It’s hard to believe that over four months have passed since we embraced the role of your local indie booksellers. Every day since has been a humbling reminder of the boundless heart, generosity, and goodwill this community has in abundance. Whether it’s hearing how the words shared in this newsletter have found their place in your hearts, feeling your enthusiasm for our “Hardcovers for Hard Times” campaign, or witnessing the tangible solidarity of those showing up with cash in hand on economic blackout day, your unwavering support has only confirmed that our choice to invest in Port Townsend—both personally and professionally—was the right one. Without a doubt, we know we are exactly where we are meant to be, doing the work we’re called to in a world that, more often than not, feels chaotic.
Yet, I cannot ignore the toll that the unrelenting tide of troubling news takes on the spirit. Despite my best efforts to limit the onslaught, the headlines always find a way to seep through. Recently, I’ve shared conversations with customers from all walks of life, and the weight of fear and anxiety they carry is palpable. I’ve spoken with an indigenous climate scientist, her heart heavy for students at risk of ICE raids; a DSHS worker witnessing the devastation of budget cuts and the sudden, brutal loss of talented colleagues; an 85-year-old WWII survivor, still able to recall the distinct sounds of bombs falling—each one a measure of how long you have to reach safety. There are two friends in their twenties—one, invigorated by the fight against fascism, the other, questioning whether hope remains or if fleeing to safer shores is the only option left. And then there are my trans friends, justifiably fearful of the threats to their rights, contemplating the possibility of escape should the regime’s promises of persecution come to pass. On days like these, it feels as though the weight of it all might break us. Yet, we understand that this fear and overwhelm is no accident—it is all part of the design, a deliberate effort to paralyze us with shock and awe.
Though we may feel an urgent need to stay connected and informed, it has become increasingly clear to me that endless doomscrolling only serves to nourish the very forces we seek to resist. These platforms, crafted to ensnare our attention, line the pockets of those in power, and we are paying them with the most precious resources we have—our time and focus. The ceaseless flood of content—news, podcasts, videos, even books—can leave us feeling as if our minds are unraveling. I look at my ever-growing TBR stack, perpetually expanding and never shrinking, and I find myself wondering: how am I to be both an informed, engaged citizen and still make room for the simple joy of reading for pleasure? I think, for many, the fantasy of being a bookseller is that you simply sit and read all day, waiting for a customer to wander in. But so far, that hasn’t been the case—despite my best efforts, faithfully bringing my book along each day, hoping that today will be the day.
I don’t share these reflections to add to your own sense of overwhelm, but rather to acknowledge the shared struggle we all face in trying to keep up with the relentless tide, while still carving out space for true reflection and self-care. Recently, I’ve come to accept a hard truth: it is simply impossible to keep pace with it all. The world will continue its spin, regardless of my attention. What matters now is choosing content that empowers me with insight and agency, rather than simply being "in the know" for the sake of it. I’ve started intentionally reducing the voices I let in, prioritizing depth over volume. Constant exposure to fleeting headlines makes it all but impossible to engage thoughtfully—it’s fast food for the mind, offering little nourishment.
As a longtime small business owner, I’ve often felt the pull to stay tethered to social media, but I’m finally giving myself permission to step away. At least for the duration of Lent (so far, so good), I’m doing what I can to distance myself from these platforms, using them only for scheduled posts, in the hopes of sparking a renewed determination to create more than I consume. More than that, I’m taking the time to reflect on how easily I distract myself from being truly present—whether with the people around me or with my own innermost thoughts. This weekend, I participated in a 72-hour prayer ceremony where we were asked to leave our phones outside the circle. At first, it felt strange—almost unsettling—but it was also wonderfully liberating to disconnect from that digital tether. After just a few days, I realized that, in this age of endless content, these small acts of resistance are, in themselves, revolutionary. If we all take a moment to reclaim our time and attention, these quiet rebellions could spark a profound shift—a sea change where our presence, creativity, and connection can truly flourish.
As we focus on reclaiming our time and presence, you’ll notice a shift at Imprint Bookshop. We’re stepping away from the noise of social media and embracing this newsletter as our primary way to keep you connected with upcoming events and to foster deeper, more meaningful relationships within our community. The books we share will be thoughtfully curated to inform, inspire, and nourish both your spirit and mind. Looking ahead, we’re excited to explore new ways to make this newsletter a more regular offering—perhaps as a blog, hosting more author events that unite us around the magic of the written word, and even launching our own book club to spark constructive conversations. If you'd like to correspond with us, please be sure to use the contact information on our website, as we may not be as responsive via direct messages on social media.
We’re here for all of it—slowing down, diving deeper, and nurturing the presence we all need right now. We hope you’ll join us on this journey.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside this wonderful community and honored that you share a moment of your attention with us as we send these updates and reflections your way.
Warm regards,
Your Bookseller John Blomgren,
For my homework on this topic, this season I’ll be diving into a these thought-provoking titles: The Siren’s Call: How Attention Became the World’s Most Endangered Resource by Chris Hayes, Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention – and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari, and How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price. Each of these books tackles the growing struggle to maintain focus and balance in a digital age overwhelmed by distractions. They explore the addictive grip of technology, the toll of constant stimulation on our minds, and offer valuable insights on reclaiming our attention, clearing mental clutter, and fostering more intentional, meaningful engagement with the world around us. Let me know if you care to join me in this exploration as I am always happy to order books on your behalf! ;)
When: 6pm, Thursday, March 27 Where: Northwest Maritime Center
Join us as Port Townsend Library welcomes author Sally Franson for a presentation of and reading from her latest book Big in Sweden. Followed by a book signing with books for sale from Imprint Bookshop. Join the fun and conversation by picking up your own copy at Imprint Bookshop today!
Author Event: Thu.April 24th, 6pm at Imprint Bookshop The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
Join us for a captivating evening with New York Times bestselling authors Marie Bostwick (in conversation with) Erica Bauermeister, as Marie unveils her latest novel, The Book Club for Troublesome Women (releasing 4/22/2025). This intimate, ticketed event will feature limited seating and light refreshments provided for your enjoyment.
Tickets are $15 each, with $5 of that amount applied toward the purchase of a book at the event. The evening will culminate in a book signing, and to ensure we have enough copies on hand, we kindly ask that you preorder your books in advance.
Please use this PreOrder Form to let us know which titles you'd like to us have on hand for the authors to sign.
We look forward to sharing this special evening with you!
About the Book... (press release by the publisher, Harper Muse)
Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, this captivating story follows the journey of four dissatisfied suburban housewives who form an unexpected sisterhood that transforms their lives forever.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women introduces readers to Margaret Ryan, Viv Buschetti, and Bitsy Cobb—three women living in a newly developed “planned community” in Northern Virginia. To the outside world, these women appear to have everything—a stable home, loving families, and a picture-perfect life. Yet beneath the surface, they each grapple with a sense of unease and discontent that they can’t quite explain.
Everything begins to change when the trio invites Charlotte Gustafson, a free-spirited and artsy newcomer from Manhattan, to join their book club. The group’s first selection? Betty Friedan’s groundbreaking and controversial book, The Feminine Mystique. As they delve into Friedan’s revolutionary ideas, the women begin to see their own lives in a new light, realizing they are not alone in their feelings of dissatisfaction and yearning for something more.
What follows is an inspiring and thought-provoking tale of friendship, empowerment, and self-discovery. While The Feminine Mystique and other popular books of the era serve as a catalyst, it is the deep bond formed among Margaret, Viv, Bitsy, and Charlotte that truly propels them toward change.
Together, they navigate the challenges of a rapidly shifting world, confront their pasts, and redefine what it means to live a fulfilling life.
Marie Bostwick masterfully captures the essence of an era when women across the country were beginning to question societal norms and seek out their own paths. Her rich character development and keen insight into the human experience make The Book Club for Troublesome Women a must-read for anyone interested in women’s history, personal growth, and the enduring power of female friendship.
“Writing this book helped me understand how much the women of today owe to my mother’s generation,” said Bostwick. “The opportunities we take for granted were paid for by the fearless, dauntless, troublesome women who came before.”
Just a few new releases we are excited about this March....
By the author of Migrations and Once There Were Wolves, Wild Dark Shore follows the Salt family, isolated on Shearwater, a remote island near Antarctica, where they care for the world’s largest seed bank. When a woman named Rowan mysteriously washes ashore during a fierce storm, the family begins to nurse her back to health, and she becomes a beacon of hope for their fractured lives. However, as Rowan uncovers troubling secrets about the island and its inhabitants, including sabotage and a hidden grave, she realizes that trust may be their only hope for survival. As the storms intensify, they must decide if they can overcome their past traumas and work together to protect the seeds that represent humanity’s future. This novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the survival instincts that emerge when everything else is at risk.
From the author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists, Dream Count follows the lives of four women as they navigate personal struggles and reflect on their pasts. Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer living in America, wrestles with her choices and regrets during the pandemic, while her best friend Zikora, a successful lawyer, must confront betrayal and heartbreak. Omelogor, Chiamaka's cousin and a financial powerhouse in Nigeria, begins to question her sense of self, and Kadiatou, Chiamaka's housekeeper, faces an unthinkable hardship that threatens her hard-earned life in America. Through their intertwined stories, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores themes of love, happiness, and self-discovery, offering a poignant and beautifully written reflection on the choices we make, the connections we share, and the complexity of the human heart.
The Antidote opens on Black Sunday, as a historic dust storm ravages the fictional town of Uz, Nebraska. But Uz is already collapsing--not just under the weight of the Great Depression and the dust bowl drought but beneath its own violent histories. The Antidote follows a "Prairie Witch," whose body serves as a bank vault for peoples' memories and secrets; a Polish wheat farmer who learns how quickly a hoarded blessing can become a curse; his orphan niece, a basketball star and witch's apprentice in furious flight from her grief; a voluble scarecrow; and a New Deal photographer whose time-traveling camera threatens to reveal both the town's secrets and its fate. Russell's novel is above all a reckoning with a nation's forgetting--enacting the settler amnesia and willful omissions passed down from generation to generation, and unearthing not only horrors but shimmering possibilities. The Antidote echoes with urgent warnings for our own climate emergency, challenging readers with a vision of what might have been--and what still could be.
From the bestselling author of Detransition Baby, Torrey Peters' Stag Dance is a bold collection that pushes the boundaries of trans writing. The title novel follows a group of lumberjacks working in an illegal winter logging outfit who plan a dance, where some will attend as women. When the largest and roughest axman decides to dance as a woman, he enters a rivalry with a younger jack, leading to obsession, jealousy, and betrayal. Surrounding the novel are three provocative stories: "Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones," about a gender apocalypse caused by an unstable ex-girlfriend; "The Chaser," a secret romance at a Quaker boarding school filled with intrigue and cruelty; and "The Masker," a dark story of a young crossdresser at a Las Vegas party torn between objectification and unglamorous sisterhood. With its acidly funny tone and daring scope, Stag Dance is a provocative, unsettling, and inventive exploration of gender, desire, and community.
In Abundance, bestselling authors Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson offer a paradigm-shifting argument for renewing a politics of plenty to address the failures of liberal governance and the chosen scarcities shaping American life. They explore how decades of policies designed to solve chronic problems of our times—like limiting housing development, restricting immigration, and failing to act on climate change—have created the crises of unaffordability and shortage we face today. The authors argue that the challenges of the twenty-first century are not the result of villains, but of outdated solutions that prevent progress. By confronting the institutional failures on both sides of the political spectrum, Klein and Thompson propose a bold path toward a future of abundance, where we prioritize building and solving problems, offering a timely response to the growing movements of scarcity around the world.
In How to Love Better: The Path to Deeper Connection Through Growth, Kindness, and Compassion, Yung Pueblo explores the profound connection between self-love and healthy relationships, emphasizing how our ability to be present in our own healing and growth can transform our connections with others. From the early, hesitant stages of love to navigating challenges, heartbreak, and healing, Pueblo offers wisdom on how ego and attachment can hinder relationships. By embracing self-awareness, building honesty, and learning to listen with compassion, he provides practical insights that help individuals strengthen their relationships, whether with partners, friends, or family. Drawing on poetry, personal experience, and thoughtful advice, this book is a guide to deepening all forms of love.
A poem to end on...
The Peace of Wild Things
by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
