"Books are the original information system. They tell the story of people, history, social trends, love, friendship, community, overcoming hardship and even loss. We don't believe AI can ever replicate these fundamental human experiences and that's what we strive to emphasize every day."

Librairie, a 180-square-foot bookstore, opened May 30 in Los Angeles, Calif., the Los Angeles Daily News reported. Located at 3928 Sunset Blvd., in L.A.'s Sunset Junction, the bookstore carries a curated selection highlighting art, nature, literature, queer perspectives, and anti-fascism, with children's titles also available. Alongside books, owner Jackie DesForges carries an assortment of analog items meant to get people off their screens, including journals, stickers, and cyanotype kits. Per the American Booksellers Association, it is the smallest member store in Los Angeles.

"I want it to feel like a place where I wouldn't be able to choose what to buy," DesForges told the Daily News. She noted that instead of dividing the inventory into strict categories, she mixes much of it together. "Especially with the space, just because it is so small, I figured if I grouped everything together in one category it'd be easier for people to navigate and work their way around."

In addition to owning and operating Librairie, DesForges is the managing editor of the journal Air/Light. She had always wanted to open a bookstore, but expected to do so much later in life. When her grandmother died and left her enough money to get the bookstore started, however, DesForges felt "like the universe was telling me to go for it."

The bookstore's name comes from a bookshop in Paris, France, called Librairie DesForges that is now closed. A picture of that bookshop, taken by a family friend in the 1970s, used to be displayed in DesForges's family's home. Now it is mounted in the bookstore.

Desforges said the bookstore has been well-received by the community.

Arboreadum Bookshop and Garden, which hosted its grand opening on June 19 at 104 Fourth Ave. NE in Cullman, Ala., is "combining a love of books with a passion for gardening... in a historic home near downtown," the Cullman Tribune reported.  

Owner Shannen Cottingham is featuring new books in many genres, along with a variety of plants and gardening supplies. She said she started the store because she has always loved reading and gardening, and the combination seemed like a natural way to create something special for the community. 

Cottingham told the Tribune that "she is eager to learn about what people like to read and grow. She enjoys getting book suggestions from customers and finding new titles through chats with other readers. The same goes for gardening. Visitors often share their favorite plants, helpful tips and personal stories." 

She hopes Arboreadum will become a lively part of the Cullman community, and has plans to start book clubs, hold garden walks focused on audiobooks, and create ways for readers and gardeners to meet each other. 

Daisy Chain Book Co. will open later this summer in a 3,200-square-foot space at 12644 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Business Journal reported that owner Suzanne Shelton "aims to bring a store to the Mandarin/Fruit Cove area that offers a cozy setting with local coffee drinks and wine." She intends for Daisy Chain to drive business through offerings that create "a community-focused gathering place for wine lovers." The business is expected to open in late August or September.

"I love Mandarin, but you have to drive to go do anything other than eat out at a restaurant," Shelton said. "People here are looking for something to do and something fun to be excited about."

Shelton cited a love for books, professional business experience, and encouragement from her daughter as inspirations for making the leap, adding: "I kept seeing all these new bookstores emerging. Where it seemed like e-readers were super popular there for a while, and it seemed like the love of books was coming back.... One day it just hit me that I could also have that dream. When my daughter told me I should do that, it was just that little push that I knew someone was behind me saying, 'Yeah, you can do that.' " 

She eventually found a space for Daisy Chain that will allow a variety of offerings and extended room for relaxation. "I had to come up with some more ideas to warrant 3,200 square feet," Shelton noted. "Luckily, I had a whole list of ideas that were being limited by a smaller space, so it just kind of took off," Shelton said.

Her goal is to have the vibe of a smaller store with room to lounge and attend events. It will also offer merchandise from other local small businesses, and toward the back a small cafe will serve coffee and an international wine selection. Daisy Chain's children's space will complement a children's hospital donation program she plans to create.

"There's a little bit of everything," Shelton said. "I want people to be excited about coming to and doing things at the store. Plus, I've never walked into a bookstore and not walked out having purchased something." 

Books Across Borders is extending the application deadline for the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 fellowship program to July 1. The program aims to connect U.S. booksellers with the international book community through sponsored trips to the world's premier book fairs. The program includes the opportunity to report on the event in Shelf Awareness, and participation on a panel of professional relevance or interest to the fellow. BAB fellowships aim to help raise booksellers' industry profiles and support their professional development.

This year's fairs include the Frankfurt Book Fair, FIL Guadalajara, the London Book Fair, the RISE Bookselling Conference in Galway, Ireland, the Bologna Children's Book Fair, and Bologna BookPlus. (Click here to apply.)

Booksellers interested in diverse and international literature and in fostering relationships with the international literary community are encouraged to apply. Strong consideration is given to booksellers who demonstrate a history of reading and promoting international literature and who communicate a kinship with Books Across Borders' mission and values. Fellows are chosen by the Books Across Borders' board of directors. Fall fellows will be announced in early August; spring fellows will be announced in January.

James Bradley, "who turned his curiosity about his father's time in the Navy during the Battle of Iwo Jima--and the long-held but ultimately mistaken belief that he was in the iconic photograph of six servicemen raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi--into the bestselling book Flags of Our Fathers (2000)," died June 5, the New York Times reported. He was 72.

Bradley co-wrote Flags of Our Fathers with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Powers. In 2006, the book was adapted into a movie directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Ryan Phillippe as Bradley's father.

The book "tells the stories of the six flag-raisers--John (Doc) Bradley, and five Marines--through the brutal, five-week-long battle against Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, a tiny volcanic island," which claimed the lives of some 6,800 American servicemen, including three of the flag raisers, the Times wrote. Bradley follows the survivors--his father, Rene Gagnon, and Ira Hayes--on their national war bonds tour after their return to the U.S., as well as their sometimes difficult postwar lives.

But in 2014 an article in the Omaha World Herald shared doubts raised by amateur historians that Doc Bradley was in the iconic photo of the Iwo Jima flag raising. At first, his son was dubious.

"Listen, I wrote a book based on facts, told to me by guys who had actually been there," he told the newspaper. "That's my research. That's what I trust. At the end of the day, the truth is the truth. Everything is possible. But really?" He eventually came to realize, however, that his father had been part of another flag raising with a smaller flag earlier in the day that was also photographed.

Alison Cinnamond, James Bradley's daughter, told the Times that her father didn't feel that the book was diminished by the finding, but he wanted the Marine Corps to be clear about who was actually in the photo.

Without experience as a writer or researcher, Bradley began writing Flags on his own. His book proposal was rejected by 27 publishers before an agent brought Powers on as a collaborator. Bantam Books then acquired the work.

Bradley continued to write about Asia in the nonfiction books Flyboys: A True Story of Courage (2003), The Imperial Cruise: A Secret History of Empire and War (2009), and The China Mirage: The Hidden History of American Disaster in Asia (2015). He also wrote a novel, Precious Freedom (2025).

Story & Song, Fernandina Beach, Fla., hosted a Literary Luncheon with authors Natasha Lester (far left), who came from Australia to celebrate the launch of her novel The Chateau on Sunset (Ballantine Books), and Eliza Knight (center), author of Lost in the Summer of '69 (Sourcebooks Landmark). They were in conversation with co-owner Donna Paz Kaufman.

"To the men who taught us to turn the page, to ask questions, and love a good story--Happy Father's Day from Odd Bird Bookshop. Thank you." That was the celebratory message posted on the sidewalk chalkboard in front of Odd Bird Bookshop in Bel Air, Md."

"We had a beautiful experience setting up a very bookish surprise proposal at our Coconut Grove [Fla.] location," Books & Books noted in sharing a patron's post about the happy event:

It was a Monday evening in Miami.

The plan was simple: Dinner in Coconut Grove with a quick stop at Books & Books beforehand. Irene and Jonathan arrived just after closing, but fortunately for them, the manager was kind enough to let them wander the shelves anyway.

They made their way upstairs, sharing synopses from books that caught their attention, as they usually did. In the background, songs shared throughout their relationship played softly through the speakers.

Then Jonathan found a novel.

He began reading aloud the synopsis of two lovers who found their way back to each other. What Irene didn't know was that this story wasn't in the book.

It was theirs.

Jonathan got down on one knee and asked Irene to marry him.

She said yes.

Suzanna Pekala has joined Sourcebooks as sales assistant.

Celtic Folk and Fairy Tales: Magical Stories from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany by Lari Don, illus. by Elise Carmichael (Floris Books).

Today:
Kelly Clarkson Show: Frankie Grande, author of Supergay!: A Memoir (Sourcebooks, $28.99, 9781464221590).

Tamron Hall repeat: Chris Appleton, author of Your Roots Don't Define You: Transform Your Life. Create Your Comeback. (Hanover Square Press, $30, 9781335001429).

Fresh Air: Laverne Cox, author of Transcendent: A Memoir (Gallery Books, $30, 9781668097755).

Tonight Show: Reese Witherspoon, co-author of Gone Before Goodbye (Grand Central, $19.99, 9781538781272). 

Tomorrow:
Good Morning America: Hannah Brown, author of Reasons to Be Loved by You (Forever, $29, 9781538781784).

Today Show: Anna McCallie, author of Abby Offsides: A Novel (Dell, $20, 9798217093137).

The View: Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, authors of Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump (Simon & Schuster, $34, 9781668067246).

Tracy Letts (A House of Dynamite), John Gallagher Jr. (10 Cloverfield Lane), Lola Kirke (Sinners), and Colton Ryan (The Girl From Plainville) are among 14 actors joining Netflix and Sony Pictures Television's The God of the Woods, a TV series adaptation of the bestselling novel by Liz Moore, Deadline reported.

Additional cast members also includes Camila Canó-Flaviá (Three Women), Tristan Leander Green (The Bard), Cliff Chamberlain (Homeland), Lynden Miles Ley (Birth/Rebirth), Dannie McCallum (Echo), Andrew Polk (Daredevil), Chris Henry Coffey (The Madness), David Furr (The Gilded Age), Joseph Adams (The Wretched Devours), and Brooklyn Shuck (Evil).

From writers, executive producers, and co-showrunners Liz Hannah and Moore, the project "is a multi-generational drama series set in the Adirondacks, exploring the Van Laar family's dark secrets, class tensions, and the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her family's summer camp--in the wake of an earlier family tragedy that may be related," Deadline noted. 

Previously announced series regulars include Maya Hawke, Kerry Condon, Ella Rubin, Damon Gupton, Susannah Perkins, Benjamin Walker, Nell Fisher, and Autumn Molina.

A shortlist has been released for this year's Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award, which "celebrates excellence, originality, and the very best in crime fiction by U.K. and Irish authors." The prize is run by Harrogate International Festivals and sponsored by T&R Theakston.

The winner will be revealed July 23, on opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, and receives £3,000 (about $3,970) and a hand-engraved oak beer cask provided by T&R Theakston. This year's shortlisted titles are:

The Midnight King by Tariq Ashkanani 
The Death of Us by Abigail Dean 
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney 
The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths  
Clown Town by Mick Herron  
Quantum of Menace by Vaseem Khan 

LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 July titles public library staff across the country love:

Top Picks
The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer (MIRA, $30, 9781525831669). "In this compelling gothic novel set in Australia, recently divorced 50-something Fiona buys her uncle's decaying country estate with plans to refurbish it. But the locals fear the place is haunted. When Fiona discovers a novel that appears to be set in the house, it becomes a dual-timeline story, with chapters from the book woven into the narrative." --Robin Beerbower, LibraryReads Ambassador, Ariz.

In Stormy Weather: A Novel by Chelsea Curto (Atria, $19, 9781668217436). "Two rival meteorologists who have been competing since high school end up spending a summer together storm-chasing while they both try to figure out the next steps in their careers. Readers will love this contemporary romance with characters who genuinely respect each other's intelligence and expertise." --Gabrielle Lucas, Community Library of the Shenango Valley, Pa.

If Books Could Kill: A Novel by Kate Eberle (Penguin Books, $18.99, 9780143139102). "Roxie wishes to live out her favorite romance author's next book, but ends up in a crime thriller instead, complete with a knife-wielding date. What follows is pure comedic gold as she kidnaps an anxious English professor to help her survive. This novel is a unique and engaging take on the romance genre." --Lupe Herrera, Mount Pleasant Public Library, Tex.

The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley (Ace, $31, 9780593819487). "The second book in the Dearly Beloathed Duology finds Assassin Osric and Healer Aurienne struggling with their feelings while fighting a deadly Pox outbreak. This cozy romantasy features humorous banter, interesting characters and fantastic world-building." --Sara Doyle, Hays Public Library, Kan.

Helpless by Jessica Knoll (Scribner, $28, 9781668062302). "Screenwriter Faye senses trouble when she runs into her ex, Henry, who she left behind for Hollywood and a hit show based on their relationship. When Faye wakes up drugged in a remote cabin with an angry Henry, motives blur, and the reader is left uncertain, fueling a tense, twisty thriller of kidnapping and revenge." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, Tex.

Dominion by Jean Kwok (Putnam, $32, 9798217044368). "Rubi Morningtail is a skilled ribbon dancer with no memory and minimal magic. Blake Axefire, the handsome Tyger Warrior leader, sees something in her. Thanks to his machinations, she becomes Bonded to a tygress and must train to fight as demons plot devastation. A steamy romantasy with all the popular tropes yet a distinctive world." --Sarah Walker, Indianapolis Public Library, Ind.

Country People: A Novel by Daniel Mason (Random House, $30, 9798217197453). "Miles Krzelewski has stalled on finishing his PhD in Russian folklore for over a decade. When his wife Kate takes a visiting professorship in Vermont, they move their family across the country. Miles quickly fits into a warm local community rich in its own lore and legends. A joyful novel full of colorful characters." --Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, N.J.

Die for Me: A Novel by Shirlene Obuobi (Penguin Books, $20, 9780143139188). "What starts as a fun, age-gap romance quickly transforms into a suspenseful paranormal ride. Sean, the only Black female cardiologist at her hospital, is consumed by work and has sworn off love when she meets Julian, a breathtakingly magnetic much younger man. Obuobi expertly builds a slow-burning sense of dread that is both profoundly sensual and genuinely unnerving." --Chasity Moreno, New York Public Library, N.Y.

Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt: A Novel by Ben Reeves (Avid Reader Press, $28, 9781668216361). "Death--aka Travis--moves through the world like a normal man. When not providing guidance and comfort to those who are passing, he keeps to himself and lives a quiet life. That changes when he forges a bond with his neighbor and her daughter. This novel explores the nature of grief, the beauty of lives both long and short, and the many ways humans deal with loss. A lovely, weighty, read." --Jayna McDaniel-Browning, Delaware County District Library, Ohio

Yes, Chef by Grace Reilly (Avon, $18.99, 9780063384811). "Poppy and Jack are both in need of a second chance, having gone viral for a public breakup (her) and a public meltdown (him). They can't stand each other but somehow find themselves stuck together trying to revive a Florida restaurant. Entertaining and well-written, hitting all the right tropes (grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers)." --Erin Gordenier, Librarian, Ore.

In Anjet Daanje's expansive historical novel The Song of Stork and Dromedary, readers are treated to a rare literary phenomenon, a work that captures the haunting soul of the 19th and early 20th centuries while maintaining a sharp, contemporary metaphysical edge. Expertly translated from the Dutch by David McKay (whose translation of Daanje's The Remembered Soldier was a finalist for a National Book Award), the novel is a triumph of linguistic versatility. McKay renders Daanje's distinct, rhythmic prose and character tones adroitly, alongside the atmospheric dread and luminous beauty that epitomizes her writing.

The Song of Stork and Dromedary is an intricately structured epic, told through 11 interconnected stories that spiral outward from the life and death of Eliza May Drayden, a character inspired by Emily Brontë. Eliza May and her sister, Millicent, ultimately form an impoverished literary duo after the loss of their mother, their sisters, and eventually their parson father. The sisters each pseudonymously write what will become canonical texts of English literature, Millicent's Widow revered initially and Eliza May's Haegar Mass considered offensive and potentially dangerous.

Set largely on the rugged moors of Yorkshire, Daanje's novel follows Eliza May's impact after her death, tracing how her enigmatic poems, difficult novel, and the ghostly aura of her brief life infuse the lives of those who knew her. Her influence further spreads to those who come after, people affected by her work and whose own lives parallel aspects of hers. The few included excerpts of Eliza May's writing shed light into many of the stories that will follow--"Haegar Mass's hate was the disguise her love wore, love she scorned in herself and yet could not shake off, love like a curse."

This is a portrayal of hauntings, not solely the gothic, spectral variety, but of the way art can cast shadows across centuries, shaping biographers, gravediggers, and distant relatives who all struggle to grasp the essence of a woman who seemed to exist half-tethered to another world. At the heart of this exploration is the searing, existential curiosity and grief of its central figure. Daanje masterfully balances on the thin line between the physical and the infinite, most poignantly through the devastating question, "Is God hungry?" This inquiry reframes the divine not as a distant, benevolent provider, but as a consuming force, an entity that perhaps thrives on the lived experiences, the sufferings, and the creative outpourings of humanity.

Daanje has crafted an unforgettable meditation on the permanence of art, grief, and the passage of time. The prose is lush, the emotional stakes are visceral, and the intellectual depth is impressive. The Song of Stork and Dromedary is a work that demands to be read slowly and savored over the course of its 736 pages. --Elizabeth DeNoma, executive editor, DeNoma Literary Services, Seattle, Wash.

Shelf Talker: The Song of Stork and Dromedary is a significant and moving literary achievement, an unforgettable story of a historical mystery.