The Sentence

Bookseller recommendation

“A heartfelt and occasionally hilarious account of life and work at an independent bookstore through the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. While the reflections on family and pandemic life are cathartic, this book is also about identity and how our history and present shape it. Through encounters with the ghost of a troublesome lifelong customer, and the conversations that ensue, Erdrich masterfully weaves an exploration of community, identity, and family that is guaranteed to entertain.”

— Lauren • Chapterhouse Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Why did it take me so long to read this perfect, perfect book?”

— Alissa • South Main Book Company

Bookseller recommendation

“I can't wait to read everything from Louise Erdrich after thoroughly enjoying this book!”

— Nichole • Bryant Books & Music

Bookseller recommendation

“I loved this book! The narrative voice is so strong and was read so well in this audiobook. You can't help but fall for Tookie as she wades through a year of turmoil, with a ghost that won't give up haunting her and the bookstore she works in. Rich in characters, perspective, honesty, and a love of books and reading, this is a book is like a favourite home-cooked meal made by someone new. What a storyteller. ”

— Samara • Notably, A Book Lover's Emporium

Bookseller recommendation

“The Sentence is a ghost story, although it is as comforting as it is haunting. It’s an intimate picture of bookselling, and of bookselling during a pandemic and social justice reckoning, set in Erdrich’s own store in Minneapolis. Its heroine, queer Indigenous ex-con Tookie, is so alive she leaps right off the page—gritty, passionate, and human. Louise Erdrich is a natural storyteller and fabulous narrator—warm and sincere, with perfect timing. This is a book about connection in every way possible. It’s funny and enraging and heartwarming all at once.”

— Mary • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“Tookie, a Native woman living in Minneapolis, works in an independent bookstore. And now it's haunted. Starting on November 2019 All Soul's Day. By the store's most annoying customer. Soon, the ghost gets antsy. And you don't want to mess with an irritated ghost. Tookie tries to solve the mystery of the ghost's death so she'll leave them alone, but when the store closes to foot-traffic during the Covid-19 Lockdown, Tookie battles grief, isolation, and disbelief alongside her city, especially when the violent riots start. With themes of love, racism, activism, and ancestry, this is an important book to read.”

— Valerie • Tsunami Books