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How to Order Books...

1) Check our website to determine if the book is on our shelves. If so, order online
2) Order through Bookshop
3) Call the store (608-283-9332) during our bookseller in-store hours for recommendations, and we'll suggest the best way for you to get what you want.
4) Email us with your questions and/or your wish list. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Curbside pick-up is available.
Please check our website for our hours. 

Bestselling Immortalists Author Chloe Benjamin on Living in Madison and Reading & Writing During a Pandemic
By Doug Moe

 
         The other day, Madison author Chloe Benjamin did a book event for Green Apple Books, a beloved bookstore in her native San Francisco. Benjamin interviewed author Rufi Thorpe about Thorpe’s new novel, The Knockout Queen, which Benjamin much enjoyed, calling it “fearless, tender and savagely alive.” (editor's note: this book is also on order for the store).
         Of course, times being what they are, the event was virtual, on Instagram Live.
         “It was a little weird to do it that way,” Benjamin told me, in a recent phone chat. “Kind of disjointed. We had the technology fail at one point.”
         Even though there wasn’t a large virtual crowd, Benjamin judged the event a success.
         “People wrote saying thank you so much for this conversation,” she said. “It hammered home that even if there are only a few people who come away really having enjoyed it – that’s enough.”
         Benjamin, who moved to Madison a decade ago for graduate school, garnered a huge readership with the runaway success of her second novel, The Immortalists, in 2018.
         She’s grateful, yet the success inevitably raises the ante for the novel she’s writing now.
         “To be honest there is some performance anxiety,” she said.
         The smart bet is that Benjamin will find her way. She knows it’s a nice problem to have and was upbeat, funny and thoughtful when we spoke, while acknowledging the unsettling circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
         “In some ways it’s been easier for me to adjust than my husband [Nathan],” she said. “He works for the university and has a more traditional job where he’s always seeing coworkers and having meetings. It’s been a shock for him. As for me, I’m used to working in a pretty solitary way.”
         But there have been time demands associated with the success of The Immortalists – promotion, travel, a development deal with a TV network.
         “I am constantly aware of how lucky I am to be a full-time writer,” Benjamin said. “But in some ways my writing life was easier and more straightforward when I was working a day job.”
         It has hindered progress on her third novel.
         “With The Immortalists I wrote the first draft in about two and a half years,” she said. “And I was working a day job Monday through Thursday. With this book I’ve been technically a full-time writer and it’s been four years and I’m halfway through.”
         Of the high bar set by The Immortalists, Benjamin said, “I want to write a book people will love, but at the same time you can’t write a book like that. You can’t write while trying to please people because you’ll never please everyone. The motivation and the story have to come from you and what you’re obsessed with or driven by.”
         Like most good writers, Benjamin is an avid reader, generous to colleagues, cognizant that the community of authors, readers and booksellers is a special place.
         When I asked what books she might recommend, she replied with enthusiasm.
         “I’m reading Emily St. John Mandel’s second book,” Benjamin said, then quickly corrected herself, noting that Mandel wrote three suspense thrillers prior to the breakout success of her 2014 novel, Station Eleven.
         Mandel’s new novel – her fifth – is The Glass Hotel. (Editor's note: Mystery to Me will be getting another shipment of Mandel's book on Tuesday afternoon. In the meantime, it is available via Bookshop).
         “I just love her work,” Benjamin said. “There’s something so humane about the way she writes. She really gives personhood to every character, no matter how small. And she writes with such compassion about people who do good and bad things.”
         Another recommendation, a new nonfiction book: Before and After the Book Deal, by Courtney Maum.
         “It’s a fantastic guidebook about how to make a life as a published writer,” Benjamin said. “Told with humor and wisdom. I just think it’s wonderful.”
         Maum interviewed some 150 publishing industry people for the book, and Benjamin was one of them. She shared with Maum that she has a “special smile” for people who refer to The Immortalists as her debut. (Benjamin’s first novel was 2014’s The Anatomy of Dreams.)
         “I don’t want to embarrass them,” she said. “But I also feel like I’ve earned my stripes and want people to know I’ve worked hard enough to have two books out.”
         Benjamin and her husband bought a home last summer. Nathan has started a garden, and Benjamin hopes to do some canning this summer, a passion she wrote about in a Real Simple magazine piece in 2018.
         She is sold on Madison.
         “I am here indefinitely,” she said. “We love it. I moved here 10 years ago now, thinking I would do my two years in the MFA program and then move back to San Francisco, or maybe go to New York.”
         She continued: “I call myself a born-again Midwesterner. I just fell in love with it. Madison is a wonderful town to be a writer.”
         Much of Benjamin’s new novel is set in Wisconsin.
         “In a way,” she said, “it’s a bit of a love letter to this adopted state.”
       



Mystery to Me Virtual Author Events

All author events listed are presented through Crowdcast. You may register via the link provided next to each of the listed events (or through our website). Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. At the time of the event, simply click on the link and you'll be connected! 

TONIGHT -- Monday, May 4 -- Crowdcast Link
7 pm

Sara Paretsky will talk with us about her new V.I Warshawski novel Deadland
Signed bookplates are available with purchase. And, if you've already purchased the book, let us know if you would like a bookplate. We can mail it or make it available for curbside pickup! 


Wednesday, May 6 -- Crowdcast Link
7 pm

Beloved New York Times illustrator Grant Snider will talk with us about his new book I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf



Thursday, May 14 - Crowdcast Link
6 pm

Local author Joy Ann Ribar will talk about the second book in her new series Deep Bitter Roots.



Monday, May 18 - Crowdcast Link
7 pm

Comedian Tom Papa will join us to talk about his new book You're Doing Great
The book is not on our shelves just yet as it is released on May 12! The link here takes you to Bookshop. You're welcome to pre-order through the link or send us an email and we'll hold one for you when it arrives! 

Wednesday, May 20 - Crowdcast Link
7pm

Jazz musician Ben Sidran will discuss his new book, The Ballad of Tommy LiPuma, with Doug Moe.
The book is not on our shelves just yet. It is released today, May 4. Books are ordered! Nonetheless, The link above takes you to Bookshhop. You're welcome to order through the link or send us an email and we'll hold one for you when it arrives! 

Friday, May 22 - Crowdcast Link
10:30 am

Virtual Storytime with Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek. They will be reading their new book Summer Song. 

 



Bookseller Happy Hour

This past Thursday we had a Bookseller Happy Hour during which we spent time telling viewers about some of our favorite books. If you would like to peek in on what happened, here is the link to the recorded show. It was so fun to connect with folks that we're thinking we might just have to do it again. Here's a look at what we're recommending:


Jayne's Recommendations


Intermediate Readers (Middle Grade)
Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown
 
Non-fiction 
Free-Thinker by Kimberly A. Hamlin 
Our Living Ancestors by John Bates
Bird Therapy by Joe Harkness
Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone
Land Still Lives by Jerry Apps
 
Mystery
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
Iron Chariot by Stein Riverton
Forest Lake Mystery by Palle Rosenkrantz
Deep Dark Secrets by Joy Ann Ribar
Deep Bitter Roots by Joy Ann Ribar
The Single Twin – an Abe & Duff Mystery  by Sean Patrick Little
 
Fiction
I Don’t Expect Anyone to Believe Me by Juan Pablo Villalobos
Little Constructions by Anna Burns
Home Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler
The Lost History of Dreams by Kris Waldherr



Tim's Recommendations

Poetry
Homie by Danez Smith

Non-Fiction
Gay Berlin by Robert Beachy
Kingdom of Nauvoo - The Rise and Fall of a Religious Empire on the American Frontier by Benjamin Park
Rust Belt Femme by Raechel Anne Jolie

Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror
The Beauty by Aliya Whiteley
Growing Things by Paul Tremblay
Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin


 



Charlotte's Recommendations

Fiction
Followers by Megan Angelo
Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
 
Science Fiction
Bubble Gum by Adam Levin
 
Mystery
Return by Rachel Harrison
You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce
 
Non-Fiction
Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby
 
Young Adult
Yo No Soy Tu Perfecta Hija Mexicana by Erika Sanchez
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Elena's Recommendations

Fiction
Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn

Early Readers to Intermediate Readers
Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli
Super Side Kicks: No Adults Allowed by Gavin Aung Than
Science Comics: Volcanoes: Fire and Life by Jon Chad 
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi 
Robot Dreams by Sara Varon 
Odd Duck by Cecil Castellucci 

Non-Fiction
Furious Hours  by Casey Cepp 
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk 
Mythos by Stephen Fry 

Adult Graphic Novel
Swimming in Darkness by Lucas Harari 
 

Matt's Recommendations

Fiction
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Kingdomtide by Curtis Rye
The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet by Reif Larson
Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson

Intermediate Readers (Middle Grade)... one of Matt's favorite books "ever"
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo





 
Hannah's Recommendations

Picture Books
The Yawns are Coming by Christopher Eliopolous
Grandpa Grumps by Katrina Moore
The Not Bad Animals by Sophie Corrigan
Cat Dog Dog by Nelly Buchet
Madame Badobedah by Sophi Dahl
Margaret and the Moon by Dean Robbins
The Invention Hunters – Discover How Electricity Works by Korwin Briggs
The Invention Hunters – Discover How Machines Work by Korwin Briggs
Creature Features – illustrated by Natasha Durley

Early Readers
Jack at the Zoo by Mac Barnett & Greg Pizzoli
 
Intermediate Readers (middle grade)
Adventures of A Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson
Folktales for Fearless Girls by Myriam Sayalero
Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick
The Lost Fairy Tales (Pages and Co) by Anna James
The Book Wanderers (Pages and Co) by Anna James
The One and Only Bob (Signed first edition – while supplies last) by Katherine Applegate
We Dream of Space (Family is a Complicated Galaxy) by Erin Entrada Kelly
 
Young Adult
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Together We Caught Fire by Eva Gibson
Sparrow by Mary Cecelia Jackson
Clap when you Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly by Merideith Tate
The Betrothed by Kiera Cass
This is my Brain in Love by I.W. Gregorio
Girl Crushed by Katie Heaney
 
Eliza's Recommendation

Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Although I’m sure many people are familiar with it at this point, this book provides not only important social commentary about misogyny in our society, but is incredibly exciting— a real page-turner!!! 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
This is a GREAT fantasy book for anyone looking for a light, captivating tale or drama and action!!




 
Doug's Recommendation

Mystery

Night Boat to Tangier
by Kevin Barry

Biography/Literary Collections
Scandal of the Century and Other Writings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez;

Non-Fiction
Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow
Ballad of Tommy LiPuma by Ben Sidran (See above)







 
Joanne's Recommendations

Non-Fiction
Parkland by Dave Cullen (UW-Madison's Go Big Read selection for 2020-21)
Rust by Eliese Colette Goldbach
 
Fiction
If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler
Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel by Ruth Hogan
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Yellow Bird by Jennifer Rosner
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
 
Mystery
If it Bleeds by Stephen King
Camino Winds by John Grisham
The Paris Mysteries by Edgar Allan Poe
Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black
The Better Liar by Tanen Jones
Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer
The Tenant by Katrine Engberg

Adult Graphic Novel
Minding the Store by Juliet Gaines

Children's Picture Books
Portrait in Poems - The Storied Life of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas by Evie Robillard
16 Words-- William Carlos Williams & "the Red Wheelbarrow" by Lisa Rogers
My Brother the Duck by Pat Zietlow Miller


Puzzles (we have received a new shipment of puzzles and also have Springbok puzzles for sale on behalf of Orange Tree Imports). I don't know about you, but puzzles have really helped to pass the time.  I have already finished three of them...  Here are just two that I'm particularly fond of, but there are plenty more to ask us about.
Artichoke Floral (500 Pieces)
History of Hairdos 1879-1990 (1000 Pieces)
 

OH MY GOODNESS...it's almost Mother's Day!

Mother's day is Sunday, May 10. We have several books, mother's day cards, and gifty items that you may want to consider for your mom. Besides several of the book recommendations above, here are a few more ideas for you to ponder... 

You’re Mom. A Little Book for Mothers (and the people who love them) by liz climo
Coming Home to Yourself – A Meditator’s Guide to Blissful Living by Osho
Crazy Birds by Misha Maynerick Blaise
Wisdom from Humble Jellyfish – and other self-care rituals from Nature by Rani Shah
The Measure of Our Lives by Toni morrison
Hold My Hand – Wise Words for Mothers and Daughters Everywhere
Q & A for Mom
The League of Extraordinary Women  - 50 Trailblazers of Comedy by Sheila Moeschen
You are My Mother (inspired by P.D. Eastman’s Are You My Mother?)
Free Thinker – Sex, Suffrage, and the Extraordinary Life of Helen Hamilton Gardner by Kimberly Hamblin
 
Socks
Dangerous Women Read
Readers are Leaders
Read Before You Think
Readers of the World Unite  (match it with a gift bag!
Readers Move the World
Talk Wordy to Me
 
Gift Cards
You can call us at 608-283-9932 to purchase a paper gift certificate or, we also have an on-line gift card option available. 

Cards
We have some beautiful (and fun) mother's day cards in stock. Unfortunately, it's not easy to show them all to you. Here is just a sampling... but please feel free to call us and we can talk with you about what is available. 




























 



Walk for Dyslexia

For the past several years our bookstore has been a sponsor for the Madison Area Children's Dyslexia Center Walk! This year we will be adjusting our plans (more than) a bit by asking you to participate by walking wherever you happen to be on Saturday, May 16!   When you click on the registration link, we invite you to sign up as part of the Mystery to Me team. 

The t-shirts have been designed by one of the Center students and are, once again, simply awesome. Team members will be able to pick up their t-shirt at Mystery to Me a few days after the Walk (Joanne will collect the team's shirts from the Center). So, please, join us on Saturday, May 16.  Register here (and, remember to enter Mystery to Me as the team name!...).

The Walk for Dyslexia is the Center's largest fundraiser of the year, and funds raised from the event allow the Center to provide life-changing one-on-one tutoring services to children with dyslexia in our community. Thanks, in advance, for your support. 

New Releases, Bestsellers, and Award Winners 

We do our best to keep the best-sellers and award-winners in stock. We curate the new releases based on customer interests. If there are books on these lists that we don't have, please let us know and we'll get them for you! 
May Indie Next Titles 
New York Times Bestsellers 
Cozy Mysteries - May 2020
Edgar Award Winners - 2020
Agatha Awards (Mystery Scene Magazine) - 2020
Publisher's Weekly - May New Releases
Best New Books to Read in May 2020, Time Magazine
20 Most Anticipated Books of 2020 - Travel & Leisure Magazine
The Most Anticipated Kid's Books of 2020 

Yet another way to support LOCAL! 

Metcalfe's Market is hosting an on-line gift card sale for participating Dane Buy Local members from Monday, May 4 to Sunday, May 17. 

Stay Tuned...

In concert with the Governor's directive, we hope to be able to open our doors to in-store shopping on Tuesday, May 26. Nevertheless, we are playing the wait-and-see game to determine what's best for our booksellers and for you, our customers. In the meantime, we hope you'll stay tuned.

Our Facebook, Instagram, and our website are updated frequently, and we're always happy to get your phone calls and emails

We hope to see you soon. 

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