Megan is thrilled to be living out her childhood dream of working at EHBC. She is a proud graduate of Whitman College, managing to come out alive with a major in French, a minor in Biology and a deep respect for the rigors of organic chemistry. She's enjoying being back home in the Pacific Northwest, after spending the past few years teaching English abroad in Riga, Latvia and most recently Cherbourg, France. While she's passionate about many things, she especially enjoys a good historical adventure, chocolate and improv.
As someone who loves animals and deep dives into niche topics, I loved this collection of Susan Orlean's animal stories, covering everything from pigeon racing to keeping tigers. While I was reading it, I couldn’t stop telling people about it - and evidently, I haven’t stopped. ~Megan
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O'Brady pulls you right in with the gripping story of his solo trek across Antarctica, but also reflects on the love and support that made his start line possible - and that's what made me love this book. ~Megan
This was one of my top reads of the year simply because of its bold authenticity. Taussig writes about her experience as a disabled woman with piercing eloquence and plenty of witty candor. Part memoir, part call-to-action, this book will speak truth to anyone who has ever been sent to the margins. It also gave me a moment to pause and reflect on how we can move towards a society that is accessible to all bodies, differences and all. ~ Megan
A heartfelt story with plenty of suspense, Just Like That was one of the best middle grade books I’ve read in a while. What charmed me was the way the author entwined both Meryl Lee and Matt’s stories together, leaving space for the grief, loss, and heartache they both endure as well as the joy and hope they find along the way. Recommended for 8th grade and up (gang violence). ~ Megan
A customer told me this book was “like a warm hug,” and I discovered it was exactly that! Klune’s quirky characters and descriptions are reminiscent of a mix of JK Rowling, Lemony Snicket and Terry Pratchett’s imaginative writing styles. With a knack for absurdly funny dialogue (my favorite character was by far the one who may or may not be the anti-Christ), Klune creates a cast of misfits who charm the reader from the beginning. An advocate for positive LGBT representation, the author gently invites us to see that love can exist in many places, and that a home can be found even where you least expect it. ~ Megan
![A Tree Grows in Brooklyn [75th Anniversary Ed] By Betty Smith Cover Image](https://images.booksense.com/images/books/262/736/FC9780060736262.JPG)
This novel is one of the hidden gems you'll find nestled in our Classics section, waiting patiently for the right reader. It tells the story of little Francie Nolan’s struggle to survive when the odds are stacked against her, and because it’s one of the best coming-of-age books I’ve ever read, I decided it deserved some time in the spotlight. Why, you ask? The original 1943 New York Times review sums it up better than I ever could: “If you miss A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, you will deny yourself a rich experience, many hours of delightful entertainment (for it is long) and the pleasant tingle that comes from a sense of discovery, the discovery of a fresh, original and finished talent … a profoundly moving novel, and an honest and true one. It cuts right to the heart of life.” Don’t miss it!
I cannot stop talking about this book! If you like historical accounts with adventure, don’t miss it. Elizebeth Friedman may not be a household name—her work was classified until recently—but she played a critical role as a code breaker during WWII, without getting much of the credit. What made this book one of the most fascinating I’ve read is the second part, in which Fagone describes the historical goose chase he undertook as he went from discovering Friedman’s story, to telling the world about it. If you have any interest in history, code breaking, or simply the thrill of discovery, this book is for you!
As the title suggests, the goal is not to read it, but to destroy it. Getting this book as a kid, my cousins and I spent one summer having a grand time following all of its instructions (paint a page with coffee, whack it against a wall...) to the occasional dismay of our parents. This new color edition is a recipe for good old-fashioned fun! Best for people ages 8 and up, especially teens – anyone old enough to know that wrecking a book, while strangely liberating, must always be the exception. ~ Megan
This is a book I’d heard about for a long time, strongly recommended by friends. Well, I finally read it, and wow, it was fun! Bob Goff is a natural storyteller, and a deep believer in the power of love to move people to go out and do things. Written from a Christian perspective, this book is perfect for fans of C.S. Lewis, Mark Batterson and Anne Lamott. And while I may not become the Ugandan consul (read the book, it'll make sense), it definitely inspires me to love deeper. ~ Megan
Yes there's a wonderful TV series, but have you read the books? The Mysterious Benedict Society charmed me as a middle schooler, and again when I reread it as an adult. Plucky misfit kids, a series of tests and puzzles, a quirky (and yes, mysterious) mentor, a looming evil that threatens everything they hold dear... all combined into one rollicking adventure, with plenty of heart. It would make an excellent read-aloud! And while you decide, I think it's time for another re-read... Ages 8+. ~ Megan
Three words: World Peace Cookies. These chocolate cookies are dark and wickedly delicious, and have convinced fans around the world that if we could bake enough for everyone, we could guarantee eternal world peace. You'll find this recipe, and other treasures in this easy-to-follow tome of baking glory. My family loves the Pecan Honey Sticky Buns, Devil's Food White-Out Cake, and Golden Brioche Loaves. And who knows? Maybe all together we can bake up some world peace, too!
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This book was so good that I tore through it in less than a day. And I'm a slow reader! In the aftermath of September 11th, 38 flights were grounded in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. Defede tells the story of those passengers (including the chairman of Hugo Boss and members of a Beatles tribute band, among others) and the people of Gander who welcomed them. Reading this book during such a difficult year made me reflect upon how meaningful community and care for others can be, whether in the aftermath of 9/11 or during a global pandemic. Also, I learned how to correctly pronounce “Newfoundland,” so that was a small victory. ~ Megan