Allende weaves the stories of two displaced characters at the center of a tale of migration and immigration. A beautifully written novel about leaving and loss and families we find and make for ourselves. My own family stories echoed throughout the pages. – Allison (Staff)
All posts by Allison Rand
The Wager – David Grann
A masterful true story of life on a sailing warship in 1742, of typhus and scurvy, of arduous, dangerous labor, and eventually of shipwreck, mutiny and court marshal. -George Cooper, Store Founder
On January 28, 1742, a ramshackle vessel of patched-together wood and cloth washed up on the coast of Brazil. Inside were thirty emaciated men, barely alive, and they had an extraordinary tale to tell. They were survivors of His Majesty’s Ship the Wager, a British vessel that had left England in 1740 on a secret mission during an imperial war with Spain.
Under the Henfluence – Tove Danovich
I laughed, I cried, and I connected with Tove’s delightful and informative book about the world of backyard chicken keeping. You don’t need a flock of your own to LOVE this book! You’ll certainly gain an appreciation for our feathered friends and the people that love them. – Camila (Staff)
Pachinko – Min Jin Lee
Lose yourself in this engrossing tale of four generations of Korean immigrants in 20th century Japan. From the fish market to the Pachinko parlors this tale is full of love but heart breaking too. A story that will stay with you a long time. – Anna (Volunteer)
Daughter of the Moon Goddess – Sue Lynn Tan
Raised by her mother in exile Xingyin must flee her home in the middle of the night. Isolated and alone, she finds refuge in the royal court she’s trying to escape by hiding in plain sight. Xingyin trains as an archer and never wavers in rescuing her mother, battling epic monsters, other immortals and her own emotions. Xingyin finds her own power and strength. This is an enthralling tale that will sweep you off into the night. – Rio (Staff)
This Bird Has Flown – Susanna Hoffs
A perfect combo of all the best British rom coms and an American’s music sensibilities, this debut novel is fun, sexy and playful. If you’re looking for something to read in a post – Daisy Jones world, make this your next musical read. Allison (Staff)
Your Driver is Waiting – Priya Guns
Buckle up tight as Damani takes you on a ride through her town, or is it any town? Full of fierce commentary on social injustice, the strength of community, loyalty and love in all its messy guises. Fast, furious and fun. A great read! – Anna (volunteer)
One Italian Summer – Rebecca Serle
A story about love, loss and that point where you realize your parents are human too and not always perfect! Set in the beautiful Amalfi Coast, this book is heartwarming, heartbreaking, and VERY HARD TO PUT DOWN! My favorite read of this year so far! – Gina (Staff)
Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman
I loved this book! It was exactly what I needed – funny, light, charming, as all Eli Lipman’s books are – one of her best most romantic. A real treat. – Judy B (Co-founder)
My Last Innocent Year by Daisy Alpert Florin
I read this book in one sweeping motion. Florin’s writing is clean and precise but paints a wildly detailed image of the characters and all their flaws. It was a perfect balance of heartbreaking while still being a joy to read. -Emily (Manager)