Chelsea joined the crew in November of 2021. She loves children's literature, campus novels, fantasy/sci-fi, rom-coms, and all things cozy. She also writes our weekly Snowglobe newsletter, sign up here!
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?
Read all the books! And audiobooks, too!
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.
As soon as I finished this book, I went back and re-read the first chapter, just to stay with Rachel and James a little longer. O'Donoghue deftly captures all the messy-wonderful intensity of young adulthood and the haven of friendship during turbulent times. Loved it!
The most magical book I've read in years! A masterful blend of light & dark, and a heartwarming homage to the power of children's books.
"I LOVED this book! Think Ocean's 11 meets Downton Abbey, complete with a raucous party and an unbelievably bold heist. Clever, vengeful fun!"
Immersive, fierce, and romantic retelling of Greek mythology that felt wholly indulgent.
Fans of Jennifer Saint and Madeline Miller -- read this next!
I am enthralled. Exceptional world-building, compelling political intrigue, and dark, secretive academies--LOVED it. Perfect for fans of Pierce Brown (Red Rising) and Patrick Rothfuss (The Name of the Wind).
Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney return to solve another case in this cozy, Jane-Austen inspired murder mystery series. Austenites will appreciate all the character detail and returning to some favorite places in new ways. I'm hooked on the series and can't wait for the next book!
Lush and beautiful retelling of the story of Atalanta who earns her place in the pantheon of the greatest Greek heroes. This is the first Jennifer Saint novel I've read, but now I'm on my own mythic quest to read them all!
A complex campus novel whose sharp prose and meta narrative creates an immersive, multi-layered experience. I especially loved the references to classic film and the complicated comparisons to and nature of memory.
Fans of the serial podcast won't want to miss this!
This one's a sharp, funny, and surprisingly endearing look into the lives an old-money New York family that epitomizes the blue-blood elite. A modern comedy of manners (think Jane Austen, Frances Burney, Henry James...) that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Who knew this Great British Bake Off themed murder mystery could be so delicious? Clever, cozy, and atmospheric--you won't look at the Bake Off tent the same way again!
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.
Charming blend of fantastical faerie lore and seemingly mismatched academics set against a shadowy, snowy wonderland. Meticulous (it is an Encyclopadia after all!) yet magical, can't wait for the next book, Map of the Otherlands (January 2024).
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!
Email or call for price.
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!
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)
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!
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!
Austenites rejoice! This cozy mystery feels completely canonical to Jane Austen, and pairs perfectly with a hot cuppa tea.
