The Chuckanut Reader – Winter 2025-26

Dear Reader,

"Building Community” has been integral to our mission since 1980. What strikes us more and more is how many different facets that gem of community really has. We have our book-loving community of course, as well as our greater Whatcom home. Our community is also full of writers, illustrators, and gift-makers who share their beauty and creativity with us.

The local non-profits in our neighborhood make this community even better. And still, we are boggled by the generosity of you, Dear Reader. When you keep your shopping local during the holidays (and every day for that matter), you're keeping our community and economy vibrant, giving all of us a gift for years to come. (Plus fewer honking blue delivery trucks. Win-win.) We are so very appreciative of our community and we wish you all the best this holiday season.

– Sarah, Paul, Kelly,

and the Entire Village Books and Paper Dreams Family

In This Issue...

The Chuckanut Reader Winter 2025-26

Publisher: Village Books and Paper Dreams

Production & Design: Kelly Carbert

Contributors: Kiana Allen, Rae Baitx, Rick Bramham, Sam Brown, Kendra Calitri, Cy Catwell, Kelly Carbert, Caitriona Cassel, Erin Chervenock, Adelaide Conover, Erica Davis, Gaye Davis, Stephanie Dethlefs, Nathen Dooley, Sydney Durst, Kelly Evert, Paul Hanson, Chloe Hovind, Sarah Hutton, Kari Jorgensen, Hannah Kayser, Kat Kayser, Sean Kearney, Samantha Lewis, Troy Luginbill, Jess Moreland, Alex Nyberg, Megan Perkins, Laura Picco, Chloe Quan, Lillian Roberts, Carolina Santana, Grace Schutte, Kelly Sims, James Smith, Kellen Smith, Allison Stalnaker, Maddie Swaney, Laney Marquez, Courtney Velthuizen, Heather Williams, Aina Zabinski

Cover: Beautiful Winterfest art by artist Scott Ward. Find more of his work at scottwardart.com and a schedule of Winterfest activities on pages 7-9. And yes, we're Celebrating 10 Years in Lynden! Content except art, ads, and book covers ©Village Books 2025

Village Books & Paper Dreams - Open Daily 1200 11th St., Bellingham, WA 98225 • 360.671.2626 430 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264 • 360.526.2133

browse & shop anytime at villagebooks.com

Village Books and Paper Dreams Annual

Giving Tree

Books for Local Kids and Families in Need

For over two decades Village Books has partnered with local non-profits that provide services for at-risk populations through our Giving Tree and now Round It Up donation programs.

During the Holiday season, we reach out to our customers to hand pick books that go directly to our community. The books that you purchase for the Giving Tree program are offered at a 20% discount! These books are then separated based on the needs of the organizations and delivered in the few weeks before Christmas. The Best of the Independent Northwest

In 2025 alone, our wonderful customers allowed us to provide over 1,500 books to to local children in need. Thanks for your participation!

Your November & December Round It Up donations will go to our Giving Tree Program - Thank You!

Round your purchases up to the nearest dollar and make a difference!

Great Reads Book

OThough we stock thousands and thousands of titles, we cannot carry everything on our shelves. Our friendly, knowledgeable booksellers are happy to order any available book for you.

• in person seven days a week

• by phone: Fairhaven - 360.671.2626 and Lynden - 360.526.2133

• or shop 24 hours a day online at villagebooks.com

Stop by and pick up a copy of the 2025 PNBA Holiday Catalog for more fantastic giving suggestions!

Fairhaven & Lynden

Sunday, November 16

Get a Jump on Your Holiday Shopping

You Are Invited to join us for day of Shopping and Fun!

Grab your holiday shopping list and head to Village Books and Paper Dreams in both Fairhaven and Lynden for our annual Holiday Open House! Visit different stations throughout the store for an opportunity to spin the wheel for prizes and discounts.

Festivities: 10am-5pm in Fairhaven & Lynden

Throughout the day, we'll have "Book Walks" where you'll have the chance to win even MORE prizes! Join us and get a jump on your holiday shopping.

BONUS! We're hosting TWO exciting author events during the open house in our Fairhaven store. At 2pm, Natasha Tripplett will share her picure book, Downtown Doors a nd at 5pm, we'll celebrate the republication of Ella Higginson's 1902 novel Mariella: of Out West with gue st Laura Laffrado, creator of the he Ella Higginson Recovery Project. These events are free to attend. See page 73 for more information. We'll see you there!

STAFF

GIVING IDEAS

Let the staff of Village Books and Paper Dreams help you pick out just the right gift!

Aran Irish Sweaters

"Handmade in Ireland, 100% wool, and 100% cozy and warm. I love curling up with some tea and a book in my gorgeous sweater. The best part is pockets in a sweater! This would be the best gift to get for yourself." –Kelly E.

A Great Gift

Four Points Trading Co. Candles

"Bacon. Grass. Motor Oil. Cinnamon. Candles?! Yup. Unbelievably realistic scents in eco-conscious candles. The Fruity

Cereal scent is particularly evocative." –Sarah Look for our giving recommendations sprinkled throughout this edition of the Reader.

An Evening with ISABEL WILKERSON

The Urgency of Radical Empathy

Friday, February 6, 7:30pm

Nationally acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning Isabel Wilkerson's 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. Her talk—The Urgency of Radical Empathy—will address current events and explore how both individuals and communities can support disenfranchised and marginalized communities and find hope in our shared humanity. Don't miss this incredible opportunity!

WICKED Sing-Along

Saturday, Febraury 21, 7pm

Sing your heart out to “The Wizard and I,” “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and the rest of the Wicked soundtrack, guided by emcee extraordinaire Lauren O’Neill, as you watch Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande dance across the big screen at Mount Baker Theatre.

Tickets available at mountbakertheatre.com

THE MOTH MAINSTAGE

Village Books is excited to join Mount Baker Theatre for a night of incredible storytelling with The Moth Mainstage —quintessential storytelling in a two-act show with five storytellers, a dynamic host, and a musical act. Each story is true, told live, and without notes, capturing the essence of what makes The Moth a cultural phenomenon.

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Saturday, March 7, 7:30pm

Fairhaven Chocolate Walk

The Chocolate Walk will be ON Valentine's Day—the perfect way to spend the day! Gather delicious chocolates at a variety of Fairhaven locations. A great date activity or a fun time with friends. Purchase the VIP package for an extra special experience. Watch enjoyfairhaven.com for updates and upcoming registration information.

Winterfest

November 29 - December 20, 2025

The annual Historic Fairhaven Winterfest begins the weekend of Thanksgiving with fun activities continuing through the holiday season. There is always something magical happening—don't miss out!

Winterfest Kick-Off Celebration—Let the Magic Begin!

Saturday, November 29 / Small Business Saturday

Carriage Rides, Santa, Art Walk, Live Entertainment, and More!

What a day! From 12pm-3pm, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and visit with Santa at the Village Inn. Between 1pm-6pm, you can check out the Holiday Pop-up Market at the Firehouse Arts and Event Center. From 4pm-7pm, you can both peruse the annual Winterfest Art Walk and stop by the Light the Village Celebration on the Village Green which will include live holiday music at 4pm followed by fire dancing by Pyro Dancers LLC at 5pm. Stop by the Winterfest Warm-up on the Green between 5:30pm–7pm to mingle with the performers while enjoying a warm cup of cocoa or hot cider. Don’t forget to grab your month-long schedule and Shop Local Card while you're there!

Weekly Happenings

Saturdays, November 29 - December 20

12pm-3pm: Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides & Visits with Santa

A timeless magical holiday tradition. You can enjoy Saturday carriage rides through the streets of Fairhaven—leaving from outside the Fairhaven Village Inn weekly. Step inside the cozy fireside room at the Village Inn for a photo opportunity with Santa while you're there.

1pm: Live Music at the Village Inn

Ongoing - November 29 through December 20

Letters to Santa

Children can leave letters for Santa in the classic Victorian mailbox located at the Village Inn this year.

New this Year!

• Find the Fairhaven Elves at local businesses

• Festive Fairhaven Photo Contest

• Warm Up in Fairhaven—Weekly food and beverage specials throughout the Village. Watch for details!

Turn the Page for More Winterfest Fun!

HOLIDAY PORT FESTIVAL

Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7

The Holiday Port Festival is a free, family-friendly event held the the first weekend of December at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. This is one of the Port’s signature events for the community and includes:

• Live Music and Dance Performances

• Gingerbread House Display

• Visits and Photos with Santa

Interested in entering your own gingerbread creation? Family, kids, corporate... there's a category for everyone!

See portofbellingham.com for details

 Give Back 

During Winterfest, the Fairhaven Association Hub in Finnegan’s Alley is a place where you can drop off items to benefit others. Thank you for generosity.

• Cold Weather Clothing Drive – drop off your gently worn jackets, scarves, blankets and more.

• Pet Drive – shelf-stable canned or dry food, bags of litter, treats and toys for furry friends.

• Food Drive – Shelf-stable pantry items.

Help keep the tradition alive and SPONSOR THE SPARKLE!

The Fairhaven Association provides a magical atmosphere in the historic village with thousands of lights throughout the holiday season. Each sponsorship is $100. Sponsors will have their name displayed on the window of the HUB (inside Finnegan's Alley) as a thank you.

Find the sponsor registration link at enjoyfairhaven.com.

Thank you!

Shop Local Cards

November 30 - January 1

Spend & eat locally this holiday season and reap the rewards! Shop and dine at your favorite Fairhaven businesses and for each $10 spent, get your Shop Local Card marked. Enter your completed cards for weekly prize drawings!

Thank You for Supporting Local Saturday,

November 29

Small Business Saturday and Indies First, celebrated on November 29, 2025, is a day dedicated to reminding people to think local when shopping for the holidays. If you're taking the time to read these words in this publication, you already understand the importance of supporting locally-owned businesses and we appreciate you! YOU are an independent bookstore shopper.

You already understand that you vote with your dollars every day by deciding to shop locally. We understand that you have choices and want to say THANK YOU for choosing us.

Saturday, December 6 - Light a Fire in Your Heart

Fairhaven Firelight Stroll, Bonfire, Lighted Boats

The Fairhaven Firelight Stroll is a favorite holiday tradition. Start at 8th & Harris between 5pm-8pm and enjoy a half mile stroll through a wooded path lined with luminaria. At the end, you can join the all-ages Winterfest Bonfire at Stones Throw Brewery (4pm-9pm). While you're out and about, listen to live holiday music by Holiday Brass (weather dependent) at 5pm then check out other holiday festivities including the Bellingham Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade on Bellingham Bay starting at 5:30pm and the Holiday Port Festival at the Cruise Terminal from 11am-5pm.

Spirits & Sweets Saturday

Saturday, December 13, 6pm - Eat, Drink, and be Merry! Join us for another lively weekend for adults and families to enjoy the spirit of the season. In addition to the memorable horse-drawn carriage rides and weekly opportunity to meet Santa, enjoy live music and holiday sweet treats for children and adults throughout the village.

Sweater Weather

Saturday, Dog Parade and Funky Sweater Showdown

Cozy up, bring your pets, and celebrate the season! From noon-3pm, a dog-friendly Santa and his Elves will have treats on hand for photos at the Village Inn. Enjoy your final chance to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through beautiful Fairhaven and do not miss the Dog Parade and Funky Sweater Showdown at 4pm. There will be prizes and lots of smiles! Watch for details!

Check individual Fairhaven business websites and social media to find additional holiday entertainment opportunities!

Event dates, times, and details are subject to change. For the most current information go to enjoyfairhaven.com or @enjoyfairhaven on Facebook.

The Village Books Literature Live Speaker Series could not exist without your support. Thanks for attending the readings and for purchasing the featured titles!

Events Calendar at

Libro.fm makes it possible for you to buy audiobooks through your local bookstore (Village Books!) giving you the power to keep money within your local economy.

You can sign up for a monthly membership or make your purchases à la carte and listen to audiobooks on your own schedule with no strings attached.

Listen Anywhere

Available on iOS and Android, with CarPlay, Android Auto, AppleWatch support, and more.

Cancel or pause your membership without losing your credits or audiobooks.

Thank YOU for supporting local!

www.libro.fm/villagebooks

At Village Books, you'll find new, used, AND bargain books integrated throughout the store. How can you tell the difference? Look at the colors on the labels AND find colored dots on the spines of the used and

• White Labels, no Sticker on the Spine = New Books

• Green Dots with Green on the Label = Used Books READcycle! Good for the earth AND your wallet.

• Yellow Labels & Dots = Bargain Books / Publisher Remainders. These titles are new but offered at a discounted price. Look for newest used books on dedicated carts and remainders on

ALot of Flowers sprang to life from the creative vision of original owner M Mary Cain in the mid 1980s. Beginning with Christmas trees and wreaths the business quickly transformed into a nursery selling a mix of outdoor plants, statuary and specialty garden baskets. Current owner Penny Ferguson was hired by Mary in 1991 and continued to work for several owners until buying the business in 1997.

Although the business footprint and merchandise have changed over the years, the combination of friendly, dedicated staff, (including 2 sisters!) some who have been with the shop for decades, and the overwhelming support of the community has ensured the shop’s survival to this day.

Sharing the block with anchor businesses Village Books, Paper Dreams, and The Colophon Cafe hasn’t hurt either!

For the holidays, A Lot of Flowers will be offering a unique mix of seasonal florals, houseplants, ornaments, statuary, and many locally made and fair-traded gift items.

Holiday Fiction

A Book for Christmas

by Selma Lagerlöf

available in November, hardcover, Penguin

Classics

New Fiction

A little girl receives a gift to treasure; the creatures of the forest gather to celebrate the New Year; an evil noblewoman schemes against her beautiful niece; a cantankerous gravedigger dines with an unexpected companion on Christmas Eve…In this enchanting selection of winter stories, now available in English for the first time, the beloved writer Selma Lagerlöf weaves together magic and miracles, Swedish folklore and timeless fables, darkness and light, heartfelt joy and festive wonder.

Shadow Ticket

by Thomas Pynchon available now, hardcover, Penguin Press

That magician Thomas Pynchon is back, this time with an enigmatic romp through Depression-era Milwaukee and the backroads of Eastern Europe. Hilarious character names, idiosyncratic asides, incredible prose, strange metaphysical powers of teleportation, cheese malfeasance, it's all here. If you're looking for an off-kilter adventure, you won't be disappointed—this book makes for a great introduction for readers new to Pynchon. Take the shadow ticket, I'll see you on the other side. –Adelaide

The List of Suspicious Things

by Jennie Godfrey

available in December, paperback, Sourcebooks

A brilliant and tender coming-of-age novel set in 1979 Yorkshire, England told through the eyes of 12-year-old Miv, who along with her best friend Sharon, makes a list of all the suspicious things in her hometown in hopes of being the one to catch a serial killer who is targeting young women. In their search, they collect a growing circle of misfit friends but they also find more secrets—in their neighborhood, between themselves, and within their families—than they ever thought possible. This very special novel is a bittersweet portrait of ordinary people and the ways loss, friendship and kindness shape a community at odds with a nation that finds the abnormal dangerously suspicious.

Queen Esther

by John Irving

available in November, hardcover, Simon and Schuster

Classic John Irving is back. Irving brings us back to the orphanage in St.Cloud's, Maine where Esther, a Viennese-born Jewish girl is abandoned at age four and taken in. True to Irving style, we are set up for an adventure with many characters with enduring personalities as he takes us through the life and times of Queen Esther. –Kelly E.

The Emergency

by George Packer

available in November, hardcover, Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Packer’s bestselling nonfiction work exploring American life has won many prizes, including the National Book Award. With The Emergency, he turns to fiction, bringing us a visionary novel that goes to the nerve center of what it means to live in a time of fracture and upheaval. It’s a novel of ideas and a taut page-turner. It asks what we owe one another across divided generations and classes— what common human bonds remain when a society falls apart.

Soyangri Book Kitchen

by Kim Jee Hye

translated by Shanna Tan

available now, hardcover, Union Square and Co.

A young woman leaves her hectic life in Seoul to open a bookstore in a small town, offering the powerfully restorative combination of good books, delicious food, and a cozy "book stay" to seven different characters over the course of this short, sweet novel. Especially heartwarming, the book was inspired by the author's own story of leaving her job at an IT company to open her own independent bookstore in South Korea called Walking on the Clouds.

Winter Stories

by

Ingvild

Rishøi, translated by Diane Oatley available in December, hardcover, Grove/Atlantic

This slim volume with three tales centered on life and the human experience is perfect for the shorter winter days, when curling up with a good book and something hot to drink makes for a perfect weekend. Another great gift choice for the fiction reader in your life. –Erin

Evelyn in Transit

by David Guterson

available in January, hardcover, W.W. Norton & Co.

New Fiction

David Guterson has reunited with Alane Mason, the editor with whom he worked on Snow Falling on Cedars. Evelyn is an everywoman for our time, wrestling with how to fit into this world in which we live. Her struggles are compounded and complicated when her five-year-old son is announced as the seventh reincarnation of the recently deceased Norbu Rinpoche. This novel is meditative and profound. I’ll happily read anything David writes, confident that in the sure hands of this craftsman, I’ll be transformed by the journey. –Paul

Evensong

by Stewart O'Nan

available in November, hardcover, Atlantic Monthly Press

An intimate, moving novel that follows The Humpty Dumpty Club, a group of women of a certain age who band together to help one another and their circle of friends in Pittsburgh as they face the challenges of their golden years. Between navigating their own relationships and aging bodies and attending choir practice, these invisible yet indomitable women help where they can. They bake cookies, they care for pets, they pick up prescriptions, they sit vigil by the sick, and most of all, they show up for the people they’ve pledged to help. In the face of death, divorce, and the myriad directions our lives can take, the Humpty Dumpty club represents the power of community and chosen family.

The Door on the Sea

by Caskey Russell

available now, hardcover, Solaris

When Elān trapped a salmon-stealing raven in his cupboard, he never expected it would hold the key to saving his people from the shapeshifting Koosh invaders plaguing their shores. In exchange for its freedom, the raven offers a secret that can save Elān’s home. Elān is tasked with captaining a canoe crewed by an unlikely team including a human bear-cousin, a massive wolf, and the endlessly vulgar raven. As their world continues to fall to the Koosh, and alliances are challenged and broken, Elān must choose his role in his own epic story. An epic quest fantasy debut that is the Tlingit indigenous response to The Lord of the Rings written by a local author!

Meet the Author!

DAVID GUTERSON

EVENT

Saturday, January 24, 6pm at Village Books in Fairhaven

POSTPONED watch for a new date

Join us in welcoming this popular Pacific Northwest novelist back to the Readings Gallery as he introduces this new short novel about defying expectations, hitting the road, and seeking the right way to live.

Register today at villagebooks.com

Boom Town

by Nic Stone

available now, hardcover, Simon & Schuster

Boom Town is a murder mystery in the vein of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl. It is a collision of Stone's fascination with erotic dance as a profession and statistics around Black women going missing and no one batting an eye. When “Charm” Wilburn, a new daytime dancer, is missing for her shift at Boom Town, former headliner “Lyriq” Johanssen suspects something more than a “no call, no show.” As Lyriq’s former headline partner and lover—“Lucky” Carothers—also vanished under similar circumstances, Lyriq decides she’s going to find them.

WE SHIP!

The Tortoise's Tale

by Kendra Coulter

available in November, hardcover,

Simon & Schuster

This remarkable debut novel spans over a decade through the eyes of a giant tortoise living on an estate in California. As someone who was always drawn to animal-centered books as a child, this book was the perfect way to elevate the genre to a deeply moving and delightful piece of literature that shows both the beauty and danger of what it means to be human, and the importance of being kind to the natural world. –Caitriona

New Fiction

A Great Gift

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

by Dawnie Walton

available in paperback, Simon &

Schuster

I, Medusa

by Ayana Gray

“A boldly crafted novel about a 1970s rock duo's 21st century return to the stage—and the secrets about their split that are starting to come to light. The 70s music scene provides a strong foundation; the format was unique in a way that I loved; and the characters had such distinct voices that they've stuck with me years later. All around brilliant!” –Lillian

available in November, hardcover, Random House

Myth retellings continue to be a hot trend and I expect this one to be a book group favorite. In this examination of the life of Medusa, a modern voice tells the tale of the greatly misunderstood Medusa and her sisters, from their lonely childhood island home, to the great Acropolis of Athens, where Medusa both rose to her greatest heights and then became the monster we all know her as today. –Erin

The Land in Winter

by Andrew Miller

available in November, hardcover, Europa Editions

Longlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize. December 1962: In a village deep in the English countryside, two neighboring couples begin the day. Local doctor Eric Parry commences his rounds in the village while his pregnant wife, Irene, wanders the rooms of their old house, mulling over the space that has grown between the two of them. On the farm nearby lives Irene’s mirror image: witty but troubled Rita Simmons is also expecting. She spends her days trying on the idea of being a farmer’s wife, but her head still swims with images of a raucous past that her husband, Bill, prefers to forget. An exquisite, page-turning examination of relationships and a masterclass in storytelling.

Classics

The Life of Violet : Three Early Stories

by Virginia Woolf

edited by Urmila Seshagiri

available now, hardcover, Princeton University Press

In 1907, eight years before she published her first novel, a 25-year-old Virginia Woolf drafted three interconnected comic stories chronicling the adventures of a giantess named Violet—a teasing tribute to Woolf’s friend Mary Violet Dickinson. But it was only in 2022 that Woolf scholar Urmila Seshagiri discovered a final, revised typescript of the stories: Woolf had finished this mock-biography, making it her first fully realized literary experiment and a work that anticipates her later masterpieces.

Classics

Ladies in Waiting: Jane Austen's Unsung Characters

by Multiple Authors

available in November, paperback, Gallery Books

In honor of her 250th birthday, eight authors have come together with wildly imaginative reboots of the lives of several of Jane Austen’s minor characters. Written with plenty of love and wit, these clever stories star everyone from Pride and Prejudice’s snobbish Caroline Bingley to the modern descendant of Sense and Sensibility’s Eliza Williams and many more. Blurring genres and taking us across the oceans, Ladies in Waiting is a heartfelt celebration of Jane Austen and her timeless masterpieces.

Thirst Trap

by Gráinne O'Hare

available in November, hardcover, Crown Publishing Group

There is something so refreshingly real about chaotic 20-somethings figuring life out together. After a traumatic death in the group, these friends now face their upcoming 30s with dread, excitement, and everything in between. This book takes you through the highs and lows of sentimental friendships, and you are bound to see yourself in one of these three beautifully crafted characters. Gráinne O'Hare is an absolute delight in her writing and she has created an eager and excited fan in this bookseller! –Alex

New Fiction

Cursed Daughters

by Oyinkan Braithwaite

available in November, hardcover, Doubleday

A young woman must shake off a family curse and the widely held belief that she is the reincarnation of her dead cousin in this wickedly funny, brilliantly perceptive novel about love, female rivalry, and superstition from the author of the smash hit My Sister, the Serial Killer. “A bombshell of a book... Sharp, explosive, hilarious." —New York Times

The Eleventh Hour:

A Quintet of Stories

by Salman Rushdie

available in November, hardcover, Random House

Do we accommodate ourselves to death, or rail against it? Do we spend our “eleventh hour” in serenity or in rage? And how do we achieve fulfillment with our lives if we don’t know the end of our own stories? The Eleventh Hour ponders life and death, legacy and identity with the penetrating insight and boundless imagination that have made Salman Rushdie one of the most celebrated writers of our time.

Girl Dinner

by Olivie Blake

available now, hardcover, Tor Publishing Group

Olivie Blake takes sorority girls to a new sinister level in her latest book. We follow Nina, a sophomore trying to fit her way into the school's top sorority, and Dr. Sloane Hartley, the sorority's newly appointed faculty advisor. At its core, this book is about belonging, and the lengths women are willing to go to belong anywhere. Throw in some questionable rituals, and well kept secrets, it's the perfect eerie fall read! –Alex

Wreck

by Catherine Newman

available now, hardcover, Harper

Anxious, nostalgic, and funny, Rocky is living in Western Massachusetts with her husband Nick and their daughter Willa, who's back home after college. Their son, Jamie, has taken a new job in New York, and Mort, Rocky’s widowed father, has moved in. It all couldn’t be more ridiculously normal, until Rocky finds herself obsessed with a local accident that only tangentially affects them—and with a medical condition that, she hopes, won’t affect them at all.

Intemperance

by Sonora Jha

available now, hardcover, HarperVia "Why can't a women in her 50s find love? Our story is of a women who announces that to celebrate her 55th birthday she is holding an Indian swayamvar, in which suitors line up to compete to win her hand in marriage. She receives everything from ridicule to support from a long list of characters. Seattle author Sonora Jha is a masterfull writer and her coming of middle age book is particualry great for bookclubs." –Kelly E.

Graphique Planners

“2026 is just around the corner and a stylish Graphique planner is just what I need to stay organized. I buy one every year and refer to it as my 'brain.' With several options available for layout and size, you're certain to find the perfect planner for your –Erin

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.

March 12 - March 13, 2026

Friday, March 13, 7pm

An Evening with Javier Zamora

at the Mount Baker Theatre

The event is free to attend but registration required - mountbakertheatre.org

“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 taking place throughout the county - watch whatcomreads.org!

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. Deadline is Tuesday, March 3 and participation is free. 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.

Local writers of all ages explored the theme Family: Formed, Found, and Chosen drawn from Solito by Javier Zamora. Top entries were selected for publication in the Whatcom WRITES anthology and contributors will read at a public presentation.

Family: Formed, Found, and Chosen

Watch for event details and don't miss out!

Fantasy & Science Fiction

Exo

by Colin Brush

available in November, paperback, Diversion Books

Humanity is dying. Banished from the Earth, our descendants eke out lives in orbital habitats and moon colonies—and look with longing on our former home. But Earth is deadly. Over hundreds of years, its oceans have transformed into an annihilating liquid entity––the Caul. Every living creature approaching its shores is irresistibly compelled to enter. . . and is never seen again. Scientists, some of the few inhabitants left, work in facilities seeking to understand and stop the Caul. And scavenging the shores are the penitents—those who resist its siren lure.

This Is How You Lose the Time War Deluxe Edition

by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone available in November, hardcover, Saga Press

Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandment finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading. Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, a battlefield boast, becomes something more. Something epic. Something romantic. Something that could change the past and the future. The gorgeous, enthralling hardcover deluxe edition of the bestselling Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Award–winning sci-fi novella includes new cover art, stenciled edges, designed endpapers, and a deluxe printed and debossed case.

Stories & Essays

We Will Rise Again : Speculative Stories and Essays on Protest, Resistance, and Hope

edited by Karen Lord, Annalee Newitz, and Malka Older

available in December, paperback, Saga Press

Each story in this anthology is grounded within a broader sociopolitical framework using essays and interviews from movement leaders, charting the future history of protest, revolutions, and resistance with the same zeal for accuracy that speculative writers normally bring to science and technology. Exploring topics ranging from disability justice and environmental activism to community care and collective worldbuilding, these imaginative pieces center solidarity, empathy, hope, joy, and creativity.

We Are Legion (We Are Bob)

by Dennis E. Taylor

available now, hardcover, Saga Press

Everything was looking up for Bob. That is, until he’s killed crossing the street just moments after signing the papers for a cryogenic lab burial. A century later, Bob wakes up, not in a utopia but an Earth on the precipice of war. America is run by an extremist government that stripped his rights as a frozen head, uploaded his consciousness into an AI, and selected him to search space for habitable planets as a selfreplicating probe. It’s not ideal, but if he declines, he’ll be switched off for good. But the government failed to mention that he isn’t alone... at least three other countries are looking to claim the next Earth, and they play dirty. Using his new abilities and technology he does what any engineer would do: He makes more Bobs—and a virtual cat—and sets out to save humanity.

All That We See or Seem

by Ken Liu

available now, hardcover, Saga Press

Julia Z, a young woman who gained notoriety at 14 as the “orphan hacker,” now is trying to live a life of digital obscurity. But when a lawyer named Piers—whose famous artist wife, Elli, has been kidnapped by dangerous criminals—barges into her life, Julia decides to put the solitary life she has painstakingly created at risk. Elli is an oneirofex, a dream artist, who can weave the dreams of an audience together through a shared virtual landscape, live. While these collective dreams are anonymous, Julia discovers that Elli was also dreaming one-on-one with the head of an international criminal enterprise.

Narrative

Art Book

Sunset at Zero Point

by Simon Stålenhag available in December, hardcover, Saga Press

Beginning in 2024, yet set largely during the early 2000s, Sunset at Zero Point unfolds on a secluded Swedish island, home to a secret weapon lab that has been off-limits for years. Stålenhag’s masterful storytelling and hyperrealistic art transports you to an alternate history revealing his most intimate work to date, delving into themes of masculinity, friendship, and sexuality through the lens of a queer science fiction tale.

Romance

Something Wicked

by Falon Ballard

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

"Sensual and magical! Moulin Roug e meets Shakespeare in Ballard’s romantasy debut. The world building is as interesting as the characters, and the romance between Cate and Callum was beautifully drawn. I loved this sexy, angsty, page-turning read, and I can’t wait for more!"

—Sarah

Hawley, USA Today bestselling author of Servant of Earth

A Great Gift

Wavertree & London Soaps

"High quality Australian soaps—there really is a scent for everyone!  These soaps are made with 100% Certified Sustainable pure plant oils and organic shea butter with no added color or artificial preservatives. Super moisturizing and long lasting, they make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer." –Erica

The Elsewhere Express

by

Samantha Sotto Yambao

available in January, hardcover, Del Rey

“The Elsewhere Express reads like a Ghibli movie. I loved following these deeply hurt, broken, and lost characters on this Alice-in-Wonderlandesque adventure with Miyazaki flair. Its musical prose, vast imagination, and exploratory storytelling will spirit you away.”

—Charlie N. Holmberg, bestselling fantasy author

A Great Gift

The Knight and the Moth

by

Rachel Gillig

available in paperback, Orbit

"The Knight and the Moth is lyrical, fantastical and entrancing. The world building is lush and the supporting characters capture your entire heart. If you are shopping for someone in your life who loves a good fantasy-romance, this would be my #1 recommendation!!"

–Carolina

Naked Bee Products

A Great Gift

“My all time favorite lotion and lip balm. Seriously! With a wide variety of scents and an organic formula, Naked Bee keeps my dry hands soft all winter long. These make a great stocking stuffer, especially the gift bundles!”

–Chloe Q.

Best Bookstore 2025

A heartfelt THANK YOU for voting Village Books 2025 Best Bookstore of the Northwest through Bellingham Alive! magazine. We are very honored and grateful.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

A Great Gift

Dungeon Crawler Carl

by Matt Dinniman

available in December, hardcover, Penguin Publishing Group

The Courting of Bristol Keats

by Mary E. Pearson

“Wipeout meets Survivor in a televised dungeon diving romp featuring ex-Coast Guard Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut, as they play to win— and play for their lives—in the world's most difficult DnD campaign made real. This book is laugh out loud funny and the perfect gift for the TTRPG lover in your life.” –Cy

Fallen City

by

Adrienne Young

available in November, hardcover, Saturday Books

Perfect for fans of mythology and romantasy, the Greek and Roman inspired world will captivate you with its web of political secrets, elusive gods, and sweeping slow-burn romance. My heart ached for Luca and Maris as they faced the divides of a gods-driven war, and the intrigue of the politics kept me racing through the book! I read almost the whole book on one day of traveling! –Caitriona

A Magical Girl Retires (Nomad Edition)

available now, paperback, Flatiron Books

Oh my god. When I tell you I could NOT put this book down, I really mean it. A girl with a secret past and a brooding fae prince? Sign me up!! If you love a romantasy like A Court of Thorns and Roses or Fourth Wing , you HAVE to give Bristol Keats a read!! –Chloe Q

*Look for the Limited Stenciled Edge Edition available in November

A Great Gift

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last

Ronin

by Kevin Eastman

& Peter Laird

paperback, IDW Publishing

“This is the perfect gift for anyone in your life who has ever been a fan of the heroes in a half shell. This is a beautifully illustrated and emotionally charged graphic novel that follows the last turtle standing, while showing flashbacks to tell the devastating story of the downfall of his brothers and master.” –Kellen

by Park

Seolyeon,

translated by Anton Hur available in November, paperback, Harpervia What do you do when you can’t do anything else? Why, join the Magical Girl union as their newest hire. At least that’s what happens when one millennial deadset on suicide ends up being rescued in a grounded, yet fantastical, story about magic, global warming, and figuring out how to be an adult in all the right ways. This book has stuck with me since I first read it, and now, it’s available in a portable edition perfect for any magical girl, or just an everyday reader’s, pocket. –Cy

Building Community One Book at a Time

There is No Antimemetics Division

by qntm

available in November, hardcover, Ballantine Books

What if the Men in Black were all that stood between our reality and countless classified beings? That’s the foundation of one of my favorite reads of 2025, written by the sublimely skilled qntm. This standalone novel is a decadent roller coaster of hard science and Lovecraftian horror in a world where memes and virality are a silent mental pandemic. A highly recommended read for those who want to face the unknown entities hiding in the shadows. –Cy

Paperback Fiction

A Great Gift

The Princess Bride

by

William Goldman

“We all have that one huge Princess Bride fan in our lives, and what better gift than the book (which, yes, is just as good if not better than the movie)! One of the only books I've read that really made me laugh out loud. Check out the deluxe version as well!”

–Chloe H.

The Mighty

Red

by Louise Erdrich

available in November, paperback, Harper Perennial

Louise Erdrich is one of those authors where I will read anything she writes because she rocks it every time. The story centers around 18-year-old Kismet's impending marriage to high school star Gary. We see the perspectives of everyone from Gary's family to Hugo, the bookish boy who has dreams to marry Kismet himself. All while these characters navigate environmental, financial, and mental burdens. –Kiana

The God of the Woods

by Liz Moore

available now, paperback, Riverhood Books

When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. “This expertly paced thriller …has the kineticism of a wellcrafted miniseries.” —The New Yorker

Days at the Torunka Café

by Satoshi Yagisawa, translated by Eric Ozawa available in November, paperback, HarperCollins

A warm hug of a book, with three different stories taking place in the Torunka Café. I'm amazed at the depth of humanity that can be summed up in such a slim package. A sweet gift for yourself or a stocking stuffer for the reader in your life.  –Erin

Out There: Stories

Isola

by Liz Moore

by Kate Folk

“Need a book for the weirdest person in your life? The excellent short story collection Out There by Kate Folk has you covered. Now excuse me, I have to go moisturize my house.” –Adelaide

available now, paperback, Riverhood Books

National Bestseller! Heir to a fortune, Marguerite is destined for a life of prosperity and gentility. Then she is orphaned, and her guardian—an enigmatic and volatile man—spends her inheritance and insists she accompany him on an expedition to New France. That journey takes a unexpected turn when Marguerite, accused of betrayal, is brutally punished and abandoned on a small island. Inspired by the real life of a 16th-century heroine, Isola is the timeless story of a woman fighting for survival. “A shocking story, made all the more stunning by the fact that it has its roots in true history.”—Jodi Picoult, author of By Any Other Name

Dragon Pearl Jasmine Tea

by Harney & Sons

A Great Gift

“I love these hand-rolled tea pearls with a dash of floral jasmine sweetness. With a spoonful of honey, it makes the ultimate cosy cup of tea!"

–Laura

Fantasy

The Raven Scholar by Antonia

Hodgson

"By far my favorite book of the year! Perfect for anyone who loves epic fantasy, competitions, snarky characters, or murder mysteries. Truly, this book has something for everyone!” –Allison A Great Gift

Brigands & Breadknives

by Travis Baldree

available in November, hardcover, Tor Books

Return to the fantasy world of the Legends & Lattes series with a new adventure featuring fan-favorite, foul-mouthed bookseller Fern. She has weathered the stillness and storms of a bookseller’s life for decades, but now, in the face of crippling ennui, transplants herself to the city of Thune to hang out her shingle beside a long-absent friend’s coffee shop. What could be a better pairing? Surely a charming renovation montage will cure what ails her! If only things were so simple…

The Drowned

by John Banville

King Sorrow

by Joe Hill

The Great Work

by Sheldon Costa available in November, paperback, Quirk Books

A leviathan salamander lurks in the Olympic forest, driving those who see it mad. A desperate alchemist and his young nephew set out into the wilderness in search of the beast, hopeful it will bring a dear friend back from the dead. Myth meets the last western frontier in this Lovecraftian horror set in the Pacific Northwest! –Chloe Q.

Letters from an Imaginary Country

by

Theodora Goss

available in November, paperback, Tachyon Publications

The infamous girl monsters of 19th-century fiction gather in London and form their own club. In the imaginary country of Thüle, characters from folklore band together to fight a dictator. An intrepid girl reporter finds the hidden land of Oz—and joins its invasion of our world. The author writes the autobiography of her alternative life and a science fiction love letter to Budapest. The White Witch conquers England with snow and silence. Deeply influenced by the author’s Hungarian childhood during the regime of the Soviet Union, each of these intricate stories engages with storytelling and identity, including Goss's own.

Mystery, Horror, and Suspense

available now, hardcover, William Morrow

Arthur Oakes is a student at Rackham College, Maine, when a local drug dealer corners him into one of the worst crimes he can imagine: stealing rare books from the college library. Arthur turns to his closest friends for comfort and help. Wealthy, irrepressible Colin Wren suggests using the unnerving Crane journal (bound in the skin of its author) to summon a dragon to do their bidding. But there’s nothing simple about dealing with dragons, and their pact to save Arthur becomes a terrifying bargain in which the six must choose a new sacrifice for King Sorrow every year.

available now, paperback, Hanover Square Press 1950s, rural Ireland. A loner comes across a mysteriously empty car in a field. Knowing he shouldn’t approach, but unable to hold back, he soon finds himself embroiled in a troubling missing person’s case, as a husband claims his wife may have thrown herself into the sea. Called in from Dublin to investigate is Detective Inspector Strafford, who soon turns to his old ally—a man he is linked to in increasingly complicated ways. A great searing mystery from a Booker Prize winner at the top of his game.

Dark Sisters

by

Kristi De Meester

available in December, hardcover, St. Martin's Publishing

This is such a beautifully written piece of generational horror. Told in three timelines of women living in the same isolated religious community haunted by a mysterious monster and a strange and terrible illness, this book is un-putdownable. I found myself NEEDING to know what happened next in each woman's story and how they would all come together. –Caitriona

VB WRITES... WRITING GROUPS

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.

QUEER POETS SOCIETY

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

FICTION I

Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 6-8pm in the Writers Corner on the mezzanine

FICTION II

Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 6-8pm 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

MORNING POETRY GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 10:30am-noon 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.

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 36.

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-7:30pm 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

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. Check out these upcoming classes and see whatcomcommunityed.com for details, prices, and registration:

Resolutions for Writers

Sunday, January 4, 10am-3pm at Village Books in Fairhaven

Join local writing instructors for a day of intentional goal-setting, generative writing, and discussion for a productive and joyful new year in your writing life. Lunch is included. Capacity is limited so register soon so you don't miss out! $99. Registration opens November 14.

Wild Mind Writing with Nancy Canyon

Mondays, January 26-February 16, 2026 6pm-8pm Virtual Classroom (4 sessions)

Adding More Eyes: Getting Ready to Work with an Editor with David Beaumier

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 5:30pm-7pm (1 session)

Village Books in Fairhaven

Writing for the Screen with Alison Gallant

Wednesdays, January 28-March 18, 2026 6pm-8pm WCC (8 sessions)

Poetry as Memoir with Barbara Bloom

Tuesdays, February 12-March 5, 2026 1pm-3pm WCC (4 sessions)

When To Outline & When To Wing It with Spencer Ellsworth

Saturdays, February 7 & 14, 2026 10am-noon, Village Books (2 sessions)

Fiction: Show AND Tell with Brenda Wilbee

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9am-noon WCC (1 session)

Synchronicity & Other Big Magic with Molly Dwyer

Saturday, February 21, 2026 10am-2pm Virtual Classroom (1 session)

Nature Writing with Melissa Johnson

Mondays March 2-16, 5:30pm-7:30pm WCC (3 sessions)

Writing Devotions from Life with Brenda Wilbee

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 9am-noon (1 session) WCC

Do Electrons Dance?

Bringing Play into our Craft with Grace Schutte

Saturdays, March 7 & 14, 2026, 10am-noon Village Books (2 sessions)

Registration Opens November 14

Class sizes are limiteddon't delay!

T HE WRITER'S SALON

You are invited to this informal, monthly, 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 brings a loose topic although we'll follow the conversation wherever it goes! Join us for this lovely community discussion and grow your writing support system. Upcoming topics include:

We meet the 1st Sunday of most months from 4pm-5pm in the Readings Gallery of Village Books in Fairhaven • December 7: Revision • No Meeting in January, 2026 • February 1: Reasons for Writing • March 1: Reading Like Writers

The Chuckanut Writers Conference is more than just a weekend of workshops. It’s an opportunity to engage your passion for writing, connect with fellow storytellers, and nurture your craft in the inspiring Pacific Northwest environment. Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or you’re an experienced author, the Chuckanut Writers Conference offers a welcoming space for every voice.

We're busy putting together another stellar writers conference for 2026. Go to chuckanutwritersconference.com and sign up to receive the latest updates on presenters, registration, and other conference details, delivered straight to your inbox!

2026.

2025 TOP SELLING Chuckanut Editions Titles

Focusing on local history, local interests, and local authors, Chuckanut Editions is Village Books’ own publishing imprint. Treat yourself or someone you know to one or more of these bestselling titles —all available at Village Books and through villagebooks.com.

October 2024 - October 2025

1. Our Hearts Beat as One / Sa'le Q'ewet Netse-lh by Tah-Mahs Ellie Kinley & Julie Trimingham illustrated by Sienum Jason Laclair (Kids Northwest)

2. Colophon Cafe Best Cookbook Collection by David Killian (Cooking)

3. Geology of the San Juan Islands by Ned Brown (Northwest)

4. It Takes a Village Books: 35 Years of Building Community, One Book at a Time by Chuck Robinson (Northwest)

5. Haunted Fairhaven by Taimi Dunn Gorman (Northwest)

6. 52 Women of Whatcom by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County (Northwest)

Local Authors • Local Content

7. Writers Corner Anthology 2024: Poetry & Prose Written By Village Books Writing Groups edited by David Beaumier (Literary Works)

8. Koma Kulshan: The Story of Mount Baker by John Miles (Mountaineering)

9. Birth, Death and Resurrection of Fairhaven by George Hunsby (Northwest)

10. Shipyard : Short Histories of Whatcom County’s Boatbuilders & Shipyards, With Remembrances From Those who Worked Them by Todd Warger (Northwest / Nautical) A Tie!

10. Teaching in the Rain: The Story of North Cascades Institute by John Miles (Northwest)

Located on the mezzanine level of Village Books in Fairhaven, the Next Chapter Café provides a delicious selection of handcrafted pastries, Filipino cuisine, artisan sandwiches and local organic coffee.

Classes & Socials

Start your day with with something scrumptious! Stop in and try one of the new offerings on our breakfast menu. Inside Village Books in Fairhaven

New Breakfast Menu

Next Chapter Cafe is hosting a variety of community events and workshops this fall and winter. Come enjoy

• cupcake decorating classes,

• silent book reading nights (see page 79 ),

• gingerbread socials,

• meet the artists night, and MORE!

Scan the qr code to find out more

Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm | Sundays 10am-8pm | nextchapterbham.com

YEAR-END MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

NOVEMBER 1 —DECEMBER 31

All new and renewed memberships during the drive are entered to win: TWO FREE MOVIE PASSES w/ POPCORN

FREE MOVIES FOR A YEAR

In the KITCHEN

The

Talisman of Happiness : The Most Iconic Italian Cookbook Ever Written by Ada Boni

available now, hardcover, Voracious

In 1929, two years before The Joy of Cooking was published in America, and two decades before The Silver Spoon in Italy, Ada Boni wrote The Talisman of Happiness the original must-have culinary bible for Italians. Generations of cooks have turned to "Il Talismano" as the definitive source for classic dishes that bring comfort and nostalgia—including the iconic Marcella Hazan, who used the book to teach herself how to cook. Cataloging all the flavors and traditions that define Italian cuisine, it quickly became a quintessential wedding gift: a talisman of luck for newlyweds beginning a new life.

Castle in the Sky:

The Official Cookbook from Studio Ghibli available now, hardcover, Viz Media Sheeta and Pazu keep up their strength by eating plenty of delicious food while on their quest to find the mythical flying city of Laputa. With this cookbook, readers can re-create the delicious dishes seen in the film, including the savory stew Sheeta makes that has the air pirates begging her for seconds, and recipes inspired by the movie, such as Etherium Crystal Agar Candy. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions and photographs and is filled with additional cooking tips.

A

Great Gift

Colophon Cafe Best Cookbook Collection:

Three Volumes in One by Dave Killian

“For under $20 you can gift this culinary time capsule from the heart of Fairhaven. This cookbook collection of Colophon Cafe recipes is page after page of true comfort food. From African peanut soup to peanut butter pie, you can unlock the magic behind their locally famous menu.” –Rae

Thai : Anywhere and Everywhere by Nat Thaipun

available in November, hardcover, Hardie Grant

Thai: Anywhere and Everywhere is the highly anticipated cookbook from culinary sensation and MasterChef winner Nat Thaipun. A celebration of her Thai Australian heritage and global culinary adventures, this vibrant and delicious collection of recipes brings Thai cuisine to home kitchens everywhere with an approachable twist.

Bite Me : Will Tennyson's Guide to Low-Calorie, High-Protein Cooking for Macro Wins

by Will Tennyson available in December, hardcover, DK Publishing When Will Tennyson, one of my favorite fitness influencers, announced he was releasing a cookbook, I knew I needed it. He did not disappoint! This cookbook is full of delicious macrofriendly meals that make cooking a nutritious and delicious meal so much easier, and of course includes his distinct sense of humor. Bite Me is the perfect gift for any gym rat in your life, or even the perfect cookbook for starting your health journey for the New Year! –Hannah

Six Seasons of Pasta :

A New Way with Everyone's Favorite Food by Joshua McFadden with Martha Holmberg available now, hardcover, Artisan Joshua McFadden, James Beard Award winner and bestselling author of Six Seasons , returns with a new book that will transform the way we cook and eat pasta. Using everyone's favorite canvas for showcasing vegetables, cheese, beans and meat, he offers easy, delicious and unexpected recipes that really, really work. The best part: the recipes build from a foundation of a box of dry pasta from your pantry—no fancy equipment or finicky dough-from-scratch required.

Happy Hour Monday-Friday 2:30pm-5:30pm

Cooking Lit

The Heart-Shaped Tin : Love, Loss, and Kitchen Objects

by Bee

Wilson

available in November, hardcover, W.W. Norton & Co.

One day, months after her marriage abruptly ended, a heart-shaped baking tin fell at Bee Wilson’s feet: the same one she had used to bake her wedding cake 23 years prior. This discovery struck a wave of emotions that propelled her search for others who have attached magical and personal properties to their kitchen objects. She meets people who open up about a favorite wooden spoon, a salt shaker inherited from a parent, and a vintage corkscrew collection. Wilson’s best-selling Consider the Fork considered how kitchen items changed the way we eat; here she delves into how these objects change the way we live.

A Great Gift

LaConner Tea Company Tea

"These teas are hand crafted, ethically sourced, and made in LaConner! I love to cozy up in the evening with the herbal Sleepy Tea and a good book, or get energized in the morning with the Salish Fog and a good book. These teas are the best gift for any reformed coffee drinkers in your life. It says, I want you to feel the comfort and joy of a delicious cup of tea and I support local independent businesses."

–Kiana

Fairhaven's Finest

Enjoy a delicious variety of rotating flavors as well as the traditional favorites—ask for a sample!

Food & Drinks!

108 Asian Cookies : Not-Too-Sweet Treats from a Third-Culture Kitchen

by Kat Lieu available now, hardcover, Little, Brown and Company

From an award-winning and bestselling cookbook author comes a first-of-its-kind collection of irresistible cookie recipes inspired by Asian flavors and techniques to excite home bakers. From spicy chai cookies and mochi brownies to instant ramen and pho cookies, you'll discover a diverse array of drool-worthy recipes for cookies and bakes incorporating ingredients from the diaspora including gochujang, ube, miso, fish sauce, sambal, tahini, and matcha— all sure to delight even the most discerning “not too sweet” kitchens for years to come.

Cookies : The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland, New York Times Cooking available now, hardcover, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed

From NYT Cooking and curated by recipe creator, video journalist, and YouTube personality Vaughn Vreeland, Cookies is the ultimate collection of treats—from classic recipes that taste like home, to flavor-packed bites that will become your new go-tos. Cookies will serve up delight and inspiration for any party, picnic, or regular Tuesday night. Because you deserve a cookie.

A Great Gift

Beeworks Farm Honey

“Locally made in Bellingham, Beeworks Farm honey is a delectable treat! I use a spoonful in my tea every morning for natural sweetness, and it's to die for!

With cold and flu season on the horizon, I highly recommend local honey for its natural allergy relief and immune support properties. Supporting local and staying healthy is the most charming gift for your dearest loved ones."

Include a beautiful honey spoon!

Rooted in Fire:

A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking by Pyet DeSpain available in November, hardcover, HarperCollins Next Level Chef winner Pyet DeSpain celebrates her Mexican and Native American heritage in this collection of mouthwatering recipes, a vibrant fusion that ties us to the land and to one another. These side dishes are a tribute to her dual heritage—a gorgeously crafted celebration of the diversity of food and the stories, traditions, culture, and profound philosophies of Indigenous people that season each meal.

Holiday Baking

Advent : Festive German Bakes to Celebrate the Coming of Christmas by Anja Dunk available now, hardcover, Quadrille Publishing The Advent season is one of the most special times of the year, when candles twinkle, the Christmas tree is decorated, and the smells of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove fill the kitchen. In the modern classic Advent, Anja Dunk shares her recipes for the very best of traditional German festive bakes. From lightly spiced Lebkuchen, frosted cinnamon stars, jam-filled ginger hearts, and a gingerbread house dripping with candies and sugar icicles, you will find delectable spiced treats to fill your Bunter Teller and share with friends and family.

Check out our fun & unique assortment of cooking, dining, and entertaining supplies and gifts.

Cocktails Illustrated: 400+ Recipes for the Home Bartender, from Spirit Forward to Zero Proof

from the editors of Cook's Illustrated available now, hardcover, America's Test Kitchen

Take a master class in bartending with this luxe cocktail cookbook featuring 400+ recipes covering 15 essential categories!

Cook’s Illustrated experts share all the hallmark techniques, formulas, science, and lore behind your favorite spirited AND nonalcoholic libations—perfect for hosting during the holidays!

A DECADE OF VILLAGE BOOKS IN LYNDEN

On November 22, 2015, Village Books and Paper Dreams opened as the first tenant in Lynden's restored Waples Mercantile Building.

Originally built in 1914 on the corner of Front and Fifth streets in downtown Lynden, the building housed the renowned Lynden Department Store until 1979 and then hosted a number of smaller businesses under the name Delft Square. After being nearly destroyed in a June 2008 fire, the building languished for half a decade while proposals to restore it came and went. In 2015 it was finally restored and Village Books jumped on the opportunity to open a second location in beautiful Downtown Lynden. “We’ve always had a big customer base, we know from our subscribers and book members that a lot of them live on the north end,” Paul Hanson said when talking about the choice to open the store in Lynden.

Carrying both books and gift items, Village Books and Paper Dreams opened at noon on a Sunday with a line outside anticipating the opening. Crews worked nearly simultaneously on finishing construction of the Waples Building space while employees worked to stock shelves with books. Soon after opening, other new businesses quickly began moving in, all anchored by the Inn at Lynden, a 35-room hotel. Other tenents now include Avenue Bread, Cheeks Jeans, and Overflow Taps.

The Waples Mercantile Building beautifully showcases its history: Original wood beams (16 and 18 inches thick) can be seen throughout the main level on the first floor, and the floors are made of reclaimed wood salvaged from the original building. In places, including in some of the hotel rooms, the building's original brick and concrete walls are (tastefully) left exposed.

Because of its history and the amazing restoration efforts made by the building owners, the National Park Service has included the Waples Mercantile Building on the National Registry of Historic Places.

The building is bright, airy, and pleasant, and the effort to save it is a credit to Lynden's history—we're proud to call it home.

Sources include: Phil Dougherty & HistoryLink.org and The Lynden Tribune

Thank you for your continued support—we couldn't be here without you! OPEN DAILY Wed. - Sat. 10am - 7pm Sun. - Tues. 10am - 5pm Sunday, November 23 | Village Books in

Join us on Sunday, November 23rd as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Village Books and Paper Dreams in Lynden! Stop by to say hello and enjoy a piece of cake! At 2pm, store manager and local historian Troy Luginbill will tell the story of Billy Waples and the Lynden Department Store.

The Waples Mercantile Building, 430 Front St., Downtown Lynden

Lynden LIVE! EVENTS

Saturday, November 15, 2pm

S.W. LAWRENCE –Cloud Dragon: Conspiracy, Contagion, and Catastrophe

Village Books Events IN LYNDEN

Lynden LitLive author events take place at the Inn at Lynden in the conference room—adjacent to Village Books and Paper Dreams. Seating is limited. Register villagebooks.com. $5 event fees are returned in the form of a store voucher.

Sunday, November 16, 10am-5pm

Join S.W. Lawrence in Lynden to celebrate his newest book. Cloud Dragon is climate fiction without apocalypse, centered around Washington, DC. His professional background was in academic medicine, where he focused mainly on infectious disease and obstetrics (both of these themes are incorporated into his books).

Pre-Holiday Open House at both the Lynden and Fairhaven stores

Get a jump start on the holiday season while enjoying a fun-filled shopping experience at this annual day of games, prizes, and fun.

Sunday, November 23 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & History Talk

Join us as we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Village Books and Paper Dreams in Lynden! Stop by and enjoy a piece of cake then at 2pm, store manager and local historian Troy Luginbill will share the history of our home—the Waples Mercantile Building. Thanks for your continued support!

Watch villagebooks.com for additions and updates

See pages 71-77 for more LitLive Events and page 78-79 for additional Books Groups!

Book Group

"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.

November 19, 7pm

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

December 17, 7pm Books that Inspire Us!

Bring a book that inspires you in some way to share with the group.

January 21, 7pm James by Percival Everett

February 18, 7pm Solito by Javier Zamora

Lynden FRONT Streeters

Attendees are eligible for a 15% discount on group selections

Great Gifts for All Ages

Dude - The Card Game

Where You Say Dude

"Dude is a great stocking stuffer. A card game that is fast to learn and play that will inject Christmas day with a loud, fun, exciting game to play. Dude works for ages 8+ and can be learned in less than a couple of minutes. Game play is quick and a game usually takes only 10-15 minutes to complete. So get "Dude" to make your Christmas day more entertaining and spend the day abiding with the dude.”

Book Nooks

–Troy

A Great Gift

"Being surrounded by bookcases makes me happy—it's comforting and full of promise. Adding a book nook takes it up a notch to magical! Gift the dreamers and creatives in your life with a book nook to assemble and their imagination will take it from there."

–Gaye

“I love these 3-D puzzles! I feel like I've leveled up my puzzle game plus, upon completion, we get an amazing addition to our bookshelves at home.“

–Paul

Lynden Loves... HOLIDAYS!

Something Silver Rings

“Something Silver rings are the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season. I have worn my Something Silver rings in the pool, shower, and ocean and they haven't tarnished or turned my finger green! These durable rings have so many cute yet simple designs you are bound to find the perfect ring for your friends, family, or even yourself!”

No Mans Land Earrings

Saturday, December 6, 6pm

–Hannah

"I never fail to receive compliments when I wear these gorgeously detailed earrings! In their wide array of colors and style, they each contain so much personality, and make the perfect gift for friends and family who refuse to splurge on themselves!"

–Megan P.

Lynden Lighted Parade

"Welkom" in this Holiday Season Saturday, December 6th, 2025 with the Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade in Lynden, presented to the community by title sponsor North Pacific Concrete Pumping, Inc. Starting at 6pm a lighted menagerie of cars, pick-ups, trucks, floats, wagons, farm equipment, and more will light up Front Street! The Parade starting point is at the Fairway Shopping Center, located at Front Street and 17th St., heading east on Front St. into beautiful downtown Lynden, ending at 3rd St.

Along Front Street through Downtown Lynden

September is Eat Local Month Lynden Writing Group

What we are: A safe space to read your work out loud for feedback; 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 we meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7pm-9pm. Location: adjacent to Village Books in the Inn at Lynden Waples Room–enter through the Inn side entrance. 2nd Wednesdays at 7pm November 12 • December 10 • January 14 • February 11

Village Books & Paper Dreams

Saturdays at 11am

st rytimes Lynden KIDS

First Saturdays of each Month

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!

December 6 • January 3 • February 7

Second Saturdays

Princess Poppie Story Time November 8 December 13 January 10

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

February 14, 11am

You don't want to miss this super special VALENTINES DAY story time with Princess Poppie! She'll lead a valentine craft, and of course, read stories!

Third Saturday Story Times

Read to a Dog

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

Story Time with a FIRE FIGHTER

Join us for Stories & Songs with Gaye

November 15 • December 20 January 17 • February 21

January 24

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

Saturdays, November 22 & 29 December 27, January 31, & February 28 at 11am

You and your young book and music lovers can join Gaye for a half hour of stories and songs at this special MUSICAL Saturday story time.

Fun & Games

Entertaining This Holiday Season?

Puzzle Hunts!

Tis' the season to try fun new things and we offer an experience we think you'll enjoy— escape room style challenges that you solve throughout the store.

There are unique challenges at both our Fairhaven and Lynden locations. Free to play—just ask a bookseller to get you started. Once you've solved both of those, you're eligible to try your hand at a third challenge! Completed entries are added to a monthly drawing for fun prizes.

Note: the in-store challenges take an average of 45-60 minutes to solve and while kids can absolutley join in, the puzzles have a level of difficulty intended for ages 14+.

Metal Earth Model Kits

“These amazingly detailed model kits are both fun to build and provide a simple challenge for all experience levels! Plus, you get a great looking model from your favorite fandom at the end! They work wonderfully as gifts or stocking stuffers!“

–Sean

Games & Puzzles for All Ages and Skill

Puzzle Mania!

Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Minis, and More! from the New York Times, edited by Joel Fagliano available now, hardcover, Authors Equity

Welcome to the wonderful world of Puzzle Mania! Whether you’re new to puzzles or a solving savant, here is a joyful workout for your brain, a cure for boredom, and an invitation to friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition. Inside you’ll discover never-before-seen spins on popular digital games like Spelling Bee and Connections; a Mega Crossword with two sets of clues (easy and hard); Joel’s hand-picked selection of his favorite-ever NYT Mini Crosswords; unique brain benders; and So. Much. Wordle.

Let's Play!

Great Gift A Great Gift

Playing Cards

Exit: The Game

Adventures on Catan 1-4 Players, Ages 10+

"Take a spin on the comfy classic this holiday season and enjoy a night in solving your way through the mystery that "EXIT– Adventures of Catan" offers you!" –James

"Nothing beats spending time with friends and family, and nothing makes friends faster than playing a fast paced game of cards! With hundreds of different game variants you will not get bored anytime soon. Slap-jack, War and Go Fish are a few of my go-tos that always perk up a room."

–Nathen

EXIT: The Game is a series of escape room games for the home. Players must solve riddles and puzzles and crack codes to escape from an imaginary room or environment. But the clock is ticking! Can you escape? With differing levels of difficulty for varying ages and skills, there's a puzzle for everyone!

Really Loud Librarians

Fun For Kids AND Adults

Murder Among the Stacks

:

Solve the Puzzles—and the Plot of a Cozy Bookstore Mystery! Mystery by Rosie A. Point, Puzzles by Charles Timmerman available in November, paperback, Adams Media Welcome to the fictional town of Cranberry Creek where cozy mystery meets word search, creating the perfect killer combo! Abby Jones is just settling in for a fresh start in Cranberry Creek—but is her new beginning over before it even starts when a famous local author is murdered at her bookstore's opening event?

–Sydney A Great Gift!

A Merciless Word-Shouting Board Game by Exploding Kittens

“A game for the whole family! (Or those who love to yell out the answer as fast as they can.) This fast paced game has become a staple during my family's game night. If you're looking for a challenge, it's fun to allow words in multiple languages as well.”

How about Now: Poems

by Kate Baer

available in November, paperback AND hardcover, Harper Perennia

Something to Enjoy

A raw and fiercely emotional book of poetry that explores Kates experiences as a mother, her struggles with the trauma of a sexual assault, a panic disorder, and a vast and deep longing—one that hits you right in the heart. Each poem paints a picture of the current moment, how we live and remember our time here, how we relate to those we love, even if we struggle to love ourselves.

–Chloe Q.

Water of the Sky: A Dictionary of 2,000 Japanese Rain Words

by Miya Ando

available in November, hardcover, The MIT Press

In Water of the Sky, artist Miya Ando offers us a beautifully rich, bilingual visual dictionary for rain. Through a collection of 2,000 Japanese words, their English interpretations, and 100 drawings, Ando describes the breadth and diversity of rain’s many expressions: when it falls, how it falls, and how its observer might be transformed physically or emotionally by its presence.

A Great Gift

Peter Pauper Press Journals

“Do you need a new diary? An everyday planner? Something to sit on a shelf and look pretty?

Peter Pauper Press journals can do all three! They're gorgeous, durable, and the perfect notebook for any need.”

–Maddie

Dog Show: Poems

by Billy Collins

available in November, hardcover, Random House

For more than four decades Billy Collins has delighted readers with his insight, wit, and clear poetic voice. In Dog Show, "America's favorite poet" (Wall Street Journal ) illuminates America's favorite pet (sorry, cat lovers.) Accompanied by Pamela Sztybel's watercolors that effortlessly depict a dog's humble grace, Dog Show reveals the profound meaning these fetching animals bring to us.

Secrets of the Gnomes

by Wil Hugyen

illustrated by Rien Poortvliet

available now, hardcover, Cernunnos

In Secrets of the Gnomes , Poortvliet and Huygen are invited as more than mere observers. After a meal of mushrooms and cream, they find that they have been turned into gnomes themselves....The authors learn of the tender emotional life of a gnome; they see mechanics of ingenious gnome technology; they observe how gnomes administer justice in the wild; and, best of all, they are allowed to see parts of the gnomes’ fabled Secret Book. Whether you're a seasoned gnome enthusiast or new to their enchanting world, The Secrets of the Gnomes offers a delightful escape into a land of wonder and imagination.

Poetry, Arts, Humor,

Humor

The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium #5 by Bill Watterson

available now, box set, Andrews McMeel

Fall 2025 is the 40th anniversary of the beloved and bestselling Calvin and Hobbes . Featuring an archival slipcase and cover art selected by the author, The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium pays tribute to the strip's origin in newspapers while appealing to both new and existing fans of Calvin and Hobbes.

Using recycled content paper and vegetable-based inks, Artists to Watch is a greeting card company that collaborates with independent fine artists to create beautiful cards that carry good wishes into the world. Stop by and check out our selection!

Literature & Writing

Useless Etymology: Offbeat Word Origins for Curious Minds

by Jess Zafarris

available now, hardcover, Chambers

Have you ever wondered why English isn't considered a Romance language if 60% of our words are Latin-derived? Did Shakespeare really invent 1,700 words, and if not, why the heck do we say that he did? Derived from Germanic, Romance, Hellenic, Semitic, African and Native American languages, English has been (and continues to be) transformed by war and conquest, art and literature, science and technology, love and hate, wit and whim. Useless Etymology takes readers on a time-traveling adventure to unlock the beauty, wonder, and absurdity within our everyday words, how they came to be, and the unexpected ways their origins weave a global, cross-cultural labyrinth of meaning.

A Long Game : Notes on Writing Fiction

by Elizabeth McCracken

available in December, hardcover, Ecco Press

Reading this book felt like being in a conversation with Elizabeth McCracken over cups of tea or glasses of wine. Her vast experience in both writing and teaching writing is on full display, but so are her down-to-earth energy and her sense of humor. I highly recommend this book not only for narrative writers, but for anyone who wants to understand story better. –Stephanie

The Langauge-Lover’s Lexipedia : An A-Z of Linguistic Curiosities by

Joshua Blackburn

available now, hardcover, Avid Reader Press

Whether it’s the dark history of the Index of Banned Books or the bewildering grammar of Yoda, each pithy entry is brimming with knowledge and wit. Illustrated with enchanting line art that evokes a 19th-century reference book, The Language-Lover’s Lexipedia is as visually delightful as it is intellectually captivating. Joshua Blackburn has created an A–Z that’s part-encyclopedia, part-treasure map, and an all-around joy for anyone interested in words and language.

Writing Creativity and Soul

by Sue Monk Kidd

available in October, hardcover, Knopf

In Writing Creativity and Soul, Sue Monk Kidd will pull from her own life and the lives of other writers—Virginia Woolf, Maya Angelou, Harper Lee, and many others—to provide a map for anyone who has ever felt lost as a writer. At the heart of this book is the unwavering belief that writing is a spiritual act, one that draws inspiration from the soul, that wellspring of creativity between imagination and feeling.

Every Day I Read : 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books

by Hwang Bo-reum, translated by Shanna Tan available in December, hardcover, Bloomsbury Publishing Why do we read? What is it that we hope to take away from the intimate, personal experience of reading for pleasure? How often do we ask these profound, expansive questions of ourselves and of our relationship to the joy of reading? Each of these essays contemplates what living a life immersed in reading means. While this is a book about books, at its heart is an attitude to life, one outside capitalism and climbing the corporate ladder. Lifelong and new readers will take inspiration from it, including a treasure trove of book recommendations blended seamlessly within.

Congratulations Grace!

Village Books' own Grace Schutte has been nominated for a 2026 Pushcart Prize! This annual American literary award honors the best short stories, poetry, essays, and excerpts from novels published in small presses and literary magazines each year. Grace was nominated by the Nude Bruce Review for her essay "What Doesn't Make the Chart," a litany-style piece inspired by her time working in Bellingham's emergency department as a medical scribe. A writer, bookseller, and instructor from Alaska, Grace graduated with an MFA in fiction from Western Washington University last spring. Congratulations, Grace!

Scarves A Variety of Beautiful Styles

“The scarves at Paper Dreams are buttery-soft, beautifully patterned, and can add so much charm to a simple outfit. Lightweight enough to drape over your shoulders on a sunny day at the lake, while also being a cozy added layer in winter, they’re as practical as they are lovely. A great gift-y item for the stylish person in your life!” –Kelly S.

Multi-Purpose Clips by Kikkerland

"I've used these colorful clips most every day for years and not a single one has broken—nor have they ever opened accidentally. They are STRONG and are great as a practical, inexpensive stocking stuffer." –Rick

A Great Gift

Joy Susan Classic Hobo Handbags

" I love this soft, vegan leather handbag! Even when I stuff it full of everything under the sun, it is still remarkably comfortable to carry, and the detachable cross body insert is a fun bonus! Its simple, straightforward, and sturdy design makes it a great compliment to any outfit and a practical one to boot "

–Stephanie

by Blue

" Made with all natural organic ingredients, these great stocking stuffers come in a variety of flavors in cute, fun packaging. Bonus: they are made in the USA with a workforce of individuals both with and without disabilities. A win-win!" –Laney

The

Beatles Anthology (25th Anniversary Edition) by The Beatles available now, paperback, Chronicle Books

Performing Arts

The Beatles Anthology tells the complete story of The Beatles, from growing up in Liverpool to their rise to global phenomenon and ultimate breakup. Created originally with the complete support of Paul, George, Ringo, and Yoko Ono Lennon, with the words of John painstakingly compiled from sources worldwide, this 25th anniversary reissue offers the only story of The Beatles by The Beatles.

Don’t Stop: Why We (Still) Love

Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours by Alan Light available in November, hardcover, Atria Books

On January 1, 1975, struggling young singersongwriter Lindsey Buckingham was invited to join the veteran blues band Fleetwood Mac. He agreed on the condition that his girlfriend, an equally unknown vocalist named Stevie Nicks, also be included. Within two years, Rumours was born. Almost five decades later, it is the only classic rock record that still attracts young listeners and continues to top sales and streaming charts. In Don’t Stop, awardwinning journalist and bestselling author Alan Light unravels the enduring allure of Fleetwood Mac’s monumental album.

The Look

Fashion

by Michelle Obama, with Meredith Koop available in November, hardcover, Crown In The Look , Michelle Obama explores the joy and the purpose of fashion and beauty and how—when wielded with grace and care—they can uplift and affirm the values one holds most dear. Confidence, she concludes, cannot be put on. But when you’re wearing something that’s intentional or beloved, clothing can make you feel like the best version of yourself.

The Uncool : A Memoir by Cameron Crowe available now, hardcover, Avid Reader Press

The Uncool offers a front-row ticket to the 1970s, a golden era for music and art. Crowe spends his teens politely turning down the drugs and turning on his tape recorder. He talks his journalism teacher into giving him class credit for his road trip covering Led Zeppelin’s 1975 tour, which lands him—and the band—on the cover of Rolling Stone. The Uncool is also a surprisingly intimate family drama. If you’ve seen Almost Famous , you may think you know this story—but you don’t. For the first time, Crowe opens up about his formative years in Palm Springs. With its vivid snapshots of a bygone era and a celebration of creativity and connection, this memoir is an essential read for music lovers or anyone chasing their wildest dreams.

The

Periodic

Table of Broadway Musicals

: An Illustrated Guide to 118 Essential Shows by Andrew Gerle and Joseph Zellnik available now, hardcover, Union Square and Co. Imagine the classic periodic table of elements—but instead of Chromium and Rhodium, it's A Chorus Line and RENT ! This delightful and informative gift book based on the bestselling viral poster series is a stunning showcase of art and content sure to thrill lovers of showtunes and everything Broadway and beyond. Includes a full-size pull-out poster.

We Did OK, Kid

by Anthony Hopkins

available in November, hardcover, Summit Books

With candor and a voice that is both arresting and vulnerable, Sir Anthony Hopkins recounts his various career milestones and provides a once-in-a-lifetime look into the brilliance behind some of his most iconic roles. He also takes a deeply honest look at the low points in his personal life. Featuring a special collection of personal photographs throughout, We Did OK, Kid is a raw and passionate memoir from a complex, iconic man who has inspired audiences for over 60 years.

Take Me With You!

Did you know that you can access the Chuckanut Reader on the go? Visit the VillageBooks.com home page and click on the link. Once there, you can peruse past issues as well!

The

Way Out : A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies

by Devon O'Neil

available in November, hardcover, HarperOne

An unforgiving blizzard in the Colorado mountains transformed Cole and Brett Beasley's quick jaunt into a 30 hour ordeal that would end in tragedy, as the community raced to find them. The Way Out is a thoughtful investigation of the allure of the mountains, the aftermath of trauma, and an unforgettable look at life at its very edge. Drawing on firsthand interviews with those closest to the tragedy, including the key eyewitness, the book reveals the fragility of life in the wilderness and examines our capacity for bravery, forgiveness, and love. “On par with Into the Wild... Fast-paced, yet thoughtful and empathetic, all the way to its devastating conclusion, this psychological thriller will haunt me whenever I step off the pavement into the woods. I couldn’t stop reading it, and I can’t stop thinking about it.” — Bill Gifford, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Outlive

Adventure & Survival

The Sea Captain's Wife : A True Story of Mutiny, Love, and Adventure at the Bottom of the World

by Tilar J. Mazzeo

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

This true story of the first female captain of a merchant ship and how she survived the dangerous and magical landscape of Antarctica is remarkable. Nineteen-year-old Mary Ann Patten and her husband, Joshua, were young and ambitious. As their ship sailed down the jagged coast of South America, Joshua fell deathly ill and was confined to his bunk. The treacherous first mate, confined to the brig for insubordination, was agitating for mutiny. With no obvious option for a new captain and heartbroken about her husband, Mary Ann stepped into the breach and convinced the crew to support her, just as they slammed into a gale that would last 18 days. Determined to save the ship, the crew, and their future, she faces down the deadly waters of Drake’s Passage.

The Write Stuff

Fountain Pens

"For the creatives in your life, consider snagging them a Kakuno Fountain Pen this holiday season! They can go on forever thanks to their sleek design and—not to mention—they've also got refillable cartridges.“

–Grace

Wax Seal Kits

“Look no further for the perfect stocking stuffer! The classic was seal kit adds a unique look to any messages that are being sent from all the writers in your life. This is the perfect gift that comes in a variety of colors and stamps.” –Kari

Biographies & Memoirs

A Great Gift

Two Old Women:

An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by

Velma Wallis

available in paperback, HarperCollins

“Want a story that you will return to time and time again? This is one of my go-to recommendations that I re-read every few years. A story of survival and how communities and individuals handle struggle and hardship. Wallis’ delivery of this Athabaskan oral story is breathtaking and a page turner. This book, I believe, is a must read for everyone.“ –Kat

Fire in Every Direction :

A Memoir by Tareq Baconi

available in November, hardcover, Washington Square Press

In 1948, Tareq’s grandmother, Eva, would flee Haifa. In the late 1970s, she would flee Beirut with her daughter, Rima. In Amman, the family would eventually obtain the comfort of middle-class life—still, a young Tareq would feel trapped: by cultures of silence, by a sense of not belonging, by his own growing awareness that he is in love with his childhood best friend. After relocating to London for college, Tareq hopes to put aside his past, and begins to work through an understanding of self as a queer man. Yet as the Iraq War radicalizes young people around the world, history begins comes back to him. Queerness is policed back in Amman, just as his Palestinian-ness is abroad. These gradual estrangements escalate, forcing him to grapple with what it means to live in liminal spaces, and rethink the meaning of home.

That's a Great Question, I'd Love to Tell You

by Elyse Myers

Book of Lives : A Memoir of Sorts

by Margaret Atwood

available in November, hardcover, Doubleday

How does one of the greatest storytellers of our time write her own life? The long-awaited memoir from one of our most lauded and influential cultural figures and author of The Handmaid's Tale. ‘Every writer is at least two beings: the one who lives, and the one who writes. Though everything written must have passed through their minds, or mind, they are not the same.’

available now, hardcover, William Morrow Writer, comedian, and content creator Elyse Myers is known and loved for sharing personal stories of the most uncomfortably awkward and painfully human moments of all time, paired with the kind of frank empathy that can’t be faked. Elyse knows that life’s extraordinary moments really do hide in plain sight—an ideal book for fans of Elyse Myers and perfectly imperfect humans everywhere.

A Danger to the Minds of Young Girls : Margaret C. Anderson, Book Bans, and

the

Fight to Modernize Literature

by

Adam Morgan

available in December, hardcover, Atria

Already under fire for publishing the literary avant-garde into a world not ready for Anderson’s cutting-edge magazine, The Little Review was a bastion of progressive politics and boundary-pushing writing from then-unknowns like T.S. Eliot, William Butler Yeats, and Djuna Barnes. And as its publisher, Anderson was a target. From Chicago to New York and Paris, this fearless agitator helmed a woman-led publication that pushed American culture forward and challenged the sensibilities of early 20th century Americans. In 1921, Anderson found herself on trial and labeled “a danger to the minds of young girls” by a government seeking to shut her down. Guilty of having serialized James Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses in her magazine, Anderson was now not just a publisher but also a scapegoat for regressives seeking to impose their will on a world on the brink of modernization.

Somewhere, A Boy and a Bear: A. A. Milne and the Creation of "Winnie-the-Pooh" by Gyles Brandreth

available in December, hardcover, Henry Holt and Co. For the 100th anniversary of its publication, this tells the remarkable story of A A Milne, a playwright, a crime writer, a poet, a polemicist, a humorist, and the man who created Winniethe-Pooh. In his new book, Brandreth explores Winnie-the-Pooh, a bear beloved by millions, his genesis, his life across a hundred years, his special philosophy and the reasons for his worldwide popularity. Brandreth’s book is also the intimate biography of three generations of the fascinating and troubled Milne family who knew fame and fortune, despising both for a time, but a family which ultimately found a profound reason to be grateful for the riches Pooh brought them.

History

The Gales of November:

The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon

available now, hardcover, Liveright

For three decades following World War II, the Great Lakes overtook Europe as the epicenter of global economic strength. No ship represented the apex of the American Century better than the 729-foot-long Edmund Fitzgerald—the biggest, best, and most profitable ship on the Lakes. But in 1975, as the “storm of the century” threw 100 mile-per-hour winds and 50-foot waves on Lake Superior, the Mighty Fitz found itself at the worst possible place, at the worst possible time. When she sank, she took all 29 men onboard down with her, leaving the tragedy shrouded in mystery for a half century.

Nile

Nightshade : An Egyptian Culinary History of the Tomato by Anny Gaul

available now, paperback, University of California Press

By the end of the 20th century, the tomato— indigenous to the Americas—had become Egypt's top horticultural crop and a staple of Egyptian cuisine. The tomato brought together domestic consumers, cookbook readers, and home cooks through a shared culinary culture that sometimes transcended differences of class, region, gender, and ethnicity—and sometimes reinforced them. In Nile Nightshade, Anny Gaul shows how Egyptians' embrace of the tomato and the emergence of Egypt's modern national identity were both driven by the modernization of the country's food system.

The Breath of the Gods : The History and Future of the Wind

by Simon Winchester available in November, hardcover, Harper In 2023, a report was released by atmospheric scientists at the University of Northern Illinois, warning that winds are expected to steadily increase in the years ahead, strengthening in power, speed, and frequency. To the energy industry, rising wind strength and speeds are an unalloyed boon for humankind, a vital source of clean and “safe” power. Between these two poles lies a world of fascination, history, literature, science, poetry, and engineering which Simon Winchester explores.

The Armchair Historians Book Group meets monthly. See page 78 for details and additional groups.

Battle of the Arctic :

The Maritime Epic of World War II by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore available in January, hardcover, Pegasus Books

It is 1941 and Russia has been invaded. The terms of the new alliance were that Western nations would ship urgently needed war materials to Russia via the shortest but most dangerous route: sailing north of the Arctic Circle while being hunted by U-boats, the Luftwaffe, and a surface fleet. This endeavor was called the Arctic convoys. Battle of the Arctic is about the conflict and naval battles that unfolded while Allied naval and merchant seamen, airmen, submariners, soldiers and intelligence officers delivered on this wartime commitment to Russia from 1941-45, passing through terrific storms, snow, ice and Arctic mirages.

The American Revolution : An Intimate History

by Geoffrey C. Ward, Ken Burns available in November, hardcover, Knopf Enriched by guest essays from lauded historians such as Vincent Brown, Maya Jasanoff, Jane Kamensky, and Alan Taylor, and by an astonishing array of prints, drawings, paintings, texts, and pamphlets from the time period, as well as newly commissioned art and maps—and woven together with the words of Thomas Paine—The American Revolution reveals a nation still grappling with the questions that fueled its remarkable founding.

The Water Remembers : My Indigenous Family's Fight to Save a River and a Way of Life by Amy Bowers Cordalis available now, hardcover, Little, Brown, & Co. For the members of a Northern California tribe, salmon are the lifeblood of the people. When a catastrophic fish kill devastates the river, Amy Bowers Cordalis is propelled into action, reigniting her family's 170-year battle against the U.S. government. In a moving and engrossing blend of memoir and history, Cordalis propels readers through generations of her family’s struggle, where she learns that the fight for survival is not only about fishing. Her great-uncle's landmark Supreme Court case reaffirming her Nation’s rights to land, water, fish, and sovereignty, her great-grandmother’s defiant resistance during the Salmon Wars. When the source of the fish kill is revealed, Cordalis steps up as General Counsel for the Yurok Tribe to hold powerful corporate interests accountable, and to spearhead the largest river restoration project in history.

The

Onion Story: How a Band of Misfits, Dropouts, and Sad Sacks Built the World's Most Trusted News Source by Scott Dikkers

available now, hardcover, Matt Holt Books

Cultural Criticism

If you’ve ever been duped into believing an Onion headline, or simply laughed to avoid crying at how closely its fake news articles resembled reality, get a first-person view from the mastermind himself of the publication’s unparalleled legacy as the world’s most trusted news source, celebrated for its fearless commitment to truth-telling under the guise of satire. In this laugh-out-loud origin story of a world-renowned satirist and “America’s Finest News Source” Scott Dikkers treats you to a rollicking trip through the 80s, 90s, and 00s, chronicling the inception, evolution, and success of The Onion from his view at the helm.

The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen

Who Shaped a Nation by Jim Clyburn

available in November, hardcover, Little, Brown, and Co.

South Carolina's first eight Black congressmen all rose to office following the Civil War and emancipation, but then the dark veil of Jim Crow fell across the South. It would take nearly a century before the ninth Black representative, Clyburn himself, was elected. In The First Eight, Congressman Clyburn shares these men's stories, and their message of liberty, with the nation they served.

Capturing Kahanamoku : How

a

Surfing Legend and a Scientific Obsession

Redefined

Race and Culture

by Michael Rossi available now, hardcover, HarperOne Historian Michael Rossi draws on archival research and firsthand interviews to weave together a truly fascinating cultural history that is an absorbing account of obsession, a cautionary tale about the subjectivity of science, a meditation on humanity, and the story of a man whose personhood shunned classification. Capturing Kahanamoku is a Victorian saga that explores very modern questions about humanity and dark compulsions to design nature. "Capturing Kahanamoku is a scientific detective story into the forgotten side of surfing, or a surfing detective story into the dark side of science." –Steven Kotler, New York Times bestselling author

Giving Up is Unforgivable : A Manual for Keeping a Democracy

by Joyce Vance available now, hardcover, Dutton We’re in this together. For the past two years, Joyce Vance has signed off posts on her charttopping Substack “Civil Discourse” with these four words. In that time, she’s guided readers through a continued erosion of democratic norms, the unprecedented felony conviction of an ex-president, and the approaching specter of a second Trump Administration. Now, that it’s upon us, Vance helps us understand how to avoid burnout and despair and exercise the democratic muscles we need to save the Republic.

Nations Apart : How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America

by Colin Woodard available in November, hardcover, Viking Our democracy has been purposefully dismantled, first in the states and now at the federal level. With groundbreaking original data and historical insights, Nations Apart is an essential guide to understanding why Americans are so divided on many hot button issues, creating geographic fissures that have been exploited by authoritarians. Colin Woodard shows how colonial era settlement patterns and the cultural geography they left behind are at the root of our political polarization, economic inequality, public health crises, and democratic collapse.

Swiftynomics :

How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy by Misty L. Heggeness available in January, hardcover, University of California Press

Taylor Swift isn't just a pop megastar. She is a working woman whose astounding accomplishments defy patriarchal norms. And while not all women can be Beyoncé or Dolly Parton or Reese Witherspoon, the successes of these trailblazing stars help us understand the central role of women in today's economy. This feminist romp through pop culture illuminates how women influence and shape the economy. It assesses the complex economic lives of everyday American women through the stories of groundbreakers like Taylor Swift. Digging into the data, author Misty Heggeness reveals women's hidden contributions and aspirations—the unexamined value they create by pursuing their own ambitions. She highlights the abundance of productive activity in their daily lives, acknowledges the barriers they still face, and offers advice for women to thrive in an economy that was not built for them.

Mind & Body

A Great Gift

Smarter: 10 Lessons for a More Productive and Less-Stressed Life

by Emily Austen

Psychology

"Looking to encourage and motivate the loved ones in your life this holiday season? Emily Austen is with you every step of the way and will lead the reader to a productive state of mind, just in time for the new year! " –Alex

Read This When Things Fall Apart : Letters

to Activists in Crisis

edited by Kelly Hayes

available in November, paperback, AK Press In social movements, some heartbreaks are all but inevitable. Campaigns will be lost. Mental health crises will occur. Grief, alienation, and despair can grind us under. Sometimes, we need to be met where we’re at by a caring voice of experience. Read This When Things Fall Apart i s a care package for activists and organizers. It’s an outstretched hand, offering history lessons, personal anecdotes, and practical advice about how to navigate the woes of justice work.

Letter From Japan

by Marie

Kondo, with Marie Iida available now, hardcover, Crown

Health

The Emperor of All Maladies : A Biography of Cancer

by Siddhartha Mukherjee

available in November, paperback, Scribner

This reissue of the Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller includes thrilling new chapters (100 pages) that cover all major new discoveries and developments in cancer research and treatments in the 15 years since the original publication. Mukherjee illuminates the impact of developments in cellular medicine; explains how data is analyzed; probes the role of environment in causing cancer; describes radical innovations in research; investigates the promise of AI in drug development; and introduces his own revolutionary treatment of childhood leukemia.

Feast on Your Life : Kitchen Meditations for Every Day

by Tamar Adler

available in December, hardcover, Scribner

Tamar Adler’s kitchen devotional is my favorite type of book: a collection of thoughts, meditations, and paragraphs reminding us to just stop, look, and enjoy. If you enjoyed The Book of Delights or An Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, this one’s for you. –Sarah

Shop 24/7 at villagebooks.com

The iconic star of the hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and #1 bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up opens up about the cultural traditions that have inspired her philosophy—and can make our lives better today. “This book represents guiding principles by which I lead my life every day. They also define, at least for me, the values that flow through the customs, traditions, arts and sensibilities of Japan.”

A Great Gift

Dead and Alive : Essays

by

Zadie Smith

available now, hardcover, Penguin Press

In this eagerly awaited new collection, Zadie Smith brings her unique skills as an essayist to bear on a range of subjects that have captured her attention in recent years and shows us once again her unrivalled ability to think through critically and humanely some of the most urgent preoccupations and tendencies of our troubled times. “Smart, somber…There’s pleasure in watching a novelist wired to see all sides at once wrangle with her own dynamic subjectivity. ”–The New York Times Book Review

Samish Bay Soaps

“These are my FAVORITE soaps! With wonderful scents from essential oils and a variety of beautiful packaging to choose from these are a perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who likes to smell good (which is probably everyone??).

Plus they are made right here in Bellingham!” –Caitriona

Every Last Fish: A Deep Dive into Everything They Do for Us and We Do to Them

by Rose George

available in November, hardcover, W.W. Norton & Co.

Science & Nature

Fish can be easier to think of as food than as fellow animals. For the first time in history, humans are eating more farmed fish than wild, and our fish consumption is predicted to increase. But with warming oceans, diminishing fish stocks, and questions about fish farming practices, where will the fish come from? Here, George dives into these questions by exploring the vast industries that support our appetite for fish sticks and salmon burgers, and the colossal illegal fishing trade whose practices and standards are unmonitored and often dangerous. Journeying to the bottom of the ocean and back, she examines the machinations of this $200 billion food system—one that’s growing rapidly even as fish populations disappear. Along the way, George introduces us to the people on the front lines of fishes and fishing: fishermen, divers, marine biologists, fish fryers, and fishwives.

What Sheep Think About the Weather: How to Listen to What Animals Are Trying to Say

by Amelia Thomas available in November, paperback, Sourcebooks

Amelia Thomas couldn’t stop wondering what the animals around her were trying to say. She set out to answer the question: What are animals truly seeking to communicate, not to each other, but to us humans? Her quest will introduce readers to a myriad of scientists, experts, and practitioners— from animal behaviorists to anthrozoologists; pet psychics to animal trainers; A.I. experts to indigenous trackers; animal mindfulness gurus to psychologists—all who are listening to vastly different species in vastly different ways.

A Great Gift

Baggu Bags

“Baggu bags are the perfect blend of style and utility! With their simple designs and slouchy look, these bags hold plenty of stuff easily (book lover tested). I love my crescent bag. They're all recycled nylon, and there's always cute limited release designs to look forward to. Say hello to your new favorite bag!” –Jess

Do Aliens Speak Physics?: And Other Questions About Science and the Nature of Reality

by Daniel Whiteson and Andy Warner available in November, hardcover, W.W. Norton & Co.

When the long-awaited day dawns and the aliens finally arrive on Earth, they might eat us and destroy the planet—or, just maybe, they might share the secrets of the Universe with us. It’s long been assumed, in both science fiction and real scientific efforts to communicate with hypothetical aliens, that math and physics could serve as a universal language connecting us with extraterrestrial minds. Daniel Whiteson and Andy Warner take readers on a wild adventure to the edges of space-time, science, and imagination.

Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water

by Amorina Kingdon available now, paperback, Crown Publishing Group

This brilliant book introduces us to the soundscape of the sea--and not just whale song! Kingdon explores how sound affects fish of all kinds and even more surprising creatures like lobsters, opening our eyes (or ears as the case may be) to a whole new world under the waves. Told with impressive narrative skill and fascinating scientific information this book is a revelation in how we think about the oceans. –Caitriona

Nightmare Obscura : A Dream Engineer's Guide

Through

the Sleeping Mind

by Michelle Carr available in November, hardcover, Henry Holt and Co. People think of nightmares as something to forget about, to leave behind in the dark of night, to make our peace with having no control over. But over the past few years, bad dreams started showing up everywhere. Social media was filled with #CovidDreams and stories of how our suddenly bizarre and fearsome daily lives were interweaving into dream content. Luckily, Carr explains, modern dream science is revealing how we can interact with the dreaming mind and illuminate the usefulness of nightmares.

Treat Yourself!

Be sure to buy a sweet treat for youself the next time you're in the store. You deserve it!

The Latest From Village Books' Chuckanut Editions

Chuckanut Editions is delighted to announce the republication of The Lone Jack: King of the Mount Baker Mining District and The Grand Lady of Mount Baker: A History of the Mount Baker Lodge from 1927-1931 by local author and historian, Michael Impero!

The Lone Jack tells a story of the human struggle to settle in absolute wilderness. A story of the first owners of the "Lone Jack" mine on Mt. Baker, who underestimated the climate and harsh winters of the North Cascades.

The Grand Lady of Mount Baker tells the story of the magnificent first lodge that stood on Mt. Baker. From ambitious planning to tragedy, the Grand Lady was a testament to human will and engineering, as well as a pivotal piece of our local history. It includes many archival and private photos.

Additional Michael Impero titles that you can find on our shelves include The Boys of Glacier, Dreams of Gold, Camp Glacier F-2 , and Towns of the Northfork Volumes 1 and 2.

Chuckanut Editions is Village Books' own publishing imprint. Dedicated to the preservation of local history, we are thrilled to share with you these two titles that tell unforgettable stories of our beloved Mt. Baker.

A Great Gift

The Curve of Time

by M. Wylie Blanchet

Northwest

"Almost 20 years ago I was given a copy of The Curve of Time by a retired Navy man, and ever since it's been my favorite book to gift. A true story about a widowed mother sailing along the BC coast with her five children, this book is a beautiful reminder about connection—with the land and water that support our survival, and with each other." –Heather

Check Out Our Collection of

Local Guide Books

Trusted Advice From the Experts

A Great Gift

Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Alaska by

Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon

“This is an essential addition to the bookshelves of all plant lovers here in the Pacific Northwest. It's accessible and useful for everyone from day hikers to biology students! What I appreciate most about this book is that it's wonderfully in-depth, easy to reference, and light enough to bring along for outdoor adventures.” –Aina

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

–John Muir

Village Books & Paper Dreams

CUSTOMIZED Care Packages!

Send Books • Send Gifts • Send Smiles

These thoughtful packages are the perfect surprise for any occasion— Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays, finals, or just an "I'm thinking about you" to anyone who may need a little lift.

Go to villagebooks.com/shop where you can choose a theme then answer a few questions about preferences and reading habits. Our personal shoppers will take care of all the rest.

Themes include holidays, Pacific Northwest, nature, biking, writing, tea lover, positive energy/rest & relaxation, crazy for cats or dogs, students, or just let us surprise you with all of it!

Let Us Shop For You!

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!

Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 pm

at the Hotel Leo, Bellingham, WA

Scott Miller

–Let My Country Awake:

Indian Revolutionaries in America and the Fight to Overthrow the British Raj

Join us for a special evening of music and stories as we as we welcome former foreign correspondent for the The Wall Street Journal, Scott Miller with his new book, Let My Country Awake. " Scott Miller has written a true-life international spy thriller that is both an education in a forgotten corner of American history and a compelling adventure filled with a well-crafted cast of larger-than-life characters who jump off the page. One improbable—yet true—event dramatically follows another, and the result is a riveting, page-turning read," says Howard Blum, New York Times bestselling author. Miller will be joined in conversation with County Executive SATPAL SIDHU.

Thursday, January 29, 6:30 pm

at the Hotel Leo, Bellingham, WA

19th Anniversary Show!

Join us in celebrating 19 years of this fun live and local radio show! Let co-hosts Paul Hanson & Kelly Evert and announcer Rich Donnelly guide you through an evening of music, poetry, literature, and comedy as we look back on some of our favorite moments from the past year. Watch for registration details.

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. Doors open and music starts at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. Tickets available now. Seating is limited so don't delay—we'll see you there!

Thanks to our regular sponsors

Tickets required. Available through villagebooks.com

Congratulations to 2025 Summer Reading Challenge Participant

Hayley Van Ness

Hayley's entry was selected at random from the over 175 participants in our kids summer reading challenge this year.

Hayley and Kristen Jeffrey, her language arts instructor at The Franklin Academy, enjoyed shopping together for classroom books with the $100 gift certificate Hayley won for her school. Yay!

Congratulations also to Louise Little Bear

Louise is the winner of a $50 VBPD gift card. Her completed Summer Reading Bingo card was pulled from over 70 participants—the largest number of summer reading Book Bingo readers yet! She appreciated how the challenge prompted her to read her very first graphic novel. Acknowledging Louise's love of memoirs, her great granddaughter recommended she try They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. She loved it! The $50 prize will be enjoyed during her traditional birthday visit to Village Books with her daughter. Happy Shopping, Louise!

YOUNG READERS Their Families & Educators

Picture Books

I Am Not Happy!

written by Caroline L. Perry illustrated by Sydney Hanson available now, hardcover, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Aren't quokkas just the cutest and happiest animals around? Right?! Perhaps a smiley face does not always indicate happiness, as it can be assumed. Perry and Hanson create a delightful picture book reminding readers to not always make assumptions off of first impressions or anything face value. With all the talk of smiles, I couldn't help but smile with each page turn . –Kat

I'm Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book

by Oliver Jeffers available now, hardcover, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Bridget begins her day brimming with optimism, certain it’s the perfect day to spend with friends. But Royal, Rodney, Regis, Penelope, and Pearl are too busy to spend time with her. They have essential tasks that they must complete. Disappointed, Bridget sighs to Pearl that she’ll have to blow out her birthday candles alone. Realizing the significance of the day, Pearl gathers the friends so they can celebrate Bridget together. This is a brilliant new birthday book to add to your collection.

A Friend for Fox

by Enrico Lorenzi available now, hardcover, Beach Lane Books

In Enrico Lorenzi's English language debut book, get ready to fall in love with Fox through illustrations filled with specific lines to emphasize emotions, expressions, and physical movement. Follow Fox on a good ol' woodland adventure in an attempt to find a friend to share a cup of cocoa with—will Fox find his evening cocoa crew? –Kat

The Writer by Davide Cali, illustrated by Monica Barengo

"This sweet picture book is not only for kids, but would also make a brilliant gift for adults who enjoy writ ing and art! It feels as if Wes Anderson was a dog writing a sweet story about making & finding the best companions." –Kendra

Never Give a Baby a Library Card

by Erin Sandberg illustrated by Tom Booth available now, hardcover, Abrams Oh no! Heaven forbid we have cute, smart little ones running around! A curmudgeonly patron has concerns about babies learning not just ABCs but cooking, driving, and other skills. Happily, we all know a library card is the key to learning anything you’d like, even if you’re too little to read yet. Such a cute story! –Sarah

Ms. Rachel and Bean and the Bedtime Routine : Encouraging a Calm and Comforting Good Night by Ms Rachel and Mr Aron illustrated by Monique Dong available now, hardcover, Random House Children's Books

Ms. Rachel makes bedtime the best time! Full of songs and tips, this calming and gentle story helps littles and their grown-ups create and follow a nighttime routine that everyone will love. Includes a tear-out poster with Ms. Rachel’s special bedtime-routine checklist!

Winter Celebrations ❄ ❆ ❄

Construction Site

Hanukkah Lights : A Hanukkah Lift-the-Flap Book by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Shawna J. C. Tenney available now, board book, Chronicle Books

Celebrate Hanukkah with the crew from the New York Time s bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series in this heartwarming seasonal board book—the perfect addition to any young reader's holiday library!

World

Activity Book Little First Stickers Hanukkah by Laura Cowan, illustrated by Barbara Bongini available now, paperback, Usborne

Discover the food, songs, games and more for the Jewish festival of lights—not to mention all the presents and Hanukkah gelt. Learn all about the ancient story of Hanukkah, too, with stickers.

First Festivals: Hanukkah: A Lift-the-Flap Book

illustrated by Kathryn Selbert available now, board book, Running Press

Featuring simple text, gorgeous illustrations, and satisfying lift-the-flaps, this book explores common Hanukkah traditions and helps young children understand the importance of this special holiday. Lift the flaps to reveal the menorah, look inside a synagogue, and see what yummy treats are being cooked in the kitchen.

Kitchen - Celebrations by Abigail Wheatley, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat available now, hardcover, Usborne

Following World Kitchen, this second cookbook in the series concentrates on recipes for celebrations and festivals. Whether it's for Eid or Passover, for a national day, a birthday or just a big family gettogether, all the recipes are simple, heart-felt and delicious, and have been sent in by real families from around the world. The families, and the simple, step-by-step instructions are illustrated in a bold, graphic-novel style.

The Littlest Solstice Tree by Lisa Varchol Perron, illustrated by Ahya Kim available now, hardcover, Beaming Books

The Littlest Solstice Tree brings a fun perspective on the winter solstice— the trees perspective. Both Sapling and Ancient want to be chosen as "tree of the year." Join the community as they make the big decision. A new consideration is made—can kindness lead to a change in tradition? –Kat

In Fairhaven: Tuesdays at 11am And Lynden!

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

In Lynden: Saturdays at 11am

Lynden Fire Fighters! Friendly Dogs! Dinosaurs, Music, and a Princess! See page 37 for a line-up of the fun and varied story times taking place at our Lynden store.

Crazy for Christmas

Countdown

to Christmas : 24 Magical

Advent Stories

by Alexandra Stewart, illustrated by Freya Hartas available now, hardcover, Running Press

An advent calendar in book form, this title invites you to read a story each day to count down to Christmas. The 24 stories in this edition range from well-known classics like The Nutcracker to lesser-known folktales from around the world. The timeless illustrations make this a book that will be pulled off the shelf year after year.

Listen

to the

Music

at Christmas by Mary Richards, illustrated by Skylar White available now, hardcover, Wide Eyed Editions

Listen to the Music at Christmas is the perfect way to introduce little ones to timeless pieces that conjure the spirit of Christmas from around the world. Join two little children as they meet the composers and hear all about the pieces we love the best at Christmas.

Our

Little Adventure at Christmas by Tabitha Paige available now, board book, Blue Star Press

Our Little Adventure at Christmas takes parents and children through a sweet holiday story with woodland animal friends and teaches your child the value of giving. Through realistic watercolor imagery and a story carefully crafted by Paige.

Secrets from the North Pole : Discover the Magic of Christmas

by Saskia Gwinn, illustrated by Daria Danilova available now, hardcover, Francis Lincoln

Christmas has been wrapped in secrecy for centuries, but it is finally time to tell you what really happens in the countdown to the big day. Join Ivy Everjingle, Santa’s Head Elf, as she tells you the most magical mysteries of the North Pole in this ultimate festive treasury full of secrets that even grown-ups don’t know.

Don't Forget Your Favorite Teachers and Librarians!

Steam Train,

Dream Train : Next

Stop,

Christmas! by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by AG Ford available now, hardcover, Chronicle Books

’Tis the season for sharing delicious treats, singing Christmas carols, dazzling the world with sparkly decorations, wrapping gifts, delivering packages, and so much more. On the dream train, the workers know their tasks by heart, for when each new December starts, the Christmas Train takes to the air, transporting magic everywhere.

Activity Book

A Christmas Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom

by Angela Ferraro-Fanning, illustrated by AnneliesDraws available now, hardcover, Ivy Kids Eco Make the most of the festive season with this charming illustrated book from Angela Ferraro-Fanning, homesteading teacher and founder of The Arcadia Project in rural New Jersey, packed full of crafting ideas, baking recipes, and gardening projects—all perfect for Christmas!

The Night

Before Christmas

by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Hayden Goodman available now, hardcover, Henry Holt & Co.

A fresh visual reimagining of the classic holiday poem featuring diverse families in their apartment building on the night before Christmas.

Where's Waldo?

The Perfect Present Hunt

Written & illustrated by Martin Handford available now, paperback, Holiday House

A full-color illustrated Christmas stocking filler bursting with search-and-find scenes, facts, jokes, and activities for kids age six and up from global mega-brand Where’s Waldo?

Christmas Cheer ❄ ❆

Santa Claws by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Galia Bernstein available now, hardcover, Henry Holt & Co.

With bouncy, delightful rhymes, Santa Claws celebrates Christmas in the Cretaceous world. Every year, Santa Claws delivers presents, spreading cheer wherever he goes. Every dino in the land gets into the Christmas spirit: Boneheads make toys, Gallimimus trims the Christmas tree, and Tiny T-Rex makes sure Santa doesn't go hungry.

Amazing Peace :

A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher available now, hardcover, Anne Schwartz Books

This beautiful picture book adaptation of iconic poet Maya Angelou's beloved Christmas poem captures the spirit of hope and light during the holiday season. Through her exquisite verses, she reminds us of our profound need for peace and our universal longing for harmony.

❄ The Essential Christmas Classics Collection Series

The Nutcracker

by E. T. A. Hoffmann available now, paperback, Aladdin

The inspiration behind Tchaikovsky’s ballet now has a festive new look in this beautiful edition.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens available now, paperback, Aladdin

Dickens’s timeless tale of greed, regret, and reform—featuring a stunningl new look!

Twelve Classics of Christmas by Various Authors available now, paperback, Aladdin

Usher in the holidays with this collection of 12 classic short stories and poems from renowned authors such as Louisa May Alcott, F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Brothers Grimm, and Charles Dickens—all in one cozy anthology.

2026

children’s literature conference

Save The Date!

Saturday

February 28, 2026

At Sehome High School Bellingham, WA

The Children’s Literature Conference is an annual tradition for many, where teachers and librarians, readers and writers gather to celebrate and learn about children’s literature. Join Village Books in welcoming a wonderful selection of authors and illustrators to Bellingham on Sunday, February 28.

The conference will include author and illustrator presentations, book sales and autographs, and a question-and-answer panel. Conference pre-registration is required. Save the date and watch villagebooks.com for details.

'Tis The Season

❄ ❄

Sticker Dolly Dressing

Winter Wonderland

illustrated by Stella Baggott and Non Figg available now, paperback, Usborne

Join the dolls as they choose and decorate a Christmas tree, have a walk in a snowy forest, go ice skating on a snowy afternoon, and watch as twinkly Christmas lights are switched on. Have fun choosing their outfits and adding lots of other fashion accessories with this interactive sticker dress-up book!

A Walk in the Dark

by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Elin Manon available now, hardcover, Laurence King Publishing

Beginning just as the human world is slowing down for the evening, A Walk in the Dark takes the reader into the woods and the moonlit countryside. As the sun sets, a family of rabbits hop out of their burrows . . . until they spot a hungry fox returning to the badger's sett . . . and follow the badger through a field where wood mice hide from owls circling overhead . . . With fact boxes on every page and tips on how we can all help nocturnal animals, little ones will discover a whole world that's taking place in the dark.

Xolo

by Donna Barba Higuera, illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson available in November, hardcover, Chronicle Books

From Newbery and Pura Belpré Medalist

Donna Barba Higuera, author of The Last Cuentista, comes a fully illustrated chapter book about the Aztec creation myth. At its core, this is a story about a dog (and his twin brother, the god Quetzalcoatl) who save mankind from callous gods and the Lord of the Underworld, thereby creating man's best friend in the process. Grounded in classic Mesoamerican/Aztec myth, and perfect for kids who want to learn about pre-Columbian gods and legends, but also great for reluctant readers and of course, dog lovers!

Science & Nature

Winter Walk : What Will You Find? Backpack Explorer by the Editors of Storey Publishing available now, hardcover, Storey Publishing, LLC

Winter Walk fosters early science learning with field guides, sensory games, nature scavenger hunts, science activities, and fun facts about ice, hibernation, snowflakes, winter plants and insects, and more.

The Old Sleigh

by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey available in November, hardcover, Norton Young Readers

Sometimes the phrase “instant classic” is thrown around a bit much in the kids lit sphere. Here, it’s absolutely earned. The Pumphrey brothers have created a seasonal story that shares themes of family and community through a lens of a single sleigh. Share it with your loved ones this holiday season. –Sarah

Lunar New Year

We

Always Had Wings

by Jess X. Snow available in December, hardcover, Mole Me a World

A stunning, mythology-inspired ode to the places and people who came before us as a girl embarks on her first visit to her mother's hometown in China for Lunar New Year.

Snuggle Season

by Jaimie MacGibbon available now, hardcover, Quirk Books

Delight in the coziness of winter with this charming picture book, the first in a series about the simple joys and daily rituals of each changing season!

A Great Gift

Warmies

“Warmies are the perfect gift for all! There are so many cute animals to choose from, perfect to just cuddle up with but also weighted, heated, and scented with lavender. Warmies are perfect for the cold seasons, but also perfect for all year round."

–Samantha

Fun for the Whole Family

Downtown Doors by Natasha Tripplett

illustrated by Leah Giles available, hardcover, WaterBrook

Downtown Doors is a beautiful new picture book by Natasha Tripplett. The collage artwork by illustrator Leah Giles goes so perfectly with this story of community that Wendall glimpses through the doors he sees on his weekly walk with Mama. Behind the many different kinds of doors in his neighborhood, Wendall sees the people who open their hearts to him and make him feel loved and at home. He finds a way that he, too, can be a door to people in his community. This book by the award winning author of The Blue Pickup, Juneteenth Is, and Planted With Love would make a great gift for the 3-7 year-olds in your life. –Gaye

Victoria Salisbury

Natasha Tripplett

Sunday, November 16, 2 pm Downtown

Doors

Join us in welcoming award-winning author Natasha Tripplett to the Readings Gallery for a special Holiday Open House reading of her new book Downtown Doors.

You'll follow a mother and son on a journey through their city’s downtown in this picture book that celebrates strong communities–the love they give us, and what we can give back in return. With stunning and evocative artwork, Downtown Doors is a heartwarming layered tale that highlights the importance and beauty of community when navigating life’s challenges and caring for our neighbors.

Saturday, January 10, 2pm

The Selfish Skua's Supper

The Selfish Skua’s Supper is a children’s picture book that tells the story of a scavenger seabird in Antarctica. It takes its supper from every animal it encounters one summer night at McMurdo Station. Real animals and places are highlighted in the illustrations. Author and illustrator Victoria Salisbury is a retired elementary teacher from the Pacific Northwest. She spent five months working in Antarctica where she met a skua who inspired this story.

Audrey Barbakoff

Mazel Toes!

Sunday, January 11, 2pm

Celebrate family joy and love with playful, Yiddish-inflected rhymes in this charming board book. With sweet gestures for every part of the body—like a kiss on the keppie and a boop on the nose— Mazel Toes! is a heartfelt love letter from generations of parents to children. Dr. Audrey Barbakoff is also the author of The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon. As a librarian, educator, and mom, she loves creating read-alouds that help families find joy.

Great Gift Ideas Nonfiction for Kids

Salmon Run: An Epic Journey to the Ocean and Back

by

Annie Chen

available in November, hardcover, Red Comet Press

An exquisitely presented account of the life cycle of a Pacific salmon that is sure to entice young naturalists with its accessible design and inviting and informative text. She begins as a tiny orange egg . . . smaller than a pea! Salmon Run follows a Pacific coho salmon as she begins her journey in the freshwater rivers of Washington State, travels to the vast Pacific Ocean, and finally returns to the place of her birth to spawn and begin the cycle of life once again.

All About Antarctica

: A Fact Book About the Southernmost Continent by Marc Martin available now, hardcover, Chronicle Books

Antarctica is a fragile and fascinating world that most of us will never see—and it’s disappearing. Learn all about it before it’s too late. All About Antarctica is an inviting and exciting reading experience with brilliant color illustrations paired with bite-sized facts on every page.

The Secret Lives of Stones : Fascinating Stories of Gemstones, Rocks and Minerals

by Hettie Judah illustrated by Jennifer NR Smith available now, hardcover, Laurence King Publishing

All stones have a story to tell—stories that teach us about the history of the planet and our human past. Unearth the secret lives of gemstones, rocks, and minerals in this dazzling cabinet of curiosities exploring the fascinating stories of 25 spectacular rocks and gems.

We have a fantastic and inspiring collection of

A

Great Gift

The Way Things Work

by David Macaulay

“David Macaulay does an AMAZING job simplifying and explaining the machines and devices that shape our everyday lives— from windmills to wi-fi routers. This witty, clever picture book is a must-have for the inquisitive reader—whether they're excited about second grade science class or a lifelong engineer. I still have my copy from when I was a kid and it's always a winner when I gift to friends or their kids.” –Sam

Sports

Guinness World Records Soccer Edition 2026 by Guinness World Records available now, paperback, Macmillan Whether you’re new to Soccer or an expert in XG, satisfy your need for trivia, facts and stats with an all-new edition from the ultimate authority on record breaking. Prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a journey along our FIFA World Cup Timeline, featuring the key players and defining moments from every edition to date.

Activity Book

Find Vincent van Gogh: A Spotting Book

by Laurence King Publishing available in November, hardcover, Chronicle Books

Learn all about the life and art of Vincent van Gogh in this search and find journey, full of things to spot. A bold and vibrant search and find book, inspired by the life and artwork of Vincent van Gogh. Officially published with the Van Gogh Museum, this activity book is perfect for ages 7+.

Village Books

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Paper Dreams DELIVERED!

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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.

• Kids and Families newsletter

• Gifts and Decor newsletter

• Book Clubs newsletter

• Just Write! newsletter

• College Student newsletter

• Staff Recommendations newsletter

• Educators and Schools newsletter (quarterly)

Sign up for any or all of these newsletters through our home page at villagebooks.com

Gifts That Are Opened Again & Again! BOOKS

Book Talk for Educators!

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 5pm-6:30pm

Pre-K through Grade 12 educators are invited to join us on January 8 at 5pm for staff book recommendations! Back by popular demand, this new twice-a-year tradition features VB booksellers sharing favorite new releases in children's literature. Treats will be provided! This event is FREE to attend so grab your colleagues and come on down to the Readings Gallery in the Fairhaven store.

Kids Open M ic

Last Mondays from 5-6pm

Ages 18 and 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!

November 24 • December 29 • January 26

Socks, Socks,

Hey, Teen Authors!

Ages 13-18

The Village Books Teen Author Cohort (T.A.C.) is a supportive and inclusive community of young writers who meet weekly to support each other, learn from professionals, grow their writing skills, and put their writing into the world. We’d love you to join us!

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MORE SOCKS!

"Life is too short for boring socks! Gift yourself and EVERYONE on your list a pair of socks from Paper Dreams this holiday season. Fun and functional, you'll find fantastic choices for all ages and personalities: sassy or quirky, elegant or simple, whimsical, sweet, soft, silly, and even a little naughty. PLUS they're small and light—ideal gifts for mailing or if you're traveling. A win-win for everyone!" –Kelly C.

Discover Toys That Teach

Attention Educators!

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 on our website

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

• Sign up for our quaretly Educators and Schools enewsletter

Keep up to date on all the latest happenings and offerings—never miss out!