In a new feature from SunLit — The Sun’s literature section — The Bookies Bookstore in Denver has shared their latest staff recommendations for book lovers across Colorado, showcasing a diverse selection of titles for all tastes.
This week, the spotlight shines on three unique works, each blending personal tales, adventurous narratives, and profound transformations.
First on the list is “This Is Your Mother: A Memoir” by Erika J. Simpson, published by Scribner and priced at $27.99. Set for a May 2025 release, this poignant memoir traces the life of Erika’s mother, Sallie Carol, a formidable figure whose life story resonates deeply with themes of resilience and survival.
Erika recounts how her mother, raised as a daughter of sharecroppers and the middle child among ten siblings, shaped her existence through both teachings and trials. Sallie Carol’s life is depicted as almost biblical; she guides Erika with her own experiences and “rules for survival.” This memoir intertwined the narratives of both mother and daughter, as they faced the harsh realities of life, particularly exploring the impact of cancer in their final months together.
Bess Maher, who serves as the event liaison for The Bookies, describes this memoir as beautifully written, portraying a mother’s multifaceted persona across her strengths and vulnerabilities. “If you love reading memoir, mother-daughter stories, or Colorado authors, I urge you to pick up this book!” says Maher, appreciating the depth of emotion and familial bonds encapsulated within Erika’s narrative.
Next up is the whimsical “Tea You at the Altar” by Rebecca Thorne, a delightful blend of fantasy and romance from Tor Publishing Group, retailing for $19.99 and available from March 2025.
In this third installment of the Tomes & Tea series, the beloved characters Kianthe and Reyna, who are lesbian pirates, prepare for their much-anticipated wedding.
As the two embark on their journey to the altar, they encounter familiar challenges — from mischievous baby dragons to unforeseen family dynamics, including Kianthe’s parental figures imposing on their plans. Reyna finds herself mixed up in a plot to dethrone Queen Tilaine, raising the stakes as their wedding day approaches.
Store manager Krista Carlton reflects on the engaging narrative, claiming it maintains the charm and excitement of its predecessors while building up to the fourth and final installment of the series set to release this Fall. “This book is full of political intrigue and wedding drama as Raina and Kianthe prepare for their nuptials!” she adds, underscoring the fun and adventure that has characterized the series.
The final recommendation comes in the form of “How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood, priced at $28 and expected to hit shelves in May 2024. This compelling narrative presents the lives of three individuals linked by their experiences in a bookstore after Violet Powell is released from prison.
Violet, having served nearly two years for a tragic accident, is now navigating her newfound freedom. Alongside her, Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher, is facing her own struggles as she manages a prison book club while grappling with an empty nest. Meanwhile, Frank Daigle, who carries more than just handyman duties, is dealing with the emotional fallout from Violet’s past that intersects their lives in unexpected ways.
Marilyn Robbins, who is the children’s book buyer and programs manager, praises Wood’s storytelling as an “absolute delight from the first page to the last.” She highlights the transformative encounters among the trio, marking a journey of healing and shared understanding.
Each recommendation reflects the range of human emotions, from love and loss to the complexities of relationships, inviting readers to dive into these remarkable narratives.
The diverse selections featured this week by The Bookies Bookstore promise to engage readers with their heartwarming, adventurous, and insightful themes, catering to a wide spectrum of literary preferences and experiences.
image source from：coloradosun
