blue willow content team's blog

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. 

Here on the blog, we do our best to shine a light on the very best new books that we think you’ll love. Sometimes, that means that we focus in on a few exciting new novels. Other times, we may shine a light on a handful of great new picture books. And sometimes, like today, we have a range of fun recommendations for toddlers, grandmas, and everyone in between. That’s right: It’s a classic, all-ages Blue Willow bookish love fest. Dig in!

Let’s talk about girlhood. All around the world, teenage girls are going to school, making friends, dreaming big dreams. We see news headlines, but we know so little about ordinary girls’ day-to-day lives.

Girlhood, a new book from journalist Masuma Ahuja, shares those stories. It’s a thoughtful and informative project, centering the voices of thirty teens from twenty-seven countries through diary entries and photographs, with reporting and research to put their stories into context.

We’re thrilled to launch the book with a free, virtual event featuring Masuma in conversation with journalist Rainesford Stauffer. Plan to join us on February 9—you can register for the event here, and purchase your own copy of Girlhood here. In the meantime, check out our exclusive Q&A with the author!

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.