Shelf Talkers: What They’re Reading at Brazos Bookstore in Houston, Texas

Shelf Talkers is a new series at Lit Hub where booksellers from independent bookstores around the country share their favorite reads of the moment. Here are recommendations from the staff at Brazos Bookstore, a store in Houston, Texas, founded in 1974.

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Thora Hjörleifsdóttir, tr. by Meg Matich, Magma
(Grove Press/Black Cat)

This short and compulsive debut novel from an Icelandic poet, gives you a glimpse into a young woman’s blind, passionate relationship, one that is highly toxic, cruel and with subtle violence. Filled with short chapters, you won’t realise you are at the end until the final turning of the page.  –Ülrika Moats, general manager

Jazmina Barrera, tr. by Christina MacSweeney, Linea Nigra: An Essay On Pregnancy And Earthquakes
(Two Lines Press)

Beautifully written, gorgeous translation. A love letter to her son, husband and mother, while at the same time incredibly honest about the frustrations and fears of pregnancy and motherhood.  –Amy Shaughnessy, events coordinator

Mark Haber, Saint Sebastian’s Abyss
(Coffee House Press)

Academic rivalry, petty grievances, and a torrent of one-up-manship surround an obscure Renaissance painting in this poignant comic romp from Brazos’ own enfant terrible.  –Keaton Patterson, book buyer

Jessica Au, Cold Enough For Snow
(New Directions)

A young woman and her mother take a trip to Tokyo. This short stay turns into a gorgeous meditation on memory, family, nature and life. A quiet, haunting work that lingers like a dream. Brilliant.  –Mark Haber, operations manager/bookseller

Jess Kidd, Things In Jars: A Novel
(Washington Square Press)

Ambitious, labyrinthine, and entertaining as hell! Bridie is a whipsmart detective determined to solve the case of a missing child. Her journey through Victorian London is aided by ghosts, a giant, housemaids and apothecaries. This is a foggy, gothic mystery blending fact and fairy tale!  –Laura Graveline, children’s specialist

Deepti Kapoor, A Bad Character
(Vintage)

Following the intense and complex relationship of a young couple in India. This is an unforgettable and mesmerizing book. Even long after putting it down, I still can’t stop thinking about it.  –Patrick Saunders, bookseller