Books I've Been Reading: Dispatch #1

As an indie bookstore owner, I read a lot of books -- which you probably would've have guessed! I love talking about books I've read, past and present, and thought it would be nice to make a little online spot here for faraway friends or those who can't visit the shop in person. In irregular dispatches, I'll collect all the story-feathers and tale-winds I've gathered out in the meadow of pages. I hope you find your next favorite story here!

It's August 18, 2021 and I'm writing to you on a hot, muggy and overcast day. It's strange how I can feel the shift into autumn even though the weather reflects anything but. I've been re-reading favorites and diving into some advance review copies; I hope some of these pique your interest!

A Door Behind A Door by Yelena Moskovich

I keep trying to describe this book to people or leave a more concrete review … but I just can't. This book is an ephemeral, shifting thing that just happens to you as you read it, unfolding like some mystery tapestry that changes with the light. What I can tell you: time doesn't matter here -- in fact, it's soft as rotten fruit -- and though this tale is unconventional, it never does things simply for the sake of being strange. A Door Behind A Door is told in fragmented, poetic, slippery prose that you can't help but fall into as existential questions are posed, relationships are tested and pasts come back to haunt. $16.99 in paperback.

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

This series is my ultimate comfort read, and though I'm not particularly interested in disclosing just how many times I've read these books in the past year, I will confirm that it's a lot. On my much older printed version -- I think on the third book -- the pull quote is basically "I don't want to be a lady, I want to be a hero of the gods!" and that sums up my childhood. Though this quartet is technically best suited for 12-15 year-olds, it's a super fun read for adults, too. There's a sibling switch, magic, horses, swords, found family and friendship. I will probably re-read these a million more times before I greet the yawning void. A note: the reprint cover sucks and I can't do anything about it. My copies are much cooler. $11.99 in paperback.

The Boy With the Bird in His Chest by Emme Lund

I just finished an advance review copy of this book a few days ago and straight-up cried in front of customers in the shop. A truly heartwarming coming-of-age tale, this story focuses on Owen, a young boy born with a bird in his ribcage. It's a fantastic allegory for how the world others those not like them. This book is truly a rare and shimmering  story laden with sharply beautiful prose and loveable characters. With an emphasis on found family, queer love and friendship, and what it means to be othered by the world around you, The Boy with a Bird in His Chest is a fantastic tale, tenderly written and expertly wrought. Due out February 2022 in hardcover, expected at $27.