As many other reviewers have mentioned, more autistic representation in our books is incredibly important! Coming from someone who is not autistic, this book really puts you in their shoes with a great fantasy tied into it. Seelie is a changeling, and is drastically different from her human twin sister. Living in the human world has never felt right to her, and after they’re caught in a heist gone wrong she’ll learn that everything she’s been told isn’t as it seems. -- Makayla R., Best Cellars Colfax Manager
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
Big Swiss manages to be sexy, funny, and profound all at once. This was the most fun I've had reading a book in a long time. Brava Jen Beagin!Big Swiss manages to be sexy, funny, and profound all at once. This was the most fun I've had reading a book in a long time. Brava Jen Beagin! -- Kathy B., Book Buyer
Rebecca Makkai showcases her brilliant writing in this novel about the complicated web of obsession, memory and justice, entwined in present and past lives. And just when you begin to feel settled with the story, a delicious and gratifying shift occurs. I enjoyed every single page. -- Kathy B., Book Buyer
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For lovers of Notes From A Young Black Chef and Kitchen Confidential, Marcus Samuelson describes his life’s journey in detail, from his adoption by a Swedish family, to running into problems at his successful New York restaurant. Marcus has taken culture and culinary ideas from every one of his walks of life, merging them together to create unique results. It was incredible to learn about his career and the unique circumstances that later led to his reimagination and the reopening of Red Rooster in Harlem, New York City. Samuelsson is a genius in the kitchen and very humbly presents it here. -- Makayla R., Best Cellars Colfax Manager
Spare by Prince Harry is an in depth account of his life, his loves, and how the tabloids and paparazzi have affected him and his family for his entire life. Although public opinion of the royals varies greatly, it was an incredibly interesting read and is important to hear about what his life has been like from him– not a wiki page. It goes into depth of his mental health, his tours and experience in the military, his love of Africa, and the trauma that he and his family are experiencing to this day. -- Makayla R., Best Cellars Colfax Manager
Dinner for One is much more than just essays about Sutanya’s cooking. It delves into her relationship with her ex-husband, how she ended up in France, the end of that relationship and the beginning of another with cooking. Sutanya goes into detail about her relationship with herself, and how learning French cuisine and interacting with the local food around her truly saved her from self-destructive tendencies. It’s a phenomenal read for anyone in need of some self-reflection with a love of food. -- Makayla R., Best Cellars Colfax Manager
Most of the time I know exactly what I’m going to say about a book. This time I do not. R.F. Kuang has written a beautifully disastrous character that makes the reader think more in depth than most pieces of fiction-that-isn’t-literature will. This is a story that is going to consume you, and make you critically think about who and what the publishing industry is composed of. Everything considered, this book is coming out amidst a strike at HarperCollins (the publisher of this book) that calls for more diversity in the company and better base pay for all employees.
As someone who is white, and who is incredibly interested in being a part of the publishing industry in any way, shape, or form, this book hits in a way that I expected it to. It’s a critique of how the industry runs, from petty authors, to the not so obvious racism, to the intricate sides and faces it can portray. It blurs the lines between right and wrong, so much so, you didn’t want to root for the main character but it was hard to watch them what they saw as right and that’s the narrative you’re being fed. On the flipside, you KNOW that narrative is wrong. That's it's white entitlement at it's finest and most complicated. It makes you think about the online book world, a commentary nailing its painful and horrible bad side, while also showing how layered in truth it can be. I felt an odd amount of sympathy but absolute hatred and disgust with June Hayward. Especially within the last two pages. There is no way to talk about this book and describe exactly how it felt to read it. People need to experience it for themselves.
And it truly made me look inward at what I do, what I say, and what was being said by the book. It's not a story that's supposed to make you feel good. And I think everyone should read it, think about it, and talk about it. -- Makayla R., Best Cellars Colfax Manager
Yes, this is a doorstop, and yes, it's Book 1 in a trilogy---but it is worth it. The world-building is phenomenal---a cinematic, historical, AU fantasy that always has something deeper to learn about it. The characters are a wonderful ragtag found family. And the story---part quest, part horror, part mystery---pulls you effortlessly along. I cannot wait for Book 2! -- Jennifer M., Book Buyer
The highly anticipated sequel to My Heart is a Chainsaw! Jade Daniels returns to Proofrock just in time for another Slasher to start his murder spree. This book is brutal out the gate and continues to be so until the bloody end. -- Ben M., Bookseller, Aspen Grove
Adelaide escapes family history in California to start a new life on the prairie of Montana, one of the few places women were able to homestead without a man. Part of her history accompanies and haunts her in terrifying and real ways. Atmospheric and eerie, LaValle’s taut prose highlights the tension in this historical horror novel. -- Jeremy P., VP of Buying
A fun and hunger inducing history of Rome and food told along the course of a traditional Roman meal. Viestad explores the historical and contemporary significance of many aspects of the ingredients, including wine, wheat, salt and meat. I’ve been lucky enough to eat that restaurant that frames this book and was thrilled to revisit it, even if only in my imagination. -- Jeremy P., VP of Buying
If you loved Blood Like Magic and want a 'Monster House' meets mystery-horror book, this is for you! TW: sexual abuse, gore involving birds and bugs
Delicious Monsters is a wonderful narrative whose characters shine through it all. Following Daisy and Brittany, two black girls facing difficult family relations and yearning to break through and be themselves. Daisy can see dead people, and when her mother comes into an inheritance with a house that's supposed to "save" them both, she sees her way out of the suffocating past and relationships she's struggling to surface from.
Brittany's mother has a connection with the story her and her partner are investigating for their series "Haunted". Struggling to make her life her own, with her mother's negative thoughts constantly driving through her head, Brittany's point of view drives parallel to Daisy's and their shared experiences compliment each other all the way up until the end.
Overall, I absolutely adored this book, with it's hard to touch subjects of trauma and abuse within these two black girls, and the forgotten one who just wants her pain acknowledged. Liselle Sambury is one of the best storytellers of the young adult genre, and seeing the story unfold with years apart between them is an addictive addition.
I am someone who loves faster paced books, and the middle of this one was a tad slower than I'm a fan of. Once I got past that it made it 100% better, but I was losing interest at that point in time. -- Makayla R., Best Cellars Colfax Manager
This book is so much more than just a mystery story wrapped in a fiction book. It's a book about monsters, and men, and humanity. About wealth disparity, and classes, and privileges you don't know you have. It's about four characters whose lives have folded and unfolded into each other-- and continue that trend right up until the end.
This was a fantastic read, and I'm stunned I hadn't read it sooner. Deepti Kapoor's storytelling has a unique tone to it, one that will stretch moments of these characters lives or give you absolutely no time to process what happened.
This is a book I'd recommend to anyone who wants t0 read a thrilling novel that will keep your heart racing, your mind working, and the pages turning right up until the end. The suspense starts from page one, and with every pov we go through more and more light is shed on the situation each of these lives have found themselves in. You'll love to hate the characters and hate to love them at the same time; every flaw is highlighted. -- Makayla R., Best Cellars Colfax Manager
For anyone in need of an audiobook for your morning commute, no matter where you live, this is the one you need! (Support Indie and check it out on Libro.Fm!)
The Intimate City was written for New York lovers, city connoisseurs, architect buffs, or just someone curious about the infinite routes you can take on its streets. Compiled during the pandemic, Michael Kimmelman talks with various New Yorkers about their favorite walks throughout the city-- ranging from history on the land itself, to the buildings and their owners, all the way to a beaver named Justin. It covers 4 of the 5 boroughs and gives incredibly insight to the history this city continues to make as the biggest urban center in the country. When you think of New York, you can imagine the amount that it has to offer to its citizens and tourists.
This book is both incredibly well written, as well as respectful to every single culture and nationality that calls New York its home-- including the original tribes and their names for the land before anyone else had even thought about the new world.
I was particularly surprised at how much ecology and geology was mentioned. With the return of native wildlife to the Bronx River, to the schist underneath the buildings, and the rolling topography no one even thinks about when walking the concrete streets.
This book has a little of something for everyone, and is a keeper on my favorite nonfiction books list! -- Makayla R., Best Cellars Colfax Manager
If you want the front of house version of Kitchen Confidential, then look no further. Michael Cecchi-Azzolina describes his career starting from the bodega on the corner, all the way to being the maitre d' of a famous New York restaurant. If you want the crazy stories, the regular customers, and the serious side of the New York scene told in a hilarious and realistic fashion, Michael has it for you. He does the restaurant industry justice, and tells it like it is– while also viewing the flaws as things that can be fixed throughout the world. I was hooked by this audiobook, and will be adding this to my bookshelf asap! -- Makayla R., Best Cellars Colfax Manager
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