Watermark Book Company
612 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes WA 98221
Phone 360-293-4277
Open Monday-Saturday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday 11 am - 4 pm

Hello to all of my happy readers!!!

Happy Spring to all. I know it is spring because my face tells me it is so. My eyes are itchy and my nose waters... but there is the beauty to behold: all of the flowers and trees blooming. I have been out hiking so much more. April is a good time for me and mine. April is our wedding anniversary, and also the anniversary of our purchase of the bookshop! We always try to pop out for a bit to reconnect and refuel. This year we are taking 2 out of the 4 kiddos and heading to Maui. We will be taking my oldest and our youngest with us. I am really looking forward to the down time and the sunny weather and the reading on the beach. My husband always teases me about taking a suitcase filled with books.

As we move forward for now, we will continue to require masks to be worn inside of our shop. Between the little shoppers, pregnant mamas, and a very sick friend I am trying to spend time with and protect, this just feels like the right choice for now. Please let us know if you have any questions.

People always check in and ask how the shop is doing. The answer is that we are okay. Last year, no one was traveling internationally and, as a destination town, we were very popular for road trips, etc. We are definitely seeing a difference in our numbers this year as the world reopens. That has been sad and a struggle for our bottom line. But we are hopeful for the upcoming months.

Our store Anniversary is April 20th...However, we think we should celebrate all week. See all the fun details for this fun event in the section below.

Independent Bookstore Day is another fun day!! It is Saturday, April 30th, and we have a lot of fun planned for that day--I am so excited to have editor Howard Shapiro with us on that day for a book signing. So much fun! Details also below.

Ok...Books that I read this month: This Book is Gay, by Juno Dawson, is a really lovely, concise, and well thought out book about identity and sexuality. She has a new title coming out in a couple of months and I am very excited to get my advanced read from my publisher. I read Heartstopper Volume 1, by Alice Oseman. This title was recommended and leant to me by my team member, Emma. It is a really lovely young adult graphic novel. It takes place in a high school and is a coming of age love story between two young men. I did not love the first couple of pages, but after a bit I could NOT put it down. I can completely see why it is sweeping readers away all over. I also read The Paris Apartment, by Lucy Foley, a major mystery set in....Paris. A sister is supposed to connect with her brother at his apartment, and, when she arrives, he is not there. She feels that something is not right and proceeds to try to piece it all together. Pretty fun and a fast read. I read Love and Saffron, by Kim Fay. This book is also a pretty quick read set around letters, friendship, and food. I really loved how this book really makes note of the importance between friendships, connection, and meals. It is a charming book. Last but not least, I read Kal Penn's book You Can't Be Serious, and wow, just wow. I had no idea about how he came to be an actor. I want to tell you more, but I do NOT want to ruin it. It is fun, witty, and intelligently written.

Since I am going on my trip, here is my upcoming list...Most are advanced readers, so I will also include (dates) that they are expected to release: The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, by Rachel Linden (8/2/22); Diary of an Oxygen Thief, by Anonymous--this title is out and was recommended by team member Isabelle; The Splendid City, by Karen Heuler (6/14/22)--I read the back of this one and I had to read it; The Recovery Agent, by Janet Evanovich--this one just came out last week!!! I am such a huge fan of this author and this is a new series by her, and it is also supposed to be just as fun as her other series; The Men, by Sandra Newman (6/14/22)--I read the jacket and the story was WILD! I am also going to listen to Hannah Gadsby (one of my favorite comedians)--she has written a memoir called Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation. I have this book downloaded on my Libro.fm app. This is an exciting month for reading! Wahoo!

Please stay safe, happy, and healthy...Happy Reading!!
Brandy~
Anniversary of New Ownership
Monday, April 18th-Sunday, April 24th
We are SO excited to celebrate the week that Brandy bought the store! As always, we've planned so much fun for the week. Please see below for information on the week's festivities!
50% off Anniversary Merchandise
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Raffle Baskets
We're running our semi-annual raffle baskets! For our anniversary week, when you spend $75+, you will have the opportunity to enter into the raffle basket of your choice! Check out our options below...
Kiddo Basket
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Family Fun Basket
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The Activity Basket
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The Information Basket
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The Baker Basket
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The Bestseller Basket
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Independent Bookstore Day
Saturday, April 30th
Independent Bookstore Day is almost here!!! Join us for a fun day of celebrating independent bookstores. We have all kinds of fun things planned, including...
Mystery Grab Bags! This bag of fun is yours for $30.00.
Available exclusively for Independent Bookstore Day.
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We're running our annual tote bag special--with your purchase of $75+, you get a FREE Independent Bookstore Day tote bag. Quantities are LIMITED this year, but don't worry--when we run out, we have another bag just as cute for you!
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Book Signing Event!!!
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As a special event for Independent Bookstore Day, we will host one of the editors of Crossing Paths, a collection of true stories about the Pacific Crest Trail. Howard Shapiro will be here from 11-3 to sign copies of the book and chat! Don't miss this incredible opportunity and this amazing book!
Easter and Spring Books!
Spring has sprung, and we are READY! We have bright and cheerful Easter and spring books to help you and your family celebrate the season.
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Easter and spring cards are so cute this year! Get them before they sell out!
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April Is National Poetry Month
Who is your favorite poet?
Quilt Walk
Quilt Walk is back! For the month of April, Fidalgo Island Quilters will display quilts in participating businesses about town. Stop in to check out the literary quilts that we get to have on display! For more information, check out their website here.
This Just In
New Stickers for Ukraine--The proceeds from Dissent Pins, the carriers of the stickers, and from our store will all be donated to Ukrainian citizens. 
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New stickers!!!
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New Enamel Pins from Felix Doolittle
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Birthday Cards Perfect for Kiddos
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New swag from Bookaroo, including journals, pen pouches,
glasses cases, and phone pockets.
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New Puzzles!
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New and Noteworthy
New in Hardcover
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New in Paperback
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Upcoming Events
April
Sunday, April 17th-Easter
CLOSED
We will be closed for Easter, and back on Monday! Have a safe and happy holiday.
Monday, April 18th-Sunday, April 24th
Anniversary Celebration!
Saturday, April 30th-Independent Bookstore Day
Come celebrate your favorite indie bookshop on Independent Bookstore Day!
May
Friday, May 6th-4:00 pm
Book Signing with Linda Stewart Henley
Local author Linda Stewart Henley has a new book out! She will be here signing copies on Friday, May 6th at 4:00 pm--come meet the author, get your copy signed, and discover a new read!
Watermark Book Club
Watermark Book Club is on Zoom! It is a closed book club, and you can let us know if you would like to be added to the waitlist. In the meantime, feel free to read along with us! This month we are discussing Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro. Here's what Brandy has to say about the book:
"This book received a lot of outstanding reviews, and when I first opened the jacket and read what it was about, I was totally intrigued. Set in the future, the story follows an AF, who isn't the fanciest or the most advanced model. However, she has the ability to feel and notice things that the others cannot. She is thoughtful and teachable. She is in a store and wants to go home with someone--the story follows her on this special journey. This book is weird... but in the best ways."