Gifting a book by a Buffalo-based author takes the shop local ethos to a whole new level … and there’s no shortage of books to consider for everyone on your list. Here’s a roundup of some recently published titles.
For parents seeking inclusivity
“The Great Dane Chronicles” By Johnathan Worden
Each book in The Great Dane Chronicles subtly tackles a childhood challenge from a dog’s point of view. In “Mr. Caboose Finds His Way,” the title character, Mr. Moose Caboose, starts out feeling different and confused.
“He’s as big as a horse and looks like a cow and his name is Moose but he lives in Buffalo,” explains author Johnathan Worden, who based the character on his own beloved dog of the same name.
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Moose eventually figures out how to feel comfortable in his own fur, and in the next two books helps animal friends through their own challenges.
Through fun, engaging storytelling, the books are intended to help parents introduce topics that may be difficult to bring up more directly, says Worden.
Find them at local stores including Totally Buffalo locations.
For adults craving authentic story
“Far From The Twisted Reach” By Matt Bindig
In this memoir—his second book—Orchard Park High School English teacher Matt Bindig chronicles a three-week family trip where he lays bare his search for meaning at midlife. Bindig connects by sharing his struggles with depression and existential dread in the midst of a normal, “perfect” suburban life.
The trip is a journey of self-discovery as his loving family of five camps through six national parks, far away from the typical day to day. Peppered with sustaining moments of awe and joy, it’s a story that’s highly relatable and, ultimately, filled with hope.
Find it at local stores including Fitz Books downtown and The Bookworm in East Aurora.
For nostalgic locals
“Nowhere Else You’d Rather Be” Edited by Corey Desiderio
This beautifully designed coffee table book documents 50 years at the Bills’ stadium, from its $22 million construction to the groundbreaking of its replacement-to-be earlier this year. In between are the games, players, concerts and events that brought it to life, with hundreds of images, newspaper clippings, ticket stubs and more to jog your memory.
Since its release this summer, the book has sold thousands of copies. Book editor Corey Desiderio credits the interest to Buffalo’s deep nostalgia and shared experience.
“There’s this organic bond that’s formed between all Bills fans who have ever spent a Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park,” says Desiderio.
Buy it online at The Buffalo News Store or at a local Barnes & Noble.
For bucket listers who love Buffalo
“111 Places in Buffalo That You Must Not Miss” By Brian Hayden
No matter how long you’ve lived in Buffalo, there are almost certainly places in this book you’ve never visited (and maybe never even heard of). Which makes this the perfect Buffalo guidebook for visitors and residents alike.
A refreshing counterpoint to the often-shallow “what to do” listicles popularized on social media, the book takes a deep dive into the places that make Buffalo truly special and unique. Hayden visited each one of them and gives them context through historical research. The result is a rich, fascinating and must-read collection of attractions ranging from Lake Erie’s ice volcanos to Rick James’ favorite record store to gay bingo in Riverside.
Find it at Talking Leaves on Elmwood Avenue or the Buffalo History Museum Gift Shop.
