Enjoy these recommendations from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’ only independently owned bookstore.
Shark Heart
by Emily Habeck
A moving debut novel which explores marriage, motherhood, and transformation through the interwoven lives of Wren and Lewis.
Newly married, their happiness is shattered when Lewis is diagnosed with a rare condition that will gradually turn him into a great white shark, retaining his intellect but gaining predatory instincts.
Rich with lyrical prose and humor, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning, offering a heart-wrenching exploration of life’s complexities and the beauty of the human spirit. The book’s unique premise is balanced by its heartfelt exploration of human (and non-human) relationships, making it a poignant and unforgettable read.
A poignant journey of love, transformation, and resilience.
All the Colors of the Dark
by Chris Whitaker
In 1975, as America undergoes significant changes, the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri faces a series of disappearances involving young girls. When the daughter of a wealthy family is threatened, Patch, a one-eyed local boy, unexpectedly rescues the girl, but his actions bring both relief and sorrow. As Patch and his loved ones navigate the thin line between victory and disaster, they uncover truths that risk tearing them apart. This novel intertwines a missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, and a love story, exploring the shadows of obsession and the hope that perseveres.
Pearce Oysters
by Joselyn Takacs
Set against the backdrop of the 2010 oil spill on the Louisiana coastline, Pearce Oysters explores the trials of the Pearce family, local oyster farmers facing the brink of collapse. Delving into themes of family, community, and the intertwined fate of humans and nature, the story centers on Jordan, who reluctantly takes over the family business, his widowed mother May, grappling with her own challenges, and his brother Benny, a musician returning from New Orleans to aid in the crisis. Through vivid storytelling this novel highlights the overlooked beauty and struggles in the American South.
Bear
by Julia Phillips
Sam and Elena, sisters living on an island off the coast of Washington, dream of escaping their struggling existence. Sam works on a ferry and Elena bartends, but they can’t make ends meet. Their lives take a turn when Sam sees a bear swimming in the channel. The bear’s appearance near their home causes Sam to feel more urgency to leave, while Elena becomes captivated by the creature, jeopardizing their plans. This story explores the enduring bonds of sisterhood and the enigmatic connection between humans and animals, wrapped in a mythical and richly imagined narrative.
WORDS Sara Putman, Bookish
