Chelsea joined the crew in November of 2021. She loves children's literature, illustrated texts, fantasy/sci-fi, and all things cozy. It's her goal to read every picturebook we carry!
Do you judge a book by its cover?
Absolutely!
Dogear or bookmark?
Bookmark for marking my place, dogear for marking favorite passages to return to later.
Monogamist or polygamist reader?
Polygamist reader but genre monogamist. I always have multiple books in progress, but rarely two of the same type. This habit comes from the necessity of having to read everything all the time as an English major!
First book that made a big impression on you?
Several, but the first that comes to mind is The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier.
Favorite book growing up?
Harry Potter everything. I'm a proud member of the HP generation, having grown up with the book series in real time. Hogwarts forever!
Your mission as a bookseller?
My mission as a bookseller is helping you discover -- or rediscover -- the right book at the right time. Let's go on an adventure!
Academic/Campus novels (novels set in and around universities) are my favorite genre, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. Set in 1990s New England, this quietly propulsive novel explores an artist coming-of-age as she navigates the grey areas between agency and coercion, desire and power, loyalty and betrayal. Incredible.
Wow! The hype is real. Epic, unrelenting crime drama that pulls no punches. Ruthless, cinematic, totally captivating.
A darkly humorous commentary on class, caste, and oppression as the village women band together to literally murder the patriarchy. Simultaneously serious and sobering, hopeful and hilarious.
Addictive dark academia about an elite secret society of magical academicians that's spellbinding, ruthless, and sexy. I devoured this one -- and also loved the sequel, Atlas Paradox.
A dark and twisty campus novel that's subtly thrilling and incredibly engrossing. Intertwining perspectives from two Oxford classicists, renowned Professor Eccles and promising Doctoral candidate Tessa, embody and reimagine the Daphne and Apollo myth, exploring scholarly ambition, power dynamics, love, loss, and obsession.
Sharp and suspenseful, I can't stop thinking about this book!
Lush & lyrical reimagining of The Great Gatsby from Jordan Baker's perspective that beautifully elevates and unravels the original. Dark and magical, essential reading for Gatsby fans (& non-fans, too!).
At times I couldn't wrap my head around this book -- but I couldn't put it down, either. Mundane yet gripping, absurd yet authentic, over-written yet leaves you wanting more. Read it!
Epic fantasy that throws the reader into the heart of the hero. This is world building at its finest--convincing, epic, and astonishing. Fans of Tolkien will love this journey.
I revisited this in anticipation of the film's release (2021), and it didn't disappoint. Adventure, political intrigue, and heady environmental and philosophical explorations. Astonishing, epic in scale and impact. A classic for a reason!
A self-aware rom-com that subverts and embraces the best romantic tropes. Perfect bookish romance with a brooding love interest, a small town bookstore in need of rescue, and steamy library scenes. Hot!
Modern fairy tale rom-com inspired by Beauty & the Beast that's cheesy--yes--but cute, perfect if you're looking for a light summer read. Isabelle is an editorial assistant who finds herself in the company of Beau, a celebrity struggling to write his memoir that's past due to the publisher. Isabelle steps up to help him write, discovering more about the reclusive Hollywood star as she pushes through roadblocks in her own career. While there's no talking candelabra, the expansive library, lush gardens, and enemies-to-lovers fairytale offer plenty to escape into for an afternoon.
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Heartwarming historical fiction that celebrates the best things in life--food, friendship, and open hearts. Set in 1960s America, this epistolary novel shares the story of two women, Joan and Immy, as they navigate an era of cultural & societal change through a shared love of food, writing, and sharing their favorite recipes. A sweet and gentle story that just may inspire you to cook up something new!
Check out the audiobook too, which brings this friendship to life!
Glamorously illustrated and visually striking re-imagining of Greek mythology in a modern world. Romantic, moody, dramatic.
Plus it's a Hugo Award finalist by an Eisner-nominated creator. Seriously, you've got to see these illustrations.
An underdog outsider competes and conspires with the wealthy would-be heirs of an enigmatic late billionaire for a world-changing inheritance. Fun and fast-paced, full of puzzles, riddles, intrigue, and danger, I couldn't put this down! (Young Adult)
What would you do if you found out you were magical, but then learned that your powers are illegal? That's what Amari must discover and decide in this supernatural adventure, which starts as a quest to find her missing brother. Fantastical yet realistically woven together, with a huge helping of bravery, compassion, and heart. Fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson need to meet Amari. I highly recommend this book! (Ages 8-12+)
So much fun! A magical adventure for book lovers of all ages. Mystery, magic and friendship await, you'll want to dive right into these pages.
Perfect for middle grade readers, would also make a great book for parents or teachers to read aloud together with kids or students. (Ages 8-12+)
Minalima's artistry and paper engineering are unmatched. The illustrations and designwork are just as magical as J.K. Rowling's storytelling. Perfect gift for Potterheads and new readers alike.
A bite from a radioactive bat turns Gary the ordinary pig into Gary the superhero BATPIG! Funny and punny, great for fans of Investigators and DogMan.
Rob Harrell is one of my favorite illustrators, with bold line work and expressive characters. Pg. 62 is my favorite.
The InvestiGators series of graphic novels follows the adventures of two alligator spies, Mango & Brash, as they solve cases and go on wild adventures. I LOVE these books, full of goofy humor, wordplay, and wonderfully bad puns. The comic book panels offer fun visual storytelling with vibrant colors and expressive characters. Ages 7-9+
"Oh grapes!" I love this very sweet, charmingly spooky, overall endearing folkloric tale of little Garlic's quest to confront a mysterious vampire. Illustrations and comic stylings make this accessible for young readers but adults will love it too! (Ages 8-12+)
Be a Star Baker! This cookbook is filled with Paul Hollywood's classic recipes, and includes step-by-step info (and pictures!) so you can earn your own Hollywood handshake. Perfect for fans of the Great British Baking Show, or any baker who wants to master the classics.
An absurdist rom-com with some hot takes on our obsessions with social media, wellness trends, and start-up culture. Inventive, quirky, and full of wry humor, it's a rom-com for people who don't like rom-coms.
Absolutely stunning illustrations with the most endearing little owl imaginable. My favorite picturebook over the last few years!
A bold, outrageous, tense, and compelling campus novel that explores sex, power, and politics at a small liberal arts college.
Compelling coming-of-age-as-an-artist (a "künstlerroman") thriller that delves into the cutthroat classical music world. This one really packs it in and covers important ground, you'll be rooting extra hard for Ray!
This is a quick, helpful red that gives you small, actionable steps to help build stronger relationships. Plus, it's got Brene Brown's stamp of approval--need I say more?
If you're looking to make a change, big or small, personal or professional, read this book. One of my favorites!
I've been thoroughly enjoying coming-of-age-as-an-artist stories (there's a word for this: "künstlerroman"), and I'm particularly fond of this memoir. It's an intimate, funny, and bittersweet story of an unlikely journey by one of America's foremost pianists. The audiobook is read by the author, interspersed with his music, creating an immersive experience. Highly recommend!