The Storyline: Issue 2 - September 2024
A newsletter brought to you by the team at Storyline Bookshop
Bookshop Buzz 🐝
An inside look at your neighborhood bookshop!
Hi there, welcome in! Janine here, owner of Storyline Bookshop. We have almost been open for two months and boy, have we had a great start. Here are a few exciting events and milestones from the past few weeks!
💸 We’ve sold over 10,000 books and gifts since we opened!
💘 Bookstore Romance Day was our second-busiest day so far!
📖 The Book Swap event was a major success, and we plan to host another in Nov.
✍🏼 We had a lovely book signing with local rom-com author Kerry Winfrey.
📣 We’ve gained nearly 7,000 followers on our social media accounts in 2 months!
🥰 Your word-of-mouth referrals and five-star Google Reviews have brought us so much business; we can’t thank you enough!
Mark Your Calendar 🗓️
Explore upcoming events happening at Storyline
Literary Fiction Book Club Meeting
Date: September 1st, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us for a captivating discussion on "The Anthropologists" by Ayşegül Savaş, our selected book for August. Dive into its intriguing narrative and explore its rich themes with fellow literary enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned club member or a first-time attendee, your insights are valued, and we can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Register for free here.
Storytime at Storyline
Date: September 8th, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Celebrate Grandparent’s Day at Storyline with an engaging story session and fun crafts, guided by the wonderful teacher, Julia. Perfect for kids and their grandparents to bond and create lasting memories over books and crafts. Don't miss out on this special day filled with stories and smiles! Register for free here.
Book Launch & Signing
Date: September 10th, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Meet Sarah Gormley, local author of The Order of Things, at our exclusive book launch and signing event. Get your copy signed and enjoy a firsthand account of the inspirations and stories behind her latest work. Register for free here.
Horror Book Talk
Date: September 13th, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Brave enough for a spine-tingling discussion? Join us Friday the 13th to delve into the chilling depths of the horror novella "THRUM." Perfect for horror aficionados and those curious about the genre, come and share your perspectives or soak in the eerie ambiance. It's sure to be a thrilling evening! Register for free here.
You’ve Got Mail Day
Date: September 22nd, 2024 - All Day
Celebrate the first day of fall and the iconic fall movie "You’ve Got Mail" with us. Spend your day reliving the charm of this classic film through various themed activities and surprises that capture the essence of autumn romance. It’s the perfect way to welcome the season! Register for free here.
Classics & Classical
Date: September 29th, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Experience an elegant afternoon with 'Classics & Classical.' Enjoy timeless classical music inspired by beloved books adapted into films, paired with a delightful afternoon tea. It’s an ideal setting for lovers of great stories and music to enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon, unwinding with soothing tunes and delicious treats. This event is free but space is limited. Register here.
Storyline Announcements 🗞️
Exciting new updates at Storyline!
Rare Books & Collectibles for Fall
We are thrilled to announce that our Rare & Collectibles cabinet is getting a new selection of hard-to-find books that will surely make you gasp in surprise. We will be putting out our fall collection on September 1st, and the only way you can find out what we have is to stop by the shop. We will have all genres: signed, first editions, and some that we’ve never seen anywhere else. See you then, collectors!
Fall Merch Coming in Hot!
I know it’s like 95 degrees this week. However, we got excited last week with the hint of fall and have already released our new fall merch! We have crewneck sweatshirts in forest green and camel colors and a new long-crop style with bubble sleeves in hot cocoa. We also have the fan favorite: tan tote and a natural heavy tote with the signature Tremont Center sketch. Get them while you can because when we sell out, they’re gone!
New Book Clubs!
Due to popular demand, we're thrilled to announce new book clubs to match the themes of our bookshop rooms! Get ready for a Romance Book Club and a Mystery/Thriller Book Club. Here are more details on all three:
Lit Fic Book Club
Hosted by our managers and owner, this is our original book club, which features books with rich character development and beautiful prose. We will meet the first Sunday of each month at 10am. The first meeting (on Sep 1) will be a discussion on our August pick - The Anthropologists. Next week, we will announce our September pick!Romance Book Club
This new book club will feature new releases and bestselling books in our romance and fantasy room, including rom-com, romantasy, and all of the romance tropes you know and love. Our resident romance book lovers, Lexi and Jasmine, will host this club on the second Wednesday on the month at 6pm. The first book and meeting date will be announced soon! Keep an eye on our social media accounts.Mystery/Thriller Book Club
Are you the type that loves a good twisty mystery? Something to keep you on your toes? This is the club for you! Hosted by Jessica, the horror mystery reader on our team, this club will meet on the third Thursday of the month at 6pm. the first book will be shared on social within the next week!
The Nook ☕️
Overlooked backlist titles that don’t get enough love
Cobble Hill by Cecily von Ziegesar: Dive into the quirky and intertwined lives of a Brooklyn neighborhood where secrets, scandals, and surprises are just around the corner.
On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel: Experience a haunting and poetic tale of two sisters battling the shadows of their past in a gritty Ohio town.
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff: Relive the day that changed everything through the gripping voices and memories of those who witnessed it firsthand.
We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian: Explore a heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and systemic failure as one journalist uncovers the truth behind a tragic child removal case in America.
Far from the Tree by Robin Benway: Follow three adopted siblings on a deeply emotional journey as they discover the true meaning of family, identity, and belonging.
September New Releases 🚨
Check out the upcoming new releases for September! If you ever want to pre-order a book or put it on hold, call us! 614-321-8060
Literary Fiction
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty: A gripping exploration of life’s fleeting moments, where a single choice can change everything.
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig: Embark on a thought-provoking journey through the multiverse, where each life is a chance to find purpose.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney: Dive into a captivating tale of modern relationships, where love and identity are constantly in flux.
Playground by Richard Powers: Discover the delicate balance between nature and humanity in this poignant story set against the backdrop of ecological wonder.
The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk: Unravel a chilling and surreal horror tale set in a mysterious health resort where nothing is as it seems.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors: Immerse yourself in a vivid story of sisterhood, love, and rivalry as four women navigate the complexities of their shared past.
Colored Television by Danzy Senna: Step into a vibrant narrative that explores race, identity, and the American dream through a sharp and unflinching lens.
Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner: Delve into a haunting tale of survival and resilience set in a dystopian landscape where every choice has life-or-death consequences.
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout: Discover a deeply human story where the secrets we keep and the truths we reveal shape the very fabric of our lives.
Scaffolding by Lauren Elkin: Follow a woman’s introspective journey through art, love, and loss as she rebuilds her life one step at a time.
Romance
My Vampire Plus One by Jenna Levine: Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com where sparks fly between a quirky human and her dashing vampire plus-one.
Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver: Saddle up for a swoon-worthy romance set in the rugged landscape of Rose Hill, where love blossoms against all odds.
Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan: What happens when a fake engagement starts to feel a little too real? Find out in this charming and delightful love story.
Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath: Hit the ice with this steamy sports romance where a hockey star and a determined journalist find love in the most unexpected way.
Truly Madly Deeply by L.J. Shen: Dive into a forbidden love story full of passion, secrets, and the intense emotions that can only come from true, mad, and deep love.
Mystery, Thriller, Horror
The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave: Unravel a tense and emotional mystery where one night changes everything, and the truth is more elusive than ever.
Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson: Join detective Jackson Brodie in a gripping investigation where secrets buried deep come to light in the most unexpected ways.
A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enriquez: Explore a collection of dark and twisted stories set in sun-soaked locales, where danger lurks behind every corner.
The Examiner by Janice Hallett: Six students, one murder—can you solve the crime before they do in this intricately plotted and suspenseful novel?
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman: The Thursday Murder Club is back, bringing their unique wit and charm to another delightfully puzzling case that only they can crack.
Fantasy
Vilest Things by Chloe Gong: Enter a world of dark secrets and deadly games in this gripping fantasy where betrayal and power collide in unexpected ways.
Bringer of Dust by J.M. Miro: Journey through a haunting landscape where a lone hero must face ancient evils to bring light to a world shrouded in darkness.
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen: Witness the thrilling clash of deities as they compete in a high-stakes game that could change the fate of the universe forever.
Immortal Dark by Tigist Girma: Uncover the mystery of an ancient curse in a tale where immortality is both a gift and a curse, and darkness hides in every corner.
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett: Follow Emily Wilde as she navigates the treacherous terrains of magical realms, uncovering secrets that blur the line between myth and reality.
Nonfiction
Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson: A deeply personal memoir from a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice, sharing her journey of resilience, justice, and the power of hope.
On Freedom by Timothy Snyder: An urgent and thought-provoking exploration of the meaning of freedom in a time of rising authoritarianism and global challenges.
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop: Take a behind-the-scenes look at the beloved TV show through the eyes of the actress who brought Emily Gilmore to life, filled with anecdotes and reflections.
Something Lost, Something Gained by Hillary Rodham Clinton: Reflect on life, love, and leadership with one of the most influential women in modern history, as she shares her experiences and insights.
The Barn by Wright Thompson: Uncover the chilling and untold story of a murder in Mississippi, blending history, mystery, and the complexities of the American South.
Children’s Books
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom by Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris: Join the adventurous first cat in space as it faces cosmic chaos and battles to save the universe from the ultimate threat—soup!
Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko: Step into the heartwarming world of Dogtown, where stray pups find love, friendship, and maybe even a forever home.
InvestiGators: Class Action by John Patrick Green: Dive into another hilarious case with the InvestiGators as they crack codes, fight crime, and keep their school safe from villainy.
The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy and the Walking Disaster by Ann M. Martin, adapted by Ellen T. Crenshaw: Join Kristy and the gang as they tackle new challenges and hilarious mishaps in this exciting graphic novel adaptation.
The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts by Ann Patchett, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser: Explore the delightful tale of how introverts and extroverts can be different yet still the best of friends, learning from each other's unique strengths.
Did you know? 🎁
We have gift cards! Whether you're shopping for a special someone or treating yourself, we've got you covered. Simply give us a call or drop by, and we'll customize your gift card with any amount you choose. It's the perfect gift for any occasion
We offer complimentary gift wrapping! We use kraft paper, twine, and flower bundles to make your gifts extra special! Just ask our friendly booksellers at the front desk.
Postscript ✍🏼
Before you go, take a look at these Community Events
🎨 Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival Monday, September 2 | 10 am–5 pm
FREE Admission. Visitors immerse themselves in hands-on art activities, live music as part of the UA Performance Series, and the opportunity to explore and purchase fine art and fine craft work. Visit the website to learn more.
🚴 Cycle UA Saturday, September 21 at 10 am to enjoy a family-friendly bike ride through Upper Arlington. Choose between a 5-mile, 10-mile or 15-mile course, each exploring the community and our parks, with built in rest stops featuring snacks and water for participants attending the large group event ride. The fun begins and ends at Northam Park. Learn more here.
🌽 The Upper Arlington Farmer’s Market is every Wednesday from 3:30-6:30 PM (through Oct) located right in front of Storyline and Littleton’s Market. Learn more here and stop in while you’re nearby.
✏️ Westerville Library is hosting a Meet the Author Event with Nicola Yoon - September 18 (7pm) | Westerville Central High School Tickets: $25 ($12.50 student/ages 55+)
To wrap up, a huge THANK YOU to all our supporters, book-lovers, and friends. We’re here because of YOU! We’re incredibly grateful for our vibrant community of book enthusiasts and are excited to continue this journey with open arms and open books.
Happy Reading! 📖✨
Janine and the Storyline Team
What an amazing newsletter. So many ideas for great books to read. I need more reading time!