The Chuckanut Reader - Fall 2025

Dear Reader,

Each time we hire new employees, we sit down with them and read through our company policy manual. In that manual are a collection of our belief statements, including "growth and change is necessary, desirable, and can be enjoyable." That statement has been the basis of our business since the beginning. Some changes you, the customers, can see, while others take place behind the scenes.

We recently embarked on a new software program and website, and lots of new hardware as a consequence. Along with many other improvements, this new system should make ordering books both in the store and on our website quicker and more enjoyable. There was a steep learning curve but our staff did an amazing job of training and practicing, so when we flipped the switch we were ready for customers!

In addition to this move into the future, we are also celebrating the past. We're thrilled to announce that we have partnered with WWU English Professor Laura Laffrado to bring Bellingham author Ella Higginson's 1902 novel Mariella; of OutWest back into print as our newest Chuckanut Edition title (see page 11). Higginson moved to New Whatcom in 1888 and was a prolific writer, editor, and a voice for women's rights. You can read more about her in the book 52 Women of Whatcom created by our current Round It Up partner, The League of Women Voters of Bellingham–Whatcom County (page 4) and also part of the new third Village Books Puzzle Hunt (page 53).

As we celebrate new technology and old stories we are so glad to have you alongside us on our journey.

Publisher: Village Books and Paper Dreams

Production & Design: Kelly Carbert

Contributors: Kiana Allen, Kendra Calitri, Caitriona Cassel, Erin Chervenock, Milo Chervenock-Johnson, Stephanie Dethlefs, Sydney Durst, Kelly Evert, Paul Hanson, Chloe Hovind, Sarah Hutton, Kat Kayser, Sean Kearney, Troy Luginbill, Alex Nyberg, Laura Picco, Kellen Smith, Courtney Velthuizen, Heather Williams

Cover: Molly Hashimoto will introduce her gorgeous new book, Wildflowers of the West: An Artist's Guide, as part of the fall 2025 Nature of Writing Speaker Series—see page 51.

Thanks for your continued support.

Content except art & book covers ©Village Books 2025

– Kelly, Paul, Sarah

and the Entire Village Books and Paper Dreams Family

The Chuckanut Reader • Fall 2025

Village Books Owners Sarah Hutton, Paul Hanson, and Kelly Evert

R UND IT UP

The League of Women Voters®, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Established in 1956, the local chapter —now known as the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County—has been an active and positive in fluence in our county since its founding. Members are committed to providing citizens with the tools, skills, and information they need to participate in—and preserve—the democratic process.

As part of their outreach, the League hosts and moderates non-partisan and balanced forums throughout Whatcom County for candidates seeking local office. They do not endorse candidates or endorse political parties, but are always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.

Round It Up, our simple giving program, was designed to support local non-profits.

Join Village Books and Paper Dreams customers who are supporting our community by rounding up your next purchase to the nearest dollar.

Being a grassroots organization, the League depends on members and volunteers to implement their programs by joining together to register voters, inform voters, and encourage voting, and advocating to preserve the democratic process. If you're interested in helping or learing more, you are invited to explore their website and attend a monthly meeting—lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org. Membership is open to men and women—the inclusion of men underscores the essential truth that achieving gender equality demands the involvement of everyone, regardless of gender. There's no time like the present to check it out!

In 2020, League volunteers conducted the "52 Women of Whatcom" project to highlight the many contributions of women in Whatcom County. The resulting book—a Chuckanut Editions title created with assistance from the Village Books publishing team, is available at both Village Books locations. A portion of sales is donated to the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom.

New & Improved

You may have noticed some changes around here, whether it's our brand-new website or a different flow to your purchasing experience. That's because we've switched to a new software program!

While much of what our new platform has to offer will allow us to run more efficiently behind the scenes, our loyal customers will also notice some changes. For example:

• When you place an order with us online, you will need to create a new account (even if you've ordered online many times before).

• Our improved website is better integrated and now updates our book inventory online in real time and has a page for checking the balance on our new gift cards. Hooray!

• Your Reader Rewards frequent buyer account is still active, but the way it gives you credit is different. Rather than accumulating units purchased, it is now accumulating dollars, earning you a $10 store credit for every $200 spent, equitable to what was happening before.

• We'll use this opportunity to check in and ensure that we have the the most up-to-date and preferred contact information for you. (Trust us, there's a lot of dead landlines in our 30+ year old customer accounts!)

• And maybe the best news of all . . . there will be no more Reader Reward receipts to keep track of! Finally, it will all be digitized. That said, don't lose the credit slips that have already been issued—you still need to present those for us to honor them.

We know we're not immune to hiccups so we greatly appreciate the understanding and patience our customers have shown us during this transition. Please let us know if you've had an experience with our system you'd like to share with us. We love to hear about the successes as well as the bumps in the road so that we can continue making our store better and better for you. Email biblioinfo@villagebooks.com with your feedback.

Thanks for Your Patience and Assistance During this Transition

VETERANS

VBPD Co-Owner

KELLY EVERT

Joins the Fairhaven Association Board

This year, Village Books co-owner Kelly Evert began her latest adventure as a member of the Fairhaven Association Board of Directors. “In the late 80s I was a fresh student at WWU and found Fairhaven a great place to head to for a coffee and to enjoy the fresh sea air. Now, many years later, Fairhaven is still a place I adore and feel so at home,” she says. “I'm honored to be a member of the Fairhaven Association.”

The Fairhaven Association is a group of business owners, non-profit organizations, residents, and neighbors who support the preservation and business success of Fairhaven Village. Through beautification efforts, small business support, and community events, the Fairhaven Association strives to preserve and inspire a vibrant, authentic village by creating and fostering unique experiences and connections while maintaining the historical character of the area.

The Fairhaven Association is responsible for many events over the calendar year, including the Dirty Dan Murder Mystery, the Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema, family-friendly trick-or-treating, Winterfest, Chicken Fest, The Chocoate Walk, the Fairhven Festival during Ski to Sea, and more! “Small businesses and restaurants count on the association for marketing and resources to serve our customers and employees better,” says Kelly. “Many people may not know that it is this small group of dedicated people that keep our village moving forward. It’s a great place to volunteer and learn more about your community.”

Thank you, Kelly!

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunday, November 16, 10am-5pm

Village Books & Paper Dreams

Open House

Mark your calendars and join us for the festive annual Village Books & Paper Dreams pre-holiday open house! Get a jump on your holiday shopping while enjoying visiting stations, the alwayspopular book walk, and a chance to spin the wheel for prizes on this day of celebration and fun.

Art by Scott Ward

CENSORSHIP is so1984

Book bans are real. The escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country has made George Orwell’s cautionary tale 1984 a prescient warning about the dangers of censorship.

The first part of the Banned Books Week 2025 theme, “Censorship Is So 1984,” reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, and that censorship has no place in contemporary society. “Read for Your Rights” is a call to action that demands we not only exercise our own right to read but also defend that right for all readers.

Celebrated October 5-11, 2025, Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Launched in 1982, it was created in response to a surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Pressure groups focused on public libraries in addition to targeting school libraries. Of the titles targeted for censorship, the vast majority were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community or by and about Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color.

Book Bans Harm Communities

Stop by both Village Books locations during Banned Books Week to check out our banned & challenged book displays.

Most Challenged Books of 2024

All

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Flamer by Mike Curato

Banned Books Week 2025 • October 5-11, 2025

Censorship is So 1984 – Read for Your Rights

Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

Village Books Co-Owner PAUL HANSON

Joins the Board of the American Booksellers Association!

This spring, Village Books co-owner Paul Hanson put on a new hat as a board member with the American Booksellers Association (ABA). “In a world of corporations who value their power and profit over people and society,” he says, “the ABA is truly the champion of the people.”

“In a world of corporations who value their power and profit over people and society, the ABA is truly the champion of the people.” –Paul Hanson

The ABA is a national organization that supports and advocates for the success of independent bookstores. They provide members with education, networking opportunities, resources, advocacy, and technology. Members are asked to engage with their communities by hosting events, providing community hubs, championing diverse voices, and promoting literacy. “ABA champions the protection and preservation of ‘main streets,’ and thus, the lifeblood of our cities and communities,” explains Paul.

The ABA is also a strong voice in the fight against book bans and related censorship laws (see page 8). In 2024, they published The ABA Right to Read Handbook: Fighting Book Bans and Why It Matters, available now at Village Books.

With the understanding that elections are critial chances to affect decisions, the ABA has now joined forces with the League of Women's Voters (LWV) with the goal of mobilizing their communites by engaging, educating, empowering, and encouraging them to vote in the upcoming election season. Village Books customers will have the opportunity to directly support the League of Women Voters of Bellingham and Whatcom County by Rounding Up when making purchases at our stores this fall (see page 4).

The ABA Board of Directors has 12 seats which are elected by members representing over 3,200 independent bookstores nationwide. “I've long aspired to serve on the ABA Board, having attempted three other times in my life as a professional bookseller,” says Paul. “But the time wasn't right then. My hope is that I'm now in the right place at the right time.”

Congratulations, Paul!

2025 marks ABA’s 125th year— honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future of independent bookselling.

Literacy Breakfast with Nancy Pearl

Friday, November 14, 2025

Four Points Sheraton, Bellingham, WA

Mark your calendar for the annual literacy breakfast and silent auction with the one and only Nancy Pearl! The Whatcom Literacy Council will share highlights of their services and author/librarian/NPR commentator Nancy Pearl will offer her book recommendations for the year. Just $35 reserves your seat—all donations support the adult literacy programs of the Whatcom Literacy Council.

Village Books will have Nancy's latest recommendations as well as her own titles available at both the breakfast and in-store—enjoy!

Registration information at whatcomliteracy.org

Change a Life. Become a Tutor.

The Whatcom Literacy Council relies on the dedication of volunteer tutors to help adult learners reach their goals and strengthen our community. Tutors of all ages welcome. Learn more at whatcomliteracy.org

It's almost time for our annual Schooner Zodiac Book Club “Books A’Sail” 3-day adventure in the beautiful San Juan Islands! Village Books owners Paul Hanson and Kelly Evert will guide the literary journey and have arranged for TWO amazing authors to join and discuss their books. This cruise is filling fast so may be full by the time you read this but not to worry, the Schooner Zodiac is still offering an additional selection of wonderful late season day cruises and excursions.

Check the Schedule and Availability at

Village Books Proudly Presents

Mariella; of Out-West

The Village Books publishing team is proud to announce the latest Chuckanut Editions project—the republication of the historic novel, Mariella; of Out-West. Originally published by Bellingham author Ella Higginson in 1902, Mariella is a pioneer comingof-age story whose titular character is full of wit, charm, and strength. The novel was very well received during its initial publication for its memorable characters and depiction of pioneer life on the West Coast. Reviews compared Higginson's writing to work by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Leo Tolstoy, among other prominent authors.

Having been out of print and hard to come by for many years, we are thrilled to reintroduce this acclaimed but often overlooked author to a new generation by offering both a deluxe limited-edition, cloth-bound hardcover edition of the book, as well as a trade paperback edition. Pick up your copy and join us in celebrating!

Mariella; of Out-West Celebration

with Dr. Laura Laffrado at Village Books in Fairhaven

Sunday, November 16, 5pm

Joining us in the celebration will be Dr. Laura Laffrado, Director of The Ella Higginson Recovery Project at WWU. Laffrado has worked tirelessly in working to reestablish Higginson's once celebrated literary reputation by restoring both her name and her works to their justly merited places in the history of American literature. She is excited to reintroduce Higginson's engaging writings to a new audience of appreciative readers. Don't miss out!

Chuckanut Editions is Village Books' own publishing imprint. Our focus is on local history, local interest, and local authors. Check out a full list of Chuckanut Edition titles at villagebooks.com uner the Readers Corner tab.

Sunday, September 14, 3pm at Mount Baker Theatre, Downtown, Bellingham, WA

A Booked at the Baker Event

Experience the legendary romance saga with this epic film-to-concert event! A 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians will take the stage to perform the beloved film score in perfect synchronization with the original movie, presented in its entirety on MBT’s big screen. Be captivated by the magical atmosphere as over a thousand twinkling candles illuminate the historic Main Stage, creating an ambiance that sets the stage for a truly romantic journey.

Tickets available now—mountbakertheatre.com

Live Literature Local Music & A Little Humor

Join us for the taping of this unique local radio show—an evening of LIVE ENTERTAINMENT including amazing literature, live music, fun skits, poetry, humor, and more!

$5 Entrance Fee can be used towards the purchase of the featured book or other merchandise offered at that show!

Monday, September 15, 7pm

Leif Enger

Join us as the bestselling, award-winning and “formidably gifted” author of Peace Like a River as he shares his latest novel, I Cheerfully Refuse. He will be joined in conversation by Susan Marie Conrad. With musical guest Bob Paltrow.

Thursday, October 14, 7pm

–I Cheerfully Refuse

Melissa Arnot Reid

at the Lairmont Manor, Bellingham, WA

–Enough: Climbing Towards a True Self on Mount Everest

Elite mountain guide and author Melissa Arnot Reid will share her fascinating new memoir.

"Enough is the best ‘Everest book’ I’ve read in a long time.” —Jon Krakauer With musical guest Andre Carrao. A Nature of Writing Series Event.

Scott Miller

Presented with Backcountry Essentials and North Cascades Institute

Thursday, November 12, 7pm

–Let My Country Awake: Indian Revolutionaries in America and the Fight to Overthrow the British Raj

Scott Miller tells a compelling and little-known story about India's freedom struggle—one involving a brave band of students and workers in America. In conversation with County Executive Satpal Sidhu. at the Hotel Leo, Bellingham, WA

Performed live and recorded for radio, each Radio Hour includes a guest author, live local music, performance poetry by Kevin Murphy, and an episode of "As the Ham Turns" serial radio comedy perfomed by the Chuckanut Radio Players. Hosts Paul Hanson and Kelly Evert are joined by announcer Rich Donnelly for an evening of entertainment. Seating is limited so don't delay—we'll see you there!

Thanks to our regular sponsors

Tickets $5 available now through

the Lairmont Manor, Bellingham, WA

2025 Village Books Literary Citizenship Award

On July 1st, we gathered to celebrate the recipients of the 2025 Village Books Literary Citizenship Awards. Now in its third year, the award was presented to four deserving individuals who have each demonstrated a commitment to engage with the literary community with the intent of giving as much, if not more, than they receive.

Congratulations again to 2025 award recipients Joel Gillman, Jeremy Voigt, Dee Robinson and Chuck Robinson. In their own unique ways, they have each demonstrated the virtues that embody a good Literary Citizen. For this, we awarded $1000 to each of them and inducted them into the Village Books Literary Citizen Hall of Fame which is displayed in Village Books, Fairhaven.

2025 Village Books Litererary Citizenship Award recipients Joel Gillman, Dee Robinson, Chuck Robinson, Jeremy Voigt

photo by Sean Kearney, Village Books

New Fiction

Menu of Happiness : A Kamogawa Food Detectives Novel

by Hisashi Kashiwai

available in October, hardcover, G. P. Putnam’s Sons

A beloved Japanese bestseller, Menu of Happiness is for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and asks the question: What’s the one dish you’d do anything to taste just one more time? “As warm and nourishing as a good cup of tea…a series I can see myself returning to again and again.” —Mia P. Manansala, award-winning author of Arsenic and Adobo.

We Love You, Bunny

by Mona Awad

available in September, hardcover, Marysue Rucci Books

Told from multiple perspectives, this is a fun and wicked follow up (or stand-alone, really) to Awad's original Bunny. With dark, dark humor and a compelling story, I highly recommend this book for those looking for a fun and twisted read.  –Erin

A Guardian and a Thief

by Megha Majumdar

available in October, hardcover, Knopf Megha Majumdar’s electrifying new novel, following her acclaimed New York Times bestseller A Burning —longlisted for the National Book Award—is set in a near-future Kolkata, India, ravaged by climate change and food scarcity, in which two families seeking to protect their children must battle each other. A piercing and propulsive tour de force.

Loved One

by Aisha Muharrar

available now, hardcover, Viking

What happens when we admit that the deepest feelings never die? How do we reconcile various—and sometimes contradictory—truths about those closest to us? An engrossing and profoundly moving coming-of-age story with a powerful love at its heart, Loved One is poised to become an instant classic. “Shimmers with wit even as it explores deep loss.” —Rachel Khong, New York Times bestselling author of Real Americans.

To the Moon and Back

by Eliana Ramage

available in September, hardcover, Avid Reader Press

This story of a young woman's goal of becoming the first Cherokee astronaut not only charts her steps toward it but explores how it affects the women around her - and not always for the better. This is a sweeping novel about love, belonging, heritage, family, and the often unintended consequences of ambition, and I was captivated from beginning to end. –Stephanie

A New New Me

by Helen Oyeyemi

available in August, hardcover, Riverhead Books

Kinga is a woman who is just trying to make it through the week. There’s a Kinga for every day: On Mondays, you can catch Kinga-A deleting food delivery apps. By Friday, Kinga-E is happy to spend the days soaking, wine-drunk, in the bath. It’s an arrangement that’s not without its fair share of grudges and half-truths. But when Kinga-A discovers a man tied up in their apartment, the Kingas must reckon with the possibility that one of them might be planning to destroy them all.

Mona's Eyes

by Thomas Schlesser

translated by Hildegarde Serle available in August, hardcover, Europa Editions

What an absolutely wonderful book. I read this slowly so it would last as long as I could make it. This is a story about a little girl that is going blind and her grandfather makes it his mission to take her to the Louvre to study the great works of art. This is a novel but also a history in art.  Be ready to learn the masterworks from Watteau to Kandinsky. Magnifique!

A CLASSIC The

Handmaid’s Tale

Deluxe Edition : 40th Anniversary Edition by Margaret Atwood

available in September, paperback, Vintage

A stunning deluxe edition for the fortieth anniversary of an unparalleled cornerstone of feminist literature, featuring the original cover art and a short, unpublished essay penned in 1986 by Margaret Atwood, “the patron saint of feminist dystopian fiction” (The New York Times)

–Kelly E.

Bellingham Public Library Presents

Pre-order your copy today! Tom's Crossing

by Mark Z. Danielewski

available in October, hardcover, Pantheon

I am a gigantic fan of House of Leaves, and that has compelled me to stretch my reading and seek out unique writing. Tom's Crossing falls into some Cormac McCarthy country, though not derivative of anything I've ever read. Written with Danielewski's eye with detail, this tome clocks in at over 1200 pages, but I never felt it while reading. Each character's story, all of them, is written meticulously and compellingly—each feels real, flawed, and each drives the novel forward. What seems like a simple plot of freeing a couple horses for slaughter is so much more. Well worth the read.  –Erin

Shadow Ticket

by Thomas Pynchon

available in October, hardcover, Penguin Press Hicks McTaggart, private eye, gets sent out on what should be a routine case, locating and bringing back the missing heiress of a Wisconsin cheese fortune. Before he knows it, he’s been strongarmed onto a transoceanic liner, ending up in Hungary—but of course with no sign of the heiress. By the time Hicks catches up with her he will find himself also entangled with Nazis, Soviet agents and British counterspies, and the troubles that come with each of them.

Amity

by Nathan Harris

available in September, hardcover, Little,Brown

The Civil War might be over, but formerly enslaved Coleman and June have yet to find the freedom they’ve been promised. Two years ago, the siblings were separated when their old master, Mr. Harper, took June away to Mexico, while Coleman stayed behind in Louisiana to serve the Harper family. When an unexpected letter from Mr. Harper arrives, summoning Coleman to Mexico, Coleman thinks that finally his prayers have been answered. When disaster strikes Coleman’s journey, he is forced on the run with Mr. Harper's daughter, Florence. Together, they venture into the Mexican desert to find June, all the while evading two crooked brothers who'll stop at nothing to capture Coleman and Florence.

The Four Spent the Day Together

by Chris Kraus

available in October, hardcover, Scribner Catt Greene and her husband, Paul Garcia, are living nearby in a house they’d bought years earlier as a summer escape from Los Angeles. Locked into a period of personal turmoil, moving between LA and Minnesota, Catt turns away from her own life and towards a true crime case from the town's history, which soon becomes an obsession. Written in three linked parts, The Four Spent the Day Together explores the tensions of unclaimed futures and unchosen circumstances in the age of social media and the everwidening gulf between the rich and poor.

The Hounding

by Xenobe Purvis

available now, hardcover, Henry Holt & Co.

In this clever and strange novel set in an 18th century village, five sisters are rumored to be witnessed turning into dogs. Told by a rotating cast of villagers, some more resistant to rumors than others, this atmospheric tale of the power of suggestion places you in the unique position of trying to decide for yourself if these girls are actually capable of turning into dogs (and perhaps even hoping that they do!) and kept me riveted by how everything keeps unwinding—or perhaps it becomes wound too tight. –Caitriona

The Harvey Girls

by Juliette Fay

available now, paperback, Gallery

1926: Charlotte was born into one of the finest Boston society families. Now she’s on the run from a brutal husband. Billie is the oldest of nine children born to Scottish immigrants in Nebraska. Desperate, both women join the ranks of the Harvey Girls, waitresses who serve in America’s first hospitality chain on the Santa Fe railroad. Through 12-hour days of training in Topeka, Kansas, they learn the fine art of service, perfecting their skills despite bouts of homesickness, fear of being discovered, and a run-in with the KKK. When they’re sent to work at the luxurious El Tovar hotel at the Grand Canyon, the challenges only grow, as Billie struggles to hide her young age from would-be suitors, and Charlotte discovers the little-known dark side of the national park’s history.

Circle of Days

by Ken Follett

available in September, hardcover, Grand Central Priestess Joia’s vision of a great stone circle, assembled by the divided tribes of the Plain, will inspire flint miner Seft and become their life’s work. But as drought ravages the earth, mistrust grows between the herders, farmers and woodlanders—and an act of savage violence leads to open warfare. New epic historical fiction by a master of the genre!

Life, and Death, and Giants

by Ron Rindo

available in September, hardcover, St. Martin's Press Gabriel Fisher was born at 18 pounds and became a giant. Rindo's novel tells the story of this gentle giant, and the stories of of so many of the lives Fisher touched along the way. A lovely tale of friendship, family, and community... with all the quirks along the way. This one is destined to be a book club favorite. –Erin

Vianne

by

Joanne Harris

available in September, hardcover, Pegasus Books Joanne Harris returns to the world of Chocolat with the long-awaited story of Vianne, which begins six years before she opens her scandalous chocolaterie. For the first time in her life, Vianne feels in control of her future. Charming her way into a job as a waitress, she tries to fit in, make friends, and come to terms with her pregnancy. As she discovers the joy of cooking for the very first time, making local recipes her own with the addition of bittersweet chocolate spices, she learns that this humble magic has the power to unlock secrets.

The Frequency of Living Things

by Nick Fuller Googins

Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

available now, hardcover, Atria Josie may be the youngest sister, but she takes care of everyone. She is the left-brained scientist to her twin sisters’ right-brained artistic chaos. She makes sure their rent gets paid on time, they make their therapy appointments, and has also been their de-facto band manager since she was a teenager. When Ara, her middle sister (by a few minutes), calls from jail, it isn’t exactly a surprise, and Josie knows exactly how to snap into action. Ara doesn’t exactly want to leave jail and Emma, front-woman of the band, might also need to spread her wings.

New Fiction

Intemperance

by Sonora Jha

available in October, hardcover, HarperVia

The author of the critically acclaimed The Laughter returns with this satirical feminist novel about a woman of a certain age who sparks a firestorm when she holds a contest, based on a fabled Indian custom, in which men compete to win her affections. A humorous fable for our times, Intemperance is also a beautiful meditation on aging, romance, love, and hope.

Hot Desk

by Laura Dickerman

available in September, hardcover, Gallery

Heart the Lover

by Lily King

available in September, hardcover, Grove Press

According to Lily King, "Empathy, human connection and love are what will save us," and this novel is ripe with all three. The narrator understands good love stories—their secrets and subtext, their highs and free falls.

But her greatest love story, the one she lived, never followed the simple rules. Written with the superb wit and emotional sensitivity fans and critics of King have come to adore, this is a deeply moving love story that celebrates literature, forgiveness, and the transformative bonds that shape our lives. Wise, unforgettable, and with a delightful connective thread to Writers & Lovers , this is King at her very best, affirming her as a masterful chronicler of the human experience and one of the finest novelists at work today.

In the post-pandemic publishing industry, two rival editors are forced to share a “hot desk” on different days of the week, much to their chagrin. Having never set eyes on each other, Rebecca Blume and Ben Heath begin leaving passiveaggressive Post-it notes on the pot of their shared cactus. But when revered literary legend Edward David Adams (known as “the Lion”) dies, leaving his estate up for grabs, their banter escalates as both work feverishly to land this career-making opportunity. Their fierce rivalry ultimately forces each to decide how far they’ll go to get ahead, what role they want to play in the Lion’s legacy, and what they mean to each other.

Fiction

The Phoebe Variations

by Jane Hamilton

available in September, hardcover, Zibby Publishing

The acclaimed author of The Book of Ruth and A Map of the World returns with a stunning coming-of-age novel about girls, mothers, and finding one's way in the world. Seventeenyear-old Phoebe was never interested in her birth family. But on the cusp of her high school graduation, her adoptive mother, Greta, insists on a visit to meet her biological parents and siblings. The encounter is a jolt, a revelation that derails Phoebe.

Bog Queen

by Anna North

available in October, hardcover, Bloomsbury Publishing

Sister Creatures

by Laura Venita Green

available in October, hardcover, The Unnamed Press

When a body found in a peat bog is determined to be that of a woman buried nearly two thousand years ago, police, scientists, environmentalists, and corporate interests clash. Told through the voices of a modern-day forensic anthropologist, a Celtic druid on the outskirts of the Roman empire, and—thrillingly—the peat moss itself, it's a beautiful tapestry that wisely probes big themes of ambition, dominion, commerce, death, connection, nature, and healing.

The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park

by

Michiko Aoyama

available now, hardcover, Hanover Square Press

At the bottom of an apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is Sunrise Park, where you will find a very special, age-old hippo ride named Kabahiko. According to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you find yourself have an ailment or wound, you will see swift signs of recovery. They call it "Healing Hippo." Aoyama's latest novel is a deeply moving celebration of kindness, community, and understanding.

YOU Choose!

Consider the Consequences

by Doris

Webster and Mary Alden Hopkins

available in September, hardcover, Pushkin Press

You decide what the characters do—and who they end up with—in this interactive 1930s romantic time capsule that paved the way for Choose Your Own Adventure! Play as a party game, or read on your own, as you navigate the lives of a spunky heroine, a charming rake, and a dependable and devoted (but dull?) suitor!

This debut gothic novel is about small town life in the deep South and four women who are trying to overcome the limitations of place and the need for radical acceptance and connection in a time and place where finding them are life-long challenges. “This is a book that interchanges the tender and the cruel, the weird and the real, with breathtaking ease.” –Jinwoo Chong, author of I Leave It Up to You

The Second Chance Cinema

by Thea Weiss

available in October, hardcover, Atria Books

If you had a chance to revisit the best moments of your life with a magical cinema, would you? What about the worst moments? And what about the most intimate memories of your life partner? The Second Chance Cinema explores how grief can drive us into isolation and how it can break family apart, but also how it can help us grow into the people we are meant to be. –Kellen

Wreck

by Catherine Newman

available in October, hardcover, Harper

The acclaimed bestselling author of Sandwich is back with a wonderful novel, full of laughter and heart, about marriage, family, and what happens when life doesn’t go as planned. Newman explores the hidden rules of family, the heavy weight of uncertainty, and the gnarly fact that people—no matter how much you love them—are not always exactly who you want them to be.

The Devil Is a Southpaw

by Brandon Hobson

available in October, hardcover, Ecco Milton Muleborn has envied Matthew Echota, a talented Cherokee artist, ever since they were locked up together in a dangerous juvenile detention center in the late 1980s. Until Matthew escaped, that is. A novel within a novel, Milton’s unreliable account of the story of their childhood even as, years later, he remains jealous of Matthew’s extraordinary abilities.

Apostle’s Cove

by William Kent Krueger

available in September, hardcover, Atria

Mystery and Suspense

A few nights before Halloween, Cork O’Connor receives a call from his son, Stephen, who is working for a nonprofit dedicated to securing freedom for unjustly incarcerated inmates. Stephen tells his father that decades ago, as the newly elected sheriff of Tamarack County, Cork was responsible for sending an Ojibwe man named Axel Boshey to prison for a brutal murder that Stephen is certain he did not commit. Cork feels compelled to reinvestigate the crime, but that is easier said than done. Not only is it a closed case but Axel Boshey is, inexplicably, refusing to help.

Tokyo Express

by Seichō Matsumoto

available in October, paperback, Modern Library

From “Japan's Agatha Christie” (The Sunday Times): A secluded bay. An apparent lovers’ suicide. And a pair of detectives with a nagging suspicion that the pieces don’t add up. Can you solve one of the most astonishing literary puzzles ever written? "An irresistible Hitchcockian gem: a fiendishly plotted crime novel told in crisp, elegant prose."

—Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train

Crime Ink: Iconic :

An Anthology of Crime Fiction Inspired by Queer Icons edited by John Copenhaver and Salem West available in September, paperback, Bywater Books

The Black Wolf

by Louise Penny

available in October, hardcover, Minotaur Books

“One of the series' best...Penny pulls off the narrative’s uncharacteristically epic scope without a hitch, swapping fair-play puzzles for pulse-pounding cliffhangers without sacrificing intimate character moments. Gamache’s fans will be eager for his next adventure" —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

No Rest for the Wicked

by Rachel Louise Adams

available in September, hardcover, Minotaur Books

This thrilling mystery is a must-read for the Fall! The story takes place in a town obsessed with Halloween and offers a dark and mysterious puzzle that will make your hair stand on end! Brace yourselves for this brilliant debut where no one can be trusted, and the stakes have never been higher! –Sean

In 2023, crime fiction anthologies featured 517 stories across 30 titles—but shockingly, fewer than 1% were penned by LGBTQ+ writers. Drawing inspiration from queer icons—James Baldwin, Oscar Wilde, Candy Darling, Radclyffe Hall, Babadook, Megan Rapinoe, Laverne Cox, Dolly Parton, and many more—these tales span the rich spectrum of crime fiction, from cozy mysteries and whodunits to noir, psychological thrillers, and police procedurals. Each story is a testament to the depth, ingenuity, and thrilling originality of queer voices in the genre.

The Belles

by Lacey N. Dunham

available in September, hardcover, Atria

It’s 1951 at the secluded Bellerton College, and Deena Williams is an outsider doing her best to blend in with her wealthy and perfectly groomed peers. She quickly forms an alliance with the five other freshmen on her floor, and soon they are singled out by the president’s wife as the most promising girls of their class, who anoints them: The Belles. But as Deena begins to piece together the sinister history of Bellerton, her own past threatens to come to light, forcing her to make a dangerous choice.

The Secret of Secrets

by Dan Brown

available in September, hardcover, Doubleday

The world’s most celebrated thriller writer returns with his most stunning novel yet—a propulsive, twisty, thought-provoking masterpiece that will entertain readers as only Dan Brown can do. Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, is back— now in a thrilling race through the dual worlds of futuristic science and mystical lore, where he uncovers a shocking truth that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

Horror

Exiles

by Mason Coile

available in September, hardcover, G.P. Putnam’s Sons

This chilling psychological horror had me on the edge of my seat until the final page was turned and the last twist had been revealed! I literally could not put this down! Coile writes a terrifying narrative about humans attempting to colonize Mars, but they find out they may not be alone on the Red Planet. This is a perfect read for fans of The Twilight Zone. –Sean

The Wax Child

by Olga Ravn

translated by Martin Aitken available in September, paperback, New Directions

In 17th-century Denmark, Christenze Kruckow, an unmarried noblewoman, is accused of witchcraft. She and several other women are rumored to be possessed by the Devil, who has come to them in the form of a tall headless man who gives them dark powers: they can steal people's happiness, they have performed unchristian acts, and they can cause pestilence or death. They are all in danger of the stake.

The October Film Haunt

by Michael Wehunt

available in September, hardcover, St. Martin's Press

The October Film Haunt is truly something special. Michael Wehunt is a master of creating realistic human emotion, even in unrealistic situations. I cannot wait to see more work of his in the future, and I truly believe he will, one day, be on the same level as Stephen King if he isn't already. The book itself is amazing; it flows smoothly with every page, and it allowed me to piece together what happened myself. It's as if the words reached out, running their cold hands down my spine and allowing me to experience the horror in real time. I could read this over and over again, and I truly find The October Film Haunt to be one of the best books a horror fan could read!

–Milo Chervenock-Johnson, guest reviewer

You Weren’t Meant to Be Human

by Andrew Joseph White

available in September, hardcover, Saga Press

Atlas of Unknowable Things

by McCormick Templeman

available in October, hardcover, St. Martin’s Press

High in the Rocky Mountains on a secluded campus, sits Hildegard College, a celebrated institution known for its scientific innovation and its sprawling, botanical gardens. Historian Robin Quain has been awarded a residency to examine Hildegard’s impressive collection of ancient manuscripts, but she has a secret. She’s on the hunt for an artifact before her rival gets his hands on it first. Drawing on historical, botanical, and occult research, and steeped in the gothic tradition, this novel considers what it means to search for meaning in the scientific, only to come face to face with the sublime.

A Blood as Bright as the Moon

by Andrea Morstabilini

available in September, paperback, Titan Books

Morstabilini’s first book published in English is a stellar examination of the power and seduction of the desire to believe. Both in how it can heal and hurt someone. Told in a mixture of third and second perspective, A Blood as Bright as the Moon, places the reader in the front seat of a romantic—yet delirious—tale that is as unsettling as it is timeless. Oh…there are also vampires. –Sydney

They Fear Not Men in the Woods

by Gretchen McNeil

available in September, hardcover, DAW

When Jen Monroe hears her father's remains have been found, she returns home to disprove his death, only to find the forests of rural Washington are hiding horrors beyond imagining. For fans of Midsommar, Catriona Ward, and Sarah Gailey, this addictively readable modern horror novel unfolds like a movie with a climax you’ll never see coming. Browse & Shop 24/7 at

Alien meets Midsommar in this chilling debut adult novel. Crane is grateful. Among his hive’s followers, Crane has found a chance to transition, to never speak again, to live a life that won’t destroy him. He even met Levi: a handsome ex-Marine and brutal killer who treats him like a real man, mostly. But when Levi gets Crane pregnant—and the hive demands the child’s birth, no matter the cost—Crane’s desperation to make it stop will drive the community that saved him into a devastating spiral that can only end in blood.

Paperback Releases

By Any Other Name

by Jodi Picoult

available now, paperback, Ballantine Books

Playground by Richard Powers

available in September, W. W. Norton & Company

The magisterial novel from the Pulitzer Prize–winning and New York Times best-selling author of The Overstory.

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

available now, Random House

From Pulitzer Prize–winning author Elizabeth Strout comes a stunner of a novel about new friendships, old loves, and the very human desire to leave a mark on the world.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney available in September, Picador

An exquisitely moving story about grief, love, and family— but especially love—from the global phenomenon Sally Rooney.

The

City and Its Uncertain Walls

by Haruki Murakami available in September, Vintage International "Haruki Murakami invented 21st-century fiction." —The New York Times

Model Home by Rivers Solomon available in September, Picador

Named a Best Horror Book of the Year by The New York Times Book Review—welcome to a new kind of haunted-house novel.

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley available now, Picador

A darkly enchanting page-turner laden with sensuality and intrigue.

The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny available now, Minotaur Books "Richly complicated. Compulsively Readable." –Los Angeles Times

When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén

available now, Knopf Doubleday

International Bestseller & Swedish Book of the Year Award-winner

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

available in September, Penguin

“An odyssey of action and awe.” —The New York Times

This was one of my favorite reads of 2024! A profound and captivating tapestry of two women, one in the 16th century, one in the present–both facing the issue of not being able to put their own name on the plays they have written. Jodi Picoult does an amazing job of blending real historical facts and people into a riveting narrative about a woman who may be one of the writers behind William Shakespeare's plays. In present day her descendant faces many of the same issues showing just how much the fight for women's voices in play-writing is still happening today. –Caitriona

I Am Cleopatra

by Natasha Solomons available in October, paperback, Harper Perennial

This powerful retelling of the life of Cleopatra sheds light on an often misrepresented, strong female historical figure. Solomons breathes life into a name we all know, giving her depth and strength in the face of adversity none of us could fully comprehend. Weaving together Cleopatra's story with that of Caesar's mistress Servilia, this is compelling historical novel that will appeal to lovers of historical fiction and myth retellings.–Caitriona

Building Community Since 1980

Romance

Nearly Roadkill : Queer Love on the Run

by Kate Bornstein and Caitlin Sullivan

available in September, paperback, Generous Press

If you experienced AOL chat rooms and knew how to create a handful of ASCII art pieces, get ready to get your nostalgia juices flowing. If neither of those things are true for you, please come for a beautiful love story, re-envisioned for a 21st century lens with a clever construction I don't know I've ever seen before. –Sarah

Every Step She Takes

by Alison Cochrun

available in September, paperback, Atria

Seattleite Sadie Wells needs an escape. When her injured sister offers Sadie her place on a tour along Portugal’s Camino de Santiago, she decides this is the perfect chance to get away from it all. After three glasses of wine on the plane Sadie confesses all her secrets to her seatmate, Mal. The problem: the plane doesn’t crash, and it turns out Mal is on her Camino tour. Worst of all, Sadie learns that she is on a tour specifically for queer women, and that her two-hundred-mile trek will be a journey of self-discovery, whether she wants it to be or not.

A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart

by Morgan Lockhart

available in September, paperback, Dutton

In this holiday romance with an enchanting twist, a magic-averse witch returns home to save her small town’s beloved winter festival in time for the holidays with the help of her estranged coven and distractingly handsome childhood rival. As the quest to keep the festival alive grows increasingly complicated, Rowan realizes she must reconnect with what she tried to leave behind to let go of the fear of her power and let her heart lead the way.

Saturday, September 27, 4pm

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Princess of Blood —the spellbinding sequel to Sarah Hawley’s USA Today bestseller Servant of Earth.

Once a servant, now a princess, a young woman thrust into power challenges everything about the underground Fae realm. Bellingham writer Sarah Hawley is also the author of the popular Glimmer Falls series—a steamy, whimsical trilogy of fantasy romances full of heart, heat, and plenty of laughs. She will be joined in conversation by bestselling author Ann Aguirre—an evening you don't want to miss!

Fantasy

Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife

by Deston J. Munden

available in October, paperback, Bindery

Books

Ready to settle in with a cozy, foodie fantasy? Rottgor, an undead orc knight, is worn out. Literally. Barely held together by dark magic, he has protected the necropolis for centuries. When he’s forced into retirement, he’s faced with a new challenge: to forge a future guided not by obligation, but by passion.

The Works of Vermin

by Hiron Ennes

available in October, hardcover, Tor Books

Enter the decadent, deadly city of Tiliard, a metropolis carved into the stump of an ancient tree. In its canopy, the pampered elite warp minds with toxic perfume; in its roots, gangs of exterminators hunt the uncanny creatures that crawl up from the river. One such exterminator Guy Moulène has a simple goal: keep his sister out of debt. For her sake, he'll take on any job, no matter how vile. His latest quarry is a centipede the size of a dragon with a deadly venom and a ravenous taste for artwork. No sane person would hunt it, if they had the choice.

Alchemised

by SenLinYu

available in September, hardcover, Del Rey Books

A stunning twisted, dark fantasy arrives from an author local to the PNW! A beautifully orchestrated, yet chilling world with complex and mysterious characters is what readers will find when they sink their teeth into this magical book! Alchemised is fantasy done right! A perfect read for fans of The Lies of Locke Lamora –Sean

Kill the Beast

by Serra Swift

available in October, hardcover, Tor Books

The night Lyssa Cadogan's brother was murdered by a faerie-made monster known as the Beast, she promised she would find a way to destroy the immortal creature and avenge his death. For thirteen years, she has been hunting faeries and the abominations they created. But the one Beast she is most desperate to find has never resurfaced. Until she meets a melodramatic dandy with a coin purse bigger than his brain. Somehow, he has found the monster’s lair and retrieved one of its claws. A claw Lyssa needs in order to forge a sword that can kill the Beast.

How to Defeat a Demon King in 10 Easy Steps

by Andrew Rowe

available in September, hardcover, Saga Press Literature Role-playing game (LitRPG) is my newly discovered favorite genre! Even though this is an adult book, I found the writing to be young adult friendly and a great choice for anyone who is new to the fantasy genre. The world building for the magic systems are easy to follow yet unique and well thought out. The main characters are laugh-out-loud funny and lovable. I was amazed at how fast I flew through this novel. –Courtney

Among the Burning Flowers

by Samantha Shannon

available in September, hardcover, Bloomsbury Publishing

A story of human resilience in the face of dire circumstances, Among the Burning Flowers leads readers through the gripping and tragic events that pave the way for the opening of The Priory of The Orange Tree. Enjoy the prequel or take your first steps into the epic.

Never Miss Out!

Like us on Facebook! Make sure to select "Get Notifications" so you'll always see our posts about local events and other book-related topics. Go to facebook.com/VillageBooks & facebook.com/VillageBooksLynden for fun and informative posts from both stores.

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Marissa MEYER

Sunday, November 9, 6pm at Village Books in Fairhaven

THE HOUSE SAPHIR

The Ghost of Bluebeard, a Handsome Count, and a Con Artist in Over Her Head

Marissa Meyer is coming to town! Join us at Village Books in Fairhaven as we welcome the bestselling "Queen of Fairytale Retellings" and celebrate her thrilling new romantasy and murder mystery, The House Saphir —the tale of Bluebeard as it's never been told before.

Admission to this event includes a hardcover copy of The House Saphir! Tickets available now at villagebooks.com!

Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles series, the Renegades trilogy, the Gilded Duology, the Wires and Nerve graphic novels, and more!

Romance + Fantasy = ROMANTASY

A Dominating Fusion of Hot Genres

Although it's been around a long time, Romantic Fantasy—now coined Romantasy—has gained significant popularity over the past couple years, with many attributing this rise to authors like Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Jennifer L. Armentrout to name just few.

Romantasy novels feature fantastical elements such as magic, mythical creatures, mystical realms and escapism providing the world and plot. Passionate romantic storylines are the key drivers of the narrative. Due to its escapist nature, diverse characters, and ability to offer emotional depth and satisfying resolutions in a world of uncertainty, it's no wonder this fusion of genres is so popular!

While these titles are often found in our fantasy/science fiction and romance sections of the store, you don't want to miss perusing the Young Adult section as well. The staff at Village Books and Paper Dreams LOVE making reading recommendations so don't hesitate to ask questions. Happy reading!

Science Fiction

Spread Me

by Sarah Gailey

available in September, paperback, Tor Nightfire

Sarah Gailey's descriptive use of body horror entangled with desire lures readers further into the story, even as the thought of an invasive sentient virus makes you want to run away. Spread Me is Gailey’s best work yet, blending horror and science fiction in a way that will leave the reader thinking about the things beneath the Earth’s crust long after the last page has been read. –Sydney

Sunward

by William Alexander

What We Can Know

by Ian McEwan

available in September, hardcover, Knopf

Ian McEwan's newest work takes place in a probable future as a reflection back upon a never-seen-since poem written in the year 2014. Part scholarly discussion, part love story, and part cautionary tale, we see the lives, past and present, intersect in commonality as the novel travels its course. An absolute page-turner by one of the best storytellers of our time. –Erin

available in September, hardcover, Saga Press Captain Tova Lir chose a life as a courier rather than get involved in her family’s illustrious business in politics. Set in humanity’s far future, hiring a planetary courier is essential for delivering private messages across the stars. Encouraged by friends, Tova begins mentoring baby bots, juvenile AI who are developmentally in their teens, and trains them how to interact within society, essentially becoming their foster mom. Agatha Panza von Sparkles, young AI, is on a mission with Tova. But on their return, they encounter a derelict spaceship and a lurking assassin, igniting a thrilling chase across the solar system.

A Land So Wide

by Erin A. Craig

available in September, hardcover, Pantheon Books

Erin A. Craig knows how to write monsters. And she knows how to turn those monsters into something more, something that makes you think. She achieves this beautifully in her adult debut, set in the moody and atmospheric wilds of Canada in the 1700's. It feels like a folktale to be whispered in the dark around a campfire, and her lush detail sets a vivid scene. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. –Caitriona

The Society of Unknowable Objects

by Gareth Brown

available now, hardcover, William Morrow

The Summer War

by Naomi Novik

available in September, hardcover, Del Rey Celia discovered her talent for magic on the day her beloved eldest brother Argent left home. Furious at him for abandoning her in a war-torn land, she lashed out, not realizing her childish, angry words would suddenly become imbued with the power of prophecy, dooming him to a life without love. In this poignant, heartfelt novella from the New York Times bestselling author of Spinning Silver and the Scholomance Trilogy, a young witch who has inadvertently cursed her brother must find a way to undo her spell.

The Heist of Hollow London

by Eddie Robson

available in September, hardcover, Tor Books

This is the type of sci-fi dystopian novel I’ve been searching for since I first read Brave New World. Robson masterfully builds a scarily realistic, futuristic world full of the consequences of contemporary issues. Not only does this thrilling tale offer an insightful cultural critique, but an engrossing heist that will leave you on the edge of your seat while you uncover secrets of the world alongside the zany cast of characters! –Sean

Garth Brown has done it again! Another tale weaving magic into everyday items in the most unexpected and fantastical way, always with a cost, and always with an unexpected twist! I wasn't sure if I could love another book as much as his first, The Book of Doors , but this one has come very, very close. For any fantasy lover, any person who looks for magic in the world around you, you simply must pick up this book, I promise you will not regret it. –Caitriona

Celebrating WRITING

at the 2025 Chuckanut Writers Conference

In June, writers from near and far descended on Sehome High School for an inspiring weekend of connection and learning at the 2025 Chuckanut Writers Conference. Along with a brilliant faculty discussing everything from habits to craft to publication and beyond, our participants also enjoyed connection with sponsoring literary organizations, food provided by local food trucks and our friends Next Chapter Café, and most importantly, robust conversation with one another. We are so grateful to everyone who participated, presented, volunteered, and otherwise made this event come to life.

"A very warm and supportive conference environment. All of the faculty were so approachable." - Attendee

"The whole conference, there is a strong sense of respect for one another. That's beautiful! Well done!" - Attendee

"It was a wonderful conference. The tone set for the weekend was perfection—inspiring and supportive. It was a delight to be part of all the fun!" -2025 Faculty Member

Registration for 2026 will open later this year...stay tuned!

A Workshop for Writers with Matt Bell

Strengthening Your Story at Every Scale

Saturday November 8, 10am-4pm at Village Books in Fairhaven

Join fellow writers at Village Books in Fairhaven for a one-of-a-kind workshop with author and teacher Matt Bell—an award-winning author of contemporary and speculative fiction as well as Refuse to Be Done, a craft book for writers. Bell's teaching is applicable to all forms of creative writing, fiction, and non-fiction. Read more and register to attend at villagebooks.com

Presented by

VB WRITES...

WRITING GROUPS

Open To Newcomers!

Are you a writer in search of a writing group?

Come meet other writers who can help you get organized, give feedback, and help you with your writing goals. These groups are free and open to newcomers and drop-ins. With the exception of the Lynden group, these groups meet at Village Books in Fairhaven in either the Writers Corner or Readings Gallery.

NOTE: Individual group schedules may change — check villagebooks.com for updates.

ECOLOGICAL WRITING GROUP

Meets 2nd Wednesdays from 10:30am-12pm in the Fairhaven Readings Gallery

Note: Formerly called Environmentalists Anonymous, this group meets once a month

FICTION I

Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 6pm in the Writers Corner on the mezzanine

FICTION II

Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 6pm in the Writers Corner on the mezzanine

WRITING FROM PROMPTS

Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 10:30am-noon in the Readings Gallery

SPECULATIVE FICTION I

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6pm-8pm in the Writers Corner on the mezzanine

SPECULATIVE FICTION II

QUEER POETS SOCIETY

Meets 3rd Sundays from 10:30am-Noon at Village Books in Fairhaven - in the Readings Gallery

Read full descriptions and expectations for each group at villagebooks.com. Please note that scheduling changes do occur. Watch the events calendar at villagebooks.com for updates.

MORNING POETRY GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 10:30am-noon in the Readings Gallery

EVENING POETRY GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 5:30pm-7pm in the Writers Corner on the mezzanine

NONFICTION & MEMOIR

2nd & 4th Tuesdays from 9:30am-11am in the Readings Gallery

Meets 2nd & 4th Sundays, 3:30pm-5:30pm in the Writers Corner on the mezzanine

LYNDEN WRITING GROUP

Meets 2nd Wednesdays, 7-9pm in the Waples Room of the Inn at Lynden - adjacent to Village Books & Paper Dreams, Lynden. Read more on page 38.

Kids & Teens! See page 66 for writing opportunities.

SIT DOWN AND WRITE

Every Friday 9:15am-11:00am

Meets in the Writers Corner on the mezzanine A place to work in quiet, but in tacit silent support, with other writers.

CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK CRITIQUE GROUP

Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm in the Writers Corner on the mezzanine

Sign up for our Just Write! eNewsletter, a monthly publication highlighting current classes, tips and tricks, writing book reviews and the like! Questions? Contact writing@villagebooks.com

Chuckanut Writers

Classes for Your Writing Life

Chuckanut Writers classes are designed to inspire and encourage writers at all stages of their journey. Check out the upcoming classes and register through Whatcom Community College. Chuckanut Writers is a collaboration between Village Books and WCC Community & Continuing Education.

Writing Across Genres

with Gail Noble-Sanderson

Saturday, Sept. 27, 10am-noon at Village Books in Fairhaven (1 session)

Fiction's Four Cornerstones

with Brenda Wilbee

Mondays, Sept. 29-Oct. 20, 6pm-8pm at WCC (4 sessions)

Fun & Freedom:

Keeping Your Inner Critic Out So You Can Have Fun Writing with Spencer Ellsworth Sundays, Oct. 5 & 12, 10:30am-12:30pm at Village Books in Fairhaven (2 sessions)

Writing the Season of Autumn

with Jennifer Wilhoit

Tuesday, September 30, 10am-noon Virtual Classroom (1 session)

Children's Book

Manuscript Critique Group

with Rebecca Van Slyke

Tuesdays, Oct. 7-Oct. 28, 7pm-8:30pm at WCC (4 sessions)

Memoir Writing: How to Tell Your Own Story

with Melissa Johnson

Wednesdays, Oct. 8- Nov. 12, 5:30pm-8pm at WCC (6 sessions)

The Open Road: Writing Poems of Travel and Reflection with Barbara Bloom

Wednesdays, Oct. 15- Nov. 5 10am-noon at WCC (4 sessions)

The Way of the Resilient Writer

with Susan Browne

Saturday, Oct. 18, 11am-2pm at Village Books in Fairhaven (1 session)

The Poetry of Work : Using Our Jobs as Source Material

with Patrick Dixon

Sunday, Oct. 19, 6pm-7:30pm at Village Books in Fairhaven (1 session)

Get Your Novel Written in November!

with Rebecca Agiewich

Thursday, Oct. 30, 5:30pm-7:30pm at Village Books in Fairhaven (1 session)

Writing Personal Experiences as Fictional Stories

with Alle C. Hall

Sunday, Nov. 2, 11am-2pm at Village Books in Fairhaven (1 session)

Class sizes are limited so register early! See whatcomcommunityed.com for class descriptions and pricing.

T HE WRITERS' SALON

You are invited to this informal, open chat about all things writing. This drop-in conversation is intended for writers of all experience levels and any genre. The Salon is a conversation space, where all of us share our experiences and our questions. Each month will have a topic and one or two "featured guests." Join us for this lovely community discussion and grow your writing support system! Upcoming topics include:

• September 7: Beginnings l • October 5: Writing Habits and Routines

• November 2: Sharing Our Writing with Others l • December 7: Revision

We meet the 1st Sunday of most months from 3-4pm in the Readings Gallery of Village Books in Fairhaven

Chuckanut Writers

Village Books and WCC Community & Continuing Education offer a writing instruction collaboration called Chuckanut Writers. These programs are designed to inspire and encourage writers at all stages of their writing journey.

WhaMemWriMo

Write Your Memoir in September

Since 2014, September has been declared Whatcom Memoir Writing Month (WhaMemWriMo)! Throughout the month, you are encouraged to write 1,666 words every day, resulting in 50,000 words of your memoir—a book—by the end of September.

Led by experienced memoir writers and teachers, Village Books and Whatcom Community College offer a variety of workshops and classes to support you along the way. See whatcomcommunityed.com for class prices and registration information. Pre-registration is required.

Thursday, September 4, 5:30pm-7pm

Generating Scenes for Your Memoir with Nancy Canyon

Village Books Readings Gallery, Fairhaven

Saturday, September 6, 10am-11:30am

Writing Your Way into Your Story with Anne Putnam

Village Books Readings Gallery, Fairhaven

Monday, September 8, 5:30pm-7pm What Is Your Memoir About? with Stephanie Dethlefs

Village Books Readings Gallery, Fairhaven

Wednesday, September 10, 5:30pm-7pm

Gaining Freedom from Your Inner Critic with Cami Ostman

Village Books Readings Gallery, Fairhaven

Saturday, September 13, 10am-11:30am

Writing Micro-Memoirs with Shoshana Kerewsky

Village Books Readings Gallery, Fairhaven

Thursday, September 18, 5:30pm-7pm How to Make Characters Out of People You Know with Melissa Johnson

Village Books Readings Gallery, Fairhaven

Tuesday, September 23, 10am-12pm The Heart & Soul of Memoir Writing with Jennifer Wilhoit

Virtual Classroom - on Zoom

In the KITCHEN

Good

Things :  Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love by Samin Nosrat

available in September, hardcover, Random House

New Samin Nosrat!!!!!!! There are precious few chefs who make their recipes both accessible and tasty while also explaining elements of science, culture, and personal thoughts. From piri piri chicken to perfect yellow birthday cake, each recipe is sheer perfection. I use her first book in the kitchen all the time and this new one is no different! –Sarah

A

School Lunch Revolution : A Cookbook by Alice Waters

available in October, hardcover, Penguin Press Culinary icon Alice Waters reimagines the way we feed our children at school and at home. Beginning with what we cook in our kitchens, this book offers the first step to teaching the next generation the lifelong values of eating whole foods. Inspired by international food traditions, these versatile recipes explore an array of textures and tastes guided by the principles Waters believes compose memorable, organic meals.

The Blue Food Cookbook : Delicious Seafood Recipes for a Sustainable Future by Andrew Zimmern and Barton Seaver available in October, hardcover, Harvest Andrew Zimmern and leading sustainable seafood expert and educator Barton Seaver present a seafood bible looking at blue food from water to plate: a tangible, delicious cookbook for how to best buy, prepare, and cook from our oceans and waterways sustainably. More than 145 delicious recipes are in this first-of-its-kind cookbook is all you need to cook seafood confidently and responsibly.

Cooking Lit

The

Anthony Bourdain Reader: New, Classic, and Rediscovered Writing by Anthony Bourdain and Patrick Radden Keefe available in October, hardcover, Ecco

Canning & Preserving Pickles, Illustrated:  A Cookbook of 36 Recipes and Briny Miscellany

by Karen Solomon, illustrated by Alice Oehr available in September, hardcover, Chronicle Books

Did you know at-home pickles made in your refrigerator are affectionately referred to as “quickles”? Well, now you do. With history’s first recordings of jarred pickles appearing as early as 2400 BC, this brightly illustrated collection of 30 plus pickling recipes and lore galore is guaranteed to be shelf stable. You’ll discover four categories of pickles: sour-ish, savory-ish, sweet-ish, and spicy-ish. Recipes for classics such as Pickled Red Onion sit alongside deeper cuts like Spicy Blackened Szechuan Pickled Peppers—all delicious options for your next charcuterie board.

Cooking AND Lit

The Great Gatsby:  The Complete Novel with 15 Recipes

The Anthony Bourdain Reader is a testament to the enduring and singular voice Bourdain crafted. Edited by Bourdain’s longtime agent and friend Kimberly Witherspoon and with a foreword by Patrick Radden Keefe, this is an essential reader for any Bourdain fan as well as a vivid and moving recollection of the life and legacy of one of our most distinctive writers. These writings together serve as a moving tribute to the singular contributions Anthony Bourdain gave to the culinary world.

Inspired by the Roaring ’20s by F. Scott Fitzgerald available now, hardcover, Chronicle Books Put on the jazz music and pour the champagne! The Great Gatsby turns 100 this year and we're celebrating the centuryold literary classic from legendary American novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald, with this special edition of his timeless novel plus 15 recipes to immerse readers in the hedonistic times of the culture-churning 1920s.

Next Chapter Café

Inside Village Books in Fairhaven

Located on the mezzanine level of Village Books in Fairhaven, The Next Chapter Café fuses the culinary talents of wife and husband team Jennifer Worthley and Bryan Matamorosa; her bakery, It's The Sweet Things, and his restaurant, Bry's Filipino Cuisine. To say that the Village Books staff was eager to try out this new café is a massive understatement. They dove right in and are excited to share their reviews of the eats, treats, and drinks of the Next Chapter Café. Enjoy!

Pandesal Breakfast Sandwich

Irish Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Irish Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies are a decadent, moist, rich deliciousness that I am now craving once again as I write about them! I imagine that the only thing that can be considered missing from it is a nice glass of cold milk. –Sydney

Vegan Butternut Squash Curry

The Vegan Butternut Squash Curry has been a staple rotation when I grab a lunch at Next Chapter! It's gluten and dairy-free without the losing all of the wonderful taste that comes with a spectacular meal! –Sydney

I really recommend the butternut squash curry! It is tender, creamy, and rich in flavor! It pairs well with the house salad which is light, fruity, and just so delicious. I will also never stop recommending their house salad! –Hannah

Blueberry Lemon Bar

Looking for something that taste like summer in one bite? Try out Next Chapter Café's Blueberry Lemon Bar, a decadent treat that blends classic flavors in a mouthwatering pastry that I just have to nab anytime I see it. Full of fresh, juicy blueberries in a creamy, lemon custard with a delightful graham cracker crust, this is guaranteed to make you smile with each flavorsome bite. Just make sure to pick up a second one because if you're like me, you'll definitely want one to devour later. –Cy

Let me start by saying I have loved everything I've tried from Next Chapter Café! I don't only love the food but the owners Jennifer & Bry are incredibly friendly and created such an inviting space! I most recently tried a breakfast sandwich called Pandesal Breakfast Sandwich that was served with a refreshing yogurt bowl! So let me tell you, this sandwich hit the spot! The bread was sweet and soft, the ham was a bit crispy and the addition of avocado and egg made this a filling and delicious sandwich that kept me fueled for the rest of my work day! –Kendra

The pastry and dessert menu rotates daily — there's always something new to try!

Blueberry Lavender Lemonade

On a hot summer day, the blueberry lavender lemonade was exactly what I needed! It's literally summer in a cup, refreshing and gently sweet. Pair it with an ube cookie and I promise you won't be disappointed. –Stephanie

Ube Crinkle Cookies

As cliche as it sounds, do yourself a favor and try the ube crinkle cookies! Next Chapter Café does us all a favor by bundling the cookies in three - some for later? Share with a friend? These cookies are perfection (and I am not a sweets person) — a delicious treat any time of day. – Kat

Chicken Adobo

Do you need an idea for lunch or dinner? The chicken adobo should absolutely be top on your list. It is hands down the best chicken adobo I have ever had. With the side salad and rice you could make it into two meals (if you can resist eating it all in one sitting). It is one of my favorite meals on the menu ... although it is hard to pick favorites with so many delectable choices. –Kat

Five Events • All Free

To celebrate five years of open-access local news, Salish Current is hosting a free Knowledge Festival this September: “Voices of the Northwest” –a community event spotlighting the environment, justice, and culture of our region.

The festival will feature five engaging presentations on topics like, wild salmon, AI, indigenous food systems, social justice reporting and more.

Registration now open. As always, stay Current!

Saturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28

Zuanich Point Park & Fisherman’s Pavilion Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham SeaFeast Festival is a FREE two-day celebration on the shores of Squalicum Harbor dedicated to honoring our rich maritime culture, showcasing our thriving working waterfront, promoting the enjoyment and conservation of our precious water resources, celebrating the vitality of our commercial fishing and seafood industries, and indulging in the diverse culinary bounty that characterizes our corner of the Pacific Northwest. Indulge in local food vendors, each with their own seafood specialties. Enjoy a variety drinks in the picturesque beer and cider garden. Rock out to your favorite local bands, browse a variety of art vendors, check out the interactive maritime and fishing activities, education booths, boat rides, costumes, the SeaFeast Salmon 5k, and way too much more to list here—including a visit from Village Books!

Village Books and Paper Dreams LYNDEN

in the Waples Mercantile Building Downtown Lynden, WA

Stop by Village Books and Paper Dreams in Lynden!

Peruse our collection of unique gifts including jewelry, toys, games, and cards while browsing for new & used books. Visit neighboring shops, enjoy a meal and a drink, even treat yourself to an overnight stay at the lovely Inn at Lynden—all without leaving the building!

Lynden Hours: Sun-Tue: 10am-5pm Wed-Sat: 10am-7pm - Open Daily!

Book Group Lynden FRONT STREETERS

"Variety is the spice of life!"

Join Gaye from Village Books Lynden and the Front Streeters book group as they discuss titles from a variety of genres. They meet in person in the Waples Room of the Inn at Lynden (adjacent to Village Books) at 7pm the third Wednesday of each month.

COSTUME CONTEST

Saturday, September 13, 11am

Wear your favorite costume, listen to a few fun fairy tales, and join Princess Poppie as she leads a royal parade during this extra special story time! With prizes and more - don’t miss out!

Village Books & Paper Dreams - 430 Front St., Lynden, WA • villagebooks.com at Village Books

Lynden Writing Group

• What we are: A safe space to read your work out loud for feedback and an opportunity to gain insight and ideas for furthering your writing project. This group is about nurturing the writer, reflecting on their work and offering ideas or suggestions, or simply listening and encouraging.

• What we are not: A class or critic's circle.

Facilitated by Mary Roy, Village Books Bookseller, we meet every 2nd Wednesday from 7pm-9pm adjacent to Village Books in the Inn at Lynden Waples Room. Enter through the Inn side entrance.

2nd Wednesdays at 7pm September 10 • October 8 • November 10

It's All Happening In Lynden!

September 6, 4pm-10pm • Downtown Lynden

Whiskey l Street Vendors l Music l Food l Beer Garden

Get ready for the 2025 Lynden Whiskey Event, a delightful event spanning downtown Lynden, Yes, Lynden! Participating businesses (including Village Books!) will host local distilleries who will offer a wide selection of whiskeys tastings, with some also offering other spirits like vodka and wine. Whiskey tickets also come with fantastic perks: a commemorative shot glass, a wristband, and access to the Main Stage concerts on 5th street. For those interested in just the concerts, concert-only tickets are available.

Check for details and ticket availability at lyndenwhiskeyevent.com Ticket purchases support the Lynden Music Festival!

Lynden Music Festival

October 8-12 • Downtown Lynden

The Mission of the annual Lynden Music Festival is to uplift the human spirit through musical experiences with a variety of musical genres that entertain, educate, and inspire. Mission accomplished! During this 5-day Music Festival, you can enjoy a variety of performances all around Lynden, from coffee shops to music halls, with local talent and touring artist including SIXTIESMANIA—the featured artist this year! Don't miss out.

Watch for details & tickets at lyndenmusicfestival.com

Saturday, September 13, 10am-4pm Whatcom County Farm Tour sustainableconnections.org

Saturdays through September 27, 10am-2pm

Farmers Market lyndenfarmersmarket.com

31, 2-5pm

Watch for participating Lynden Chamber of Commerce member businesses throughout town. See Pages 59 & 61 for Fairhaven Events for Kids Saturday, October 25, 11am

& Firefighter Story Time!

Here is an opportunity to test out those costumes before trick-or-treating! Join us in welcoming a Lynden Firefighter who will read at this special story time with a Halloween twist!

Trick or "Dutch Treat"

Stop by Village Books and Paper Dreams in Lynden to show off your costumes and grab a treat during this annual community trick-or-treat event.

Village Books & Paper Dreams

Saturdays at 11am

st rytimes Lynden KIDS

First Saturdays of Each Month KIDS!

Dino Stories with Jagger

VB's own Troy Luginbill and his puppet pal Jagger will entertain the little ones with a half hour of dinosaur-themed stories and fun! Bring your own stuffed dino to snuggle!

September 6 • October 4 • November 1

Join Princess Poppie as she shares her favorite fantastic fairy tales!

Third Saturdays of Each Month

Read to a Dog Princess Poppie Story Time

Village Books in Lynden is excited to offer this fuzzy friendly story time where THE KIDS do all the reading... TO DOGS! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Story Time with a FIRE

FIGHTER

Second Saturdays of Each Month

September 13—Costume Contest

October 11 • November 8

September 20 • October 18 November 15

Fourth Saturday of Each Month

September 27

Join members of the Lynden Fire Department as they sit down with the kiddos for a very special story time. Don’t miss out!

October 25—Wear a Costume! (see page 38 for details) November 22

Last Tuesdays of each month: Our furry friend Legend joins us for stories! In Fairhaven Weekly Story Times Tuesdays at 11am

Join us in the kids' section of our Fairhaven location every Tuesday at 11am for a half hour of stories, songs, coloring, and movement!

Village Books donates a portion of proceeds from sales of Solito to Whatcom READS through March, 2026.

by Javier Zamora Solito: A Memoir

Whatcom READS is a countywide program that encourages everyone to read and discuss the same book. The 2026 selection is Solito: A Memoir by New York Times bestselling, award-winning author, poet, and activist Javier Zamora.

Trip. My parents started using that word about a year ago—“one day, you’ll take a trip to be with us. Like an adventure.” Javier Zamora’s adventure at the age of nine is a 3,000mile journey from his small town in El Salvador, through Guatemala and Mexico, and across the U.S. border. A memoir as gripping as it is moving, Solito provides an immediate and intimate account not only of a treacherous and near-impossible journey, but also of the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments. Solito is Javier Zamora’s story, but it’s also the story of millions of others who had no choice but to leave home.

“A riveting tale of perseverance and the lengths humans will go to help each other in times of struggle.” –Dave Eggers

Read the book then join us for a series of related events building up to an author visit at Mount Baker Theatre on March 13, 2026.

ART CHALLENGE

Presented in collaboration with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, the Art Challenge offers artists of all ages and experience levels an opportunity to explore themes related to this year’s Whatcom READS title and to present their work for public display. Watch whatcomreads.org for submission details.

Available in English and Spanish.

Whatcom READS is organized by all the public and academic libraries in Whatcom County and Village Books, with significant funding from Friends of the Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library Foundation and support from other local businesses and organizations.

Whatcom WRITES invites writers of all ages and experience levels to explore the theme Family: Formed, Found, and Chosen drawn from Solito by Javier Zamora. Top entries are selected for publication in the Whatcom WRITES anthology and contributors are invited to read at a public presentation. See whatcomreads.org for submission details.

Due Date October 12, 2025

Family: Formed, Found, and Chosen

Replaceable You : Adventures in Human Anatomy

by Mary Roach

available in September, hardcover, W. W. Norton & Company

Mind, Body & Soul

Mary Roach dives in with her characteristic verve and infectious wit. The body is the most complex machine in the world, and the only one for which you cannot get a replacement part from the manufacturer. For centuries, medicine has reached for what’s available— sculpting noses from brass, borrowing skin from frogs and hearts from pigs, crafting eye parts from jet canopies and breasts from petroleum by-products. Today we’re attempting to grow body parts from scratch using stem cells and 3D printers. How are we doing? Are we there yet?

All

the

Way to the River:

Love, Loss, and Liberation by Elizabeth Gilbert

available in September, hardcover, Riverhead Books What if your most beautiful love story turned into your biggest nightmare? What if the dear friend who taught you so much about your self-destructive tendencies became the unstable partner with whom you disastrously reenacted every one of them? And what if your most devastating heartbreak opened a pathway to your greatest awakening?

Inspiration

I’m Just a Little Guy: How to Escape the Horrors and Get Back to Dillydallying by Charlie James available now, hardcover, Quirk Books       Paul Bog the Small Frog has some words of wisdom for us all—“My only advice for limiting anxiety is to spend fifty to ninety percent of your life supine near a large body of water.” As a Bellinghamster, I’m really trying to follow this advice! –Laura

Always Remember:

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie

Mackesy

available in October, hardcover, Penguin Life

Now Departing: A Small Town Mortician on Life, Death, and Everything in Between

by Victor M. Sweeney

available in October, hardcover, Gallery Books

Working in the funeral business since he was 18 years old, Victor Sweeney astutely shares the powerful and moving lessons of how we can exist and be remembered with intention and meaning. With grace and understanding, he also explores the rituals around preparing and saying goodbye to those we mourn; the love and forgiveness that arises in the face of grief; and walking between the chasm of the mundanity of a required business practice and humanity’s deepest metaphysical realities.

When Everyone Knows That

Everyone Knows : Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life by Steven

Pinker

available in September, hardcover, Scribner

Common knowledge is necessary for coordination, for making arbitrary but complementary choices like driving on the right or using paper currency. It’s also necessary for social coordination: everything from rendezvousing at a time and place to speaking the same language. But people also go to great lengths to avoid common knowledge—to ensure that even if everyone knows something, they can’t know that everyone else knows they know it. And so we get rituals like benign hypocrisy, veiled bribes and threats, and pretending not to see the elephant in the room.

The

Little

Frog's Guide

to

Life

: Love, Advice and Inspiration for Every Day from the Internet’s Beloved Mushroom Frog by Maybell Eequay available in September, hardcover, Summersdale

Brimming with beautiful affirmations to live by and essential pearls of wisdom, the internet's most adorable amphibian returns to help you move through your days with self-love and kindness. Whether you're looking for hope, motivation or encouragement, let the little frog inspire you to embrace life!

“One day you’ll look back and realise how hard it was, and just how well you did.” Charlie Mackesy’s four unlikely friends are wandering through the wilds again. They’re not sure what they are looking for. They do know that life can be difficult, but that they love each other, and cake is often the answer. When the dark clouds come, can the boy remember what he needs to get through the storm?

Friends with Words : Adventures in Languageland

by Martha Barnette

available now, hardcover, Abrams

The Literary World

Martha Barnette, co-host of the popular radio show and podcast A Way with Words, has developed a keen sense of what fascinates people about language. They are curious about etymology and revel in slang, are surprised by regional vocabulary, and celebrate linguistic diversity. Chock-full of anecdotes, humorous asides, new words, trivia, and other lexicological delights, Friends with Words also tells Barnette’s story—from her Appalachian roots through her study of Ancient Greek, and on to the making of a beloved and enduring show.

Dark Renaissance :

The Dangerous Times and Fatal Genius of Shakespeare’s Greatest Rival

by Stephen Greenblatt

available in September, hardcover, W.W. Norton

Dark Renaissance illuminates Christopher Marlowe’s times and the origins and significance of his work—from his erotic translations of Ovid to his portrayal of unfettered ambition in a triumphant Tamburlaine to Doctor Faustus, his unforgettable masterpiece. Introducing us to Marlowe’s transgressive genius in the form of a thrilling page-turner, Greenblatt brings a penetrating understanding of the literary work to reveal the inner world of the author, bringing to life a homosexual atheist who was tormented by his own compromises, who refused to toe the party line, and who was murdered just when he had found love.

Poetry

Startlement:

New and Selected Poems by Ada Limón

available in September, hardcover, Milkweed Editions

An essential collection spanning nearly 20 years of emphatic, fearlessly original poetry from one of America’s most celebrated living writers. Drawing from six previously published books as well as vibrant new work, Startlement exalts the mysterious. With a tender curiosity, Ada Limón wades into potent unknowns—the strangeness of our brief human lives, the ever-changing nature of the universe—and emerges each time with new revelations about our place in the world.

White Teeth, Red Blood : Selected Vampiric Verses

by Pushkin Press

available in September, hardcover, Pushkin Press

The undead have long provided the perfect vessel for humanity's fears and desires— from spine-tingling chills to sinister sexiness, vampires are the ultimate representation of the most frightening and alluring parts of ourselves. They've inspired poems that tell stories, proffer warnings, and imagine life from inside the eternal night, by authors like J.W. Goethe, Lord Byron, Emily Dickinson, Charles Baudelaire, Anna Laetitia Barbauld, Delmira Agustini, and Ishmael Reed, brought together with many more in this one-of-a-kind collection.

Arts & Crafts & Cats

Art Work : On the Creative Life

by Sally Mann

available in September, hardcover, Abrams

Art Work offers a spellbinding mix of wild and illuminating stories, practical (and some impractical) advice, and life lessons. Illustrated throughout with photographs, journal entries, and letters that bring immediacy and poignancy to the narrative, Art Work is full of thought-provoking insights about the hazards of early promise; the unpredictable role of luck; the value of work, work, work, and more hard work; the challenges of rejection and distraction; the importance of risk-taking; and the rewards of knowing why and when you say yes.

Ingrained :

The

Making of a Craftsman

by Callum Robinson available in October, paperback, Ecco

This memoir is so full of rich imagery at times I forgot it was a real story! I read this along with my dad and we had so many good discussions about it. Anyone who has ever owned their own business or had a passion project will find much empathy with Robinson in these pages. –Kiana

Little Woodchucks : Offerman Woodshop’s Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery by Nick Offerman, Lee Buchanan available in October, hardcover, Dutton

A Short Book About Art by

Dana Arnold

available in September, hardcover, Tate Publishing How is art made? How can we interpret the meaning behind it? And what is the significance of the way in which it is displayed? Using six common themes that bind together art from around the globe, this lively and illuminating journey through art history seeks to answer these questions and more, drawing parallels across different time periods and cultures.

With Her Own Hands: Women Weaving Their Stories

by

Nicole Nehrig

available now, hardcover, W. W. Norton & Co.

Calling all knitters, weavers, quilters, crocheters, sewers, and more! This book about the history of craft is full of so many nuggets about how women had to literally and figuratively stitch their place into the world. –Kiana

Ursula

K. Le Guin’s

Book of Cats

by Ursula K. Le Guin

available in October, hardcover, Library of America

In his long running hit Good Clean Fun, Nick Offerman brought us into his woodshop with personal reflections on woodworking alongside instructions to recreate some of his favorite projects. Now, in Little Woodchucks , the Offerman Woodshop is opening its doors to woodworkers of all ages with 12 brand new, family-friendly projects perfect for kids, from beginner projects like a handmade kite to more challenging offerings like a little free library.

Book O rders

Though

"The presence of a cat keeps me in touch with the mystery, the unreasonableness, the beauty, the stubborn wildness of the nonhuman world." In her life as in her art, Ursula K. Le Guin was fascinated by the feline. This irresistable book about cats gathers poems, mediations, and drawings dedicated to the complicated creature that captured her imagination.

Building Community One Book at a Time

True Tales

John Williams : A Composer’s Life

by Tim Greiving

available now, hardcover, Oxford University Press

John Williams is one of the most important film composers of all time, having almost singlehandedly revived the Hollywood symphonic scoring tradition and helped restore the livelihood of American orchestras through the popularity of film music programming. Author Tim Greiving offers an engaging account of a man whose body of work is well-known but whose personal life has consistently remained very private. With unprecedented interview access to Williams and those close to him, Greiving presents the definitive portrait of a beloved but famously private doyen of 20thcentury pop culture.

A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever:

The

Story of Spinal Tap

by Rob Reiner

available in September, hardcover, Gallery Books

Since its original release in 1984, This Is Spinal Tap has evolved from a beloved cult film into a cinematic landmark: an all-time comedy classic that pioneered an entire genre, the mockumentary. Now, director Rob Reiner and his cowriters and costars tell the complete story of the movie and its fictitious band—how they met, how Spinal Tap came to be, and how their low-budget indie film took on a life of its own.

Games

Dark Squares : How Chess Saved My Life

by Danny Rensch

available in September, hardcover, Public

Affairs

Danny Rensch spent his childhood navigating the isolated confines of a cult. Despite psychological manipulation, physical abuse, and neglect, he persevered. An international chess master and world-class commentator, Rensch’s remarkable journey led him to being the face of Chess.com, one of the largest online gaming platforms in the world. With unflinching honesty, Rensch recounts his life, starting from the moment he discovered chess in the summer of 1995, all the way up to being at the center of the most explosive cheating scandal in chess history.

Performing Arts

Lin-Manuel Miranda :

The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pelzner available in September, hardcover, Simon and Schuster

How did Lin-Manuel Miranda, son of Puerto Rican parents from an immigrant neighborhood in Manhattan, rise to become the preeminent musical storyteller of the 21st century? This book offers a compelling narrative that traces Miranda’s path from a friendly but often isolated child to the winner of multiple awards. Drawing on over 150 interviews with Miranda’s family, friends, and mentors, including insights from Miranda himself, Daniel PollackPelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda’s artistic vision.

Sports Uncommon Favor: Basketball,

North Philly,

My

Mother, and the Life

Lessons

I Learned From All Three by Dawn Staley

available now, hardcover, Atria

Whether you are new to women’s basketball or have been a fan for decades, Dawn Staley is a must-know name. Her path from her Philly home to the University of Virginia to the Olympics and the early days of the WNBA is both inspiring and jaw-dropping. Now, watching her share her wisdom with the youth in her program is inspiring! –Sarah

Mother Mary Comes to Me

by Arundhati Roy

available in September, hardcover, Scribner

“Heart-smashed” by her mother’s death in 2022 yet puzzled and “more than a little ashamed” by the intensity of her response, Roy began to write, to make sense of her feelings about the mother she ran from at age 18. And so begins this astonishing, sometimes disturbing, and surprisingly funny memoir of the author’s journey from her childhood in Kerala, India, where her single mother founded a school, to the writing of her prizewinning novels and essays, through today.

Ring of Salt :

A Memoir of Finding Home and Hope on the Wild Coast of Ireland by

Betsy Cornwell

available in September, hardcover, Avid

Reader Press

Memoirs

A Female Perspective

At the age of 24, Betsy Cornwell runs away to Ireland. Five years later, her dream has twisted into a nightmare. After a brush with homelessness, she struggles to scrape together a living for herself and her son. When she discovers a neglected, empty historic knitting factory and former cinema on Ireland’s coastline, that precarious dream becomes her lifeline. Over the next two years she works to crowdfund the old knitting factory’s purchase. But as the deadline to buy nears, she realizes she will have to reckon with everything she believes about family, survival, and what happily-ever-after truly means for her dream to have any chance of coming true.

A Silent Treatment :

A Memoir by Jeannie Vanasco

available in September, hardcover, Tin House Books

Ironically, I'm having a hard time finding words to describe this memoir about a mother who inflicts extended silent treatments on her adult daughter with whom she lives. Jeannie Vanasco does an incredible job of letting us into the emotional turmoil she experiences while simultaneously—and with her mother's permission—trying to write a book about it. It is a metacognitive, vulnerable, intimate look at a mother-daughter relationship unlike anything I've read before, and I savored every word. –Stephanie

Awake : A Memoir

by Jen Hatmaker

available in September, hardcover, Avid Reader Press

In 2020, Jen Hatmaker woke up to her husband of 26 years whispering in his phone to another woman from their bed. In the months that followed, she went from being a funny, popular leader, to a divorced wreck parenting five kids alone with no clue about her own finances. Having led millions of women for over a decade—urging them to embrace authenticity, find radical agency, and create healthy relationships—this seemed nothing less than total failure. More than one woman’s story, Awake is a critical analysis of the story given to all of us: the story of gender limitations, religious subservience, body shame, and self-erasure.

Paper Girl :

A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fratured America by

Beth Macy

available in October, hardcover, Penguin Press

This was not an assignment Beth Macy had ever imagined taking on, but after her mother’s death, she decided to figure out what happened to her hometown of Urbana, Ohio in the 40 years since she’d left. The result is an astonishing book that, by taking us into the heart of one place, brings into focus our most urgent set of national issues.

Five Star White Trash: A Memoir of Fraud and Family

by Georgiann Davis available in October, hardcover, NYU Press Her family was white, but not the right kind of white. They were five star white trash. They borrowed money and tried to buy class. In this unflinching response to JD Vance's Hillbilly Elegy, Georgiann Davis guides us through her extraordinary life with candor and dark humor. As Davis chronicles her surprising journey from middle-school dropout to professor, she connects her personal experiences of medical abuse, fatphobia, and fear of the intersex body with incisive critiques of whiteness, the opioid crisis, and gendered and queer oppression. The result is a deeply moving memoir which complicates our understanding of upward mobility and familial love.

Unseen : How I Lost My Vision But Found My Voice

by Molly Burke

available in September, hardcover, Abrams Press

I've followed Molly on social media for years, and her new memoir is an honest, humorous, and humble narrative about her experience as a blind woman in today's world. Tales of successful opportunities being cut short by ableism and accounts of toxic work environments that opened the door for meaningful partnerships, Molly describes the tension of holding both the highs and the lows by continuing to be herself and refusing to be a background character in her own life. –Chloe H.

Pre-order your copies today!

America’s Best Idea : The Separation of Church and State

by Randall Balmer

available now, paperback, Steerforth

A historian and ordained Episcopal priest offers everything you need to know for shaping and defending your own beliefs on the role of religion in American life. Filled with stories from America's struggle for religious freedom most readers have never heard before and perfect for fans of Jesus and John Wayne and On Tyranny.

A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders :  Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps

by Jonn Elledge

available in September, hardcover, The Experiment

None of the lines we know today were inevitable, and all might have looked quite different if not for the intricate interplay of chance and ambition. From the very first maps in Egypt to the Roman attempts to define the boundaries of civilization, from the profound shift in meaning of the Mason-Dixon Line to the secret British-French agreement to carve up the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, and from the dark consequences of Detroit’s city limits to the intriguing reason why landlocked Bolivia still maintains a navy, this is a singular look at all of human history—told through its most captivating border stories.

Fuji : A Mountain in the Making

by Andrew W. Bernstein

available in September, hardcover, Princeton University Press

Mount Fuji is everywhere recognized as a wonder of nature and enduring symbol of Japan. Yet behind the picture-postcard image is a history filled with conflict and upheaval. Long an object of worship, Fuji has been inhabited by deities that changed radically over time. It has been both a totem of national unity and a flashpoint for economic and political disputes. And while its soaring majesty has inspired countless works of literature and art, the foot of the mountain is home to military training grounds and polluting industries.

Understand the Past with the

Challenging the Myths of US History: Seven Short Essays on the Past and Present

by Marc Egnal

available in September, paperback, University of California Press

The story of the United States is one of steady progress toward a "more perfect union." In this narrative, ideals of liberty and freedom explain the Revolution and the Civil War and drove racial progress. Similarly, foreign policy, if marked by stumbles, has been largely well-intentioned. In seven pithy and provocative essays, historian Egnal challenges this account. He does not ignore protests and lofty ideals. Instead, he shows they were subordinate to the plans of the expansionists and to the racism that so often accompanied their designs.

The Great Museum of the Sea :  A Human History of Shipwrecks

by James P. Delgado

available now, hardcover, Oxford University Press

In The Great Museum of the Sea, archaeologist, museum director, television host, journalist, and award-winning author James Delgado takes the reader on a personal tour of the world's wrecks, including many of the more than a hundred lost ships he has personally discovered and investigated, including Titanic, USS Arizona, and the slave ship Clotilda. The Great Museum of the Sea vividly explains how and why ships experience catastrophe at sea, and why their remains have captured our imagination for millennia.

So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump

by

Elizabeth Buchanan

available in September, paperback, Melville House

Why do despots over the centuries keep wanting to own Greenland? The fascinating, calamitous story of the many who’ve tried . . . and uniformly failed. Ever since its discovery Greenland has been a frontier for human exploration, empire and geostrategic competition. This book delves into that rich history and complex politics, revealing how a country of just 56,000 inhabitants, 80% of which is above the Arctic Circle, has shaped—and been shaped by—the world.

Armchair Historians Book Group

Book lovers, you've heard the old adage "Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it!" Well, here is your chance to prepare yourself for the future. We meet the third Monday of every month at 6pm in the Readings Gallery at Village Books in Fairhaven to chat, discuss, and dissect the most current and interesting history being written. Join us!

How Books Can Save Democracy

by Michael Fischer

available in September, paperback, Trinity University Press

Culture & Politics

Fischer argues that American democracy is in crisis as healthy disagreement has pivoted into negative, winner-take-all contests. He proposes that literature is an essential tool to rekindle the relationships and mutual understanding that functional democracies require. By participating in reading, writing, and discussions about literature with diverse perspectives—whether in classrooms or book clubs or at public festivals—we can discover how to embrace our differences rather than fear them, enabling the empathy and collaborative spirit needed to sustain a democratic society.

The People's Project : Poems, Essays, and Art for Looking Forward

edited by Saeed Jones and Maggie Smith available in September, hardcover, Washington Square Press

The list of contributors to this collection of hope and heart reads like a who’s who of smart people who also happen to be excellent writers. Like a friend you turn to for both a question and a laugh, these poems and essays are required reading. –Sarah

The

Seven Mountains Mandate : Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy by Matthew Boedy

available in September, hardcover, Westminster John Knox Press

Scholar Boedy exposes how this movement— driven by prosperity preachers, extremist politicians, and right-wing power brokers— laid the groundwork for Trump’s presidency and is now advancing its agenda under his second administration. From local school board elections to billion-dollar megachurches, this multipronged effort is reshaping the country in ways most Americans don’t even realize. Discover what has motivated the key players in this movement, how they’ve operated, and what is the unprecedented role of millennial "kingmaker" Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and the new face of Christian nationalism and the seven mountains movement.

Enshittification : Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It

by Cory Doctorow available in October, hardcover, MCD

The once-glorious internet was colonized by platforms that made all-but-magical promises to their users—and, at least initially, seemed to deliver on them. But once users were locked in, the platforms turned on them to make their business customers happy. Then the platforms turned to abusing their business customers to claw back all the value for themselves. In the end, the platforms die. Now Doctorow moves the conversation beyond the overwhelming sense of our inevitably enshittified fate. He shows us the specific decisions that led us here, who made them, and—most important—how they can be undone.

Creating a Salon : The Magic of Conversations that Matter

by Linda-Marie Barrett

available in September, paperback, Agate Surrey

Salons are enjoying a renaissance worldwide. More structured than a hangout or casual dinner party, and oftentimes an evolution of a successful book club, salons can spark lively discussions and help develop a joyful, intentional community. Blending focused and informed advice with heartfelt reflection, book industry professional Linda-Marie Barrett shares her experience hosting salons at her home—the lessons learned as well as the life-changing connections she discovered—and guides readers through the whats, whys, and hows of creating their own salons.

Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism

by Cynthia Miller-Idriss available in September, hardcover, Princeton University Press

What two things do most mass shooters, terrorists, or violent extremists have in common? Most of us know the first: they are almost always men or boys. But the second? They are almost always virulent misogynists, homophobes, or transphobes—even if they are also motivated by racism, antisemitism, or xenophobia. Yet, despite all evidence, the bright red thread of misogyny running through these attacks is barely acknowledged by the media or even experts.

Indigenous Perspectives

By the Fire We Carry

by Rebecca Nagle

available in October, paperback, Harper Perennial

Rebecca Nagle recounts the Muscogee people’s generations-long fight for tribal land and sovereignty. Chronicling both the contemporary legal battle and historic acts of Indigenous resistance. This is a powerful work of reportage and American history that braids the story of the forced removal of Native Americans onto treaty lands, and a small-town murder in the 1990.

Positively Uncivilized

by Rena Priest

available now, paperback, Raven Chronicles Press

From an Indigenous perspective, Positively Uncivilized examines the impact of human inhabitants on the planet earth. Alongside personal accounts of the deterioration of salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest and the loss of Indigenous history, the 12 essays in this collection emphasize the necessity of community to overcome the damage done by human socioeconomic and political systems designed to isolate and shame those vulnerable to those unfair systems.

Friday, October 10, 6pm at Village Books in Fairhaven

Bad Indians Book Club: Reading at the Edge of a Thousand Worlds

by

Patty Krawec

available in September, hardcover, Broadleaf Books

When a friend asked what books could help them understand Indigenous lives, Krawec, author of Becoming Kin, gave them a list. This list became a book club and then a podcast about a year of Indigenous reading, and then this book. It contains works about history, science, and gender as well as fiction, all written from the perspective of "Bad Indians"—marginalized writers whose refusal to comply with dominant narratives opens up new worlds.

We Survived the Night

by Julian Brave NoiseCat

available in October, hardcover, Knopf NoiseCat sets out across the continent to correct the erasure, invisibility, and misconceptions surrounding the First Peoples of this land. Told in the style of a "Coyote Story," a legend about the trickster forefather of NoiseCat’s people who was revered for his wit and mocked for his tendency to self-destruct, We Survived the Night brings a traditional artform nearly annihilated by colonization back to life on the page.

us in welcoming award-winning writer Rena Priest—an enrolled member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation and author Caskey Russell —an enrolled member of the Tlingit Nation (Eagle / Kooyu Kwáan) of Alaska— as they share their latest books, Positively Uncivilized and The Door On the Sea: The Raven and Eagle #1 - A Novel.

With our new cards, you can

your

online!

Science & Nature

Here Comes the Sun :  A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization

by Bill McKibben

available now, hardcover, W.W. Norton

Bill McKibben traces the arrival of plentiful, inexpensive solar energy, which, if it accelerates, gives us a chance not just to limit climate change’s damage but to reorder the world. Getting there means overcoming obstacles like Big Oil, but McKibben sees a chance for a new civilisation that looks to the sun as the star that fuels our world.

Funga Obscura : Photo Journeys Among Fungi

by Alison Pouliot

available now, hardcover, University of Chicago Press

Recyclers, creators of soil, enablers of life, and food for many—fungi are as dynamic as they are diverse. And, throughout her career, Pouliot has observed these organisms with a unique vision. We see a parade of violet webcap mushrooms, spotted in the understory of a Pacific Northwest forest; brilliantly blue pixie’s parasols in Australia; an Italian alpine lichen, looking for all the world like a treasure map; and a showstopping white-laced shank, ready to spread its spores in Switzerland. Yet, like a web of rootlike mycelium, Funga Obscura goes deeper to investigate how fungi shape landscapes and interact with other organisms, including humans.

We Should All Be Birds : A Memoir

by Brian

Buckbee

available now, hardcover, Tin House Books

The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything: How Carbon Dioxide Made Our World

by Peter Brannen

available now, hardcover, Ecco

All life is ultimately made from CO2, and it has kept Earth bizarrely habitable for hundreds of millions of years. In short, it is the most important substance on Earth. But how is it that CO2 is as essential to life on Earth as it is capable of destroying it? With groundbreaking research and a clear-eyed perspective, Brannen shows how a deep exploration of the carbon cycle across our planet’s history can shed light on the way forward for humanity, as we try to avert environmental catastrophe in the future.

The Genius of Trees : How They Mastered the Elements and Shaped the World

by Harriet Rix

available in September, hardcover, Crown

For a supposedly stationary life-form, trees have demonstrated an astonishing mastery over the environment around them. In The Genius of Trees, tree scientist Harriet Rix reveals the inventive ways trees sculpt their environment and explains the science of how they achieve these incredible feats. This eye-opening journey into the inner lives of nature’s most powerful plant is a profound way of understanding both the miracles trees perform and the glories of our natural world.

This Will Last Forever

by Octavie Wolters

translated by Michele Hutchison available in September, hardcover, Pushkin Press

On a spring evening in Montana, Brian Buckbee encounters an injured baby pigeon. Heartbroken after the loss of the love of his life and increasingly isolated by a mysterious illness that overtook him while trekking through Asia, Buckbee is unaware that this bird—who he names Two-Step—will change his life. He takes in Two-Step, and more injured birds, eventually transforming his home into a madcap bird rehabilitation and rescue center. We follow Buckbee, unable to read or write due to a never-ending headache, as he dictates the end of his old life—as an adventurer, an iconoclastic university instructor, and endurance athlete.

Accompanying 12 linocut bird illustrations for every month of the year are lovely, poignant and imagined conversations with each bird that add to the healing nature of this beautiful book! This  book is a meditation on fear, grieving and redemption and a great gift for anyone going through some hard times. If you are a fan of Nikki McClure’s art style, you will love this! –Laura

WE LOVE DOGS!

We have treats for our furry-faced friends at the registers.

Following the Bend : How to Read a River and Understand Its Nature

by Ellen Wohl

available in September, hardcover, Princeton University Press

Science & Nature

In this accessible and uniquely personal book, Ellen Wohl explains how to “read” a river, blending the latest science with her own personal experiences as a geologist and naturalist who has worked on rivers for more than three decades. She charts how water travels through the hydrologic cycle around the globe and downstream to distribute energy, move sediment, and shape river channels, and how living organisms adapt to life in flowing water to create vibrant river ecosystems.

Sea Change : Unlikely Allies and a Success Story of Oceanic Proportions

by James Workman and Amanda Leland available in September, paperback, Torrey House Press

Like in other ocean areas, the Gulf Coast fisheries were being fished out to the detriment of wildlife and the people whose livelihoods and communities hinge on sea catch. Fisherman Keith “Buddy” Guindon had followed every suggested policy and practice to no avail, until he—along with scientists, government agencies, and environmental groups—helped lead real change that is preventing overfishing and securing resource longevity.

Sticks : A Collection of Sticks and the People Who Love Them

by Logan Jugler and Boone Hogg

available in October, hardcover, Ten Speed Press

The ultimate guide to the art and science of stick collecting. In Sticks, enjoy an incredible collection of Stick Nation’s most magnificent sticks—some from as far as Cameroon!—and meet the people (and dogs!) who love them. Stick Nation—a social media movement and online community that celebrates and reviews sticks—founders Logan Jugler and Boone Hogg also share their top tips for finding and classifying sticks, encouraging readers to let loose, have fun, and embrace their imaginations. Filled with unforgettable sticks found throughout the world, Sticks inspires readers to head into the great outdoors to find a stick of their own.

Bear With Me : A Cultural History of Famous Bears in America

by Daniel Horowitz available now, hardcover, Duke University Press

Get insight from experienced experts!

From teddy bears and Winnie-the-Pooh to Smokey Bear, Yogi Bear, and Cocaine Bear, Horowitz shows that bears’ ability to represent and evoke both terror and comfort makes them well-suited for their omnipresence. Today, cultural depictions of bears largely encompass examples of human-bear relationships, reciprocity, and emotional engagement. Reminders that climate change threatens the lives of polar bears engender feelings of empathy, while news of bear attacks drives us to fascinated fear. Whether examining the subculture of gay bears or the deadly consequences of anthropomorphizing animals, Horowitz charts the complexities and depth of American culture’s unique and enduring relationship with bears.

Art by Molly Hashimoto

Nature of Writing

SPEAKER SERIES FALL 2025 Nature of Writing

Village Books and North Cascades Institute are excited to offer another amazing season of the Nature of Writing speaker series. With a focus on nature writing, science, and the natural and cultural history of our region, this series of readings brings some of the best writers on the natural world to Bellingham.

September 7, 1pm

Wonders of Nature Story Time for Families with SUZANNE KAUFMAN

–Blue and FERN WEXLER

–Families of a Feather

September 13, 2pm

PAUL KOBERSTEIN with Daniel Harm

–Canopy of Titans: The Life and Times of the Great North American Temperate Rainforest

September 14, 4pm

NATALIE

HAMMERQUIST

–Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest: A Visual Guide to Harvesting and Cooking with 40 Common Species with co-sponsor Whatcom Land Trust

September 19, 6pm

DAVE AND ILYSSA KYU

–Campfire Stories

The San Juan Islands: Tales & Travel Companion

October 10, 6pm

RENA PRIEST

–Positively Uncivilized and CASKEY RUSSELL

–The Door on the Sea

October 14, 7pm

The Chuckanut Radio Hour at Lairmont Manor, Bellingham, WA

MELISSA ARNOT REID

–Enough: Climbing Towards a True Self on Mount Everest with co-sponsor Backcountry Essentials

October 25, 4pm

MOLLY HASHIMOTO

–Wildflowers of the West: An Artist's Guide

November 1, 2pm

KURT HOELTING

–Apprentice to Wild in conversation with Saul Weisberg

November 18, 6pm

LANCE RICHARDSON

–True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen

November 20, 6pm

LANCE GARLAND

–Out There: Dispatches From My Personal Wilderness

Unless otherwise noted, events take place in the Readings Gallery at Village Books in Fairhaven. Turn to pages 69-79 to learn more about each of these amazing authors and titles. Register to save your seat at villagebooks.com.

Village Books and Paper Dreams

Bellingham Bells

West Coast League Champions!

PUZZLE HUNTS The Village Books Great History Mystery

The Third Puzzle Hunt is Now Ready!

Village Books & Paper Dreams teamed up with Cryptid Escapes to create two different in-store puzzle hunts —one in our Fairhaven store and another at our Lynden location. A great way to have fun while learning some local history, these challenges have proven a popular activity for hundreds of visitors over the past year, with participants receiving a congratulatory sticker and entrance into a monthly drawing upon completion.

Now, puzzle hunt number THREE is ready! Please note: to solve this third puzzle, you must have completed both the Fairhaven and Lynden in-store puzzle hunts.

This third puzzle hunt will carry you outside the walls of Village Books and Paper Dreams to explore the history of Whatcom County. To get started, go to the information desk in our Fairhaven store and say that you're ready for the third puzzle. After verifying that you've completed the other two challenges, we'll provide you with the clue* to start you on your journey!

*This clue was inspired by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham and Whatcom County—our current Round It Up partner (see page 4).

Have fun and good luck!

Solve and be entered to win prizes!

Let US do the shopping!

Custom

Care Packages

Send Books • Send Gifts • Send Smiles

These thoughtful packages are the perfect surprise for any occasion—back-to-school, birthdays, get well, holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween,or just an I'm thinking about you to anyone who may need a little lift.

and choose a theme then answer a few questions about the preferences and reading habits of the recipients. All Ages! Our personal shoppers will take care of all the rest.

YOUNG READERS

Their Families & Educators

Picture Books

Short Stories

by Silvia Borando

available in September, hardcover, Scribble US

Short Stories presents eleven hilarious encounters between unexpected animal pairings, each told with remarkable economy. From the unseen dangers of a hedgehog at a birthday party to the unexpected uses of a chameleon’s color-changing abilities, these bitesized narratives showcase the art of storytelling at its most precise and playful. Silvia Borando’s masterful comic timing turns each page into a lesson in narrative craft. With just a few words and simple illustrations, she creates moments of surprise, irony, and pure delight that will have readers of all ages chuckling.

While We Wait

by Bee Johnson

available in October, hardcover, Henry Holt & Co.

With joyful rhymes and gorgeous illustrations, this picture book invites readers to discover beauty in patience and cherish the opportunity of boredom. Filled with the emotional highs and lows of a long day out, this book gently reminds us of the joy in simple moments spent together.

Bud Finds Her Gift

by

Robin Wall Kimmerer, illustrated by Naoko Stoop

available in September, hardcover, Harper Collins

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry comes a beautiful and lushly illustrated tale celebrating gratitude, reciprocity, and finding our place in the natural world, ideal for sharing with the youngest readers. When young Bud sees people bustling around, intent on their chores and their screens, she is certain they must be doing something important—and she wants to be a part of things by doing something important too. But wise Nokomis, her grandmother, shows her that there is a different way to find belonging, one that relies on stillness and that cultivates paying attention to the natural world. As Bud discovers the freely given gifts of the Earth, she wonders if she has something important to give back: What is her gift?

Board Book

Hello Little Ones by Amandine Piu

available in October, board book, Annick Press

This precious book demonstrates all of the ways our favorite activities as kiddos, such as running, sleeping, dancing, and more, are all things the critters around us love to do as well! The bold colors and charming parallel illustrations in this book make it the perfect story to read aloud and share with the littles in your life. –Chloe H.

Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo

by Bess Kalb, illustrated by Erin Kraan available in September, hardcover, Random House

From bestselling and Emmy-nominated comedy writer Bess Kalb comes this hilarious tale featuring the surly Buffalo Fluffalo and introducing his new sibling, Puffalo. Illustrated by the talented Erin Kraan, readers will delight in the loving message about the joy of discovering that the yelly, smelly, squiggly, and short new sibling might be a tiny bit cute.

Snow Kid by

Jessie Sima

available in September, hardcover, Simon & Schuster

A cold breeze blowing Twig's hat away begins the snow kid's adventure, asking themself, "Am I Twig?" at each turn. Twig realizes being unique and growing as a (snow) person, still means you are you. Snow Kid is yet another picturebook world Jessie Sima has created that I would love to jump into.  –Kat

A Fall Day for Bear

by Bonny

Becker, illustrated by Kady Macdonald Denton available in September, hardcover, Candlewick Can gruff and grumpy Bear cheer up his usually upbeat friend Mouse? With signature with and whimsy, this delightfully mismatched duo is back in a muchanticipated addition to their popular series!

Attention Educators! Pre-K

Village Books and Paper Dreams appreciates the hardworking and inspiring people who are working with our community's young people on a daily basis. To support you in your endeavors, we have some new and ongoing special resources for educators:

• Bring your class on a field trip to Village Books

Available for preschool through high school. Check out our new menu of field trip options by visiting villagebooks.com / scan the code below.

• Get a discount when you buy local 10% discount to educators on books and supplies purchased for use in the classroom (with registration in our Reader Rewards Program and Teacher Discount Program). Bring your school ID and ask a bookseller to help you sign up.

• Create a wish list for your classroom or library

Add as many books as you like and share the list with your families.

through Grade 12

• Sign up for our quaretly Educators and Schools enewsletter Keep up to date on all the latest happenings and offerings—never miss out!

There is all of this and more, including author visits, annual teacher appreciation, and fundraising opportunities. Visit villagebooks.com/community/educators-schools

Picture Books

Sunflower Seeds

by Ellen Heck

available now, hardcover, Chronicle Books

How do tiny seeds become towering sunflowers? Join Ms. B’s class and discover the magic of nature in Sunflower Seeds

This picture book guides young readers through the simple steps of planting, watering, and caring for sunflowers, teaching valuable lessons about patience and nurturing along the way.

Wild Moon : How the Lunar Phases Light Up Our World by Andie Powers, illustrated by Lucy Rose available in September, hardcover, Gibbs Smith

The artwork in this book is so striking!! With a mix of animals, landscapes, and the moon itself moving through the phases and seasons of our planet, this book has a great balance of scientific information and storytelling. A perfect selection for the younger nature-lovers among us! –Sarah

The Everything Trail

by

Meg Fleming, illustrated by Chuck Groenink available now, hardcover, Beach Lane Books

From giant redwoods to tiny saplings, steep canyons to shallow creeks, and soaring eagles to crawling critters, there are endless wonders to discover along a trail through the forest. This sweeping story of a day spent in nature will inspire young readers to soak in all the marvels, big and small, that surround them.

Late Today

by Jungyoon Huh, illustrated by Myungae, translated by Aerin Park available in September, hardcover, Eerdmans

This is a picture book adult readers will appreciate! One rainy morning, the Seogang Bridge hums with traffic—and in between the cars is a tiny kitten. People mutter to themselves, but no one wants to stop or slow down. The raindrops pelt the road; the cars screech and honk; the kitten mews. Finally one car pulls over… With atmospheric art by acclaimed illustrator Myungae Lee, Late Today asks readers to choose compassion in the midst of busyness. This stirring story is perfect for cat lovers, city dwellers, and anyone who’s ever lost themselves in the rush of life.

Picture Books

Little Moments in a Big Universe

by Todd Stewart

available in October, hardcover, Owlkids

An explorer and a robot are traveling the universe in their spaceship, when their engine malfunctions and they crash-land on an unknown planet. How will they fix their ship? Will they ever explore again? And who are the strange light-filled creatures who are beckoning to them? Told from multiple perspectives, this unique story invites readers to consider the ways in which we’re all connected. Lyrical text and stunning out-of-this-world artwork invite readers into a rich universe to explore.

Moon Song

by Michaela Goade

available in October, hardcover, Little, Brown Books

On an island at the edge of a silvery sea, when the moon rises and night falls, a girl spins a story for her worried cousin to help him find comfort in the wintery dark. She invites him to see moonlight glittering in the forest, bioluminescence sparkling by the shore, and northern lights blazing in the sky. In the dark of the night, the whole world sings. Celebrated Tlingit creator Michaela Goade, who brought us a summer's celebration in the Caldecott Honor Award winning Berry Song, invites us to discover the wonder and comfort of a winter's night through a magnificent Moon Song.

The Trouble with Giraffes

by

Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo available in September, hardcover, Paula Wiseman Books

Seven Ways Through the Woods

by Jenn Reese,

illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz available in September, hardcover, Greenwillow Books

What starts as a very simple question— what’s the best way through the woods?— quickly becomes a fantastical and awe-inspiring adventure. Young readers are invited to meet griffins, giants, serpents, and sprites as they make their way through this magical landscape. After all, isn’t the journey often more fun and rewarding than the destination? This timeless picture book nods to fairy tale traditions, while remaining wholly distinctive and original—a true classic in the making.

We Go Slow

by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by Aaron Becker available now, hardcover, Atheneum What do you observe around you on a routine morning or a walk around the neighborhood? We Go Slow illustrates, quite literally, an enormous world where we can find different details that surround us all, if we just slow down. Some of the full page illustrations allow you to practice a slow observation of a magnificent scene. What will you slow down to notice in your day today? –Kat

Shop 24/7 at villagebooks.com

A girl knows having a pet giraffe poses some difficulties, like finding a way to take walks together with legs very different in length. And her giraffe doesn’t fit into the clubhouse door for Pet Club. But the Pet Club members come together to find a way for him—and everyone—to be included. Because that’s what friends do. Mantchev's Strictly No Elephants has been sold around the world and is heralded as a pitch-perfect book about inclusion. Now, readers can celebrate the importance of both inclusivity and accessibility in this new companion that is full of new friends to love.

WEEKLY

Join us in the kids' section of our Fairhaven location on Tuesdays at 11am for a half hour of stories, songs, and movement - including some special upcoming author visits!

Lynden Fire Fighters! Friendly Dogs! Dinosaurs and a Princess! See page 39 for a line-up of the fun and varied story times taking place at our Lynden store.

Autumn Celebrations!

Hopeful Heroes : More Poems About Amazing Latinos

by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Juliet Menéndez available in September, hardcover, Macmillan

National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept 15-Oct 15

Celebrate the accomplishments of this remarkable group of individuals who have left an unforgettable mark on history. From environmental activists like Christina Figueres to educators like Ana Roqué de Duprey, Engle highlights a wideranging group of unsung heroes from all across Latin America. This collection of 20 inspirational poems are perfect for reading and re-reading every day of the year. Héroes de la Esparanza también está disponible en edición en español. (Also available in Spanish)

The Festival of Lights: A Lift-the-flap Diwali Celebration

Namita Moolani Mehra, illustrated by Darshika Varma available in September, hardcover, Quarto Group

A nostalgic, yet ultra cool and visually rich narrative non-fiction book about a little girl and family as they celebrate Diwali festival of light. With 144 flaps across 24 pages, there is plenty for observant children to pore over. Aneesa and her family are getting ready to celebrate Diwali. But this year is extra-special. It's baby Ameera's first ever Diwali and older sister Aneesa is on hand to show her exactly what to do, and what every part of the celebration means and why it is so magical.

Celebrate Diwali on October 20, 2025

Let's Celebrate Diwali Board Book

by Mudpuppy

available now, Board Book, Mudpuppy

This engaging board book is the perfect introduction to the Festival of Lights, capturing the beauty, joy, and traditions of this cherished celebration. With its delightful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, it's sure to become a favorite for families looking to share the meaning of Diwali and the importance of family, gratitude, and togetherness.

Grimms' Fairy Tales

by The Brothers Grimm, illustrated by Sandra Dieckmann available in September, hardcover, Candlewick From internationally acclaimed creator Sandra Dieckmann comes a captivating collection of Grimms’ fairy tales, accessibly written and illustrated with an eye to inclusivity. Including much-loved stories like “Rapunzel” and “Sleeping Beauty” as well as more obscure gems from the author’s childhood in northern Germany, this splendidly illustrated gift book of 20 tales is poised to charm readers of all ages. Enchanted forests, wild animals, powerful princesses, and brave heroes all reflect a lightly modern take in this Grimms’ collection to be cherished by all.

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is Celebrated November 1 & 2

This Moment Is Special : A Día de Muertos Story

by John Parra available now, hardcover, Paula Wiseman Books

A single day in a boy’s life is filled with family, love, and inspiration as he prepares for the Día de Muertos celebration and remembers that all moments are special. Each moment reminds us of our family and those who have gone before us. Today holds a special promise, una promesa especial.

Día de Muertos

by Jaque Jours, illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz available in September, hardcover, Quarto Group

In this immersive exploration of Dia de Muertos, kids join a family as they celebrate. Seen through the eyes of young children celebrating themselves, this is a simple and exciting way to introduce little ones to this special period. In the Celebrations & Festivals series, you are invited into a family's celebrations as you explore the magic and excitement of religious and cultural festivals around the world.

Reads for Spooky Season

The

Witch in

the

Tower by Júlia Sardà, available in September, hardcover, Candlewick

Renowned illustrator Júlia Sardà ventures into a mesmerizing world where mermaid grease washes away envy, a giant’s hair helps you face bullies, a circular library holds all your secrets, and a dome of crystal prisms opens a view to the cosmos. Dreamlike and filled with whimsy, the artist’s kaleidoscopic patterns, decorative borders, glowing colors, and layered, elaborately detailed imagery will bewitch young readers as readily as the title character does Carmela—and beckon them to return for many a visit. Ages 5-9

Halloweeeeen!!!

It's Almost Time for . . . Halloween!

by Maisha Oso, illustrated by Tom Knight available now, hardcover, Margaret K. McElderry Books

It’s Almost Time for…Halloween is a perfect blend of festive fun and read aloud humor that will have young readers laughing and identifying the misunderstanding at play before the characters catch on. This picture book makes a delightful gift for kids aged four to eight!

The Zombees by Justin Colón, illustrated by Kaly Quarles available now, hardcover, Simon & Schuster

A swarm of zombie bees invades an unsuspecting town on Halloween night in this delightfully spooky picture book from the author of The Quacken—perfect for fans of Creepy Carrots and Los Gatos Black on Halloween.

Cute

and Spooky Coloring: Scarily Adorable Artworks by Violet Peto, illustrated by Ashleigh Hathaway available in September, paperback, Arcturus

Luna and the Witch

Throw a Halloween Party by Aubrey Plaza and Dan Murphy, illustrated by Hannah Peck available now, hardcover, Viking Books

From goblins and ghouls to kids and cats, all are invited to party in this Halloween celebration from award-winning actress and producer Aubrey Plaza and co-author Dan Murphy.

Spoops

:

The Little Spirits of Halloween by A.J. Locascio, illustrated by Laurie Conley available now, hardcover, Top Shelf Productions Young Holly Hollowell loves Halloween more than anything, but her dentist parents are totally against any event that promotes tooth-rotting sweets. While other kids trick-or-treat, Holly watches sadly from her window . . . until the Spoops arrive to turn things around! With their magical help, Holly can finally show her parents the true spirit of Halloween: not the candy, but the joy of expressing yourself, unleashing your imagination, and letting your spooky side soar!

Activities

Encounter some creepy but cuddly creatures in this adorable collection, featuring over 60 coloring designs that celebrate the comfort of the spooky season.

HALLOWEEN Happenings

Tuesday, October 28 11am

Fairhaven HALLOWEEN

Dress Up for Story Time... with a Dog!

Test out those costumes before trick-or-treating by joining us for a special story time in the Readings Gallery where we’ll read spooky (but not TOO spooky) Halloween tales, enjoy some treats, sing some songs, and hang out with our favorite story time dog, Legend!

See page 38 for Halloween Happenings in Lynden

Friday, October 31, 3-6pm Welcome to Fear-Haven!

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN!

Trick-or-Treat throughout Fairhaven

Come to Fairhaven for a huge community Trick-or-Treat afternoon! During this annual event, you’ll be joined all sorts of small (and not-so-small) goblins, princesses, wizards, heroes, animals—and undoubtedly some unidentified creatures—filling the streets.

Giving Thanks

Family Feast!

by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison available in September, hardcover, Crown Books for Young Readers

When it comes to a family feast, it’s all hands on deck! Big Ma and Pops have been up early in anticipation of everyone’s arrival. Aunts, uncles, and cousins gather from all over to help prepare their big meal. After the cooking is done, all of the relatives come together to pray, eat, and enjoy their special moment as a family. Newbery Honoree Carole Boston Weatherford and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Frank Morrison deliver a heartwarming peek at the love and the chaos that ensue when a family comes together and connects through food.

How to Say Thank You

by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish available in September, hardcover, Knopf Books

What are you thankful for? Whether it's a BIG moment like Grandpa taking you to a parade, a little moment like sharing a favorite snack, or even an unexpected moment like a new friend moving in next door, there are so many things to be thankful for! Come and discover all the ways to say thank you during Thanksgiving and beyond!

Soup's On Around the World

by Denyse Waissbluth, illustrated by Chelsea O'Byrne available in October, hardcover, Greystone Kids Soup’s on. A tasty treat. Fill your bowl up. Time to eat! From the creators of Teatime Around the World, this poetic picture book takes young readers across the globe exploring different soups and soup traditions! Through vibrant illustrations and heartwarming text, Soup's On Around the World invites readers on a flavorful journey of soups across the globe, each with its own unique history and traditions! Ages 4-8

Happy Friendsgiving: A Thanksgiving Celebration of Found Families

by Marcie Colleen, illustrated by Laura Sandoval Herrera available in September, hardcover, Doubleday Books

With its rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations, this book shows readers how family takes on many forms, as friends, neighbors, and relatives arrive for a busy day of cooking, crafting, sharing, and celebration.

Gather Grateful

by Megan Litwin, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey available in September, hardcover, Candlewick Press With lilting, rhythmic prose, Megan Litwin heralds the beginning of the season and follows the transition of animals and humans as they prepare for the coming winter. Alexandra Finkeldey’s striking limited palette, capturing the preparations outside and in, brings this story of love and gratitude to quietly glowing life.

Baby Turkey: Finger Puppet Book

illustrated by Yu-Hsuan Huang available in September, Board Book, Chronicle Books

Bursting with color and charm, this turkeythemed finger puppet book lets inquisitive babies and toddlers touch, feel, and explore the world of autumn!

Mrs. Peanuckle's

Mushroom Alphabet

by Mrs. Peanuckle, illustrated by Jessie Ford available in September, Board Book, Rodale Kids

There's so much more to mushrooms than morels and portobellas: a whole alphabet more. Teach your little one about the incredible abcs of your favorite fungus! This sturdy board book is perfect for new parents and families eager to share their love of nature and food with little ones while teaching them their abcs. Baby-3 years old

All About the FOOD

Sweet & Salty! King Arthur Baking Company's Cookbook for Young Bakers

by

King Arthur Baking Company available in September, hardcover, Simon & Schuster

From the most trusted American baking resource comes a collection of over 80 sweet, salty, and very, very tasty recipes that will have bakers of all ages rolling up their sleeves and breaking out their rolling pins! This book has recipes for all different tastes and three different skill levels, plus an introduction to terms and techniques that will get you ready to bring the fun into the kitchen. Sweet & Salty is here to share the joy of baking with everyone and bring fun to the kitchen for the whole family! Ages 8 & Up

Fun for the Whole Family

at Village Books in Fairhaven • Free to Attend

Suzanne Kaufman

This sweet story about a child’s magical night with a blue heron is the perfect dreamy bedtime storys. In this gentle and touching tale, New York Times bestselling illustrator Suzanne Kaufman proves that love can transcend all boundaries.

This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates and shares the diversity of family structures by exploring a variety of bird families.

Sunday, September 7, 1pm

Super Special

Story Time

STORY TIME CONCERT with

Eric Ode

Join us for a celebration of language through story and song at this unique and entertaining story time concert!

Eric Ode (pronounced Oh-dee) is a national award-winning children's singer/songwriter, author, poet, and a thoroughly engaging entertainer. His upbeat, high-participation programs are bubbling over with fun, interactive music and include stories, skits, poetry, props and puppets.

Recognized with six Parents' Choice Awards and the author of over a dozen story and poetry books for kids, Ode's performance is one you don't want to miss.

Tuesday, September 23, 11am

Erin Deinzer

–Dracula's Vampire Kitty

Join us in welcoming this local author to a very special story time! We'll get in the Halloween spirit with this fun and gorgeously illustrated book for kids—the story about the world’s most famous vampire, a curious cat, and a very smart spider. Dracula’s Vampire Kitty was created from her desire to celebrate the vampire legend and to draw attention to a relatively unknown cat species, which just-so-happens to share many of Dracula’s characteristics. Don't miss out!

Tuesday, October 14, 11am

Leslie Barnard Booth

I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive

Calling all bird-lovers and anyone curious about crows! Join Leslie Barnard Booth as she reads her new picture book, I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive, and learn how crows collaborate to find food, solve problems, and stay safe from predators. Find out how communication and curiosity shape the lives of crows. Then play a guessing game to explore crow vocalizations, and try your hand at some truly tricky puzzles that crows have been able to solve.

Puzzles & Games!

Saturday, October 25, 2pm

ALL FREE EVENTS! Go to villagebooks.com and register to save your seats.

The Witch of Hagstone Hill

by Johanna

Middle Readers

van Veen, illustrated by Raquel Lagartos Series: The Triplets Grim available now, hardcover, Simon & Schuster Triplets Nell, Annet, and Hannah were born only minutes apart, Nell is the eldest, which means it’s her job to protect the others. But she doesn’t know how to defeat an enemy like the typhoid draining her sisters of life. Desperate, Nell will do whatever it takes to save them, even going to Hagstone Hill and making a deal with the evil witch—the beldam—who lives inside it. Nell and her sisters must embark on a dangerous journey full of ghosts, goblins, and other dangers to save the only mother they’ve ever known from becoming the beldam’s next meal.

Pocket Bear

by Katherine Applegate

available in September, hardcover, Feiwel & Friends

Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to be a mere 3 1/2 inches tall, perfectly sized to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.

Holding On for Dear Life

by Dusti Bowling

available in October, hardcover, Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Acclaimed author Dusti Bowling takes the bull by the horns in this moving novel about a boy struggling to keep his family together while facing the side effects of bull riding. Canyon loves bull riding, but doctors have warned him about his repeated concussions, but bull riding is the only thing he and his dad connect on. Besides, Canyon has a way to help his hurt: playing the fiddle. When Canyon is chosen for a music competition show, a new dream begins to form.

Traitors in Space : Pick-Your-Own-Path Adventure

by Tim Collins, illustrated by Steven Wood available now, paperback, Aladdin Books

Early Readers

The Faraway Forest

by Debbie Fong

available in September, hardcover, Chronicle Books

This adorable little graphic novel about Wally the mail-raccoon and his bunny friend Bo is a charming, feel-good story with adorable illustrations and a heartwarming message. I found myself rooting for Wally and wishing that I could live in the faraway forest on his mail route. Sure to charm enthusiastic and reluctant readers both, this is a perfect book for kids who love the forest and animal friends! –Caitriona

I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25)

by Lauren Tarshis

available in October, paperback, Scholastic Inc.

In her 25th I Survived book, Lauren Tarshis brings this desperate time of poverty and fear to life through the thrilling story of an elevenyear-old boy who risks his life to save his family and friends during the worst dust storm of all, an event that would become known as "Black Sunday." Includes a section of nonfiction back matter with more facts and photos about the real-life event.

The Diamond Explorer

by Kao Kalia Yang

available now, paperback, Dutton Books

In the first part of the story, we meet Malcolm as an elementary school kid through the eyes of the adults in his life—his parents and siblings, but also the white teachers at his Minnesota schools. As middle school begins, we encounter Malcolm in his own words, and suddenly we see that this "quiet, slow Hmong boy" is anything but. Malcolm is a gifted collector of his family's stories and tireless seeker of his own place within an evolving Hmong American culture, and his journey toward becoming a shaman like his grandparents before him is inspiring and revelatory.

An Interactive Adventure!

Imagine you are a brilliant young scientist who has been chosen for a research mission to a distant planet. On your way back to Earth, you are woken early from cryosleep by the ship’s computer. It has detected an alien lifeform, but you don’t see any sign of one. You look at your fellow crewmates and wonder if one of them has been taken over by an alien intelligence. Can you work out who can be trusted and who the aliens are before they take over your mind too? Featuring over 45 potential endings, gripping plot twists, and atmospheric illustrations, this alien adventure is truly out of this world.

Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel

by Natalie K. Babbitt

adapted & illustrated by K. Woodman-Maynard available in September, paperback, Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Middle Readers Graphic Novels

A staple on home bookshelves and in classrooms and libraries, Natalie Babbitt’s beloved classic is now a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel from K. Woodman-Maynard. Sure to become an all-time favorite in its own right, Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel will hit shelves in time to celebrate the original novel's 50th anniversary.

Refugee : The Graphic Novel

by Alan Gratz, illustrated by Syd Fini

available in October, paperback, Graphix

Refugee is a modern classic that has spent over five years on the New York Times bestseller list and garnered several awards and much acclaim. Brought to life with rich, gorgeous illustrations by artist Syd Fini, this hotly anticipated graphic novel will attract a whole new generation of fans.

Shadow Warrior

(Spider-Man Original Manga) by Shogo Aoki

available in September, hardcover and paperback, Scholastic Books

Experience the multiverse like never before as your favorite cast of Spider-People take on a new threat in Edo-period Japan! Aoki combines intricate, stunning artwork with an unforgettable story in this fascinating manga. Plus, you get a whole new Spidey with awesome powers and reimagined character designs for the Spideys you know and love that are just so cool! –Sean

Diary of a Nature Nerd : A Graphic Novel

by Tiffany Everett  available now, paperback & hardcover, Graphix

A book starting with a scavenger hunt for illustrations to find throughout the book? I. Am. In! Readers join best friends turn sisters on a research trip to the North Cascades National Park. Will they both find the final animal on "Brooke's Top Ten Most Wanted Mammals"? Tiffany Everett inspires national park trips and creating your own observation journal. –Kat

Dear

Jackie by Jessixa Bagley, illustrated by Aaron Bagley available in September, paperback, Simon & Schuster

A middle schooler’s plan to fit in with her new friends by writing herself a fake love letter backfires spectacularly in this funny and alltoo-relatable graphic novel perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and the Berrybrook Middle School series.

Bones and Berserkers : True Tales of Terror from American History

by Nathan Hale available in September, hardcover, Abrams

Bones and Berserkers is the unlucky 13th book in the New York Times bestselling Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series, and you know what that means? It’s time to gather around the gallows and tell the spookiest stories in US history! Full of a frightful mix of folk tales and facts, this newest entry is sure to fascinate readers . . . If they’re brave enough to read to the end.

History Comics: The Great Depression–From Hard Times to the New Deal

by Tim Stout, illustrated by Joe Flood available in October, paperback, Macmillan

Turn back the clock with History Comics! In this volume we explore the Great Depression, an era of economic turmoil, resilience, and innovation. In October 1929, a stock market crash in the United States caused millions of people to suddenly lose their savings, their jobs, and everything they owned. Many had to survive by waiting in long breadlines for free food, building their own homes from trash, and making clothes from scraps. Some rode railroad cars in a desperate search for work, only to end up on farms battling huge dust storms. This was the Great Depression, a time of tragedy but also one where people showed immense grit.

Now in Paperback!

Impossible Creatures

by Katherine Rundell

available now, paperback, Yearling

Middle Readers

This is a gem of a middle grade novel that appeals to adults and children alike! With lovable characters (a headstrong girl, an empathetic boy, a loyal pirate, and more) and themes that we can all stand to be reminded of, this book is already on the way to becoming a modern classic. The world sparkles, the action is riveting, and the baby griffin will steal your heart. If you enjoy fantasy adventures even a little bit this is a must-read. –Caitriona

Defanged

by H.E. Edgmon

available in September, hardcover, Macmillan Lux Priddy is a regular 12-year-old: he goes to school, hangs out with his best friend, Emma, and loves to pet every dog he sees. Except for one little thing—Lux is a vampire. And even though vampires came out of the coffin and into the public eye before he was even born, not everyone is happy about it. So when a group called Vampirism Sucks develops a cure, most people are thrilled. Lux? Not so much. And when the so-called cure stops being optional, Lux is forced to make a choice: go back home and submit to the treatment, or stand up and fight a corrupt system for the right to be himself.

The Last Resort

by Erin Entrada Kelly

available in September, hardcover, Scholastic

An interactive story that allows you to use your phone or tablet with QR codes to interact with the ghosts in the story! Explore this spooky story and solve the mystery! Enter the world of The Last Resort! Ghosts from the story will emerge from the pages of the book, allowing readers to talk to spirits from the past and help solve the mystery.

Check out our display of

The Experiment

by Rebecca Stead

available in September, hardcover, Feiwel & Friends

From Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author of When You Reach Me, comes a stunning story about family, friendship, and cosmic identity. Perfect for fans of A Wrinkle in Time, The Experiment is a fast-paced coming-of-age novel—with aliens—that asks universal questions about how we figure out who we want to be, and whether it’s ever too late to change.

Moonleapers, Book 1

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

available in September, hardcover, Quill Tree Books

This is the first book in a new suspenseful duology about a girl who learns she's part of a network of time travelers who want to change the world. It hits all the notes her fans love about Haddix's books—there’s a high-stakes mystery, plenty of intrigue, a daring plot, and, of course, a relatable main character at the center of the conflict.

A Little Too Haunted

by Justine Pucella Winans

available in September, hardcover, Bloomsbury Children’s Books

What’s worse than having ghost hunters for parents? Having fake ghost hunters for parents. Luna Catalano would know. Her moms are haunted house flippers who use their home reno skills and pretend psychic powers to turn spooky old houses into ghost-free modern homes. But the only thing haunting those houses is bad décor. So, when they move yet again, Luna isn't expecting much. But this house feels . . . different. There’s an actual ghost in this one—and they’re not happy. In order to save her family, Luna will have to get the story right before everything goes completely wrong.

Jed

Greenleaf by Kieran Larwood, illustrated by David Wyatt available in September, hardcover, Faber & Faber

Skin of bark, soul of a hero. An astonishing fantasy adventure from the bestselling author of The World of Podkin One-Ear series "This thrilling adventure has it all! A huge heart, a fantastic plot and an irresistible superhero. I was swept away into Jed Greenleaf’s world of magical oak forests, dastardly villains and sparkling dryads. I adored it!" -Jasbinder Bilan.

The Real Deal - Non-Fiction for Kids

Origin

:

An Illuminating Look

at Indigenous Peoples and Their Connection to the Natural World by Nat Cardozo, translated by Layla Benitez-James and Ian Farnes available in September, hardcover, Red Comet Press

Portraits of Indigenous children and their communities from around the world in a stunning presentation emphasizing community and a connection to the land and the environment. This book provides a unique opportunity to remember our common origin and reflect on how we might create a new unity for humanity to reconnect us to living things and bind us together again as one. Ages 8-12

The Forest Revealed

: An Illustrated Year by Jada Fitch, Kateri Kosek available in September, hardcover, Hachette Book Group

Discover the amazing, fun diversity of life in the northern forest through 12 vivid paintings, each with a numbered key to search for and identify the animals, plants, insects and fungi pictured. By uncovering the many hidden stories and fun facts about the flora and fauna that make up the forest ecosystem, readers are invited to look more closely at nature all around them. A fantastic search-and-find experience! Ages 8 & Up

This Is How You Know:

How Science

Happens

On the Block : Stories of Immigrant Families

edited by Ellen Oh available in October, paperback, Yearling From We Need Diverse Books, the organization behind Flying Lessons & Other Stories, comes an inspiring middle-grade anthology that follows the loosely interconnected lives of multigenerational immigrant families, the residents at the Entrada apartment building. 12 Families. 12 Cultures. 1 Building. "The beauty of their shared home does not come from any single person, but instead from the sum of their experiences" –Meg Medina, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Ages 8-12

A World Without Summer:

A

Volcano Erupts,

A Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes Out by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Yas Imamura available in September, hardcover, Random House Studio The world was upside-down. The wind was fire. The sky was ash. The rain was rock. A couple of hundred years ago, on a quiet Indonesian island, a volcano called Tambora erupted with a force and violence that changed history. Discover how Mount Tambora's catastrophic eruption plunged the world into darkness, altering the global climate and inspiring the likes of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This remarkable story of disaster and survival is brought to life in a thrilling new illustrated nonfiction title from the award-winning author of The Mona Lisa Vanishes. Ages 10-14

by Kirsten W. Larson, illustrated by Cornelia Li available in September, hardcover, Little, Brown Books

Welcoming and exciting, this picture book is a how-to of science. It encourages kids to let their imaginations run wild, let their eyes lead them to new clues, and let themselves be wrong, sometimes—but never give up! The quest for knowledge isn’t always straightforward, but if they trust the journey, and trust this guiding text, eventually they'll know. Know what? The answers to big questions! Ages 4-8

There Are No Silly Questions : More than 200 Weird and Wacky Questions, Expertly Answered!

by Mike Rampton, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten available in October 14, hardcover, Nosy Crow

Have you ever wondered . . . if dinosaurs sneezed? How long would it take to run around the world? If moths like light so much, why do they only come out at night? Find out in this hilarious collection of more than 200 wacky and wide-ranging questions, cleverly answered by author Mike Rampton with help from world-leading experts from the University of Cambridge. Covering everything from science, math, and zoology to history, art, and sports, There Are No Silly Questions answers all the questions you've always wondered about—and some you've never even thought to ask. Ages 8-12

Check out our inspiring collection of STEM activity kits and toys. Educational AND Fun!

Young Adult Reads

I Killed the King

by

Rebecca Mix and Andrea Hannah

available in September, hardcover, Harper Collins

I’m going to be recommending this book to everyone I know! It’s the perfect blend of fantasy with a classic whodunnit that I never knew I needed! The twists and turns kept me hooked from page one, and I nearly read this book in a single sitting! And Then There Were None meets Robin Hobb—you won’t want to miss this one! –Sean

King of the Neuro Verse

by Idris Goodwin

available in October, hardcover, Simon & Schuster

A powerful, joyful novel in verse about a Black teen with ADHD who finds self-expression and first love during one epic summer school season, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and On the Come Up. In a world where the systems are turned against kids like him, Pernell needs to find a way to succeed with his ADHD, rather than in spite of it. Shop 24/7 at villagebooks.com

Falling Like Leaves

Series: Bramble Falls

by Misty Wilson

available in September, paperback, Simon & Schuster

Gilmore Girls meets Jenny Han in this autumnal teen rom-com about a city girl stuck in a quaint small town who must confront her future and her old flame while the town prepares for an annual fall festival. Ellis has a plan: spend her senior fall prepping her application for Columbia, get into their journalism program, and set the foundation for a respectable career. So when her parents announce that not only are they separating, but Ellis has to move with her mom from New York City to Bramble Falls, Connecticut, to live with her aunt and cousin, it couldn’t come at a worse time. Ellis finds herself caught between two very different places—and the futures they represent. This paperback features stenciled sprayed edges while supplies last.

Graphic Novel My Life As An Internet Novel Vol. 1

by

A Hyeon and Yu Han-ryeo available in October, paperback, Random House Graphic

What happens when you're thrown into a fictional world . . . not as the main character, but as the main character's best friend? Dani knows that nothing good will happen to her as the side character, so she is determined to stay out of the way! But what happens when this fictional world ends up leading Dani to the first real friends she's ever known? With no idea how to get back home, Dani decides she’ll just have to play her part—no matter what plot twists come her way. This Korean manhwa puts a twist on romance and proves that falling in love is more than just a trope.

The Dark Cove Theatre Society

by Sierra Marilyn Riley available in October, paperback, Annick Press

In this captivating gothic YA debut, an aspiring young actor must find her place at a cutthroat arts boarding school. The Dark Cove Theatre Society illustrates both the intoxicating and insidious nature of success and the price we are often forced to pay for it. Passages of found text—glimpses of the school’s handbook, secret letters, and other peeks into life at the Academy—seamlessly woven into the plot will immerse readers even further into the lush, magnetic world of Dark Cove.

Witchlore

by Emma Hinds

available in October, hardcover, Macmillan

At Demdike College of Witchcraft, Orlando is an outcast. Not just for being the only shapeshifter in a college of witches. Not just for being a really bad shapeshifter, with no control over their magic or when their body switches between male and female forms. And then charming new boy Bastian arrives with a proposition: Who is Bastian? What does he really want? And who will survive the resurrection spell?

Angelica and the Bear Prince

by Trung Le

Nguyen

available in October, hardcover, Random House Graphic Once again, Trung Le Nguyen has used the graphic novel style to create a deeper understanding of a story. Intricate panel borders indicate fairy tale and childhood memories from the simple line panel borders set in present time. Angelica and the Bear Prince demonstrate how powerful friendships can be in each of our lives. –Kat

KIDS OPEN M IC

Ages 18 & Under

Village Books in Fairhaven invites kids 18 and under to share their own stories, poems and essays. Pre-registration to read is required and spaces are limited so please email host Seán Dwyer at sean@seandwyerauthor.com to secure a spot! Last Mondays from 5-6pm

September 29 • October 27 • November 24

Public speaking can be scary but it is an important skill to develop. It helps build confidence, increases communication skills, and enhances leadership qualities. Learning to effectively convey ideas helps to connect and influence others—a valuable personal and professional asset. Open mic at Village Books offers an opportunity to speak in front of a small, nurturing community of other writers—see you there!

Teen Author Cohort

The Village Books Teen Author Cohort (T.A.C.) is a supportive and inclusive community of young writers who meet regualrly to support each other, learn from professionals, grow their writing skills, and put their writing into the world. After a brief hiatus, we'll start meeting again this fall. Scan the adjacent code to apply.

Details and Application to Join atat

Are you searching for great book recommendations and activities to do with the young readers in your life? Look no further!

We've created a tab at villagebooks.com–the KIDS CORNER–where you'll find a fantastic collection of curated and award-winning reading recommendations, a calendar full of themed story times, family-friendly author and storyteller presentations, our monthly open mic for kids, as well as information about seasonal activities—all listed in one convenient place.

The Village Books Literary Events Program Literature LIVE! EVENTS

Unless otherwise noted, events take place at Village Books in Fairhaven and include a book presentation/reading, plus a Q&A. Registration to save your seat is required for most events. When a $5 fee applies, you will receive a voucher for that amount to use for purchases at the event! Tickets may be available at the door.

Details & registration at villagebooks.com.

Thursday, September 11, 6pm

The FAVORITE NORTHWEST WASHINGTON HIKES of KEN WILCOX

September 2025

Saturday, September 6, 6pm HEATHER DURHAM in conversation with Lyanda Lynn Haupt

–Sylvan Crone : A Midlife Quest

Join Heather Durham and Lyanda Lynn Haupt for an enchanting evening as they dive into Durham's newest book, Sylvan Crone: A Midlife Quest! Here, Durham invites readers into the terrain of a feral woman entering midlife amidst personal and cultural turmoil, encountering new insights in the realms of folklore, feminism, ecophysiology, and mysticism.

A Nature of Writing Series Event Sunday, September 7, 1pm Wonders of Nature Story Time with SUZANNE KAUFMAN –Blue and FERN WEXLER

–Families of a Feather

Join us for a very special storytime celebrating wild animals and the wonders of nature! We will welcome author and illustrator Suzanne Kaufman and wildlife photographer Fern Wexler to Village Books in Fairhaven for this special story time featuring Suzanne's book Blue — a sweet story about a child’s magical night with a blue heron is the perfect dreamy bedtime story for little ones and Fern's new book Families of a Feather: A Celebration of Family Diversity which celebrates and shares the diversity of family structures by exploring a variety of bird families and the many ways they care for and raise their young. Co-sponsored by North Cascades Institute as part of the Nature of Writing Speaker Series.

For decades, Ken Wilcox has hiked and written about nearly every trail in Northwest Washington, from the shores of the Salish Sea to the high peaks of the North Cascades. He is the author of the Village Books bestseller Hiking Whatcom County, now in its 7th edition. He released a new third edition of Hiking Snohomish County last fall, and his latest, Hiking Island County came out this spring. Together, the three books catalogue well over 300 hikes and walks throughout our region.

Friday, September 12, 6pm

MARTHA BRAY & CHERYL STRITZEL MCCARTHY –Tragedy to Triumph : Rebuilding a Traumatized Heart

When Martha Bray’s husband Bob is killed in a devastating traffic accident (by a criminal who’s evading police), it smashes her world like a meteor striking Earth. She navigates debilitating grief while somehow finding humor in life, eventually braving online dating on an often-hilarious quest to regain true love. Join Martha and her co-author Cheryl Stritzel McCarthy (pictured) in the Readings Gallery to hear this true tale of navigated loss and new beginnings.

A Nature of Writing Series Event Saturday, September 13, 2pm PAUL KOBERSTEIN in conversation with Daniel Harm

–Canopy of Titans: The Life and Times of the Great North American Temperate Rainforest

Canopy of Titans examines the global importance of the Pacific Coastal Temperate Rainforest that stretches from Northern California to Alaska. This urgent and authoritative account sets out the threats facing a vital environmental resource, and celebrates the beauty and complexity of one of the world's great forests—pulling back the curtain on policies of governmental bodies that have seriously diminished the rainforest's capacity to store carbon, and uncover industry practices that have led to the destruction of swaths of a major ecological resource. Co-sponsored by North Cascades Institute as part of the Nature of Writing Speaker Series.

for more events

KIDS!

Don't Miss Out!

Receive VB Email Event Updates

VB READS

Every week, Village Books sends out an email newsletter packed full of store and book information including our upcoming Literature Live events. Sign up for this newsletter and others in the store or at villagebooks.com today!

Book Groups

Village Books hosts multiple book groups who read and discuss a variety of genres. Flip to page 78 to find a group that works for you! Watch villagebooks.com for meeting times and reading selections. All are welcome!

VB WRITES

Writing Groups

Village Books is excited to host a variety of writing groups —each with a unique focus. Turn to page 28 for a full list and meeting times then see villagebooks.com for descriptions. Be sure to sign up for our Just Write! eNewsletter, a monthly publication highlighting current classes, tips and tricks, writing book reviews and the like!

Writing

Workshops & Classes

Village Books and WCC Community & Continuing Education program have created a writing instruction collaboration called Chuckanut Writers to support writers at all stages of their writing journey throughout the year. Turn to pages 29 & 30 for upcoming classes and go to whatcom.edu for more information, prices, and to register.

Chuckanut Writers

Monthly OPEN MICS

Open Mic with Seán Dwyer Last Mondays from 6-7pm

Village Books invites everyone to enjoy local talents as they share their own stories, poems and essays. Published and unpublished writers are encouraged to attend and enjoy a welcoming audience. Our regular emcee and celebrated local author, Seán Dwyer, will host as he does every month. Pre-registration to read is required and spaces are limited so whether you plan to read in person or on Zoom, please email Seán at sean@seandwyerauthor.com to secure your spot!

September 29 • October 27 • November 24

KIDS!

KIDS OPEN MIC with Seán Dwyer

Last Mondays from 5-6pm

Village Books in Fairhaven invites kids 18 and under to share their own stories, poems and essays. Our regular emcee and celebrated local author Seán Dwyer will host. Pre-registration to read is required and spaces are limited so please email Seán at sean@seandwyerauthor. com to secure a spot!

September 29 • October 27 • November 24

Chuckanut Sandstone Writers Theater

Chuckanut Sandstone Writers Theater

Open Mic

Second

Tuesdays from 6-8pm

Chuckanut Sandstone Writers Theater (CSWT) Open Mic is held at Village Books in Fairhaven on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm. Our CSWT emcee is Carla Shafer, who founded Bellingham’s first continuous Open Mic in Bellingham in 1991. Pre-registration to read is encouraged a so whether you plan to read, please email Carla Shafer at chuckanutsandstone@gmail.com to secure your spot!

September 9 • October 14 • November 11

- See villagebooks.com for store hours

Saturday, September 13, 4pm

SUMMIT ASSISTANCE DOGS

Have you ever wondered how service dogs are trained? Join Village Books and Summit Assistance Dogs and learn all about it! You'll even have a chance to meet a mobility assistance dog in training! Summit Assistance Dogs is a nonprofit organization that creates life-changing partnerships by providing highly-skilled mobility service dogs for people living with disabilities in the Pacific Northwest. By assisting with tasks such as retrieving items, opening and closing doors, and turning switches on and off, our dogs help their partners live with greater independence and confidence. Please leave your own pets at home.

Literature LIVE!

A Nature of Writing Series Event

Sunday, September 14, 4pm NATALIE HAMMERQUIST

–Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest : A Visual Guide to Harvesting and Cooking with 40 Common Species

A Nature of Writing Series Event

Friday, September 19, 6pm

DAVE & ILYSSA KYU

–Campfire Stories:

The San Juan Islands

As part of the Nature of Writing series, Village Books, North Cascades Institute, and Whatcom Land Trust are excited to welcome herbalist and forager Natalie Hammerquist to Village Books in Fairhaven for a presentation of her new book, Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest. This new foraging guide is a comprehensive, effective, and ethical resource for anyone interested in foraged food. Appropriate for beginners and experienced naturalists alike, this book teaches readers to identify, harvest, and cook with 40 of the region's most common and tastiest wild plants. You'll explore familiar treats like nettles and evergreen huckleberries, to lesser-known edibles like cattail, mallow, wood sorrel with recipes that include local favorites like rose-petal jam, dock-seed crackers, and slow-cooker applesauce.

Monday, September 15, 7pm at Lairmont Manor, Bellingham THE CHUCKANUT RADIO HOUR featuring LEIF ENGER –I Cheerfully Refuse in conversation with Susan Marie Conrad

Enjoy a special evening of music, stories, poetry, humor, and fun as we welcome Leif Enger to join us for the live taping of Bellingham's favorite radio variety show. This acclaimed author of Peace Like a River will share his latest novel I Cheerfully Refuse —a rollicking narrative, a symphony against despair, and a rallying cry for the future. Enger will be interviewed by professional adventure kayaker and writer Susan Marie Conrad. Live music will be provided by Bob Paltrow. Tickets available now at villagebooks.com!

Tuesday, September 16, 6pm

An Evening of Self Compassion with Carolyn McCarthy

Interested in learning to be kinder to yourself when you're suffering? Wish you had better tools for handling difficult emotions? Want to be able to motivate yourself with encouragement rather than criticism and start to leave that harsh inner-critical voice behind? Start here! Take this 1-hour journey to becoming a friend to yourself. We will explore how mindful self-compassion practices open the door to a supportive and kind relationship with ourselves, reducing stress and enhancing well being. You'll leave with a handout and a tool kit of simple practices to use at work and home. Free to attend but do register to save your seat.

Join us as we welcome Dave & Ilyssa Kyu back to the Readings Gallery with their latest engaging Campfire Stories installment. Immerse yourself in a unique blend of literature and lore about the San Juan Islands, including classic passages, original essays, poems, and natural history inspired by this distinctive landscape. Settle in with these literary wonders and allow the ferry’s gentle sway to transport you to “island time.” You’ll watch Southern Resident orcas breach in the distance, taste the bounty of a San Juan apple orchard, and smell the sweet, salty air of the surrounding sea with this thoughtfully curated collection of nineteen tales. Including work from Rena Priest, Lynda V. Mapes, Jill McCabe Johnson, Jessica Gigot, Quincy Henry, and more, Campfire Stories: The San Juan Islands is a celebration of this special place. This event is co-sponsored by North Cascades Instititue.

Saturday, September 20, 6pm

CATE PERRY

–Before the Next Mistake

Join Village Books in welcoming local author Cate Perry to the Readings Gallery for a dive into her latest book, Before the Next Mistake. If you're a fan of romantic comedies that focus on women's friendship and self-growth than this is the perfect event for you! Jilted and disillusioned, three unlikely friends discover that each of their dysfunctional exes have shaped up to become someone else's Mr. Right. Follow Carolyn, Ava, and Jazmine as they join forces in their own "Red Flag Society" support group, and eventually launch a podcast to search for the answers that will keep them from making the same relationship mistakes.

Sunday, September 21, 2pm

JULIE TATE LIBBY

–The Next Best Place : Love Letters to a Mountain Town in the American West

Join us as writer Julie Tate-Libby draws on her own experiences growing up in the Methow Valley, her travels, and her anthropological background to explore the valley's shifting dynamics and changes. When the Tate family moved to the Methow Valley in 1989, it was a rural, mountain valley surrounded by thousands of acres of public land. Julie grew up exploring, backpacking and fishing, all the while, determined to one day own a home of her own. Throughout the next two decades, however, as waves of urban migrants flocked to the Valley for its mountains and natural beauty, gas stations turned into organic food stores, replaced cowboys on the trails, and gritty bars turned into coffee houses and wine tasting rooms. The essays explore the growing social stratification within the community and the challenges faced by both long-time residents and newcomers in navigating the new social landscape. Poignant, funny and articulate, Julie’s essays explore what it means to belong to a community and place– and what it takes to stay. Her first book The Good Way, A Himalayan Journey, was a finalist for the 2020 Washington State Book Awards.

Unless otherwise noted, events take place at Village Books in Fairhaven

Monday, September 22, 6pm

MICHAEL CREMO

–Extreme Human Antiquity: Further Investigations Into Forbidden Archeology

Join Michael Cremo, hailed as the "forbidden archeologist," on a fascinating exploration of well-documented anomalous evidence from his new book, Extreme Human Antiquity. His landmark bestseller, Forbidden Archeology, first published in 1993, challenged the very foundation of Darwinian evolution. Michael continues to "dig up" enigmatic discoveries in the fossil record and "shake up" accepted paradigms, exploring famous archeological sites around the world. Join us!

Tuesday, September 23, 11am KIDS!

STORY TIME CONCERT with ERIC ODE

Join us for a celebration of language through story and song at this unique and entertaining story time concert! Eric Ode (pronounced Oh-dee) is a national award-winning children's singer/songwriter, author, poet, and a thoroughly engaging entertainer. His upbeat, high-participation programs are bubbling over with fun, interactive music and include stories, skits, poetry, props and puppets.Recognized with six Parents' Choice Awards and the author of over a dozen story and poetry books for kids, Ode's performance is one you don't want to miss.

Thursday, September 25, 6pm

AARON CHRISTOPHER

DROWN

–A Sister to Butterflies

Welcome award winning writer and graphic designer Aaron Christopher Drown to celebrate his newest book, A Sister to Butterflies ! When a magical being crosses into the human world, she sets into motion a chain of events with devastating consequences. Now old and burdened by regret, she recounts her story to a mysterious child, revealing the truth behind a legend and the terrible cost of the choices she made. Drown is a frequent guest speaker who enjoys discussing not only the writing process but also the important roles that branding and presentation play in promoting an author's work. Join us!

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Unless otherwise noted, these events take place in the Readings Gallery at Village Books in Fairhaven—join us!

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Friday, September 26, 6pm

DAVID BEAUMIER

–The Mourning Fields

When we romanticize unrequited love, what lessons do we teach? Join us as author David Beaumier explores this concept in his new book, The Mourning Fields, putting Greek myths into modern contexts, asking what the stories look like today and what consequences might follow. David Beaumier is the youngest recipient of the Village Books Literary Citizenship Award and currently helps market indie authors and small presses with Chanticleer Book Reviews.

Saturday, September 27, 4pm

MORGAN LOCKHART –A Spell for Midwinter's Heart

Join us in welcoming Pacific Northwest author Morgan Lockhart to the Readings Gallery to celebrate her debut book, A Spell for Midwinter's Heart! In this holiday romance with an enchanting twist, a magic-averse witch returns home to save her small town's beloved winter festival in time for the holidays with the help of her estranged coven and distractingly handsome childhood rival.

There is SO much going on at Village Books and Paper Dreams, we've expanded our eNewsletter offerings so you don't miss out! You can now select exactly what type of updates you would like to receive. In addition to our weekly News and Events newsletter, we now have the following newsletters to choose from—pick one or all, it's up to you. Unless otherwise noted, these newsletters arrive monthly.

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Saturday, September 27, 6pm

ASHTON MACAULAY

–One Night at Kedasi

Join Village Books in welcoming Seattle writer Ashton Macaulay as he shares his newest book, One Night at Kedasi, a humorous science-fiction space opera! Being a freelancer is never easy—especially in this intergalactic economy. After a string of bad jobs, any offer that keeps the ship flying looks good. Zip and her trusted companion, Tom, a 5-foot-tall talking shrimp, must race to retrieve an asset from Kedasi, an abandoned theme park asteroid. Inspired by the big adventure novels and films of old, Macaulay transports readers to intricately crafted worlds full of strange locales, surprising creatures, and compelling characters. He offers a humorous take on all things that go bump in the night and keeps his audience laughing amidst the suspense.

Sunday, September 28, 2pm

TAMARA LEA SPIRA

–Queering Families: Reproductive Justice in Precarious Times

Tamara Lea Spira, PhD is a spirited activist, writer, educator, and researcher who is dedicated to revealing the hidden big picture behind hot-rod political debates surrounding queerness, children, and families from an intersectional and transnational feminist perspective. Join us in welcoming her to the Village Books in Fairhaven for a discussion of her now book, Queering Families, which celebrates the rich history of queer reproductive justice, from the radical movements of the 1970s through the present, led by Black, decolonial, and queer of color feminists. It issues the call to lovingly wager a future for the world’s children, the planet, and all living beings against all odds—and in increasingly perilous times.

Tuesday, September 30, 6pm

MARY KNIGHT

–My Life Now: Essays by a Child Sex Trafficking Survivor

Literature LIVE!

October

Wednesday, October 1, 6pm A CELEBRATION of UNOFFICIAL

LANGUAGES

Hosted by Seán Dwyer and Wenling Su

A Celebration of Unofficial Languages is just that: a celebration of the sounds and unique nuances of speech that the recently named official language of the United States— English— cannot contain within its broad linguistic scope. Join us as we read selections of prose in several different languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Hebrew, Russian, Japanese, and many more—with simultaneous ASL interpretation! Translations of the works will be provided so you can enjoy the messages of any of the languages you have not yet learned. Dwyer and Su will be joined by a number of their colleagues in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at Western Washington University. Don't miss out!

Saturday, October 4, 2pm CAROLYN LARKIN TAYLOR

–Whispers of the Mind:

A Neurologist's Memoir

Welcome seasoned neurologist Carolyn Larkin Taylor to the Readings Gallery for her debut book, Whispers of the Mind: A Neurologist's Memoir.Fans of Oliver Sacks and Gabor Maté will be intrigued by this journey into the human brain, full of fascinating stories—both personal and professional—by a neurologist who’s dedicated her life to understanding the body’s most complex organ. Composed of essays that span from medical school to private practice, Taylor's memoir captures the essence of neurology—a field rarely associated with joy, yet rich in profound rewards. A Local Author!

Join Village Books in welcoming local psychotherapist and author Mary Knight to the Readings Gallery for a dive into her unique and gripping collection of essays—ranging from heartwarming to brutal. A trigger warning at the start of each essay allows readers to practice self-care. Mary Knight's parents were her pimps, but her focus in the book is on healing. Her current life is filled with safety, love, joy, and children. She feels honored that her memoir is the November 2025 selection for Bellingham Reads, the downtown library book club. Knight has produced personal documentaries about her life that can be viewed free of charge on her website, MaryKnightProductions.com. Weekly

Want a signed edition of the book but can’t make it to the reading?

Pre-order the title in-store, over the phone, or through our website—writing your request for a signature or personalization in the instructions/comments field at checkout. Please call if you’re placing your order within 24 hours of the event.

Saturday, October 4, 6pm J.A. JANCE

–The Girl from Devil's Lake

Join us in welcoming back New York Times bestselling suspense and thriller author J.A. Jance to the Readings Gallery as we celebrate the latest installment in her Joanna Brady series. In The Girl from Devil's Lake. Arizona County Sheriff Joanna Brady solves her biggest case yet, from a body in the desert to crimes spanning decades and countries in this thrilling tale. Jance is also the author of the J. P. Beaumont series, the Ali Reynolds series, six thrillers about the Walker Family, and one volume of poetry. Don't miss out!

Tuesdays at 11am in Fairhaven & Saturdays at 11am in Lynden

turning for more events

Sunday, October 5, 6pm

DEB MILLER

–Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happines

Who says a prince is needed to save the day? Certainly not debut author Deb Miller. In her bold and empowering memoir, Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness, Miller flips the script on outdated princess narratives and proves that real-life happiness is not about finding a prince—it’s about finding ourselves. This memoir brilliantly weaves self-empowerment with the evolution of the Disney princess archetype. Insightful, brave, and deeply relatable, her voice doesn’t just speak to women—it awakens them. A former global marketing vice president, Dr. Miller now teaches at Purdue University and Washington State University.

Monday, October 6, 6pm SARAH HAWLEY

in conversation with Ann Aguirre

–Princess of Blood

Saturday, October 11, 2pm

A. MUIA

–A Desert Between Two Seas: A Novel in Stories

Celebrate 2024 Flannery O'Connor Award winner and Pushcart Prize-nominee A. Muia's debut book, A Desert Between Two Seas: A Novel in Stories. Set in the crumbling Spanish missions of 19th century Baja California, this mythic novel in linked stories follows two grief-stricken people as haunted as the desolate chapels around them: a priest who caused the drowning of a native boy by compelling him to fish for pearls, and a deaf woman trying to outrun her murderous reputation as a pistolera.

Saturday, October 11, 4pm

SANDI MADISON

–Diving Before Dawn : A Dream Exploration

Join us in welcoming local favorite Sarah Hawley as she introduces the highly anticipated spellbinding sequel to her USA Today bestseller Servant of Earth. “With twisty court politics, devastating romance, deep female friendships, and one delightfully blood-thirsty dagger, Sarah Hawley’s Princess of Blood is everything that made Servant of Earth a one-sitting binge read but BETTER. Be careful about when you start this one—between the slow burn that BURNS and the pulse-pounding plot, it will keep you up way past your bedtime!”—Heather Frances, author of Chase Me If You Can

A Nature of Writing Series Event

Friday, October 10, 6pm

An Idigenous People's Day Primer with RENA PRIEST

–Positively Uncivilized CASKEY RUSSELL

–The Door On the Sea: The Raven and Eagle #1

Join us in welcoming this amazing pair of local authors as they share their new books. Rena Priest is an enrolled member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation and served as the 6th Washington State Poet Laureate (2021-2023) She is a recipient of the Village Books Literary Citizenship Award (2023) and the American Book Award (2018). Her first collection, Patriarchy Blues, received an American Book Award. From an Indigenous perspective, her new essay collection, Positively Uncivilized, examines the impact of human inhabitants on the planet earth. The 12 essays in this collection emphasize the necessity of community to overcome the damage done by human socioeconomic and political systems designed to isolate and shame those vulnerable to those unfair systems.

What if the strangest dreams you’ve ever had hold answers to your biggest life challenges? Join us in welcoming local author Sandi Madison as she explores insights, revelations, and the deep, metaphorical nature of dreams—demonstrating the innate knowledge hidden within our subconscious available to us nightly as inner wisdom for creative guidance. Participants will enjoy a visual presentation, an interactive activity related to dream research, inspiration for the book, a selection of themes, and a Q&A—don't miss out!

Sunday, October 12, 4pm

BARBARA

SJOHOLM

–The Reindeer of Chinese Gardens

Welcome author and translator Barbara Sjoholm as she shares her latest historical fiction book, The Reindeer of Chinese Gardens. Set in Port Townsend, WA in the late 1800s against a background of Chinese immigration, the Yukon Gold Rush, and a group of Sámi reindeer herders recruited to supply the miners, this is the riveting story of Norwegian-born Dagny Bergland, who learns to steer a new course in a new country. This National Endowment for the Arts Award-winning writer editor, publisher, and translator is the co-founder of both Seal Press and Women in Translation Press.

A Nature of Writing Series Event

Tuesday, October 14, 7pm at Lairmont Manor, Bellingham THE CHUCKANUT RADIO HOUR featuring MELISSA ARNOT REID –Enough: Climbing Towards a True Self on Mount Everest

Caskey Russell, the Dean of Fairhaven College at WWU, is a professor, a musician, and an enrolled member of the Tlingit Nation (Eagle / Kooyu Kwáan) of Alaska. His new book The Door on the Sea is an epic quest fantasy steeped in Tlingit tradition. When Elān trapped a salmon-stealing raven in his cupboard, he never expected it would hold the key to saving his people from invaders plaguing their shores. In exchange for freedom, raven offers a secret that can save Elān’s home. Co-sponsored by North Cascades Institute

We Appreciate Your Continued Support of Village Books and our Literature Live Programming

Enjoy a special evening of literature, adventure, humor, and music as we welcome celebrated mountaineer, groundbreaking climber, and author Melissa Arnot Reid to join us for the live taping of Bellingham's favorite radio variety show. Arnot Reid is the first American woman to successfully summit and descend Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. She has climbed the world’s highest peak six times. Join us as she presents her beautiful uplifting memoir—a journey of overcoming where the mountain's highest peaks can only be reached by traversing the dark crevasses of the soul. Enjoy live music by Andre Carrao. Co-sponsored by North Cascades Institute and Backcountry Essentials.

Saturday, October 18, 3pm

THOMAS KARMGARD

–F*ck Your Thoughts and Prayers

In his debut crime fiction novel, former federal prosecutor and ATF attorney Thomas Karmgard takes the reader inside a criminal investigation to stop a teenager—who has posted threatening messages against his classmates and who is amassing an arsenal of military-style weapons— from becoming the next school shooter. Thomas Karmgard spent more than 20 years as a prosecuting attorney specializing in firearms, explosives, and arson cases. Karmgard also spent 12 years as an attorney advisor for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Chicago, St. Paul, and Phoenix Field Divisions. He now calls Bellingham home.

Sunday, October 19, 2pm

MITCH FRIEDMAN

–Conservation Confidential: A Wild Path to a Less Polarizing and More Effective Activism

Join us as Mitch Friedman recounts the wild path he took from radical Earth First! activist engaging in controversial protests to becoming the founder and longtime director of Conservation Northwest. His new book Conservation Confidential documents challenges, success stories, and key lessons along the way to helping preserve Northwest ancient forests, peaceably recover wolves in the region, and much more. Part memoir, part guide on strategy for activists and liberal citizens, this new book offers the distilled wisdom of experience that Friedman searched for as a young activist but couldn’t find. "Older generations of activists owe it to their successors to pass down what they've learned, a charge Mitch Friedman forthrightly fulfills in these pages! His advice won't please everyone, but it demands engagement from anyone who cares about the wild world around us."–Bill McKibben

Sunday, October 19, 4pm PATRICK DIXON

–Mending Holes

Join us in welcoming award-winning poet Patrick Dixon for a reading of this new poetry collection. "Patrick Dixon conjures his past life as an Alaskan fisherman with his considerable poetic and storytelling gifts and a capacious memory for the perfect detail. That world's thrills, exhaustion, danger, jonesing, friendships, boats, whiff of diesel layered over fish, and orange pink sunsets all feel close enough to touch. So does the push and pull of yearning, fear, and wonder that remain. This is a beautiful account of an old life lived completely in the crystalline present, and the cost and reward of giving it up in time."–Kathleen Flenniken, former Washington state Poet Laureate. You can also take a writing workshop with Ken! See page 29 for information.

Friday, October 24, 6pm

RUSSELL CHAN

–The White Light Meets the Thin Blue Line

A 7-Continents traveler (including Antarctica), a Celtic harpist, avid knitter and crocheter, Eagle Scout, and anthropology graduate, Russell retired after working for the LAPD for 23 years. Although now a credentialed clairvoyant medium, he credits his years with the police department for his lingering skepticism and search for evidence. A civilian police employee pursuing credentials to become a psychic medium for a national Spiritualist church gains confidence and experience by practicing his abilities in private sessions with his most-available skeptics — officers and detectives of the LAPD. If he was successful with them, he’d be ready for the public.

Literature LIVE!

Saturday, October 25, 2pm

LESLIE BARNARD BOOTH

–I Am We : How Crows Come Together to Survive

A Free Family Event

Calling all bird-lovers and anyone curious about crows! Join Leslie Barnard Booth as she reads her new picture book, I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive, and learn how crows collaborate to find food, solve problems, and stay safe from predators. Find out how communication and curiosity shape the lives of crows. Then play a guessing game to explore crow vocalizations, and try your hand at some truly tricky puzzles that crows have been able to solve. A great event for all ages!

A Nature of Writing Series Event

Saturday, October 25, 4pm MOLLY HASHIMOTO

–Wildflowers of the West : An Artist's Guide

Bestselling artist Molly Hashimoto brings her unique blend of vibrant illustration, engaging natural history, and intimate personal reflection to the Western landscape—this time exploring the ephemeral beauty of wildflowers. Organized by habitat, Wildflowers of the West showcases flora from wetlands, shorelines, and prairies to deserts, forests, and alpine meadows. Accompanying each piece with natural history and stories of her own outings to find flowers, Hashimoto captures individual species through different media, from quick sketches with pen and ink to detailed watercolors and carefully planned block prints. The author and illustrator of four other books including Trees of the West and Birds of the West, Hashimoto was gracious enough to allow us to use her art for the cover of this issue of the Chuckanut Reader. At her event, she will share a slide show with photos and illustrations, as well as naturalist stories. Co-sponsored by North Cascades Institute

Sunday, October 26, 2pm DR. KELLY CASPERSON

–The Menopause Momen t: Mindset, Hormones, and Science for Optimal Longevity

What if everything you've been told about midlife and menopause is wrong? For too long, women have been fed fear and confusion about hormones, aging, and what it means to navigate midlife. The result is a generation of women left guessing about their own bodies, misinformed by outdated science, and held back by myths that serve no one. This book is not here to tell you what to do; it's here to give you the knowledge to decide for yourself because women like you are smart. And when you understand what's happening in your body, you can step into this next chapter with confidence, clarity, and power. Are you ready to take back the narrative? Dr. Kelly Casperson is a urologist, sex educator, and top international podcaster whose mission is empowering women to live their best love lives.

Unless otherwise noted, events take place in the Readings Gallery at Village Books in Fairhaven

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Sunday, October 26, 4pm

PETER CAVANAGH

–How

Birds Fly: The Art and Science of Avian Flight

Peter Cavanagh has traveled widely to photograph birds on every continent. In his beautiful new book, How Birds Fly, Cavanagh accomplishes his goal of unraveling the mystery of bird flight in an accessible way—a way that turns out also to be enjoyable and spectacular. Join us as he presents a lively audio visual presentation that vividly explains key elements of bird flight—designed for all people who love birds and requires no scientific background Drawn to the study of bird flight by his experiences as an instrument-rated private pilot, his professional training in anatomy and biomechanics, and his passion for nature and the outdoors, Peter’s images have been featured in the Audubon Society’s Top 100 Bird Photographs of the Year. He is a scientist, author, and bird photographer who lives in the San Juan Islands. Don't miss out!

Tuesday, October 28, 6pm

WDRC Youth Peace Poetry Reading

Village Books is proud to join the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center in welcoming contributors to the 2025 Youth Peace Poetry Contest to this special annual reading. Local youth ages 18 and younger submitted their poems, songs, short stories, and other forms of short creative writing on the theme of peace—join us in enjoying their creations. Free to attend.

November

A Nature of Writing Series Event

Saturday, November 1, 2pm

KURT HOELTING

in conversation with Saul Weisberg

–Apprentice to the Wild

Literature LIVE!

Sunday, November 9, 6pm

MARISSA MEYER

–The House Saphir

Join us in the Readings Gallery of Village Books in Fairhaven as we welcome Marissa Meyer—the #1 New York Times bestselling "Queen of Fairytale Retellings" as she introduces her latest, The House Saphir! This is the tale of Bluebeard as it's never been told before—a thrilling romantasy and murder mystery. Meyer is the bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles series, the Renegades trilogy, the Gilded Duology, the Wires and Nerve graphic novels, and The Lunar Chronicles Coloring Book. Her first standalone novel, Heartless, was also a #1 bestseller. Needless to say, this is going to be an event you DON'T want to miss. All TICKETS to this event include a hardcover copy of The House Saphir.

Monday, November 10, 6pm

MAYA JEWELL ZELLER

–The Wonders of Mushrooms

Get to know the kingdom of Fungi like never before with this unique book that blends mycology with lyrical prose and watercolor paintings. Join us as we welcome poet, essayist, and educator Maya Jewell Zeller as she takes us on an extraordinary expedition into the diverse and enchanting realm of fungi. The Wonder of Mushrooms is where science meets poetry, where ancient wisdom converges with modern discovery. Journey through a vibrant kingdom of mushrooms—learn about their colors, shapes, life cycles, and roles as decomposers, symbionts, and even sources of dyes. Maya Jewell Zeller's award-winning works explore nature, family, and wonder—don't miss out!

Tuesday, November 11 - Honoring Veterans Day

In Apprentice to the Wild, Kurt Hoelting charts his encounters with wildness and risk as a commercial fisherman and wilderness guide in Alaska, while mapping his simultaneous exploration of the wild within as a Zen practitioner and mindfulness teacher. In later chapters, he explores what it means to become an elder in turbulent times. Kurt Hoelting grew up by the shores of the Salish Sea, and worked summers for 50 years as a commercial fisherman and wilderness guide in Alaska. As a Zen practitioner, he founded Inside Passages, leading mindfulness-based kayaking expeditions in Southeast Alaska for 25 years. Co-sponsored by North Cascades Institute.

Saturday, November 1, 6pm

Raising Open-Hearted

Children with author REN CEDAR FULLER

–Bigger : Essays

Join Pacific Northwest author and parent educator Ren Cedar Fuller for a conversation about raising children with a desire for connection with people who are different from them. We will look at children's books about friends and family members who are neurodivergent, LQBTQ+, have a disability, or are from another ethnic group. How can stories help our children engage others with openness?

Thanks for your support of this locally-owned business. Building community since 1980.

On Veterans Day, we offer a storewide 20% off discount for active military and veterans at both Village Books and Paper Dreams in Fairhaven and Lynden. Thank you for your service.

Wednesday, November 12, 7pm at the Hotel Leo, Downtown Bellingham THE CHUCKANUT RADIO HOUR featuring SCOTT MILLER in conversation with County Executive Satpal Sidhu

–Let My Country Awake : Indian Revolutionaries in America and the Fight to Overthrow the British Raj

Enjoy a special evening of literature, skits, humor, and music at the live taping of Bellingham's favorite variety radio show. Join us as we welcome author Scott Miller with his new book, Let My Country Awake —the true story of an audacious international movement to liberate India from colonial rule during World War I. "Scott Miller tells a compelling and little-known story about India's freedom struggle—one involving a brave band of students and workers in America. This is a fascinating prism through which we see the wartime machinations of Germany, Britain, and the United States—and it all comes together in a made-for-Hollywood trial." —Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN's GPS and author of Age of Revolution

Thursday, November 13, 6pm

NICOLA PEARSON

in conversation with Brenda Miller –Sanctified

Join us in welcoming this award-winning playwright, novelist and mystery writer as she shares her novel of historical fiction based on the true story of The Women’s Commonwealth of Texas. In 1870, this group established the first safe house for women and became so successful in business, they inspired an entire community to change their perception of what women could do. Pearson will be joined by Brenda Miller—author of six essay collections and recipient of seven Pushcart prizes.

Saturday, November 15, 2pm

MARY B. HANSEN

–The Traveling Archivist : Eastern Oregon

Join us in welcoming writer and archivist Mary B. Hansen who, with her understanding of the power of stories and information to transform lives, will introduce her new mystery! The story’s protagonist, Della Waters, is looking to escape the pain of loss and betrayal following a traumatic experience while working as an archivist at the City of Portland Archives. Taking a temporary position in a small town Eastern Oregon as a traveling archivist seemed a perfect solution. But will the uncomfortable truths she uncovers about the town's history be accepted by the pillars of the community or will they try to destroy it and her? Join us and find out! Hansen will also share a collection of archival materials for people to explore. Don't miss out!

Saturday, November 15, 4pm DAVE LASTER

–Skis, Shovels, and Stories: Patrolling Sun Valley in the 1960s

Join us for an inside look at the Sun Valley ski patrol of the early 1960s, including its culture and duties and its place in the permissive setting of Sun Valley at the end of the railroad ownership era. Author Dave Laster has been skiing and mountaineering in the Northwest for over 70 years. His ski patrol adventures in 1960s Sun Valley preceeded 25 years of teaching high school in Italy and Germany, before his return to Bellingham in 1994. Enjoy original photos of the patrol at work packing slopes, handling accidents, preparing racecourses, and confronting avalanche threats. And, finally, gripping tales of seemingly bizarre events that actually happened. Dave Laster’s book is a collection of well-told stories about a golden era of skiing in sun drenched Sun Valley.

Sunday, November 16, 10am-5pm

VILLAGE BOOKS & PAPER DREAMS PRE-HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Get a jump on the holiday shopping season with this annual day of games, product demonstrations, prizes, and fun. Both Village Books and Paper Dreams in Fairhaven and Lynden will be decked out for the holidays and brimming with just the right gifts for everyone on your list. Don't miss out!

Literature LIVE!

Thank you for your continued support of Village Books and our Literature Live Events. We couldn't do it without you!

Sunday, November 16, 5pm

Re-Release Celebration of Mariella; of Out-West with DR. LAURA LAFFRADO

The Village Books publishing team is excited to announce the latest Chuckanut Editions title—the republication of the historic novel, Mariella; of Out-West. Originally published by local author Ella Higginson in 1902, this pioneer coming-of-age story was well received in it's time and well-deserving of a new audience. We're thrilled to offer both a deluxe cloth-bound hardcover limited-edition of the book, as well as a trade paperback edition. Joining us in our celebration will be Dr. Laura Laffrado, an award-winning Professor of English at WWU who's most recent book, Selected Writings of Ella Higginson: Inventing Pacific Northwest Literature, received the Society for the Study of American Women Writers Edition Award. She is currently at work on a biography of Ella Higginson.

A Nature of Writing Series Event

Tuesday, November 18, 6pm LANCE RICHARDSON

–True Nature:

The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen

The first biography of Peter Matthiessen, the novelist, naturalist, and Zen roshi, whose trailblazing work championed Native American rights and helped usher in the modern environmental movement, by award-winning writer Lance Richardson. “A stunning, formidable achievement by a brilliant biographer. Lance Richardson takes his readers on a wild ride with Peter Matthiessen.”

—Kai Bird, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Co-sponsored by North Cascades Institute

A Nature of Writing Series Event

Thursday, November 20, 6pm

LANCE GARLAND

–Out There : Dispatches from My Personal Wilderness

In an era when LGBTQ+ stories are finally finding their rightful place in mainstream media, Out There offers something uniquely powerful: a raw, authentic memoir that bridges the gap between military service, environmental healing, and queer identity. Lance Garland's journey reads like a perfect storm of contemporary American issues: military sexual assault, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy complications, first-generation college struggles, workplace discrimination, and the healing power of nature. This isn't just another coming-out story—it's a testament to resilience that spans from Navy warships in the Pacific to the rugged wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Co-sponsored by North Cascades Institute

BOOK GROUPS

OPEN to ALL!

VB Reads...

Armchair Historians

Let's chat, discuss, and dissect the most current and interesting history being written. We meet in the Readings Gallery at Village Books in Fairhaven the third Monday of the month at 6pm.

• Sept. 15 –A Voyage Long and Strange: On the Trail of Vikings, Conquistadors, Lost Colonists, and Other Adventurers in Early America by Tony Horwitz

Watch villagebooks.com for additional reading selections!

Village Books both hosts and co-sponsors a variety of lively book groups and YOU are invited to join in! All are welcome.

Find additional information under the Readers' Corner tab at villagebooks.com. Book groups are free to attend with no registration required.*

VB Reads...

Afternoon Book Chat

Join Sittrea in the Readings Gallery on the second Wednesday of the month at 1pm for a lively early afternoon book chat. Everyone welcome.

• Sept. 10 – A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan

• Oct. 8 –The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

• Nov. 12 – Again and Again by Jonathan Evison

Lynden Front Streeters

Unless otherwise noted, authors do not attend our book groups.

• Sept. 17, 7pm at Village Books in Lynden

Mexican Gothic by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia

See page 36 for additional meeting reads.

Attendees recieve 15% off book group selections.

Forest Talks & Forest Walks Book Group

Join the kind of book group where stories spark action, ideas grow into movements, and our love for forests brings us together. Brought to you by Forest Talks & Forest Walks, this group offers a variety of meeting options including virtual discussions, forest walks, and even an in-store event with the author of the fall discussion title:

PAUL KOBERSTEIN – Canopy of Titans For details and registration, see villagebooks.com

Saturday, September 13, 2pm at Village Books in Fairhaven

September 14, 10am–2pm

In-person Forest Walk + Group Dialogue at Upper Rutsatz

Register YOUR Own Book Group with Village Books

Book groups registered with Village Books receive a 15% discount on their monthly reads. To register your own book group with us, email bookgroups@villagebooks.com.

Reads... Motherhood by the Book

Join in on an hour of spirited discussion of books that celebrate the trials, tribulations, and rewards of motherhood. This group meets on the second Sunday of most months at 2pm in the writer's corner on the mezzanine level of Village Books in Fairhaven.

• Sept. 14 –The Quickening by Elizabeth Rush

• Oct. 12 –The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly

• Nov. 9 – Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Bellingham Symphony Orchestra Book Group

Pairing

Concerts and Literature!

The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra's Book Club is a great way to connect with music in a new and fun way! We read and discuss titles that touch on specific themes related to the different BSO performances. We meet at Village Books in Fairhaven.

• Sept. 24, 6pm –Beethoven's Hair: An Extraordinary Historical Odyssey and a Scientific Mystery Solved by Russell Martin

• Oct. 29, 6pm –The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom

See whatcomsymphony.com for the symphony schedule and ticket link.

Open Daily - See villagebooks.com for store hours

Village Books ... in the Wild!

Building Community One Book at a Time. This is our motto, and we mean it! While we host many events and programs on our own, we partner with other organizations as often as possible. To that end, this fall you'll find us popping up around the county as we partner with the Bellingham and Whatcom Libraries and the Mount Baker Theatre, as well as attending SeaFeast, the Salish Current Voices of the Northwest Knowledge Festival, and many more community events. We love to be out and about, promoting literacy and sharing books far and wide while supporting others in their endeavors. When you see us out in the wild, please stop by and say hi!

Wednesday, September 10, 6:30pm at the Ferndale Library, 2125 Main Street, Ferndale, WA BOOK EVENT & ARTIST PRESENTATION with TINO KURTZ & JASON LACLAIR

–Sa'le Q'ewet Netse-lh/ Our Hearts Beat as One

Join us at the library as we join the Whatcom County Library System at a special presentation of Sa'le Q'ewet Netse-lh/Our Hearts Beat as One, a children's book that celebrates the story of a young orca named Sk’aliCh’elht-enaut that was stolen from her family and sold to a theme park. Learn how she became a beloved performer, inspired people across the world to fight for her freedom, and how Lummi Nation worked to bring her home. There will be a special reading of the book by Na-tak-ul-tan Tino Kurtz, who translated the book, followed by a presentation by Sienum Jason LaClair who illustrated the book. During this interactive program, attendees tare invited to color and draw with materials provided by the library. Artwork by Sienum Jason LaClair will be available for purchase. Copies of Sa'le Q'ewet Netse-lh/Our Hearts Beat as One— a Village Books Chuckanut Editions title — will be available for purchase at this event from Village Books.

Thursday, October 2, 6pm at the Ferndale Library, 2125 Main Street, Ferndale, WA AND

Thursday, October 9, 6pm at the Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Hwy, Deming, WA

JENNIFER HAHN

–Pacific Harvest: A Northwest Coast Foraging Guide

Are you curious about foraging? Or are you a seasoned forager who wants to learn a little bit more about Nature's abundance in our region? Join author, scientist, culinary explorer, and wilderness guide Jennifer Hahn in either Ferndale or Deming to enjoy a lively slideshow talk on the cultural, culinary and ecological uses of sea veggies, land plants and marine shellfish, and mushrooms. Hahn will share stories of her 40 years foraging afoot and afloat from Alaska to California, animals who shelter and eat the foods we also love, sustainable foraging tips, nutrition, recipe ideas, and profiles from Indigenous traditional food experts working to revitalize Traditional Foodways in the Salish Sea and beyond. Enjoy popcorn "SEA-soned" with local farmed kelp (Lummi Island SeaGreens) and gain a new appreciation of the nature that surrounds and nourishes you. Village Books hosted Jennifer Hahn in May and is excited to be on hand selling copies of Pacific Harvest at these events!

EVENTS • Registration required – see WCLS.org

Saturday, November 15, 10am-12pm in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hotel Leo, Bellingham BELLINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK CLUB SOCIAL

Brought to you by The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library

Share your book club joy! Meet local authors, gather new title suggestions, and capture ideas to enrich your book group gatherings at the Bellingham Public Library Book Club Social. Whether you’ve been in a group for decades or are looking for a group to join, this event is free and fun for all. Coffee, tea and light refreshments provided. Gluten-free and vegan options will be available. Village Books will be on hand joining in the book group love. Spread the word!

Booked at the Baker Events

Mount Baker Theatre, 104 North Commercial Street, Bellingham Sunday, September 14, 3pm TWILIGHT in CONCERT

Experience the legendary romance saga with this epic film-to-concert event — featuring the original movie accompanied by a sensational live band on stage with an enchanting candlelit atmosphere.

Friday, February 5, 7:30pm - 2026

ISABEL WILKERSON

The Urgency of Radical Empathy

Isabel Wilkerson is a nationally acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and highly sought-after speaker, whose insightful work has changed how an entire country understands its history. A leading light in uncertain times, Wilkerson is the author of the critically acclaimed bestsellers The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.