Wellesley Books Newsletter January 10th, 2024 | |
It's shocking that we're this far into January already! This January is shaping up to be a little more eventful than the norm, with an exceptional number of exciting new releases during what is, traditionally, a slower time of year. We're coming off of a successful holiday season (thank you all!) and are excited to devote our time and energy to the late winter and early spring events season. At the beginning of February, we'll welcome the return of Margot Livesey, a staff favorite, as well as a dynamic book launch with two middle-grade and YA stars. | | |
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Sunday, February 4th at 2 PM (in-person)
For fans of middle grade and young adult novels, we have a fantastic event with two wonderful authors!
Alyson Gerber, author of Focused, Braced, and Taking Up Space, joins us for the launch of her new middle grade novel, The Liars Society.
"A spectacular mystery filled with prep school intrigue, generational secrets, and characters who find themselves caught in a high-stakes game of deception. You want to start this series now... trust me."
–Christina Diaz Gonzalez, author of Invisible
Alyson will be in conversation with Karen M. McManus. McManus is a #1 New York Times and international bestselling author of young adult thrillers, including the One of Us Is Lying series, which was turned into a television show on Peacock and Netflix.
The event will be moderated by literary agent Allison Remcheck of Stimola Literary Studio.
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Thursday, February 8th at 7 PM (in-person)
Margot Livesey, author of The Boy in the Field and The Flight of Gemma Hardy, joins us to discuss her new novel, The Road from Belhaven, about a young woman whose gift of second sight complicates her coming of age in late-nineteenth-century Scotland.
"Margot Livesey is an incandescent writer, generous and graceful, always imbuing her characters with astonishing humanity and grace. I love all Livesey’s books, but The Road From Belhaven has become my new favorite; I felt so deeply for Lizzie that I worried about her fate with the same love and indignation and hope I would have for a flesh-and-blood friend of my youth. This book is a cold, clear, perfect lake."
–Lauren Groff, author of The Vaster Wilds
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Bookseller Recommendations | |
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Ashleigh recommends:
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett (publishes January 23rd)
Allow a disclaimer: I don't read mystery/thrillers. Maybe I watched too many scary movies as a tween, maybe I know my dog is a terrible guard dog and would hide behind me. Whatever--not my genre. So when I tell you that I read this book in 24 hours, please know that I exclusively reserve that honor for epic fantasy releases, and Janice Hallett has 100% converted me. Initially put off by the entire book reading as though in text, email, article, research, etc; I quickly realized that the flow is so much fun, and the twists feel like they're real time. I loved the morally grey characters, never knowing who is really whom or whom to trust. I can't picture a better mystery thriller to sink into over the long dark months ahead. Cheers!
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Geoff recommends:
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
The best Thursday Murder Club book since the first one! The central mystery is twisty enough to keep you reading until the end on its own merit, but it’s the characters that really make these books stand out. In this latest, Osman’s handling of one character’s dementia is so achingly humane, I dare anyone not to be moved. In turns comforting, devastating, and absorbing, this novel is one of my top picks of 2023!
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Kim recommends:
North Woods by Daniel Mason
I was interested in this book because it’s set in Western Massachusetts and has a unique concept. It is about one piece of land, a home, and how it evolved over 200 years. The woods are a character themselves. Nature's life cycle is beautifully illuminated. There’s spirituality, history, weird characters, and a feast for the imagination. A really good book!
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Bookseller Recommendations for Young Readers | |
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Amadea recommends:
If You'll Have Me by Eunnie
A really sweet and funny lesbian romance set in college. Momo and PG are complete opposites—Momo is a dedicated student and a chronic people pleaser, while PG is cool and a bit aloof. Will they be able to figure out their feelings amidst misunderstandings, romantic rivals, school, and, yes, a little bit of angst? I was smiling the whole way through!
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New Books for Young Adults | | |
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A Child's Library and Middle-Grade Monthly are our two book subscriptions for children aged 0-5 and 8-12, respectively. Each month, Lauren and Kali select a newly-published picture book or middle-grade novel. Subscriptions can be purchased on a month-to-month basis, or for a year, and may be shipped to the child's home or picked up in-store. They make a great gift! Our January selections are Angela's Glacier by Jordan Scott & Diana Sudyka, and The Misfits by Lisa Yee & Dan Santat. Please click on the covers for more information. | |
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January recently reminded us that it's the month of snowstorms and cozy evenings in.
Grab a book and a candle or two and be unbothered when the power goes out.
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Django (as in Reinhardt) is a big, loving 10-year old rescue dog, who appears to be a delightful mix of Irish Wolfhound, Black Lab, and who knows what else. He loves swimming, perhaps due to his Labby side, and is a very good boy. He's currently adjusting to life as a solo dog after the recent passing of his brother. We hope you get only good things in 2024, Django! | | |
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Thank you for supporting your community independent bookstore!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Stimpson
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