Photographers Janet Russek and David Scheinbaum, joined by Elizabeth Glassman, American Art Historian and Museum Executive, shared their extraordinary experience of exclusive access to the famed Monet Gardens at Giverny. Their photographic expeditions to the Garden produced a unique, beautiful book of photographs and essays that we rarely see these days. Signed and slip-cased copies are available in store ($60) and make exquisite gifts for Monet fans and everyone else. where they photographed the four season

It was a special honor to host Oren Lyons (Onondaga), José Barreiro (Taino), Katsi Cook (Akwesasne Mohawk), and Barbara Poley (Hopi) on our stage. The four presented a riveting dialogue about their personal histories and the history of Indigenous democracy and its relevance to today's political dilemmas. The women also discussed the powerful work they did in the community to establish women's health in New Mexico in the 70s and 80s. Signed copies of their books are available in store: Indigenous Democracy ($30) and Worlds Within Us ($22.50). The event was co-presented by Mother Nature Center.

Distinguished historian Richard Melzer and Alicia Romero, head curator and curator of history at the Albuquerque Museum, took us on a journey of New Mexican history through the lens of the 100 objects they curated for this book. It was a fascinating conversation, unearthing unexpected ephemera along the way. "A History of New Mexico in 100 Objects" ($34.95) will make a fantastic Holiday Gift for locals and visitors alike; signed copies are available at the store.

As always, Pam Houston delighted a full house audience with tales (tails) of all she's learned in her life from the animals she's loved. From a deep understanding of protection from the dogs that accompanied her as an infant in a stroller, to the powerful horses she now rides in Iceland, Pam learned: How to play. How to rest. How to love. How to die. How to be present with the dying. How to be present with the living and with the Earth. How to find joy in the least likely places. How to find joy, literally, everywhere. Signed copies of "Animals Taught Me Everything" ($18.95, paperback) are available at the store.

A fascinating and rich conversation took place between author and thought provocateur Stan Biderman and CWB's Events Producer, Cecile Lipworth, about his book, The Secularist's Bible. Their witty banter and spirited exchange explored the timely questions of religious fundamentalism and the importance of separating religion and state. Our enthusiastic large audience had their own interesting opinions and questions to ask of Stan. Signed copies of the beautifully designed book are available at the store - $35, hardcover.

A note: We had some technical difficulties for the first 8 minutes, so the video begins mid-conversation. Two-time Oscar nominee and five-time Emmy winner Jon Else and investigative journalist Alicia Inez Guzmán discussed the history of Frenchman's Flat in Nevada, where, in 1957, a 37-kiloton atomic bomb dubbed "Priscilla" was exploded above a custom-built mini-civilization. Jon and Alicia engaged an enthusiastic audience in the subject of America's stockpiling and testing of nuclear weapons and his belief in our success in preventing nuclear war by deterrence, diplomacy, and luck. Signed copies of Frenchman's Flat: The Rise and Fall of Atomic Bombs are available at the store.

An afternoon spent amongst friends talking about a book about friends! MaryFrank Sanborn read from and talked about her novel, The Lightning Field, with her dear friend and fellow book clubber, Ardis Burst. The conversation brought to light Mary Frank's own similar journey to New Mexico and the friendships she's cultivated over the 40 years she's lived here.

It’s always a special treat to welcome three-term U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo to the store. A full house was enthralled as Joy read from her newest anthology, Cloud Runner, a deeply moving tribute to her daughter, Rainy Dawn, whom she lost to cancer. Coming during a week of heavy rains in Santa Fe, the evening felt especially poignant—and moved every one of us.

Barbara Rockman's poignant reading of some of her newest work from "Night said" had the audience so transfixed that you could hear a pin drop. And her conversation about the work with Kyce Bello added a layer of depth and personal history to the reading.