Some Reflections from Zo on “the State of Things”

I don’t know about you, but the last several weeks have been rough. I’ve hit a new level of grief and sadness regarding the state of our country. Over the last several weeks, there have been more school shootings without any impactful gun legislation passed. Of course, far right white supremacist podcast host and influencer, Charlie Kirk, was also murdered at a college event in Utah. Immediately after, trans and Black communities were attacked and threatened, resulting in HBCUs across the country going into lockdown. Even though the alleged shooter has been apprehended, the blame is still being placed on trans people, with some Republican representatives calling for trans people to be institutionalized. People are losing their jobs and receiving death threats for quoting Kirk’s own words to combat the federal government and far right influencers from gaslighting the country into believing Charlie Kirk only preached peace, equality, and patriotism. We’re continuing to see lawsuits against the first amendment, more book bans, and the continued rise of AI (even by the largest independent bookstore in the country to design their newest merch line 🙄), our neighbors being disappeared, anti-science statements, and the list the goes on. My heart is heavy.

There is a massive power struggle happening in this country right now where those currently in power are ensuring that their opponents are silenced by any means necessary. Anyone who disagrees with their white supremacist version of the US is dehumanized. For those of you who are part of marginalized communities, we are so sorry you are facing these attacks and being dehumanized. We are with you. Even here in Portland, last week I was called a slur while riding my bike home from volunteering. Portland is not the progressive bubble you might think it is. We need everyone to show up in anyway they can to help resist and fight back.

We are finding comfort in the new Autumn season, slightly cooler weather here in Portland, and the introduction of a few rainy days. I am personally ecstatic at the increase in moments where I can wear shorts and sweatshirts, although I’ll be sad to put my Chaco tan lines to rest until next year (iykyk).

Our first multi-day pop-up is this weekend!

We are very excited to partner with Hungry Heart PDX, a QTBIPOC-owned bakery and cafe in Montavilla, for our first multi-day pop-up this weekend! We’ll be there all weekend, Friday through Sunday, during their normal business hours with loads of books, puzzles, prints, cards, journals, stickers, etc.

We’re hoping to create other longer term pop-ups around Portland, so we hope to see you there!

Details:

• Location: Hungry Heart PDX | 414 SE 80th Ave. Portland, OR 97215

• Hours: Friday, September 26: 8am-1pm / Saturday & Sunday: 8am-2pm

Happy Latine Heritage Month!

Latine Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15-October 15 every year in the United States to honor and recognize the contributions and influence of Latin American cultures on the US. Racism and anti-immigrant sentiment is extremely high right now, and we encourage everyone to do what they can to combat xenophobia and racism. In addition to following and supporting local organizations, we recommend reading more books by Latine authors!

Here are a few places you can find great Latine book recommendations and deals:

1. You can find our fiction recs here. Nonfiction recs will be announced on socials soon!

2. Bookshop.org has a great list of books from Latine authors and are doing a 20% off sale until the end of September. Use code LHM25 and make sure you select Endless Wonders Books so your purchase supports us!

3. Libro.fm has also compiled a fantastic list of audiobooks written by Latine authors! Some of my favorites are on there, so definitely recommend checking them out.

Local to Portland? Find us in-person soon:

• TODAY! September 25: Park Reading Hours, 6-8pm ish | Clinton Park

  • Bring a book, snacks, and comfy seating. You can also order a book from our website to pick up at the event, just let us know that’s your plan in the order comments. We’ll read and mingle in community.

  • We’re going to try to have our last Park Reading Hours in October, but who knows what the weather is going to do, so if you are hankering for another delightful evening in the park with book buds, we hope to see you this week!

• This Friday-Sunday, September 26-28: Popping up @ Hungry Heart Bakery

  • We are so excited to be partnering with Hungry Heart Bakery for a little 3 day long residency inside their amazing Montavilla cafe! We’ll be there during their normal open hours all weekend with lots of books and other goodies. It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping, friends. 😉

  • Fri: 8am-1pm / Sat & Sun: 8am-2pm

  • Hungry Heart Bakery: 414 SE 80th Ave., Portland, OR 97215

• Thursday, October 9: Banned Books Week Bookclub, 5-9pm | Bar Loon

  • We’ll be taking over the back room at Bar Loon from 5-9pm selling banned books, but more importantly, discussing our favorite banned books and learning more on how to combat book bans and censorship. Bookclub starts at 6pm and education/action starts at 7pm.

• Keep your eyes on our event page for more fun!

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