I basically wrote a love letter to my city and its bookstores, and it won @ApparitionLit's December Flash Fiction Contest. Go give it a read! https://twitter.com/ApparitionLit/status/1343919700997242883

The bookstores in the Twin Cities have helped my household get through so much: a pandemic, civil unrest, a holiday season with only virtual gatherings. Here are some of our favorites:

. @SubtextBooks shouts for justice whenever they can, hosting events and amplifying voices. They're Truthtellers, and we love them.

. @blkgarnetbooks is currently the only Black-owned bookstore in Minnesota, with owner Dionne dreaming and manifesting this gem in the months following George Floyd's death. They're already leaving a huge mark, and we can't wait to see what they do in the future.

. @RedBalloonBooks Love this children's bookstore so much! So cozy and whimsical; they hooked us up with so many gifts for nieces and nephews this Christmas, and the staff have always been warm and welcoming.

. @birchbarkbooks is a Native bookstore and was a one-stop shop for my husband as he bought all the Rebecca Roanhorse and Joy Harjo books I wanted for Christmas. We love what they're doing in Minneapolis!

. @MoonPalaceBooks is a community anchor in its Minneapolis neighborhood. Great advocates and fighters for equity.

Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore has been one of my favorite places in the world. I got to meet Lois Bujold and Ann Leckie there. Sadly, it burned to the ground after Minneapolis cops killed George Floyd. Support their rebuilding efforts here: http://www.unclehugo.com/prod/index.shtml

. @wpbp Not a bookstore, but the work that Women's Prison Book Project is doing is Good Work, sending books and materials to incarcerated women and transgender persons.

Saint Paul and Minneapolis are home to many other great bookstores, but these are the ones that have been dear to our family, particularly in the past 10 months. Give them some love next time your shelves have room (or even if your shelves are overflowing).