Hi, I’m Medellee Antonioli, owner of Isle of Book. I have been working with books my entire adult life; they are my hobby passion and career choice. I’m a 5th generation Montanan and the fact that I get to do what I love, where I love astounds and motivates me daily. I have a masters degree in Library and Information Science focused in archives and special collections (rare books) and was previously the inventory manager of the largest used bookstore in Canada, Russell books. Me and my team of incredible employees and volunteers are truly honored to be two of your independent bookstore options in this beautiful state. I love books from every genre but have a particular affinity for Classics, 20th century European literature and horror.
Recommendations:
Marcovaldo by Italo Calvino
A magical collection of short stories by one of Italy’s greatest writers. Marcovaldo follows the life of an elderly, bumbling, sweet man as he encounters various adventures near his home in Northern Italy. Marcovaldo’s affinity for mushrooms and his distaste of city life remind me of many the ranchers I encountered growing up in Montana. I love this book.
Train Dreams by Denis Johnson
What a stunning little morsel by one of the best novelists of the 20th century. Train Dreams is set on the Northern Idaho/Montana border and remains one of the few novels to truly capture the beauty and complexity of this landscape. Beginning in 1917, Train Dreams follows the life Robert Grainier a railroad laborer as he navigates the devastation brought about by greed and forest fire. Timeless and beautiful, I highly recommend this novella to anyone who lives and loves the Northern Rockies.
House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski
When people ask me “what’s your favorite book?” I almost always answer House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski, and while I’m not sure it’s the “best book” I’ve ever read, it is probably my favorite. This absolute maze of a book is confusing, intimidating, eerie, wonderful, disturbing and odd but has stuck with me like nothing else I’ve read. Danielewski masterfully pairs the style and formatting of the writing with events in the book, purposefully confusing the reader at times, forcing the reader to physically turn pages during suspenseful moments. It’s a masterpiece and must read for any horror enthusiast.
Hi, I’m Nicolette Reames and I’m the Manager and Event Coordinator of Isle of Books in
Butte. I grew up in a small town in Washington state and books have always been a large part of my life. My childhood home was directly across the street from the local public library, and having such easy access to books really impacted me as I grew up. I combined my love of books, history and travel into a degree in History and Anthropology which allowed me to eventually discover the wonderful city of Butte and Isle of Books. I am now able to not only discuss books with our wonderful customers but also to bring in various authors to the store and learn more about the book business from the other end! It’s so hard to pick favorites but the genres I gravitate towards are Science Fiction & Fantasy, History and Young Adult.
Recommendations (subject to change daily!):
Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams
The whole Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series is great but this is my favorite! It
combines science fiction and British humor, and no matter how many times I read it, it never fails to entertain.
The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George
This one touches on my love of ancient history. A highly detailed historical fiction
account of the life of Cleopatra, it really flushes her out as a human being and a woman instead of the typical dry historical account that is too often the case.
Stoned by Aja Raden
No, it’s not about marajuana, the title is a bit deceptive if you don’t see the cover of the
book. It’s actually about the history of precious jewels and how they influenced people. It
combines history, human behavior and politics in a very readable way. And just enough
humorous snark to keep things interesting!