All posts by Robin Wood

Q&A with Jenni Holm, author of Turtle in Paradise

August 8, 2021
by Robin Wood
Group of Jennifer Holm's books on a table, including Full of Beans, Turtle in Paradise and Turtle in Paradise: The Graphic Novel


We had the opportunity to meet Jennifer L. Holm, author of Turtle in Paradise, The Lion of Mars, Full of Beans, the Sunny series and the Babymouse series, while she was vacationing in Key West this summer.

Store co-founder Judy Blume and Jennifer Holm outside of Books & Books @ The Studios in Key West
Store co-founder Judy Blume (left) and Jenni Holm

Q: Please tell us a little about how you came to write Turtle in Paradise?

A: My great-grandmother, Jennie Lewin, was a Key West “conch”. Which is to say, she and her family emigrated from the Bahamas and settled in Key West in the late 1800s. I’d always been interested in that side of my family, so it seemed natural to write a book that takes place in Key West.

Q: How did it come to be graphic novel? What do you feel the graphic novel format brings to the story?

A: Fans of Turtle in Paradise had been begging me for years to make it into a graphic novel! I was so fortunate to have Savanna agree to adapt it. I was one of her biggest fans—she illustrated an incredible graphic novel called Bloom, that I absolutely loved.

I think that the graphic novel really helps readers—kids and grown-ups—visualize what Key West looked like during the Great Depression. It makes historic fiction more approachable.

Q: What was the process of creating the graphic novel like? Were you surprised by anything in the look of the book?

A: Savanna just took it and ran with it. Honestly, she did almost all of the work. I helped with the historical research. I was blown away by her interpretation. It feels so fresh. And I love the anime style.

Q: If you don’t mind saying, what are you working on now? What’s coming up next from you?

A: The fourth book in the Sunny series, Sunny Makes a Splash, is coming out in September! And my brother, Matt, and I are working on two new top-secret  Babymouse books. We’re returning to the original graphic novel format with some extra surprises!

Q: What are you reading and recommending? For adults? For kids?

A: I’m reading Home at the End of the World, which is an adult book about Key West. For kids, you should absolutely check out Twins, by Varian Johnson.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about visiting Key West? What’s one thing visitors shouldn’t miss?

A: Wandering down hidden lanes in Old Town, especially around the cemetery. It’s like stepping back into the past. Also, I love El Siboney. It has the most delicious Cuban food (be sure to try the pork!)

If you weren’t able to attend the virtual event featuring Jennifer L. Holm, Savanna Ganucheau and Hope Larson, presented by Books & Books, check out the video:

Virtual Book Club Pick: The Chosen and the Beautiful

June 2, 2021
by Robin Wood

The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo is our new Virtual Book Club pick. This fantasy retelling of The Great Gatsby promises to be everything you ever wanted from the roaring ‘20s and more.

Robin writes: I read The Great Gatsby in college, but I don’t remember much about it except for Gatsby staring over the water at the green light and discussions of what it means, but I’m always interested in stories that recenter those who are often marginal.

Immigrant. Socialite. Magician.

Nghi Vo’s debut novel The Chosen and the Beautiful reinvents this classic of the American canon as a coming-of-age story full of magic, mystery, and glittering excess, and introduces a major new literary voice.

Our virtual book club gives us the chance to share a book we love with other readers far and near. Share your thoughts and photos with our virtual book club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag: #bbkwbookclub

Happy Pride!

June 2, 2021
by Robin Wood

Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community

Here is just a sample of the many books with LGBTQIA+ representation on our shelves and website.

Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993 by Sarah Schulman

In just six years, ACT UP, New York, a broad and unlikely coalition of activists from all races, genders, sexualities, and backgrounds, changed the world.

Milk Fed by Melissa Broder

Pairing superlative emotional insight with unabashed vivid fantasy, Broder tells a tale of appetites: physical hunger, sexual desire, spiritual longing, and the ways that we as humans can compartmentalize these so often interdependent instincts.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

With the humor and heart we’ve come to expect from bestselling author Steven Rowley, The Guncle is a moving tribute to the power of love, patience, and family in even the most trying of times.

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters

This provocative debut is about what happens at the emotional, messy, vulnerable corners of womanhood that platitudes and good intentions can’t reach.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

“Restrained yet luscious.”— Sarah Waters, bestselling author of Tipping the Velvet

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

A small-town boy hops a bus to New York City to crash an audition for E.T.: The Musical in this winning middle grade novel that The New York Times called “inspired and inspiring.”

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.

Find a list of more books with LGBTQIA+ representation in our online store here.

Judy on the Set of the Margaret movie

June 2, 2021
by Robin Wood
Judy Blume holding a clapperboard on the set of the Are You There God? It's Me Margaret movie
Judy Blume holding a clapperboard on the set of the Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret movie

It’s very cool to see scenes you wrote 50+ years ago acted out. And since the film is set in 1970 (year the book was published) it’s doubly fun. We’ll be back on set for another ten days this month. This time we’ll get to see Kathy Bates, Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie as Margaret’s Grandma, Mom, and Dad.

Masks (still) required

May 18, 2021
by Robin Wood

We see the CDC’s new guidelines for fully vaccinated people as a good sign. Things are getting better, but we’re not there yet. Because we can’t and don’t want to ask who is fully vaccinated, we are still requiring masks for in-store shopping and browsing. Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe.

The store is open for browsing every day from 10am and 6pm. No appointment is necessary during these hours. Masks are required for everyone entering the store. We’ve found books are particularly difficult to sanitize. Since picking up the books is so important in finding your next read, we provide gloves and hand sanitizer at the door. Please either use the hand sanitizer or don a pair of gloves before entering. Thank you for helping us keep the store safe for yourself, other shoppers and our staff.

Home delivery is still available for those living on the island of Key West and Stock Island. We deliver Monday through Friday.

Finally, the thing we’re missing most this season are author events and book signing. Luckily, through the power of the Internet, we’re still able to speak with amazing authors safely with virtual events. We’re teaming up with The Friends of the Key West Library and the Books & Books stores in Miami to bring you award winning authors to speak on their latest work. Visit our event page for upcoming events.

Audiobooks that Support Your Favorite Indie Bookstores

May 16, 2021
by Robin Wood

There’s an indie option for audiobooks. Libro.fm partners with your favorite indie bookstores, including Books & Books @ The Studios. Libro.fm provides access to a wide selection of digital audiobooks. Find out more here: Libro.fm account set up.

Powered by our audiobook partner Libro.fm, membership is $14.99 per month. You’ll get to select from 150,000+ audiobooks, including New York Times bestsellers and hidden gems curated by indie booksellers. Check out our staff favorites on audiobook: Click here.

Membership highlights:

  • Over 150,000 titles
  • $14.99 monthly fee (one audiobook/month)
  • 30% off additional audiobooks
  • Free Libro.fm iOS and Android App
  • Membership credits never expire
  • DRM-Free (listen on multiple devices)

Independent Bookstore Day 2021!

April 19, 2021
by Robin Wood

Independent Bookstore Day is back where it belongs on the last Saturday in April. Along with independent bookstores across the country, we’ll be celebrating indie bookstore resilience and thanking all of you, our wonderful, steadfast customers!

Our party will include:

·        Free Glazed doughnut with bookstore purchase of $20 or more for the first 24 customers (1 doughnut coupon per transaction, per party) – in-store only

·         Free book with any purchase plus other assorted freebies.

·         Entry into our In-store Basket of Books Raffle with any purchase (must be picked up in-store)

·         Entry into our Online & Phone Mystery Box Raffle with any purchase (will ship, U.S. addresses only)

One of the most exciting things about Independent Bookstore Day, are the special, limited edition products that debut that day. We will be selling the IBD exclusives in store and by phone — they won’t be on the website until after IBD and we expect many of them will sell out. If there is something you’re looking for and you won’t be shopping in person on Saturday, give us a call.

This year’s IBD exclusives include:

– Oracle cards based on Jenny Lawson’s new book, BROKEN (IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY) free with purchase of at least $30, in-store and by phone while supplies last.

– An IBD exclusive edition of “In the Tall Grass” by Stephen King and Joe Hill ($12.99). A short story never before in book form. Originally
published by Esquire magazine and released
as a film on Netflix in 2019. We will have 2 signed copies.

– A signed edition of SHARKS IN THE TIME OF SAVIORS by Kawai Strong Washburn ($17.00), featuring an IBD-exclusive cover.

– An exclusive signed edition of Cook, Eat, Repeat by Nigella Lawson ($31.99).

 

 

And other exclusives and surprises. . . .

For example, get a free audiobook from Libro.fm. This weekend only when you spend $15 or more at Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West (4/24–4/26) and submit your receipt to Libro.fm, you can pick a free audiobook from these featured titles. (Click for details). 

We can all use a reason to celebrate, and supporting your local, indie bookstore is as good a reason as they come.

Find the list of participating indie bookstores at: https://www.indiebound.org/independent-bookstore-day/map

Events Showcase

March 30, 2021
by Robin Wood

One of the things we’ve missed the most this last year at the store is having visiting authors come read to a live audience.

Though we might be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel we’re still not ready to gather for in person events. Luckily, through the power of the Internet, Books and Books and our partnering organizations can bring your favorite (and new favorite) authors to the comfort and safety of your home.

January, February and March we were proud to co-sponsor the Friends of the Key West Library Lecture Series. The recordings of all six author talks can be found here.

As we enter April the store is partnering with The Studios of Key West, Books & Books in Miami, The Key West Public Library and College of the Florida Keys to continue a great lineup virtual events.

~ Emily Berg, Store Manager

Michael Patrick F. Smith
Saturday, April 3rd at 7:00pm
In partnership with The Studios of Key West

Michael Patrick F. Smith is a folksinger and playwright and current Studios of Key West Artist in Residence from central Kentucky. Like thousands of restless men left unmoored in the wake of the 2008 economic crash, Smith arrived in the fracking boomtown of Williston, North Dakota homeless, unemployed, and desperate for a job. Renting a mattress on a dirty flophouse floor, he slept boot to beard with migrant men who came from all across America and as far away as Jamaica, Africa, and the Philippines. They ate together, drank together, argued like crows, and searched for jobs they couldn’t get back home. His memoir The Good Hand  is a saga of being hired on in the oil patch where he toiled fourteen hour shifts from summer’s 100 degree dog days to deep into winter’s bracing whiteouts, all the while wrestling with the demons of a turbulent past, his broken relationships with women, and the haunted memories of a family riven by violence. Smith will be in conversation with actor Shawn Hatosy.

Register Here

Buy the book: The Good Hand

Libby Copeland
Tuesday, April 6th at 6:00pm
In partnership with The Key West Public Library

Libby Copeland is an award-winning journalist and author who writes from New York about culture and science. As a freelance journalist, she writes for such media outlets as The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic and Smithsonian Magazine. Her book, The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending Who We Are, explores the rapidly evolving phenomenon of home DNA testing, its implications for how we think about family and ourselves, and its ramifications for American culture broadly. Copeland will be in conversation with store manager Emily Berg.

Register Here

Buy the book: The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending Who We Are

Jenny Lawson and Judy Blume
Tuesday, April 13th at 8:00pm
In partnership with Books & Books of Coral Gables and the National JCC Literary Consortium

As Jenny Lawson’s hundreds of thousands of fans know, she suffers from depression. In Broken, she explores her experimental treatment of transcranial magnetic stimulation with brutal honesty. But also with brutal humor. Jenny discusses the frustration of dealing with her insurance company in “An Open Letter to My Insurance Company,” which should be an anthem for anyone who has ever had to call their insurance company to try and get a claim covered. She tackles such timelessly debated questions as “How do dogs know they have penises?” We see how her vacuum cleaner almost set her house on fire, how she was attacked by three bears, business ideas she wants to pitch to Shark Tank, and why she can never go back to the post office. Of course, Jenny’s long-suffering husband Victor―the Ricky to Jenny’s Lucille Ball―is present throughout. A treat for Jenny Lawson’s already existing fans, and destined to convert new ones, Broken is a beacon of hope and a wellspring of laughter. Lawson will be in conversation with author and store founder Judy Blume.

Register Here

Buy the book: Broken (in the best possible way)

Ross Gay
Thursday, April 29th at 8:00pm
In partnership with The College of the Florida Keys

 The College of the Florida Keys and the Florida Humanities Council host nationally acclaimed poet Ross Gay. Gay is the author of four books of poetry: Against Which; Bringing the Shovel Down; Be Holding; and Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award.

Learn more & register here.

Find Gay’s books here.

Farewell, Gianelle; Welcome, Riona!

March 26, 2021
by Robin Wood

Gianelle Rodriguez

Time for a bit of changing of the guard at the bookstore. Our charming, energetic and thoroughly delightful Assistant Manager Gianelle Rodriguez will be accompanying her Navy husband as he relocates to a new posting in Virginia. Gianelle was a walkup hire at the store, initially brought on for part-time back office work. But we quickly discovered we had a surprise gem and convinced her to join us full time with an ever expanding range of duties. She now tells us she’ll try to enroll full time in an MBA program, and we’ve sent her off with a glowing recommendation. We expect to see her as a CEO somewhere in the not-to-distant future.

Riona Campbell

We’re happy to announce that we’ve brought on a new full-time bookseller to cover the gap in our staffing. Riona Jean Campbell is a current resident of Islamorada, but is moving down here. She’s got a stellar background, including a Masters in Art History and Display from the University of Edinburgh, and experience in managing the Florida Keys Brewing Co. in Islamorada. And she’s a live wire. Riona jumped at the chance to join us and transfer her skills to her deep love of books. So please give a “Hi” to Riona when you’re next in the shop.

The shop is continuing with our Covid reduced hours, 12 to 5 every day, but we’re looking forward to expanding hours in near future. For the time being, the 10 to 12 period each day is reserved for browsing by appointment. Give us a call a day in advance if you’d like to set one up.

Hope to see you soon,

~ George Cooper, Store Co-founder

Some of Riona’s favorite books

What Judy’s Reading

March 26, 2021
by Robin Wood

We are back working at the store and SO happy to be there after a year of isolating.  We’re double dosed but masked, of course.  Recently I’ve read WE RUN THE TIDES, a novel by Vendela Vida.  I actually picked it up because George was reading it and I heard him laughing.  That caught my attention.  He said, “You are going to Love this book!”  And I did.  It’s set in the Sea Cliff section of San Francisco in the 80s.  It’s as “achingly beautiful” as it is funny.

I listened to THE FOUR WINDS by Kristin Hannah, a master storyteller.  She tells us about a family during the Dust Bowl and it’s a story filled with unforgettable characters.  My ears started to hurt from not taking out my air pods.  But I had to keep listening. (Get the digital audiobook.)

Now I’m excited to have an Advanced Reader’s Copy of the first 200 pages of Blake Bailey’s biography of Philip Roth, publishing in April.  If you’re a Roth fan as I am (some might say I’m obsessed) you have to read this book.  “Don’t try to rehabilitate me,” Roth told his biographer, “Just make me interesting.”  Baily has certainly done that.  A great biographer writing about a great writer.  You can pre-order your copy now.  And if you haven’t read Roth this might be the time to start.  My go-to title is AMERICAN PASTORAL. 

Happy Reading!

Xx

 

 

 

~ Store Co-founder, Judy Blume