Dear Friends,

It’s that delightful time of year: the changing angle of sunlight beaming through the store windows and the lengthening of each day creates an atmosphere of happy anticipation. We fling open our doors to welcome the fresh air and our enthusiastic patrons.

I am often asked what aspect of our store makes me most proud; I always reply, it’s our talented team of booksellers. Each bookseller is a serious reader with enormous dedication, at the ready to serve our clients and exceed their expectations. I also want to emphasize the diversity of books we offer in every genre: from the cookbooks, through fiction and non fiction, to children’s books, our collection of 10,000 titles reflects a wide variety of perspectives and experiences. Our mission is to help you find the book you didn’t know you were looking for!

Calling all readers, writers, and thinkers! Literary Roundtable is a space for readers to explore and challenge their understanding of literature through guided discussion in an intimate setting.

Led by Elinor Hitt, PhD candidate, English Department, Harvard University

Tackle for the first time or revisit this modern classic through the lens of its 100th anniversary.

Four Wednesday evenings meeting every other week, beginning April 12th at 6:30pm.

Led by Adam Walker, PhD candidate, English Department, Harvard University

Learn the art of reading poetry through this deep-dive into English verse, from Mary Herbert to T.S. Eliot.

Four Monday evenings meeting weekly, beginning May 1st at 6:30pm.

Learn more about the roundtable series here  and e-mail events@bhbooks.com to register.

(Non Fiction, 2023) Looking for a great read to celebrate Women’s History Month?  The Once and Future Sex brings color to the lives of working-class women from the medieval era in a fresh, accessible way. Jumping between humorous quips and historical analyses, Janega explores the origins of our sociocultural understanding of womanhood and femininity.

—Claudia

(Poetry, 2023) Gabrielle Bates’s debut poetry collection Judas Goat, named after the animal that leads sheep to the slaughter, scrutinizes the risk inherent in all the relationships we forge—among humans, animals, and the places that shape us. Bates’s tightly controlled lyricism delivers incisive truths about the violence we inflict upon each other, while still affirming the importance of connection in our daily lives.

—Mollie

(Fiction, 2023) Fans of  Lovecraft Country will be delighted to know that their wait has not been in vain. Ruff wastes little time in bringing us back to his vivid imaginary world. While not quite as fast-paced as the first installment, Ruff continues to grapple head-on with the implications of Lovecraft’s legacy through his juxtaposition of 1950's African American culture with Lovecraftian sci-fi elements. A quick read and great sequel!

—Claudia

(Young Adult Fiction, 2021) Zetian, the main character of  Iron Widow,  is based on the only female empress in Chinese history; this sci-fi reimagining of her life is filled with robots, epic action, and corruption. This book wrecked my soul. I cried at the end, immediately reread it, and cried again. I don't know how I’ll survive until the second book comes out. Please note that this book contains sensitive themes; the author provides more information and a trigger warning on the first page.

—Koko

(Fiction, 2020) Written as a conversation between two longtime friends, Roddy Doyle masterfully crafts a dramatic tale that explores the true meaning of love in its many forms. A hilarious and impactful short novel, Doyle delves into the matters of the heart in a rich and innovative way. This book made me laugh as it unfolded and cry as it ended. It is a simply delightful read.

—Tomás

(Fiction, 2010)  Foster  tells the simple story of a young Irish girl sent to live on a farm with distant relatives for one short summer. This quick and straightforward read is layered with emotion; it’s a story you feel in your body. Excitingly, the 2023 Oscar-nominated film The Quiet Girl  is based on this book, and is the first Irish-language production nominated for Best International Feature!

—Hillary

(Children’s, 2010) From “seeds stuck to the messy fur of an apple-eating bear” to “a wren with a juniper berry in her beak,” this picture book outlines the many ways a tree becomes a tree. With lush illustrations and simple explanations,  Who Will Plant a Tree? is perfect for the young environmentalist in your life.

—Rachel

OpenTable  has proven to be a useful tool for managing our flow of customers; however, we do accommodate walk-ins. If you’re in the neighborhood, please stop by on the spur of the moment to enjoy our new spring menu!

Lindsay, our events manager, at the Chilton Club for a reading and signing of The Daughters of Yalta by Catherine Grace Katz.

Aashna Avachat, YA author, visited the store recently to sign copies of her new anthology Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation.