The Chuckanut Reader - Winter 2022-2023

Dear Reader,

In these darkening days, our minds always turn to those things we're grateful for. The turning of the leaves, the rain that keeps this place so lush and green, and friends and family coming home to share stories of their many summertime adventures. Here at Village Books & Paper Dreams, we find reasons to be thankful every day. Truly. Each day we look for opportunities to make someone's day in large and small ways, and each day, those efforts are returned in kind. Our day's-end digests that we share amongst staff tell these stories. From the unexpected connections we witness to the quirky, whimsical, and wise phrases that arise from conversations... from the occasions that are celebrated within our walls to long lengths we go to in order to find that perfect gift. We even have a dog of the day—often many! So, dear reader, thank you for coming through our doors and making every day a day worth celebrating.

The Chuckanut Reader • Winter 2022-2023

Publisher: Village Books and Paper Dreams Production & Design: Kelly Carbert Contributors: Kiana Allen, Hayden Armos, Andrew Baesler, Rae Baitx, Rick Bramham, Anna Brown, Bee Cabezas, Kendra Calitri, Kelly Carbert, Erin Chervenock, Erica Davis, Gaye Davis, Nathen Dooley, Sydney Durst, Kelly Evert, Paul Hanson, Chloe Hovind, Sarah Hutton, Victoria Jacobson, Sam Lewis, Anne Lillis, Troy Luginbill, Claire McElroy, Emi Miller, Laura Miller, Rez Miller, Jessica Moreland, Maddie Musquiz, Dichali Nash, Lindsey Nordby, Laura Picco, Tova Portmann-Bown, Sophie Richmond, Jacob Rogers, Mary Roy, Allison Stalnaker, Luthien Tamminga, Emily Thomsen, Laney Turner, Courtney Velthuizen, and our Y.A.R.C reviewers: Abby, Ella, Kaatri, Louisa, and Kamden

Cover: Tom Crestodina will launch Working Boats on November 16

Content except art & book covers ©Village Books 2022 Printed by the Lynden Tribune on paper made from 50% post-consumer waste.

Village Books & Paper Dreams 1200 11th St., Bellingham, WA 98225 360.671.2626 430 Front Street, Lynden, WA 98264 360.526.2133

In This Issue...

Shop the Village Books & Paper Dreams Winter Sales 2 Dear Reader 3

Holdiay Happenings 4-6

Fairhaven Winterfest—Fun for All Ages 7-8

Winter Holiday Shopping with Kelly 9-10 Care Packages & Winter Activities 11-12

New Fiction, Mystery, Sci-Fi, 13-24 Literature & Poetry 25-26

Chuckanut Writing Classes & VB Writing Groups 27-28 Check Out Our Lynden Store 29-33 In the Kitchen 34-38

History, Cultural Criticism, Life Stories 39-43

Creativity and Art 45 Science & Nature 46-47

Jeremy Jones Visits Bellingham 49

WWU Children's Literature Conference 2023 51

Peaceful Poetry Winners 52

Great Reads and Activities for Kids, Teens, Parents 53-65

VB Reads Book Groups and More 66

Lit Live Author Events 67-70

A Tribute to Brian Griffin 71

– Paul, Kelly, Sarah and the Entire Village Books and Paper Dreams Family browse & shop anytime at villagebooks.com

Some restrictions apply. Details at villagebooks.com

Fairhaven & Lynden

You Are Invited to join us for day of Shopping and Festivities

Grab your holiday shopping list and head to Village Books and Paper Dreams in either Fairhaven or Lynden for our annual Holiday Open House! Join in the fun for an opportunity to spin the wheel for prizes and discounts.

Throughout the day, we'll have "Book Walks" where you'll have the chance to win even MORE prizes!

Join us and get an early jump on your holiday shopping.

Festivities

See You There!

Fairhaven: 10am-5pm Lynden: 12pm-4pm

STAFF GIVING IDEAS

Let the staff of Village Books and Paper Dreams help you pick out just the right gift!

Socks Galore

"They are warm, some are cute, a few are sassy, and others say just what you're thinking, but can (and maybe should) be hidden in a shoe!

No matter the style, socks make great gifts. We have a diverse variety of brands and designs—something for everyone. Come check them out!" –Kelly

A Great Gift

Village Books & Paper Dreams Chico Bags

"Our Chico Bags are the Vita style which means they hold up to 40 pounds and are large enough to fit a frozen pizza! I use these all the time as stocking stuffers or as a cute addition to a gift card."

–Sarah

Look for our giving recommendations sprinkled throughout this edition of the Reader.

Village Books and

Paper Dreams Annual

Giving Tree

Books for Local Kids and Families in Need

For over two decades Village Books has partnered with local non-profits that provide services for at-risk populations through our Round It Up and Giving Tree donation programs.

During the Holiday season, we reach out to our customers to hand-pick books that go directly to our community. The books that you purchase for the Giving Tree program are offered at a 20% discount! These books are then separated based on the needs of the organizations and delivered in the few weeks before Christmas.

Your December Round It Up donations will go to the Giving Tree Program - Thank You!

Round your purchases up to the nearest dollar and make a difference!

Don't Miss the Annual

Literacy Breakfast

with Nancy Pearl Thursday, November 17, 8am

Watch on BTV - Bellingham Community Television

The Literacy Breakfast is back in person for the first time since 2019! This popular annual fundraising event features famed author/librarian/NPR commentator Nancy Pearl as she offers her top reading recommendations for the year. It's no surprise that it sold out quickly but if you missed reserving your space, not to worry! BTV will live stream the event on Comcast channels 321 (HD) and 10 (SD) and online. Check the event listing at villagebooks.com for details in the days before the event. You can read more about watching this fun event and other ways to support the Whatcom Literacy Council at whatcomliteracy.org.

Village Books will have Nancy's latest recommendations as well as her own titles available after the event—great gift ideas!

FAIRHAVEN Winterfest

November 18 - December 18, 2022

The Annual Historic Fairhaven Winterfest begins the weekend before Thanksgiving with continuing fun and activities through the holiday season. There is always something magical happening–don't miss out!

Friday, November 18, 4:30pm-7:30pm

Holiday Art Walk & Winterfest Kick-Off Celebration/Silent Auction

The traditional Holiday Art Walk kicks off the Winterfest season as merchants showcase the talents of local artists. Come listen to melodic recorder music by local group Ruach at Village Books, then be sure to stop by the Fairhaven Association HUB at 1106 Harris Ave. and enjoy refreshments and entertaiment while bidding on items as part of a fundraising silent auction.

Saturday, November 26, 11am-4pm

Holiday Market & Tree Lighting

Saturdays, November 26 - December 17, 12pm-3pm

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides & Visits with Father Christmas

A timeless magical holiday tradition, you can enjoy Saturday carriage rides through the streets of Fairhaven–leaving from outside the Fairhaven Village Inn. Visit with Father Christmas while you're there!

Fridays, December 2 (ELF) and December 9 (The Polar Express) at 6:30pm

Saturday, December 3, 5pm-8pm

Fairhaven Firelight Stroll

Enjoy Holiday Movies at the Firehouse Arts & Events Center Watch for updates, additions, and changes

The Fairhaven Firelight Stroll has become a favorite holiday happening! You can grab a hot cocoa or spiced cider at the entry tent and stroll the wooded path lined with luminaria. Start at 8th & Harris and enjoy a half mile of holiday magic before joining the after party at Stones Throw Brewery. While you're out and about, check out the Bellingham Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade will on Bellingham Bay starting at 5pm.

Discover unique local arts and crafts at the annual outdoor Holiday Market behind Village Books. Local vendors and community non-profits will be on hand, offering holiday gifts and treats. Stick around for the tree lighting celebration across from the Fairhaven Village Green at 5pm! Stay for some improptu caroling and a festive "We wish you a Merry Christmas." A family-friendly day everyone will enjoy. Turn the Page for More Winterfest

Saturday, December 10, 5:30p

Winterfest

Fairhaven Lighted Bike Parade

Participants meet at 5pm at Hillcrest Church parking lot (14th Street and Larrabee Ave). Show up with your decked out bike and helmet At 5:30pm, we'll head out. Those who want a casual, easy ride, can circle Fairhaven Village a few times. Those feeling more adventurous can head downtown by way of the South Bay Trail. At the same time a group from downtown will be heading to Fairhaven. Riders on both ends will be greeted with hot chocolate, cider and holiday treats. Not up for the ride? Just come out and enjoy the parade A partnership between the Historic Fairhaven Assocation, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, City of Bellingham, Whatcom Transit Authority, and Puget Sound Energy, Whatcom Smart Trips, and WECU!

NEW! Sunday, December 11, 2pm-4:40pm

Holiday Costume Pet Prance and Santa Paws

Gather at Hillcrest Church (Larrabee St.) with your pets in their best holiday costumes (owners encouraged to dress up as well)! We will prance through the Village and end at Paws for a Beer where there will be a photo opportunity. Pets must be socialized and comfortable around large groups.

Saturday, December 17, 2:30pm-5pm

FA LA LA Caroling Contest

Whether you put together a group to compete (registration required) or just attend to listen to your favorite carols, Fairhaven’s annual Caroling Competition is back in 2022!

Letters to Santa - November 26 through December 17

Children can leave letters for Father Christmas in the classic Victorian mailbox located on the Village Green. One of his elves may even get back to you if you leave a legible name and return address! www.facebook.com/pg/EnjoyFairhaven/events/

Enter the Fairhaven Winterfest

of the Season” Writing Contest All Ages

Submissions are Due November 11, 2022

See www.memberplanet.com/s/fairhaven/winterfestmarket_2022_1 to register

Tales of the Season Readings

December 7, 5:30pm Location TBA

WINTER HOLIDAY WINTER HOLIDAY

Gifts

Shopping with Kelly

Village Books & Paper Dreams Owner & Gift Buyer Kelly Evert Shares Her Top Picks the Holidays

When I think of the holiday season, it is my memories of childhood that are strongest. The smells of cookies in the oven and the Christmas tree in the living room with loved ornaments hanging amongst tinsel. The drives around decorated neighborhoods so we could all scream in delight at the lit-up deer and snowmen. The giddy knowledge of knowing Santa will be making a visit, and leaving a writ ten letter to him and Mrs. Claus along with art work personally bedazzled with as much glitter as possible. Of course, family and friends were a large part of the sounds of laughter and adults staying up late talking, with what I was told was coffee in their cups. There is truly nothing like the magic of the winter holidays.

Whether you are in your first home and you need that first special ornament, or want to give an ornament for a milestone in someone’s life, we probably will have an ornament that will tell an individual story.

Old World Christmas is one of the most beloved ornament makers in the United States. Founded in Spokane by Tim and Beth Merck in 1979, each figurative glass ornament produced by Old World Christmas is hand crafted in an age-old tradition using techniques that originated in the 1800s. Molten glass is mouth-blown into finely carved molds made exclusively for Old World Christmas, before a hot solution of liquid silver is poured inside. The ornaments are then hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.

Candles are also a large part of our winter months. The glow calms us and warms us. At Paper Dreams, we introduced a new line of candles this year that we are all excited about. Hand-filled in Illinois with 100% soy wax and bespoke scents, Labyrinth Made Goods is not just a candle company—they are building community. Labyrinth candles empower women who have experienced incarceration, by giving them employment opportunities and a stable income. That gives them the self-assurance that they need to succeed.

“Our candles stand for equity. Every person should have the opportunity to meet their needs, define what success means to them, and achieve their dreams. At Labyrinth Made Goods, we’re working to reimagine systems that hold back women who have experienced incarceration.”

Holiday ShoppingHoliday Shopping

with Kelly

Sensory toys have always held the potential for stimulating a child’s senses. Fine motor skills like writing, cutting, and painting are important for a child’s brain growth and ability to focus and to widen the imagination. Hands Craft is a company located in Los Angeles and they develop fun, creative, and educa tional wood puzzles and DIY miniature houses that both kids and adults can enjoy. The 3-D wooden puzzles are made from natural wood. From classic wood puzzles to mechanical gear puzzles, they are truly a masterpiece you will be proud of once complete!

Art, whether finger-painted, highlighted with crayons, or watercolored with brushstrokes to emulate the night sky, can be relaxing. We have watercolor night at our house. My husband, daughter, and I make tea, put on soft music (usually in the tune of Saint-Saens or Ravel), and we paint. Hours can go by and, within those hours, we find ourselves so much more relaxed, plus we have little masterpieces to share. We strive to have as many art supplies as we can in the store for hours of art making in your household as well!

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” –Albert Einstein

Have a beautiful, safe, and loving holiday season.

Kelly Evert, Owner of an Independent Business Building Community Since 1980

The Mushroom Hunter’s Tarot

by

Buckley available now, boxed Card Set

The Mushroom Hunter’s Tarot is a 78-card mushroom-themed tarot deck, each card represented by its own unique mushroom. Included with each deck is a 100-page booklet describing the mushrooms themselves and their corresponding card. I think you’ll find it to be a great jumping-off point for learning more about the world of mushrooms and tarot. The creator and artist is a freelance graphic designer (and former Village Books bookseller!) living in Bellingham. –Kendra

Joe

Planetary Music Box

Miniature Greenhouse Model Kit

New Fiction

All the Broken Places

by John Boyne

available in November, hardcover, Pamela Dorman Books

"When is a monster's child culpable? Guilt and complicity are multifaceted. John Boyne is a maestro of historical fiction. You can't prepare yourself for the magnitude and emotional impact of this powerful novel." —John Irving, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The World According to Garp

The Boys From Biloxi

by John Grisham

available now, hardcover, Doubleday New York Times bestselling author John Grisham returns to Mississippi in his most gripping legal thriller yet, the riveting story of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends, but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Grisham’s trademark twists and turns will keep you tearing through the pages until the stunning conclusion.

Now is Not the Time to Panic

by Kevin Wilson

available in November, hardcover, Ecco Teenage misfits, Frankie and Zeke, embark on a summer project fueled by boredom and the desire to make art. What they create is chaos. As things unfold, it becomes a summer that shapes the rest of their lives. This novel is full of commentary on art, media, and what makes us who we are, delivered with the humor, eye for character, and absurdity of humanity that Kevin Wilson gives us every single time. –Emily

The Last Chairlift

by John Irving

available now, hardcover, Simon & Schuster

The Faraway World by

available in January 2023, hardcover, Avid Reader Press

This new short story collection is a must read. Missing sisters, stolen husbands and scheming altar boys alike make an appearance within these pages. Each story offers a unique perspective and considers big questions of belonging, loyalty, and the things that divide us. –Emily

Short Stories

Liberation

Day

: Stories by George Saunders

available now, hardcover, Random House Saunders is back with a masterful collection that explores ideas of power, ethics, and justice, and cuts to the very heart of what it means to live in community with our fellow humans. With his trademark prose—wickedly funny, unsentimental, and perfectly tuned Saunders continues to challenge and surprise: here is a collection of prismatic, deeply resonant stories that encompass joy and despair, oppression and revolution, bizarre fantasy and brutal reality.

Go to bed with... Mighty Bright Rechargable LED Book Lights

All-purpose, clip-on LED book lights. Perfect as a reading light or project light, plus color options to suit every personality.

In Aspen, Colorado, in 1941, Rachel Brewster is a slalom skier at the National Downhill and Slalom Championships. She finishes nowhere near the podium, but she manages to get pregnant. Her son, Adam, grows up in a family that defies conventions and evades questions concerning the eventful past. Years later, looking for answers, Adam will go to Aspen. In the Hotel Jerome, where he was conceived, Adam will meet some ghosts; in The Last Chairlift, they aren’t the first or the last ghosts he sees.

Patricia Engel

People Person

by Candice Carty-Williams available now, hardcover, Gallery Dimple’s thirty, and her life isn’t really going anywhere. An aspiring lifestyle influencer with a terrible and wayward boyfriend, her life has shrunk to the size of a phone screen. Until a dramatic event brings her half siblings Nikisha, Danny, Lizzie, and Prynce crashing back into her life, Dimple Pennington knows of her half siblings, but she doesn’t really know them. And when they’re all forced to reconnect with Cyril Pennington, the absent father they never really knew, things get even more complicated.

The Boy and the Dog

by Seishu Hase, translated by Alison Watt available in November, hardcover, Viking

Saha

by Cho Nam-Joo, translated by Jamie Chang available in November, hardcover, Liveright

Gift Audiobook Credit Bundles

In a country called Town, a doctor named Su is found dead in an abandoned car. There is only one place the police intend to look for her suspected killer: the Saha Estates. No one is shocked when a lowlife like Do-Kyung becomes the main suspect in Su’s—a citizen’s—murder. But then Do-Kyung disappears. His sister Jin-Kyung makes a choice: she will finally confront a system hellbent on erasing her brother’s existence.

You pick the number of credits and your recipient picks the audiobooks.

For anyone who has ever loved a dog and knows that bond is like no other, this book is magic. Tamon, a Japanese dog in the years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster is on a journey. Along the way, he encounters a variety of humans, each a vignette into the stages of his travels. And when you learn where he has been going and what he endures to get there, your heart will melt and you’ll cheer for this amazing canine. –Claire You

New Fiction

Foster by Claire Keegan

available November, hardcover, Grove Press

It is a hot summer in rural Ireland. A child is taken by her father to live with relatives on a farm, not knowing when or if she will be brought home again. In the Kinsellas’ house, she finds an affection and warmth she has not known and slowly, in their care, begins to blossom. But there is something unspoken in this new household—where everything is so well tended to—and this summer must soon come to an end. Winner of the prestigious Davy Byrnes Award and published in an abridged version in the New Yorker, this internationally bestselling contemporary classic is now available for the first time in the US in a full, standalone edition. A story of astonishing emotional depth, Foster showcases Claire Keegan’s great talent and secures her reputation as one of our most important storytellers.

Meredith, Alone

by Claire Alexander available now, hardcover, Grand Central Meredith has a full-time remote job and her rescue cat Fred. Her best friend Sadie visits with her two children. There's her online support group, puzzles, recipes, poems. Also keeping her company are treacherous memories of an unstable childhood and a traumatic event that had sent her reeling. But something's about to change. First, two new friends burst into her life. Then her longestranged sister gets in touch. Suddenly her carefully curated home is no longer a space to hide.

We Are the Light

by Matthew Quick available in November, hardcover, Avid Reader Press

Lucas lives in Majestic, Pennsylvania, a quaint suburb that has been torn apart by a recent tragedy. Everyone in Majestic sees Lucas as a hero—everyone except Lucas himself. Insisting that his deceased wife, Darcy, visits him every night in the form of an angel, Lucas spends his time writing letters to his former Jungian analyst, Karl. It is only when Eli, an 18-year-old young man whom the community has ostracized, begins camping out in Lucas’s backyard that an unlikely alliance takes shape and the two embark on a journey to heal their neighbors and, most importantly, themselves.

Toad by Katherine Dunn

available in November, hardcover, MCD

A previously unpublished novel of the reflections of a deeply scarred and reclusive woman, from the cult icon Katherine Dunn, the author of Geek Love. Colorful, crass, and profound, Toad is Katherine Dunn’s ode to her time as a student at Reed College in the late 1960s. It is filled with the same mordant observations about the darkest aspects of human nature that made Geek Love a cult classic and Dunn a misfit hero. Daring and bizarre, Toad demonstrates her genius for black humor and her ecstatic celebration of the grotesque. Fifty-some years after it was written, Toad is a timely story about the ravages of womanhood and a powerful addition to the canon of feminist fiction.

Small Game

by Blair Braverman available in November, hardcover, Ecco

A new reality show is coming to a TV near you. Five people must live in the wilderness miles away from civilization, with no aid for survival other than each other. If they last six weeks they will win $100,000. But what happens when the film crew stops coming, and they are truly left alone? Find out this season on Small Game. —Kiana

Alone with You in the Ether : A Love Story

by Olivie Blake

available in November, hardcover, Tor Books

CHICAGO, SOMETIME. Two people meet in the Art Institute by chance. Prior to their encounter, he is a doctoral student who manages his destructive thoughts with compulsive calculations about time travel; she is a bipolar counterfeit artist, undergoing court-ordered psychotherapy. By the end of the story, these things will still be true. But this is not a story about endings. From the bestselling author of The Atlas Six comes an intimate and contemporary study of time, space, and the nature of love. Alone With You In The Ether explores what it means to be unwell, and how to face the fractures of yourself and still love as if you're not broken.

Jess Walter

THE COLD MILLIONS

The Cold Millions by Spokane-based author Jess Walter is the Whatcom READS 2023 book selection. Winner of the Washington State Book Award and named to numerous “Best Book of the Year” lists, The Cold Mil lions follows the lives of orphaned brothers Gig and Rye Dolan as they struggle to realize their dreams of a better life. A National Book Award finalist and winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award, Jess Walter is the highly regarded author of seven novels, one book of short stories, and one nonfiction book.

Jess Walter will visit Whatcom County in March. Watch whatcomreads.com for details.

Village Books is donating a portion of proceeds from sales of The Cold Millions to Whatcom READS through March, 2023.

Whatcom READS is organized by all the public and academic libraries in Whatcom County and Village Books, with funding from Friends of the Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library Foundation and support from other local businesses and organizations.

Writers were asked to explore the theme, Between Fact And Fiction, inspired by Jess Walters’ novel, The Cold Millions. Top entries were selected for publication in the Whatcom WRITES anthology. Hear contributors read their submissions at Village Books.2023

Between Fact and Fiction

Sunday, February 19, 2pm in Lynden and Sunday, February 26, 2pm in Fairhaven

ART CHALLENGE

Artwork inspired by the book will be on display during March at the Allied Arts Gallery in downtown Bellingham.

Entry forms and submission details at alliedarts.org

Before Your Memory Fades

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

available in November, hardcover, Hanover Square Press

In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a café which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time . . .

From the author of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Tales from the Cafe, comes another story of four new customers each of whom is hoping to take advantage of Cafe Funiculi Funicula's time-travelling offer.

Sam

by Allegra Goodman

available in January 2023, hardcover, The Dial Press

Sam by Allegra Goodman is a coming-of-age story following the main character, Sam, as she grows in life from age seven to nineteen. The story shows the hardships of life that can sometimes color one's coming-ofage story and shape a person as they grow older. I also really enjoyed Goodman’s seamless writing style that showed the natural subtle change of a person as they grow older. A great read for an older teenager or new adult. –Sydney

The Passenger

by Cormac McCarthy

available now, hardcover, Knopf

The best-selling, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Road returns with the first of a two-volume masterpiece. The Passenger is the story of a salvage diver, haunted by loss, afraid of the watery deep, pursued for a conspiracy beyond his understanding, and longing for a death he cannot reconcile with God.

Fiction

Flight by Lynn Steger Strong

available in November, hardcover, Mariner Books Siblings Henry, Kate, and Martin gather with their spouses at Henry’s house in rural upstate New York. Over the course of the next three days, old resentments arise as the siblings, with a gaggle of children afoot, attempt to recreate familiar rituals while also trying to decide what to do with their mother’s house, their sole inheritance. As tensions rise about what that inheritance means, the whole group must unexpectedly come together when a local mother and daughter need help.

Galatea : A Short Story by Madeline Miller

available in November, hardcover, Ecco An enchanting short story from Madeline Miller that boldly reimagines the myth of Galatea and Pygmalion. In ancient Greece, a skilled marble sculptor has been blessed by a goddess who has given his masterpiece—the most beautiful woman the town has ever seen—the gift of life. After marrying her, he expects Galatea to please him, to be obedience and humility personified. But she has desires of her own and yearns for independence. In a desperate bid by her obsessive husband to keep her under control, Galatea is locked away under the constant supervision of doctors and nurses. But with a daughter to rescue, she is determined to break free, whatever the cost . . .

Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy

available in December, hardcover, Knopf

While The Passenger is a traditional narrative and a sprawling epic, Stella Maris is written entirely in dialogue. It is immediate, funny, devastating, and challenging. It is a book that can easily be read with a pen in hand, offering more fascinating insights into music, topology, the Manhattan Project, spirituality, math, and the laws of earth and heaven than one might encounter in an entire bookshelf of fiction.

Small Business Saturday and Indies First, celebrated on November 26, 2022, is a day dedicated to reminding people to think local when shopping for the holidays. Reminding YOU of the importance of supporting locally owned businesses is akin to preaching to the choir. Look at you now—taking the time to read these words and peruse this publication for giving ideas. YOU are an independent bookstore shopper. You already understand

deciding

11am-12pm: Julie Anna Blank will sign copies of her new children's book, Hanukkah in Little Havana.

1pm-2pm: Gail Noble-Sanderson will be on hand with her brand new book, The Book of Rules.

her book reading on December 2 in the Fairhven Readings Gallery. Autographed copies make GREAT gifts!

Let Us Recommend

A Great Gift

Kavu Wallets

“The Yukon bi-fold wallet is another example of how KAVU never disappoints! This wallet can withstand it all—it’s extremely durable and just the right size.” –Maddie M.

Samish Bay Soaps!

“Samish Bay Soaps are the perfect gift for a loved one this season. Locally made, long-lasting, and each soap bar is lovingly handmade and hand-wrapped. My favorite scent is Fir Needle, just a divine Christmas-y scent that smells of good times and happy memories.” –Lúthien

A Great Gift

A Great Gift

PNW Shirts + Sweatshirts

"All of our shirts and sweatshirts are so comfy making them great for adventuring AND lounging. Perfect gifts for traveling friends/family or a Pacific Northwesterner!" –Kiana

A Great Gift

Wavertree & London Soaps

"High quality Australian soaps, there really is a scent for everyone! These soaps are made with 100% certified sustainable pure plant oils and organic shea butter with no added color or artificial preservatives. Super moisturizing and long-lasting, they make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer." –Erica D.

New, Used, and Bargain Books

Our shelves are packed with a wonderful variety of books including new, used, and bargain titles. How can you tell the difference? Look at the colors of the labels! You'll also find colored dots on the spines of the used and bargain titles.

• White Labels mean that book is brand new.

• Green Labels grace our Used Books. READcycle! It's good for the earth and your wallet.

• Yellow Labels signify a Bargain Book – a publisher remainder. These titles are new but offered at a sale price. A win-win! Look for new arrivals on displays throughout the store.

Interested in selling good condition used books for store credit? See villagebooks.com/readcycle-used-books for guidelines and instructions.

Reckless Girls

by Rachel Hawkins available in November, paperback, St. Martin's Griffin

Hawkins' book is a fun exploration into the age-old conundrum of revenge, take the high road, or get even and then some? Secrets are revealed and relationships are tested as six strangers are deserted on an island in the middle of the Pacific together. A fun book for anyone who likes to hold a grudge. –Kiana

Paperback Fiction

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

available now, paperback, Scribner

A Great Gift

Vintage "

While technically another book about Shakespeare (though he is never named), this novel's heart is really his wife Agnes, and the life she leads with her family while her husband is far away in London. Tragic and romantic, deliciously written and transporting, witchy and magical, Hamnet is the perfect book to read by a warm winter fire. Just be prepared to cry. –Jessica

This novel will blow your mind. The story line spans century’s, across time and space, to bring you incredible characters all united by an ancient book. It is a beautiful tribute to libraries, stories, and our precious and precarious planet. I haven’t consumed a book this fast since my reading by flashlight under the covers days. Please, for the love of books, make this your next read! –Emily

Our TikTok account is up and running so please give us a follow, tell your friends, like, live, laugh, love — and enjoy!

Follow Village Books on Twitter. We tweet about book events, new books, and book-related topics. We are @VillageBksBham.

Like us on Facebook! Make sure to select Get Notifications so you'll always see our posts about local events and other book-related topics. Go to Facebook.com/VillageBooks.

Find and follow Village Books and Paper Dreams on Instagram (village_books). #Tag your favorite VB/PD photos! We post behind-the-scenes images of staff book and gift favorites, new arrivals, author events, specials, and even an occasional fun contest and a cool bookface here and there. Check us out!

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell available now, paperback,

Paperback Fiction

Christmas Tales

Sunless Solstice : Strange Christmas Tales for the Longest Nights edited by Tanya Kirk, Lucy Evans available in October, paperback, British Library Publishing

Welcome to a new collection of haunting Christmas tales, ranging from traditional Victorian chillers to weird and uncanny episodes by 20th-century horror masters including Daphne du Maurier and Robert Aickman. Lurking in the blizzard are menacing cat spirits, vengeful trees, malignant forces on the mountainside and a skater skirting the line between the mortal and spiritual realms. Wrap up warm—and prepare for the longest nights of all. From the Tales of the Weird Series.

A Great Gift

Landline: A Christmas Love Story by Rainbow Rowell available now, paperback, St. Martin's Griffin

“Dive headfirst into the comforts of the season in a book that will literally send you back in time. Rekindle a romance this Christmas with this cozy, festive work from Rainbow Rowell.” –Emi

Lean Your Loneliness Slowly Against Mine

Small

World by Jonathan Evison available in January 2023, paperback, Dutton

I've never read Dickens (shh... don't tell anyone) but this book as been described as Dickensian in nature and has something for everyone. A sweeping tale that highlights many voices, unique in the fact that we get to see families unfold over generations. The suspense building in present day narrative coupled with the insight you'll gain reading about characters distant relatives will have you speeding through the book, as fast as a train moving up the pacific coast. –Emily

The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks

by Shauna Robinson

available now, paperback, Sourcebooks Landmark

When Maggie Banks arrives to run her best friend's struggling bookstore, she expects to sell bestsellers to the small-town clientele. But with the tourist society bent on keeping businesses historic, Maggie is banned from selling anything written this century. To help save the store, Maggie starts an underground book club—a series of events celebrating the books readers actually love. But keeping the club quiet, selling her customers the books they want, and dodging the historical society is nearly impossible.

by Klara Hveberg, translated by Alison McCullough available in November, paperback, HarperVia Rakel has a rare talent for mathematics but has never mastered the art of making friends. At nineteen she moves to Oslo to attend university, where she meets one of her professors, Jakob, a brilliant older man. Jakob is working on a novel about Sofia Kovalevskaya, the first woman to become a professor in mathematics. He is struck by Rakel and Sofia’s similarities, and just like Sofia with her much older advisor, Rakel and Jakob are instantly drawn to each other, in awe of each other’s minds. In the years to come, Rakel’s academic career soars, but her health declines. From her bedside, she considers Sofia’s life while trying to come to terms with her own. With a gaze both naive and mercilessly sharp, she dissects what may be her life’s only love story, looking for patterns and answers in numbers, music, and literature.

Greenwich Park by

Katherine Faulkner

available now, paperback, Gallery Books

This twisty psychological drama follows Helen through her first pregnancy as she befriends a very interesting and mysterious woman. Soon secrets begin unfolding and people she once thought she knew so well seem like strangers. Fans of Liane Moriarty and Gillian Flynn will love this domestic thriller. –Kiana

Paperback Fiction

Wahala

by Nikki May

available in January 2023, paperback, Mariner Books

Sex and the City has nothing on these four Nigerian women who navigate incredibly difficult decisions and situations. The introduction of a fifth woman to the group just adds fuel to the fire. This was a really fun read, great for anyone in a slump! –Kiana

The Golden Couple

by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

available in January 2023, paperback, St. Martin's Griffin

Five Tuesdays in Winter

by Lily King

available in November, paperback, Grove Press

A spectacular collection of short stories, especially for those who hunger for family drama like I do. A summer nanny gig gone wrong and college students showing the ways of the world to a sheltered 14 year-old are just a few of the scenarios you'll encounter in these tales that are both funny and meaningful. –Emily

A great twisty thriller about a couple seeking therapy from a counselor whose methods are questionable. Pekkanen and Hendricks are a writing duo who have created another great I-didn't-see-that-coming ending. Fans of Gillian Flynn, Liane Moriarty and Lucy Foley will love it. –Kiana

It's a Mystery

Anywhere You Run

by Wanda M. Morris

available now, hardcover and paperback, William Morrow Set in Jim Crow South in 1964, sisters, Violet and Marigold are on the run. Violet flees to Georgia after an assault and kills the man responsible. Unaware to Violet, Marigold is pregnant, and unwed, and decides to flee to the North after the murder. Unbeknownst to them, a man is chasing after Violet and has a hidden past of his own. Great for fans of historical fiction and mystery, AnywhereYouRunis a novel you won't want to miss! –Victoria

A World of Curiosities

by Louise Penny

available in November, hardcover, Minotaur Chief Inspector Armand Gamache returns in the 18th book this beloved series. It’s spring and Three Pines is reemerging after the harsh winter. But not everything buried should come alive again. Not everything lying dormant should reemerge. But something has. As the villagers prepare for a special celebration, Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir find themselves increasingly worried. A young man and woman have reappeared in the Sûreté du Québec investigators’ lives after many years. The two were young children when their troubled mother was murdered, leaving them damaged, shattered. Now they’ve arrived in the village of Three Pines. But to what end?

The IncrediBulb The Squishy Lightbulb

“This holiday season, your relationships may be fragile but you light bulbs don't have to be! This amazing unbreakable light bulb is squishy AND energy efficient. Get this Thomas Edison approved gift for the light of your life or to treat yourself after a long year of shattering bulbs.“ –Emily

A Great Gift

The Twist of a Knife

by Anthony Horowitz

available in November, hardcover, Harper In New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz’s ingenious fourth literary whodunit following The Word is Murder, The Sentence Is Death, and A Line to Kill, Horowitz becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation—and only one man can prove his innocence: his newly estranged partner in solving crime, Detective Hawthorne.

Turbulent Waters :

A Pacific Northwest Thriller by Jes Stone

available now, paperback, Sidekick Press Armed robbers, a hijacked boat, kidnapped children, a storm at sea, and one desperate father. What could go wrong? Jes Hart Stone is a blue water sailor and author of the popular guide to traveling with pets, Doggy on Deck: Life at Sea with a Salty Dog . Her novels include Blood on a Blue Moon: A Sheaffer Blue Mystery and The Last Outrageous Woman. Join us for an event that is sure to be a hoot with this celebrated local author.

Join us in welcoming author

Jes Hart Stone to Village Books in Fairhaven Friday, November 18, 7pm

The Book of Rules :

A Drew Davies

Railway Mystery

by Gail Noble-Sanderson

available now, paperback, Noble Press

Set in Wales in 1946 and featuring an exciting and unique cast of characters, this new historical cozy mystery series is a must-read from the creator of the popular Lavender Meuse Trilogy.

to Village Books in Fairhaven Friday, December 2, 7pm

Fantasy & Science Fiction

The Alloy Of Law: A Mistborn Novel

by Brandon Sanderson available now, mass market, Tor Fantasy “

The Alloy of Law has to be one of my favorite leaps for a fantasy world to take into the future. Please get this book if you love westerns, detectives, and amazing magic systems.”

–Nathen

A Great Gift

Tread of Angels

by Rebecca Roanhorse available in November, hardcover, Gallery

The year is 1883 and the mining town of Goetia is booming as prospectors come to mine the powerful new element Divinity from the high mountains of Colorado with the help of the pariahs of society known as the Fallen. The Fallen are the descendants of demonkind living amongst the Virtues, the winners in an ancient war, with the descendants of both sides choosing to live alongside Abaddon’s mountain. Celeste, a card sharp with a need for justice, takes on the role of advocatus diaboli, to defend her sister Mariel, accused of murdering a Virtue, a member of the ruling class.

The World We Make

by N.K. Jemisin available in November, hardcover, Orbit

Africa Risen : A New Era of Speculative Fiction

edited by Sheree Renée Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, Zelda Knight available in November, hardcover, Tordotcom

A group of cabinet ministers query a supercomputer containing the minds of the country’s ancestors. A child robot on a dying planet uncovers signs of fragile new life. A descendent of a rain goddess inherits her grandmother’s ability to change her appearance— and perhaps the world. Created in the legacy of the awardwinning anthology series Dark Matter, Africa Risen celebrates the vibrancy, diversity, and reach of African and Afro-Diasporic SFF and reaffirms that Africa is not rising—it’s already here.

The Atlas Paradox

by Olivie Blake available now, hardcover, Tor Books

Six magicians. Two rivalries. One researcher. And a man who can walk through dreams. All must pick a side: do they wish to preserve the world—or destroy it? In this electric sequel to the viral sensation, The Atlas Six, the society of Alexandrians is revealed for what it is: a secret society with raw, world-changing power, headed by a man whose plans to change life as we know it are already under way. But the cost of knowledge is steep, and as the price of power demands each character choose a side, which alliances will hold and which will see their enmity deepen?

The completion of the City We Became duology! All is not well in the city that never sleeps. Even though the avatars of New York City have temporarily managed to stop the Woman in White from invading—and destroying the entire universe in the process—the mysterious capital "E" Enemy has more subtle powers at her disposal. A new candidate for mayor wielding the populist rhetoric of gentrification, xenophobia, and "law and order" may have what it takes to change the very nature of New York itself and take it down from the inside. Did

Inciting Joy: Essays

by Ross Gay

available now, hardcover, Algonquin Books

"I can think of few books as gift-worthy as this one! The essays in this book are sure to incite joy in any recipient and who doesn't need joy?“ –Claire A Great Gift

Novelist as a Vocation by Haruki Murakami available in November, hardcover, Knopf

In this engaging book, the internationally best-selling author and famously private writer Haruki Murakami shares with his readers his thoughts on the role of the novel in our society; his own origins as a writer; and his musings on the sparks of creativity that inspire other writers, artists, and musicians.

Blurb Your Enthusiasm : An A to Z of Literary Persuasion by Louise Willder

available now, hardcover, Oneworld

From blurbs to titles, quotes to (checks jacket) cute animal designs—via author feuds, writing tricks, classic literature, bonkbusters, plot spoilers and publishing secrets—discover why it’s good to judge a book by its cover. Maybe even this inside/outside story of books!

Humor

Revenge of the Librarians

by Tom Gauld available now, hardcover, Drawn and Quarterly

This is the gift for the librarian, bookseller, or writer in your life! Each page is a mini cartoon strip, and for the bookish person in your life, laughter is guaranteed. Some of my favorite bits include "J.K. Rowling presents the Pottermore Business Collection: 'Harry Potter and the Wealth Optimisation Strategy' and 'How to Manage Like a Dark Lord'"(I'd read that), and "An Algorithm That Generates Ideas for Stories About Artificial Intelligence." Enjoy! –Erin

Musical Tables : Poems

by Billy Collins

available in November, hardcover, Random House

Inspired by the small poetry of writers as diverse as William Carlos Williams, W.S. Merwin, Kay Ryan, and Charles Simic, and written with Collins's recognizable wit and wisdom, the more than 125 new poems of Musical Tables show one of our greatest poets channeling his unique voice into a new phase of his exceptional career.

Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light : Fifty Poems for Fifty Years

by Joy Harjo

available in November, hardcover, W.W. Norton

In this gemlike volume, Harjo selects her best poems from across 50 years, beginning with her early discoveries of her own voice and ending with moving reflections on our contemporary moment. Generous notes on each poem offer insight into Harjo's inimitable poetics as she takes inspiration from Navajo horse songs and jazz, reckons with home and loss, and listens to the natural messengers of the earth.

Poetry and More

Proudly

Inward by Yung Pueblo

available now, paperback, Andrews McMeel Publishing

“On the bad days when you feel stressed, alone, or helpless, pick up Inward for a reminder that you are just a human living in this world the best you know how- just like everyone. Pueblo feels like a true friend.“ –Dichali A Great Gift!

American Wildflowers :

A Literary Field Guide by Susan Barba, illustrated by Leanne Shapton available in November, hardcover, Abrams American Wildflowers collects poems, essays, and letters from the 1700s to the present that focus on wildflowers and their place in our culture and in the natural world. Botanists like George Washington Carver and Robin Wall Kimmerer contrast with prose pieces by Lydia Davis and Aimee Nezhukumatathil. And most of all, there are poems: from Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, William Carlos Williams and T. S. Eliot to Allen Ginsberg and Robert Creeley, Lucille Clifton and Louise Glück, Natalie Diaz and Jericho Brown.

Just Added!

Celebrating

Seasonal Flowers Wall Calendar 2023 by Laura Wheeler

Laura Wheeler of Humble Bouquet is embracing a new era of floristry that celebrates local flowers instead of depending on the global floral trade. This beautiful new wall calendar shows what is possible to create each month of the year with flowers grown in and around Bellingham, WA.

Saturday, November 12, 4pm

Join us in welcoming local floral artist and gardener

Laura Wheeler to Village Books in Fairhaven Her presentation will include a demonstration on seasonal flower arranging. Save your seat at villagbooks.com.

Chuckanut Writers

Classes for Your Writing Life

Village Books and WCC Community & Continuing Education offer a writing instruction collaboration called Chuckanut Writers. These programs are designed to inspire and encourage writers at all stages of their writing journey.

Check out these upcoming classes:

Resolutions for Writers

Saturday, January 7, 10am-3pm at Village Books in Fairhaven

Need a boost to your writing in New Year? Come out of your writing cave and connect with other writers and experts in our writing community. We’ll feature a series of workshops, presentations, and conversations about writing, from generation to publication and beyond. A boxed lunch from Evolve is included. $25 Preregistration required.

Monday-Wednesday, January 23-25, 10am-12pm (3 sessions)

• Craft a Solid First Draft of Your Novel with Stephanie Dethlefs at Village Books in Fairhaven

Writing the first draft of a novel is a thrilling experience...that sometimes feels like herding cats. How do you make the pieces fit together? How do you ensure that the story flows? How do you know if it makes any sense at all? Whether you're just nurturing the idea of a novel or you're knee-deep in the writing, writer and book coach Stephanie Dethlefs will guide you as you wrangle your ideas into a step-by-step roadmap for a solid first draft.

Wednesday, February 8, 6-8pm

• The Many Paths to Publishing Your Book with Chloe Hovind at Village Books in Fairhaven (1 session)

Join us for a crash course in how to publish a completed manuscript - from manuscript preparation, to distribution, to finding your book's audience! We will give an overview of the publishing industry and focus in on both self-publication and traditional publication. This informational session will be taught by Village Books' Publishing Director, Chloe Hovind, who recently graduated from the Denver Publishing Institute.

Tuesdays, January 17, 24, 31, & February 7, 6-8pm (4 sessions)

• Wild Mind Writing with Nancy Canyon Virtual Classroom

Spend four evenings discovering the power of "wild mind writing!" Based on Natalie Goldberg's book, Writing Down the Bones, this intriguing class frees the mind through a unique practice that eliminates writer's block. Instructor Nancy Canyon will lead new and experienced students through a variety of exercises—rewarding participants with a daily practice-style, fundamentally changing one's writing forever. Ms. Canyon holds an MFA in Creative Writ ing from Pacific Lutheran University and has studied with Natalie Goldberg.

Tuesday, March 28, 4-6pm

• Generating Poems with Priscilla Long at Village Books in Fairhaven (1 session)

Join Priscilla in a journey of poem generation using three types of poems as models. Priscilla Long is a Seattle-based writer and poet, and a longtime independent teacher of writing. Following the class, she will present a talk about her most recent book, Dancing with the Muse in Old Age. Turn

Don't Miss Out!

The Writer’s Toolbox: Fiction

Join Roby Blecker for this linked series of practical exercises that will provide you with tools in your writing toolbox. These workshops can be taken as a whole, or you can select from some individual workshops to suit your needs and schedule. Thursdays and Tuesdays February 23 through April 4, 6-9pm.

Building Strong Characters Thurs. Feb. 23 & Tue. Feb 28

Writing Compelling Dialogue Thurs. March 2 & Tue, March 7

Creating Evocative Settings, Atmosphere, and Mood Thurs. March 9 & Tue., March 14

Working with Story and Plot I Thurs. March 16 & Tue. March 21

Chuckanut Writers Classes

Take Your Writing to the Next Level!

Working with Story and Plot II Thurs. March 23 & Tue. March 28 Prerequisite: Working with Story & Plot I.

Maximizing Your Uniqueness as a Storyteller Thurs. March 30 & Tue. April 4 Prerequisite: one or more of the preceding workshops in The Writer’s Toolbox Series to receive the greatest value in this final class.

Class sizes are limited, register early!

Read More And Reserve Your Space at whatcomcommunityed.com. You can also register by calling 360-383-3200

VB WRITES...

WRITING GROUPS

Village Books Writing Groups are BACK!

Open To Newcomers!

Are you a writer in search of a writing group? Come meet other writers who can help you get organized, give feedback, and help you with your writing goals. These groups are free and open to newcomers and drop-ins. Unless otherwise noted, groups meet in the Writers Corner on the mezzanine level of Village Books in Fairhaven. Just show up!

FICTION I

Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 6-8pm

VIRTUAL NONFICTION

& MEMOIR GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Sundays, 3-5pm

This group meets VIRTUALLY For more information about joining this group, please email dickgerry@comcast.net and kendra1010@comcast.net.

EVENING POETRY GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 5:30pm

MORNING POETRY GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 10:30am-noon in the Readings Gallery of Village Books in Fairhaven

POETRY PROMPTS

Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 10:30am-noon in the Readings Gallery of Village Books in Fairhaven

Read full description for each group at villagebooks.com. Please note that meeting times may vary during the holidays. Check our events calendar to confirm meeting times.

Sign up for our Just Write! eNewsletter, a monthly publication highlighting current classes, tips and tricks, writing book reviews and the like!

Open Daily - See villagebooks.com for store hours

A Great Gift

UGears - Wooden 3D Models

"These made in Ukraine wooden 3-D models provide a unique, educational, and fascinating activity for the whole family, from the build and paint models for 5+ to beautiful, intricate, fullyfunctional models for 14+. Anyone would be proud to display these beauties and enjoy them for years to come. A great Christmas gift and very cool! Such fun!"

–Gaye

Lynden Loves... HOLIDAYS!

Thanks to our entrantsQ

Lynden Tribune

Kid's Design-An-Ad Contest

Abigail F. - 4th Grade Ebenezer Christian School

Something Silver Jewelry

“Something Silver is an elegant, high quality line of jewelry that is sure to make you feel dazzling! The line includes both silver and gold necklaces, earrings and rings! I love helping customers pick out just the right pieces for themselves or as a gift. Our customers have amazing stories and I enjoy connecting with them while picking out a beautiful accessory. With a variety of different styles, shapes, and sizes, you are guaranteed a great gift for the holidays (or for yourself) that complements anyone's personal style!” –Courtney V.

A Great Gift

Lynden Lighted Parade

"Welkom" in this Holiday Season Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 with the Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade in Lynden, presented to the community by title sponsor Edaleen Dairy! Starting at 6pm a lighted menagerie of cars, pick-ups, trucks, floats, wagons, farm equipment, and more will light up Front Street! The Parade starting point is at the Fairway Shopping Center, located at Front Street and 18th St., heading east on Front St. into beautiful downtown Lynden, ending at 3rd St.

A Plethora of Plushies

Let's Eat!

The Wok: Recipes and Techniques by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt available now, hardcover, W.W.Norton & Company

“Wok culture comes to life in this delectable and informative cookbook. So many wonderful recipes, YUM!!“ –Laura

A Great Gift

The Princess Bride : The Official Cookbook by Jenn Fujikawa available in December, hardcover, Smart Pop Now, for the first time, The Princess Bride Cookbook: The Official Cookbook features more than 50 recipes for dishes seen in, and inspired by, the film, including: Buttercup Buttermilk Scones, Hash You Wish, Farm Boy Breakfast, SixFingered Sandwiches, Chips of Insanity, Bread Pirate Roberts, Vizzini’s Sicilian Meatballs, and so much more!

The Complete Modern Pantry : 350+ Ways to Cook Well with What’s On Hand by America’s Test Kitchen available in November, paperback, America’s Test Kitchen

Flexibility is at the core of pantry cooking—when every cook needs to improvise. The Complete Modern Pantry captures the ethos of true pantry cooking with a unique approach: clear blueprints for building simple dishes (brothy vegetable soup, one-pot pasta, Thaiinspired curry) combined with hundreds of flavor combinations and improv ideas that leave you plenty of room to play (and use up what you have on hand).

Go-To Dinners : A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten available now, hardcover, Clarkson Potter

Cooking night after night during the pandemic inspired Ina to re-think the way she approached dinner, and the result is this collection of comforting and delicious recipes that you’ll love preparing and serving. You’ll find lots of freeze-ahead, make-ahead, prep-ahead, and simply assembled recipes so you, too, can make dinner a breeze.

Mamacita : Recipes

Celebrating Life as a Mexican Immigrant in America by Andrea Pons, Illustrated by Matt Ogle available now, hardcover, Princeton Architectural Press

More than a cookbook, Andrea Pons offers us a glimpse into her childhood, and the beloved traditions her Tita Maru introduced to her at weekend Sobremesa. Pons moved from Mexico to America while still a child, and hid much of her culture in order to fit into America. It was only once she inherited her grandmother's recipes at a crucial time in her life, that she embraced her past, embraced her Mexican culture, and began sharing the amazing recipes Tita Maru passed down to her. A sweet and tasty gift for a wide audience. –Erin

Ottolenghi’s Test Kitchen : Extra Good Things by Noor Murad, Yotam Ottolenghi available now, paperback, Clarkson Potter The vegetable-forward recipes in this collection will help you create delicious, hearty dishes, plus special takeaways—a sauce!, a sprinkle!, a pickle!—that you can repurpose time and time again in other recipes throughout the week. These extras help you stock your fridges and pantries the Ottolenghi way, so you can accessorize plates with pops of texture and color, acidity and heat, and all the magical flavor bombs that keep you coming back for more.

A Great Gift

Made in India : Recipes from an Indian Family Kitchen by Meera Sodha available now, hardcover, Flatiron Books

“Inspired by her collective heritage as the daughter of African-born Indian immigrants living in the United Kingdom, Meera Sodha brings a taste of India right into your kitchen!” –Tova

Cozy Dining All Day Long

Baking

What’s For Dessert : Simple Recipes for Dessert People–A Baking Book by Claire Saffitz available in November, hardcover, Clarkson Potter Claire Saffitz returns with 100 recipes for all dessert people—whether you’re into impressive-yet-easy molten lava cakes, comforting rice pudding, or decadent chestnut brownies. In this all-new collection, Saffitz shares recipes for icebox cakes, pies, cobblers, custards, cookies and more, all crafted to be as streamlined as possible. Fans will find all the warmth, encouragement, and deliciously foolproof recipes with loads of troubleshooting advice that they’ve come to count on.

Swedish Dish & Sponge Cloths

A sustainable alternative to pa per towels, these reusable dishcloths are environ mentally friendly and come in a huge vari ety of fabulous designs & colors. They'll make a great gift for ANYONE on your list!" –Laney

A Great Gift

Giuseppe's Italian Bakes : Over 60 Classic Cakes, Desserts and Savoury Bakes by Giuseppe Dell'Anno available in December, hardcover, Quadrille Publishing Giuseppe Dell'Anno won hearts the world over when he was crowned winner of the Great British Bake Off in 2021. In Giuseppe's Italian Bakes, his first cookbook, he shares his skill, knowledge and love of baking through over 60 new sweet and savoury recipes.

101 Greatest Soups

on the Planet : Every Savory Soup, Stew, Chili and Chowder

You Could Ever Crave by Erin Renouf Mylroie available in December, hardcover, Page Street Publishing

The only soup cookbook you will ever need! Best-selling author Mylroie is here to provide you with an incredible collection of over 100 recipes (and 80+ photos!) of delicious soups for any occasion. Whatever you are looking for, this book has it—including vegetarian and vegan options and extra instructions for using your slow cooker or Instant Pot®. Now you can save time on meal prep and have your delicious soup, stew, chili, or chowder ready in no time.

Noma 2.0 :

Vegetable, Forest, Ocean by Rene Redzepi available in November, hardcover, Artisan Redzepi’s restaurant has been featured dozens of times in magazines and television and was recently awarded the coveted distinction of Michelin three stars. Here the recipes are presented as they are used in the restaurant, focusing on local availability and seasonality.

Smitten Kitten Keepers : New Classics for Your Forever Files

by Deb Perelman

available in November, hardcover, Knopf Smitten Kitchen is 100% the place I start when I need to find a recipe. Deb Perelman’s recipes are always well-tested and are never too fussy. She’s very attuned to the balance of taste and texture and the results are delicious. I’m so excited for this new volume so I can get into the kitchen! –Sarah

The Gurgle Pot

Let's Eat!

Is This a Cookbook?

Adventures in the Kitchen by Heston Blumenthal, Illustrated by Dave McKean available November, hardcover, Macmillan

It’s time to open your eyes to a new way of cooking. To world-famous chef Heston Blumenthal, food is the start of a conversation. In Blumenthal’s newest cookbook, he will shake up your cooking style with essential food secrets and mind-blowing hacks. These straightforward and easy-to-follow recipes create a journey of exploration in the kitchen, doing away with overly-structured instructions and the pressure to create a dish that’s 100% perfect. Here, cooking is all about learning, making mistakes, and discovering new ingredients and techniques along the way. Prepare for an adventure with the gastronomic wizard himself.

Cooking Literature What We Talk About When We Talk About Dumplings

edited by John Lorinc available now, paperback, Coach House

If the world's cuisines share one common food, it might be the dumpling. Originally from China, they evolved into ravioli, samosas, momos, gyozas, tamales, pierogies, matzo balls, wontons, empanadas, potato chops, and many more. In this unique anthology, food writers, journalists, culinary historians, and musicians share histories of their culture’s version of the dumpling, family dumpling lore, interesting encounters with these little delights, and even recipes to unwrap the magic of the world's favorite dish.

A Great Gift

“An absolute one-of-a-kind and whimsical pitcher (with an interesting history), the Gurgle Pot is a both a conversation starter and practical item (for the person who has everything?)! Its delightful gurgle will make you giggle and can also double as a vase! Win/win.” –Mary

Earl Greyer Vanilla Tea by The Republic of Tea

“This is by far my favorite tea I've ever bought, and I always make sure I have some in the cup board. I like to have it with some vanilla soy milk and a teaspoon of honey, it's just delicious!“ –Kendra

A Great Gift

A Great Gift

Koala-Tea Infuser

“Looking for something cute, funny, AND practical? Check out these punny tea infusers: a koala-tea gift for all your tea-loving friends and family members.”

–Hayden

Enjoy!

The Greatest First Lines of Literature Mug

“This is a GREAT gift to get for any book lover! Its a gift item that I have been wanting to get and I think that its absolutely adorable and a great gift for the holidays.”

–Sam

A Great Gift

Pair some tasty tea with with a fun mug or diffuser!

History

Invasion

: The Inside Story of Russia’s Bloody War and Ukraine’s Fight for Survival by Luke Harding available in November, paperback, Vintage

In a damning, inspiring, and breathtaking narrative of what is likely to be a turning point for Europe—and the world— Guardian correspondent and New York Times bestselling author of Collusion and The Snowden Files, Luke Harding reports firsthand on the first year of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, capturing this crucial moment in history with candor, insight, and an unwavering focus on the human stories that lie at its heart.

The Pirate's Wife : The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd

by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos

available in November, hardcover, Hanover Square Press

Captain Kidd was one of the most notorious pirates to ever prowl the seas. But few know that Kidd had an accomplice, a behind-the-scenes player who enabled his plundering and helped him outpace his enemies. That accomplice was his wife, Sarah Kidd, a well-to-do woman whose extraordinary life is a lesson is survival, resilience, and resourcefulness. Twice widowed by twenty-one and operating within the strictures of polite society in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century New York, Sarah secretly aided and abetted her husband, fighting alongside him against his accusers. More remarkable still is that Sarah not only survived the tragedy wrought by her infamous husband’s deeds but went on to live a successful and productive life as one of New York’s most prominent and respectable citizens.

And There Was Light :

Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle by Jon Meacham available in October, hardcover, Random House A President who governed a country at war with itself has much to teach us in a 21st-century moment of polarization and political crisis. Abraham Lincoln was president when implacable secessionists gave no quarter in a clash of visions inextricably bound up with money, power, race, identity, and faith. He was hated and hailed, excoriated and revered. In Lincoln we can see the possibilities of the presidency as well as its limitations.

Empire of Ice and Stone

: The Disastrous and Heroic Voyage of the Karluk by Buddy Levy available in December, hardcover, St. Martin’s Press

In the summer of 1913, the wooden-hulled brigantine Karluk departed Canada for the Arctic Ocean. At the helm was Captain Bob Bartlett, considered the world’s greatest living ice navigator. The expedition’s visionary leader was a flamboyant impresario named Vilhjalmur Stefansson hungry for fame. Just six weeks after the Karluk departed, giant ice floes closed in around her. Set against the backdrop of the Titanic disaster and World War I, filled with heroism, tragedy, and scientific discovery, Empire of Ice and Stone tells the story of two men and two distinctively different brands of leadership: one selfless, one self-serving, and how they would forever be bound by one of the most audacious and disastrous expeditions in polar history, considered the last great voyage of The Heroic Age of Discovery.

The Revolutionary : Samuel Adams

by Stacy Schiff

available now, hardcover, Little,Brown

Schiff introduces us to the shrewd and eloquent man who supplied the moral backbone of the American Revolution. For his efforts he became the most wanted man in America: When Paul Revere rode to Lexington in 1775, it was to warn Samuel Adams that he was about to be arrested for treason. Schiff brings her masterful skills to Adams’s improbable life, illuminating his transformation from aimless son of a well-off family to tireless, beguiling radical who mobilized the colonies.

Contemorary CULTURAL CRITICISM

Viral Justice : How We Grow the World We Want

by Ruha Benjamin available now, hardcover, Princeton University Press

Long before the pandemic, Benjamin was doing groundbreaking research on race, technology, and justice, focusing on big, structural changes. But the twin plagues of COVID-19 and anti-Black police violence inspired her to rethink the importance of small, individual actions. Part memoir, part manifesto, Viral Justiceis a sweeping and deeply personal exploration of how we can transform society through the choices we make every day.

The White Wall : How Big Finance Bankrupts Black America by Emily Flitter available now, hardcover, Atria/One Signal Publishers Flitter takes a careful look at the ways that the world of finance has affected Black Americans. First-hand accounts are used to give insight into experiences from being a bank customer to working high up in the finance world. I highly suggest this for anyone working in finance or corporate America! —Kiana

Edible Economics : A Hungry Economist Explains the World by Ha-Joon Chang available in January 2023, hardcover, Public Affairs World-class economist Ha-Joon brings big-picture economic principles to the everyday reader in this quirky, insightful, and informational book connecting economic history and theories to our everyday favorite foods. From bananas and spicy peppers, to chocolate and Coca-Cola, this book is a great read for those who love food, history, and life-long learning! –Chloe

Musical Lives

Surrender : 40 Songs, One Story by Bono

available in November, hardcover, Knopf

Writing with candor, self-reflection, and humor, Bono opens the aperture on his life—and the family, friends, and faith that have sustained, challenged, and shaped him. Surrender’s subtitle, 40 Songs, One Story, is a nod to the book’s forty chapters, which are each named after a U2 song. Bono has also created forty original drawings for Surrender, which will appear throughout the book.

A Book of Days by

Patti Smith

available in November, hardcover, Random House

With more than 365 photographs that take you through a single year, A Book of Days is a new way to experience the expansive mind of the visionary poet, writer, and performer Patti Smith. Hopeful, elegiac, playful—and complete with an introduction by Smith that explores her documentary process– A Book of Days is a deeply generous and inspirational map of an artist’s life.

JIMI

by Janie Hendrix, John McDermott

available in November, hardcover, Chronicle Chroma JIMI is the ultimate tribute to the greatest guitar player in rock and roll history, celebrating what would have been Jimi Hendrix's 80th birthday on November 27, 2022. This comprehensive visual celebration is an official collaboration with Jimi's sister, Janie Hendrix, and John McDermott of Experience Hendrix L.L.C. JIMI significantly expands on the authors' previously published titles, including An Illustrated Experience, and features a new introduction by Janie, extensive biographical texts, and a trove of lesser known and never-before-published photographs, personal memorabilia, lyrics, and more.

A Great Gift

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl

available now, hardcover, Dey Street Books

“For lovers of music, family, and rock n roll.

The Storyteller is a beautiful culmination of the life and music of Nirvana's drummer and Foo Fighter's singer/lead guitarist, Dave Grohl.” –Laura

The Philosophy of Modern Song by

Bob Dylan

Mirror in

the Sky : The Life and Music of Stevie Nicks by Simon Morrison available now, hardcover, University of California Press

This book analyzes Nicks' craft—the grain of her voice, the poetry of her lyrics, the melodic and harmonic syntax of her songs as well as identifies the American folk and country influences on her musical imagination that place her within a distinctly American tradition of women songwriters. Morrison also draws from oral histories and surprising archival discoveries to connect Nicks's story to those of California's above- and underground music industries, innovations in recording technology, and gendered restrictions.

A Dylan Duet!

available in November, hardcover, Simon & Schuster Dylan, who began working on this book in 2010, offers a master class on the art and craft of songwriting. He writes over 60 essays focusing on songs by other artists, from Stephen Foster to Elvis Costello, from Hank Williams to Nina Simone. He analyzes what he calls the trap of easy rhymes, breaks down how the addition of a single syllable can diminish a song, and even explains how bluegrass relates to heavy metal. These essays are mysterious and mercurial, poignant and profound, and often laugh-out-loud funny. And while they are ostensibly about music, they are really meditations and reflections on the human condition.

Folk Music : A Bob Dylan Biography in Seven Songs by Greil

Marcus

available now, hardcover, Yale University Press

In Folk Music, Greil Marcus tells Dylan’s story through seven of his most transformative songs. Marcus’s point of departure is Dylan’s ability to “see myself in others.” This is not only a deeply felt telling of the life and times of Bob Dylan but a rich history of American folk songs and the new life they were given as Dylan sat down to write his own. Like Dylan’s songs, this book is a work of implicit patriotism and creative skepticism.

Memoirs

Uphill : A Memoir

by Jemele Hill

available now, hardcover, Henry Holt & Co. Jemele Hill is one of the people I look to in order to help frame conversations and to give language to things that don't always make sense. Hearing that she had a book coming out made me so delighted. Her writing is honest and funny, holding nothing back when looking at some of the challenges and successes and who helped (or didn't) along the way. Whether reflecting on her childhood or her current journalistic work, Jemele Hill is a must-read. –Sarah

A Great Gift

Blue Q Pouches

“These little pouches are cute & witty and come in a variety of sizes! Perfect to fill with art supplies, candy, or stickers and then stuff in a stocking.” –Sophie

The Light We Carry : Overcoming in Uncertain Times

by Michelle Obama available in November, hardcover, Crown “When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it.” –Michelle Obama

In an inspiring follow-up to her critically acclaimed, #1 bestselling memoir Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world. A rewarding blend of stories and profound advice that will ignite conversation, The Light We Carry inspires readers to examine their own lives, identify their sources of gladness, and connect meaningfully in turbulent times.

Being Seen : One Deafblind Woman's Fight to End Ableism

by Elsa Sjunneson available now, paperback, Simon Element Meet Elsa, an incredible deafblind woman and media studies professor, as she shares her insight into life as a person with disabilities and the portrayal of deaf and blind individuals in modern media. An illuminating and powerful read that discusses the effects of disability portrayal and her own personal experience.

–Chloe

Never Miss Out!

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Memoirs

Playing Under the Piano :

From Downton to Darkest Peru by Hugh Bonneville available in November, hardcover, Other Press

From getting his big break as Third Shepherd in the school nativity play, to mistaking a Hollywood star for an estate agent, Hugh Bonneville creates a brilliantly vivid picture of a career on stage and screen. What is it like working with Judi Dench and Julia Roberts, or playing Robert De Niro’s right leg? Whether telling stories of working with divas or Dames, this is a richly entertaining account of his life as an actor.

The Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee Book

by Jerry Seinfield

available in November, hardcover, Simon & Schuster

Graphic Novel Fists

Raised : 10 Stories of

Sports Star Activists

by Karim Nedjari, illustrated by Chloe Celerien available in October, hardcover, NBM Publishing

What does Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time, have in common with Megan Rapinoe, the badass pink-haired female soccer player? They achieved perfection, won medals, and lived the glory. But it is above all their raised fists, when, at a time of their envied existence, they dared to sacrifice their privileges to defend a cause greater than their status of adulated champion.

The Extraordinary Life

of an Ordinary Man : A Memoir by Paul Newman available nowr, hardcover, Knopf

This raw, candid, unvarnished memoir of the greatest movie star of the past 75 years covers everything: his traumatic childhood, his career, his drinking, his thoughts on Marlon Brando, James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, John Huston, his greatest roles, acting, his intimate life with Joanne Woodward, his innermost fears and passions and joys. Newman’s voice is interwoven with transcripts from friends, relatives, and colleagues—a searingly honest oral history Newman himself helped create before his death in 2008 and recently rediscovered by his family. "This is like eavesdropping on a dinner party filled with friends and colleagues all listening to and talking about the man sitting at the head of the table, Paul Newman." –Actress Sally Field

Over 11 seasons and 84 episodes, Jerry Seinfeld drove around grabbing coffee and chatting with the funniest people alive. He reminisced with the late Garry Shandling; bantered with legends Steve Martin, Tina Fey, and Eddie Murphy; and even paid a visit to President Barack Obama in the Oval Office. Now that archive is preserved in the form of a gorgeously designed and carefully curated book. Also included is a fascinating oral history featuring interviews with dozens of crew members, executives, guests, and Seinfeld himself that details how this scrappy creative experiment landed unprecedented access to the White House, earned multiple Emmy nominations, and helped lead the streaming revolution.

Rising From the

Deep : The Seattle Kraken, a Tenacious Push for Expansion, and the Emerald City’s Sports Revival by Geoff Baker

available in November, hardcover, Triumph Books

Rising From the Deep traces the dynamic origins of the NHL's newest team, from the history of Seattle hockey in the early 20th century, to the winter sports void left by the bitter departure of the Sonics, to the development of a team identity that captured the imagination of hockey fans everywhere.

Photos by Brandon Sawaya I Soulcraft Allstars

Craft - Mindfulness

Shodo : The Practice of Mindfulness Through the Ancient Art of Japanese Calligraphy by Rie Takeda available in October, hardcover, Watkins Publishing

The ancient Japanese art of calligraphy is more than just a decorative skill; it is a revolutionary approach to mindfulness. This book is a beautiful introduction to Shodo, which shows how the movement of a brush channels energy through the body and mind, uniting both in harmony. What results on the paper is a true depiction of the present moment, a movement towards a more peaceful mindfulness.

Decorating

Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home : How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life by Marie Kondo available in November, hardcover, Ten Speed Press

At its core, the KonMari philosophy focuses not on what to get rid of, but on what to keep. In this inspirational visual guide, beautiful photographs and Kondo's unique suggestions empower you to embrace what you love about your life and then reflect it in your home, activities, and relationships, like creating a calm nook for writing, taking time each morning to review a to-do list, or having relaxing nighttime rituals that promote a restful sleep.

Art Con/Artist

by Tony Tetro available in November, hardcover, Hachette

Tony Tetro, one of the most renowned art forgers in history, will make you question every masterpiece you’ve ever seen in a museum, gallery, or private collection. Tetro’s “Rembrandts,” “Caravaggios,” “Miros,” and hundreds of other works now hang on walls around the globe. Throughout Tetro’s career, his inimitable talent has been coupled with a reckless penchant for drugs, fast cars, and sleeping with other con artists. He was busted in 1989 and spent four years in court and one in prison. His voice—rough, wry, deeply authentic—is nothing like the high society he swanned around in, driving his Lamborghini or Ferrari, hobnobbing with aristocrats by day, and diving into debauchery when the lights went out. Pairing up with coauthor Ambrosi, one of the investigative journalists who uncovered the 2019 Prince Charles art scandal, Tetro unveils the art world in an epic, alluring, at times unbelievable, but all-true narrative.

Admission by donation

Wednesday - Sunday, Noon - 5pm

Old City Hall | 121 Prospect St. www.whatcommuseum.org

Science & Nature

Wild New World :

The

Epic Story of Animals and People in America

by Dan Flores available now, hardcover, W.W. Norton Flores’s ambitious history chronicles the epoch in which humans and animals have coexisted in the “wild new world” of North America—a place shaped both by its own grand evolutionary forces and by momentous arrivals from Asia, Africa, and Europe. With portraits of iconic creatures such as mammoths, horses, wolves, and bison, Flores describes the evolution and historical ecology of North America like never before and shows the arrival of humans precipitated an extraordinary disruption of this teeming environment.

How Far the Light Reaches : A Life in Ten Sea Creatures

by Sabrina Imbler available in December, hardcover, Little,Brown Imbler discovers that some of the most radical models of family, community, and care can be found in the sea, from gelatinous chains that are both individual organisms and colonies of clones to deepsea crabs that have no need for the sun. Exploring themes of adaptation, survival, sexuality, and care, and weaving the wonders of marine biology with stories of their own family, relationships, and coming of age, How Far the Light Reaches is a book that invites us to envision wilder, grander, and more abundant possibilities for the way we live.

Woolington

Where We Call Home :

Land, Seas, and Skies of the Pacific Northwest by Josephine Woolington available in November, paperback, Ooligan Press Reconnect with the natural world through essays that blend science and prose. In her debut work, journalist Josephine Woolington sheds light on diverse flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest. From the coastal tailed frog to yellow cedar, these stories encourage a more collective understanding of our natural wonders in a rapidly changing world. Josephine Woolington is a writer, musician, and educator.

The Song of the Cell : An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human

by Siddhartha Mukherjee

available now, hardcover, Scribner

The discovery of cells—and the reframing of the human body as a cellular ecosystem—announced the birth of a new kind of medicine based on the therapeutic manipulations of cells. In The Song of the Cell, Mukherjee tells the story of how scientists discovered cells, began to understand them, and are now using that knowledge. Told in six parts, laced with Mukherjee’s own experience as a researcher, a doctor, and a prolific reader, The Song of the Cell is both panoramic and informative.

Darwin’s Love of Life :

A Singular Case of Biophilia by Kay Harel available now, hardcover, Columbia University Press Biophilia—the love of life—encompasses the drive to survive, a sense of kinship with all life-forms, and an instinct for beauty. In this unconventional book, Kay Harel uses biophilia as a lens to explore Charles Darwin’s life and thought in deeply original ways. Her meditative, playful, and lyrical musings draw on the tools of varied disciplines—aesthetics, astronomy, biology, philosophy, and more. She argues that much of what Darwin described, envisioned, and felt was biophilia in action, informed by little-known material from his private notebooks.

The

edited by Will Shortz available now, spiral-bound, St. Martin's Griffin

“I absolutely love these books of crosswords, they offer a nice simple challenge, without being too easy. Whether you're a crossword puzzle expert or have never completed a puzzle, these books are a ton of fun and a great entrance into the puzzle world!” –Andrew

The Wild Year : A Field Guide for Exploring Nature All Around Us by Kristyna Baczynski available now, paperback, TarcherPerigee

Artist Kristyna Baczynski blends writing, research, and illustrations that celebrate more than ninety plant specimens, drawn in detail for identification, along with historical, scientific, and folkloric information highlighting the unique backstory and beauty of these everyday natural wonders. You’ll also find checklists, foraging tips, and room for field notes and sketches.

The Open-Air Life : Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day by Linda Åkeson Mcgurk available in November, hardcover, TarcherPerigee

From the pleasures of foraging for wild berries and birding to how to stay warm and cozy outside in the middle of winter, this charmingly illustrated, inspirational guide shows readers how to harness the power-of-nature to improve their physical and mental health, as well as their relationships with both other people and Mother Nature.

How to Read

the Wilderness : An Illustrated Guide to the Natural Wonders of North America by The Nature Study Guild available in November, hardcover, Chronicle Books

From the mountains to the ocean shores, from the wetlands to the deserts, North America teems with flora and fauna in delicately balanced ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. With this book in hand, you will understand the language of nature and see those wild places with new eyes. You'll learn to recognize the lobed leaf of an Oracle Oak, the webbed tracks of a River Otter, and the fine, cream-colored tentacles of a Frilled Anemone. For more than sixty years, the Guild's pocket guidebooks have helped hikers, campers, foragers, and explorers navigate the great outdoors. Now, the best of the guides' informative text and iconic illustrations are gathered in one handsome hardcover: the perfect reference for today's ramblers.

The Soul of an Octopus : A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery available now, paperback, Atria Books

“Let The Soul of an Octopus be your gift recipient's personal octopus teacher. This book is both delightful and scientific as it reveals many astounding capabilities and individual personalities of these remarkable beings.“ –Rick

A Great Gift

Jeremy Jones

and Hana Beaman

Monday, November 14, 7:30 pm at Sehome High School

shredder + alpinist = shralpinist

Village Books is pleased to welcome snow boarding star, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Jeremy Jones to the Sehome High School theater! He will discuss his new book The Art of Shralpinism: Lessons from the Mountains with local pro snowboarder Hana Beaman.

Local pro snowboarder Hana Beaman competed in events such as X-Games, US Opens, and World Champs before shifting to filming in the backcountry. Join us!

The Art of Shralpinism explores what it means to adventure in the mountains. An insightful and unique manual to being in the mountains from one of the most well-known and highly-acclaimed skisnowboard mountaineers in the world, The Art of Shralpinism is not a technical guide to snowboard ing but rather an experiential approach to creating a mountain life, full of anecdotes from Jones’ life and expert tips accompanied by his captivating art.

photo by Ming Poon

A Great Gift

Ghibliotheque:

The Unofficial Guide to the Movies of Studio

Ghibli

by Jake Cunningham available now, hardcover, Welbeck Publishing

"

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a Studio Ghibli fan, this is it. Full of images, anecdotes, and information about Miyazaki and his beloved films." –Chloe

May We Recommend...

Great Gifts

All Things Ghibli!

“From books to chopsticks to lunchbags to waterbottles to books to cookbooks! Phew! We're huge fans here and have scoured the world for everything we can find that reminds us of these wonderful books and movies.“ –Paul

A Great Gift

Cute Bowls Filled with Delicious Candy

"Working at Village Books and Paper Dreams, I've seen (and purchased) a LOT of amazing gift items. One of my favorite go-to gifts is actually a combo—I select one of the super cute bowls or mugs we have on hand then choose a tasty sweet from our candy counter to fill it up. Mix and match! Get creative! This winning combination is both useful AND delicious— always a hit."

–Kelly

Cat Finger Puppets!

“For children or adults our finger puppet selection has something for everyone! My personal favorite is the little cats! If you're a cat person like myself be sure to find one for all the other kitty lovers in your life! They make the perfect stocking stuffers or I could totally see one being fought over in a game of white elephant!” –Anna

A Great Gift

A Great Gift

"I declare Fairhaven's Finest Fudge to be the most delightfully delicious fudge in all of Whatcom County! Made fresh at Paper Dreams in Fairhaven, there are so many flavors to try—from chocolate to strawberry to cookies & cream. Don't get me started on the rotating seasonal flavors that are just as irresistible as the mainstay varieties—each is a delight! Yes, fudge makes a wonderful treat to share with friends and family but you may want to keep it and enjoy it all yourself. Highly recommended! –Paige the Penguin

2023 WWU children’s literature conference

20th Annual

Western Washington University will celebrate the 20th annual Children's Young Adult Literature Conference by welcoming four award-winning authors and illustrators to campus on Saturday, February 25, 2023. This year, registra tion includes a complimentary book!

The conference brings together teachers, librarians, readers, writers, and children's literature aficionados to celebrate children’s and young adult literature.

The conference includes author and illustrator presentations, book sales and autographs, a question-and-answer panel, and an announcement of the 2024 featured speakers. Registration is required.

Saturday, February 25 2023

• Location: Western Washington University Performing Arts Center

• Time- 8am: doors open for book sales, autographs, and registration 9am-3pm: Conference Book sales start at 8am!

• Early Bird Registration NOW OPEN! before Jan 13 - $149/after that, $199 Discounts available for college students, retired teachers and librarians, para-educators, and WWU Employees

Clock hours are also available.

10% of the proceeds from book sales at the conference is donated by Village Books to support next year’s conference.

Presenters for the 2023 Conference

Sydney SMITH

MICHAELA GOADE

Donna Barba HIGUERA

Whatcom County children ages 4-18 submitted poems they created using peaceful themes. The results were beautiful and inspiring. Congratulations to the five young poets who were selected as the 2022 winners. Read their poems below and see www.whatcomdrc.org for more!

Village Books and Paper Dreams is proud to sponsor the Peaceful Poetry Youth Contest.

Insecurities

by Ace S, age 13

Kulshan Middle School

I need to hide to be seen. I need to be me to be free. But I’m locked up in a little box that I’ve thrown away the key to.

I’m scared… But that’s good.

I’m sad.. But that’s fine. I’m worried every second of every day. But who isn’t?

I hide who I am, I hide who I’m with, I hide who I love.

I lose trust easily, I lose friends because I’m not me, But I also lose them if I am.

I am a girl.

A girl who has no idea who she is. A girl who has personalities and no idea which one is hers.

Because when I am that boy, or I am that girl My worries are no more.

So, I choose to hide I choose to be afraid, I choose to be someone I’m not But that won’t stop me anymore!

I will proudly announce who I am. And honestly, I won’t give a damn What other people think Because at least I’m being me.

And me is a Genderfluid Pan sexual homosexual. And I will scream it from the rooftops like I’ve lost my god damn mind. But I wont care.

I’ll let the cool breeze of freedom guide me through the air. I’ll let it drift through my hair Because then And only then I will be free.

I write poem’s when I have too much pressure. I write songs to sing to my soul that has darkened. But that’s who I am.

I am a boy. A boy who hides his insecurities, And hides his thoughts. But on the outside I am a happy boy with a personality like any other. And that’s what I want to be.

Dandelion

by Adelaide J, age 10 Parkview Elementary

Friendship is like a dandelion never perfect but beautiful then something blows it all apart sometimes the little pieces reconnect to form all over again friendship is like a dandelion

Peace vs. War

by Sanna Wilson, age 6

Peace or war I choose peace Help us fight!

We will fight for Peace and Justice We will fight to make it fair. We want peace We want justice! We want happiness flowing through our bodies. Help us make it right!

What is Peace

by Aalyah Wilson, age 9

Happy Valley Elementary

Peace is love. Love is Peace. Peace is freedom. Peace is fair.

Peace is truthful. Peace is powerful. Peace is a promise. Peace is in all of us. Peace is a path to things Words cannot explain.

Peace helps the world turn round. Peace is for everyone. Everyone can make peace Peace needs us

Together we will fight for peace.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

YOUNG READERS

Their Families & Educators

Picture Books

Birthday of The World : A Story About Finding Light in Everyone and Everything by

Rachel Naomi Remen

illustrated by Rachell Sumpter available now, hardcover, Abrams

From the New York Times bestselling author of Kitchen Table Wisdom, a modern retelling of a timeless story about healing the world by finding light in everyone and everything.

Little Owl's Love

by Divya Srinivasan

available in December, hardcover, Viking Books for Young Readers

The star of Little Owl's Night returns to find love in his beloved nighttime forest. Gliding along on a quiet night, Little Owl looks for the things that make him happy— shimmering stars, winking fireflies, listening to the cricket song, and most of all, spending time with his good friends. Lyrical and deeply heartfelt, Little Owl's Love is a love letter to the natural world on a child's level.

Hey Bruce:

An Interactive

by Ryan Higgins

Book

available now, hardcover, Disney-Hyperion

“A funny, fun, interactive book that will have your child excited to engage with reading!”

–Sydney

A Great Gift

Thingamabob by Coppo Marianna

available now, hardcover, Tundra Books

“A great gift for kids who like to read at bedtime, or anytime! Thingamabob will warm your heart.” –Rae

A Great Gift

Beneath

by Cori Doerrfeld

available in January 2023, hardcover, Hachette

In this profound and poignant story from New York Times bestselling creator Cori Doerrfeld, a child and grandparent discover more about each other as they explore the natural world. This sweet and tender picture book celebrates our similarities, differences, and that there's always more under the surface of what we can see.

Strum And Drum : A Merry Little Quest by Jashar

Awan

available now, hardcover,Tundra Books

A pair of Christmas tree ornaments set out on the merry adventure of a lifetime in this imaginative picture book about the inner lives of holiday decorations.

Find more holiday reads in the following pages and in the annual Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Holiday Catalog

Non-Fiction Reads

An American Story

by Kwame Alexander illustrated by Dare Coulter available in January 2023, hardcover, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers New York Times Bestselling author Kwame Alexander pens a powerful picture book that tells the story of American slavery through the voice of a teacher struggling to help her students understand its harrowing history.

The Very Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra : With 10 Musical Sounds!

by Tim Lihoreau and Philip Noyce illustrated by Olga Baumert available now, hardcover, DK Children

Tune up and take your seat—the orchestra is about to begin! Discover the main instruments of the orchestra accompanied by ten sound clips of child-friendly famous pieces performed by a live orchestra, including "Lark Ascending," "Flight of the Bumblebee," "Carnival of the Animals," "Rhapsody in Blue," and more. This instant classic is guaranteed to amaze and inspire.

A Great Gift Squishable Plushies

“Squishable plushies are so cute! And there's so much variety. Donuts, puffer fish, avocados, carnivorous plants, plague doctors, there's truly something for everyone, young or old!” –Allison

INDIGENOUS

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten illustrated by Gary Meeches Sr. available now, hardcover, Charlesbridge

The Thanksgiving story that most Americans know celebrates the pilgrims. But without members of the Wampanoag tribe who already lived on the land where the pilgrims settled, the pilgrims would never have made it through their first winter. And without Weeâchumun (corn), the native people wouldn't have helped. Told from the perspective of the Wampanoag people, this important picture book honors both the history and tradition that surround the true story of the first thanksgiving. Ages 3-7

Yossel’s Journey by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by Johnson Yazzie available now, hardcover, Charlesbridge

Biography Award Winning Notable Native People : 50 Indigenous Leaders, Dreamers, and Changemakers from Past and Present by Adrienne Keene Illustrated by Ciara Sana available now, hardcover, Random An accessible and educational illustrated book profiling 50 notable American Indian, Alaska native, and native Hawaiian people, from NBA star Kyrie Irving of the Standing Rock Lakota to Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee nation. Ciara Sana is a Chamoru artist currently based in Bellingham!

When Yossel’s family flees anti-Jewish pogroms in Russia and immigrates to the American southwest, he worries about making a new home and new friends. In his family's new store next to the Navajo reservation, Yossel watches neighbors pass through. He learns lots of Navajo (Diné) words, but he's still too afraid and lonely to try talking to anyone. Finally he meets Thomas, a Navajo boy just his age. Making new friends can be hard, especially when you're learning a new language to tell your jokes. A historical picture book about the power of cross-cultural friendships and the joy of finding out the true meaning of home. Ages 5-9

On by Buffy Sainte-Marie Illustrated by Julie Flett available now, hardcover, Greystone Kids Based on Sainte-Marie’s song of the same name, Still This Love Goes On combines Flett’s breathtaking art with vivid lyrics to craft a stunning portrait of a Cree worldview. At the heart of this picture book is a gentle message about missing our loved ones, and the promise of seeing each other again. ages 4-7

Celebrating Hanukkah

Board Book

I Love You a Latke : A Touch and Feel Book

by Joan Holub

illustrated by Allison Black available now, board book, Cartwheel Books

Join adorable latkes, dreidels, and more in this fun Hanukkah board book, with touch-and-feel on every spread!

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins –Gift Edition

by Eric Kimmel

illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman available now, hardcover, Holidayhouse

Featuring a handsome slipcase and poster, this new edition of the beloved Caldecott Honor winning tale—beloved by families every year—is a perfect Hanukkah gift!

Hanukkah in Little Havana

by Julie Anna Blank illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera available now, hardcover, Kar-Ben Publishing

Picture Books

Latkes

and Applesauce

by Fran Manushkin available now, hardcover, Random

A cat and dog create a Hanukkah miracle, just in the nick of time in this updated reissue of the beloved holiday classic.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel

by Caryn Yacowitz illustrated by David Slonim available now, paperback, Scholastic You've never seen Hanukkah or the "I know an old lady" story like this before... Through hilarious takes on the world's greatest works of art!

November 26, 11am-12pm

Small Business Saturday

Julie Anna Blank will be at Village Books in Fairhaven to sign copies of Hanukkah in Little Havana. Stop by!

When the annual December shipment of oranges doesn't arrive from Nonna and Nonno, this picture book's young narrator wonders about the missing bounty in this solidly familial portrayal of Sephardic Jewish traditions. Instead of the citrus arriving by post, the child's family drives all night from chilly Maryland to Miami to spend Hanukkah with grandparents in Little Havana.

Bear Far from Home

by Susan Fletcher

illustrated by Rebecca Green available now, hardcover, Anne Schwartz Books

This poignant historical nonfiction book, about a polar bear that was gifted to King Henry III, beautifully shows the importance of respecting our natural world and its precious animals.

So Much Snow

Local Author!

dWINTER STORIES

Happy All-idays

by Cindy Jin

illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. available now, hardcover, Little Simon All season’s greetings and Happy All-idays! Learn how different families celebrate the winter season with this holiday card-inspired board book that captures the meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more!

by Hyunmin Park available in November, hardcover, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

The magic and wonder of deep winter snow will delight and entertain readers of this beautiful and intriguing, largely wordless picture book from debut author-illustrator Hyunin Park.

Christmasaurus

by Tom Fletcher

Illustrated by Shane Devries available now, hardcover, Random House Books for Young Readers

Move over, Rudolph! The Christmasaurus is a dinosaur who lives with Santa Claus and his elves at the North Pole. More than anything, he wants to fly with Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve but he just can't seem to figure out how to fly. . . .Until one Christmas Eve when he meets a young boy in a wheelchair who has a wonderful idea. What if all the Christmasaurus needs is someone to believe in him?

Murray Christmas

by E.G. Keller

available now, hardcover, Abrams Books for Young Readers

In this laugh-out-loud funny and charming holiday tale, lovable “patrol dog” Murray is put on high alert by all of the sudden changes around the holidays—from the tree in the living room to the laundry mistakenly hung by the fireplace, threats lurk everywhere! And worst of all? Some random guy in a red suit keeps showing up everywhere—and Murray is not impressed. Can he learn to embrace the festivities, or will Murray’s misguided attempts to protect his family ruin Christmas?

Little Fairy's Christmas

by Daniela Drescher

available now, hardcover, Floris Books

A magical Christmas story in the Little Fairy series from the bestselling illustrator of an illustrated treasury of Grimm’s fairy tales. It's a cold winter's night and Faith is lost in a snowstorm. As the little fairy looks for somewhere warm to stay, she meets friendly birds, a lost young elf and someone else very special! Father Christmas is surprised to find a little fairy and elf out in the snow on Christmas Eve. Can he help them find somewhere to celebrate Christmas day?

Activity Book

Christmas Puzzles Deluxe – Highlights Hidden Pictures Series

by Highlights

available now, paperback, Highlights Press

Spread the Christmas cheer with this hidden pictures puzzle book that features over 55 holiday scenes and more than 600 hidden objects in color and black-and-white puzzles. Also includes bonus cut-out ornaments and glitter stickers.

Picture Books with

CHRISTMAS Spirit

I Love You More Than Christmas by

Ellie Hattie

Illustrated by Tim Warnes available now, board book, Tiger Tales

Now available in a board book, this festive celebration of friends, family, and love at Christmas from best-selling illustrator Tim Warnes is perfect for sharing with a little one.

When Santa Came to Stay by

Billy Sharff

Illustrated by Eda Kaban available now, hardcover, Dial Books

What happens when your Christmas cookies are too good? Santa comes . . . to stay! The Grinch meets Snowmen at Christmas in this rollicking, rhyming picture book that answers the question, why can't Christmas last all year?

Richard Scarry’s Best Christmas Book Ever by Richard

Scarry

available now, hardcover, Golden Books

It's Christmas time in Busytown! Join Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm and all their Busytown friends as they prepare for the holiday season.

Twelve Cats of Christmas by

Feather Flores

Illustrated by Carrie Liao available now, hardcover, Chronicle Books Celebrate the holidays with twelve adorable cats—and one kitten—with this festive feline take on the classic carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas!"

The Kingfisher Book of Classic Christmas Stories by

Ian Whybrow

available now, hardcover, Kingfisher

From traditional tales to yuletide legends from around the world, this timeless collection of fourteen Christmas classics is perfect for the whole family to share aloud.

Kendra's 2022 Picture Book Favorites!

Village Books Children's Book Buyer Personal Recommendations

Bilingual Treasury of Chinese Folktales

by Vivian Ling and Peng Wang illustrated by Xang Xi available now, hardcover, Tuttle Publishing I love finding new folktale collections because they are a fun way to gain insight into a different heritage and culture that I may not be familiar but would like to celebrate and learn more about. This collection has 10 traditional folktales and even allows you access to online audio recordings of the stories in both English and Chinese. This is a great addition to your bedtime story rotation!

Three Little Vikings

by Bethan Woollvin available now, hardcover, Peachtree

A modern twist on a classic fairytale? I love nothing more! The newest title from Bethan Woollvin’s series of reimagined, bold, and exciting classic tales, you'll finish this story feeling a bit braver than when you started. You should also check out Little Red, Rapunzel, Hansel & Gretel, and Bo the Brave (another favorite).

East of The Sun West of The Moon

by Jackie Morris available now, hardcover, Unbound From the illustrator of The Lost Words and The Lost Spells comes a retelling of a Norwegian fairy tale. The book contains many magical illustrations of nature and animals that follow this lovely winter tale. This is a great winter read to curl up with hot cocoa or tea on a cold night.

Finding Fire

by Logan S. Kline

available now, hardcover, Candlewick I love books about adventure and this wordless picture book is now a new favorite. As a child I had a fascination with the Paleolithic Era and a keen interest with mammoths specifically so I would have never put this down! This book will make a great gift for kids who love dinosaurs or the movies The Croods and Ice Age.

Big and Small And In Between

by Carter Higgins illustrated by Daniel Miyares available now, hardcover, Chronicle This interactive story book magically describes the beauty of things in our everyday world. It's a great choice for explaining the idea of concepts with children or it can also make a great gift to any adult who will appreciate the design and craft that went into creating this gorgeous story.

Better Than

New/

Que Nuevo : A Recycle Tale/ Un Cuenta de Reciclaje by Rob Broder illustrated by Lake Buckley available now, hardcover, Patagonia

Mejor

This is one of the coolest books I’ve seen this year! It is printed with 100% recycled paper and has both English and Spanish text on each page. The illustrations are beautifully saturated with gorgeous natural colors that stick with you even after you’re finished the book. I encourage everyone to take a look at this book with their family that discuss recycling and the dangers of ocean pollution.

Luna Oscura by Heidi Moreno available now, hardcover, Lil’ Libros THIS BOOK! It’s the kind of book I run around the store showing everyone! One of the many reasons I adore this book is because each page has text in both English AND Spanish so it is accessible to a wider audience. It can also be used as a good tool for anyone learning either language. It’s such an adorable story with a powerful lesson for readers about friendship, chosen family, and finding what makes you shine!

A Dream for Every Season

by Haddy Njie illustrated by Lisa Aisato available now, hardcover, Arctis

A beautiful book to celebrate the magic of the changing seasons and accompanied by poetic text. Everyone will be sure to have a favorite page, and it will quickly become a book you will read together overand-over again. I could stare at the illustrations forever and follow all the lines just getting lost in them; it’s a treasure.

TOM CRESTODINA

at Village Books in Fairhaven

Wednesday, November 16, 6:30pm

Join us in the Readings Gallery for the launch of this visually engaging book by local artist and fisherman Tom Crestodina!

Want to know what goes on behind the scenes of a Coast Guard rescue, what it’s like to work on a science research vessel, or what’s involved in crabbing? The book includes illustrated details about each boat’s mission and jobs people do on board, as well as a glimpse of what life is like on a working boat. Packed with information that's fun and practical and filled with cross section views of working boats this book is perfect for curious children—and even adults!

Artist Tom Crestodina has been working as a fisherman in Alaska for over 20 years and studied marine engineering at the Seattle Maritime Academy. He began making cutaway drawings of the vessels he was work ing on as a way to communicate with his child while he was at sea. After other seafarers began to ask for drawings of their own vessels, he went on to document the maritime trades in his whimsical style.

Working Boats

An Inside Look at Ten Amazing Watercraft

"If a photo illustration is worth a thousand words, Crestodina’s cut-away drawings give us more like five thousand words each. . . It is no cliché to say that, for the mariner inclined, from eight to eighty, this is the one book that does it all."

–National Fisherman

Ticket to Ride!

“Ticket To Ride is a wonderfully competitive family game that I have played over many dinners—the more players you have the more complex it becomes. Build train routes around the country before your opponents do!” –Jacob A

Shashibo Cube

“The Shashibo Cube is a wonderful tactile and visually stimulating fidget toy that can be used on its own or combined with other Shashibo cubes. It is able to make a large assortment of geometric shapes that show off a the varied artistic designs hidden in each cube.” –Rez

Milo presented the gift certificate to Carl Cozier Librarian Emily Jones

Middle Readers

Graphic Novels

Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy

by Jonathan Hill available now, paperback, Walker Books US Drawing on the experiences of his Vietnamese American family and his love of ’80s sci-fi shows, Jonathan Hill crafts a funny, insightful graphic novel about the immigrant experience and the perils of middle school. He perfectly captures the sometimes dystopian drama of middle school while reminding readers of the universal need for belonging.

Enemies by Svetlana Chmakova available now, paperback, Hachett Felicity’s sure she’s going to do something big. Exactly what is still a mystery, but she’ll figure it out. Her sister, Letty, teases Felicity that she never finishes stuff, but that’s just because Letty is so perfect. Still, life is good with plenty of friends—drawing with the art club and playing games with her buddies keep her busy. But when she decides to join a contest to show Letty that she can get things done, Felicity begins to wonder if friends becoming enemies is easier than she thought. Are they really enemies, though…? What does it even mean to be enemies? And...who is it that she needs the most on her side...?

A

Great Gift The Storyteller's Handbook: 52 Illustrations to Inspire Your Own Tales and Adventures by Elise Hurst available now, hardcover, Compendium Publishing & Communications

“This book is the perfect gift for the young storyteller in your life! The beautiful illustrations on every page provide endless inspiration for creative minds!.“ –Anne

How to Manage Your Social

Get Ready to YETI

You’ll Enjoy These Incredible Books

Bellingham School District 4th & 5th Graders are given the opportunity to read a variety of new titles that were hand-selected by their librarians for their content, diverse characters, and broad reading level range.

Students can test their knowledge of the books in a trivia-type competition that takes place in the spring but EVERYONE can take advantage of this curated collection of great reads—on display in our kids section!

Power in

Middle School: Kid Confident Book 1 by Bonnie Zucker illustrated by Deandra Hodge available now, hardcover, Magination Press

Do you know what "social power" is? HINT: You experience it every day, you share it with your friends and classmates, and when it is balanced and equal, you feel AWESOME. But when it's unequal or out of whack, you feel All. That. Drama... right? This book gives you a real look at the social life of middle graders and offers expert ways to deal when unbalanced social power situations and unfriendly peers happen. With this, you will thrive in your friendships, figure out who you are, become the best version of yourself, and have a rock-solid sense of confidence. "Smart and essential" –Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid

How to Master Your Mood in Middle School:

Kid Confident Book 2 by Lenka Glassman available now, hardcover, Magination Press

Some kids sail through their middle school years without any drama, but most kids get stuck on a rollercoaster of up and down moods. Why is EVERYTHING so embarrassing? How does one eye-roll from a friend make you suddenly doubt everything about yourself? Packed with cool brain science, info on mental health and wellness, and real-life stories, you'll soon find yourself staying cool and calm during really tough moments knowing that you can handle anything.

Middle Readers

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (As Told To His Brother)

by David Levithan available now, paperback, Yearling New York Times bestselling author David Levithan takes young readers on twisting journey through truth, reality, and fantasy and belief. Aidan disappeared for six days. And just as suddenly as he vanished, Aidan reappears. Where has he been? The story he tells is simply. . . impossible. But it's the story Aidan is sticking to. His brother, Lucas, wants to believe him. But Lucas is aware of what other people, including their parents, are saying: that Aidan is making it all up to disguise the fact that he ran away. The kids in school taunt him, but still Aidan clings to his story as Lucas becomes more concerned. Being on Aidan's side would mean b believing in the impossible. But how can you believe in the impossible when everything and everybody is telling you not to? Now in paperback!

Tumble

by Celia C. Pérez

available now, hardcover, Kokila

From the award-winning author of The First Rule of Punk and Strange Birds, a dazzling novel about a young girl who collects the missing pieces of her origin story from the family of legendary luchadores she’s never met.

The Stars Did Wander Darkling

by Colin Meloy

available now, hardcover, Balzer + Bray

An ancient, long-buried evil has been unleashed upon the community, and it’s up to the kids to stop it before it’s too late. . . . A suspenseful and atmospheric horror set in 1980s Oregon, perfect for fans of Stranger Things, Neil Gaiman, and Margaret Peterson Haddix, from New York Times bestselling author and the Decemberists’ front man, Colin Meloy.

Top Notch Titles

Egg & Spoon

by Gregory Maguire available now, paperback, Candlewick

“A treat of a read with humor and morality from one of the greatest recreators of the classic fairy tale. For the reader in your life who enjoys a good Baba Yaga story. Using the classic trope of mixed identities, we experience life for the fortunate and unfortunate, and see how each has its blessings and curses along the way.“ –Erin

A Great Gift

The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya

available now, hardcover, HarperCollins

The Last Beekeeper is a gripping adventure story about fighting to right the wrongs of past generations while finding hope in the present by award-winning author Pablo Cartaya. As she cracks long guarded secrets, Yoly along with those closest to her are put in grave peril and the only chance of surviving may lie in the rediscovery of a long extinct species—the honeybee. Can the last surviving beehive be the key to pulling the Valley out from under Silo’s thumb, or will they destroy what remains of Yoly’s future?

You Only Live Once, David Bravo by

Mark Oshiro

available now, hardcover, HarperCollins

Perfect for fans of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and When You Reach Me, this time-bending adventure from the author of The Insiders is a surprising and delightful story of identity, family, and the choices that make us who we are.

Check out our display of 2023 SASQUATCH, OTTER, and YOUNG READERS CHOICE AWARD nominees.

Shop 24 hours a day at villagebooks.com

Reading Recommendations

By Teens FOR Teens

Enjoy these reviews of the latest and greatest Young Adult books to hit the streets in recent and upcoming months. Don't miss our in-store Y.A.R.C. display, which is always up-to-date and evolving with reviews by young adults for young adults! What better way to find out what teens are reading than to go straight to the source?

The Vermilion Emporium

by Jamie Pacton

available in November, hardcover, Peachtree Teen

The Vermilion Emporium is a story that pulls readers into dark and twisting alley ways, old and magical shops, and the courts of royalty. With love, abandoned magic, and deadly prizes, I am reminded of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus. –Kamden C. age 19

Bone Weaver by Aden Polydoros available in September hardcover, Inkyard Press Bone Weaver was just the dark fantasy I was looking for at the beginning of fall. I really enjoyed seeing the main characters come together like they did, because it didn't matter who they were or where they came from, they all came together in an ultimate battle royale to take back their lives and their home. After all, nothing sparks a friendship like losing everything and going up against a power hungry bad guy!

–Riley J. age 17

A Consuming Fire

by Laura E. Weymouth

available in November, hardcover, Margaert K. McElderry Books

The Witch

Hunt by Sasha Peyton Smith available now, hardcover, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Magic-wielding Frances jumps at the first chance to travel to Paris, seeking a chance to bring herself back from the grief she’s been feeling over her brother’s death by a close friend. But lately, her magic has been mysteriously acting up…I felt the book got better the more I read and that the characters and plot were engaging. Prior to this read, I hadn’t read the book that this one was a sequel to, but I doubt that it was any less good! –Kaatri G. age 16

Moongarden : Plotting the Stars #1 by Michelle Barry available in November, hardcover, Pixel+Ink Although it has been years since I read The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett, the enchantment and wonder of the book have stayed with me. I am delighted to say this reimagined tale captures that magic, and even builds on it. Set in space, Moongarden’s science-fiction elements lend great importance to the garden’s plants. It examines parental expectations, corporate corruption, and intersections between science and magic at the heart of the garden itself. –Louisa M. age 19

A Consuming Fire left me aching. A weird word I know, but that's the only way I can think to describe the whirlwind of emotions! The back cover alone sucked me in, vengeful sister, love, killing a god. It has everything you’re looking for if you're hungry for a good book you can't put down. Every part left me wanting more, and even when we got to the final words, as sad as it was, it left you with something to carry. –Riley J. age 17

Young Adult Review Committee Y .

A .R.C.

Established in 2014, this program offers teenagers and young adults ages 13-19 the opportunity to read yet-to-be-published books, also known as ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies). In exchange for this privilege, they write reviews as recommendations for Village Books customers. Enjoy these and find many more on our Y.A.R.C. web page. Find them under Book Picks in the Readers Corner at villagebooks.com!

Turn for More!

Young Adults Reading RecommendationsY A RC

Ode to a Nobody

by Caroline Brooks DuBois

available in November, hardcover, Holiday House Ode to a Nobody is refreshingly bitter. Lemonade a twinge too sour to be considered sweet, but thankfully so. After a terrible storm, Quinn(ie) a skater, sister, and self-proclaimed good-for-nothing, is forced to reconcile with what remains in the aftermath. This raw story written in verse journeys alongside Quinn(ie) as she explores her trauma through poetry during an aggravating English class. Despite her resignation, ultimately the experience is transformative for both Quinn(ie) and the reader. –Abby S. age 17

Graphic Novels

Constantine :

Distorted Illusions by Kami Garcia available now, paperback, DC Comics

Constantine is not your average bad boy… John Constantine is, and has always been, a magician of the highest caliber— who doesn’t need additional training from any highbrow magician, thank you very much. Sensing an opportunity for independence, Constantine falsely accepts an apprenticeship in the United States to instead become the lead singer of his best friend’s punk band, Mucous Membrane. When the band begins to dabble in magic, a complicated spell gets out of hand…and the disastrous consequences might be more than Constantine can handle.

Nonfiction Reads

White Fragility : Adapted for Young Adults— Why Understanding Racism Can Be So Hard for White People

by Robin Diangelo adapted by Toni Graves Williamson and Ali Michael available now, paperback, Beacon Press

A reimagining of the best-selling book that gives young adults the tools to ask questions, engage in dialogue, challenge their ways of thinking, and take action to create a more racially just world.

Eden's Everdark by Karen Strong

available now, hardcover, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Eden’s family hails from the lush, historic Safina Island, but she’s never visited until now, after the death of her mother. Her family’s grief isn’t the only thing that Eden finds haunting the island, however, especially once she finds herself stuck in Safina Island’s ghostly underbelly, the Everdark. This book is a creepy yet soulful exploration of loss and grief, both on a personal scale and on a larger one. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a narrative that’s equal parts charming and spooky. –Ella T. age 17

Young Adult

Forest Hills Bootleg Society

by Dave Baker

available now, paperback, Atheneum Books for Young Readers

This is a great new graphic novel for fans of Paper Girls! It follows a mischievous group of friends selling bootleg DVDs and reminded me of the days when everyone was downloading media off of LimeWire. It’s quite the throwback for adults born in the 90’s and for high schoolers who are inspired by the late 80’s and 90’s trends. –Kendra

Apple : Skin to the Core by Eric Gansworth

available now, paperback, Levine Auerido

The term "apple" is a slur in native communities across the country. It's for someone supposedly "red on the outside, white on the inside." In Apple: Skin to the Core, Eric Gansworth tells his story, the story of his family—of Onondaga among Tuscarora—of native folks everywhere, from the horrible legacy of the government boarding schools, to a boy watching his siblings leave and return and leave again, to a young man fighting to be an artist who balances multiple worlds. Gansworth shatters that slur and reclaims it in verse and prose and imagery that truly lives up to the word heartbreaking. Ages 12-18

A Great Gift

The Iron King: Iron Fey #1

by Julie Kagawa

available now, paperback, Inkyard Press

“This is the perfect gift for the holidays for middle grade readers that want to jump into the YA genre, but may be intimidated by all the new fantasy titles. It's a great entry for higher reading and getting into the fantasy world, I should know since it was my start when I was younger!” –Bee

Young Adult

We Are All We Have

by Marina Budhos

available now, hardcover, Wendy Lamb Books

Raina's life gets suddenly turned upside down when her mom is taken in an ICE raid, leaving her wondering how to finish her senior year and take care of her brother. In an effort to avoid detainment, Raina sets off on a journey to reconnect with her estranged family and find her place in a world where she's desperately searching for freedom and belonging. –Chloe

Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution

by Kacen Callender

available now, hardcover,

Amulaet Books

From National Book Award–winner Kacen Callender comes a contemporary love story of vulnerability and joy. Lark Winters wants to be a writer, and for now that means posting on their social media accounts—anything to build their platform. When former best friend Kasim accidentally posts a thread on Lark's Twitter declaring his love for a secret, unrequited crush, Lark's tweets are suddenly the talk of the school—and beyond. To protect Kasim, Lark decides to take the fall but living a lie takes a toll—as does the judgment of thousands of Internet strangers. Nothing seems good enough for the anonymous hordes. In the end, Lark must embrace a journey to speak the truth and discover how their own self-love can be a revolution.

Nubia :

The Awakening by Omar Epps and Clarence Haynes available in November, hardcover, Delacorte Press

This fantasy saga is great for people who want to get into the genre! A dystopian New York is home to three teens who begin to come into extraordinary powers that could change the fate of their people. The characters are very well crafted and the story keeps you engaged all the way through! –Kiana

Foul Lady Fortune by

Chloe Gong

available now, hardcover, Margaret K. McElderry Books

It’s 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue. Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging— and allows her to heal from any wound.

In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption for her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country. Code name: Fortune. From the bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends comes the first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies posing as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders in 1930s Shanghai.

Stolen Heir by Holly Black

available in January 2023, hardcover, Hachett

Return to the opulent world of Elfhame, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and dangerous desires, with this first book of a captivating new duology from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black.

Holiday Romance Eight Nights of Flirting

by Hannah Reynolds

available now, hardcover, Razorbill

A 16-year-old girl is on a mission to find the perfect boyfriend this Hanukkah, but love might not go according to plan, in this charming winter romcom from the author of The Summer of Lost Letters.

BOOK GROUPS

Village Books both hosts and co-sponsors a variety of lively book groups and YOU are invited to join in! All are welcome.

Find additional book group information and reading selections under the Readers Corner tab at villagebooks.com.

VB Reads...

Motherhood by the Book

Join Claire from Village Books for an hour of spirited discussion of books that celebrate the trials, tribulations, and rewards of motherhood—both fiction and non-fiction. This group is by no means exclusive to moms with kids still at home. This group meets on the second Sunday of every month at 2pm in the Fairhaven VB Readings Gallery.

Sunday, December 11, 2pm

–The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

VB Reads... Armchair

Historians

Let's chat, discuss, and dissect the most current and interesting history being written. We meet in person in the Readings Gallery at Village Books in Fairhaven the second Monday of the month at 6pm.

Monday, December 12, 6pm

–Blood and Treasure: Daniel Boone and the Fight for Ameria's First Frontier by Bob Drury & Tom Clavin

VB Reads...

Lynden Front Streeters

"Variety is the spice of life!" Join Gaye from Village Books, Lynden, and the Front Streeters book group as they discuss books from a variety of genres. They meet in the conference room of the Inn at Lynden the third Wednesday of each month at 7pm.

Wednesday, November 16, 7pm –The Radium Girls by Kate Moore

See more Front Streeters reading selections on page 32.

VB Reads...

Afternoon Book Chat

Join Sittrea in the Readings Gallery on the second Wednesday of most months at 1pm for a lively early afternoon book chat. Everyone welcome.

December & January - Winter Hiatus Wednesday, February 8, 1pm –The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson

Climate Action Book Club

Meeting three times a year, Village Books is excited to join with Sustainable Connections in presenting this exciting book group. Virtual AND in person opetions. Next meeting: Thursday, February 16, 8am Book: TBD Watch sustainableconnections.org/events/ for details.

In-Person Book Group Meetings: No registration required. Unless otherwise note, authors do not attend VB Reads.

Join Mandy’s Book Club, powered by Village Books, and escape into a new book each month! See Mandy’s Book Club Facebook Page to stay up to date on what book they're reading and to join the written discussion.

facebook.com/mandysbookclub/

Join this virtual discussion whenever it fits into YOUR schedule!

Sponsored by Village Books

Open Daily - See villagebooks.com for store hours

Literature LIVE! EVENTS

VB’s Literary Events Program

Saturday, November 12, 4pm

LAURA WHEELER Celebrating Seasonal Flowers Wall Calendar 2023

Additions and changes to this schedule will occur so check out VillageBooks.com to stay updated—or even better, let us come to you! Register for the Village Books eNewsletter!

NOVEMBER

Thursday, November 10, 7pm JANET YODER

–Where the Language Lives: Vi Hilbert and the Gift of the Lushootseed at Village Books in Fairhaven

The preservation of the Lushootseed language is a bright spot on the map of endangered indigenous languages, and is significantly attributable to the efforts of Upper Skagit elder Vi Hilbert. In Where the Language Lives: Vi Hilbert and the Gift of the Lushootseed, Janet Yoder draws from interviews conducted over her 30 year friendship with Hilbert to pay tribute to the woman whose determination and passion helped breathe life into her language and culture. In 1978, Seattle writer Janet Yoder took a Lushootseed class at the University of Washington with Skagit tribal elder Vi Hilbert. She was expect ing to learn a little about this local indigenous language, but what followed was a lifelong journey with Vi, who endeavored to preserve a language on the brink of disappearance and to teach those around her how to live in the place where the language lives.

Saturday, November 12, 7:30pm

Booked at the Baker Presents An Evening with BOB WOODWARD

At Mount Baker Theatre

As a speaker, Woodward pulls back the curtain on Washington and its leaders to captivate audiences with stories that are sometimes surprising, at times shocking, and always fascinating. This legend in reporting has won nearly every American journalism award, including two Pulitzer Prizes. In listing the all-time 100 best non-fiction books, Time Magazine calls All the President’s Men, his and Carl Bernstein’s account of the Watergate Scandal, “perhaps the most influential piece of journalism in history.”

Tickets available at mountbakertheatre.com.

Join us in the Readings Gallery for a presentation fea turing Laura Wheeler's beautiful new calendar! She will do a demonstration on flower arranging, too! Laura of Humble Bouquet is embracing a new era of floristry that celebrates local flowers instead of depending on the global floral trade. Created in collaboration with local photographer Kaylin Pinkett this wall calendar shows what is possible to create each month of the year with flowers grown in and around Bellingham, WA. Laura Wheeler is the owner, gardener, and floral artist at Humble Bouquet—a garden-to-vase florist. She grows and designs seasonal-inspired flowers for weddings, workshops, and everyday deliveries.

Sunday, November 13

PRE-HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE at Village Books in Fairhaven AND Lynden Kick off the holiday shopping season at the annual Village Books and Paper Dreams PreHoliday Open House. Mark your calendars and save the date —it's a fun event you don't want to miss!

Monday, November 14, 7:30pm JEREMY JONES in conversation with local professional snowbaorder HANA BEAMAN at Sehome High School –The Art of Shralpinism : Lessons from the Mountains Village Books is pleased to welcome snowboarding star, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Jeremy Jones to the Sehome High School theater! Jeremy Jones’ new book explores what it means to adventure in the mountains. An insightful and unique manual to being in the mountains from one of the most well-known and highly acclaimed ski-snowboard mountaineers in the world, The Art of Shralpinism is not a technical guide to snowboarding but rather an experiential approach to creating a mountain life, full of anecdotes from Jones’ life and expert tips accompa nied by Jones’ captivating art. Tickets $5 available through villagebooks.com.. See page 49 for details.

Wednesday, November

16, 6:30pm

TOM CRESTODINA Book Launch! at Village Books in Fairhaven –Working

Boats:

An Inside Look at Ten Amazing Watercraft

Family Event

Join us in the Readings Gallery for the launch of this visually arresting book by local artist, Tom Crestodina! Want to know what goes on behind the scenes of a Coast Guard rescue, what it’s like to work on a science research vessel, or what’s involved in crabbing? The book includes illustrated details about each boat’s mission and jobs people do on board, as well as a glimpse of what life is like on a working boat. See more on page 59.

Keep turning for more events

For additional event details, registration information, and to buy the books, see our

Events Calendar at Villagebooks.com

Additions and changes will occur – watch villagebooks.com for updates!

Literature LIVE!

Thursday, November 17, 8am Literacy Breakfast with NANCY PEARL

In Person at at the Four Points Sheraton, Bellingham AND Live Streamed

The Literacy Breakfast is back in person for the first time since 2019! No surprise that it sold out right away but not to worry! BTV will live stream the event on Comcast channels 321 (HD) and 10 (SD) and online. Check our event listing for the link in the days before the event. More information can be found at whatcomliteracy.org.

Friday, November 18, 5:30pm-8:30pm

Fairhaven Winterfest Kicks Off Art Walk & More

The Fairhaven Association has been hard at work creating a variety of exciting activities for you to enjoy this holiday season, kicking off with an Art Walk. Stop by Village Books and enjoy beautiful harmonic melodies from local recoder group, Ruach featuring Village Books own Chloe Hovind. Stick around for a reading with Jes Hart Stone. See pages 7&8 for more fun Winterfest happenings.

Friday, November 18, 7pm

JES HART STONE

–Turbulent Waters : A Pacific NW Thriller

At Village Books in Fairhaven Armed robbers, a hijacked boat, kidnapped children, a storm at sea, and one desperate father. What could go wrong? Join us for an event that is sure to be a hoot with this celebrated local author. Jes Hart Stone is a blue water sailor and author of the popular guide to traveling with pets, Doggy on Deck: Life at Sea with a Salty Dog. Her novels include Blood on a Blue Moon: A Sheaffer Blue Mystery and The Last Outrageous Woman. Jes collects fountain pens and lives by the sea.

Saturday, November 19, 11am Kids!

Special Storytime — Autumn Fun

At Village Books in Fairhaven Join us for this extra special storytime including a craft, snacks, and great reads as we give thanks and celebrate the season.

Nature of Writing Series Event

Saturday, November 19, 7pm

JOSEPHINE WOOLINGTON

–Where We Call Home : Land, Seas, and Skies of the Pacific Northwest

At Village Books in Fairhaven

Reconnect with the natural world through essays that blend science and prose. In her debut work, journalist Josephine Woolington sheds light on diverse flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest. From the coastal tailed frog to yellow cedar, these stories encourage a more collective understanding of our natural wonders in a rapidly changing world. Josephine Woolington is a writer, musician, and educator. She previously worked at several newspapers in Oregon and is currently a freelance journalist, focusing on stories about the natural world. She lives in Portland.

Monday, November 21

Cyber Monday Online SALES

Shopping online? Shop early and shop local! Shop at villagebooks.com on this pre-Cyber Monday and save 20%! Look for the discount code on our website the day of the sale. Orders will be processed in the order they are received. Depending on volume, some short delays may occur. Thanks for your support this holiday season. We're doing it again on Monday, November 28.

Thursday, November 24

HAPPY

THANKSGIVING - Stores Closed

We're thankful for YOU! Eat well then curl up with a good book, or get out and enjoy our gorgeous surroundings. We'll see you on Friday!

Saturday, November 26

Small Business Saturday & Indies First

This is a day dedicated to supporting the local businesses that help create jobs, boost the economy, and preserve neighborhoods. Thank you, loyal shopper, for your continuous support of the locally owned businesses in your communtiy. We know you have choices, thanks for choosing us! Join us on Small Business Saturday as we celebrate independent businesses. Two local authors will be at Village Books in Fairhaven to talk about their books and share some of their favorite reading recom mendations as well!

11am-12pm: Julie Anna Blank will sign copies of her new chil dren's book, Hanukkah in Little Havana 1pm-2pm: Gail Noble-Sanderson will be on hand discussing her brand new book, The Book of Rules. Autographed copies make GREAT gifts!

Monday, November 28

Cyber Monday Online SALES

Shopping online? Shop Local! Shop at village books.com during this second Cyber Monday sale and save 20%! Find the discount code on our website during sale days. Thanks for your support this holiday season.

Monday, November 28, 6:30pm

Both

Virtual

AND In

Person at Village Books in Fairhaven Open Mic with Seán Dwyer

Village Books invites everyone to enjoy local talents as they share their own stories, poems and essays. Pre-registration to read is required and spaces are limited so whether you plan to read in person or on Zoom, please email sean@seandwyerauthor.com to secure your spot! Our Open Mic is held the last Monday of each month at 7pm in the Readings Gallery on the bottom floor of Village Books in Fairhaven, and on Zoom. Please note that each reader is allotted a firm time limit of five minutes to read.

Subscribe To the Village Books YouTube Channel

Thank you for your support of Village Books and our Literature Live programming. We couldn't do it without you.

DECEMBER

Friday, December 2, 7pm Fiction!

GAIL NOBLE-SANDERSON

–The Book of Rules at Village Books in Fairhaven

From the author of the Lavender Meuse Trilogy comes the first novel in a delightful new cozy mystery series. It's 1946 in the beautiful seaside village of Mumbles, Wales, and the quiet life of a young woman named Drew Davies suddenly changes course when—along with her Granda, her Nonna and a colorful cast of friends—she becomes involved in solving a murder!

Saturday, December 3, 4pm

Red Wheelbarrow Writers Annual NaNoWriMo Group Reading

Join the Red Wheelbarrow writers as they read the culminating work of their NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) group project.

Wednesday, December 7, 6pm

Peaceful Poetry Reading

At Village Books in Fairhaven

Whatcom Youth were challenged to create poetry exploring the subject of peace. Join us as we welcome these young poets to the Readings Gallery for a very special evening. See page 52 for the winning poems!

Wednesday, December 14, 6:30pm

Tales from the Season Reading

at Village Books in Fairhaven

Join us as we celebrate the work of local writers with winning tales sharing their favorite "Snow Day" memories. See pages 7-8 for more Winterfest activities—a great time for all ages.

Sunday, December 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Village Books & Paper Dreams in Fairhaven & Lynden are Closed

Monday, December 26, 6:30pm

English Open Mic with Seán Dwyer

Both Virtual AND In Person at Village Books in Fairhaven Village Books invites everyone to enjoy local talents as they share their own stories, poems and essays. Pre-registration to read is required and spaces are limited so whether you plan to read in person or on Zoom, please email sean@seandwyerauthor.com to secure your spot! Our Open Mic is held the last Monday of each month at 7pm in the Readings Gallery on the bottom floor of Village Books in Fairhaven, and on Zoom. Please note that each reader is allotted a firm time limit of five minutes to read.

Saturday Storytime

11am in Fairhaven AND in Lynden

Stop by for a half hour of stories and fun.

Additions and changes will occur – watch villagebooks.com for updates!

Literature LIVE! EVENTS

“As an Events Coordinator, I am thrilled to welcome people back into our Readings Gallery and to our off-site events. Village Books established itself as a community hub decades ago and to be able to gather again feels like a homecoming of sorts. We've had to adapt along with everyone else, developing new procedures for our events such as pre-registering online to reserve seats, and we're so appreciative to everyone for adapting with us and rolling with the new normal. Our community is simply the best.” –Claire McElroy, Village Books and Paper Dreams Event Coordinator

Register for all virtual events and reserve your seat for in-person events through

VILLAGEBOOKS.COM

Fees may apply.

Note: Additions and changes to this schedule WILL occur so watch our website—or even better, let us come to you!

Receive

VB Email Updates

Every week, Village Books sends out an email newsletter packed full of store and book information including our upcoming Literature Live events. Twice each week, you'll receive the popular Shelf Awareness for Readers book re views. Sign up in the store or at villagebooks.com today!

Keep turning for more events

Village Books & Paper Dreams Annual New Year's

Saturday, December 31

New Year’s Eve & Sunday, January 1 Happy New Year!

Some exceptions apply - ask your bookseller for details. Cannot combine with other discounts. In-Store and phone purchases only. Watch villagebooks.com for holiday hours.

JANUARY

Saturday, January 7, 10am-3pm

Resolutions for Writers at Village Books in Fairhaven

Need a boost to your writing in New Year? Come out of your writing cave and connect with other writers and experts in our writing community. We’ll feature a series of workshops, presentations, and conversations about writing, from generation to publication and beyond. A boxed lunch from Evolve is included. Space is limited. Register at www.whatcom.edu.

Thursday, January 19, 12pm

Hour of Mindfulness with Tim Burnett at Village Books in Fairhaven

Curious about mindfulness? Led by the Executive Director of Mindfulness Northwest, Tim Burnett, this one-hour interactive presentation will introduce you to the research behind mindfulness and how it can help us live more peaceful and fulfilled lives. You'll leave with a handout and a tool kit of simple practices to use at work and home. This participatory, practical introductory class includes: Definitions and benefits of mindfulness, a helpful handout summarizing the benefits and practices of mindfulness, body and breath awareness practices, group dialogue and small group discussion, and suggestions on resources for ongoing practice and how to apply mindfulness at work and home.

FEBRUARY

Sunday, February 19, 2pm

WhatcomWRITES

Group Reading

at Village Books in Lynden

Each year, Whatcom WRITES invites writers of all ages and experience levels to explore a theme inspired by this year’s Whatcom READS book. Top entries are selected for publication in an annual anthology. The deadline to submit entries has passed, but you can hear authors from the Whatcom WRITES contest about BETWEEN FACT AND FICTION— based on the 2023 book selection, The Cold Millions by Jess Walters—read their work at this North County reading!

Sunday, February 26, 2pm

WhatcomWRITES Group Reading at Village Books in Fairhaven

Join us in Fairhaven as we hear participants in the 2023 Whatcom WRITES contest share their submissions—inspired by the current Whatcom READS selection The Cold Millions by Jess Walters. Watch whatcomreads.org for ad ditional events including visits with the author in early March.

VB READS

Book Groups

Village Books currently hosts multiple book groups. See page 66 or villagebooks.com for details. All are welcome!

VB WRITES Writing

Groups

After a long hiatus, our writing groups are back in the store! See page 28 and villagebooks.com for details. All are welcome!

Chuckanut Writers

Workshops & Classes

Village Books and WCC Community & Continuing Education program have created a writing instruction collaboration called Chuckanut Writers to support writers at all stages of their writing journey throughout the year. Turn to pages 27-28 for upcoming classes and go to whatcom.edu for more information and to register.

Visionary Community Leader BRIAN GRIFFIN

Recognized

On the exterior wall of Village Books adjacent to the Fairhaven Village Green, you will now find a well deserved tribute to Bellingham native Brian Griffin— an acknowledgment from the community he has so generously served. His many accomplishements and civic contributions are far too numerous and varired to list here,* but it's worth noting that this multi-talented visionary is responsible for the creation of some of Bellingham’s most cherished outdoor spaces including Boulevard Park, Depot Market Square, and the Fairhaven Village Green. Thank you, Brian!

An avid historian and naturalist, Griffin has authored multiple popular titles—available at Village Books!

reading the 2021 WhatcomTalk article, "Meet Brian Griffin, a Bellingham Man of Many Talents" by Matt Benoit.