"The colossal number of targeted books, disturbing as it is, reflects a deep and optimistic truth. It's a function of the vastness of the number of young people in the last decade or two who have learned to love reading.

"Gen Z reads. Gen Alpha, or whatever we're calling them, also reads. This is why the young-adult genre has exploded. Young people are smart and they're voracious and I think they're about to bring our national literacy, and national quality of conversation and thought, to a much higher place than where it is today.

"And if you worry that these book bans might slow them down, don't. Parents should know this already. There is no force on earth greater than a teenager's will to do something you've told them not to. So good luck, Moms for Liberty. You're fighting the sea."

"With great sadness," owner Annie Philbrick announced that Savoy Bookshop & Café, Westerly, R.I., is closing permanently this Friday, July 28.

Philbrick, who opened the store in 2016 and also owns Bank Square Books in Mystic, Conn., and Title IX in New London, Conn., said, "As many of you will understand, running a small business comes with many challenges. While the managers and staff have met many of those challenges head on, we've come to realize that determination does not always guarantee success, no matter how great the effort. After a lengthy review of the business's finances, I have reached the conclusion that the store is no longer viable. Savoy continues to run a deficit year after year due to thin margins, fierce online competition, and increasing costs on nearly all fronts. These factors have become insurmountable hurdles for this business. It's a frustrating and unfortunate reality that many independent bookstores face."

Philbrick added that "for the sake of transparency, employees have been given advance notice of the closure and will be given severance pay." Late last year, Savoy staff voted to unionize, and Philbrick voluntarily recognized the union.

She called Savoy "an important part of downtown Westerly for the past seven years. I have watched this town grow and change in ways I could never have anticipated when we first opened. Together with the store's staff, I have had the privilege of getting to know and serve thousands of customers, many of whom are considered regulars and friends. I am incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for your support through the years, and especially during the pandemic. Your loyalty kept us going."

Savoy opened with the help of developer Chuck Royce and his son-in-law Daniel King, who wanted to bring an indie bookstore to Westerly after its only bookstore had closed in 2014. Royce also helped Philbrick purchase the building housing Bank Square Books last year. Bank Square Books and Title IX continue in business.

With the current contract between UPS and the 340,000 unionized employees set to expire at the end of the month, the company and union are reportedly going back to the negotiating table tomorrow after halting talks July 5. The union has threatened to strike if a contract agreement isn't reached; a strike could happen as early as a week from tomorrow, Tuesday, August 1.

Last week, Ingram issued another service alert that again recommended customers "stock up with enough inventory to meet customer demand," urging IBC customers to order by tomorrow, July 25. (Ingram Publisher Services customers were urged to order by last Thursday, July 20.)

In addition, Ingram said that "to help with potential stock up orders, Ingram will institute our Q4 seasonal credit line increases."

Booksellers are preparing in a variety of ways. Print: A Bookstore, Portland, Maine, estimates that 85% of its books arrive via UPS. In anticipation of a possible strike, it has increased its backlist orders "a bit--reordering two or three copies of a popular backlist title at time rather than one. Or five copies instead of three with the hopes that we'll be fully stocked for several weeks!" according to co-owner Emily Russo.

Many bookstores continued to urge their own customers to order early. For example, House of Books, Kent, Conn., wrote to readers, in part, "We receive 95% of our shipments from UPS, so books will likely be delayed. While we plan to work with other carriers to get you the books you need, please consider taking the next few days to order ahead on any books you KNOW you'll be wanting to read this summer. It's best to get any orders in by Tuesday, July 25. You can place special orders on our website, over the phone, or in-store."

Blacksburg Books, Blacksburg, Va., posted on Facebook, "We all know that Hollywood actors and writers are striking (and we're very upset because we NEED season 3 of Yellowjackets) but did you know that there's the likelihood of an upcoming UPS strike? We're doing our very best to stock up on all of the books y'all love, but we're begging you to please order early/order now if there's a book you think you'll want in the next few months!"

Bleak House Books, Honeoye Falls, N.Y., posted a picture on Facebook of the store's usual UPS driver, Bob, who is currently out because of an injury. The store wrote, in part, "We wish Bob well and we stand in solidarity with him and all his colleagues at UPS who are fighting for better lives for themselves and their families.

"We rely on UPS a lot for our bookshop needs. Most of our books, merch, and supplies are delivered by UPS. And the strike will certainly affect our operations. But we will find a way forward. And we hope the same is true too for the many hardworking UPS rank-and-file workers out there. Be strong and see you all on the other side."

Last week, Booksweet, Ann Arbor, Mich., posted "a little of what to expect at Booksweet if there is a UPS strike":

"If all goes well, New Release Tuesday will continue as usual. But if there's an upcoming book you know you want, please preorder! If it sells out, we don't know how long it will take to get more. Similarly, please be patient with any special orders. If you have a time-sensitive order needed in August or September--such as for a class, a book club, a professional development workshop, a birthday--please get those orders in now. In the event the strike continues into the Fall, we can't emphasize enough to do your holiday shopping early."

Copper Dog Books, Beverly, Mass., said on Facebook that it is preparing for a possible UPS strike by "stocking up on popular titles, ordering events books really early--like through October early [and] being really brave and learning that we can't control the shipping gods despite worshipping them."

The store noted, "We support our delivery drivers who do so much heavy lifting of boxes filled with books day in and day out, and also doing the heavy lifting of striking so that their part time coworkers are paid a livable wage.

"We also want to prepare our customers for inevitable delays, as nearly all of our book orders are delivered by UPS. This strike will inevitably impact your book orders delivery times and estimates will be impossible to determine for a bit.

"What You Can Do:

• If you know you want to read a specific book in August for a vacation, ORDER IT NOW.
• Have your book club list in advance? We love that for you. Get in your orders ASAP.
• Be patient--we are most likely not going to know more than you about when your order will arrive.
• (Optional) Bring our booksellers little treats as they stress eat their way through this time."

On Wednesday, July 26, Barnes & Noble is opening its second store in Maine, in Merrymeeting Plaza in Brunswick, in a space of about 7,000 square feet. The store will celebrate with an appearance by author Lisa Steele, who will cut the grand opening ribbon and sign copies of her book The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways (Harper Horizon).

This is the first new B&N in Maine since its Augusta store opened in 1995. The company noted that last year it opened "more new bookstores in a single year than it had in the whole decade from 2009 to 2019." The bookseller expects to open more than 30 new bookstores in 2023.

Nan's Pre-Owned Books in Grover Beach, Calif., has reopened as Nan's Books & Crystals following a brief closure, the San Luis Obispo Tribune reported.

The bookstore, which sells predominantly used titles along with some new books, now has a sizable inventory of rocks and crystals. Owner Kassi Dee, who has collected rocks and crystals for years, decided to expand her store's focus after learning that the Halcyon Store in San Luis Obispo County was going out of business. In early June, she reached out to the retiring owners and offered to buy their inventory.

Dee told the Tribune that she thought books and crystals went quite well together, explaining: "When you're an avid reader, you read and read and read, and when you're an avid believer in the energy and metaphysical aspects of crystals, you really believe in it and get crystals for everything." She added that the store has already proven popular with "rock hounds" after reopening on June 10.

Dee's grandmother Nan Fowler originally opened the store in Arroyo Grande, Calif., in 1987. In 2001, it moved to its current home at 1328 West Grand Ave. in Grover Beach. Dee took ownership of the store in 2020.

The Williams Bookstore in Williamstown, Mass., hosted Tracy Wolff (far right), author of Star Bringer (Red Tower Books) for a signing and q&a.

Over the weekend, the surprise movie bundle juggernaut that is Barbenheimer (Greta Gerwig's Barbie and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer) dominated movie screens nationwide.

At Powell's Books

Powell's Books, Portland, Ore., posted on the shop's blog: "It's not every day that two seemingly-polar-opposite blockbusters come out in theaters on the same day, and it's even more rare that the venn diagram of those two releases has some significant overlap when it comes to existential crises about appearances and reality and... death!... We wanted to celebrate this delicious double bill in the only way we know how: with a list of books that we think would pair nicely. But before we go long on books about appearances and reality and death, it feels important to call out the writers and actors currently striking. We stand in solidarity! They're the reason we have these movies that we're so excited to watch (while snacking on popcorn in an air-conditioned theater)."

Many other indie booksellers joined in on the Barbenheimer trend and shared their enthusiasm on social media, including:

Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, Calif.: "Barbenheimer. Who's seeing a double feature this weekend?"

Bookends & Beginnings, Evanston, Ill.: " 'Now I am become Death, destroyer of worlds.'--Barbie."

Theodore's Books, Oyster Bay, N.Y.: "Happy #barbenheimer day to all who celebrate. Come in and find out if the books were better than the movies!"

Novelette Booksellers, Nashville, Tenn.: "Happy Barbenheimer Day to all who celebrate. Shop is open til 8 p.m. let's goooo!"

Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, N.C.: "Barbenheimer: Book Edition! See the movies, then read the history."

Sunshine Book Co., Clermont, Fla.: "So... which is it this weekend? Or both? #barbienheimer #barbie #oppenheimer #bigdecision."

"Why pick one, when you can have both?" at Robinson's Bookshop, Victoria, Australia.

Blacksburg Books, Blacksburg, Va.: "Yep. My taste in books. Also my taste in books."

Dragon Tale Books, Menomonie, Wis.: "The movies Oppenheimer and Barbie came out yesterday. To celebrate Barbenheimer weekend here are 15 fascinating books about Oppenheimer."

Skylark Bookshop, Los Angeles, Calif.: "Barbenheimer! Which one will you catch?"

"Rainy outside = cozy inside," the Bookshop, Nashville, Tenn., posted on Instagram. 

Lizards at Large: 21 Remarkable Reptiles at Their Actual Size by Roxie Munro (Holiday House).

Today:
CBS Mornings: Andrew Rannells, author of Uncle of the Year: & Other Debatable Triumphs (Crown, $28, 9780593443439). He will also appear tomorrow on the Today Show and Live with Kelly and Mark.

Tamron Hall repeat: Dr. Will Cole, author of Gut Feelings: Healing the Shame-Fueled Relationship Between What You Eat and How You Feel (Rodale, $28, 9780593232361).

Fresh Air: Colson Whitehead, author of Crook Manifesto (Doubleday, $29, 9780385545150).

Tomorrow:
Today Show: Liz Tran, author of The Karma of Success: Spiritual Strategies to Free Your Inner Genius (Portfolio, $28, 9780593542446).

Tamron Hall repeat: Ryan Holiday, author of The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kids (Portfolio, $30, 9780593539057).

New production photos have been released for the world premiere of Brokeback Mountain, Ashley Robinson's new play--with music--based on Annie Proulx's short story, Playbill reported. The production officially opened at London's @sohoplace May 18. Featuring songs by Dan Gillespie Sells and direction by Jonathan Butterell, the limited engagement will continue through August 12. 

Tony and BAFTA nominee Mike Faist (Dear Evan Hansen, West Side Story film) stars as Jack with Oscar nominee Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea, Boy Erased) as Ennis. The cast also includes Emily Fairn (The Responder) as Alma, Paul Hickey (Waste, Our Class) as older Ennis, and Martin Marquez (Othello, Husbands & Sons) as Joe/Bill/Jack's father.

The original songs are performed by Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction), who plays the balladeer. Reader is joined onstage by her country and western band, including musical director Sean Green on piano, Meelie Traill on upright bass, Greg Miller on chromatic harmonica, and BJ Cole on pedal steel guitar.

"Brokeback Mountain has been recreated in several different forms, each with its own distinctive moods and impact," Proulx had said in an earlier statement. "Ashley's script is fresh and deeply moving, opening sight lines not visible in the original nor successive treatments."

The Alliance of Radical Booksellers announced that Patrice Lawrence's novella Needle has won this year's Little Rebels Award for Radical Children's Fiction, which recognizes "the rich tradition of radical publishing for children in the U.K."

Judge Farrah Serroukh said Needle offers "a really important representation of a child in care and the complex challenges of being part of the British care system." She also praised Lawrence's "exceptional skill in conveying the vulnerability of the main character and nuances of her character and the wider cast, resulting in a heart breaking insight into the ways in which children in care are often so poorly let down."

LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 August titles public library staff across the country love:

Top Pick
Happiness Falls: A Novel by Angie Kim (Hogarth, $28, 9780593448205). "During the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, 20-year-old Mia is adjusting to lockdown and living back at home. When her father goes missing during a walk in a nearby park, only her younger brother, Eugene--who has special needs and does not speak--knows what happened. Readers will enjoy this delightful and thought-provoking look at family secrets." --Portia Kapraun, Delphi Public Library, Ind.

Family Lore: A Novel by Elizabeth Acevedo (Ecco, $30, 9780063207264). "Woven with magical realism, this novel uncovers the buried secrets of Flor and her sisters as this Dominican-American family tries to find out why Flor is throwing herself a living wake. Poet Acevedo successfully translates her skill into fiction. Readers of her previous work will recognize her heart and style, displayed here in alternating narratives. A beautifully told story with all the complexities that make up families." --Becky Phillips, Brown County Library, Wis.

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas (Berkley, $28, 9780593436721). "Nena, a ranch owner's daughter, and Nestor, a peasant, know their love is impossible, but they still dream of marrying one day. That is until one night a terrifying beast attacks Nena. Believing her dead, Nestor flees in panic. Ten years later Nestor is back to help defend against Texas invaders and the supernatural creatures attacking their village. Set in 19th-century Mexico, this vibrant novel combines historical fiction, horror, and romance to tell a thrilling story." --Migdalia Jimenez, Chicago Public Library, Ill.

The Blonde Identity: A Novel by Ally Carter (‎Avon, $24.99, 9780063276642). "It's the middle of the night in Paris and a woman wakes up with no memory. She only knows three things for certain: she has a splitting headache, the hottest guy she's ever seen is standing over her telling her to run, and--oh yeah--people keep trying to kill her. The banter throughout and wrap-up at the end are perfect. Readers will hope for a sequel or even a trilogy featuring this cast of characters." --Le'Trail Hall-Nance, Denver Public Library, Colo.

Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Córdova (‎Hyperion Avenue, $15.99, 9781368053365). "This modern retelling of The Little Mermaid has pop sensation Ariel figuring out the next step in her life, away from her controlling father. Eric and his band are trying to get their big break. When Eric meets Ariel, he doesn't recognize her and offers her a job on his tour. Ariel accepts, seizing the chance to live in the real world. A story of life, love, and family--and making the choices that make you happy." --Christine Markley, Kingsport Public Library, Tenn.

Whalefall: A Novel by Daniel Kraus (MTV Books, $27.99, 9781665918169). "Jay, feeling guilty about his father's suicide, attempts a dive to find his father's remains. Swallowed by a hungry sperm whale, he has one hour to find a way out before running out of oxygen. A scientifically accurate, terrifying story for fans of Jaws, deep sea terror, survivors, complicated families, and explorations of death and grief." --Lila Denning, St. Petersburg Library System, Fla.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: A Novel by James McBride (Riverhead, $28, 9780593422946). "In a small town where Jewish and Black Americans have prospered, four adults decide to help hide a young boy, which brings trouble to their doorstep. McBride has a gift for warm and witty dialogue spiced with scenes that both disgust and delight in their humanity. For readers of the character-rich stories of Amor Towles, Ann Patchett, and Jamie Ford." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Tex.

The Witch Is Back by Sophie H. Morgan (Harlequin, $18.99, 9781335476043). "Emmaline has loved Bastian her whole life. When he disappeared shortly before they were meant to be married, he broke her heart. Now he's back and begging her to reinstate their engagement, for all the wrong reasons. Secrets, spells, heartbreak, and hope all come together beautifully in this charming tale! For readers who love Erin Sterling and April Asher." --Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public, N.Y.

Codename Charming: A Novel by Lucy Parker (‎Avon, $18.99, 9780063040106). "Pet is a human rainbow--colorful, sparkly, and vibrant, while Matthias is the personification of still waters running deep. Opposites attract in this contemporary workplace romance featuring a royal personal assistant and a bodyguard. Quirky, giggle-inducing humor is balanced by sweet moments. This was so satisfying and such a joy to read!" --Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Ohio

Mister Magic: A Novel by Kiersten White (Del Rey, $28, 9780593359266). "When castmates from a children's program are brought back together to record a podcast about the show, the group feel like they are back where they belong. But soon they begin to wonder, are they here by choice, or have they been lured into a trap much more sinister than could ever be imagined? A terrifyingly creepy and realistic tale." --Ninoshka Aviles, Osceola Library, Fla.

Japanese author Hiromi Kawakami (People from My Neighborhood) brings readers into an off-kilter, supernaturally charged world in the eight surreal speculative stories that make up her provocative collection Dragon Palace, translated by Ted Goossen.

The opening story, "Hokusai," finds a tongue-tied young man falling under the thrall of a grifter who claims to be an octopus living in human form. "Have you seen that picture of the octopus twining itself around a naked pearl diver? That was me," the octopus man boasts, referencing the Hokusai woodcut The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife. In the titular story, "Dragon Palace," a woman is visited by her ancestor, a goddess who controlled her followers with sex and felt driven to wander the earth. A caregiver in her 50s falls into a relationship with a man in his 90s who is possessed by a fox spirit in "Fox's Den." A mole and his wife collect depressed humans and care for them underground, even going so far as to adopt their babies, in the strangely touching "Mole." In "Shimazaki," a woman falls in love with her own ancestor, a 400-year-old life coach. "Sea Horse" sees a supernatural woman lured from her home in the ocean by her attraction to a man, only to be passed from husband to husband and kept "like a well-maintained car in their garage" as she yearns to return to the sea.

Kawakami plays with themes of transformation and identity in unexpected, sometimes humorous ways. Many of her characters struggle to understand themselves, such as the tongue-tied young man whom the former octopus exhorts to find his own path. Characters also deal with the mystifying aspects of love, finding connection in startling places, and wondering where the lines are between love, sex, and intimacy. Kawakami uses some of her trademark ingredients, such as May-December romances, this time with as much as a 200-year age gap, and plenty of mythical and folkloric entities. Gender dynamics wind through the narratives as well. A housewife takes money from a man she's having an affair with, only to find he stops paying her when she agrees out loud that they are lovers. The woman from the sea is treated as a possession by her husbands but feels inexplicably unable to attempt escape. Ted Goossen's translation gives Kawakami's spare prose all its gently eerie glory in this delectable assortment of the odd and the moving. --Jaclyn Fulwood, blogger at Infinite Reads

Shelf Talker: Dragon Palace features eight surreal, emotionally affecting stories set in a world where the mystical and mundane rub elbows.