In the days following the reelection of Donald Trump, bookstore owner Charlie Hunts noticed more foot traffic from fearful and forlorn people, all looking for the same thing: hope.

"I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the door," Hunts told the SGN, reflecting on the morning after the election. "Many folks called to see if we were open. We had a lot who just wanted to walk in, who just wanted to be in the space, whether or not they were interested in books."

The colorful business serves as a hub where Queer and Trans people know they will be safe, respected, and understood. Charlie's hosts events almost every night, like a free writing group earlier last month.

"It was highly attended," Hunts said. "[People] are doing a lot of rage writing and just wanted to be in a community with each other. I think the people who wandered in wanted to be surrounded by reminders ... that places like this still exist. We're not going anywhere. We care about them."

Books for angry readers and young ones

Many came to Charlie's with intense rage or a desire for escapism in the weeks following the election. Some wanted to talk, others were happy reflecting through silent writing, but many hoped to find comfort through reading.

"For [those] who are upset or feeling called to action or looking for hope, I tend to recommend many history books," Hunts said. "I feel like zooming out and seeing the longer arc of justice tends to help, especially looking at how other marginalized groups have handled challenges to their rights and freedoms in the past, especially by systems like the government."

Hunts recommends Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde, Mutual Aid by Dean Spade, and How to Live Free in a Dangerous World by Shayla Lawson, nonfiction books that examine how Queer and Trans people have thrived through repression, overcome hatred, and leaned on community in times of strife.

For youth who aren't of voting age but who are fearful that the Trump administration may target their rights, Hunts suggests Small Town Pride by Phil Stamper, a hopeful read for middle schoolers who may feel trapped by the conservative politics of rural America; and Stay Angry Little Girl, a children's book illustrated by local artist Michelle Chan.

Books for readers who need an escape

For Hunts, reading is healing because it reminds him that the world is never as small or narrow as our anxieties. "It's about getting perspective," he said. "If I'm left to my own devices, I can get tunnel vision very quickly, and that's not helpful for anyone, especially me. Reading helps show other experiences; it helps us see the bigger picture — whether that's at different points of history or even with historical fiction. Books can be good for that, even if you're looking to escape." (His guilty pleasures are cozy reads: fantasy worlds, low-stakes mysteries, and love stories.)

For those looking to escape American politics, he recommends Mooncakes, a graphic novel with a Nonbinary main character. "It's a sweet and joyful love story with demons, witchcraft, and a Nonbinary werewolf and a Queer witch," he said with a smile.

Seven Ten Split is a cheesy Sapphic romance starring a former professional bowler and her long-lost love. "It's friends to enemies to lovers. It's cozy. It's perfect for the soul," Hunts said.

He also suggests Kiss Her Once for Me, a Lesbian Christmas romance set in the PNW, to get into the holiday spirit. "That's my favorite cheesy 'Hallmark' book," Hunts said. "It's got hijinks, and it's a little spicy."

Upcoming events at Charlie's

While the election has emboldened some to become more vocally hateful — like the handful of patrons who came into Charlie's to ask for explicitly transphobic books — the store remains a safe space for those wanting to get out of their head and enjoy the comfort of Queer community. The store will host "Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus" on Saturday, December 7; a mushroom ornament felting workshop on Sunday, December 8; and a spooky book signing with horror author Courtney Gould on Friday the 13th.

Charlie's will also host pop-up legal workshops with QLaw for anyone with questions or anxieties about legal paperwork, especially regarding the political climate. These sessions are free and will run every Monday through January.

Charlie's Queer Books is at 465 N. 36th St. in Seattle and https://charliesqueerbooks.com.