Curated by book lovers here at Woodstock City Lifestyle and Fox Tale Book Shoppe, these books are full of community, love, culture, and compassion.
How We Love by Clementine Ford
In this book, Ford shares stories of all the love she has experienced. She shares what she has learned about feminism, passion, and love in all its forms without any cheesy clichés. Full of hope, heartbreak, and humanity, How We Love is a thoughtful and profoundly human exploration of love.
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Mallory is a chess enthusiast who wins a tournament against Nolan, a world champion. She quickly moves up in the world of chess. She is working a dead-end job, and her passion for chess is re-ignited. With her opponent Nolan eager to go head to head with her again, Mallory discovers competition can be passionate and fierce. Full of fantastic character dynamics, Check & Mate is perfect for fans of the 'rivals to lovers' trope.
When We Were Sisters by Fatimah Asghar
This story traces the lives and bonds of three orphaned siblings with different ages and personalities as they raise each other. This story examines sisterhood, the trials of being three Muslim American girls, and how home might be found in our relationships with the people we love most.
Dog Songs by Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver's poems have won The Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Goodreads Choice Award. In Dog Songs, she celebrates the relationship between humans and dogs. Oliver ponders the small everyday moments we spend with the animals we live with and mediates on love, life, and our animal relationships.
We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds
Avery isn't thrilled to be moving in with her grandma, Mama Letty. The tension between Avery's mom and Mama Letty unearths past trauma. When Avery asks questions, she is turned away and even more desperate to find out the truth about this rift in her family. While she faces problems with her family, she also finds new friends and a romance in unexpected places. The sharp opinions of their small Georgia town hint at something insidious. Avery must decide if finding the truth is worth risking the relationships she cherishes.
Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune by Roselle Lim
When Natalie returns to her home in Chinatown in San Francisco after news of her mother's passing, she discovers a once-vibrant neighborhood diminished with businesses shutting down and families moving away. She finds out she has inherited her grandmother's restaurant. A fortuneteller tells Natalie that she must aid her neighborhood by cooking three recipes from her grandmother's cookbook before her restaurant will succeed. After some initial reluctance, Natalie finds a new friend and a budding romance who help her achieve success for herself and her community. Lim's novel is full of culture, family, and community. Plus, there's an epic dumpling recipe.
Ramón and Julieta by Alana Quintana Albertson
Named one of NPR's Best Books of 2022, this book about love, food, and family is perfect for this time of year. Ramón is a goal and career-oriented Ivy League graduate. After encountering Julieta at a Day of the Dead celebration, he can't get her out of his mind. Julieta is a celebrity chef trying her best to keep her restaurant afloat. She finds out that Ramón is her landlord and his father stole her mother's taco recipe, which led him to create a taco empire. Even so, Ramón tempts and inspires her. As their San Diego community protests the empire of the "Taco King," Ramón and Julieta feel the tensions. But true love is priceless, and they both refuse to lose.
I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) by Davide Cali and Anna Pirolli
A perfect gift for kids, this playful storybook celebrates how cats can be mischievous, quirky, and loving companions.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum, translated by Shanna Tan
Yeongju feels drained. She's dealing with a demanding marriage and a busy life in Seoul. She opens up a bookshop when she pursues her dreams and moves to a small town outside the city. After a lonely and rocky start, Yeongju begins hosting events and surrounding herself with new friends, writers, and book lovers. This book is a testament to the power of community and a delightful slice-of-life story.
To buy these titles, go to Foxtalebookshoppe.com or bookshop.org/shop/foxtalebookshoppe to support your local independent bookstore. If you'd like to shop in person, visit Fox Tale Book Shoppe in downtown Woodstock at 105 E Main Street, Suite 138
Curated by book lovers here at Woodstock City Lifestyle and Fox Tale Book Shoppe