divorce, she loses faith in happy endings. But is fear of future emotional pain worth missing out on all of the joy in the present? This book is the perfect summer read for anyone who has loved and lost.
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 May 2021 pick is The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim. 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 May 2021 pick is Grandpa Across the Ocean by Hyewon Yum. To find out more about our subscription service, click here.
For Your Future Shelf: Kids Edition
(Available June 1st)
Mac Barnett
(Available June 1st)
Mason Deaver
(Available June 15th)
Beth Bacon
(Available June 8th)
Rob Buyea


(Available June 29th)
Kate Messner & Alexandra Bye
(Available July 6th)
Leah Johnson
New Releases
Justina Ireland
Miel Moreland
Maggie Stiefvater
Nicole Melleby
Rita Williams-Garcia
Francisco X. Stork
Claire Swinarski
In the Gift Department
Remember a day--or a week--by the sea? We do. Get ready for Beach Time...not Zoom Time, or Puzzle Times, or Sweatpants Time.
What We're Reading
Gillian
Dog of the Week
Cassie

When Cassie the dog (a friend of bookseller Sofia) met Cassie the human (also a friend of bookseller Sofia) it was love at first sight. Both Human Cassie and Canine Cassie did not deliberately dress to match each other on this particular day.
Thank you for supporting your community independent bookstore!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Stimpson
82 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
781-431-1160