I'm Alicia and I process the online orders of all your awesome purchases! I also manage the shipping department, wrap up those awesome blind date books, and do any quiet organizing tedious task that drives others mad. I always have a book in hand ready to read wherever I am and tend to read a variety of subjects, trying most anything at least once. I tend to gravitate toward sci-fi, dark fantasy, a dash of cozy series (has to have cats and books), and a variety of manga and graphic novels for my fiction reading. Non-fiction, I focus on reproductive justice, LGBT issues and history, 20th century American History, interior design, architectural studies, organizing and cleaning, and humor. I cycle as my mood suits and will frequently re-read my favorite novels, finding new morsels of information every time!
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Anne Bishop expands The Black Jewels universe even more with this sequel to her previous book in the series, The Queen’s Bargain. A threat all thought vanquished threatens Kaeleer once more bringing Daemon and Surreal together to defeat it and save their daughter Janelle Saetien from it's clutches. All in all, this book is a fantastic entry into a dark fantasy series that is sure to delight and intrigue.
Retellings of mythology are having a moment it seems. Classic tales told from one unexpected—Angrboda, mother to Hel, Fenrir, and Jormungand. The rich prose mimics an oral tale and I loved the descriptions of Angrboda and her children with the joy, worries, and sorrow all present. The world may think of them as monsters but in the end, they are her children and she their mother. She feels nothing but unconditional love for them even as the end of the world comes and they play the roles delt and pressed upon them.
The Witches Heart presents the rich world of Norse mythology through the eyes and words of a witch mother and it is ever stronger for it. There is little I dislike of this book, having devoured it within two days like the great wolves devour the sun and moon. The tagline of the book is “Men die, gods die, she lives on.” It fulfills it with a twist.
The Witches Heart is a grand entry into the genre of mythology retooling and the burgeoning interest in Norse mythology once again. If you liked Circe by Madeline Miller, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, or Natalie Haynes’ The Children of Jocasta, then this is the book for you to choose next.
Women loving women queer time travel romance novel? Yes please! McQuiston has hit it out of the park once more with a novel that features an all around well rounded likeable protagonist, August, that finds hope in a time traveling punk rocker Jane, a woman flitting out of time and bringing light and hope to all those who see her. I could not put it down!
I felt the gut punch of 2016 once more, a sinking nauseated morass that made me have to think hard about what day and year it really was, the feeling was so intense. The subtitle and description of the book may say that is just a series of illustrated essays, but it is much more than that. It is a journey and I highly recommend this book if not just for the reminder that the past four years are not something to be forgotten. Protesting the unjust laws and actions of many or few is not something that can be “saved for later.” The urgency is here now.
I found myself hooked in by the topic at hand as I began to read. Each section is clearly labeled with what will be examined, a helpful feature if you are simply looking to learn a specific skill such as reading trees. Knowing which trees might be more helpful to hide under from rainstorms and how the wind might wrap around different types may not seem like something you can fill a chapter with, but Tristen Gooley proves that you can. These techniques may seem like a lost art and something not as needed in this modern age, however, such skills can help you become more connected with the world about you outside of digital tethers. You may even appear to be a hero to someone after you lead them to the correct tree to huddle under from a sudden rainstorm or make your kids think you are magic because you knew what kind of weather was coming without looking at a weather app!
A series I go back to time and time again to re-read, finding a new little enjoyable thing every time. Approach with caution as it is a "dark" fantasy but an absolutely lovely one to become immersed in. Like a dark chocolate candy bar, it is nourishing, tangy, and sparkiling with lighting on the tongue.
This book sucked me in with the imagery, writing, and premise. I couldn't stop reading once I started it, finding a new morsel of joy and deep thought every time I cracked it open. Areum's musings on why people have children, living with pain as a constant companion, and his attempt to write a beautiful love story of his parents were gorgeous. This first novel from Ae-ran Kim reminds me of a stained glass window and I highly recommend picking it up and giving it a try. It will quietly and sweetly change your day like a butterscotch candy on the tongue.
I came for the first contact sci fi aspect and stayed for the strangely thrilling sub-textual relationship between Cora and Ampersand. How do you connect with a being that does not see you as a higher being but more akin to a bug? Why do we expect our Aliens to be bipedal somewhat attractive beings? Axiom’s End’s Aliens provide a more intellectual stimulation and I look forward to the further explorations into these questions in the sequel, dropping this fall.
Like regency romances and historical fiction but wish there was more representation in the realm of women loving women? Interested in astronomy and the history behind it in England during this time? Want a sweet candy of a book that has far more sugar than salt? This is the book for you, featuring two fantastic women, Lucy and Catherine, that positively jump off the page with sensualness.
I am deeply in love with this series even though it hurts so much. I am definitely putting it on my “read over and over” shelf. There was intimacy that made me jump and scream, “yes! That’s what I’m talking about!” and yet also a bittersweet reminder that this ‘alternate history’ is not out of the norm and is happening even now without the excuse of “Aliens from Outer Space.” Like an anise cookie dipped in dark chocolate, Truth of the Divine delves deep into an exploration of humanity and what truly makes a monster.
A great first primer for those interested in United States history and overcoming the lies we were told, not just by teachers but our parents and society. I highly recommended this as a resource for teachers, students, amateur historians, and really all Americans. Still believe Columbus wasn’t that bad? Take a gander in these pages and you shall learn the disturbing truth among others. Pair this with Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States to help educate and broaden your horizons!
A tender heart wrenching tale of immortality and it’s cost. Who wants to live forever if you can’t leave a mark on the world? What is the purpose of life if not to leave a mark somehow? Schwab hits it out of the park with this look at immortality from a less than generous standpoint. Addie LaRue’s slow dance with a demon is overtaken by a passerby that does the impossible—remembers her. This book will stick with you.
Do you want a book that has some memetastic phrases that you will carry along into your life and enjoy the heck out of? Try this hefty tome on for size! Phases like, “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration,” and “The spice must flow,” are iconic lines that can be brought along into your everyday life if only to mutter while cooking!
This is the book to start with when you want to learn more about the history of abortion and reproductive history in this country. The research is impeccable, the research notes and bibliography at the back extensive, and the topic—pertinent as ever. No matter your view on the issue, this is the book you need to check out first to really understand: How did we get here? Why did it take this path? Where do we go from here?
Damn if this isn’t the book that has set off my need to read the whole Butler canon. I kept reading, so invested in this immortal tale between Doro and Anyanwu, immortal beings with very different goals in life that can’t help but be drawn to the other. I’m a sucker for immortals
I tripped over this webtoon years ago and was immediately hooked cause I do like nice drawings of pretty ladies. Throw in a retelling of Greek mythology and the myth of Hades and Persephone and well, there I am indulging. If you are a fan of either of those things, you need to try this new reworking and fall into the soft painful rabbit hole that is this webtoon.
Imagine if you will, a cross between Good Omens and The Little Prince and you begin to come close to the imaginative world inhabited by Mr. Linus Baker. Rich and sweet like a three layer chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, you will end up devouring this before you know it, falling over with a quiet feeling of joy and happiness. Take it slow and enjoy it!
This has earned a permanent place on my shelves, the quiet romance between Lily and Kathleen bringing forth the memories of young love and desperate fear in a world that does not want you to exist. The various threads of the story, focusing on Lily’s parents, her aunt, and others serve to help immerse you in this world. An amazing young adult lesbian romance.
McQuiston does it once more, writing a young adult detective/romance/small town introspective look/the kitchen sink that hits right where you need it. I was so invested in the mystery of Shara Wheeler along with Chole that I more than once stayed up too late reading this. Delightful mystery and young LGBT love in a pretty pink package scented with vanilla-mint.
I methodically devoured this book in one night as it would not let me out of its slippery greasy grip. Dripping darkness that makes you question what parts are real and what parts might be an illusion but, in the end, there is no illusion, just an abiding love and chest heavy darkness. If you’ve ever had a loved one that would give you love and hate in equal measure for no reason than your birth and connection with another…this will draw you back into that dark pit, so be cautious. Otherwise, let this book drip down into your mind like dark bitter molasses and don’t go to sleep with the lights off. You might hear those gouging scratches in the wood beneath your bed, feel the shudder of a weight over you and a hand brushing your forehead, and a darkness that drinks the light up to leave you gasping and paralyzed until you can face it.
I lived in Central Florida for a year or so in the swampy excess of the interior. Florida Woman captures the absolute insanity that can and does (oh does it!) happen in Florida, perfectly. I felt Jannie’s slow descent into despondency and cheered as she grew and developed over the course of the book. I adore this “Florida Woman” and wish her nothing but the best. Oh yea, and stay away from cults of any kind!
This memoir hit me right in the feels as an awkward, autistic, introverted, queer mess of a human. Gadsby describes both her life and the historical facts during those times with both aplomb and a wry sort of humor you can’t help but chuckle along with. If you’ve ever seen her specials or heard of her, grab this book. Never heard of her? Grab this memoir for one that aims for laughs and feels more than tears (though some will slip through).
I’ve got the book on animal peni so this was a no brainer to buy. A fantastic examination of the whole female kit and caboodle. Far from a dry medical text, you will learn more about the whole kit with plenty a chuckle in store. I was particularly drawn into the chapter on neo-vaginas as she traced the history of gender affirmative surgery and the art that goes into making a vagina that not only works but looks awesome. Recommend this book if you want to know more about this kit and caboodle. Amaze your friends and yet also weird them out!
Moore does it again! I broke down laughing more than once at the turn of phrase and situations. The characters from Noir come back to have new shenanigans with dragons, moon-men, boob motor-boating, drag kings wielding giant dildos as weapons, and a murder most foul. I love cheeky dirty humor and Razzmatazz has it in spades. You may also shed a tear near the end of the book as the setting changes to what was a real place, although the situation is nice cheeky fun. If you love Moore, this is the new book for you!
I love this book! Need a brush-up on the constitution, deal with an argument/discussion, or just want to learn more in a non-stuffy way? I laughed my way through more than one section, particularly intrigued by the "abortion chapter" as he so succinctly put it. Pick it up, give it a try, and see why "constitutional originalist" is an oxymoron.
I consumed this book in two hours. It is harsh, eye-opening, and completely brutal. It’s plausible and terrifying all at the same time. The translation is just perfect, the characters are real and rounded, and the premise itself is terrifyingly realistic. Give this book a taste and discover its intoxicating properties and your inability to put it down until it is fully consumed and you are left with its blood dripping down your chin.
I didn’t expect to be drawn in by this fictionalized and yet real account of Josef Mengele’s years following his cowardly escape from Germany, but I was. It wasn’t the story of how he escaped or continued to fester and rot from the inside out in South America, that drew me in. It was the way the author portrayed and depicted the disease of Nazism, fascism, and dehumanization that drew me in. The final lines of the novel focus on how forgetting the past and these horrid beliefs leads to a new version of it all over again. It’s not a novel for all but it is a damn good one and relevant to today as the disease runs rampant the world over once again.
If you read Volume 1, of course you’ll need this one or else how will you know what happens to Kore/Persephone? Come for the pretty art, stay for the new take on an old tale. Oh and there is a special bonus story at the end that didn’t make it into the original webtoon so even if you’ve read it before online, you’ll gonna want to take a gander at this book!
Learned or watched about Chernobyl and want to know more about radiation, humanity, and secrets? Check out this amazing novel! Octopi for pets, an overwhelming sense of dread impregnated like radiation in each double speak interaction between Valery and others, and an ending that while mixed still leaves one faintly hopeful. Truth is usually stranger than fiction and the ending notes show Pulley’s research and show the plausibility of such a novel. Pick it up, you won’t regret it. Or if you do, it’ll fade into a half-life shorter than Polonium-215.
From the first page I was hooked and had to keep reading to find out how exactly a blond Danish goddess and an overworked whip smart architect mom get together. I mean, they have to get together, the fire between them is just overwhelming after two years of long longing looks and a relationship that enriches each other rather than stifles and stunts someone. Settle down with this tale and don’t read too fast near the end or you’ll miss the delightful twist!
An absolutely adorable manga that will have you wanting to pet the kitty at your foot so bad! If you love cats and find the idea of a world of cats particularly appealing, pick up this strange little manga and laugh your tail off! Kitties of all sorts and kinds, not to mention some educational tidbits on the types of cats and what cats like.
I began this book laughing my head off at the turns of phrase and antics of the lovely Nurse Ratched and Rambo before ending up sobbing at the reveal of the wider world. It's all about the connections we desire and make even as sometimes, we hide ourselves away in the woods. A tale this sweet, entrancing, and downright hilarious only comes along once in a blue fairy. You will fall in love with Rambo and want to cuddle them close.
Oh I definitely felt the consideration in this tasty little romance. While the beginning is sad, once the sparks start flying it moves quick into some hot territory with not just kisses (and more) but long conversations about dreams and goals in life. A Hollywood romance you are going to want to curl up with!
I adore Kate Beaton already from her hilarious online comics that combine historical tales and humor to make you learn and laugh, and have been anticipating this tale for years. An engrossing read not only about the oil sands and the environmental impact it has, but also about the grueling labor practices for this resource that burn and break people like pieces in a machine.
I've read this book 3 times and every time it's like sitting in a comfortable booth with a nice cappuccino and fresh bread. You don't have to know much about any of the fantasy world behind it to enjoy this soft tale of creating your own home and happiness. A lovely comforting tale to come back to time and again.
After receiving this book as a gift as a teen I waited way too long to open it. Once I did I discovered a world that I would come back to repeatedly over the years. I love Phédre and her cadence and style of writing. The first book sets the stage for this wonderful alternative history interpretation of early 11th century Europe. Enjoy the feeling of settling into a comfy worn leather armchair by a banked fire and a blanket over your lap with a drink of choice at hand.
Aaahhh! I didn't know how much I wanted this book until I had it in my arms. The original Kushiel series holds a special place in my heart being one I re-read at least once a year. This is not a re-tread of the older novels, this is an amazing tale that stands on its own and features a new way into the universe of Terre D'Ange. If you found it hard to enter from Phèdre 's view, give Joscelin's a try and fall into this fantastic universe with it's message of "Love as Thou Wilt" and you will fall in love.
Terrifyingly realistic and amazingly written to draw you into the minds of the characters. Are the flies real? Am I seeing things? Rose is a compelling narrator and her neurodivergence inclusion was well done. It was a chink in the cocoon of misinformation and control spun over her before she breaks free. This is a freeing horror that will lift your head up and show the power of true family in overcoming abuse and control. I will never look at Chuck Tingle books the same after this.
Why did I wait so long to read this book? Once I began reading I was done for the next few hours, drawn into Zetian's battles and her explosive rage at the injustices and blatant stupidity of those in charge about her. I devoured this tale in hours and was left teetering on a cruel but amazing cliff-hanger. This book is definitely worth the hype!
If you find your dream home, why not just learn how to share it with ghosts and ghouls? This was a surprise of a novel that gently led me through the door, gave me tea, and slowly mixed a spoon in my brain till I was ensnared and as confused as the protagonist until that ending ripped the cloth from my eyes. A supremely delightful psychological horror that will make you look way closer at homes and their history. Remember, one can get used to anything with enough time…
This novel so perfectly captured the experience of being autistic, especially as a teenager that I was shocked back to my youth. The soothing motions, the way your brain soaks up all the information in a room but doesn’t fully understand the undercurrents, and the pain and torture inflicted by “well-meaning” adults to “fix” what they say is wrong with you. The subtle pruning and attempts to carve your mind up and make it not your own. I am shaken to my core but also bright with the fury and anger that courses beneath my skin constantly. This book was not a scream, no, it was a plunging maelstrom of anger, fury, and vengeance. And I freaking recommend this to one and all.
This is a hard and extremely necessary memoir in these times. Elliot is a fantastic writer and captures their life in snippets of emotions and color that will make you cry, laugh, and hurt for both him and all others like him. Why must others keep trying to make your body theirs? When do we get to truly exist and own our own body? I cannot recommend this book enough, it is powerful, raw, intense, and I love it.
I picked this up on a whim and I was not disappointed. A casual conversation turns Lizzie's life upside down and inside out. I felt Lizzie's emotions keenly and ended up crying along with her near the end. No worries, it's a happy ending! It's the best to see more queer romances in the mainstream and this book hits the mark hard. Pick it up, try it out, and love it!
A fantastic followup novel in the series that is tender, rough, and sexy all at the same time. While I liked Astrid in the previous book, here is where she really shined as she attempted to figure out her life and what she really wants. You don't have to read the previous book to understand it so pick up this fluffy little romance of joy.
How did I not know he was the Fonz? Pure obliviousness. Such a well written memoir that made me laugh, cry, and look deeper at the roles I've seen Henry in. He's so engaging and I could just hear the book in his voice as I read. When he was discussing how he prepped and played his role in Barry, it was engrossing. An awesome gift for anyone into humor, memoirs, or movies/tv!
I could only describe certain scenes of this book to others as "tender as fudge" and it shows. The interplay between Opal and Pepper made me giggle and snort with restrained laughs, especially given Opal’s tendency to swear creatively. A great forced circumstances romance that is plausible, tender, heart wrenching, and hilarious all at the same time. At one point yes, there is only one bed and it is glorious.
This prequel of Viv’s life before opening a coffee shop is just so darn cozy and wonderful. I may be biased *cough* books *cough* but I love the setting of a small bookstore by the sea. Fern, owner of said bookstore, is a swearing ratkin with a problem of a bookstore and Viv is just the one to happen to help. Settle into this cozy fantasy with a cappuccino and cookie at hand, you won’t regret it.
If you want to learn more about the neighborhood around you, your own home, other homes, whatever: this is the book for you. Super in depth, informative, well illustrated with plenty of examples shown, and just a joy to flip through. Would you like to know more about home building in America? Pick this up!
A fantastic closer to the Bright Falls romance trilogy that gives one of it's most enigmatic characters, Iris Kelly, the spotlight. Here she finally gets what she believes she doesn't deserve: love. It's funny, sexy, smoldering, romantic, and sweet all at the same time. Grab the whole trilogy and have a lovely sapphic romance weekend of spicy romance.
Get this book and give it a whirl. You will learn more than you thought you knew, laugh, sniff back tears, and close it with a deep exhale to rest for a moment. In this time of removing any hint of race from schools, Michael Harriot creates his own version of "the middle room" and illustrates the ridiculous convoluted nature of racism in America, how it is baked, woven, and entrenched, and how weak it really is. It's not just a retelling, it is a sideways skip hop into the middle of Sunday dinner surrounded by relatives who definitely know more than you and are not shy about telling you.