Blogs

If you’ve been shopping at our store for a while, you know we have a special place in our hearts (and on our shelves) for “Uncle” Rick Riordan, whose magical, mythology-infused middle grade novels have been delighting readers for fifteen years. When he’s not writing his own books, he’s busy with his own imprint, Rick Riordan Presents, which is publishing some of the funniest, most thrilling, and exciting middle grade series today.

We caught up with Stephanie Lurie, the Editorial Director of Rick Riordan Presents, to chat about working with Uncle Rick, children’s publishing, and what’s coming next from the imprint—starting with The Last Fallen Star, by Graci Kim. We’re delighted to host the launch event for that book on May 4, when author Graci Kim will appear in conversation with Rick Riordan himself. You can learn more about that event on our website, and purchase tickets here. In the meantime, check out our interview with Stephanie below!

Could your shelves use a little freshening, friends? (This is a trick question. The answer is always “yes.”) Our merry band of booksellers has been enjoying the wave of spring releases coming into the shop, and we’d love to share a few of our favorites with you. This week, we’re excited about an unusual new picture book from an all-time favorite, a pair of YA adventures loved by our teen advisory board, a modern short story collection that draws from mythology, and a trio of novels vetted by Liz. Read on!

We’re so excited to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day, Saturday, April 24, with you virtually and in-person! To shop with us in-store, don’t forget to make your shopping appointment to stop by between 10:00AM and 5:00PM CT.

You can also shop with us online, call to schedule an order for curbside pick-up, sign up for our newsletter, purchase a gift card, or sign up for one of our many virtual events.

Fun fact: Glennon Doyle is this year’s Indie Bookstore Day Author Ambassador!

Read more about our Indie Bookstore Day plans.

As we continue to mask up and social distance… well, it’s another great week to curl up with a good book, isn’t it? Fortunately, we have some great recommendations to help you do exactly that, highlighted by a trio of wonderful historical novels. If that’s not your flavor, don’t worry: We also have a sweet family read-aloud, swoony YA escapism, a multi-generational South African saga, and two compelling memoirs from a pair of remarkable women. Happy reading, Houston—and here’s hoping that we can gather together to talk about books in the not-too-distant future.

Spring is here! Which, in Houston, means that summer could come any second now. For that reason, it’s important to round into peak beach-reading form now—and we have a six-pack of new releases to help you do just that. From a soaring picture book celebrating the wonderful work of tradesmen to YA self-discovery (available in fantasy and realism!) to clever mysteries and adventure tales, we know you’ll find something to love about one of the books below. Read on!

 It’s Women’s History Month, friends, and you can believe that this woman-owned, women-staffed indie bookstore is celebrating. Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of our very favorite nonfiction books that celebrate women throughout history—from forgotten stories and tales of history to modern examples of perseverance and generational change. We’ve included all ages in our list, as well as short blurbs from our merry band of booksellers. So whether you’re looking for yourself or for the youngest of readers in your life, you’ll find just the right fit. Read on!

It’s early March, and around here that means one thing: Book bonanza. The start of spring publishing season always brings an embarrassment of riches to our shelves, from bright new picture books to much-anticipated novels. You can read about just a few of our favorites here, but don’t hesitate to call the shop or make an appointment if you’re after more—if there’s one thing we never run out of, it’s book recommendations. Happy reading!

We’re thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author Mary H.K. Choi to the blog to tell us about her incredible new book, Yolk. Gosh, where do we even start? This book is funny, raw, and wonderfully intricate—a shoo-in for your TBR list—and we loved hearing more about Choi’s process, what it was like writing a book in 2020, and the story behind that perfectly evocative title: Yolk.

Check out her great interview below, pre-order Yolk, and don’t forget to register for our free virtual event with her, in conversation with Shea Serrano, on March 4!

Are you staying safe and warm, friends? It’s been a long, cold week here at the shop, and we’ve been thinking of you all. If your house is heated, if your pipes are unfrozen, and if you’re sitting in front of a fire looking for something to read, we have a few new suggestions for you below—lots of great novels have been published this month. If you’re looking for something shorter, there’s a fabulous new picture book we know your family will love. Bundle up and read on!

February is Black History Month, and we hope you’ll join us in marking the occasion by adding a few new books to your shelves. Here, we’ve collected a list of newly released and forthcoming books by some of our favorite Black creators—with helpful blurbs from our staff of booksellers! The recommendations below span all ages and interests, so whether you’re in the mood for a sweet picture book or a thoughtful collection of essays, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your TBR list.