The ThriftBooks Blog

By Ashly Moore Sheldon • February 15, 2021

From the spellbinding elegance of National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s recent spoken-word performances to Instagram poet Kate Baer’s bestselling debut collection, poetry is definitely having a moment. Here we spotlight fresh new voices in verse.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • February 12, 2021

Celebrating Lincoln’s 1809 birth (February 12) and Presidents' Day, we thought it would be fun to explore the appearance of US presidents in fiction. From imaginative retellings to alternate histories to intimate depictions of behind-the-scenes relationships, here are some fun novels about America’s commanders-in-chief.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • February 10, 2021

Has Netflix's adaptation of Julia Quinn’s Regency-era Bridgerton series left you breathless for more corseted couplings and lustful liaisons? We have suggestions for your next book, movie, or series!

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By Barbara Hagen • February 08, 2021

It's February, the time for all types of love and romance movies! There are countless varieties to choose from, be it classics, to period pieces, to kids, to comedy. With all there is to offer, here is a Valentine's Day composition of old favorites and new discoveries of some Valentine's Day staples.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • February 03, 2021

Our TBR lists are already too long, but that doesn't stop us from perusing (and purchasing!) the new books we're excited about! February is packed with must-reads. Here are fourteen releases that we can't wait to pick up, along with suggestions of what you might want to read first.

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By William Shelton • February 02, 2021

Starting in 1923 a young attorney, who was suspended from Law school for boxing, and found the actual practice of law mundane and boring, began typing out with two fingers hair raising legal yarns involving the most salacious of crimes. It was the incomparable Erle Stanley Gardner, a man who did more to defend the rights of the downtrodden than his literary creation, Perry Mason. Learn more about the life of the man that created the famous detective.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • January 29, 2021

On this date in 1595, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was first performed (not officially published until 1597). Although the renowned tragedy was by no means the first literary story of doomed love, it coined the phrase "star-cross'd lovers" and continues to inspire heartbreaking sagas even today.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • January 27, 2021

International Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27 in 1945. For so many reasons, it is important to learn about this dark chapter in history. The books highlighted here offer a variety of perspectives and stories for all ages.

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By Karen DeGroot Carter • January 25, 2021

Whether or not you're an audiophile who insists music sounds best when played on a vinyl record, it's hard to argue against how soothingly old school it is to pull a record out of a sleeve, place it on a record player, and carefully drop the needle in just the right spot. With the Grammys right around the corner, there's no better time to revisit some classic albums — or discover killer collections of chart-topping hits from way back when.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • January 22, 2021

Even though we try to shield them from it, children pick up the stress we are feeling. They may not be able to talk about it. They may even think they are protecting us by not bringing it up. That’s why it’s important for adults to address tough topics with their kids. Here are some age-appropriate books that can help with tough topics kids might be thinking about right now like the pandemic, lonliness, and financial worries.

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