The Book Report by Rebecca Traver - Our Online Bookshop Curator

The dandelion’s pallid tube 
Astonishes the Grass,
And Winter instantly becomes 
An infinite Alas.

 ~Emily Dickinson

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Many years ago I received a message from the mighty Dandelion Spirit encouraging me to ‘grow where I am’. In truth, while I have never forgotten it, I haven’t always embraced its wisdom. Such is the nature of a human life in progress.

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With all of that in mind, I have some wonderful books and decks to share with you in this report, including some new releases, some soon to be released, and a few that have been around for a while, but wanted to be included. 

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May you find the messages you most need to receive here - and may you feel supported in your desire to grow…exactly where you are right now.

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Living Untethered: Beyond the Human Predicament is the newest contribution by one of our all-time favorites - Michael A. Singer, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Untethered Soul. Here, we learn how to put the spiritual teachings he offers into our daily practice. It is set to be released on May 10 and is available for pre-order now. Don’t let this one slip past you.

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Sacred Medicine: A Doctor's Quest to Unravel the Mysteries of Healing by Lissa Rankin is a journey into the world of modern and ancient approaches to illness and wellness. It is both a seeker’s travelogue and a discerning guide to sometimes perilous paths available to patients when wellness fads, lifestyle changes, and doctors have failed them. Dr. Rankin delivers a thoughtful, grounded exploration of questions around how we heal - and a path of hope for those in need.

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Fans of Deepak Chopra rejoice! This spring he offers us two new books: Abundance: The Inner Path to Wealth - an enlightening guide to success, fulfillment, wholeness, and plenty, sharing practical advice on how to cultivate a sense of abundance in times of fear and insecurity.

And Mindful Moments: Thoughts to Nourish Your Body and Soul - a luminous little book full of insights intended to refresh your spirit.

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Embrace Your Power: A Woman's Guide to Loving Yourself, Breaking Rules, and Bringing Good into Your Life is now available in paperback in an updated edition from beloved, inspiring teacher and change maker Louise Hay. Here, she delves deeply into every aspect of a woman’s life, from relationships and sexuality to finances.

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It’s been a while since I’ve included a memoir in the report and I am delighted to introduce you to Lost & Found: A Memoir by Pulitzer Prize winning author Kathryn Schulz. Written with curiosity, tenderness, wit and great heart, this is a beautiful book exploring how our lives are shaped by loss and discovery. I am confident that you will recognize yourself in these pages.

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Here are a few oracle decks perfect for these early Spring days:

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The Untamed Elemental: A 52-Card Oracle Deck and Guidebook by multidisciplinary artist Tasya Van Ree is a beautiful deck organized around the seasons and the five elements - Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Ether - carrying with it an invitation to strengthen connections and restore balance to our expressions of mind, body, and spirit.

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The Rose Oracle is a lush and lovely deck from Rebecca Campbell with illustrations by Katie-Louise; full of invitations to tune in to the changing seasons of your life, hear the voice of your soul, and be led to seed and cultivate what you came here to share.

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Renowned artists and teachers Sandra Anne Taylor and Kimberly Webber have teamed up to create The Priestess of Light Oracle with stunning depictions of spirit animals, divine feminine archetypes, and sacred geometry. 

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And then there’s The Oracle Creator: A Modern Guide from Steven Bright for anyone who has ever dreamed of creating your own oracle or tarot.

Poems & Stories with Heart

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The Girl and the Goddess: Stories and Poems of Divine Wisdom by Nikita Gill is a novel in verse, exploring Hindu mythology and legend through a coming-of-age story told in linked poems.

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The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton is a novel about a secret group of women skilled in the subtle arts - otherwise known as witchcraft. If you’re looking for a good, magical story with a bit of romance, then this is for you.

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The Ogress and the Orphans is a beautiful middle-grade novel about the power of community and love for the whole family from Kelly Barnhill, winner of the Newberry Medal for The Girl Who Drank the Moon. 

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Kelly is also the author of her first much-anticipated novel for adults with one of my favorite titles - When Women Were Dragons - due to be released on May 3rd and available for pre-order now.

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The Children's Corner

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Starfish by Lisa Fipps is a middle grade novel about a girl named Ellie who is tired of being fat-shamed and is determined to take her power back from those who intend to intimidate her.

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Take Off Your Brave: The World Through the Eyes of a Preschool Poet by Nadim with illustrations by Yasmeen Ismail helps us to see the world through a small child’s eyes in this enchanting collection of poems by a four-year-old.

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The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers is a beautifully illustrated fable about finding joy after loss and is guaranteed to break your heart in the best of ways.

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For the young magicals in your world, may I suggest The Little Witch's Book of Spells by Ariel Kusby with illustrations by Olga Baumert? This sweet book offers guidance around such essential skills as crafting a magic wand, befriending a fairy, reading tea leaves, and more. 

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Last up is Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond. This is a vibrant and fascinating picture book that follows one color’s journey through time and across the world.

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“Almost all of my many passionate interests, and my many changes of mind, came through books.”

~Anne Dillard

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Please visit our online Bookshop to see our full selection of lists and titles. 

Thank you for supporting local, independent bookstores! 

We love connecting with you in the shop and online.

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May you be inspired, supported, and delighted by what you find here.

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