It was Labor Day in Petaluma. And while some were charring meat over fire, others were at a bustling Copperfield’s Books downtown. No judgment—but it bodes well for the survival of our culture and civilization that so many were keeping literature alive where free speech, community and capitalism collide—the local bookstore.
Duly inspired, what follows is a random round-up of recently published local works that reached my inbox (and, therefore, my awareness). To inform me of your upcoming literary release, email [email protected].
Dark Stars
The Philosophy of Style author and Bohemian contributor Christian Chensvold recently released a handsome hardback volume dubbed Dark Star. “When his civilization falls into decadence and barbarians encroach, Theodore, last scion of his family, leaves his ancestral estate and sets out to answer a divine call,” reads the book’s description. “Along the way, he encounters a series of archetypal characters who offer instruction in metaphysics, esotericism, and the Mystery Tradition.”
In a recent email, Chensvold, a recently repatriated Santa Rosan, offered that “This is the journey of Parsifal, Perseus, and a certain farm boy named Luke who lived long ago in a galaxy far away and sought to learn the way of the divine force when no one believed in it anymore.” He also reminds us that Dark Stars is inspired by the 19th-century French occult revival, which sought to reconcile Catholicism with such ancient doctrines as magic, alchemy, Hermeticism, Kabbalah and Tarot.
Transmissions From a Restless Soul
Petaluman Matt Reischling returns with a fresh collection of personal essays, reflecting on his restless search for spiritual truth, a life in transit and the quirks of growing up in a basketball-obsessed family. He shares memories of his time in San Diego chasing music and love, as well as some colorful stints in short-term gigs, all while capturing the essence of his hometown before and after returning to it.
With humor, heart and sharp observational skills, this follow-up to Almost Weightless explores the universal in the personal and celebrates the beauty of life’s messier moments.
The Secret War of Julia Child
Sebastopol’s own Diana R. Chambers is set to make waves this October with her upcoming historical suspense novel, The Secret War of Julia Child. Already named one of People magazine’s Best Books of Fall 2024 and a top pick by Library Journal, this gripping tale dives into Child’s secret life as a spy during World War II, long before her culinary fame.
Inspired by true events, the novel follows a 30-year-old, six-foot-tall Child as she serves with the OSS in the China-Burma-India theater, navigating espionage, new cultures and the occasional bullet. As New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen attests, Chambers’ book is “An exciting, little-known reveal of the story behind Julia Child’s WWII service, showing her resilience and bravery. A must-read.”
Over the Edge
Sonoma’s Kathleen Bryant takes readers deep into Arizona’s red rock country with her mystery, Over the Edge, released this past June. The story follows a former reporter-turned-Jeep tour guide (not unlike the author herself) as she races to piece together her fragmented memories and stop a killer.
Drawing on two decades of life in Sedona, Bryant blends fact with fiction, weaving in her own experiences as a journo, hiking guide and forest service volunteer. With ancient sites, hidden trails and small-town secrets, Over the Edge promises a thrilling ride through Arizona’s rugged, mysterious landscape.
All of these titles are available wherever quality books are sold. Pro tip: For a comprehensive list of area literary news events, visit the ‘Sonoma County Literary Update,’ the literary newsletter and calendar for Sonoma County, and sign up for the newsletter. socolitupdate.com.
