Book Bites: Book Dazzled
Submitted by Blue Willow Con... on Tue, 01/19/2021 - 1:16pm
If you’re anything like us, 2021 is already shaping up to be a great year of reading. With big releases already on the shelf from favorites like Angie Thomas, Liese O'Halloran Schwarz, and George Saunders, how could it not be? Here, we collect seven of our favorite new reads, ranging from a tender and important picture book to a literary master class on reading and writing. In between, you’ll find charming love stories, searing historical fiction, and more. Clear some room on your nightstand and dig in.
If you’ve known us for long, you know that we always have a go-to Appalachian novel on our shelves to recommend. More often than not, that’s thanks to Valerie, our fearless leader and devoted reader. Here, Valerie shares an appreciation of one of her favorite authors in the Appalachian genre, Silas House. Both of our store book clubs are discussing House’s work this month, and we’d love for you to join us—you can learn more about our book clubs 
Friends, it’s time to turn the page on a new year of reading. Books have been such a comfort to us all over the last twelve months—they have educated us, allowed us some needed escapes, made us laugh, made us cry, and made us gasp out loud over an unforeseen twist or a perfect sentence. And let us tell you: There are some truly wonderful reads awaiting you in 2021, too. To start the new year, we’ve collected a roundup that’s heavy on fiction, including a handful of Valerie’s recent favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet picture book, a family saga, or a thriller, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy below. Read on!
By popular demand! This week, we're eschewing our usual roundup of recent staff favorites in favor of something a little more specific. If you've shopped our store for a while, you probably know Alice. And if you know Alice, you understand implicitly that she'll never steer you towards a bad read. So we've collected a few of Alice's recent favorites—some you can buy now, some you'll have to wait to read until next year—and offer them here as a starter-pack for your 2021 TBR list. Trust us: You're going to love these. Read on!
The holidays are squarely upon us! Even though your celebrations may look a little different this year, there's nothing like a well-timed festive read to capture the magic of the season and time spent with loved ones. Our list of holiday picks is full of great choices to share with the excited kiddos in your life—even if you'll be reading together by Zoom this year. Bookseller pro tip: Reading these sweet books is a great way to get yourself into the holiday spirit, too. Who says children's books can't be enjoyed by adults? Here's to happy, cozy, and safe reading, friends.
Our wonderful and hardworking Teen Advisory Board is back with their last monthly YA recommendations of 2020. We are extremely grateful for their many hours of reading and reviewing. Take a look below to find your next read! There's a little of everything: Rom-com, drama, fantasy, suspense. One of the picks below, The Good Girls, has been selected as the official December pick in Blue Willow's 
We don’t know about you, but we still haven’t adjusted back to standard time. Fortunately, it’s a proven fact that you don’t miss the sunshine if you have a good enough book to keep you company, like the ones in our highly varied mini-list below. In the mood for a little fantasy? No problem. What about some secrets and rock and roll? Look below to find that read! Wondering what life would be like without modern technology? Scroll on down. Looking for a little love? We got you. Whatever your style, find your next read to snuggle up with—you won’t even notice when it gets dark at 5:00 PM. 
This week, we've rounded up a bit of everything for our fellow book lovers. We have old-school mystery and contemporary romance; we include a great new book about a cook (by Houston's own literary superstar Bryan Washington!) as well as a great new cookbook. Throw in a fun new picture book that dabbles in math and music, and you've got a classic book soup. Serving suggestion: Curled up in your favorite chair, next to a fire, with a furry friend by your side. Happy reading, friends! 
We are extremely grateful for our dedicated and talented Teen Advisory Board this month and every month. After reading many books, the board has put together an excellent list of YA November releases sure to please any reader. Look for thrilling mysteries, captivating romances, and new twists on well-known tales below. One of their picks, These Violent Delights, has been selected by the board as the official November pick in Blue Willow's 
) Enjoy, friends! 
Was that a bit of autumn air we felt last week? It came just in time—we've taken a close look at our favorite new releases and pulled a few seasonally spooky reads for those of you who are looking for some extra thrill, mystery, and magic for your October. You can find them below, alongside a variety of other fantastic year-round options for those uneager for the unnerving. So no matter what you're looking for, you'll easily... fall... for a title or two below. Happy (haunting?) reading, friends!