by Emma Straub
First published 2023
In the cozy town of Howland, Maine, a group of locals are about to have their worlds turned upside down by a hat shop's grand opening. Peggy, the eccentric owner, is determined to bring her unique designs to the masses, even if it means clashing with her buttoned-up neighbor Greta. As the hats work their magic, the townspeople find themselves reconsidering their relationships, dreams, and even their own identities. Poignant and funny, "Very Good Hats" is a delightful exploration of how the right accessory can change everything.
Genres: fiction, humor, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, small-town
Setting: Howland, Maine
Period: 21st-century
32 pages · Hardcover · Rocky Pond Books