Looking for a new title this holiday season, for yourself or that already-has-everything friend or family member? Trust the minds behind some of Buffalo’s specialty bookstores. Here are their recommendations:
Fantasy and romance
“I’m a mood-based reader, and fall/winter feels like a time to read fantasy. I recommend The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. It’s about the elite world of a war college for dragon riders, and the third book will be out in January.”
– Kristina Muffoletto, owner of Afterglow Books
Stories for kids (and kids at heart)
“Jo Jo Makoons” is an early chapter book series by Dawn Quigley. It’s about a wild little girl who does wild little things on her Ojibwe reservation. Target and Amazon won’t offer it up to you nearly as much as they should.”
People are also reading…
– Meg Howe, owner of Alice, Ever After Books
LGBTQIA+ and diverse perspectives
“We recommend “Still Life” by Sarah Winman, a beautiful story about found family. Or “Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree, a cozy fantasy story that will have you going to your favorite coffee shop for a drink and pastry.”
– Emily Graham, co-owner of Em and Em’s Books
All things food
“If you’re looking for fiction, I recommend “The Paris Novel” by Ruth Reichl. She was a famous NYC food critic for many years, and this was her second fiction book in about ten years. It’s a really beautiful historical fiction of Paris. Plus, Ina Garten’s memoir and Tom Colicchio’s new cookbook were also both released in October.”
– Kimberly Behzadi, owner of Read It & Eat It Bookshop
Sci-fi, art and curiosities
“Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay” by Michael Chabon is a love letter to comic books set in the 1930s and 40s. I couldn’t put it down. If you don’t like it, bring it back and I’ll buy it again.”
– Eric Mowery, co-owner of Steward & Specter’s
Black stories and culture
“For a Black classic, we would say “The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D.” by Chancellor Williams. Then, Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” is still wildly popular and important.”
– Kenneth Holley, co-owner of Zawadi Books
