Ann Patchett's Blog, page 14

It’s Fall, Y’all: 30 New Reads for September

It’s September, all of the most anticipated books of the year are being released, and we couldn’t be happier. The books speak for themselves, readers. Dig in!

FICTIONRecommended by Ann If I Survive You

By Jonathan Escoffery

If I Survive You reads like real life and reads like fiction of the highest order. This is a compelling hurricane of a book that sweeps the past, present and future together into one inextricable knot. This is where Jonathan Escoffrey’s career begins. There are no limits to where he will go.

Also loved by Lindsay!

Recommended by Kathy Fellowship Point: A Novel

By Alice Elliott Dark

I so enjoyed sinking my teeth into this story of two older women, lifelong friends who have supported each other all their lives. A major disagreement over the future of their beloved Fellowship Point signals a breaking point in their friendship. The character development and writing amazed me.

Also loved by Cheryl and Patsy!

Recommended by Rae Ann Where the Wandering Ends: A Novel of Corfu

By Yvette Manessis Corporon

History and mythology combine in this captivating multi-generational story of the Greek Civil War.

Recommended by Ashby Daisy Darker: A Novel

By Alice Feeney

Remember Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None? Feel that level of suspense again. An island. An old house. A storm. Nana’s family comes to celebrate her 80th birthday. At midnight, Nana is found dead. An hour later, another death. Then another. Who is killing them off one at a time?

Also loved by Jake, Cheryl, & Sissy!

Recommended by Patsy The Last White Man: A Novel

By Mohsin Hamid

Anders awakes one day to find his skin tone changed from white to brown. As he grapples with this strangeness, the same metamorphosis occurs to others in the town. Unrest leading to anarchy erupts with the crumbling world order. This is a thought-provoking tale of other-ness, love and loss, and the new beginnings which arise with acceptance of change. Perfect for our times!

Recommended by Cheryl All Good People Here: A Novel

By Ashley Flowers

Debut novel about a journalist who returns to her hometown after decades to her take care of her uncle. A girl goes missing that reminds her of her childhood friend’s murder. Story accelerates and surprises at the end.

Also loved by Chelsea!

Recommended by Hannah Carrie Soto Is Back: A Novel

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Game, set, match: Taylor Jenkins Reid serves an enthralling novel about ambition, family, and when (if ever) enough is enough. A master at crafting complexly flawed, unforgettable characters, Reid stuns with Carrie Soto.

Recommended by Rae Ann Other Birds: A Novel

By Sarah Addison Allen

A young woman arrives at an island, hoping to learn about her late mother, but she finds a new family of friends and a mystery to be solved in this magical story by one of my all-time favorite authors.

Recommended by Maddie Stories from the Tenants Downstairs

By Sidik Fofana

This is a collection of eight poignant, interconnected slice-of-life stories focusing on residents of a fictional low-income high rise in Harlem. You will find yourself immediately rooting for this cast of characters as they all face the realities of gentrification and struggle to forge their own identities in the midst of their individual struggles.

Also loved by Patsy!

Recommended by Ashby The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

By Megan Bannen

Lonely zombie hunter + angry undertaker + fantasy western world setting = romcom like nothing you’ve read before. Throw in a subplot where lonely zombie hunter writes anonymous letters answered anonymously by – you guessed it – angry undertaker. Hart and Mercy have a lot to figure out before they get to happily ever after.

Recommended by Rae Ann The Fortunes of Jaded Women: A Novel

By Carolyn Huynh

I loved this amazing novel about a family of estranged women and the psychic prediction that brings them together again.

Recommended by Hannah The American Roommate Experiment: A Novel

By Elena Armas

Armas knocks it out of the park with her second novel – it’s better than her debut in every way. Some of my favorite characters of the year, Lucas & Rosie’s chemistry is utterly delectable. Don’t miss this witty, swoony gem… I guarantee you’ll walk away from this book with a new fictional crush!

Also loved by Katie!

Recommended by Katie Love on the Brain

By Ali Hazelwood

I adored The Love Hypothesis so much that when I finally got my hands on Ali Hazelwood’s newest book I greedily read it one sitting. I was almost worried that these enemies to lovers couldn’t turn it around, but boy did they! Such a worthy follow up! You’ve Got Mail but make it STEM.

Also loved by Cat!

Recommended by Chelsea The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

By Sangu Mandanna

I picked this up on a whim and devoured it in a weekend. A sweet story about found family and trust with just a dash of witchery thrown in. If you love TJ Klune and cozy fantasy, this is the perfect fall read for you.

Recommended by Theo Acting Class

By Nick Drnaso

Acting Class is an eerie and surreal tale about a group of adults taking a free introductory acting class under the tutelage of a charismatic and questionable instructor. If you haven’t read Drnaso’s other comics Sabrina and Beverly, think David Lynch’s Twin Peaks if it were inspired by middle class 1980s rec centers instead of 1950s domesticity.

Recommended by Katie Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake: A Novel

By Mazey Eddings

I have never rooted so hard for a pair as I did for Rake and Lizzie. In a two-night stand gone seriously sideways these two try and find a way to make the best of a complicated situation. You will laugh. You will cry. And you will fan your face from all the sexual tension.

Recommended by Ashby DUNE: The Graphic Novel, Book 2: Muad’Dib

By Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson

Brian Herbert, Frank Herbert’s son, and Kevin J. Anderson continue the graphic adaptation of Dune in volume 2. Stranded in the desert, Paul and his mother must find the Fremen or die. This powerful graphic adaptation gave me the chance to experience the adventures, politics, and spirituality as Paul grows into a man. I cannot wait for the third volume.

NONFICTIONRecommended by Lindsay Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak

By Maurice Sendak (Artist), Jonathan Weinberg (Editor)

I mean, who doesn’t want to know the stories behind the wild rumpus? I love Maurice Sendak and this book is gorgeous.

Recommended by Cat I Am From Here: Stories and Recipes from a Southern Chef

By Vishwesh Bhatt, John Currence (Foreword by)

This cookbook does an absolutely amazing job of blending traditional Indian recipes with those of the American South. I loved the challenge of cooking with ingredients that I didn’t have much prior experience with and seeing how certain foods I already love, like eggplant and okra, got a number of recipes dedicated to them in a way that feels new and fresh.

Also loved by Chelsea!

Recommended by Jenness All the Living and the Dead: From Embalmers to Executioners, an Exploration of the People Who Have Made Death Their Life’s Work

By Hayley Campbell

A revealing and respectful study of those who have chosen death as a way of life. Hayley Campbell provides an enlightening look into the overlooked or unknown professions involved with the care for our physical selves after death and the individuals who embody these roles. Heartfelt and informative, this is a powerful book which explores “the exact intersection of wonder and fear.”

Recommended by Sydney All the Women in My Brain: And Other Concerns

By Betty Gilpin

Actress turned writer, Betty Gilpin, has a knack for depicting the unique expectations surrounding what it means to be a woman (particularly in Hollywood). An intrusively relatable essay collection for women of all backgrounds, this debut is perfect for anyone else who read and adored Jenny Slate’s Little Weirds.

Recommended by Chelsea Sinkable: Obsession, the Deep Sea, and the Shipwreck of the Titanic

By Daniel Stone

Not your typical Titanic shipwreck book, this picks up where A Night to Remember ends. Stone uses the history of the search for the Titanic wreckage as a means to explore our society’s fascinations with shipwrecks and the deep sea. The reader also gets introduced to some larger-than-life personalities whose obsession with the ship only started after she sank. A great read for non-fiction experts and amateurs alike.

Recommended by Katie Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World’s Most Notorious Diaries

By Rick Emerson

“Two Teens. Two Diaries. Two social panics. One Incredible Fraud” Wow! As someone who read Go Ask Alice as a young person I was totally riveted by this book unpacking the colossal lie that it all was. While I had not heard of the other memoir, Emerson did a great job connecting them and situating them so well in the cultural moment . I read non-fiction sparingly but I really dug this book.

Recommended by Cat Solito: A Memoir

By Javier Zamora

This is one of the most riveting memoirs I have ever read- Zamora captures his experience as a child migrant with extraordinary detail and emotion. It feels special to read a memoir that manages to stay true to the confusion of childhood in a very adult scenario and the uncertainty of migration while also not shying away from the kindness he was shown and the gratitude he so clearly feels towards those that helped him.

Recommended by Jenness Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter

By E.B. Bartels

In parts memoir, self-help, science, and cultural study, Good Grief reaffirms that the love we have for our pets is universal, as is the grief we experience upon loss. An interesting and compassionate book for pet lovers, and a reminder that mourning is normal and acceptable, but love is eternal.

Recommended by Marcia Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others

By Zachary Levi

Levi looks at his relationship with his mother and his struggles with depression in this inspiring book about his journey to healing. The audiobook is read by the author himself, so if you’d like to hear the book in his own voice, purchase through Libro.fm. It’s fantastic!

Recommended by Patsy A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home

By Frances Mayes

Frances Mayes, beloved chronicler of the restoration of an old house in Tuscany (Under the Tuscan Sun), reflects on places she has called home since her upbringing in Georgia. Elaborating on favorite flowers in her gardens and the memories they evoke, she contemplates what makes a house a home, studding these recollections with a few favorite recipes from these cherished places and with tales of friends and neighbors.

Recommended by Rachel Delphi: A Novel

By Clare Pollard

I genuinely did not expect to enjoy a book about the pandemic so soon after its occurrence. Delphi captures small snapshots of lockdown by categorizing the present in terms of the past. The methods of fortune telling Pollard explores grabbed my attention, but what held me until the end was how she made me rethink the entire pandemic.

CLASSICS & BACKLISTRecommended by Lindsay Artful

By Ali Smith

I’ll read anything Ali Smith writes–whether that’s experimental contemporary fiction, essays, or historical fiction–Artful is somehow all of those things and more. This genre-bending book is a gorgeous meditation on loss, love, and art.

Recommended by Sarah The Secrets We Kept: A novel

By Lara Prescott

With Banned Books Week coming up, I’ve been thinking about banned books from around the world, past and present. The Secrets We Kept tells the story of Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago, the women who inspired it, and the women who helped distribute it in the Soviet Union after it was banned as a CIA Cold War strategy.

First Editions Club: September SelectionIf I Survive You

By Jonathan Escoffery

Dear Friends,

Here at the Parnassus First Editions Club, some months are easy and some months are hard, by which I mean some months contain an abundance of literary gems to choose from, while other months, not so much. September is when publishers like to bring out the marquee names, big books by beloved authors. It’s not the month to publish first books, especially if that book is a collection of short stories, because surely a first-time author’s collection of stories would vanish without a trace in September. Or at least that’s what I thought when I picked up a copy of Jonathan Escoffery’s debut story collection, If I Survive You.

The second thing I thought was, wow, this is really, really good.

The third thing I thought was, maybe this isn’t a collection of stories. Maybe it’s more like chapters weaving a web around a Jamaican family of four living in Miami over decades. Maybe the book, which isn’t like anything else, is in fact doing something entirely new. It’s funny and raw and as bent on destruction as the hurricane that rips everything apart. As good as all those big-name September books were, this is the one I kept coming back to, because this book was better. This is the one I wanted everyone to read.

I hope you love it as much as I do.

Ann Patchett

More about our First Editions Club: Every member receives a first edition of the selected book of the month, signed by the author. Books are carefully chosen by our staff of readers, and our picks have gone on to earn major recognition including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the PEN/Faulkner Award. Plus, there’s no membership fee or premium charge for these books. Build a treasured library of signed first editions and always have something great to read! Makes a FABULOUS gift, too.

Notes from Ann: An Interview with Sophie Blackall

Of the many joys of owning a bookstore, and there are many, getting to talk to the authors and illustrators of children’s books (and in this case, both of those jobs have been done by the same person) may well be the best.

Sophie Blackall’s new picture book, Farmhouse, is now my favorite. It’s the story of a house where twelve children were born, grew up, and finally moved away. Many years later, Sophie found the house, and though she couldn’t save it (it was moments away from collapsing, and a bear had been living in the basement) she saved many of things she found inside: bits of wallpaper, buttons, keys, catalogs, dresses, a door. She combined these treasures with her own drawings and words and made the most extraordinary imagined memory of what life in the farmhouse must have been like.

Sophie and I are both friends of Kate DiCamillo’s, which means that we’re essentially friends. Be sure to look at The Beatryce Prophecy, the book that Kate and Sophie did together. You should also look at Sophie’s two Caldecott Medal winners, Hello Lighthouse and Finding Winnie, and as long as you’re at it, pick up a copy of Things to Look Forward To, a gorgeous book Sophie wrote and illustrated for people of all ages. Oh, go ahead and get all of her books. You won’t be sorry.

Sophie Blackall

Ann Patchett: Sophie! We’re picking Farmhouse for the Parnassus Sprout Book Club. We’re all in love with it. I imagine it must be lovely and cool up there on the farm (it’s very hot here).

Sophie Blackall: I am just back from Texas, where it was 108, not to be competitive. I was made an honorary citizen of Abilene, or at least Sophie Blackwell was. There was a parade with girls in pink satin riding white horses and sweltering people dressed in costumes of characters from my books. I especially pitied the poor guy in a bear suit. I will tell you ALL about it.

AP: I want to hear all about it. I’ve never known anyone who’s had her own parade.

SB: But will you forgive me if I take a few days? We open Milkwood tomorrow! For our first retreat we have Cece Bell coming and Brian Selznick and Raina Telgemeier and all sorts of lovely people. I’m dashing about trailing long lists of last minute things and you know EXACTLY how it goes, having been there yourself. They are here until Sunday. Back to you after then?

AP: Explain what Milkwood is, and how it relates to Farmhouse.

SB: Five years ago, I bought an abandoned dairy farm in upstate New York—it has long been my dream to build a creative retreat for the children’s book community—and after half a decade of sweeping and painting and installing septic tanks, we are finally up and running! The farm came with a falling down farmhouse, and the very first time I stepped inside, pushing my way through nettles and weeds and tangled vines, I knew there was a story here. Not just the story of this particular house, or of a family with 12 children growing up during the Great Depression, or of the plight of small farms across the country, but about how a place can hold the stories of the people who pass through it, long after they’re gone, and how those stories connect us to the past, to the people who came before us, and before them, and before them, and to those who will come after us, layers of stories, (like the peeling wallpaper I collected from the farmhouse to make the pictures in Farmhouse).

The real farmhouse at Milkwood

AP: The drawings remind me of my childhood dollhouse where basically it felt like the house had been split in half so you could see into the floor above and the floor below and the rooms on either side. Were you thinking of a dollhouse?

SB: Yes! Where is your dollhouse now? That’s what I’d like to know. I had a poster on my childhood bedroom wall of a photograph inside one of Queen Mary’s dollhouses. I remember thinking the dollhouse was wasted on her, I bet she never played with it.

Anyway, once I began exploring the falling down house, I couldn’t stop, even though it was a little foolhardy. The ceiling was open to the sky, a sapling was growing in the kitchen. The basement had caved in and more than once I put my foot through the floor. But there were stories to collect! I gathered sheaves of wallpaper scraps, moldy old school books filled with earnest compositions, and even 21 hand sewn dresses that were covered in mud and leaves. I wanted to record everything I could to preserve the stories, to honor the house before it returned to the earth. And as my piles of things grew, I realized I could use these actual materials to make the pictures, that the fabric and wallpaper and pages from school books could be used to build the house in the book. And that I could make the experience of reading this book feel as close as possible to the experience of being in the farmhouse, and much like playing with a dollhouse, that you would follow the story from page to page and slowly realize you were making your way through the house and through time, room by room, that everything that was happening was connected, that the celebrations and arguments, moments of grief and of joy had all become part of the house itself.

AP: I love the rhyme scheme. The book is incredibly appealing when you read it out loud. What are your thoughts on rhyming?

SB: I think rhyming is either very good or very bad. Some people, like Ludwig Bemelmans for instance, are very good at it. If I set out to write in rhyme it would be terrible. The result would be embarrassing. But If I don’t stare the story in the eye, and just let the words hover in my peripheral vision, sometimes they come with natural rhymes, like little gifts, and it would be rude to refuse them.

There’s a story about writing this story: Just as I had this epiphany of how I was going to make the illustrations as one giant, layered, connected piece of art, I realized with a thud that while I knew what I wanted to say, I had no idea how to write it. I began draft after draft and while my beloved editor Susan Rich was very patient, I could tell she was beginning to get anxious.

I was driving down to the Virginia Children’s Book Festival, a seven hour drive from where I live in Brooklyn, and the engine of my old car began to make an ominous sound. I called a mechanic in Farmville, VA, and they said they could look at it if I could get there by 5pm. It was noon on the dot and Google said it was a five hour drive. If I didn’t stop, and if I didn’t break down, I could make it.

Hunched over the wheel, I turned thoughts to Farmhouse. If only I could get the first line, if only I could find my way in. Then the line came, Over the hill, at the end of a road, by a glittering stream that twists and turns stands a house… I couldn’t stop to write it down, so I kept saying it over and over, and as I repeated it, I would add another phrase. Over the hill, at the end of a road, by a glittering stream that twists and turns stands a house where twelve children were born and raised… I pulled into the mechanic at 4:59pm, threw him the keys, spoke the whole long sentence into my phone, and sent it to Susan. I still have that voice message. I like the idea that I can say to a kid, do you want to hear a story? It’s only one sentence long…

Some of Sophie Blackall’s art for Farmhouse

AP: The people feel like paper dolls. Did you cut them out and move them around?

SB: I did! It was nuts! We have talked about process before, (have we? With Kate [DiCamillo]? Or perhaps it was one of those imagined conversations I’ve had with you as I’ve read or listened to your wonderful essays on writing…) about how some people like to plan out books entirely in their heads, and how others have to put one foot (one word, one line) in front of the next and see where the story takes them. I have worked both ways, but in this case, I built the house, and then I made the characters and the furniture and moved it around and around. As I worked my way forward through time, and as the house began to collapse, the wallpaper began to peel and the furniture began to sag, the drawings peeled and sagged too. I had to gently, but firmly, destroy the art. It was kind of thrilling. It removed any dithering. I couldn’t go back and fix things, any more than I could go back in time.

AP: Did you make wallpaper with potato stamps? I’m betting you did.

SB: Of course I did! I mean I did for the book, and I also did as a child. My mother was very good at that sort of thing. We learned to card fleece and spin wool, to cut reeds and weave baskets, to make mountain devils from gum nuts and print wallpaper with potatoes. I can’t throw a ball or balance my checkbook, but I think if I was alone in the woods I could furnish a house using my hands and teeth.

AP: Have you ever had this much fun working on a book before?

SB: Never. I think it’s pretty much downhill from here.

AP: What’s the farmhouse doing now? Tell us about its second life.

SB: We buried the house just before the ground froze. An excavator came and crunched it all up in its teeth, which was sad but also RIVETING and then it dug a big hole, put the house to bed and covered it over with dirt. In the spring I scattered wildflower seeds over the clearing and they are beginning to flower. We have strung a hammock between trees and it’s a nice place to swing back and forth and watch the changing sky.

Enjoy this video about the making of Farmhouse, courtesy of Sophie Blackall and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers!

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall is our September Sprout Book Club pick. It will be released on September 13, 2022.

Sprout Book Club is the book subscription box for picture book lovers. Every month members will receive a first edition picture book.  Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite picture book lover for 3, 6, or 12 months. 

Southern Festival of Books 2022 Preview: Back and Better Than Ever!

Book lovers rejoice! The annual Southern Festival of Books is returning to The Plaza this year after shifting to a virtual platform in 2020 and 2021. Presented by the amazing folks at Humanities Tennessee, the Festival is among the oldest literary festivals in the country and will bring 150+ authors (Andrew Sean Greer, Margo Price, Malinda Lo, Jami Attenberg, and Alan Gratz, just to name a few) to Nashville from October 14th to the 16th. We here at Parnassus couldn’t be more excited to break out our tent again and spend the weekend with authors and book lovers from near and far. Musing editor Sarah Arnold talked to Serenity Gerbman, Humanities Tennessee’s Director of Literature & Language Programs, about this year’s festivities and what attendees can expect!

Serenity Gerbman | Humanities Tennessee

Sarah Arnold: The Southern Festival of Books is back live and in person on The Plaza this year (yay!). What has it been like pivoting back to organizing an in-person festival?

Serenity Gerbman: It’s a little bit like riding a bicycle again. Being in person requires a lot more planning and work. Our crew here is really focused on making sure we are still tracking the small details that are important to a smooth experience for authors and visitors. It’s also exciting and seems kind of amazing that all of these incredible authors will be gathering in one place!

SA: Are there any changes to the usual in-person experience that long-time Southern Fest fans should know about?

SG: This isn’t new, but it is just a reminder that we encourage folks to download and use the Festival app!  It’s free for iPhone and Android, and app users will get real-time updates on session changes. They can also customize a schedule for use during the weekend, which is quite handy. For those who like a printed schedule (We love paper, too!), we will have the printed programs as always, with support from our friends at the Nashville Scene.

SA: Two years have passed since the last in-person edition of Southern Fest, and a lot of folks have moved to town in that time period. What should first-time festival goers know about this year’s festivities?

SG: First, they should know that it is entirely free! Secondly, there are different ways to experience the Festival. Some people love attending sessions, hearing authors read and talk, and asking questions. Others buy stacks of books and primarily go to signings. Some come and enjoy an outdoor Festival with three performance stages, food trucks, and lots of exhibitor booths plus the Parnassus Books tent to browse. Everyone is welcome.

SA: How can folks get involved in the festival? Are there any volunteer opportunities?

SG: Absolutely, and thank you for asking! Here is some information about volunteering and a signup form.

SA: If you had to pick just one aspect of the festivities you’re most excited for (a tough ask, we know!), what would it be?

SG: I am most excited to be immersed in the Festival community in person again, to seeing old friends and making new ones on the Plaza. And to hearing what people are planning to read next!

We hope you’ll join us on The Plaza on October 14-16! If you’d like to support the Festival and all of the incredible work Humanities Tennessee does, please consider making a donation.

This year’s Southern Festival poster | Designed by Laura Baisden @campnevernice

Back to School Again: 17 New Reads for the Young and Young at Heart

For many Nashville students, next week marks the return of blackboards, backpacks, and — you guessed it — books! We here at Parnassus are firm believers that reading for fun shouldn’t stop when the school bell rings, so we’ve gathered up some great titles to carry you through August. Just like with our picks for adults, we’ve added a Classics & Backlist section to our recs for young readers! Scroll down below the Young Adult section to see some of our not-so-new favorites. And don’t forget to check out this month’s picks for our Sprout, Spark, and ParnassusNext subscription boxes!

PICTURE BOOKSRecommended by Chelsea The Night Wild

By Zoë Tilley Poster

Dog makes a new friend in Wolf, and their adventures together are fantastically illustrated in a soft black-and-white palette. This would be a perfect bedtime story for nature lovers and adventurers.

Recommended by Hannah My Shadow Is Purple

By Scott Stuart

A magnificent book celebrating self-love and keeping true to who you are, even/especially if that’s outside of a traditional gender binary.

Recommended by Madeline Rosa’s Song

By Helena Ku Rhee, Pascal Campion (Illustrator)

Touching and poignant, this book pulls on the heartstrings as it shares the story of many families that move constantly, whether because of finances or even immigration status. Despite the hardships, Jae, the newcomer, becomes what Rosa was once for him–a guide and a safe place for newcomers.

Recommended by Chelsea Rosie and the Pre-Loved Dress

By Leanne Hatch

Rosie falls in love with a dress at her thrift store, and when she gets it home, she discovers the name Mila on the tag. Rosie’s imagination takes off, wondering if Mila likes the same things Rosie does. When Rosie grows out of the dress, she adds her name to the tag and passes it on. I love the dual points of recycling textiles and learning to let things go, lessons that all readers can appreciate.

INDEPENDENT READERSRecommended by Ashby Thirst

By Varsha Bajaj

Shouldn’t everyone have water? In Mumbai, the poor wait in lines while the wealthy turn on faucets to flowing water. Minni takes a job in a high-rise and sees the difference: the wealthy have a swimming pool on the roof. Minni faces water shortages and thieves stealing water. She has to decide if she will expose the water mafia boss who lives in the high-rise, lose her job and possibly her life. What should she do?

Recommended by Madeline The Met Claude Monet: He Saw the World in Brilliant Light (What the Artist Saw)

By Amy Guglielmo, Ginnie Hsu (Illustrator)

A vibrant biography of a stunning painter: Claude Monet. This book also features unique painting tricks for young artists, inspired from Claude Monet’s own techniques!

YOUNG ADULTRecommended by RJ Café Con Lychee

By Emery Lee

Café Con Lychee follows two boys, the sons of competing restaurant owners, who must put aside their families’ rivalry when a new business threatens both of their futures. Both leads are written with complex emotions and motivations, which continue to unfold as their relationship shifts from dislike to romance. An extremely heartfelt take on enemies-to-lovers.

Recommended by Aly We Made It All Up

By Margot Harrison

This is why we don’t ship people in real life. Small town murder mystery meets a fanfiction-gone-wrong in this page turning story of a girl searching for a fresh start.

Recommended by Ashby Accomplished: A Georgie Darcy Novel

By Amanda Quain

Turn Pride and Prejudice into a retelling focused on Fitzwilliam’s sister, Georgie. Georgie is enrolled at Pemberley Academy where she needs to remake her reputation after what happened with Wickham. Her plan is to stand out in the marching band, forget about Wickham, and get her brother to fall in love with his classmate Lizzie. Easy, right? Not really…A fun read with the important parts intact but with new twists.

Recommended by RJ The Passing Playbook

By Isaac Fitzsimons

This story follows Spencer, a transgender boy navigating high school soccer, friendships, and a complicated crush while also trying to stay stealth at a new school. An honest, realistic, and vulnerable depiction of a teenage boy’s struggles that will no doubt provide hope to many readers who need it most.

CLASSICS & BACKLISTRecommended by Rae Ann The Tiger Rising

By Kate DiCamillo

Reading Kate DiCamillo’s books is like giving yourself a treat. This week I treated myself to The Tiger Rising, a book about a grieving boy, an angry girl, and a tiger that changes their lives forever.

Recommended by Aly The Princess Diaries

By Meg Cabot

The warm-hearted and hilarious story of an average girl, Mia, discovering she was born a princess is one of my personal favorites. Re-released for a slightly younger audience than before, you still get all of the romance, laughs, and heartfelt moments from the original incredible series.

Recommended by Chelsea An Ember in the Ashes

By Sabaa Tahir

This reminded me of everything I love about YA fantasy: sweeping worldbuilding, unexpected twists, and complex characters that make you root for them. When I read the last word of this novel, I immediately picked up the second in the series. If you (like me) had missed this when it first came out, pick it up now – it’s a perfect fantasy read.

Recommended by Rae Ann Lovely War

By Julie Berry

The Greek gods hold the fate of four mortals’ lives and hearts in their hands in this sweeping novel set in World Wars I and II. One of my all-time favorite YA novels.

Also loved by Sarah!

Sprout Book Club: August Selection A Little Ferry Tale

By Chad Otis

The August 2022 Sprout Book Club selection is A Little Ferry Tale by Chad Otis.

Author/illustrator Chad Otis bring us a delightful story about a ferry that admires the other boats, fast speedboat, strong tugboat, and graceful sailboat. But when a crisis erupts, ferry’s true qualities shine.

Early praise for the book:

“Charming for coastal ferry-riding kids.” – Kirkus

Sprout Book Club is the book subscription box for picture book lovers. Every month members will receive a first edition picture book.  Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite picture book lover for 3, 6, or 12 months. 

Spark Book Club: August Selection Hummingbird

By Natalie Lloyd

The August 2022 Spark Book Club selection is Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd.

Olive’s dream comes true when she gets the chance to attend a traditional school after years of being homeschooled. She decorates her wheelchair with sparkles and hopes to fit in. Rumors of a magical wish-granting bird float through Olive’s Tennessee mountain town. She teams up with her new theater friends, determined to find the bird and have her deepest wish granted.

Early Sparks for the novel:

“A spirited tale of self-belief.” – Kirkus

“This is a novel as rare as the magical bird at its center.” – BookPage, starred review

Spark Book Club is the first editions club for middle grade readers.  Every month members will receive a first edition middle grade novel — plus a letter written by the author especially for club members. Makes a great gift for the independent reader! Sign ups are available for 3, 6, or 12 months.

ParnassusNext: August Selection Violet Made of Thorns

By Gina Chen

The August 2022 ParnassusNext selection is Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen.

After a vision prompts her to save the life of the prince, Violet Lune is brought to the kingdom and anointed as a Seer. She lives by her wits presiding in her tower, even if that means lying to the royals and their subjects. There is a thin line between love and deception in this dark fantasy.

Read our interview with Gina Chen in Musing here!

Early praise for the novel:

“Diverting and atmospheric.” – Kirkus

“Searing… Employing evocative prose, passionately antagonistic romance, and a snarky first-person narration, Chen borrows familiar fairy tale elements and crafts them into a uniquely dark fantasy.” – Publishers Weekly

ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Parnassus Staff Presents: 27 New Reads for August

One of our favorite things about being booksellers is getting the chance to share the books we love most with all of you. We usually reach for new books to recommend for our monthly staff picks, but lately we’ve been feeling like we aren’t giving older books all the love they deserve. So we’re excited to present to you… drumroll please…. the Classics & Backlist section! Scroll down below Nonfiction each month to check out a new selection of not-so-new books that we love a whole lot. Without further ado, we present to you our staff picks for August!

FICTIONRecommended by Karen Still Life

By Sarah Winman

Ulysses is a young soldier stationed in Tuscany during WWII when he meets a much older art historian, Evelyn Skinner. They form an immediate friendship that lives on in their memories after they return to England. When Ulysses receives an unexpected inheritance taking him back to Florence, it also sets into motion the reuniting of these two. This book has an eccentric cast of characters you will love.

Recommended by Lindsay Our Wives Under the Sea: A Novel

By Julia Armfield

In Julia Armfield’s surreal and gorgeous debut novel, a woman returns from a deep-sea expedition and something is… not quite right about her. Our Wives Under the Sea is equal parts unnerving and unfathomably beautiful—imagine Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation meets the poetry of Adrienne Rich, with a dash of Carmen Maria Machado.

Recommended by Cheryl Mercury Pictures Presents: A Novel

By Anthony Marra

The story begins in the early 1940s in a small Hollywood movie studio. Laugh-out-loud wittiness changes to stories of trying circumstances that the employees had to endure in Europe prior to coming to the US. This novel is rich in its balance of humor and heart-wrenching survival.

Also loved by Ann and Elyse!

Recommended by RJ A Prayer for the Crown-Shy: A Monk and Robot Book

By Becky Chambers

A gentle exploration of utopian ideals and community, this sequel to A Psalm for the Wild-Built continues Becky Chamber’s track record for making some of the most beautiful, feel-good scifi around. I’m always excited for another glimpse into this world.

Recommended by Kathy The Foundling: A Novel

By Ann Leary

Young Mary Engle comes to work at the Nettleton State Village Home for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age. She accidentally discovers shocking things that go on there and sets about trying to help despite danger to herself and a friend trapped there. Kept me spell-bound until the end!

Recommended by Sissy Just Like Home

By Sarah Gailey

A woman returns home after a long absence to care for her dying mother. Why is their relationship so tense? Is the house haunted? Fans of Shirley Jackson will love the slowly building horror in this novel.

Recommended by Sarah Patricia Wants to Cuddle

By Samantha Allen

This one was WEIRD, y’all, and I loved every second. Here’s how I can best describe it: Campy satire + reality TV + comedic horror + queer romp = Patricia Wants to Cuddle. Just trust me on this one.

Recommended by Chelsea The Daughter of Doctor Moreau

By Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Drawing inspiration from the famous H. G. Wells novel, Moreno-Garcia has penned a novel that defies genre, mixing elements of historical fiction and sci-fi with a dash of romance. The heroine’s character development from obedient daughter to independent badass was particularly enrapturing, as was the role of the hybrids. I eagerly await Moreno-Garcia’s next project.

Recommended by Jenness The Displacements: A Novel

By Bruce Holsinger

The world’s first Category 6 hurricane devastates South Florida and the Gulf Coast, creating a new diaspora across America. Equal parts family drama and social commentary, this novel is a riveting tale of loss and reclamation, privilege and humanity – an inspiration to take better care of our planet and our fellow humans.

Recommended by Jake An Honest Living: A Novel

By Dwyer Murphy

This modern update on the pulpy detective story is as clever as it is enthralling. Following a lawyer who finds himself drawn into the shady underworld of antique book sales, along the way he encounters messy marriages, nefarious schemes, vast conspiracies, colorful characters, and twists and turns aplenty. Masterfully subverting many genre clichés, this title is sure to appease any and all mystery fans.

Recommended by Ashby The It Girl

By Ruth Ware

I didn’t see it coming! When they were students at Oxford, Hannah’s “it girl” roommate April was murdered. The convicted killer proclaimed his innocence until he died. Now, Hannah is pregnant and married to April’s boyfriend. Solving the crime involves reconnecting with the past and coming to terms with who her roommate really was. Page-turner!

Recommended by Chelsea The Last to Vanish: A Novel

By Megan Miranda

Abby manages an inn in the mountain town of Cutter’s Pass, infamous for the disappearances of hikers. When the brother of the last disappearance arrives, he and Abby start to follow leads that threaten to unravel the town’s darkest secrets. Suspenseful and claustrophobic, The Last to Vanish will not disappoint thriller fans.

Recommended by Patsy Stories from the Attic

By William Gay

Gay’s posthumous volume places him squarely in the world of Southern Gothic fiction, echoing Flannery O’Connor and Cormac McCarthy. His gritty short stories of well-developed characters from the far side of the tracks had me turning the pages with a bit of trepidation, but I couldn’t stop reading. Longtime fans of his novels will appreciate the sections of memoirs and fragments included.

Recommended by Jenness Acts of Violet

By Margarita Montimore

Ten years after famous magician Violet Volk’s mid-act disappearance, her estranged sister Sasha is still trying to hold her life together and make sense of it all. A quick and enjoyable journey driven by the power of magic, the bond of sisterhood, and the legacy of what we leave behind.

Recommended by RJ D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding

By Chencia C. Higgins

D’Vaughn and Kris are strangers, but if they’re going to win $100,000 on reality TV, they’ll have to convince both their families they’re madly in love and getting married in six short weeks. This romcom features some of the most delightful family antics I’ve read in a while, not to mention the romantic chemistry between the leads. This is pure fun and joy.

Recommended by Chelsea The Hookup Plan

By Farrah Rochon

I have been waiting for London’s story since she was introduced in The Boyfriend Project, and this was everything I hoped for and more. With academic-rivals-to-lovers and a focus on empowering female friendships, you’ve got a romance novel that will not disappoint.

Also loved by Katie!

Recommended by Hannah Every Summer After

By Carley Fortune

Reading this book feels like summer sunshine warming your skin. Perfect for fans of childhood friends to lovers and/or second-chance romance, it’s an excellent beach-read with just enough emotional angst to balance it out.

Recommended by Jordan Adult Assembly Required

By Abbi Waxman

If you are in need of a quirky and charming story with lovable characters, I cannot recommend Abbi Waxman’s books enough. Her latest novel, Adult Assembly Required, feels like a hug from a dear friend.

Recommended by RJ A Caribbean Heiress in Paris: A Historical Romance

By Adriana Herrera

This historical romance is a gem, with a feisty business-savvy heroine, a high stakes marriage of convenience, and immersive historical details. Equal turns smart, steamy, and sweet, I looked forward to seeing what’s next for this promising series.

NONFICTIONRecommended by Lindsay The Crane Wife: A Memoir in Essays

By CJ Hauser

I’ve been anticipating this collection since CJ Hauser had a stunning essay about a broken engagement go viral a few years ago—I’m glad to report that The Crane Wife lives up to the hype! This essay collection is gorgeous and heartfelt.

Recommended by Jennifer The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life

By Simran Jeet Singh

Singh’s memoir walks readers through his life as a Sikh in the United States. Despite the racism and prejudices he has experienced, Singh finds the courage– and helps inspire his readers– to live a life guided by love and light. Singh uses his Sikh values as a foundation for promoting change and unity in our broken world.

Recommended by Sissy Evangelical Anxiety: A Memoir

By Charles Marsh

Marsh, a preacher’s son and professor of religious studies at UVA, explores the personal cost of an evangelical upbringing and a medical diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. He’s a book nerd like us, so lovers of literature will especially appreciate this memoir.

CLASSICS & BACKLISTRecommended by Katie Ariadne: A Novel

By Jennifer Saint

I cannot pass up a Greek mythology retelling and Jennifer Saint’s debut did not disappoint. This is a beautiful story that gives a larger voice to the Princess of Crete, Ariadne, and her struggle to find her footing in a world in which both men and gods have other plans. If you loved Madeline Miller’s Circe or Natalie Hayne’s A Thousand Ships you’ll love Ariadne.

Recommended by Lindsay Crush

By Richard Siken, Louise Gluck (Foreword by)

When those late summer storms start rolling in, I always find myself reaching for some lush, dramatic poetry. Richard Siken’s Crush is my go-to. Grab a copy now so you have it on hand the next time it starts pouring rain.

Recommended by Hannah Persuasion

By Jane Austen

Widely acknowledged as Austen’s most mature work, Persuasion is a nuanced drama with acute social commentary and second-chance romance. Trust me: don’t waste your time watching Netflix’s new adaptation – stick with the original masterpiece.

Recommended by Elyse This Is Happiness

By Niall Williams

A funny and poignant story about a teenage boy sent from Dublin to a small Irish village to live with his grandparents. Coming of age, old and new loves, the arrival of electricity, along with a loveable and quirky cast of characters I absolutely adored! The writing was so beautiful, I kept re-reading passages. The book brought me such happiness!

Recommended by Katie The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

By Becky Chambers

Cozy space travelers on a delightful adventure. This book is a treasure and the rest of the books in the series deliver as well. The perfect book for when you can’t deal with your current planet and are ready to trade it in.

First Editions Club: August Selection Mercury Pictures Presents: A Novel

By Anthony Marra

Dear friends,

Anthony Marra is someone I root for. His books are ambitious and complex, tackling subjects that lesser novelists are wise to stay away from. Take, for example, his first novel, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, which deals with the Russian war in Chechnya, or his second book, The Tsar of Love and Techno, short stories that start out in Stalin’s Russia and go on to more places than you can imagine. Marra has been compared to Nabokov, Kafka, and Orwell. The word “brilliant” gets used in pretty much all of his reviews.

So needless to say, expectations were high for Mercury Pictures Presents, the novel he’s been working on for seven years. Clearly, the work has paid off. The story runs from Mussolini’s Italy to 1940s Hollywood, and is full of history, comedy, and horror. It is that thing we’re always looking for at Parnassus: a great literary read.

One of the fun things about reading all of one author’s work is that you can start to see patterns emerging: Marra loves to write about people being erased. Watch for it.

And enjoy.

Ann Patchett

More about our First Editions Club: Every member receives a first edition of the selected book of the month, signed by the author. Books are carefully chosen by our staff of readers, and our picks have gone on to earn major recognition including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the PEN/Faulkner Award. Plus, there’s no membership fee or premium charge for these books. Build a treasured library of signed first editions and always have something great to read! Makes a FABULOUS gift, too.

Science Fiction and the Nature of Memory: An Interview with Julian R. Vaca

The Memory Index is a debut young adult novel by Nashville author, Julian R. Vaca. This gripping science fiction novel reimagines a 1987 where memories are valuable. The book’s launch event at The Rabbit Room on August 13th is full, but you can still join the waitlist and/or pre-order a signed or personalized copy on our website! Rae Ann Parker, our Director of Books and Events for Young Readers, talked with Julian about the inspiration behind the book, the official playlist he created for it, and more!

[image error]Julian R. Vaca

Rae Ann Parker: Julian, you are a staff writer for PBS’s Reconnecting Roots and you’re also a working actor. What inspired you to dive into novel writing and what sparked the inspiration for The Memory Index?

Julian R. Vaca: Ever since I was a child, storytelling has been my escape—it’s helped me make sense of my messes. As a first-generation Mexican American who spent his formative years in the South, I’ve always felt a disconnect: my parents didn’t teach me Spanish because they believed I needed to master English to excel academically. On the flip side, most of the friends I made in the rural town I lived in were white. I had a sort of crisis of identity. I couldn’t fully embrace my Mexican heritage (three of my four grandparents didn’t speak English!), and I always felt slightly detached from my circle of friends because I look different. Making home movies and writing stories became an exercise in processing my insecurities. I feel safest when I’m acting and writing—when I’m creating. With The Memory Index, I started by asking the question: Are we more than the sum of our memories? My fascination with childhood amnesia fueled this question, and that seed soon blossomed into TMI.

RAP: Your main character Freya is trying to solve the mystery of her father’s death. After she is caught with banned technology, she lands in Foxtail Academy, a boarding school experimenting with memory recall. What was your favorite part of writing a science fiction mystery?

JRV: I constantly tell people that the best sci-fi out there merely uses the genre as a vehicle for exploring and unpacking the human condition. I definitely took that to heart when drafting the manuscript for TMI. And, let’s be honest: science fiction is a total blast. Some of my favorite books and movies are sci-fi! I think, in a lot of ways, my favorite part about writing this story was getting to pay homage to my favorite sci-fi stories. Further, in developing a world with rapid memory loss, there’s a lot of research required to be able to get this right. I read countless medical blogs on the topic, and—were it not for researching this story—I might not have learned so many interesting things about how our brains store memories.

RAP: What prompted you to set this science fiction novel in a reimagined 1987?

JRV: One of the reasons I decided to set this narrative in the 1980s was that it allowed me to play with analog technology, like tape decks and VHS camcorders. This story almost doesn’t work in modern times—where smart phones and micro technology are ubiquitous. In addition to the analog tech, and thinking through the challenges of an 80s world confronting a terrifying phenomenon like Memory Killer, I wanted atmosphere to play a role in this duology. There’s something decidedly different—decidedly special—about 1980s pop culture. There’s a reason it’s been in vogue for a while. And I think if, as a storyteller, I can hope to capitalize on that familiarity, it will help to ground the story. Now, obviously the risk is using that decade in a gimmicky way, but when done correctly, an 80s-set story should be amplified by its setting. (Think Stranger Things.)

RAP: You created a playlist for the novel that readers can access here . Did you develop the playlist after the novel was complete or were these songs part of your creative process?

JRV: The playlist was always meant to be integral to the story. I cataloged it during the first draft because I wanted to provide readers with an official, supplemental piece to the story. (There’s actually a QR code included in the back matter of the book!)  My aim is to elevate the readers’ experience by including this playlist.

RAP: And finally, we ask everyone, what’s your favorite thing about indie bookstores?

JRV: This is a no-brainer: the human element. As a former bookseller myself, I can say there’s nothing quite like being able to recommend a book to someone—in person! This is something Amazon will NEVER be able to capture, and it’s why indie bookstores are so vital to readers (both young and old) all over the world.

The Memory Index will be released on August 9, 2022.

Seers, Liars, & Friends: An Interview with ParnassusNext Author Gina Chen

The August ParnassusNext selection is Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen. This debut novel is a dark fantasy romance drawn from the story of the Briar King’s Bride. Rich imagery and captivating characters fill this story of a kingdom full of danger and intrigue. Thanks to Gina for signing books for our ParnassusNext subscribers and chatting with Rae Ann Parker, our Director of Children’s Books and Events, about the book!

Gina Chen

Rae Ann Parker: What was your inspiration for Violet Made of Thorns?

Gina Chen: One of the main questions that drove this story was, “What if you were the absolute worst choice to be a fairytale heroine?” Violet doesn’t believe in happily ever afters and she isn’t interested in saving anyone but herself. So of course, I made her the main character of her own fairy tale. I also wanted to write a genre-aware narrator, and that’s very fun to play with in something as archetypical as a fairy tale.

RAP: Your main character, Violet, is many things at once – a seer, a liar, and a friend. Did she come to you all at once or did you discover her as you wrote the story?

GC: There’s always some discovery in the process, but her basic personality has always been clear to me. One of the most interesting things that developed over time was her relationship with the king. In the beginning, I only knew it as some kind of business arrangement that was beneficial for both of them. As I drafted, I discovered her complicated feelings about him as her parental figure—that mixture of love, fear, and respect—that drives her to prize his opinion, even when she disagrees.

RAP: Violet’s tower is fascinating. It’s an important part of her role in the kingdom and also a mystery. What is your favorite thing about the tower?

GC: The tower was one of the first things I came up with and the description of it has pretty much stayed the same since the first draft. I love the visual of this strange piece of nature growing in the middle of the developed city, completely out of place. It survives despite the development, despite the distrust of wild magic, stubborn like some of its Seers. I also love how impractically built it is. There are so many stairs.

RAP: Violet Made of Thorns is the first in a duology. Will any secondary characters (maybe the prince’s twin sister) play a bigger role in the second book?

GC: Rather than a bigger role, I would say most characters play a slightly different role. For example, the kingdom is less… festive due to the events of the first book. Fun parties just aren’t the same anymore for Camilla (nor for anyone else in the city, for that matter) so the princess is preoccupied with other responsibilities. I will say there is no new major antagonist in the second book, and you will learn more about the one you already know.

RAP: And finally, we ask everyone, what’s your favorite thing about indie bookstores?

GC: I love talking with the booksellers! They know books best and it’s always nice to chat while picking up the latest releases, whether we’re trading recs, book cover opinions, or speculation over an anticipated series. The excitement is contagious!

Violet Made of Thorns will be released on July 26, 2022. It is the August selection for ParnassusNext.

ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Who is Vera Kelly? Your Next Favorite Spy: An Interview with Rosalie Knecht

It’s not an uncommon occurrence for Parnassus booksellers to have customers ask us to recommend their next favorite mystery series. They’re looking for something with suspense and intrigue, twists and turns, and a complex protagonist they can root for. If that’s your jam, please allow us to introduce you to Vera Kelly. This series manages to feel both like a classic noir and a wholly original take on the spy novel. The third book in Vera’s story, Vera Kelly: Lost and Found, was just released last month, so it’s a great time to jump into this fascinating series. Musing editor Sarah Arnold chatted with the author, Rosalie Knecht, about her writing process, how Vera came to be, and more!

Rosalie Knecht | Credit: Seze Devres

Sarah Arnold: First off, congratulations on the third book in the Vera Kelly series! For those who aren’t familiar, would you tell us a bit about the titular character and what inspired you to tell her story?

Rosalie Knecht: Vera Kelly is a former juvenile delinquent and current private investigator, making her way around 60-70s Brooklyn and trying to create a stable life with her girlfriend, Max. I was inspired to write the first book in the series by my maternal grandfather’s ultimately disastrous McCarthy-era stint in the CIA.

SA: Vera isn’t your typical spy novel protagonist. Most spy novels are centered around straight, male leads, and Vera is a young, queer woman living in a world that isn’t very willing to accept her. What has your experience publishing queer, female-driven stories been like? Has it been difficult to widen the scope of what readers consider to be a “classic” spy novel?

RK: Honestly, it has not been difficult, which I credit to my publisher, Tin House. They absolutely got behind these books with everything they had and immediately understood what I was trying to do. I think readers often deserve more credit than they get when it comes to newness. And Vera Kelly isn’t entirely new anyway—not the first gay spy, P.I., or noir protagonist.

SA: Was your writing process any different for Vera Kelly Lost & Found than for the first two installments? Did you find Vera an easier character to write after spending two books with her?

RK: It has definitely gotten easier! Often a finished book has a shadow-self of hundreds of pages of work that get thrown away or rewritten into oblivion. Over the course of the series, the shadow book has gotten smaller and smaller. I know Vera’s character and motivations, so I spend less time feeling things out and getting stuck in dead ends. There’s less wasted time.

SA: The series must have involved quite a bit of research on a number of different topics: U.S. foreign policy, queer culture in the 60s, and the Falkland Islands, just to name a few. Was there a particular subject you especially enjoyed exploring for any of the three books? Did you come across any surprising bits of history you didn’t know about before?

RK: There was tons of fascinating stuff—the intersections of gay subcultures with other illicit economies (the mob’s involvement with gay bars, the recurring grift of the police), the wild stuff the CIA was getting up to in the 60s over and above the typical subversions of democracy (*barrels of LSD*), the real life hijacking of a commercial flight and forced rerouting to the Falklands in 1966 by a group of Buenos Aires students (the Falklands had no airport or runway at the time, and yet somehow, miraculously, no one was hurt). I could go on! Buy me a drink sometime and I will go on!

SA: We always like to finish with this question: What is your favorite thing about independent bookstores?

RK: Get a group of booksellers together and you will have the best happy hour of your life.

The third installment in the Vera Kelly series, Vera Kelly: Lost and Found, is out now.

Adventure Is Out There: 13 New Reads for the Young & Young at Heart

If there’s a theme to be found among this month’s staff picks for the young and young at heart, it’s adventure. From embarking on eerie magical quests, to stepping outside comfort zones, to discovering their true selves, these characters are daring to explore themselves and the world around them. Join them on their journeys!

PICTURE BOOKSRecommended by Chelsea Don’t Worry, Murray

By David Ezra Stein

Murray is scared of much of the world, but he learns that a little step can make him brave. Murray is an adorable, relatable character that will inspire readers to take a look at their own fears and the small actions we can take against them.

Recommended by Aly The Queen in the Cave

By Júlia Sardà

In this gorgeously illustrated book, three sisters journey into the forest to search for the witch queen of their dreams. What they end up finding is quite surprising!

Recommended by Rae Ann Building

By Henry Cole

A beautiful non-fiction picture book about beavers adapting to nature’s challenges.

Recommended by Aly I Want to Be a Vase

By Julio Torres, Julian Glander (Illustrator)

This plunger wants to be a vase. Soon everyone in the house is figuring out what they truly want to be! Hilarious and heartwarming, I love this beautiful book.

INDEPENDENT READERSRecommended by Madeline Lark and the Wild Hunt

By Jennifer Adam

A refreshing take on traditional mythology, Lark and the Wild Hunt is an exhilarating adventure story about family, loyalty, and bravery. Oh, and fairies and lots of dangerous creatures! And these aren’t your pretty fairies with wings. They’re the classic, sinister creatures of mischief. Perfect for lovers of Oddmire.

YOUNG ADULTRecommended by Ashby A Secret Princess

By Margaret Stohl, Melissa de la Cruz

A Little Princess + The Secret Garden = A Secret Princess. Best friends Mary, Cedric, and Sara leave their boarding school and run away to Cedric’s estate after Sara is left orphaned and penniless. A getaway. A garden. Classic characters and stories collide!

Recommended by Jennifer The Darkening (The Darkening Duology #1)

By Sunya Mara

Vesper is the daughter of failed revolutionaries, intent on finishing what they started. Working her way into the Prince’s inner circle with a false identity, Vesper seeks to understand the Storm–a nightmare that is taking over the city, rim by rim. Soon, Vesper learns there is more to this dark entity than she ever thought. If you are looking for a gripping fantasy with a lot of heart, this is the perfect choice.

Recommended by Ashby My Name Is Jason. Mine Too.: Our Story. Our Way.

By Jason Reynolds, Jason Griffin

Poetry by Jason (Reynolds) and art by Jason (Griffin). The two best friends explore their connections – connections that take the two to Brooklyn to pursue their dreams. The words and accompanying art tell their story and explore the meaning of friendship while having readers think about form, process, and relationships.

Recommended by Sarah Not My Problem

By Ciara Smyth

Calling all fans of Netflix’s Sex Education and Derry Girls! I missed this one when it first came out last year, but I’m SO glad I picked up the paperback. Not My Problem explores themes of friendship and growing up, anxiety and doubt, parental alcoholism and family dynamics, all while being laugh-out-loud funny. The queer representation was the cherry on top. This is one of the best YA books I’ve read.

Recommended by Ashby Love & Other Great Expectations

By Becky Dean

An American girl. A British boy. A scavenger hunt. Three smart competitors that don’t play fair. Running around the English countryside, Britt, the American girl, has to decide whether to follow the map or toss it aside. Maybe she will win the prize and the boy.

Sprout Book Club: July Selection If You Find a Leaf

By Aimee Sicuro

The July 2022 Sprout Book Club selection is If You Find a Leaf by Aimee Sicuro.

Author/illustrator Aimee Sicuro uses real leaves in the artwork of this delightful story about a young artist inspired to create something new with the fall of each leaf. A detailed list of leaves along with tips for creating your own leafy artwork are an added bonus.

Early praise for the book:

“A sweet, poetic ode to autumn.” – Kirkus

Sprout Book Club is the book subscription box for picture book lovers. Every month members will receive a first edition picture book.  Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite picture book lover for 3, 6, or 12 months. 

Spark Book Club: July Selection The Star That Always Stays

By Anna Rose Johnson

The July 2022 Spark Book Club selection is The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson. Norvia, her mom, and siblings move from Beaver Island to the city in 1914. Norvia is instructed not to tell her new step-father about their Ojibwe heritage. Life in the city is great with a school down the street and a movie theater, but some classmates shun Norvia because her mom is divorced. This coming-of-age story with a strong heroine is perfect for fans of Anne of Green Gables.

Early Sparks for the novel:

“A coming-of-age story with a kind heart and strong spirit.” – Kirkus

Spark Book Club is the first editions club for middle grade readers.  Every month members will receive a first edition middle grade novel — plus a letter written by the author especially for club members. Makes a great gift for the independent reader! Sign ups are available for 3, 6, or 12 months.

ParnassusNext: July Selection Our Crooked Hearts: A Novel

By Melissa Albert

The July 2022 ParnassusNext selection is Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert. Ivy and her ex-boyfriend narrowly avoid running over a woman standing in the middle of the street in present day suburbs. Dana is starting to unlock her magical potential in 90s Chicago. As the storylines speed towards a startling intersection, Dana and Ivy must reckon with the choices they have made and the magic they’ve brought into their lives.

Early praise for the novel:

“Riveting, creepy, and utterly bewitching; do not miss this one.” – Kirkus, starred review

“A tale both spellbinding and bingeworthy.” – Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Staying Cool with 20 Hot New Reads for July

We’ll keep it short and sweet this time, friends: It is simply too hot to do anything but read in the comfort of air conditioning. Our booksellers are recommending twenty books with which to do just that, so sit back, stay cool, and treat yo shelf with this month’s staff picks!

FICTIONRecommended by Ann Horse: A Novel

By Geraldine Brooks

I’m stealing this quote from a bookstore in Geraldine’s hometown of Sydney, but it is so exactly right: “A sweeping story of spirit, obsession and injustice.” Plus it’s beautifully written and meticulously researched. Loved it.

Recommended by Lindsay Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel

By Gabrielle Zevin

Yes, this is a book about developing video games. But trust me when I tell you it’s also a book about friendships that persevere over time, and messy love stories, and art. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is destined to become a cult classic.

Recommended by Rae Ann Gilt

By Jamie Brenner

A family-owned luxury jewelry business in NYC tries to stay afloat in modern times. Recovering a famous diamond that may be cursed could be the answer to their problems in business and reconnecting with each other. This is a perfect summer read.

Recommended by Cat The Women in Black: A Novel

By Madeleine St John

This is an absolute delight of a novel set in a fictional department store in Australia. Featuring four women who work in the store, it goes back and forth between each of them as they work during the holiday rush and deal with their own lives outside of work in ways that frequently overlap. The quick wit and snappy action make this the perfect book to pick up to read over a weekend.

Recommended by Kathy Two Nights in Lisbon: A Novel

By Chris Pavone

When a woman’s husband disappears on a business trip in Lisbon, she leaves no stone unturned to find him. She has no idea what she is up against in her hunt. It’s been called “the thriller of the summer,” and it is. My husband and I both loved it.

Recommended by Heather Tracy Flick Can’t Win: A Novel

By Tom Perrotta

I desperately needed a book to pull me out of my COVID haze, and Perrotta’s latest gem was the answer. Fast, fun, relatable and engaging, I read the entire book in an afternoon. Tracy can’t win: old white guys and coaches, sexual harassment, money buying power, and “famous people” get in the way of the rules of appropriate behavior. I identified, commiserated, and squirmed right along with her.

Recommended by Sydney Lapvona: A Novel

By Ottessa Moshfegh

Profound and peculiar, Ottessa Moshfegh never disappoints me. Her newest novel (written at the height of the pandemic) follows the medieval people of Lapvona, who are struggling to survive a festering famine. Quirky, grotesque, and very Moshfegh.

Recommended by Ashby Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting: A Novel

By Clare Pooley

The best part of riding the subway? People watching. Iona and her dog Lulu spend the commute naming the riders. When Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader chokes on a grape and is saved by a fellow passenger, the walls come down, and people on the train start talking to each other, getting to know each other. They learn about the world and themselves. It is just what I needed to read right now!

Recommended by Hannah The Measure: A Novel

By Nikki Erlick

I’m not being hyperbolic: this novel has the potential to change your outlook on life. Would you choose to know how long you’ll live? Such is the central question of this stunning debut. Erlick’s elegant prose and vibrant cast of characters bring this unforgettable story to life! The novel’s looming question is brilliantly nuanced, universally relatable, and will linger with you long after you finish the book.

Recommended by Cheryl The Messy Lives of Book People

By Phaedra Patrick

A housekeeper for a reclusive famous author is suddenly left with an unfinished manuscript to complete. It is the 20th in a beloved series. The author left instructions that her death is to be kept secret until the novel’s release on a specific day. A secret and a romantic mystery combined with some family drama = an entertaining read.

Recommended by Sarah Who Is Vera Kelly? (A Vera Kelly Story #1)

By Rosalie Knecht

Vera is a young, queer woman in the 1960s struggling to find her way in the world when her sharp intelligence and technical skills get her noticed by a CIA recruiter. She suddenly finds herself in Argentina at the center of a Cold War conspiracy. This book is a wholly original, fresh take on the classic spy noir novel. If you love Vera as much as I do (and you will), pick up the other two books in the trilogy!

Recommended by Rae Ann The Hotel Nantucket

By Elin Hilderbrand

A newly renovated hotel and its resident ghost take center stage among the eclectic cast of characters in this fun read.

Recommended by Marcia On Gin Lane

By Brooke Lea Foster

1957. The Hamptons. Roland gifts his fiancé, trust fund baby Everleigh (she grew up in the Plaza Hotel in NYC), a hotel of her own. Is this what she *really* wants? It is, right? She decides she’s in for a fun, glamorous Southampton summer. She soon finds out not everything is as it seems and the Hamptons have smoke (literally) and mirrors just the same as everyone else. This is for fans of Elin Hilderbrand!

Recommended by Erin The Key to Deceit: An Electra McDonnell Novel (Electra McDonnell Series #2)

By Ashley Weaver

It’s the second in Weaver’s mystery series set in WWII London about the adventures of Ellie McDonnell, her family of safecrackers and thieves, and their odd couple partnership with the very proper Major Ramsey to uncover a German spy ring. You don’t need to read the first book before breaking into this one–Weaver catches you up nicely–but you’ll want to after you finish. This series is delightful!

Recommended by Ashby Lore Olympus: Volume Two

By Rachel Smythe

A graphic retelling that turns the Persephone story into a modern soap opera IN A GOOD WAY! In Volume 1, Persephone’s roommate Artemis takes her to a party and she meets Hades and sparks fly. Volume 2 follows the sparks as Persephone and Hades navigate their relationship.

NONFICTIONRecommended by Ann All That Moves Us: A Pediatric Neurosurgeon, His Young Patients, and Their Stories of Grace and Resilience

By Jay Wellons

I’m so proud of my friend Jay, who wrote a fierce, harrowing and ultimately uplifting book about what it’s like to operate on children, and what it’s like to be alive in the world. Shop local. Read local.

Recommended by Chelsea Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks

By Patrick Radden Keefe

A collection of Keefe’s articles from The New Yorker, Rogues is an intriguing examination of human nature, choices, and consequences. Each piece focuses on a different person, and the subjects are varied and fascinating. If you haven’t read Keefe before, this is an excellent place to start. If you’re a fan, this is not to be missed.

Recommended by Lindsay Also a Poet: Frank O’Hara, My Father, and Me

By Ada Calhoun

I’m not here to tell you how to live your life, but if I were you, I’d pick up Ada Calhoun’s wonderful memoir Also a Poet with a copy of Frank O’Hara’s Lunch Poems and spend my summer just basking in the world of the New York arts scene during the 60s and 70s.

Recommended by Elyse Judaism Without Tribalism: A Guide to Being a Blessing to All the Peoples of the Earth

By Rami Shapiro, Douglas Rushkoff

Community-based… creative… fluid… evolving. These are some ways Rami Shapiro describes religion at its best. He steps not outside of, but beside much of traditional Jewish thought with a fresh perspective that brings insight and permission to explore Judaism in a different, more accessible light. An enlightening book for people of all faiths.

Recommended by Patsy Fly Girl: A Memoir

By Ann Hood

Former TWA flight attendant Ann Hood chronicles the golden age of air travel through the changes wrought by deregulation. Her tales of intense training, short nights in many time zones, white-glove service of sometimes difficult passengers in thousands of shared small spaces, administering life-saving measures as a medic, and wild adventures abroad offer a juicy insider’s perspective of the industry.

First Editions Club: July Selection Horse: A Novel

By Geraldine Brooks

Dear friends,

Sometimes picking a book for the First Editions Club is so easy.

First off, Geraldine Brooks is an internationally famous author. Her novel March won the Pulitzer Prize in 2006. The scope of her interests and the beauty of her sentences have put her in a class by herself. The fact that she started her career as a journalist and war correspondent means that she’s also an excellent researcher and, frankly, fearless.

In her new novel, Horse, she tells the story of Lexington, a real-life thoroughbred who was the greatest racer of the nineteenth century, and his groom Jarret, an enslaved man who loved the horse and brought him to greatness. For any other writer, this would be plenty, but for Brooks, the horse and his trainer are a place to start. After the Civil War, Lexington’s legacy moves forward through history, connecting a New York gallery owner and a lost painting in the 1950’s, and then shapes a contemporary relationship between a scientist and an art historian.

This is not only the story of one of the greatest horses who ever ran, it is the story of race in America, and how the past continues to inform and shape our lives.

You have a wonderful book ahead of you.

Ann Patchett

 

More about our First Editions Club: Every member receives a first edition of the selected book of the month, signed by the author. Books are carefully chosen by our staff of readers, and our picks have gone on to earn major recognition including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the PEN/Faulkner Award. Plus, there’s no membership fee or premium charge for these books. Build a treasured library of signed first editions and always have something great to read! Makes a FABULOUS gift, too.