A Novel Idea on Passyunk

A Novel Idea on Passyunk A community-minded bookstore, witch shop, and event space in East Passyunk, Philadelphia. Established December 2018.

So. Many. New. Releases. 📚 Come by the shop this week to check out the dozens of new titles on our shelves!
03/19/2026

So. Many. New. Releases. 📚

Come by the shop this week to check out the dozens of new titles on our shelves!

Join us for the next Myth & Legend Book Club meetup where we'll discuss A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Y...
03/18/2026

Join us for the next Myth & Legend Book Club meetup where we'll discuss A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang.

Thursday, April 9th 6pm at A Novel Idea

A dark, magical realist debut family saga that moves through the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, the Cultural Revolution, and the present day to explore the effects of intergenerational trauma, the legacy of colonialism, and the inescapability of fate.

Qianze has not seen her father in eleven years, since he walked out of her life the night of her fourteenth birthday and disappeared without a trace. But then she gets a call--there is a man on the porch of her childhood home, and he's asking for her. This man isn't the Ba Qianze remembers: he is much older, more fragile, and worst of all, haunted by a half-forgotten prophecy.

While Qianze wrestles with what she owes this near-stranger, Ba begins telling stories of his past. From his bloody days as a Red Guard during the Cultural Revolution to his mother's youth under Japanese occupation, he circles around the prophecy he came to deliver. Qianze has always longed to know more about her family history, but as Ba reveals a past far darker than she could have imagined, she finds herself plagued by strange visions--fox spirits trail her on her evening commute, a terrifying jackalope stalks her nightmares, and the looming prophecy slinks ever closer.

Spanning decades and continents, A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing employs a combination of stunningly rendered folklore and atmospheric prose to examine the legacy of colonialism through the eyes of three generations. Alice Evelyn Yang's debut novel is a story of family and forgiveness, of folklore and fate, that will leave you unsettled and undone.

To join, we ask that you either purchase the book from us or make a comparable donation to the shop.

We're excited to participate in the Trans Rights Readathon, beginning Wednesday, March 18th (we're closed Tuesdays), and...
03/15/2026

We're excited to participate in the Trans Rights Readathon, beginning Wednesday, March 18th (we're closed Tuesdays), and going through the end of the month. We'll have a dedicated display of books celebrating trans stories and voices.

Trans rights are human rights. Trans stories are human stories.

We hope you'll join us. 🩵🩷🤍

Curious about our upcoming book club picks? Look no further! 📚 Adult Fiction Book Club - Love After the End 🤖 edited by ...
03/12/2026

Curious about our upcoming book club picks? Look no further! 📚

Adult Fiction Book Club - Love After the End 🤖 edited by Joshua Whitehead
Thursday, 3/26 6:30-8pm

Myth & Legend Book Club - A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing 🐇 by Alice Evelyn Yang
Thursday, 4/9 6-7:30pm

Adult Fiction Book Club - Hemlock 🌲 by Melissa Faliveno
Thursday, 4/30 6:30-8pm

Myth & Legend Book Club - Witch of the Shadow Wood ✨ by Tori Anne Martin
Thursday, May 14th 6-7:30pm

All book clubs meet in-person at A Novel Idea.

To join, either purchase the book from us ( counts too!) or make a comparable donation to the shop.

It's gorgeous out! 📚🌞🌷 Come visit the shop today and take advantage of this nice weather. Plus our shipment will be here...
03/11/2026

It's gorgeous out! 📚🌞🌷 Come visit the shop today and take advantage of this nice weather. Plus our shipment will be here shortly with new releases and restocks!

Here til 6! ✨

Sunday vibes at ANI. 📚✨❤️ Open 11am - 4pm!
03/08/2026

Sunday vibes at ANI. 📚✨❤️

Open 11am - 4pm!

It's almost One Book One Philadelphia season! 🪶 Join the city in reading this year's pick, Our Missing Hearts, by Celest...
03/05/2026

It's almost One Book One Philadelphia season! 🪶 Join the city in reading this year's pick, Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng.

From the #1 bestselling author of Little Fires Everywhere, comes the inspiring new novel about a mother’s unshakeable love.

Our Missing Hearts is an old story made new, of the ways supposedly civilized communities can ignore the most searing injustice. It’s about the lessons and legacies we pass on to our children and the power of art to create change.

Copies are available at A Novel Idea! Grab yours today.

We're honored to be the bookseller for our dear friend , author of BLACK GENIUS, at .national's 2026 Philly Forum. Come ...
03/04/2026

We're honored to be the bookseller for our dear friend , author of BLACK GENIUS, at .national's 2026 Philly Forum.

Come visit our booth on Monday, March 9th, from 12-2pm, to meet Tre and get your copy of Black Genius signed!

The forum takes place at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street. We'll be on the fourth floor!

The National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) is the principal and most progressive organization dedicated to the advancement of public leadership in local and state governments.

See you then! 🖤

Happy Women's History Month! 📚 We have an array of titles in store about fierce femmes, including 's two books—She is a ...
03/04/2026

Happy Women's History Month! 📚 We have an array of titles in store about fierce femmes, including 's two books—She is a Beast and Creole Conjure.

Story time is back at A Novel Idea! Join us for an evening story time on Wednesday, March 25th at 6pm. 🩷 We're thrilled...
03/01/2026

Story time is back at A Novel Idea! Join us for an evening story time on Wednesday, March 25th at 6pm. 🩷

We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Robyn Roth, author of Everyone Has Bo***es!: A Children's Book About Breasts, for this story time! After story time, she'll sign books!

What happens when a boobie walks into the classroom? A whole lot of giggles... and some surprising lessons too!

This hilarious, heartwarming picture book by breast radiologist Dr. Robyn Roth () teaches kids (and grown-ups!) that breasts aren't scary or shameful- they're just part of our amazing bodies! With lovable characters, silly jokes, and fun facts about animals and the human body, this playful book teaches children about anatomy, body differences, and even breast health in a way that feels fun, accessible, and empowering for young audiences.

Funny, smart, and joyfully illustrated, this is a must-read for families, classrooms, and anyone who believes that body parts shouldn't be taboo—because bo***es are the breast!;)

This story time is designed with working parents in mind.

All ages welcome.

Suggested $5 Donation

If you want to pre-purchase the book, do so at the link in our bio!

New Philly greeting cards and stickers by local artist .designs. We're a huge phan. 🥨🔔🌈
02/28/2026

New Philly greeting cards and stickers by local artist .designs. We're a huge phan. 🥨🔔🌈

Address

1726 E Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19148

Opening Hours

Wednesday 12pm - 7pm
Thursday 12pm - 7pm
Friday 12pm - 7pm
Saturday 11am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

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