A YEAR FOR THE BOOKS
Queens booksellers and librarians
share 2020 reading recommendations
38 JANUARY 2 0 2 0
Astoria Bookshop
31-29 31ST ST., ASTORIA
One of the most beloved shops in Astoria
to grab a novel and perhaps indulge in a
thoughtful conversation about books, Astoria
Bookshop has become a go-to for many
locals who love reading and contributing to
their community.
Astoria Bookshop bookseller Christian
Vega has worked at the small business for
almost a year, but has spent his whole life
reading. Books like “Harry Potter” and “The
Phantom Tollbooth” helped him find his joy
for storytelling and great writing. Vega recommended
three of his favorite books to us:
• “Meddling Kids” by Edgar Cantero:
“‘Meddling Kids’ is a mixture of Scooby Doo
and Lovecraft. It’s a very approachable and
fun YA book with mystery,” Vega said.
• “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn
Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid: “This book
is about an old Hollywood actress in her
80s named Evelyn who is a reclusive and an
Elizabeth Taylor-type figure,” Vega said. “She
gives an interview to a journalist about her
relationships with her seven husbands and
talks about how she had to whitewash herself
when she worked in Hollywood because
she is Cuban. The novel is well written and it
pulls you in.”
• “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline
Miller: “‘The Song of Achilles’ is the retelling
of Achilles and the war of Troy, but follows
him as a child. Miller frames it as Achilles and
Patroclus being lovers and following Achilles
into war. She’s an amazing writer and she
recreates the story in a poetic way that is really
beautiful. This book is for anyone who
has any interest in Greek mythology,” Vega
said.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
As we rang in the New Year with a night of fireworks and bubbly drinks, a lot of us went into
2020 with intentions. We decided to improve ourselves with resolutions like flossing more,
buying less takeout and going to the gym. However, we often forget about improving our
minds, and what better way to do so than getting engrossed in a good book?
We talked to booksellers and librarians across western Queens about their favorite reads.
There’s something for everyone here, so get ready to update your to-read list.
Photos courtesy of Astoria Bookshop
BY ALLISON KRIDLE