August Book Haul: I went to Powell’s…again

Listen.

My mom and I made the eight-and-a-half hour drive from Seattle to Ashland, Oregon WITHOUT stopping for books.

THAT IS SOME WILL POWER.

On our way back, we split the drive so we could hit Powell’s for the second time this year.

I planned ahead so I knew what to buy.

Then I scrapped my list in favor of some surprising finds.

Here, on my lovely apartment floor, is my haul:

Waking of the Witch by Pam Grossman: This gorgeous blue hardback examines witches as cultural archetypes. Grossman tackles witch myths with, “What do we mean when we talk about witches?” Color me fascinated.

If I’m Being Honest by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka: I JUST found out this is a Shakespeare retelling set in high school and I am contractually obligated to read any and all Shakespeare retellings. After all, I JUST CAME BACK FROM A SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL.

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: A graphic novel by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo: A modern retelling of Little Women released on the 50th anniversary with a diverse cast??? Heeeeeeeeeey. I found this book in the Rose Room’s Black Girl Magic display. I am very curious about the character dynamics in this reimagining.

Revenge of the She-Punks by Vivien Goldman: Professor and music journalist Goldman breaks down the four elements of punk music that appeal specifically to women. I wanted more books on Riot Grrls; this might be better.

The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen: I am both too old for resistance literature and quite curious about this book’s take on discrimination. The world building seems more than decent and there’s a GRUMPY BODYGUARD and a TABBY CAT and a RUNAWAY PRINCE. THIS HAS BECOME REQUIRED READING.

Object Lessons: high heel by Summer Brennan: WHAT DOES THIS MUCH LOVED AND LOATHED OBJECT TEACH US ABOUT GENDER?? OBVIOUSLY I BOUGHT THIS BOOK. GOTTA STAY ON BRAND.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel: I wasn’t suuuper into this book until a sale, a cover change, and a rewritten plot summary combined to draw my interest. The copy I bought emphasizes art and beauty in the midst of chaos. Yes. Want. Please don’t let there be eye stuff.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett: This book has been on my TBR since Liz Gilbert mentioned it in Big Magic. (She tells a really beautiful story about idea transfer that you have to read.) NOW’S MY CHANCE.

Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: YOU’VE CONVINCED ME, YOU SAPS. I WILL PUT OFF REREADING MY FAVORITE TRC BOOK TO ENJOY THESE CHARACTERS.

Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune by Roselle Lim: This book checked off almost every item on my New Book Wishlist:

• Blue and gold cover ✔️
• Grief fiction ✔️
• Romance as plot point, not focus ✔️
• Chosen family ✔️
• Magical realism ✔️
• Prophecy ✔️
• Food ✔️

And kids, that’s the story of how I found magical realism in the Romance/Erotica section.

I started this post on Sunday. Since then, I’ve already read 2.25 of my new books.

I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THESE PURCHASES.

Especially the witch one, which better deliver.