Wellesley Books Newsletter  
July 3rd, 2019
   Events      Book Clubs       Bookseller Picks      New Releases      For Kids      Gifts 
July has, historically, been a quiet month in Wellesley and for new books: a chance for us to take a breath, tidy up and prepare for the fall season. This year, however, you'll find yourself richly rewarded if you're not leaving town. Coming this month, we have a new novel from Colson Whitehead, a YA debut from a fellow local bookseller, the further adventures of a famous Pigeon, a timely work of immersive longform journalism, a staff-favorite debut memoir, and an urgent graphic memoir from one of your newsletter editor's favorite Trekkies...and this is just a taste of all the new releases we've been anticipating. Whether you're coming home for the weekend to regroup, or you prefer to stay in town, take advantage of the quiet (and the ample parking) and stop in to see us.
Upcoming Eventsevents

 
All events are free to the public, unless otherwise noted.
 Purchase the lead title  from Wellesley Books to enter the signing line .
 
 
 
Saturday, July 20th, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
A Wellesley Square summertime institution, July Jubilation returns for another year of sidewalk sales, food trucks, fundraisers and entertainment. Join us for our highly anticipated annual gift sidewalk sale. Please see the official Wellesley Square website for a complete schedule of events.  Hope to see you there!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Monday, July 22nd, 7:00 PM  
Caitlin Krause is a globally-recognized learning expert, author, and keynote speaker. In her new book Mindful by Design, she helps individual leaders and teams leverage mindfulness, storytelling, and design principles to connect more deeply with their audiences.   
 
 
 
  
 
Tuesday, July 23rd, 7:00 PM
J.A. Walsh worked in intelligence and counter-terrorism after the September 11th attacks. Purpose of Evasion is the first book in his Sami Lakhani thriller series. Sami is a new kind of spy hero, an American Muslim whose experiences are drawn from the author's own service in counter-terrorism, and inspired by some of the great writers and heroes of the spy and political thriller genres.   
 
 
 
Thursday, September 5th, 7:00 PM
 
Karl Marlantes, whose debut novel Matterhorn was hailed as a modern classic of war literature, returns with a new novel, Deep River. Marlantes turns to a different mode of storytelling--the family epic--to craft a stunningly expansive narrative of human suffering, courage, and reinvention. This is a ticketed event.  Tickets are $5 and can be used towards the purchase of Deep River.  
 
Book Groupsbookgroups
 
Rachael's Book Club for Kids

Ben Guterson

Rachael Conrad carefully curates choices for children ages 8-12 who love to read.  Join her for a lively discussion about a new book every month.   Parents, if your child would like to attend please e-mail [email protected] to reserve your spot!
 
Bill's Book Group for Guys

by Joe Mungo
 
A fascinating inside look at the world of professional cycling and the daily pressures of a young marriage provides the backdrop for this powerful debut novel that explores the cost of ambition and the question of what gives our lives meaning.

Join Bill's Book Group for Guys for a relaxed evening in the store discussing a specially-chosen book while enjoying a beer, glass of wine, or select single-malt whiskey.  $25 buys the book and a ticket to the event.
 
Betty's Lunchtime Book Group

by Richard Powers
 
 
Betty Sudarsky, unparalleled bookseller and experienced book club leader, chooses each book carefully and leads the discussion.  Bring your own lunch if you like; Betty supplies snacks, drinks, and insight.  No need to sign up; drop-ins are welcome.  
Bookseller Recommendationsrecs
Lorna recommends:
Life Will Be The Death of Me by Chelsea Handler
I have always enjoyed Chelsea Handler's books for their smart humor and honesty; you get that and even more here. Chelsea needed to figure some things out and finally turned to a therapist. What follows is an honest reflection of her life, career and family that I found both moving and fascinating.
Marilyn recommends:
The Ditch by Herman Koch
This story is told to us by a very charismatic mayor of Amsterdam. I felt like I was taking a trip to Amsterdam from the comfort of my home. The author cleverly leaves you wondering, "what really happened?"  Thought provoking discussions of climate change, life and death, marriage and cultural differences are intertwined with a unique viewpoint. 
Sally recommends:
Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips
In the first chapter of this excellent debut novel, two sisters are kidnapped in the frigid easternmost province of Russia. The subsequent chapters beautifully tell the stories of the people adjacent to this mystery--ending with a chilling conclusion.
Rachael recommends:
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Lock Every Door is a fun, heart-pounding thriller and a modern take on ghost stories like Rebecca and The Turn of the Screw. What unfolds is a convoluted tale that pits its down-on-her-luck hero, Jules, against the clock to try and uncover the truth.

New In Hardcovernewreleases

Big Sky
Kate Atkinson

The Snakes
Sadie Jones

The Most Fun We Ever Had
Claire Lombardo

How Could She
Lauren Mechling

Deep River
Karl Marlantes

The Gifted School
Bruce Holsinger


The Weather Machine
Andrew Blum

The Wanderers
Chuck Wendig

Whisper Network
Chandler Baker
New In Paperback

My Year of Rest and Relaxation
Ottessa Moshfegh

Whiskey When We're Dry
John Larison

Cherry
Nico Walker

Pulse
Michael Harvey

Kingdom of the Blind
Louise Penny

A Double Life
Flynn Berry

How to be Famous
Caitlin Moran

The Secrets Between Us
Thrity Umrigar

Night of Miracles
Elizabeth Berg

My Squirrel Days
Ellie Kemper

Time's Convert
Deborah Harkness

Three Things About Elsie
Joanna Cannon
Bookseller Recommendations For Young Readerskids
Cassie recommends:
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
Reading Mason Deaver's debut feels like what it might be like to hug sunshine; warm, tender, comforting, but not without a little sunburn. Ben is kicked out of their home, without so much as the shoes on their feet, when they tell their parents they are nonbinary. They move in with their estranged sister and her husband who try to help Ben cope with their anxiety and starting at a new school in the middle of the year. But then Ben meets Nathan Allen, the boy next door, whose friends eagerly accept a new face into the fold. Readers will find themselves basking in the warmth as Ben begins to come into themself, dedicate themself to their talents, and be vulnerable, angry, and scared with their loved ones.

I read most of this book in a single sitting. I was invested in Ben's story from the very first page and I cannot wait to see what Deaver writes next. 

New Books For Kids


Awesome Dog 5000 Justin Dean

The Echo Park Castaways
M.G. Hennessey

The Twelve
Cindy Lin

New Books For Young Adults

Destroy All Monsters
Sam J. Miller

The Beckoning Shadow
Katharyn Blair

Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun
Guillermo del Toro and Cornelia Funke

Symptoms of a Heartbreak
Sona Charaipotra

The Virtue of Sin
Shannon Schuren

The Best Lies
Sarah Lyu
New in the Gift Department gifts

We're all terribly fond of these oyster shells, which are handmade by Margaret Bruns of Fondled Pots.
What We're Reading Now...
Colleen L.
Colleen C.
Marie
Stephanie
Peter
Lauren
Bill
Rebecca
Cassie
Prison Book Program
 
The Prison Book Program believes in the life-changing power of literature. Books give people the chance to learn, grow, and explore the worlds of their choosing. Since 1972, the Prison Book Program has been sending free books to individuals in prisons. Along with each hand-selected package, volunteers send personalized notes to each reader because everyone deserves the freedom to read.

Click here for the Prison Book Program wishlist.

Dog of the Week
Catalina

Catalina was found as a puppy in Puerto Rico in October 2017, immediately after Hurricane Maria. The dedicated folks at Paws 4 Survival brought her to the United States, where her owner spotted her on Petfinder and adopted her and her terrier foster brother, Osito, while still grieving the loss of her beloved Golden Retriever mix. Catalina, Osito and their Shi-Tzu sister Gabby are now best buds and live the good life in Wellesley, with frequent visits to the Square and day trips to Watertown.  Come back soon, Catalina!
 

Thank you for supporting your community
independent bookstore!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Stimpson

Contact us:
newsletter @wellesleybooks.com
82 Central Street,
Wellesley, Ma. 02482
781-431-1160

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