Wellesley Books Newsletter | October 12th, 2022
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The air is crisp, the leaves crunch underfoot--could there possibly be a nicer time of year to wander around Copley Square on a Saturday? On October 29th, the Boston Book Festival returns with in-person programming for the first time since 2019, and, as in years past, we'll be there, slingin' books. This year's keynote speakers include staff favorites Patrick Radden Keefe, Malinda Lo and Yiyun Li, Boston radio luminaries serve as moderators, and be on the lookout for some fantastic YA programming.
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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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TODAY! Wednesday, October 12th at 7 PM (in-person)
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James Beard Award-winning food and travel writer J.M. Hirsch joins us to discuss Pour Me Another, his essential handbook for cocktail lovers and home mixologists that will expand your palate and help you discover your new favorite drink.
Everyone loves a Margarita, but have you tried the Manhattan-inspired La Rosita? Is your go-to order the classic Mojito? Switch things up with the bold and briny Dunlop. There are scores of options to explore in this tempting tome.
Your $10 ticket includes a cocktail tasting at the event!
"Milk Street editorial director J.M. Hirsch uses cocktails you already love as a starting point for embracing new and exciting combinations, with 250 recipes that will turn your home bar into a choose-your-own adventure experience."
–Epicurious
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Friday, October 14th at 7 PM (in-person)
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Interweaving three connected storylines, Answers in the Pages is a bold, timely novel about speaking up and coming out, as parents lobby to ban a beloved book from the school curriculum.
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Saturday, October 15th from 10 AM to 12 PM (in-person)
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Local author Ushma Multani and illustrator Ann Gagliano join us for a meet-and-greet at the store from 10am–Noon to chat and sign copies of their picture book, Reena and the Diwali Star.
Absorb the culture and traditions of the Diwali festival as you learn about the Diwali Star with Reena, and find out how to use the Diwali Star to make your wish come true.
No registration required for this event, so don't hesitate to come any time between 10am–Noon to say hi!
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Tuesday, October 18th at 7 PM (in-person)
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What is your favorite memory connected to baseball? Whether it's a story about befriending Hank Aaron because of a mixed music tape, catching or not catching that prized ball, or finding out some life-changing news while at a game, this collection will make you laugh, or tear up, and rekindle your own memories about America's pastime.
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Wednesday, October 19th at 7 PM (in-person)
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Tony Massarotti—of NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub—joins us to discuss his new book, This Is Our City, a celebration of the last two decades of sports success in Boston.
Boston is a unique sports city. Unlike New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, New Englanders' loyalties are not divided among competing franchises; in the four major American sports, the city has one team each: the Red Sox, the Celtics, the Bruins, and the Patriots. This Is Our City paints a portrait of the last 20 years in Boston sports, showing how one team's success has led to the next—how they have fed off each other, tried to one-up one another, and have supported each other.
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Bookseller Recommendations
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In the too-familiar dystopian future depicted in Our Missing Hearts, there is an economic crisis--no jobs, food banks, protests--all blamed on the Chinese and, ultimately, any Asian-American. A vigilante group called PACT (Preserving American Culture and Traditions) targets Asian families, re-placing their children to more "patriotic" homes. Bird’s mom left three years ago when he was 9. He leaves his dad in Cambridge and travels to NYC to find her. Celeste Ng has written a book that powerfully resonates, both emotionally and politically.
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Such a remarkable, complex debut--I really enjoyed my time with these jaded women! This is a book for any reader who understands that families are complicated, nuanced, and not always willing to stick to the assigned (or assumed) narrative. It's a bittersweet wander through a multi-generational curse, tumultuous reunions, and overall redemption. A really excellent journey for fans of family drama and fortune.
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Tracy A. and Colleen L. recommend:
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Tracy A. says: I loved this story of the lifelong friendship between two very different women, now in their eighties. Secrets, lies, hurt feelings, and a cast of interesting peripheral characters kept me turning the pages. The backdrop of a beautiful, coastal Maine summer colony and bird sanctuary made me want to hop in my car and take a road trip to fictional Fellowship Point. I was initially a bit intimidated by this book's length, but I am so glad I read it.
Colleen L. says: A big, wonderful novel you can really sink into. Following the lives of Agnes and Polly, and their 80-plus year friendship, from wintering in Philadelphia to summers on the coast of Maine, I just loved how this story unfolds. Filled with secrets, mysteries, love and heartache, it was hard to say goodbye when it ended.
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Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan
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Bookseller Recommendations for Young Readers
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I am 100% in love with Farmhouse. The illustrations are gorgeous --bits and pieces of items (wallpaper, newspapers, etc.) that Blackall found in the actual, real life, run-down farmhouse that she discovered in upstate New York are used in the collage illustrations. In one illustration, the mother is nursing the youngest of her twelve children, and I'm thinking that may be a first in picture books?!? I could be wrong, but I was very excited to see that most natural part of life reflected in a children's book! The story is charming as is Blackall's back story of the farmhouse that appears at the end of the book. (A bear lived in the basement! The muddy rags that turned out to be handmade dresses!) A lovely book for a person of any age, clearly!
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It can be hard to find books for kids who are just past toddler-dom--that tricky age where they're moving out of board books, but many picture books are too long or complicated--and I think Chris Haughton is great for this age group. The text here is simple, but fun to read aloud (sound effects! dialogue! repetition!) and there's some minor tension: will Mommy Penguin make it past the sleeping seal? A lovely celebration of the indomitable spirit of mommies!
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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 selects 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 October 2022 pick is Bhai for Now by Maleeha Siddiqui. To find out more about our subscription service, click here.
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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 selects 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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J.K. Rowling, Jim Kay & Neil Packer
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Chris Colfer & Brandon Dorman
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Andrea L. Rogers & Jeff Edwards
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World's Softest socks are always bestsellers here, for the simple reason that they feel like a warm hug for your feet. Stock up in time for boot season!
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What We're Reading Now...
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published October 18th
Colleen L.
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We were charmed by this perfectly behaved doggie duo! Stuart (as in Stuart Little) is a one year-old Norfolk terrier; his brother, Duck (named after a Thomas the Tank Engine train) is a one-and-a-half year-old Standard Poodle. Despite their adorable size disparity, they love to hike together. They also delight in hunting squirrels as a pair. Pleased to meet the both of you!
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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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