Confession: this is a love story.
25% off Moon Garden preorders at Barnes and Noble today and tomorrow only
Pictures of me and my lover at some pivotal relationship milestones.
The first time I fell in requited love was with a bookstore.
I was in fifth grade, and although a boy named Evan had already won first place in the unrequited love category, Brentano’s bookstore in Century City was the first love affair of my life that actually mattered.
Every once in a while, my Dad would take me to the mall for a solo date, and the highlight of these shopping trips was always Brentano’s. He would drop me off inside, and tell me I could stay for as long as I wanted, and buy whatever I wanted. I know this sounds privileged and absurd, but let me tell you: as an immigrant child I never allowed myself to go too crazy, and perhaps he knew that. I always had so many self-imposed limits that it took him repeatedly telling me “there is no limit” to get me to allow myself to indulge freely. So for what felt like an eternity, but was probably only about an hour, I would roam the bookstore, touch the books, and pick up whatever called me. I didn’t limit myself to the kids section—the entirety of Brentano’s was fair game, and I took full advantage. The book sellers were always tickled by the little girl browsing the adult fiction section. For that hour, I was exactly where I needed to be. For that hour, I was completely welcome and free.
When I finished browsing, I’d show up to the register with my Dad, holding a stack of books that neatly fit under my chin. “Are you sure it’s okay?” I’d ask. And with the biggest smile ever, he’d always say, “More than okay. Are you sure you don’t want any more?”
My beautiful dad.
I told you this newsletter would be about love.
When people ask me why I signed a traditional book deal after successfully self-publishing, my answer is always the same: bookstores. I wanted my books to be in bookstores, where little girls (and grown ones too) could stumble upon my books. So bookstores can continue to exist and be the loving havens we all need them to be.
I still have many of the books from that era in my library, the focal point of our home. When I see them, I’m instantly transported back to Brentano’s, back to the best part of my youth. I tried to find you a picture of it to include in this newsletter. I did find one that briefly showcased the logo: a green background, with gold serif lettering. Seeing it made me instantly teary. Brentano’s closed in 2006.
My parents and me at my book launch party for The Shift at Barnes & Noble in 2022. I don’t think I would have become an author without those bookstore dates with my Dad.
Thankfully, where Brentano’s left off, Barnes & Noble has picked up. Not only do they share the same green and gold brand imagery, they also share the same soul. A soft, welcoming space with generous book sellers who love readers, authors and of course: books.
Since becoming an author, Barnes & Noble has shown up for me in countless and ever-growing ways. From stocking my books at their locations across the country, to hosting my book signings, B&N has been an essential and incredible part of my career. When the B&N in Santa Monica closed years ago, I was absolutely gutted. It was like losing Brentano’s all over again. Thankfully Barnes & Noble Santa Monica is back (hooray!) and I’ll be hosting an event there in October (stay tuned!).
Till then, you can show your support for B&N (and me) by preordering your copy of Moon Garden today. If you join the free loyalty program, you’ll automatically get 25% off today and tomorrow only.
XO,
Melody (your resident lunatic)
P.S, You can also call the Santa Monica location at (424) 428-0119 and order directly if you want to pick up a signed copy that also comes with the glow in the dark stickers I keep raving about!
PREORDER AND GET A FREE DIGITAL POSTER!
I’m so excited to share that everyone who has preordered Moon Garden so far is eligible to receive this free digital print, a 2026 Moon Phase calendar that has themes and dates for every new moon and full moon of 2026! Simply visit my website using the link below, upload your proof of purchase and it’s yours!