Staff Recommendations for the Month of April
In 1982, Books & Books consisted of a single small, 500 square foot store in a struggling city that had seen easier times. Now, over forty years later, with stores in three locations, over sixty author events each month, and a devoted community of customers from all walks of life, Books & Books is thriving.
And none of this would have been possible without our booksellers and staff, whose tireless efforts have molded our stores into the thriving literary epicenters we know today.
We invite you to get to know them, and what better way is there to get to know a book lover than by reading the books they love?
None!
THE BOOKSELLERS OF CORAL GABLES RECOMMEND…
WILD FAITH by Talia Lavin

One of the best books on Christian nationalism and our current political moment. Lavin takes no prisoners and revealing the Theocratic underbelly of the American far right. Reality is scarier than fiction… – Rowan, Bookseller
MAGICA RIOT by Kora Buchanan

Trans-Girl Joy meets sailor moon! This sincere, fun, and action-packed urban fantasy novel brings magic gold girls to Portland! Come for the magic, stay for the great characters! – Rowan, Bookseller
AMERICAN RAPTURE by CJ Leede

Sheltered Catholic girl Sophie has been questioning her faith since her parents sent her brother to a gay conversion camp. Now there’s a deadly flu turning people into feral, lustful zombies. This road trip horror will break your heart have your blood racing, and rejoice in the worst time for a crisis of faith. – Victoria, Bookseller
THE GREAT BELIEVERS by Rebecca Makkai

Somehow a really funny book about such a sad subject. She paints such a vivid portrait of the gay scene in Chicago in the ’80s. Tons of art history too! – Viviana, Events Team
ETERNAL FLAME by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike

Captivating heartbreaking and triumphant story of the rise of the Bangles from their L.A. underground roots to a massive global pop stardom to their untimely implosion. Features extensive interviews with the three core band members and their inner circle. -Crispy, Bookseller
THE WEDDING PEOPLE by Alison Espach

If anyone is turning over a new leaf in their life, this will resonate. A look into how life can surprise you + how beautiful strangers can help your healing. – Stephanie, Marketing Manager
KAYFABE by Chris Kowalski

If the cover of this book stopped you in your tracks for any reason… buy it! A love letter to American Pro wresslin’, this book takes you behind the curtain of a uniquely brutal business. – Jack, Bookseller
LORNE by Susan Morrison

The man who changed Saturday nights 50 years ago was also quite a private person. From Eddie Murphy, Amy Polar, Maya Rudolph, Bill Hader, so many others are grads of Michael’s SULU. This book is a deep dive into the other side of Lorne Michael’s life. – Carmen, Bookseller
THE FAVORITES by Layne Fargo

Immerse yourself in the addictive world of competitive figure skating! Katerina Shaw (passionate & aggressive) Heath Rocha (quiet & submissive) train their entire lives to compete in the Olympics. Endure the competition, angst, and high stakes! – Jenny, Bookseller
THE SECRET HISTORY by Donna Tartt

A thrilling ride of a book – what happens when ideas get out of control? Wonderful tight Pros! – Raquel, Bookseller & Consultant
THE BOOKSELLERS OF COCONUT GROVE RECOMMEND…
STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE by Kristen Arnot

A hilarious, big-hearted story of what it is to find your particular kind of art while clowning around. – Katherine, Bookseller
FREAKSLAW by Jane Flett

Plank Rock weirdos, dreamy outsiders, witchy babes: welcome to Freakslaw, a mashup of Dunn’s GEEK LOVE and Morgenstern’s NIGHT CIRCUS that lies over unhallowed ground. You’ll cut your tongue on the socially critical razors in this deceptively sweet candy apple of a novel. – Katherine, Bookseller
THE WEDDING PEOPLE by Allison Espach

A woman grappling with life’s disappointments finds herself at a lavish wedding weekend where she’s mistaken for a guest. leading to unexpected connections and a journey to self-discovery- Flynn, Bookseller
THE PAINTED WORD by Tom Wolfe

A broad-strokes exposition of whatever the heck “modern art” even is, told in a singular voice that’s sure to incite at least a couple of cackles. – Santi, Bookseller
BLACK WOODS, BLUE SKY by Ayo and Ivy

A mesmerizing journey into the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness, masterly blending the enchantment of fairy tales with the stark realities of human nature. Ivy’s evocative pros paints the Alaskan landscape in vivid hues, capturing both its beauty and its harshness. – Carolyn, Bookseller
ORBITAL by Samantha Harvey

The 2024 Booker prize winner, this novel is beautifully written and so tender to human experience. Through the eyes of astronauts looking down at Earth we see the wonder of the beauty of creation. – Miko, Bookseller
