6 Books We've Loved Lately

Bookselling means reading a variety of books! One week, you are nose-deep in a YA romance (with mermaids!) the next, you’re reading a 600-page book on the opioid crisis. These six books are recent reads that we vouch for. Hopefully, there is something here for you!

Hot Milk, Deborah Levy

Sensuous, summery, and surreal, Hot Milk follows 25-year-old Sofia across the Mediterranean as she searches for a cure for her mother's mysterious ailments, and more importantly, a way to "become bolder" in her skin. Love, sexuality, mother-daughter relationships, a vivid sense of place, possibly even magic? — it’s all in there. (Zoe)

Darryl, Jackie Ess

When Ess, a trans woman of color, was asked why she wrote about a White Oregonian cuck, she said, “[I don’t want it] to be read as though it’s about me.” This book is a romp! A joy ride! A bi-con! Each sentence cackles, and drips with sweat. (Bex)

No Country For Eight-Spot Butterflies, Julian Aguon

I witnessed the beautiful debut of this book in conversation with V of The Vagina Monologues, and they mentioned that this book is a tiny bible to carry around - and how true that is. This book carries all the heart, warmth, and tenderness of Aguon's fight for environmental rights and the preservation of Indigenous culture. A must, must, must read! (Ericka)

Palestine +100, edited by Basma Ghalayini

I often shy away from both science fiction (too long) and short stories (too short), this collection was a perfect introduction to both—plus a nuanced political message. Twelve Palestinian authors consider the year 2048 with compelling, emotional, and sometimes playful vision. Read it! (Anna. M)

The Choreography of Everyday Life, Annie B. Parson

Searching for a tiny book that you'll want to reread over and over? Look no further! The Choreography of Everyday Life is a beautiful exploration of individuality, art, expression, ancient mythology and modern society, and so much more. Annie-B's stunning prose will make you rethink how you move through the world and how it moves around you. You'll want to finish it in one sitting and then immediately start over again. (Amali)

Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt

Four words: OCTOPUS POINT OF VIEW Full of humor, wit, and wisdom, this book follows an unlikely pair: a seventy-year-old widow and Marcellus, an imprisoned Giant Pacific Octopus. A book about community, friendship, grief, and a bit of mystery, you’ll love it, start to finish. P.S. Also listen to the audiobook for Marcellus’ POV in his voice. (Ali)