Howdy! We're the largest independent bookstore in Texas. This is our blog.
Book: Bright and Distant Shores by Dominic Smith Reviewed by: Raul This novel recreates the America that in its own age has come past its prime. The age of discovery is over but ambitions still reign high. The magic in this book comes from Smith's masterful storytelling. We are swept up in the hopes of … Continue reading Book Review: ‘Bright and Distant Shores’ by Dominic Smith
~Post by Alison Have you ever read a book that thoroughly transported you to another world? A world full of impossible things, where you could swear you can actually smell the caramel apples? That is the beauty found in The Night Circus. When some staff members went to Book Expo of America in New York … Continue reading Let’s Run Away and Join ‘The Night Circus’
~Post by Julie On Friday I swung by the Harry Ransom Center for the opening of their latest exhibition, Banned, Burned, Seized and Censored, which discusses the history of censorship in this country, from the Fig Leaf edition of Upton Sinclair's Oil, to the details of the trial regarding Ulysses, and much more. The exhibition, … Continue reading WANTED: Readers of Banned Books
~Post by MysteryPeople Crime Fiction Coordinator Scott M. Frank Bill's Crimes In Southern Indiana has become one of my favorite books this year. A strong mix of visceral pulp and real blue collar life, these connected short stories work as a snapshot of people living on the edge in today's rural America. No matter how … Continue reading MysteryPeople Q&A with Crime Fiction Author Frank Bill
Brian and Jenn made it their mission this summer to open up their reading lives to the weird, the odd, the curious, the avant garde, and the totally out-there in the world of fiction. We've reached the end of the series. Jenn is here to sum it all up for us. ~ Post by Jenn … Continue reading All Good Things Must End: Jenn Sums up Our Summer of Experimental Fiction
The big news this week and what has claimed the majority of our attention here at the store has of course been the wild fires that have been devastating Central Texas. Tonight, our event with Westlake firefighter and author Ryan Vacek will also be a donation drive for supplies (here's the list of what's needed.) … Continue reading As the Book World Turns
~Post by Julie Alex Shakar just left the building, and I'm staying at the store a little while longer tonight because I have to get down in words just how awesome that event was. A couple of disclaimers up front: 1. In my career as a bookseller, I've attended hundreds of author events. They haven't … Continue reading Reason #879 Why I Love My Job: Meeting Alex Shakar
On sale October 25th.
~Post by Mandy Making gumbo sounds hard, right? You need to get your roux the right color, not overcook your seafood, layer the flavors correctly -- all important, yes, but I'm more of a wing it gal when it comes to cooking. I usually follow about 75% of any recipe. Lou Lambert's recipe, however, for … Continue reading Ultimate Gumbo Challenge
Our intrepid CEO Steve Bercu is currently in Russia attending the Moscow International Book Fair. He’s sending along entries from his travel log. Stay tuned for more transmissions from Russia as Steve’s adventure unfolds: September 6--more Moscow This was a day of sight seeing. We have hit some incredible weather in Moscow. It's sunny and … Continue reading Transmissions from Russia: CEO Steve Bercu Travels to the Moscow International Book Fair
BookPeople 