The White Mosque, by Sofia Samatar

Staff Pick

Samatar's dazzling mosaic of history and identity is a memoir/travelogue unlike anything I've read before. It charts the parallel journeys of 19th century Mennonites trekking from Russia to rural Uzbekistan and Samatar’s own pilgrimage, a century later, back to their home village of Ak Metchet, interweaving imaginative explorations of race, religion, martyrdom, Central Asian cinema--and much else.

 

 

The White Mosque: A Memoir By Sofia Samatar Cover Image
$27.00
ISBN: 9781646220977
Availability: In Stock—Click for Locations
Published: Catapult - October 25th, 2022

Once Upon a Tome, by Oliver Darkshire

Staff Pick

Darkshire stumbled sideways into the world of antiquarian bookselling when he chanced into a job as the sole apprentice at Henry Sotheran Ltd., a London bookshop established in 1761 (with an organizational system that hasn't changed much since). Darkshire takes us on a playful tour of this world, where you might find anything hidden among the winding stacks or tucked away in a forgotten cabinet, not to mention the myriad curiosities consigned to the Other Cellars. He also introduces us to the eccentric staff and always colorful, sometimes sinister, clientele. Anyone who's worked at a bookstore or spent time in one will delight in his frank and witty assessment of the perks and drawbacks of the business, as well as insight into the ways of the rare book trade.


 

Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller By Oliver Darkshire Cover Image
$27.95
ISBN: 9781324092070
Availability: In Stock—Click for Locations
Published: W. W. Norton & Company - March 14th, 2023

Yours Cruelly, Elvira, by Cassandra Peterson

Staff Pick

The Mistress of the Dark is not only a sexy horror icon, she’s a hilarious and talented writer, too!  I laughed out loud from beginning to end of this memoir, as Cassandra/Elvira charts the glitz, glamour, and celebrities that followed her from her early career dancing as a Vegas showgirl to her current big hair and runaway fame.  My only quibble with it all is that I can’t claim the title “Queen of Halloween” for myself.  

 

Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark By Cassandra Peterson Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780306874383
Availability: In Stock—Click for Locations
Published: Hachette Books - October 4th, 2022

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