This book will change your life and make you believe in the monster that lives under your bed and in your closet and lurks in corner of your eye…Not a horror, but truly the most harrowing reading experience I have ever survived, and it did feel close at times. As the letters and plot twist and turn, so will your mind, as MZD turns the postmodern genre upside down and inside out - literally.
--Store Manager Casey
Forestborn features a beautiful but deadly magical forest, a painstakingly stoked slow-burn romance, and a frank exploration of the complexity of trauma. You'll get lost in the vivid world, and Becker’s writing is detailed and exceptionally effective so it only gets better and better with each reread.
Missing persons and found identities. Love and deception. Utopia and reality. A darkly enthralling and ultimately compulsively readable psychological mystery. Highly recommended.
--Kate M., Book Buyer
From the eyes and experiences of a child-actress, Jeanette McCourdy recounts her life with a heavy focus on how her mother developed, impacted, and controlled too many aspects of her life. It’s a fascinating and heavy read—and the lasting effect it leaves will make you really think about how you view celebrities. They are just as human as everyone else and the lasting thought this book leaves is: “I wish her the best”. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Louise Penny brings her superb writing and character development while Hilary Clinton provides an inside knowledge of the political world. Together they have written an edge of your seat political thriller. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
Taste is for every foodie out there. If you enjoy learning about food, talking about food, and especially cooking food. Tucci recounts his relationship with cooking throughout both his childhood and his adult life. Including some hilarious stories involving french sausages and recipes that make me want to go buy the ingredients right then and there; this is one of my favorite pieces of nonfiction from a celebrity. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Packed into this bite-sized read is a brilliant, magical western setting, featuring a divided society of angels, combined with family relationships, romance, and murder. This world and characters are a treat from a powerful voice in the fantasy genre. -- Josh C., Book Buyer
A woman who anonymously transcribes sessions for a sex therapist recognizes a patient's voice and instigates a relationship with her. This novel is about honesty, communication, trauma and healing. And sex - lots of sex. An inventive, transgressive and phenomenal read. -- Jeremy P., VP of Buying
An illuminating, uplifting, and sincere exploration of strength and adaptability in the face of physical handicap and personal hardship. Bruni takes deep dives into his own ups and downs and the likewise personal yet varied insights he has gained from others since the stroke that left him blind in his right eye. Readers will ultimately be left with a poetic and resonant reflection on the gifts that arise from inevitably yet gracefully growing old and, above all, from being more empathetic and ever more resilient.
--Kate M., Book Buyer
When Frank Bruni awoke one morning with vision problems in one eye, he didn't worry much about it - until he found out it was due to a stroke. Beauty of Dusk is a meditation on that upheaval - but it's also an inquiry into aging, dying, relationships, hardships, and perseverance. Mostly optimistic in the end, it's the type of book that feels like a conversation with the author. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
This memoir of trauma, identity, and race will move you. Move you to tears. Move you to action. Move you to enact change. Shakur’s exploration of becoming a radical activist in college is revelatory. He is the voice for readers forgotten by publishing. -- Adam V., Director of Events
This is one of the most well-written and interesting short story collections I have read this year. Talty, a citizen of the Penobscot Indian Nation where he grew up, tells twelve searing stories about an Indigenous family and community that explore addiction, poverty, ancestry and the present. -- Kathy B., Adult Book Buyer
A powerful cultural family saga set in Cameroon and France, this book had me re-reading parts after I finished it. Anna, an outcast in her birth village, ends up in a shotgun marriage with the once-idealist scion of a powerful political family. Anna's daughter Abi, living in France, tries to repair her relationships in the fallout of a vitriolic divorce, and the sudden presence of terrorism in her and her son Max's life. And Tina and Jenny, Max's closest friends (despite living in another country), Anna's semi-adopted children-of-interest, who fall into the thrall of Boko Haram. It's a book that plants itself in your heart and mind, and I cannot recommend it enough. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
Wordlessly, a city kid and his dog explore and become immersed in the natural world on a summer visit to grandparents. Beautiful. -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
Glenn Gould was a child prodigy and a fabulous classical musician. He was quirky and had defined likes and dislikes but what he really loved was to play the piano. He had a loud and different career and this beautiful book tracks his music and his mind and his world. -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
A gorgeous, lyrical picture book about nature, community, connection, and Native life. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
This adorable romantic comedy is a classic character building story with plenty of teasing moments of romance, self-doubt, and finding yourself in a better place than you started. The book takes place in the 2-3 months that Gracie finds herself posing as Fangli, learning her entire life, mannerisms, and relationships along the way. Even helping Fangli with her own mental health that Gracie has suffered with too! If you want a cheesy romance/find-yourself book, this will be the one for you! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
In brief, How to Win the War on Truth is a history and dissection of propaganda: what is it, how is it disseminated, and why does the human brain fall for it? Spitale and Whincup literally illustrate types of propaganda - from consumerism to politics - how it's deployed, and who benefits from its use. Clear, illuminating, and highly recommended. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
A small Pennsylvanian suburb uses art to heal from a shocking act of violence. Told over a series of letters to his Jungian analyst, Lucas Goodgame’s journey from high school counselor to reluctant hero is an emotional and uplifting one. This novel has small town drama, national themes and a lot of heart. -- Jeremy P., VP of Buying
For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of misinformation, disinformation, falsehoods, and other methods of muddling reality, this book is a fantastic resource. In accessible, conversation language, rife with examples real & hypothetical, Dr. Seema Yasmin breaks down the different types of bad info, how it spreads, why it spreads, and how to navigate, compensate, and even change it. While specifically aimed at the YA crowd, What the Fact!? has invaluable data for everyone in today's media landscape. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
It Looks Like Us provides a horrifying tale set in Antarctica. I loved the remote setting and how it factors into the isolation of the characters as they fight against the monster stalking them. The monster concept was intriguing and led to a number of thrilling and engaging scenes. There's a great cast of characters and I loved how their relationships developed through their fight to survive. A fun read and one horror fans will enjoy with these five teens on their arctic expedition. -- Josh C., Book Buyer
I have honestly been checking for 'Made in China' on all my stuff, more than I ever have before in my life. This book, and the story of Sun Yi, and Chinese labor camps, will stoke questions not only about Chinese labor and production, but of labor and value everywhere. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
This anthology features fiction, essays, poetry, drama, and excerpts on the underrepresented and often maligned subject of abortion. In an attempt to redress this dearth of literature, Finch has selected pieces from multiple points of view, and highlighting as many facets of abortion care as possible. An excellent collection, and as relevant as ever. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
Noel Crowe, now an old man, looks back on a Irish spring season when the rains stopped and the village got electricity and Noel made a marvelous friend. This is a beautiful story of reminiscence, pastoral beauty, family and community. -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
I have recommended this book so many times, and everyone I know who has read it, LOVES IT. The tarot cards come to life in this urban fantasy set in New Atlantis. Rune Saint John is the last of the Sun Throne, exiled by the Arcana and struggling on boxed mac n’ cheese. He and his sarcastic companion Brand are tasked with finding the missing son of Lady Judgement, finding themselves faced with trials uncovering the mystery of Rune’s family, their death, and his trauma. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
I didn't really know what to expect when I picked up At the Existentialist Cafe - I wanted something outside my comfort zone - but am I glad I did. Clearly passionate about her subject, Bakewell roots existentialist philosophy in its era - with a mix of history, biography, and explaining the philosophy itself. And she reveals an activist side to existentialism that is as relevant in the twenty-first century as it was in the twentieth. A fascinating and thought-provoking read. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
A brilliant collection of short stories and essays by one of the greatest minds in science fiction.
As you enter into the grotesquely beautiful universe of Octavia Butler, you will find yourself confronted not only by insectile aliens and epidemics, but also by masterfully intertwined interpretations of society that critique social constructs of gender, speech, race, class, and religion. In Bloodchild and Other Stories, Butler artfully brings into question the purpose of violence, addiction, the evils of capitalism, and the functions of society. She also gifts the readers Afterwords between the stories, giving this collection an intimate, personal feel like none other.
Allow Butler to unlock your mind and stir your imagination as you experience the genius that is… Bloodchild. -- Alex M., Bookseller
In a world increasingly full of misinformation and "fake news", we could all do with a course in critical thinking. From the hosts of the popular podcast, The Skeptics Guide to the Universe is a must read for everyone. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
Predicting the future is hard, but that won't keep people from trying. A fun and skeptical look into the science of futurism, from the hosts of the popular podcast "The Skeptics Guide to the Universe". Fans of both science and science fiction will enjoy this look at what may be in our future, while also learning from the mistakes of past futurists. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
I ADORED this book! An enemies to lovers must read, Alex Blackwood is a headstrong, flirt determined to prove to her off and on again girlfriend that she can be serious about their relationship. Molly Parker on the other hand is the complete opposite, learning how to break out of her shell in College and just as determined to make her long-time crush see her for who she really is. Alex and Molly team up, ready to get their girls. With a dash of feelings involved. Written by two partners in crime themselves, I squealed the entire night I was reading it! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
An instant classic in the "survival" genre. Taking place in Colorado, a young girl is left to survive on her own with just a dog as a companion. Great for young readers and adults as well. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
This is a fantastic mix between sci-fi and urban fantasy and also my favorite book of 2021! Voya is faced with her calling, the test to become a full witch, and with her family's help she may succeed..but she must kill her first love or risk the end of the Toronto witches. This is an amazing take on a real world witch novel, mixed with themes of family and discovery. The ending will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very final page! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
This book is the most realistic young/new adult book I’ve read in a while. Jayne Baek, a broke college student who has so much on her mind she can’t keep her life straight. Her sister June however is the opposite, a perfect daughter with her life in order… until she gets cancer and Jayne is the only one who knows. And maybe it’ll force Jayne to wonder if maybe she needs help too. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Imagine a world where death was impossible. That’s the future that Neal Shusterman has written in this book, where Scythe’s decide who has to die permanently in order to keep the population from getting too out of control. Add in an AI that makes the world go ‘round called Thunderhead and you’ve got the recipe for a crazy, and amazing, dystopian trilogy. After starting his books with Unwind I loved this one just as much! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
This is another amazing Riordan trilogy set in the Percy Jackson universe following Magnus Chase (Annabeth’s Cousin) and his Norse lineage. He also fits in how the Norse gods fit in with Greek gods, Allah, and many others. I especially love the representation this series has to offer as it jumps from places like Jotunhein and Niflheim to our own Earth. I’d recommend this to anyone in need of a fun read! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
This is a classic fantasy novel with heart, mystery, and testament. Han has never fully fit in anywhere. The clan who took him in doesn’t trust him, his thieving days are over, and he has his family to take care of. Not to mention the silver cuffs around his wrists, impossible to take off, weigh heavy on his mind. Until he finds the amulet. Until his whole life is ruined after taking it. Until Raisa ana’Marianna comes across his path and their fates are woven since. I loved this book, even after multiple reads. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Any lover of either The Last Airbender or Legend of Korra should read these books! They dive deep into what kind of a person Kyoshi was before she was the Avatar and what began her legendary journey. Not only is she beautifully brutal but we truly learn about Kuruk’s laid back “travels”! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Unwind is one of my favorite books of all time and these connecting covers are beautiful! Perfect for anyone who wants a dark dystopian following the aftermath of a war around abortion and birth control. Parents are now allowed to “unwind” their kids from 13-18, harvesting every part of their body for those in need. Technically, they don’t die since their parts live on in others, making it a completely legal process. Neal Shusterman writes a perfect near-future with twists and turns as the characters try to live on as themselves, not in others. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
The last of the Native American tribes to succumb to the western expansion of white settlers, the story of the Comanches is incredible. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
This is great paired with the audiobook through Libro.FM. Reggie Fils-Aime is the former President of Nintendo of America and his book is a testament to his climb up the corporate ladder. Sprinkled with his own business suggestions, learning about his way from the Bronx to the top of NoA and his relationships with Satoru Iwata and other various video games figures was incredibly eye-opening. His marketing experience within Nintendo helped form their success with the DS, the Wii, and later on with the beginning of the Switch. Any game lover, in the industry or not, would love to give this a read! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
What do we know about America before Columbus? Most of what we learned in school about Native American culture was influenced by the Europeans who wrote it down. Charles Mann examines what the indigenous peoples of the Americas were really like. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
After a weird virus gives children different abilities, they’re taken by the government and detained in camps to keep them from causing more destruction than they have already. After years in her camp, Ruby surprisingly escapes and finds herself on the run with two other escapees on their way to find a safe haven for kids like them. I’ve read this book around three times, and every time I love Bracken’s take on the superhuman novel. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
High Score is charming with a vibrant cast of characters and clever premise. DJ and his crew of friends orchestrate the biggest heist at a local arcade to save DJ's friend from the school bully. I absolutely adored this group of friends and the obstacles they overcome to thwart the school kingpin. Howell scores big with this whimsical and witty friendship story. -- Josh C., Book Buyer
Stand Tall! Be Loud!! Game Face On!! You deserve to be here as much as anyone else!! -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
A book about censorship in books. Someone is blacking out phrases in children's books citing morality. Some 6th graders approach the school board and the whole town about this issue and discover the power of the truth - stopping the censorship. Relevant to our times! -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
Based on historical events of Malaga Island, this lyric and probing novel tells the story of the US government and science (in the form of Eugenics) converging on Apple Island, off the coast of Maine. In the early 20th century, the racially diverse but poverty stricken population is deemed unfit to care for themselves and are relocated, with the exception of one light skinned boy, who is “saved” by a missionary. Harding has written an exquisitely crafted work, brimming with humanity and horror. -- Jeremy P., VP of Buying
One of those books that examines the little things we rarely think about. Beyond Measure is a fascinating account of how human beings have kept track of time, distance, and piles of grain; of why we felt we needed to; of what prompted changes to measurement; and of how our quest for accuracy and consistency has shaped our understanding the world. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
This book is the perfect blend of Faustian drama, urban fantasy, and hard-boiled detective noir. Chicago in the 1940s, and Helen Brandt, pariah P.I., must identify the White City Vampire serial killer before her soul is due in Hell - time she would much rather spend with Edith, her true love, Girl Friday, and so much more. I loved this book. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
Readers will recognize essential Denver landmarks (including Tattered Cover!) in this horror novel by Erika T. Wurth. The protagonist Kari tries to uncover the reason behind her mother’s disappearance, which remains unsolved like that of many other missing Indigenous women. As Kari unravels the past, she gets closer to a new future. White Horse hits the perfect horror notes, and Wurth is a writer to watch. -- Kathy B., Adult Book Buyer
In a rapidly changing post World War 2 San Francisco, a gay cop is arrested during a vice squad raid of a bar. In the depths of his despair, he’s approached by a very rich socialite in need of a private detective to discreetly solve the murder of her wife. He soon discovers that nothing is what it seems amongst the residents of a beautiful, sprawling mansion, where everyone can seemingly live freely as their true selves. This is a 1940’s film noir style detective murder mystery that’s totally queer, without being campy. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
If T. Kingfisher is not a horror writer you're familiar with, What Moves the Dead is a perfect introduction to her work. This reimagining of The Fall of the House of Usher is a successful retelling and also takes the original story a number of intriguing directions. In this gothic tale you'll find creepy hares and an abundance of fungus, a recipe for a horrifyingly good time. -- Josh C., Book Buyer
In the first of a duology, a lesser demigod takes on a Hunger Games-style gauntlet of challenges, up against forces both seen and unseen that threaten the security of their world. -- Bee L., Bookseller
Acts of Violet is one of the most uniquely written books I’ve ever read. Taking the format of letters, emails, newspapers, even podcast form. It follows Sasha, the sister of famous magician Violet Volk, who mysteriously went missing during her act in 2008. 10 years later, around the anniversary of her disappearance, Sasha has to come to terms with her rabid fanbase stirring up her life and tries to process and discover what truly happened that night; and even learn more about who her sister was. This book deserves every praise I have for it and has earned a spot on my favorites of 2022. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Book of Night is a weird magical world that never feels too heavy handed in its world-building or trite with its blood-hungry, shape-shifting shadows. The main character, Charlie Hall, will pull at readers heart strings as she cons her way through the Shadow-Magic underworld, or piss off readers with her slew of bad decisions. Holly Black is fantastic at making readers question their own moral convictions juxtaposed with her protagonist's actions. Was it the right thing to do or what was necessary? Do morals even matter when a violent kingpin of Shadow Magic is closing in and threatening everything you love?
--Zach, Bookseller
This family memoir is beautiful, following the path of the possession of a collection of netsuke along with other beautiful objects of art. It ruminates on the value of things to the family and the stories connected. Love this book!! -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
This DnD-like adventure is bound to leave you wanting more! Kinch Na Shannon owes his guild more than he’s worth and takes on a dangerous quest in order to pay them back. In a deep, lore rich world, where goblins are waiting for war and magic seeps everywhere, Buehlman has written a story perfect for fantasy lovers that had me laughing out loud! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Friends…when you pick up this book and go through its pages you will find the most exquisite, charming, heart-throbbing, mesmerizing, fairy tale. It’s magical, funny, ironically mundane, and a little bit tragic. Mina is clever, curious, and strong. She’ll answer your question with a question and remind you to call her by her name. Her friends are hilarious and loyal plus a little mysterious. The world building is literally out of this world. High fantasy readers will gush at the Korean touches the author spins into the story. The romance is gentle and epic and snappy all at once. Mina will remind you just how powerful the simplest of human desires are and show you the adventure that can come of them. This is one of those books I texted my friends about at two in the morning, begging them to put it at the top of their TBR. YOU SHOULD TOO. Axie Oh will not disappoint. -- Stef G., Bookseller
Ziva prefers her forge to people, having her sister deal with any social situations she may find herself in. Her ability to magic forged weapons makes her a sought after blacksmith throughout the land. Until she’s ripped from her comfort zone and placed in a position of life or death– for her and her kingdom she calls home. She must deal with her social anxiety and keep her deadly blade from entering the wrong hands. It was a very enjoyable read! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
This is one of the best superhero/villain stories I’ve read. Perfect for fans of morally grey characters and origin stories, Victor and Eli started off as college roommates with dangerous interests in near-death experiences that result in extraordinary abilities and a rivalry that even archenemies would call complicated. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Katherine Arden has such a beautiful narration for this Russian folklore fantasy. Her intricate characters find themselves between the old gods of the north and the Christian God they worship as they fight to survive the long winters. We ADORE this book and really believe all three books are worth the reads. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
In this novella, Ertll takes inspiration from the Salvadoran legend of La Siguanaba, a woman of great beauty who was cursed to roam the earth as a grotesque monster.
Modernity breathes life into reimagined versions of these folk characters as they move through life in a world far beyond their pre-colonial roots. La Siguanaba and the Magical Loroco is an explosion of wit, saucy profanity, and brackish absurdity all packed neatly into an absolute fever dream of a book. -- Kathy C., Bookseller
As powerful now as it was when it came out in 1979. The best book by one of science fiction's all time greats. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
Funny, witty, and awkward around humans, Murder Bot, a self-described “heartless killing machine,” just wants to watch their serials. Instead they keep having to prevent their clients from getting murdered on a survey mission that seems rigged to sabotage them.
Read if you like: The Expanse
--James, Bookseller
A great alternate history sci-fi series. What would have happened if the US invested in space exploration early? Strong and smart female characters make this one of my favorite sci-fi series. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
This is one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read! Anyone in need of an adventure will fall in love with Koth’s retelling of his childhood and teens as Kvothe. He must live up to the legend surrounding his name, and relive days he never expected to return to. Patrick Rothfuss has such an emotional and rhythmic prose that from the first chapter I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Pendragon is perfect for someone who wants to get into the fantasy genre, without all of the dragons. A mix of science fiction and fantasy, this series takes place following Bobby Pendragon after his Uncle teaches him to become a “Traveler”: someone able to walk through space and time to different planets and time periods. He may be the only one able to save the universe of Halla from Saint Dane. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
As the first romance book I’ve ever read, I was not disappointed! It had all of the cheese and heartwarming love that I was craving at the time. Lanie works as a romance editor, and when the opportunity to work with her favorite author comes up, she can’t refuse. Until she learns he’s not actually a woman. This is something that has actually happened in our own book world! Noa and Lanie must put aside their differences in order to get one more book out. And it may be the end of Noa Callaway. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
White people start waking up brown and need to process the change. Full of tension and dread but also hope, Hamid's novel is a wandering exposition on race, love and loss. -- Jeremy P., VP of Buying
Our Missing Hearts captures the ferocity of nationalism, the depths of a parent's love, and the stories that must be told to keep memories alive. Superb. -- Kathy B., Adult Book Buyer
I loved this sharply-observed story about three women in their 30's who grapple with the ways they’ve been influenced by the forces of gender, sex, and power. . -- Kathy B., Adult Book Buyer
Lucy and William, divorced with two adult daughters in NYC, end up quarantining together in coastal Maine. The setting, the tone and the love in the book are all expansive and lovely. -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
A modern take on the myth of Persophone and Hades, Lore Olympus is one of my favorite graphic novels. It's a slow-burn romance with sprinkles of serious topics that build and develop the characters. I love Rachel’s way of making the world of Olympus modern as the world of earth is in ancient times. Not to mention the tension between Hades and Persephone!! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Colorado author Crowder takes us inside a class of smoke jumpers - who become so much more than colleagues. This is scary, real work and we all live with the wildfires here in the West. A realistic, harrowing tale. -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
Julie Otsuka has a unique, incomparable style that often eschews standard points of view in wonderfully profound ways, and The Swimmers is no different, weaving the macrocosmic with the micro; human nature with the individual; the metaphoric with gut-wrenchingly specific story of Alice, whose memory is going. Even having read Otsuka before, I was surprised at how this book affected me. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a beautifully written story about video games but also friendship, love, and creativity. What really stuck with me is two people coming together because of something they are passionate about. Whether or not that passion for you is video games, what I think can speak to all of us is the value and beauty of having a bond with someone because of something you love. -- Josh C., Book Buyer
Harvey Fierstein is one of our gay national gay heroes/icons and his memoirs are as hilarious and poignant as you might expect. Full of NYC theater gossip and name drops, contemporary queer history and his personal wins and failures are all described with and honesty that is sometimes difficult to endure. Like his great play, “Torch Song Trilogy,” his story is affecting, hilarious and sometimes sad, but always deeply human. -- Jeremy P., VP of Buying
Sean and Elias met and fell in love while backpacking across South America. Back in Europe, they maintained a relationship, living between England and Sweden until their relationship was torn apart by mental illness. Sean Hewitt uses his poetic, beautiful verse to complement his meditations on queer love and relationships, nature and religion. -- Jeremy P., VP of Buying
I don't know if there can be such a thing as a perfect memoir, but this one comes close. Each essay/ chapter is so beautifully-crafted, it's inspiring. Sanchez's self-analysis is poignant & raw, and she writes touchingly about touchy subjects - suicidal depression, multicultural expectations, abortion, being brown in a world built by & for whites, and being loud & female in a world that wants women to quietly shrink into the background. Her first chapter is "The Year My Vagina Broke," so if you like ladies who discuss realities that not everyone wants to hear, this book is for you. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
Science fiction and thriller mash-ups are one of my favorite things to read and Crouch is one of the best at crafting such action-packed, mind-bending narratives. Upgrade drops us into an accessible high-octane adventure, yet offers plenty to chew on in this realistic potential future, shaped by believable advancements of genetic engineering. -- Josh C., Book Buyer
Time traveling historians, what more can you ask for?! -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
A young girl in 1930's Cuba dreams of being a drummer. She is told that only boys can play drums. But she dreams and pushes and practices and finally is allowed to play in public. This beautiful and most colorful book throbs with the pulse of this young girl's talent. -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
In my opinion, the best book written by any of the Apollo astronauts. Michael Collins writes an honest and inspiring recollection of his time as an astronaut. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
Welcome to life in a farmhouse with 12 happy, normal kids - when they all grew up and left the house fell apart - the scraps from the house made this beautiful book!! -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
A unique take on the generation starship genre. One of my favorite Kim Stanley Robinson books. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
Join Arthur Less on a hero’s odyssey around the United States in a camper named Rosina to find love, fortune and forgiveness. You encounter nearly every emotion in every chapter - I audibly sighed more than a few times at the sheer beauty and virtuosity of the writing. This is easily one of my favorite reads of the past few years. Less may get lost, but I’m so glad I found him in this incredible novel. -- Jeremy P., VP of Buying
An incredible and unique book about humanity and first contact with aliens. I highly suggest not reading any synopsis, just jump in blindly and enjoy the ride. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
A thriller set in the Apollo era, written by a real astronaut! Part murder mystery, part political thriller. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
In this memoir-humor filled-self help book, Steve-O recounts his life and time as a member of the Jackass crew and the tumulus lifestyle that came with it. He uses various points to offer advice to the reader, something he agrees is odd coming from someone with his experiences and addictions. It’s a fantastic point of view that those in need of a few pointers as they grow older may find both humorous and insightful. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
A book I truly cherish. Shirley Jackson brings her usual gothic spookiness to a heartfelt and haunting tale of two sisters living in isolation as the notorious outsiders of their small town. I love this book! -- Faith T., Bookseller
It took one poem for this collection to become a favorite. Each poem is beautifully, viscerally of the moment; each poem its own discrete entity; but as a whole, they coalesce into a fluid meditation on the quotidian, ubiquitous, pervasive nature of the apocalypse. -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
Such a cute book!! Astrid isn’t a superhero. She’s a premed student, filling up her schedule with classes and assignments and her boyfriend Max. She wouldn’t have the time to be a superhero… and then she finds out she’s dating one. Reading the fallout of her new double life was both heart wrenching and very relatable, and I’d highly recommend this to anyone in need of a standalone superhero novel! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
A memoir of life in Wuhan, then Texas and then San Francisco. A coming of age story in all three places that deals with being Asian American at this time but also being queer - Messy Roots! -- Kate B., Children's Book Buyer
This book is a must read! I don’t know which had me hooked more, the internal dialogue and struggle that Yami is constantly facing, the unknown that she and Cesar must traverse through with their mother, or the waiting for the romance to stop building and finally blossom! It’s a book about love, acceptance, and realizing that everyone deals and lives with different difficulties in their lives. All of which are valid. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Neal Stephenson writes hard science fiction better than anyone today. Set in the near future, humanity is trying to adapt to the new normal of rising sea levels and unrelenting heat waves. Big ideas have the potential to make big changes, but at what cost? -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
Perfect books are rare. There are many that are close, but there are few that have no fault. Kuang has achieved that rarity with Babel. It is a flawlessly executed tale. You will hope, you will love, you will cry. The magic system is elegant and beautiful. You'll leave wholly satisfied and yet yearning for more. It's an instant favorite. I cannot put into adequate words how I love this book. -- Brandon M., Used Book Buyer
The Stars Did Wander Darkling is the perfect gateway horror for the younger reader in your life. The writing is sharp, and scares are plentiful, providing a frightening yet fun adventure. The group of friends and their relationships with one another, bring the narrative to life as they discover and fight this evil infiltrating their town. Meloy delivers a horror kids can enjoy but one that fans of Stranger Things and adult horror readers will feel right at home with. -- Josh C., Book Buyer
Being a hero is more than having super powers or wearing a cape. Sometimes a hero is the one who inspires others to do what is right in the face of adversity. -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
High school friends Frankie and Zeke create a piece of art one summer, and the consequences start to spin out of control. This is a story of youth, the times that shake us and make us, and the meaning and impact of art in our life. I absolutely loved this book, from the author of Nothing to See Here. -- Kathy B., Adult Book Buyer
For fans of Maggie Stiefvater and Lailani Taylor, this book is an emotional and suspenseful ride from start to finish. Jack Sommers is a Winter, an immortal physical embodiment of the season on earth. Every year he must hunt the season before him and be hunted by the season after, which is difficult when you’re in love with them. Jack and Fleur’s dilemma causes them to put unstoppable things in motion, changing their entire nature forever. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Felix Love has never been in love. As a black, gay, transgender teenager that isn’t the toughest thing he’s had to deal with. Until someone publicly dead names him. Felix goes through gut-wrenching heartbreak and the possibility of love to find his true self and gender. This is such an amazing and sweet read that I read it in a day! -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
A haunting and powerful fantasy inspired by east asian history, if you want amazing lore, a heartfelt read, and intense war, this is for you. Rin’s ascension is riddled with a descent as well, and it’s a roller coaster following the beginning of her morally grey path. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Leland Melvin will soon become one of your favorite astronauts. His journey to space is an inspiring story of hard work and a bit of luck. And he has the best astronaut photo ever taken! -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
My absolute FAVORITE book ever! Neal Stephenson writes the best hard science fiction today. The book deals with the aftermath of the moon exploding (don't worry its not a spoiler, its the first line in the book). -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
Are you wondering where to start with Agatha Christie? Right here! Death On The Nile was my first introduction to the Queen of Mystery’s gripping writing with Hercule Poirot as the Sherlock Holmes of her stories. Follow him on his vacation turned murder as he’s swept up on a cruise down the Nile. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager
Instead of a definitive history of the Polynesian people, Thompson analyzes HOW we know what we know and how our knowledge and theories of the origins of the Polynesian people have changed over time. A fascinating read! -- Scott P., Aspen Grove and Park Meadows Store Manager
If you want the raw, uncut version of events throughout Anthony Bourdain’s cooking life look no further! Kitchen Confidential is the nitty gritty of the back of house– and how truly at home many cooks feel while sweating and yelling their way through 60+ hour workweeks. Anthony Bourdain is frank with his recount of his rise and fall throughout the ranks as a chef and I truly loved every minute of it. -- Makayla R., Colfax Café Manager