#becca oman

[mercerislandbooks]

Book Notes: A Natural History of Dragons

Many of us had big hopes for future employment when we were younger. Some of us aspired to being astronauts or veterinarians. I was convinced that I was going to be a mermaid fairy princess (that's a real job, right?). Now I'm a bookseller, which is honestly about as close to little Becca's dream job as I could have gotten, other than playing a mermaid at an aquarium or something similar. By working at a bookstore, I'm constantly surrounded by little enclosed worlds of endless possibilities. One of my newest favorite possibilities is in A Natural History of Dragons, the first book by Marie Brennan in a series set in a fantasy version of Victorian England. In fact, this may have unlocked a new childhood dream job for me: dragon naturalist.

Isabella is determined to live life her way. And living life her way means studying dragons. But she is the only daughter of a well-to-do family in Scirland (fantasy England). As such, she's expected to compose herself accordingly, find a husband, and lead a proper life as a member of the aristocracy, hosting parties and raising children. But her fascination with dragons pulls at her, and she yearns for something more in life. When a fateful encounter (engineered in part by her usual partner-in-crime, her closest brother) leads her to a like-minded man who doesn't mind her eccentricities, a match is made. Parents placated by her new husband's respectable title, now all she has to do is convince him to take her on a sponsored research expedition to an unfamiliar and survive the adventure that follows. In a small village full of superstitions and wary of strangers, surrounded by dragons that are going after travelers in unprecedented attacks, and fighting for her place in a male dominated field -- what could possibly go wrong?

Reminiscent of Dragonology (the book I always longed for at my childhood book fairs), A Natural History of Dragons is written as a mix between a naturalist's research journal and the memoirs of an adventurer, and is full of gorgeous illustrations of the dragons they find along the way. If you're intrigued by the natural world or are a lover of fantasy (or just dragons), this series will capture you the way it has me.

-- Becca

[beyondtheblonde]

Mean Girls - Broadway

March 10, 2020 | WhatTradingCanDo’s master Format: mp3

Cast: Sabrina Carpenter (Cady Heron), Reneé Rapp (Regina George), Krystina Alabado (Gretchen Wieners), Laura Leigh Turner (Karen Smith), Olivia Kaufmann (Janis Sarkisian), Chad Burris (Damian Hubbard), Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels), Cheech Manohar (Kevin Gnapoor), Catherine Brunell (Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George), Rick Younger (Principal Duvall), Drew Redington (Mr. Heron), Teddy Toye (Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator), Stephanie Lynn Bissonnette (Dawn Schweitzer), Collins Conley (Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft), Tovi Wayne (s/w Tyler Kimble), Darius Barnes (Christian Wiggins), Pascal Pastrana (Shane Oman), Riza Takahashi (Sophie Kawachi), Devon Hadsell (Caitlyn Caussin), Curtis Holland (Jason Weems), Daryl Tofa (Marwan Jitla), Becca Petersen (Taylor Wedell), Sasha Hollinger (Rachel Hamilton), Bria Jene Williams (Grace Akinola), Lily Kaufmann (Sonja Acquino) Notes: First performances of the Mean Girls 2.0 Broadway cast. Debut performances for Sabrina Carpenter, Laura Leigh Turner, Oliva Kaufmann, and Chad Burris. As far as I know, this is the ONLY audio of the 2.0 cast in existence. Recorded by a non-trader friend from the first row, and I was given permission to release it as my master. This audio is to always be gifted. 

[thechainofiron]

Here’s the mean girls list if anyone is willing to trade message me here or email me claraaatann@gmail.com

Date: June 2018

Location: Broadway

Cast: Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron), Taylor Louderman (Regina George), Ashley Park (Gretchen Wieners), Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith), Barrett Wilbert Weed (Janis Sarkisian), Grey Henson (Damian Hubbard), Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels), Cheech Manohar (Kevin Gnapoor), Kerry Butler (Mrs. Heron / Ms. Norbury / Mrs. George), Rick Younger (Principal Duvall)

Date: June 2019

Location: Broadway

Cast: Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron), Reneé Rapp (t/r Regina George), Krystina Alabado (Gretchen Wieners), Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith), Barrett Wilbert Weed (Janis Sarkisian), Grey Henson (Damian Hubbard), Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels), Cheech Manohar (Kevin Gnapoor), Devon Hadsell (u/s Mrs. Heron / Ms. Norbury / Mrs. George), Rick Younger (Principal Duvall)

Date: September 2019

Location: Broadway

Cast: Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron), Reneé Rapp (Regina George), Krystina Alabado (Gretchen Wieners), Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith), Gianna Yanelli (u/s Janis Sarkisian), Grey Henson (Damian Hubbard), Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels), Cheech Manohar (Kevin Gnapoor), Catherine Brunell (Mrs. Heron / Ms. Norbury / Mrs. George), Rick Younger (Principal Duvall)

Mean Girls - Broadway - February, 2020 (1) (StarCuffedJeans's master) video

CAST: Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron), Reneé Rapp (Regina George), Krystina Alabado (Gretchen Wieners), Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith), Barrett Wilbert Weed (Janis Sarkisian), Grey Henson (Damian Hubbard), Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels), Cheech Manohar (Kevin Gnapoor), Catherine Brunell (Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George), Rick Younger (Principal Duvall), Drew Redington (Mr. Heron), Teddy Toye (Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator), Stephanie Lynn Bissonnette (Dawn Schweitzer), Collins Conley (Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft), Aaron Alcaraz (s/w Tyler Kimble), Darius Barnes (Christian Wiggins), Pascal Pastrana (Shane Oman), Riza Takahashi (Sophie Kawachi), Brittany Nicholas (s/w Caitlyn Caussin), Curtis Holland (Jason Weems), Daryl Tofa (Marwan Jitla), Becca Petersen (Taylor Wedell), Sasha Hollinger (Rachel Hamilton), Bria Jene Williams (Grace Akinola), Susie Carroll (s/w Sonja Acquino)

NOTES: Erika’s last

Mean Girls - Broadway - February, 2020 (2) (StarCuffedJeans's master) video

CAST: Olivia Kaufmann (s/b Cady Heron), Cailen Fu (s/b Regina George), Krystina Alabado (Gretchen Wieners), Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith), Barrett Wilbert Weed (Janis Sarkisian), Grey Henson (Damian Hubbard), Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels), Cheech Manohar (Kevin Gnapoor), Catherine Brunell (Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George), Rick Younger (Principal Duvall), Drew Redington (Mr. Heron), Teddy Toye (Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator), Stephanie Lynn Bissonnette (Dawn Schweitzer), Collins Conley (Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft), Tovi Wayne (s/w Tyler Kimble), Darius Barnes (Christian Wiggins), Pascal Pastrana (Shane Oman), Riza Takahashi (Sophie Kawachi), Devon Hadsell (Caitlyn Caussin), Curtis Holland (Jason Weems), Aaron Alcaraz (s/w Marwan Jitla), Maria Briggs (s/w Taylor Wedell), Sasha Hollinger (Rachel Hamilton), Bria Jene Williams (Grace Akinola)

NOTES: Olivia Kaufmann (S/B Cady Heron), Cailen Fu (S/B Regina George)

Mean Girls - Broadway - May, 2019 (StarCuffedJeans's master)

FORMAT: MP4 (HD) | TRADER'S NOTES: masters original format

CAST: Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron), Ashley De La Rosa (s/b Regina George), Krystina Alabado (Gretchen Wieners), Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith), Barrett Wilbert Weed (Janis Sarkisian), Grey Henson (Damian Hubbard), Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels), Cheech Manohar (Kevin Gnapoor), Jennifer Simard (Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George), Rick Younger (Principal Duvall)

NOTES: Beautiful HD capture of the new cast and Ashley as Regina. Erika flubs a line during "Whose House is This" and the cast spends the remainder of the song recovering. Please do not post screenshots of this video on Twitter ever. Gifs on Tumblr are okay after the NFT date, but don’t go linking things to actors and shows.

Mean Girls Broadway | Original HD MP4 | January 29th, 2020 (Matinee)

Cast: Erika Henningsen [Cady], Reneé Rapp [Regina], Cailen Fu [s/b Gretchen], Kate Rockwell [Karen], Barrett Wilbert Weed [Janis], Grey Henson [Damian], Catherine Brunell [Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George], Cameron Dallas [t/r Aaron Samuels], Cheech Manohar [Kevin G.], Rick Younger [Mr. Duvall], Drew Redintgon [Mr. Heron], Teddy Toye [Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator], Stephanie Lynn Bissonnette [Dawn Schweitzer], Collins Conley [Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft], Jake Swain [Tyler Kimble], Darius Barnes [Christian Wiggins], Pascal Pastrana [Shane Oman], Riza Takahashi [Sophie Kawachi], Brittany Nicholas [s/w Caitlyn Caussin], Curtis Holland [Jason Weems], Daryl Tofa [Martin Jitla], Susie Carroll [s/w Taylor Wedell], Sasha Hollinger [Rachel Hamilton], Maria Briggs [s/w Grace Akinola], Gianna Yanelli [Sonja Acquino].

Notes: Cameron didn't have time to learn all the choreography in time for his run, so instead of him dancing in "It Roars", Cheech is dancing in Aaron's place. Cameron doesn't sing either in "Someone Gets Hurt", instead Reneé does a little riff. StarCuffedJeans' Master.

Mean Girls Broadway | Original HD MP4 | September 29th, 2019 (2)

Cast: Becca Petersen [u/s Cady], Reneé Rapp [Regina], Krystina Alabado [Gretchen], Kate Rockwell [Karen], Gianna Yanelli [u/s Janis], Grey Henson [Damian], Jennifer Simard [Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George], Kyle Selig [Aaron Samuels], Cheech Manohar [Kevin G.], Rick Younger [Mr. Duvall], Brendon Stimpson [Mr. Heron], Myles Mchale [Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator], Morgan Cane Harrison [Dawn Schweitzer], Collins Conley [Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft], Jake Swain [Tyler Kimble], Darius Barnes [Christian Wiggins], Kevin Cosculluela [Shane Oman], Riza Takahashi [Sophie Kawachi], Devon Hadsell [Caitlyn Caussin], Curtis Holland [Jason Weems], Daryl Tofa [Martin Jitla], Brittany Nicholas [s/w Taylor Wedell], Christine Shepard [Rachel Hamilton], Bria Jene Williams [Grace Akinola], Susie Carroll [s/w Sonja Acquino].

​Notes: Beautiful HD capture of Becca as Cady! A very Becca-centric video, this is filmed from the left mezzanine without obstructions with a mix of wides, mediums, and many closeups! It's also Morgan Harrison's last! StarCuffedJeans' Master.

Mean girls (tour)

Mean Girls 1st National Tour; Cincinnati, OH | Original MP4 (5 parts) | November 10th, 2019

Cast: Danielle Wade [Cady], Mariah Rose Faith [Regina], Megan Masako Haley [Gretchen], Morgan Ashley Bryant [u/s Karen], Mary Kate Morrissey [Janis], Eric Huffman [Damian], Gaelen Gilliland [Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George], Adante Carter [Aaron Samuels], Kabir Bery [Kevin G.], Lawrence Street [Mr. Duvall], Will Branner [Mr. Heron/Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator], Grace Romanello [s/w Dawn Schweitzer], Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong [Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft], Sky Flaherty [Tyler Kimble], DeShawn Bowens [Christian Wiggins], Blake Zelesnikar [Shane Oman], Asia Kreitz [Sophie Kawachi], Mary Beth Donahoe [Caitlyn Caussin], David Wright Jr. [Jason Weems], Fernell Hogan [Martin Jitla], Olivia Renteria [Taylor Wedell], Ixchel Cuellar [s/w Rachel Hamilton], Niani Feelings [Grace Akinola], Kaitlyn Louise Smith [Sonja Acquin

Notes: Morgan's second show as Karen, Starts a few minutes into act 1. I was shooting around two poles so there are some occasional obstructions to bottom and side but they do not really interfere with viewing. Ixchel was on in the Rachel Hamilton track, but this track was split with Niani Feelings who delivered the lines in the cafeteria scene (Damian said “Hi Grace” instead of “Hi Rachel” and she delivered the mall line “okay white people) but Ixchel did the rest of the part. Instead of sexy Rosa Parks they had Sexy Joan of Arc. MyRoadofGoodIntention's Master.

Mean Girls 1st National Tour; Chicago, IL | Original MP4 (14.21 GB) | January 2020 (1)

Cast: Danielle Wade [Cady], English Bernhardt [s/b Regina ], Megan Masako Haley [Gretchen], Olivia Renteria [u/s Karen ], Mary Kate Morrissey [Janis], Eric Huffman [Damian], Gaelen Gilliland [Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George], Adante Carter [Aaron Samuels], Kabir Bery [Kevin G.], Lawrence Street [Mr. Duvall], Will Branner [Mr. Heron/Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator], Sarah Crane [Dawn Schweitzer], Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong [Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft], Sky Flaherty [Tyler Kimble], DeShawn Bowens [Christian Wiggins], Blake Zelesnikar [Shane Oman], Asia Kreitz [Sophie Kawachi], Mary Beth Donahoe [Caitlyn Caussin], David Wright Jr. [Jason Weems], Fernell Hogan [Martin Jitla], Ixchel Cuellar [s/w Taylor Wedell], Morgan Ashley Bryant [Rachel Hamilton], Niani Feelings [Grace Akinola], Kaitlyn Louise Smith [Sonja Acquino].

Notes: This is a good video for watching choreo and the ensemble, as there are zooms but they are minimal. The quality is a bit grainy, and there is some washout. Overall the sound quality is good except for occasional rustling noises. 5 videos. Musicals_Musicals' Master.

Mean Girls 1st National Tour; Chicago, IL | Original MP4 (14.51 GB) | January 2020 (2)

Cast: Danielle Wade [Cady], Mariah Rose Faith [Regina], Megan Masako Haley [Gretchen], Olivia Renteria [us Karen ], Mary Kate Morrissey [Janis], Eric Huffman [Damian], Gaelen Gilliland [Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George], Adante Carter [Aaron Samuels], Kabir Bery [Kevin G.], Lawrence Street [Mr. Duvall], Will Branner [Mr. Heron/Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator], Sarah Crane [Dawn Schweitzer], Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong [Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft], Sky Flaherty [Tyler Kimble], DeShawn Bowens [Christian Wiggins], Blake Zelesnikar [Shane Oman], Asia Kreitz [Sophie Kawachi], Mary Beth Donahoe [Caitlyn Caussin], David Wright Jr. [Jason Weems], Fernell Hogan [Martin Jitla], Ixchel Cuellar [s/w Taylor Wedell], Morgan Ashley Bryant [Rachel Hamilton], Niani Feelings [Grace Akinola], Kaitlyn Louise Smith [Sonja Acquino].

Notes: Unobstructed video with zooms. There are a couple of blackouts due to late comers and people bringing back drinks. There is some washout from when I was adjusting the light setting, but nothing too distracting. I was trying a thing, it didn’t work, so the first video is in a different video quality than the other four. Musicals_Musicals' Master.

Mean Girls 1st National Tour; Boston, MA | Original HD MP4 | February 9th, 2020 (Matinee) (2)

Cast: Danielle Wade [Cady], Mariah Rose Faith [Regina], Megan Masako Haley [Gretchen], Jonalyn Saxer [Karen], English Bernhardt [sb janis ], Eric Huffman [Damian], Gaelen Gilliland [Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George], Adante Carter [Aaron Samuels], Kabir Bery [Kevin G.], Lawrence Street [Mr. Duvall], Will Branner [Mr. Heron/Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator], Sarah Crane [Dawn Schweitzer], Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong [Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft], Samuel Gerber [s/w Tyler Kimble], DeShawn Bowens [Christian Wiggins], Blake Zelesnikar [Shane Oman], Asia Kreitz [Sophie Kawachi], Mary Beth Donahoe [Caitlyn Caussin], David Wright Jr. [Jason Weems], Fernell Hogan [Martin Jitla], Olivia Renteria [Taylor Wedell], Morgan Ashley Bryant [Rachel Hamilton], Niani Feelings [Grace Akinola], Kaitlyn Louise Smith [Sonja Acquino].​

Mean Girls 1st National Tour; Tampa, FL | Original MP4 | February 23rd,2020 (Matinee)

Cast: Danielle Wade [Cady], Olivia Renteria [us Regina], Megan Masako Haley [Gretchen], Jonalyn Saxer [Karen], Mary Kate Morrissey [Janis], Eric Huffman [Damian], Gaelen Gilliland [Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George], Adante Carter [Aaron Samuels], Kabir Bery [Kevin G.], Lawrence Street [Mr. Duvall], Will Branner [Mr. Heron/Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator], Sarah Crane [Dawn Schweitzer], Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong [Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft], Sky Flaherty [Tyler Kimble], DeShawn Bowens [Christian Wiggins], Blake Zelesnikar [Shane Oman], Asia Kreitz [Sophie Kawachi], Mary Beth Donahoe [Caitlyn Caussin], David Wright Jr. [Jason Weems], Fernell Hogan [Martin Jitla], Ixchel Cuellar [s/w Taylor Wedell], Morgan Ashley Bryant [Rachel Hamilton], Niani Feelings [Grace Akinola], Kaitlyn Louise Smith [Sonja Acquino].​

Notes: Some shakiness in the beginning, obstructions on the right from a head that was difficult to shoot around, the last eight minutes of video is blurry, mix of wides and lots of really great zooms that capture all of olivia’s amazing facial expressions—she is a brilliant Regina—so terrifying she gives chills! MyRoadOfGoodIntentions' Master.

Mean Girls 1st National Tour; Tampa, FL | Original MP4 | February 23rd, 2020 (Evening)

Cast: Mary Beth Donahoe [us Cady ], English Bernhardt [sb regina ], Megan Masako Haley [Gretchen], Jonalyn Saxer [Karen], Mary Kate Morrissey [Janis], Eric Huffman [Damian], Gaelen Gilliland [Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George], Adante Carter [Aaron Samuels], Kabir Bery [Kevin G.], Lawrence Street [Mr. Duvall], Will Branner [Mr. Heron/Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator], Sarah Crane [DawnSchweitzer], Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong [Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft], Sky Flaherty [Tyler Kimble], DeShawn Bowens [Christian Wiggins], Blake Zelesnikar [Shane Oman], Asia Kreitz [Sophie Kawachi], Grace Romanello [s/w Caitlyn Caussin], David Wright Jr. [Jason Weems], Fernell Hogan [Martin Jitla], Ixchel Cuellar [s/w Taylor Wedell], Morgan Ashley Bryant [Rachel Hamilton], Niani Feelings [Grace Akinola], Kaitlyn Louise Smith [Sonja Acquino].

Notes: Super crisp and clear capture, a mix of wides of the whole stage and some great zooms zooms. Missing a few small pieces, namely part of What’s Wrong With Me and Sexy due to battery conservation efforts. Very few if any obstructions. MB and English were BRILLIANT together! MyRoadOfGoodIntentions' Master.

[becca-petersen]

hi everyone. so today is my 23rd birthday and since it’s my golden birthday and times are extremely shitty i wanted to gift an audio to all of you. this is my master from the first time i saw mean girls on broadway (3.5.19). feel free to trade and gift the audio as you please.

here is the link

this is the cast list for trading/documentation purposes: 

Mean Girls | March 5th, 2019 | my master (if you are trading, please list it as becca-petersen’s master instead) | tracked | mp3

Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron), Taylor Louderman (Regina George), Devon Hadsell (u/s Gretchen Weiners), Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith). Barrett Wilbert Weed (Janis Sarkisian), Grey Henson (Damian Hubbard), Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels), Cheech Manohar (Kevin G), Jennifer Simard (Adult Women), Rick Younger (Mr. Duvall), Brendon Stimson (Mr. Heron/Mike T.), Kevin Csolak (Shane Oman), Kamille Upshaw (Rachel Hamilton), Bria Jene Williams (Grace Akinola), Brittany Nicholas (s/w Sonja Acquino), Becca Petersen (s/w Dawn Schweitzer), Ixchel Cuellar (s/w Caitlin Caussin), Jonalyn Saxer (Taylor Weddel), DeMarius R. Copes (Christian Wiggins), Curtis Holland (Jason Weems), Myles McHale (Coach Carr/Glen Coco), Collins Conley (Lizzie Thurman), Ben Cook (Tyler Kimble) Nikhil Saboo (Marwan Jitla), Riza Takahashi (Sophie Kawachi) Notes: In stop, Ixchel sings “Stop when you’re babysitting kids so you make them go to bed so you can take their mom’s vodka, stop. Stick to vodka and stop.” in “Stop” instead of the correct lyrics about Oxy. 

if you have any issues with the download link please let me know, idk if google drive links break on their own or what??? anyway i hope you all have a good day/week/month. please stay safe and stay the fuck home. 

as always, do not share outside of tumblr, which includes posting links on other forms of social media. do not reupload to any other forms of social media either, ESPECIALLY youtube. please do not reuse this link, make sure to transfer it to your google drive if you can. 

[daniellewade]

Wtf happened with the Iain young as the French teacher thing???

I wasn’t there to witness it unfortunately. but to the best of my knowledge, past and present, here’s what I’d assume–

the flu was on another sweep through the cast, so barrett and jonalyn were out sick, and tee had a scheduled out for a dental surgery. because of that gianna went on for janis most of the week and becca was covering jonalyn’s ensemble track. in conjunction with gi being out of the ensemble, ixchel was covering her danny devito ensemble track. and with riza on vacation and britt covering for her. every understudy or swing available for those respective tracks was already scheduled to be in the show for the week. (kevin is also on vacation and iain had covered him for the first half of the week, but that’s not relevant to this.)

then we get to their saturday evening show and for a reason unknown to me, bria calls out. all three female swings were all still in their respective tracks mentioned above. but by now chris had started going on for shane oman, and de la rosa was on for regina. with tee on leave and patrick, to my knowledge not working that week, that left solely iain in the treehouse. 

now, iain has gone on a few noted times before in female tracks, once mid show, so he knew how the logistics worked. from what I know, it basically entails him performing in the big, full ensemble numbers and scenes that involve a majority of the student body. he’s wearing wearing his typical costumes and everything, but filling in the blocking of that female track. so in this instance he would sit, stand and dance wherever bria typically would. where things were different this time, was that bria has solo spoken lines in one of the early classroom scenes as the french teacher. so somebody found him a blazer and he performed the scene as what they considered “the substitute french teacher”. 

(based on what we’ve experienced, this unfortunately does not mean that he dances in sexy with the girls. if its a section that’s very clearly supposed to be all girls he will either stand offstage, or with the guys if they’re there.)

I genuinely have nothing but respect for iain young.

[butmostlyme97]

New Waitress audio+WANTS

This is my new release

Waitress, January 12th 2019, San Antonio Majestic Theatre E (Tracked, Untracked)

Christine Dwyer (Jenna), Maiesha McQueen (Becky), Jessie Shelton (Dawn), Steven Good (Dr. Pomatter), Jeremy Morse (Oagie), Matt DeAngelis (Earl), Ryan G. Dunkin (Cal), Richard Kline (Old Joe), Rheaume Crenshaw (Nurse Norma), Grace Stockdale ( Mother), Adam J Levy (Father), Alex Tripp (Francine), Gerianne Perez ( Club Knocked up Solosit)

Ensemble: Kolby Kindle, Kevin Zak, Rheaume Crenshaw, Grace Stockdale, Alex Tripp, Gerianne Perez,

Nft till March 13 2019 unless done by me

Wants:

Mean Girls | December 2, 2018 | Broadway | Matinee | mp3 untracked

​Cast Info: Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron), Becca Petersen (u/s Regina George), Ashley Park (Gretchen Wieners), Jonalyn Saxer (u/s Karen Smith), Tee Boyich (u/s Janis Sarkisian), Brendon Stimpson (u/s Damian Hubbard), Jennifer Simard (Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George), Rick Younger (Mr. Duvall), Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels), Cheech Manohar (Kevin Gnapoor), Myles McHale (Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator), Stephanie Lynn Bissonnette (Dawn Schweitzer), Collins Conley (Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft), Ben Cook (Tyler Kimble), DeMarius R. Copes (Christian Wiggins), Kevin Csolak (Shane Oman), Riza Takahashi (Sophie Kawachi), Devon Hadsell (Caitlyn Caussin), Curtis Holland (Jason Weems), Nikhil Saboo (Marwan Jitla), Ixchel Cuellar (s/w Taylor Wedell), Britt Nicholas (s/w Rachel Hamilton), Bria Jene Williams (Grace Akinola), Gianna Yanelli (Sonja Acquino)

Notes: I'm fairly certain this is the first time Tee and Brendon were together. Starcuffedjean’s master

Newsies | August 4, 2013 | Broadway | MP3 tracked

Cast Info: Brendon Stimson (us Jack), Caitlyn Caughell (us Katherine), Stuart Marland (us Pulitzer), Ben Fankhauser, Andy Richardson, Joshua Colley, LaVon Fisher-Wilson, JP Ferreri (us Buttons/Scab), Stuart Zagnit (us Snyder), Julian DeGuzman (us Oscar Delancey)

Anastasia | November 25, 2018 | Broadway | m4a untracked (2)

Cast: Christy Altomare (Anya), Zach Adkins (Dmitry), John Bolton (Vlad), Max Von Essen (Gleb), Lauren Blackman (u/s Countess Lily), Judy Kaye (Dowager Empress)

Notes: requiemtrading's master. Zach's last show

Mean Girls | November 15, 2018 | Broadway | Devon's debut as Adult Women (the first time the roles has been played by other than Kerry or Jennifer)

Waitress | November 25, 2018 | Manila | m4a untracked | Limited Trade

Cast Info: Jonna Ampil (Jenna), Maronne Cruz (Dawn), Bituin Escalante (Becky), Bibo Reyes (Dr. Pomatter), Nino Alejandro (Ogie), George Schulze (Earl), Dean Rosen (Cal), Steven Conde (Joe)

2018.07.21 M | Broadway | Untracked | Limited Trade |

Kennedy Caughell (u/s Carole King), Genie Klein (Liz Larsen), Sara Shepard (u/s Betty), Evan Todd (Gerry Goffin), Kara Lindsay (Cynthia Weil), Paul Anthony Stewart (Don Kirshner), Ben Jacoby (Barry Mann)

Notes: Kennedy's Carole King Debut

2017.08.07 | St. Louis MUNY |

Jay Armstrong Johnson (Jack Kelly), Davis Gaines (Joseph Pulitzer), Tessa Grady (Katherine Plumber), Ta’Rea Campbell (Medda Larkin), Daniel Quadrino (Crutchie), Spencer Davis Milford (Davey), Gabriel Cytron (Les)

Anastasia - Broadway - November 30, 2018 - M4a (Untracked) - GIFTED UPON REQUEST

cast: Christy Altomare (Anya), Cody Simpson (Dmitry), John Bolton (Vlad), Max von Essen (Gleb Vaganov), Judy Kaye (Dowager Empress), Vicki Lewis (Lily)

notes: 2nd performance of Cody Simpson! The key for My Petersburg has been lowered to fit his voice. It's actually a nice change of pace to hear.

Cats with Jonalyn Saxer as Demeter

Mamma Mia at Sacramento music circus

Wicked with Allison bailey and Jackie burns

[lifeofafemaledriver]

Hi my name is Rebecca. Becca is what I go by. I don't talk about it much but I will be opening up more about this topic. Trigger warning: depression and bipolar. I suffer from depression, anxiety, biopolar Type A or type 1. However you want to put it, while also having ADD. Oman clinically diagnosed depression and bipolar while waiting for the quarantine to get clinically tested fully for ADD. When I had my son my PPD (post partum depression) was never treated. It turned clinical depression and brought out my bipolar that I never knew I had. My episodes were bad. Weekly. Then every other day etc. It got worse and worse. Until I finally broke. We will spare that moment for another post. But I got the help that I needed and have been on my recovery road for a while. I have my good and bad days....sometimes good and bad all in the same day. It's tough. Like really tough. I am also very high functioning so I can appear like everything is fine. When in fact its not. I like to make people laugh Working out is a lifeline I thrive off of going to work and making money. This week I am doing both doordash and instacart. I have a big money goal so I'm doing 1 between the other. But I am tired. Chronically tired. I didn't know this but I have suffered from this for years......since I was about 21/22 and never knew. I watched my brother suffer through his and it was worse. Debilitating for him. So I never saw the signs in myself as I focused on helping him. I try so hard. Please dont read this and think i want clout or anything. I want you to know that you are not alone. That I am here for you. That i know what you are going through. Mental illness is not something to just brush aside. Because I brushed it aside.....and I almost ended up not being here to this day. So please do not give up. We need you ❤ https://www.instagram.com/p/B_dw6VKjNYy/?igshid=1r2rjmw5m2547

[mercerislandbooks]

Section Revival: Manga

Some of you may have noticed a lower shelf tucked away near the mysteries; many of you haven’t. Walk past the fiction, take a left at the games, and get low to browse an assortment of books read from right to left, with the cover on the "back" and the description on the "front". This is our little collection of Japanese graphic novels, known as manga. Reviving and curating this section has been high on my personal project list for two years now, and I’ve finally been able to tackle it. With the Netflix release of the live-action One Piece (a kid who wants to become King of the Pirates assembles a ragtag crew), an adaptation of one of the biggest and longest-running manga and anime (Japanese animation) series in existence, we’ve had countless kids (and their parents) beginning their journey into the world of manga.

I stumbled upon manga and anime when I was in high school with Fruits Basket. Here was an animated show, based on a beloved manga, that told of a quiet girl without much confidence who found her place in an odd and rambunctious family that just so happened to turn into the animals of the Zodiac when hugged by the opposite gender. A wild premise? Maybe. But it was also so engaging and sweet and entertaining. Fruits Basket was something my sister and I could share, and we began to find other manga that we could read together and discuss. This was our introduction to an abundance of stories that had been previously unknown to us.

The great thing about manga is that there's something for everyone. It covers a range of genres, from sweet slice-of-life series like Insomniacs After School (two high schoolers with insomnia restart their school's defunct astronomy club in order to have something to occupy their sleepless nights) to postapocalyptic worlds like Heart Gear (a young girl is raised by a robot after humanity has been wiped out).

There are the One Piece-level classics:

Naruto (a troublemaking kid wants to become a ninja)

Fullmetal Alchemist (two brothers pay the price in an alchemical ritual gone wrong and become state alchemists in their quest for the Philosopher's Stone)

If you like reading about people learning to use magic, try:

Witch Hat Atelier (a young girl learns the secret to being a witch)

If you prefer short vignettes, consider:

The Way of the House Husband (a retired gangster takes over the household chores and goes grocery shopping)

Mr. Villain's Day Off (a member of the Evil League of Villains just really loves pandas)

Or try current customer favorites, which are popular for a reason:

Spy x Family (a spy, an assassin, a telepath, and a dog that can see the future must form a fake family to prevent war)

Cat + Gamer (a woman who loves video games adopts a cat)

For many of the same reasons that Western graphic novels are so popular today, manga lets us enjoy amazing storylines with impressive art but with a different culture's perspective. I’ve long enjoyed the many ways people find to share stories and bring others together, and it’s been so rewarding to see a new generation and new readers discover a medium that means so much to me. If you want to try something new, we can point you in the right direction of our little (but hopefully not for long) shelf of manga. 

—Becca

[mercerislandbooks]

Book Chats: The Spellshop

Summer is here. The days are warm and long, and the evenings are perfect for sitting outside and reading (or listening and crocheting, in my case) as the sun goes down. The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst is an amazing choice for this kind of relaxing evening. The narrator was excellent, the descriptions were lush, and the setting was idyllic. A librarian and her sentient spider plant seek refuge from a bloody revolution—with crates of books in tow—by heading to Caltrey, a small island on the outskirts of a nation made of islands. All Kiela wants is to protect her books and live unnoticed in the cottage her parents left her. (Un)fortunately for her, that's not how small villages work. With an attractive next door neighbor and a friendly baker determined to welcome her into their small community, as well as a suspicious old man who is set on driving her out, Kiela has to decide if letting people in is a chance she's willing to take. Warning: you will want baked goods slathered with jam by the end of this book.

Becca: Kiela was such a fun, unique character. Her love of books obviously resonates with me as an avid reader and a bookseller, and her habit of overthinking what she says and does was also very relatable. What did you think about her as the main character and voice of the story? Lori: I loved Kiela. For the same reasons as you but also, I loved the way circumstances kept pushing her beyond her comfort zone and then, because of getting to hear her overthinking inner voice, the reader knows what choosing to be brave costs her. But she does it anyway. It's not comfortable to acknowledge that those moments are what bring growth. Also, she has blue skin. And blue hair. And lots of blue clothes. I approved of all the blue. What did you think about Kiela's scheme to barter homemade jam for the supplies she needs? Becca: Making jam is not necessarily the occupation I would turn to for survival, but I also don't live on a little island surrounded by merhorses and abundant fruit trees and bushes. Well, maybe the bushes; our blackberry brambles are out of control. I loved how she took what she had available to her and, with much determination, figured out a way to keep moving forward. Lori: She did. No matter the obstacles, she kept trying. I think we need to discuss Caz, though, the sentient spider plant! Becca: So...a talking plant research assistant. I wouldn't mind that. Maybe then I'd finally know how to care for one without it slowly fading away on me. And Caz has such an excellent personality. Lori: He stole the show in my opinion. I thought he had all the best lines. His friendship and support of Kiela really brought home to me how careful Sarah Beth Durst was to give all her characters, and the environment they inhabit, a nuanced worth. She also created an interesting magic system. Becca: I do love it when magic is something accessible to everyone in a book, instead of just the chosen few who are born with it. But with all of the impressive feats that can be accomplished with spells, I think it was the little magics scattered throughout the book were my favorite. Yes, Kiela wanted to do big magics to help her community, but the little ones that encouraged plant growth and water to flow were the ones that resonated with me. And it's the small magics that she was determined to share with those around her as a way to make their lives better. Lori: It really shows how little things, that maybe don't seem like they matter that much, actually have more of an impact than one might think. It's encouraging that making small choices towards the good does make a difference in the world. Becca: It is. And I appreciated how Kiela came to believe that sentiment because she observed Larran, her always-willing-to-help neighbor, put forth the effort to do so. Lori: I loved watching the spark between Kiela and Larran grow. She started out so wary and standoffish, but as she continued to see how good he was (and how good he looked shirtless), she started to admire him, until she found herself unable to resist.

This sweet book is perfect for summer, with its cottagecore vibes and berry-filled island. The first printing has beautiful sprayed purple edges to add to the appeal. So, stop by to pick up a pretty book, whip up (or purchase) some scones with jam (preferably raspberry), and settle in for a gentle adventure full of plants, jam, and slightly illegal magic.

— ​Becca & Lori

[mercerislandbooks]

Local Author Event: Seattle Samurai

Kelly Goto's new book, Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist's Perspective of the Japanese American Experience, is a commemoration of the life and work of not just her father, but also the early Japanese immigrants of Seattle and those who came after. This beautiful coffee table book celebrates the art and life of Kelly's father, Sam Goto, and features many strips from his 2012-2018 comic strip Seattle Tomodachi, alongside gorgeous photography. Sam was a longtime Seattle and Mercer Island resident and began Seattle Tomodachi at the encouragement of his wife, Dee, as a way to help fund the Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Washington's (JCCCW) weekly ad in The North American Post, Seattle's Japanese American newspaper. Now, Kelly is releasing this book as a way to honor her father and his part in Seattle history.

Seattle Tomodachi is a must-read for those interested in the history of the Japanese community in Seattle and the wider Pacific Northwest. The comic follows the fictional Shigeru Tomo (influenced by the life of real Shigeru Osawa, believed to be the first second-generation Japanese born in Seattle) as he strives to live the samurai way. Shigeru's adventures are also inspired by Sam's own experiences and those of Seattle's Japanese American community: the building and funding of the new Japanese Language School in downtown, the importance of Japanese merchants in the Klondike Goldrush, the founding of Uwajimaya (one of my favorite stores to visit for a wander), the discrimination many Japanese American's faced. Full of the values that Sam believed in and passed down to his children, this book exemplifies the joy that Sam lived his life with.

Join us and local author Kelly Goto on Wednesday, October 23 from 6:30 to 8:00pm, to celebrate the launch of her book, Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist's Perspective of the Japanese American Experience. We can't wait to celebrate with these Mercer Island residents and longtime friends of the bookstore! Books can be purchased beforehand or at the event, and Kelly will be signing after discussing the book with us. Drinks and appetizers will be available, and proceeds from book sales will be donated to the JCCCW.

— Becca

[mercerislandbooks]

The Search is On

It's that time of year again, everyone. The time of year when tiny Waldos infiltrate Mercer Island businesses for the month of July. This is one of our favorite annual events, and we love having a reason to get outside and visit our local businesses. Waldo passports will be available to pick up at Island Books starting on July 1st.

A good place to start your hunt is at the bookstore. There will be 15 little Waldos hiding out high and low, near typewriters and between books. After you've found all of those, it's time to go out on the town; we have 20 local businesses participating this year. Each of the following shops will have one Waldo hidden somewhere inside:

Mio Posto

Haps Burgers and Taps

Hair Excel

South End Starbucks

Island Treats

Banner Bank

All the Best Pet Care

L'Experience Paris

Pagliacci

Impact Fitness

Shawn's Bakery

Valhalla Sandwiches

Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts

Mudbay

John L. Scott Real Estate

Hub Boba and Icecreamery

Mercer Island Orthodontics

Island Animal Hospital

Pogacha

Find the Waldo at each one, and don't forget to have your passport stamped! If you're having a hard time locating the sneaky little guy, employees are happy to give you a hint or two. When your passport is full, bring it back to Island Books.

The search for Waldo will continue all month long, and culminates with a party! We'll have pizza and a prize drawing on July 31st at 5PM to celebrate a successful month of Waldo hunting. Hope to see you there!

— Becca

[mercerislandbooks]

Cookbook Book Club: Nosh

And we're back! I know it's been a while since our last Cookbook Book Club, but we have a great author event lined up for our next one. We really love having the author of the cookbook attend for that extra something special. Micah Siva, author of Nosh: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Culture, will be in town as part of her debut cookbook book tour, and her Seattle stop is Island Books! This gorgeous book came out last Tuesday, and we'll keep a stack in stock all month so you can pick up a copy to peruse before our book club meeting. Join us Wednesday, April 3 at 6:30 for an excellent time with Micah and some delicious food.

Nosh focuses on plant-forward versions of Jewish favorites, as well as innovative, modern takes on the recipes Micah grew up with. She is a trained chef and a registered dietitian, and she's turned her passion for both into a successful recipe blog and business. This is her first cookbook, and it's full of gorgeous photography (she's also a professional food photographer), concise explanations and definitions (and she's a professional recipe writer; a woman of many talents), and food that has my stomach rumbling. In fact, I already have a list of recipes I'm planning on making leading up to our book club meeting in April. From Lemony Blintzes and Vegan Potato Latkes, to Chickpea and Olive Shakshuka and Olive Oil, Pistachio, and Ricotta Cornmeal Sheet Cake, as well as several types of kugel, Micah's book is stuffed with colorful recipes that are suited for a variety of occasions and will delight everyone who comes to your table.

We can't wait to meet together again and share all of the amazing dishes made from the recipes in this book. Pick one that intrigues you, have fun making it, and bring it to share while Micah tells us about her book and the inspiration behind it. She'll stick around to sign copies while we mingle and eat delicious things. We'll also have copies of her children's book 1, 2, 3 Nosh With Me on hand for signing if you want to introduce your little ones to traditional Jewish foods. Can't wait to see you there!

— Becca

[mercerislandbooks]

Book Notes: Impossible Creatures

When I was a kid, my cousins and I watched the ABC mini-series The 10th Kingdom on repeat because we loved it so much. A woman's father is kidnapped by trolls and she has to travel to a land full of all of the fairytale characters we know and love to save him? Sign me up. That's probably why "portal fantasies", where a character goes through a portal into another world more fantastical and magical than our own, often become instant and lifelong favorites of mine. Stardust by Neil Gaiman, The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson, In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan, Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. The list goes on and on. And the newest addition to this engaging subgenre? Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell, with gorgeous illustrations throughout by Ashley Mackenzie.

A girl with a flying coat from a world full of magical creatures. A boy with a penchant for animals from our own less obviously magical world. Mal and Christopher both feel the stifling weight of overprotection, a list of things they can't do instead of can: stay in the garden and away from the forest, no birthday candles or potato peelers so they can't hurt themselves. But curious children can't obey all of the rules. So when Christopher goes to the top of the hill he isn't supposed to be on while visiting his eccentric grandfather, he's both shocked and pleased to find a stampede of creatures that shouldn't exist, as well as Mal, a girl who climbed over a wall she shouldn't have climbed. What ensues is the adventure of a lifetime. In a bid to save the magic that is slowly leeching away from Mal's world, they leave on a quest looking for answers, picking up a Berserker, a marine scientist, and a ratatoska (a green, squirrel-like creature) along the way. Sailing through the island nation, encountering magical creatures both helpful and dangerous, a murderer comes ever closer and the urgency rises. 

The first book in a new middle grade series, Impossible Creatures is sure to enchant young and old alike. It will be on our shelves this coming Tuesday, September 10. The first printing has sprayed edges and foiling on the cover, and we have several copies that are signed by the author! We can't wait to share this new book by a longtime favorite author with you all. I, for one, cannot wait for the next book and to travel back to the magical land of The Archipelago.

-- Becca

[mercerislandbooks]

Book Chats: The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club

As it starts to warm up and the sunlight lingers later each day, my genre reading shifts. No more dense fantasy novels; instead, I want books that have summery vibes. Seaside settings and joyful moments. The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson is one such book. Lori read it months ago and has been mentioning it consistently since then—and while I don't often pick up historical fiction unprompted, I do enjoy it—so we decided to have a virtual chat about it to compare notes.

Constance Haverhill finds herself out of a job now that the Great War is over and the position she fell into as an estate bookkeeper for an old family friend is being returned to a man. She gets her severance in the form of a summer spent as companion to the recovering Mrs. Fog at a seaside village. Unsure how to occupy herself, she stumbles into a friendship with the lively Poppy Wirall and her gang of motorcycle girls who worked as delivery riders during the war. In their attempts to keep riding and stay employed, hijinks ensue, races are won, and a plane destined for parts is salvaged. But the shadow of the Great War looms over them all as some try to forget and everyone attempts to move on. In this time of change and recovery, Constance has to decide what she wants to make of her life now that women are expected to go back to the way things were before.

Becca: What is it that drew you to this book when you first picked it up? Lori: I think it had been compared to Downton Abbey, which I love and I am generally a fan of historical fiction. World War I and the period between the world wars has not been overdone as much at World War II fiction at this point, in my opinion, and I found the change in time period and setting at the seaside refreshing. Thanks for letting me talk you into trying it! Becca: I really enjoyed it, and our tastes overlap quite a bit, so it wasn't a hard sell. The seaside setting was just what I needed to carry me over into the warmer months. I've just started Downton Abbey for the first time (currently on season 2), and obviously there's a lot of overlap in themes and setting. Did you find this setting and premise to be unique, or is this a topic you read about fairly often in the historical fiction sphere? And how did you feel about the multiple points of view? Were they beneficial to the story, or did they get in the way? Lori: I have read several books this year so far that feature the suffrage movement and women's rights, and not on purpose but they just seem to follow after one another. The Gentleman's Gambit, A Suffragist's Guide to the Antarctic, recently The Stranger I Wed. So I wouldn't say I seek them out, but it's been interesting to keep reading about it. I like multiple POV if it serves the story, and I think it does for this book. It heightened the emotional impact and tension to have an interior view of Constance, Klaus, and Harris. What did you think? Becca: I always enjoy seeing similar things or the same events through multiple points of view. Harris and Constance provide us with a dual-POV romance, while Klaus gives us insight into the life a naturalized British citizen from Germany during that time. And all three of them exist in different, if overlapping, social classes, which added depth. I really loved the emphasis that Simonson placed on the part women played in the war, and how they were then displaced by the men who came home and needed their jobs back. It was a difficult thing to navigate, since there have always been women who have had to support themselves and their families. Lori: I know! I thought she did a great job highlighting that huge oversight when the party line is that all men must be employed at the expense of often more qualified women. Constance needs to work to support herself; she doesn't have anyone else or anything else to fall back on, and it was interesting how uncomfortable those conversations made the "upper class" people she was thrown amongst. Becca: This book definitely gives nods of acknowledgement to several of the British Empire's former colonies. There's a certain Indian government official that I love as a character, not to mention the old friends that Mrs. Fog reunites with in their time at Hazelbourne-on-the-Sea. Lori: Yes! I appreciated that (and I loved him too!). I wanted to visit Mrs. Fog's friends; their home made me think of a Rosamunde Pilcher novel. I think even though, overtly, this book is about women between the wars trying to find a way to forge their own destinies, there's also a current of confronting prejudice or intolerance that plays out in multiple situations and with varying results.  Becca: Agreed. While a large portion of this novel was light and fun (e.g. - the motorcycle races, the flying lessons, and the sheer joy of both), Simonson did an excellent job with some very difficult topics.

If you need a good, atmospheric lead-in to summer, The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club will be up on our staff picks shelves for the foreseeable future. Let us know if you read it; as always, we'd love to continue our book chat with you!

—Becca & Lori

[mercerislandbooks]

Looking Back: Top 20 Bestsellers of 2023

Hello everyone! It's that time of year again. We've compiled our lists, we've gone over them with highlighters, and now we present to you: Our Top 20 Bestsellers of 2023! This list is a reflection of the people who frequent our charming store. It shows us what was purchased again and again. It’s full of books that we couldn’t stop recommending, as well as books that were popular across the country due to celebrity book clubs, word of mouth, or social media (see Honorary #21 at the bottom of this post for an example). Either way, it’s a list of books you (and we) loved reading.

At the top of the list for its second year is Lessons in Chemistry, which continues to be the bestseller by a long shot. Others on the list include The Thursday Murder Club (loved by the entire staff and which you can read about here), No Two Persons (a Lori favorite that she wrote about here), The Wager (our current go-to non-fiction recommendation) and Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography (a title that was fun to see in the top 20). Also, a big shoutout to Honorary #21 on our list, The Fourth Wing! A breakout hit with two different editions published in 2023, it sold over 100 copies when you combine the sales for each edition.

If you need something to help jumpstart your reading for the year, you can’t go wrong with these titles. Besides, we might as well get a head start on influencing the Top 20 list for next year!

— Becca

[mercerislandbooks]

Book Notes: In the Lives of Puppets

Those of you who have had the pleasure of coming to our bookstore in person may have noticed squares of cream-colored cardstock crammed full of scribbled writing, fluttering about on the shelves and attached to books via bright orange strings. These are our recommendation cards. When we love a book so much that we need everyone to know about it, we write a recommendation card. This is what happened when I finished Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune, shortly followed by The House in the Cerulean Sea, both of which became two of my favorite reads from 2022. As his new book draws close to its release day (Tuesday, April 25), I knew I had to share what a delight it was with all of you.

In the Lives of Puppets is a futuristic Pinocchio retelling with robots. One of the things I love most about TJ Klune's adult novels is the eclectic mix of characters finding a home and a family in one another, characters who are real and quirky and heartfelt. In the Lives of Puppets is no different.

There is a house in the woods. In this house lives a family. An odd, pieced together sort of family, but a family nonetheless. Giovanni Lawson, inventor and android. Nurse Ratched, a caring nurse robot with a sadistic streak. Rambo, a small vacuum full of love and in need of attention. And Victor Lawson, Giovanni's human son. Their life in the woods is small, but good. Giovanni tinkers while Victor leads Nurse Ratched and Rambo on hunts through the Scrap Yards. It is on one of these hunts that they find HAP, an android in terrible condition. When Victor brings HAP home to be fixed up, he unknowingly kick-starts a chain of events that will dredge up Giovanni's dark past and lead to the destruction of their small world as he knows it. Populated with quirky characters and small kindnesses, this book left me itching to dive back into a reread.

With all of the important hallmarks of a proper Pinocchio retelling—the Blue Fairy, a circus (of sorts), a great big whale, and, of course, a wooden puppet—this book was both not what I was expecting and more. A warm hug in trying times, it is full of compassion, understanding, and forgiveness (while often being hilariously irreverent). In the Lives of Puppets comes out on April 25, 2023 and is available to preorder here. TJ Klune's other books are also available in paperback and are just as delightful. We will have copies of In the Lives of Puppets on its release day, and you can expect a recommendation card to show up shortly after. Happy reading!

—Becca