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This summer, we challenged kids, ages 17 and under, to read as much as they could! For every five books they read, we gave them a free book! Some took it even a step further and handed in reviews of the books they'd particularly liked. Congratulations are in order for Claire (14), April (9), and Kimberley (10) who are the winners of the review writing contest!

“An understanding of computer science is becoming increasingly essential in today’s world. Our national competitiveness depends upon our ability to educate our children—and that includes our girls—in this critical field.” —Sheryl Sandberg

Our bookbuyer, Mark Ouillette, will be speaking on WAMC's Book Picks segment of Joe Donahue's Roundtable! He'll be chatting about his most anticipated new books this season. We hope you'll tune in on August 16th at 10am but if you miss it, just stop in! We're stocking the books, and, of course, Mark and all the booksellers here are always happy to recommend our favorite books!

What do games and books have in common? They both offer so much for the imagination!

We've often been asked if we've got any kind of membership program, and, up until now, we never have. But we have so many wonderful, loyal customers and we'd like to treat you to something special every once in a while!

Ah, summer reading, that cool, sweet, happy thing! This summer we're introducing our Summer Reading Challenge for kids ages 17 and under to help them get into the reading mood.

With Captain America: Civil War in theaters right now, and the whole host of superhero and DC and Marvel universe films that have been dominating the box offices these past few years, we'd thought we'd take a moment to remember where all these heroes got their starts: on the written (and illustrated) page!

Of all the "National Something Months", April's Poetry Month seems to be the least advertised. Even the most dedicated of artists and readers may overlook this time of the year. But what better time is there for poetic artistic expression than when the sky opens up, flowers bud and bloom, and nature starts to sing again? And if you're not a die-hard poetry reader already, what better time to dip your toes in something new, discover a fresh perspective, and find a new true love?

In a recent response to a need for better female protagonists, the "strong female character" trope quickly proliferated by the hundreds, if not thousands, in many books, particularly blossoming in young adult fiction targeted at teen women.

Do you know what's almost as good as reading a really good book?

Eating a really good chocolate!

And there's definitely nothing better than doing both at the same time...

Not only do we have a huge assortment of wonderful books (as always!) to pick out from for your valentine(s) (or... yourself), but our ever popular stock of locally made Berkshire Bark has recently expanded too! They've developed even more maddeningly delicious chocolate bar flavors, like our new favorite, Peppermint Crush (just kidding, we still think you're numnber 1, Pretzological, our love).

Check out our favorite book/chocolate pairings and find your (and your loved ones') happy place.

CocoaNutz & The Forever Girl by Alexander McCall Smith

It may be cold and snowy out here, but in the pages of this novel by the bestselling author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, you'll be swinging in a hammock, enjoying the sun, the breeze, the surf, and-- let's not forget the only thing that can truly make the scene complete-- a lovely tropical cocunut! This chocolate, laden with sea salt, roasted almonds, both milk and dark Belgian chocolate, and cocunut chunks and chips, will have you leaving this cold dark world behind-- and diving right into this good book!

Jumpin' Java & Dancers Among Us by Jordan Matter

What's more everyday than a shot of caffeine and a burst of energy? Channel your inner dancer with this revitalizing chocolate while perusing these gorgeous and inspirational photographs and stories of the dancers among us.

Tropical Heat & Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

Hoffman fills the pages of her newest work with an island's magic and color in this stunning tale of what it means to walk the tightrope between tradition and independence, love and logic. This scrumptiously spicy chocolate will pair perfectly with this book's island setting and unforgettable love story.

White Lightning & Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Picture this: Grey skies pouring sheets of rain down upon the Scottish moors; horses, their riders pursued, pounding through the heather, sounding like rolling thunder; a flash of lightning illuminating, just for a second, tall, immovable, ancient standing stones; a gut-wrenching jolt and you appear... in the eighteenth century. Sound like fun? You'll feel positively wealthy being able to munch on some luxuriously white chocolate studded with lemon, cashew, and ginger while you read about Jamie and Claire's trials and tribulations during the  the second Scottish uprising.

Midnight Harvest & A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Get ready for a delicious witching hour with Deborah Harness' bestseller and this melt-in-your-mouth dark, rich chocolate treat.

Peppermint Crush & These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

This classy heroine is as cool as peppermint to her companion-- but can she really be blamed? After crash-landing on a mysterious planet and finding herself stuck there with just one taciturn guy for company, their quest for a way back to civilization (if they survive at all) is plagued by their haltingly evolving relationship. You'll need this Peppermint Crush as sustenance for this thought-provoking page-turner!

Mocha Buzz & The New York Times Presents Coffee Shop Crosswords

What could be more satisfying than sitting down with your morning hot mug of coffee, a great crossword puzzle, and a bite of coffee-infused chocolate on the side? Talk about a GOOD MORNING!