I’ve always been a voracious reader, but in the last few years I’ve started expanding what kinds of books I read and have become more engaged with the reading community (thanks TikTok and now Instagram and Threads). So Independent Bookstore Day is a new holiday for me. This year, I decided to head out to a couple shops.
Inkwell Booksellers Company
The first stop was to Inkwell Booksellers Company. This is is a new shop in Northeast Minneapolis that I hadn’t had a chance to visit yet. Along with a nice selection of books, Inkwell has a coffee shop and some tables and chairs. I wasn’t able to get the real vibe of the shop as it was really crowded (yay!) and people seem to have forgotten how to browse in bookstores in person (boo!). The staff seems great. I want to visit this shop again to really get a sense of what the store is like without people rushing in and out to get a passport stamped
At Inkwell, I picked up two books, a pair of earrings and a sticker of Kingsley from Apprentice to the Villain.
In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune—I fell so deeply in love with The House in the Cerulean Sea that another book by Klune seems like a must-add to my TBR. As of late, I’ve realized that I have a heart for a found-family story.
Redshirts by John Scalzi—I really enjoy Scalzi’s writing. He has a perfectly snarky way about his writing. I’ve only been reading his books since last year but generally, even his older stuff seems fairly timeless. And as a science fiction fan for my whole life, the idea of a book about Redshirts realizing something is going on is *chef’s kiss*.
Black Garnet Books
Sometimes in your life, you meet a really cool person and you become friends. And then that really cool person—and super talented creative in the industry that you work in—takes over ownership of a sweet bookstore in St. Paul called Black Garnet Books. Obviously, a must-visit.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler—I’m ashamed to admit that I am new to the writings of Butler. I’ve heard a lot about this specific book and figured it was time to get this book read.
Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel—I really like horror books. Not the standard slasher fiction, but truly scary stories. As I was looking at the horror section, the woman next to me said this was a must read. Say no more.
Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámaano Córdova—As I was talking to the woman about horror books, I reached out to see what this book was about and a third woman told us how amazing this story was. Well, okay then.
In the last few years, not only have I been expanding the genres I read, I’ve also been making a concerted effort to read a lot more non-white voices. Black Garnet highlights and supports Black and brown voices which makes it so much easier to find new books, such as the two new releases I scored this week (and the one classic). I hope you’re doing the same.
So, did you pick up any fun reads visiting independent bookshops? I’d love to hear about them! Drop a note in the comments.