Ask a bookseller

Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment.

February 7, 2026 7:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: A few books for understanding how language gets weaponized

With the surge of ICE operations in Minnesota now in its third month, indie bookstore owners in the Twin Cities and beyond say that customers are coming in looking for three things: community, books to help them understand what's happening, and books to help them escape.

by Emily Bright

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January 31, 2026 7:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘Begin Again’ by Oliver Jeffers

Timothy Otte of Wild Rumpus Books in Minneapolis recommends “Begin Again” by Oliver Jeffers.

by Emily Bright

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January 24, 2026 7:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘The Elsewhere Express’ by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Allie Cesmat of Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Ariz. recommends “The Elsewhere Express” by Samantha Sotto Yambao.

by Emily Bright

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January 17, 2026 8:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘To the Moon and Back’ by Eliana Ramage

Angel Horne of Two Friends Bookstore in Bentonville, Arkansas, recommends the novel "To the Moon and Back" by Eliana Ramage.

by Emily Bright

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January 10, 2026 7:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘Lightbreakers’ by Aja Gabel

Shannon Guinn-Collins of Bookworks in Albuquerque, New Mexico, recommends "Lightbreakers" by Aja Gabel.

by Emily Bright

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December 20, 2025 7:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘The Road to Tender Hearts’ by Annie Hartnett

Becky Schlosser of Cherry Street Books in Alexandria recommends the novel "The Road to Tender Hearts" by Annie Hartnett.

by Emily Bright

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December 13, 2025 4:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘Wilder Weather’ by Barbara Boustead

Alena Bruzas of Francie & Finch Bookshop in Lincoln, Neb., recommends “Wilder Weather” by Barbara Boustead.

by Emily Bright

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December 6, 2025 4:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘Mona’s Eyes’ by Thomas Schlesser

Kelly Evert of Village Books and Paper Dreams in Washington recommends “Mona’s Eyes” by Thomas Schlesser.

by Emily Bright

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November 29, 2025 7:00 AM

Ideas for the book lovers on your gift list

Looking for gift ideas for the readers in your life? We've combed through the Ask a Bookseller files from the past year to bring you recommended titles from indie booksellers across the country. Click on each title to read the full recommendation for the book.

by Emily Bright