Rediscovered Books offers a variety of book clubs, including 'Morbid and Curious'

Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have Rediscovered Books in Boise, Idaho!

What’s your store’s story?

Our woman-owned store is 18 years old, and our mission is to be the "place that books and people meet" in the Treasure Valley. Our curation is diverse and built by our booksellers, which makes us vested in the quality and breadth of the books that we carry. It is important that all voices have a place on our shelves, and we are a place where everyone can come to find themselves in books.

What makes your independent bookstore unique?

Our booksellers are the best! They are incredibly and broadly read and love to talk about books with people. If we had a superpower, it would be putting the right books in a person's hands. Our store is very active in our community, working with schools and organizations such as the Idaho Library Association, The Cabin.

Our biggest project is our #ReadFreelyProject that we do every summer. As a staff, we select 7-8 books that are either banned, challenged, or are about issues that we feel are conversation worthy.  With fundraising partner, The Cabin, we work with volunteers to put books in the hands of people throughout our area. Volunteers apply and receive 10 free copies of one of our selections to giveaway. Our caveat is that they must place books in people's hands and have a conversation with them. Over the last three years, we have given out nearly 3,000 books.

More: Most banned books in America and how publishers are pushing back

What's your favorite section in your store?

Because we as a staff curate the books, we take pride in filling all the sections with books that we feel passionate about (even if they are not necessarily USA TODAY bestsellers). Our customers will be introduced to authors and books they may never have heard of.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

"House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune. This book is a cup of tea for your soul. Do not read the back because most people would decide that a monster orphanage is not for them. The description is misleading! The book is about found family, self discovery and is genuinely lovely.

"Lumberjackula" by Mat Heagerty. Mat is a local author, but more than that we love this middle-grade graphic novel and the story that it tells. Mom is a Lumberjack, Dad is a Vampire, and Lumberjackula does not want to be either. He wants to be.... a dancer! A great story about love, family and following your dreams.

What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?

Here are some events that we have for February:

• Morbid and Curious Book Club (Feb. 2): "Stiff" by Mary Roach

• Writer's Workshop (Feb. 2): In-store event

• Social Sommeliers Book Club with Telaya Wine Company (Feb. 5): "Nose! Legs! Body!: Know Wine like the Back of Your Hand" by Len Napolitano

• Boise Weekly Fiction 101 (Feb. 6): Winners announcement and readings

• Black Tie Books and Bubbly (Feb. 8)

• Not-your-average "date" Night at the Bookstore (Feb. 13)

• Not-your average Family Night at the Bookstore (Feb. 23)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rediscovered Books offers a variety of book clubs in Idaho