Cicada Books and Coffee Celebrates World Book Day by Sharing Favorite Books

Happy World Book Day! Today, Cicada Books and Coffee Staff are celebrating by sharing their favorite reads from the shop. Inspired by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's initiative to celebrate the joy of reading, Stef, AnnaLee, Madi, Dawn N., and Katie and Dawn H. are excited to share their top picks. Whether they are brewing coffee or recommending the perfect book, these staff members are the heart of Cicada Books. 

Stef’s Pick: "Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts" by Crystal Wilkinson

Annalee’s Pick: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Annalee said it wasn’t for Cicada’s book club reading this for book club, she might not have ever picked it up. “This book gripped me and took me into this horrifying story of a dystopian America,” Annalee said. She described “The Handmaid's Tale” as a dark, political tale where women are made for one purpose (to have children) while all other rights are stripped away, including reading. She said she felt like it looked similar to some of America today. She encourages people to give it a try as she did as it's “an important cautionary tale.”

Madi’s Pick: Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch, the Most Famous Horse in America, by Charles Leerhsen

Madi said she has been enjoying a new book lately called, “Crazy Good,” as her friend suggested to her. Usually, Madi is more interested in horror books, but this tells a more inspiring story about Dan Patch, America’s most famous horse. She said, “I have been really annoyed with the city lately, and have been missing the country setting, so this book suggestion is really what I needed.” Madi said the book has so far been good and she is eager to finish reading. She ordered this book through Cicada’s Book Order process after her friend suggested it and was able to get the book quickly. Madi said the ordering process is easy for everyone. Customers can fill out the Book Order Form to order books to Cicada for purchase. Stop by the store and ask about this service!

Dawn N. Pick: What the Mountains Remember, by Joy Callaway

Dawn N.'s pick is Joy Callaway’s latest, ‘What the Mountains Remember’. It is currently available new for $17+ tax. Joy will also be visiting the store for a reading/book signing next Thursday, April 25, at 6 PM. It is free to attend.

"Joy Callaway has become one of my favorite authors and opened my reading tastes up to the world of historical fiction," Dawn said. She said this story is set during the construction of Asheville’s Grove Park Inn and details the struggles of the laborers tasked to complete the project as well as the story of Belle Newbold who is struggling to come to terms with her past, the high society that she has become a part of and unexpectedly falling in love. "It is a well-researched and beautifully descriptive work and might just be Callaway’s best novel yet," Dawn said. 

Dawn highly recommends two of her other books (both of which Cicada Book's has in stock): ‘All the Pretty Places’ and ’The Grand Design’.

Dawn H. (Co-Owner) Pick: Beloved, by Toni Morrison

Katie (Co-Owner) Pick: Whipping Girl by Julia Serano

Katie said she has always been interested in transgender and feminist theories, so picking up “Whipping Girl,” was a score for her. “I like [Serano’s] writing for this book as its easy to read and understand while also including strong research,” Katie said. Katie added that this book addresses issues that are “blind spots” in the trans and queer community. “[This book] focuses on trans theories in a way that’s inclusive for everyone,” she said. Katie recommends this book as it’s good for “anyone who has been hearing about trans issues in the news, because the news is not typically from the perspective of trans people.” She also recommends it for anyone concerned about women and transgender issues. Add this to your bookshelf for just $18.