No. 1 Nuclear Nuevo México: Colonialism and the Effects of the Nuclear Industrial Complex on Nuevomexicanos by Myrriah Gómez

Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse was honored to host Pojoaque Valley High School graduate and current UNM Assistant Professor Dr. Myrriah Gómez for an author talk. She spoke to a standing-room only crowd at Fuller Lodge on publication day, November 22, 2022. People from all over New Mexico drove to Los Alamos on the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week to hear Dr. Gómez read excerpts from her book and engage in thoughtful discussion afterward. We are currently sold out and do not yet have news on a reprint date.

No. 2 Goodnight, Los Alamos by Whitney Spivey and Brenda Fleming

There are many Goodnight books in the publishing universe, but Goodnight Los Alamos is the only one we’re aware of that features a local bar (hey Bathtub!). Local author Whitney Spivey and local illustrator Brenda Fleming have created a gorgeous Los Alamos classic. We are currently sold out due to a huge holiday run, and Whitney if you’re reading this we need another case. Stop by sometime to check out Brenda’s new and incredibly popular sticker line, featuring Oppie with the tagline “Party Like a Smarty.”

No. 3 I’m Possible: A Story of Survival, A Tuba, and the Small Miracle of a Big Dream by Richard Antoine White

On August 11, 2022, Mesa Public Library hosted Dr. Richard Antoine Wright, Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at UNM, and Principal  Tubist for the New Mexico Philharmonic. The Los Alamos Jazz Project gave a fantastic lead-in performance at Fuller Lodge, and Dr. Wright’s talk and demonstration of tuba techniques captivated the audience. An absolutely inspiring read.

No. 4 Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion by Stephen W. Martin and Dan Tavis

If you’re in the bookstore and hear shrieks of delight from the children’s section, it’s most likely due to Fluffy McWhiskers. Our young customers have stood at the checkout jumping with joy over this book. If you ever need a reminder of the pure delight of reading, hand a kid this book and stand back. 

No. 5 The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill

This graphic novel, a gentle and inclusive fantasy that won the 2018 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids, is popular with kids of all ages. A fantastic choice for introducing young readers to graphic novels.

No. 6 The Atomic Weight of Love by Elizabeth J. Church

Local author Elizabeth Church’s novel explores the isolation, loneliness, and compromises made by the women of the Manhattan Project era, whose dreams and ambitions were in many cases subsumed to their husband’s careers. Life is complex, and Church’s novel avoids easy conclusions. It is a poignant and engaging read, with exquisite descriptions of the natural beauty of Los Alamos.

No 7 American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin

The classic biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, and basis for the film of the same name shot here in Los Alamos in the spring of 2022.

No. 8 B is for Bison: A National Park Primer by Greg Paprocki

Our best selling board book explores America’s National Parks, from A to Z. It has lovely illustrations and is an enjoyable one to read again … and again … and again.

No. 9 The Chile Line: Historic Northern New Mexican Recipes by Liddie Martinez

One of the best things about this cookbook is that it’s clearly made with cooks in mind – wipeable with a lay-flat binding. Martinez, whose day job is President of the Los Alamos Region and Director of Community Engagement at Enterprise Bank & Trust, has deep Northern New Mexican roots and is an excellent teacher of local foodways.

No. 10 The Ultimate Los Alamos Tour Guide by Dean Decker

Popular with tourists who arrive outside the History Museum’s normal tour hours, local author Dean Decker’s guide is full of color photographs and clear, easy to follow directions. He provides a detailed walking tour of the townsite, as well as driving tours of White Rock and surrounding areas. Need to go to work but have guests staying at your home? Hand them Dean’s guide and head off to work with a clear conscience.

Editor’s note: Samizdat Bookstore & Teahouse is located at 174 Central Park Square in Los Alamos, (505) 412-0238. https://www.samizdatbookstore.com/. Hours this week are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.