Book Talk Novels & Stories

“You ready? We’re gonna be late.” “Oh, right book club.” The weekly meeting where everyone pretended to be invested in literature when really, the only reason half the group showed up was for free cookies. I dragged on my jacket, earpods that sat on the floor and my bag, forced a loud sigh, and followed her outside. The walk to the bookstore wasn’t long, but it felt heavier than usual, like the air itself was chewing on my nerves. The silence was literally choking me. The bookshop was tiny and warm, smelling like vanilla, old pages, and a little bit of cinnamon. Bells chimed when we pushed the door open. Soft jazz floated from a vintage speaker in the corner, the kind that made you feel like

“Humans can’t sense that, though.” “No, but the energy makes them uneasy. It’s like a natural defense mechanism that drives them away from anything supernatural.” Lucas nods, and Natalie looks up, relief on her face when she sees me. “Callie Martin, right?” She extends her hand to shake. “You own that cute little bookstore called Novel Grounds downtown, right?” “Right.” “That’s what I thought. I’ve been meaning to stop in and grab Erin Rylie’s latest book.” “We have it, and it’s good. I read it in one sitting.”

“Since you’re back, are you going to pick the next book?” I blinked. “Me?” “Of course,” she said, smiling. “You’ve been gone. You deserve the honor.” Everyone nodded expectantly. I looked down at the stack of books on the table, my fingers brushing across their covers. My hand paused on a novel about love, identity and societal expectations. This book will give them a glimpse of what I passed through during my absence. I smiled softly. “How about this one?” Brent groaned. “Oh no, not another depressing tragedy. Can’t we read something with a hopeful romance?”

Ava The Las Vegas Book Festival was held in a sprawling park just off the strip. Tents stretched across the grass, white canopies flapping in the desert wind. Authors milled about, clutching coffee cups and clutching their nerves. Readers wandered between booths, arms loaded with books, faces bright with excitement. I was scheduled to speak at 2 PM on the main stage. My talk went well. Better than well. The crowd was warm, engaged, full of questions about forgiveness and healing and the stories that save us. I read from my novel—the passage about Elena learning to be alone—and watched as people wiped their eyes.

“The conventions I attend are usually so dull compared to all this.” “This is relatively small. You should see the BookExpo America at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. That one is about three times the size, but for your debut, I believe this event is perfect. You’ll have a better opportunity to talk to people who are interested in your book and not just looking for freebies.”

The title and some space to store some things in the game are good too…but…’ The system interrupted his thoughts “Kindly read the book “the things that are permissible to bring in the library” before you read anything else. This is the number one book that is most read by the past leaders and now you would be the one to carry their legacy….Con-gra-tu-lations.”

SHS 243 They ate in silence, up until dessert. No one spoke a word and it stayed that way until they were brought into the library. No one spoke as each of them were encouraged to pick a book in the vast collection of books inside the library. As they sat into the chairs available at the library, only then did the conversation start at the pretence of wanting to know what book they found. “How about you, Hestia? Albert? What book did you pick?”

I asked Callum. "You'll see in a second, sugarplum." He replied with a smirk, kissing my cheek. We found the seating, and saw around thirty people sitting, many with the same book in their hands. They were chatting quietly, waiting for the author. I instantly recognized the book as A Black and White World by one of my favorite author's Zara Jones. My palms began to sweat as we sat down in the back. "Oh my God Callum, I could die right now." I whispered in excitement.

" Hola...Yea...Huh... I AM...Ok... Brilliant...See ya..." He hangs up the call. He then closed that book and stood up, unknowingly I stood up too. He walked towards the bookshelf and kept the book in his hand, he then started to see some books on the shelf. He took a book called "blood Fire", I know that book it's a supernatural book about dragons. He started reading it, then bell started ringing indicating its lunchtime. He stood up from his chair kept that book there on the table and started walking towards the door. I quickly took my things with a book in my hands, and I started following him.

“At least there’s that.” The conversation started light—safe topics, easy banter. Jake told her about a customer at his bookstore who had once tried to argue that reading paperbacks was ‘outdated and inefficient.’ Sophie countered with a story about an industry executive who once suggested she “leak” a relationship just to stay relevant. It was easy. Natural, even. But Sophie felt them. The eyes. The subtle clicks from outside. The occasional flicker of a phone screen from another table, aimed just a little too directly at them.