The Purple Couch Bookshop has opened in North Andover, Mass., the Cleburne Times-Review reported.

Located at 350 Winthrop Ave., the Purple Couch sells general-interest titles for all ages, with owner Katie Keisling noting that around 40% of the inventory is children's books while adult titles make up another 40%. With plenty of families with small children in the area, Keisling wanted to make sure that there was a wide array of children's titles available.

Keisling held a grand opening celebration for the bookstore on October 21, and her future event plans include everything from children's storytime sessions to poetry readings with North Andover's poet laureate.

Some of the most popular books so far, Keisling told the Times-Review, have been related to wellness and self-care. Children's classics like Make Way for Ducklings have proved popular, and she expects adult titles like The Woman in Me by Britney Spears to take off during the holidays.

"We want to sell what you like," she said. "I want to make sure it's fitting to the world people live in this year."

The bookstore is named for a purple couch that sits at the front of the shop and was made out of a van bench by Keisling's brother-in-law. The namesake couch is just one of many seating options throughout the store, and Keisling welcomes customers to sit and read, do homework, and relax.

Prior to opening the bookstore, Keisling had a 25-year career that saw her travel frequently, often to locations around the world. Once she decided she wanted to remain closer to home, she started planning to open a bookstore.

The Nook bookshop will be hosting a grand opening celebration this Saturday, November 11, at its new location on 216 Main St., Cedar Falls, Iowa. Noting that "we’re so excited to meet you," co-owners Abby Olson and Brandon Conrad posted on Facebook: "Swing by early, as our first 30 customers through the door will receive a free tote bag & free candle! We’ll also have free cookies from Moo’s Bakery (til they run out!)."

In August, Olson and Conrad had announced plans for the upcoming move from their mini bookshop in the Cob Mercantile market to a larger space in the storefront previously occupied by Miss Wonderful Vintage, whose owner, Ann Eastman, "was the first person to give this young couple a chance to start up their business on Main Street," K92.3 reported. The booksellers said, "Ann helped our business take a huge step and now she’s helped us take an even bigger one."

Multicultural Bookstore in Richmond, Calif., has opened a second store, in Las Vegas, Nev., News3LV reported.

Located at 910 Owens Blvd. on the city's Westside, Multicultural Bookstore Las Vegas sells titles for children, teens, and adults that highlight and celebrate a variety of cultures and identities. Other subjects include history, social justice, diversity, STEM, and much more.

The new store is co-owned by Carol Santiago and Tamara Shiloh; Shiloh is also the owner of Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts in Richmond. At the Las Vegas store, Santiago and Shiloh plan to host author signings, children's story time sessions, and a variety of workshops.

The bookstore made its debut on Saturday, November 4, and per News3LV, it is the first Black-owned bookstore to open on the Westside "in over a decade."

Shiloh founded the store in Richmond as the Multicultural Children's Bookstore, before eventually changing the name to Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts. Since 2021 it has resided at 260 Broadway in downtown Richmond.

In the U.K., an updated Industry-Wide Statement on the Book & Publishing Industry's Professional Values has been released by the Publishers Association, Society of Authors, Booksellers Association, and Association of Authors' Agents. Launched five years ago, the document has been updated by representatives of the industry associations in consultation with their memberships.

Several new organizations have also endorsed the statement, including the Association of Illustrators; Translators Association; Publishing Scotland; Independent Publishers Guild; and Writers Guild of Great Britain.

The overall structure of the document has been changed so that it now encompasses 10 points, with additional emphasis on areas such as mental health. More reference to online behavior and social media discourse has also been incorporated. The associations involved noted that while they are not standards bodies, they "believe that an industry commitment of this kind can support an industry-wide culture we can be proud of--one which is welcoming to all, respectful of all, and supportive of all."

Literary agent Natalie Jerome, co-convener of an industry EDI Forum in which the updated statement was developed, said: "Building on the foundations of the original 2018 statement, this new version lays out our commitment to celebrating and actively promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms, and a zero tolerance approach to abuse and the incitement of hatred of any kind. Post BLM and Me Too, we wanted to address the need for an expanded and robust set of professional values and we hope this will unite and take the industry forward. We will continue to look at ways in which together, we can improve upon, amplify and engage the industry with this vitally important, ongoing work."

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Tim Jarvis

In a letter to his bookselling colleagues, BookPeople (the association for Australian bookshops) president Tim Jarvis, owner of Fullers Bookshop, Hobart, Tasmania, noted, in part: "I'm writing to you from atop a fort that has been constructed from books and boxes of books. The fort was formerly known as my shop: I think Christmas mustn't be far away! 

"I don't know about you, but I find it a disconcerting time: space is at a premium, the stock valuation soars, the future accounts payable figure reaches eye-watering heights, but the customers haven't quite started turning out and spending.... I take a lot of comfort in remembering that pre-Christmas feels like this every year, and every year the anxieties and apprehension of September and October (when plans are being made but it's all so abstract) give way to the busy-ness and adrenaline of November and December (even if big spending always starts later than I'd like it to).

"I take a lot of comfort, too, in the thought that books make the very best gifts.... This has been a year with plenty of economic headwinds, but I think the book industry is particularly well placed to face them. A book offers more bang for less buck than anything else I can think of, so why would anyone give anything else? So, from my station high up on a tower of teetering boxes, I'm looking to the future with cautious optimism. Best wishes for the silly season!"

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In London, Hatchards bookstore shared images of the stunning holiday book tree outside the bookseller's St. Pancras store, noting: "London's first Christmas tree of 2023 is up & it's lit! The @stpancrasinternational x @hatchstpancras tree is decorated with more than 3,800 books. The tree also features Christmas cubby holes where you can listen to audiobooks featuring the classics including Dickens, Michael Morpurgo & Beatrix Potter, perfect if you're waiting to catch a train!"

Luke Taylor, retail director at Hatchards, said: "Whether we are young or old, books offer an escape from the hurly-burly bustle of the modern world that no other medium can compete with; and there are few better ways to enjoy a good read than whistling through the countryside on a train! We are delighted to be partnering with St. Pancras International to bring this joy to the many station visitors, allowing people to escape, relax and enjoy literature for a few moments with the station tree. What a start to the festive season!"

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Also getting in on the pre-holiday spirit was the Damn Fine Bookstore in Lyon, France, which posted on Instagram: "Welcome November! Here we are, the night starts early, the days get chilly, it's the beginning of cancelling your plan season, the Scorpio season, in short: the best time of the year (for me) when you can enjoy a cup of black coffee with a book in your fave bookstore (100% objective over here) while listening to the rain! It's also nonfiction November so you'll find a selection of non-fiction books in the window all month long! I can't wait to see you all to share a coffee or a hot tea." --Robert Gray

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation has launched the Read Love Support year-end campaign with a goal of raising $150,000 in donations before December 31 so the organization can continue its commitment to never turn away anyone in need. For more information and to donate, click here.

Binc noted that it continues to see double-digit increases in the number of financial assistance requests and grants provided every month compared to 2022, and this year has also seen a 15% increase in requests for mental health and wellness support.

"We are proud to be able to address every situation whether it is the death of a family member, a cancer diagnosis, a car that has driven through the store front, a broken pipe that floods a store, being priced out of your apartment and having to live in your car, a fire that destroys a home or, most recently, a bomb threat," said Binc executive director Pam French, "but we can't do it alone. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who chooses to support the bookstore and comic shop employees and owners who make their community great at a time when many worthy causes are also seeking funding."

As part of the campaign, Penguin Random House will match all gifts dollar for dollar, doubling the power and impact of donations received up to a total of $15,000. Jaci Updike, president of sales at PRH US, said, "We are always proud to work with our longtime partners and friends at Binc on their meaningful campaign to support bookstores and comic book shops. As pillars of their communities who spread the love of books and reading to people everywhere, they deserve our support and gratitude year-round, especially this holiday season."

In addition, Binc supporters will get an audiobook of their choice from Libro.fm. Give $100 and get one audiobook credit; give $500-plus and recive three audiobook credits. This offer is available until December 31.

"Libro.fm is immensely grateful for Binc's vital role in supporting booksellers and comic retailers in need," said Mark Pearson, CEO and co-founder of Libro.fm. "The needs are so great across thousands of bookstores that without Binc, no other organization could handle the needs at this scale. Binc is uniquely positioned to redirect contributions from book lovers to booksellers who need it most during an emergency."

Avid Reader Bookstore in Davis, Calif., hosted Maddie Day (l.), author of Murder Uncorked (Kensington), in conversation with author Catriona McPherson. Attendees enjoyed wine tastings and snacks from Davis Wine Bar. (photo: Holly Snyder Thompson/Avid Reader Bookstore)

Content Bookstore, Northfield, Minn., has introduced the Novella, a newly renovated, one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the historic downtown, available for short-term rentals. Located upstairs from the bookshop and Northfield Yarn, "this unit offers sweet views of picturesque Division Street, extra-comfy bedding, and a stylish interior that echoes the early-20th-century details of the McKay Building in which it's located. With a well-equipped kitchen, family-friendly details, and an emphasis on quiet and ease, it's the perfect home base for adventures or retreat," Content noted.

Park Books, Severna Park, Md., shared a video on Instagram of the final countdown during Monday night's Midnight Release Party for Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, observing: "Had the best time tonight! So grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate the release of #ironflame at the #midnightrelease @rebeccayarros."

"Every time you shop at an indie bookstore, a kitten gets to ride a unicorn in paradise" was the message on the sidewalk chalkboard outside Roebling Books & Coffee, Newport, Ky., which added: "This and also VOTE!!"

Escape From Mr. Limoncello's Library: The Graphic Novel by Chris Grabenstein, illustrated by Douglas Holgate (Random House Graphic).

Today:
Fresh Air: Barbra Streisand, author of My Name Is Barbra (Viking, $47, 9780525429524).

Tomorrow:
Drew Barrymore Show: Geri Halliwell-Horner, author of Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen (Philomel, $18.99, 9780593623343).

Sherri Shepherd Show: Neil deGrasse Tyson, co-author of To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery (National Geographic, $30, 9781426223303).

Late Show with Stephen Colbert repeat: Adam Kinzinger, author of Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country (The Open Field, $30, 9780593654163).

A trailer has been released for the third season of Slow Horses, adapted from Real Tigers, the third novel in Mick Herron's Slough House espionage book series. Starring Gary Oldman, the series will premiere on Apple TV+ November 29, followed by one new episode weekly through December 27. 
 
In season three, "a romantic liaison in Istanbul threatens to expose a buried MI5 secret in London. When Jackson Lamb and his team of misfits are dragged into the fight, they find themselves caught in a conspiracy that threatens the future not just of Slough House but of MI5 itself," Apple TV+ noted.
 
The ensemble cast also includes Kristin Scott Thomas, Jack Lowden, Saskia Reeves, Rosalind Eleazar, Christopher Chung, Freddie Fox, Chris Reilly, Samuel West, Sophie Okonedo, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Kadiff Kirwan, and Jonathan Pryce. Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù joins the season three cast as Sean Donovan, the former head of security at the British Embassy in Istanbul; along with Katherine Waterston who plays Alison Dunn, an MI5 agent who uncovers a dark secret at the heart of the agency.
 
Slow Horses is produced for Apple TV+ by See-Saw Films and adapted for television by Will Smith (Veep). Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Douglas Urbanski, Gail Mutrux, Will Smith, Jane Robertson, and Graham Yost serve as executive producers on the series. Season three is directed by Saul Metzstein. 

A shortlist has been released for the 2023 Deborah Rogers Foundation Writers Award. The biennial prize is presented to a previously unpublished writer whose submission of 15,000- 20,000 words demonstrates literary talent and who needs financial support to complete their first book. The winner, who will be named November 9 in London, receives £10,000 (about $12,360), with the runners up getting £1,000 (about $1,235) each. The shortlisted titles are:

The Dying Embers of Our Setting Sun by Michelle Alipao Chikaonda (essays)
The Caul by Alicia McAuley (short stories)
The Dead Don't Bleed by Neil Rollinson (novel)

Jo Watson is the author of adult and YA rom-coms that have sold some 600,000 copies worldwide. With more than 10 books, including The Destination Love series and her YA debut, Big Boned, she gained fame on Wattpad, amassing 80 million reads and 120,000 followers, and has received the Watty Award for outstanding stories twice. She lives in South Africa with her son and husband. What Happens on Vacation (W for Wattpad) is an enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity novel.

Handsell readers your book in 25 words or less:

Reverse grumpy sunshine office rivals, sharing one bed in romantic tropical Zanzibar! He's in love with her, she thinks she hates him... but does she?

On your nightstand now:

My nightstand is in utter chaos. Piles and piles of endless TBRs stacked taller than the next one. Every time I think of starting a new book, I accidentally buy another one, or another mysteriously arrives at my house in a brown cardboard box, and then I am no closer to starting the one I'd thought I should start in the first place. It's a dilemma! And let me tell you what the next big dilemma will be: I'll be buying Dolly Alderton, Holly Bourne, and Melissa Broder's new books--all coming out soon--and then I'll have dug myself into a very large TBR hole from whence I fear there is no return.

Favorite book when you were a child:

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton was the book that made me fall in love with reading. I remember it all so clearly: at the end of the day, our kindergarten teacher would read to us for a little while, and I used to look forward to it all day, and it was the first time I realized just how transported one can be by a book. That book will stay with me forever.

Your top [five] authors: 

Melissa Broder, Amber Tamblyn, Dolly Alderton, Donna Tartt, Holly Bourne, and then scatterings of Alissa Nutting and Ottessa Moshfegh. Maybe throw in a little Matthew Quick too.

Book you've faked reading:

I faked reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt for a long time. Despite the fact that The Secret History is one of my all-time fave books (which is probably a slight cliché for writers to say now). But The Goldfinch was so large and intimidating, and everyone was reading it, and I felt left out of intelligent conversation. So I read a few reviews I could use to expound upon it, and faked it for a while! I actually ended up listening to the audiobook in the end.

Book you're an evangelist for:

Any Man by Amber Tamblyn. I can't even cope with how brilliant this book is. Not to mention what important issues and themes it explores. It's written in a combination of poetry, prose, e-mails, and text messages. It is deeply disturbing, will have you thinking about it years after you've put it down, and will break you emotionally, a lot. And now I won't tell you what it's actually about, so go and read it. (Check trigger warnings though.) I refuse to accept any criticism of this piece of art.

P.S. I'm also pretty nuts for Milk Fed by Melissa Broder.

P.P.S. I also think Alissa Nutting wrote one of the most audacious and disturbing books ever when she penned Tampa. 

Book you've bought for the cover:

I actually don't really do this. I will be attracted by a cover, but if the first line doesn't grab me, the cover could be a Van Gogh and I probably wouldn't take it.

Book you hid from your parents:

None. I don't believe in hiding books, and I was also known as someone who didn't really listen to their parents. I was very naughty in my younger years; reading naughty books was the least of my problems, and theirs.

Book that changed your life:

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell. Let's just say that after reading this book, I was left questioning "relationships" that I'd had as a teen which then led me to have a rather large and painful epiphany. I think I'd always known it, but the book helped me see it through different eyes.

Five books you'll never part with:

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Any Man (of course) by Amber Tamblyn

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty (had a really fun and creepy reading experience with this one that I'll always remember)

My special signed edition of Tretchikoff by Howard Timmins

JH Pierneef: His Life and His Work, edited by P.G. Nel

The last two are collectable books about some of my favourite South African artists, Tretchikoff and Pierneef.

Book you most want to read again for the first time:

The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick. I loved this book so much! I fell in love with the character, Bartholomew, and had a good cry at the end.

Favourite line from a book:

"I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-Am." --Dr. Seuss, Green Eggs and Ham. Probably because this is the line I've known and been able to say for most of my life. I used to love saying it when I was younger, even now actually! 

Your favourite book so far of 2023:

The Guest by Emma Cline! This book gripped me and frightened me and disturbed me, and made me feel like I had taken bad drugs and was stuck on a merry-go-round.

For queer teens looking for the vicious and the morally ambiguous, H.E. Edgmon's ferocious Godly Heathens delivers a pantheon of villainous gods wreaking havoc on a small Southern town.

Gem Echols has no desire to stay in Gracie, Ga. As long as the biracial, Seminole teen keeps their grades up, takes their medication, and ignores the haunting dreams of otherworldly murder that plague their sleep, they can survive until graduation to join their long-distance "friend" in Brooklyn. But when strangers roll into town and attempt to kill them, Gem learns the truth: they are the Magician, a reincarnation of the strongest deity in a pantheon of gods from an alternate Earth. It was the Magician's actions that led to the gods being trapped on Gem's Earth, so many of the pantheon want them dead. For Gem to claim their human life and escape the fury of the gods (reincarnated as teenagers in Gem's community), they'll need to embrace their magic and hope their choices don't destroy everything they love.

Edgmon (The Witch King duology) crafts a brutal homage to queer perseverance in this bloody young adult fantasy. Gem reckons with the Magician's--and thus their own--1,000-year history of love and murder to wonder "what makes someone a bad person? Doing what it takes to survive?" In the case of Gem and the gods they love, "doing what it takes" involves a delicious amount of violent, visceral death.

"There are no cis gods," and Edgmon fills the pages with queer teenagers doing understandably terrible things with their unfathomably powerful magic as they campaign for prom queen or try to keep up with their Discord chats. Readers who self-describe as "unhinged" or "feral" will happily latch onto the litany of morally ambiguous magical deities, even if the character design of said deities is somewhat deficient. But what Godly Heathens lacks in worldbuilding, it makes up for with escapist fury and visceral joy that will please fans of Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman's All of Us Villains and Andrew Joseph White's Hell Followed with Us. --Nicole Brinkley, bookseller and writer

Shelf Talker:  Southern teen Gem discovers they are the reincarnation of the Magician, a doomed yet powerful god from an alternate Earth, in this ferocious YA novel for fans of Hell Followed with Us.