7 Books to Check Out: New Titles by Tucson Writers

It’s a new year, but don’t miss these books released by Tucson authors in 2025!

undersea mural — Mural by Jessica Gonzales on the side of Antigone Books, Tucson

Order, order!

I’ve included links to order via Bookshop.org, but you can also check your favorite local bookstore.

Fun fact: Most bookstores that sell new books can order just about anything in print, whether they carry it or not. If they don’t have an online shop, call or stop in.

Find an independent bookstore near you. Or order from any of the ones listed below.

If you prefer to browse in a brick-and-mortar shop, I’ve listed independent Tucson- and Phoenix-area bookstores that say they have a particular title in stock. (I didn’t bother which stores you can order these books from, because the answer is any of them.)

Barnes and Noble also had a few of these books available in certain stores, so you can check there if that’s the option closest to you.

Urban Trails Tucson book at a desert trailhead. — Via Trails Inspire / Sirena Rana

Book List

1. Urban Trails Tucson

by Sirena Rana

You may know the author from…

Her Arizona Trail advocacy, as well as her photography and writing about hiking and the outdoors.

About the Book:

This book is part of the Urban Trails series, published by Mountaineers Books. It’s a look at nearly 50 trails in Tucson and the surrounding areas. Each trail has a several-page description, along with maps and photos. Even before you get to those, there is tons of information about desert wildlife, Tucson culture, hiking tips, and local pronunciation. There’s a handy map and chart that will allow you to quickly find a trail based on location and length, as well as kid- and/or dog-friendliness.

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November 12, 2025November 13, 2025

Honeycomb Color Story

Updated November 2025.
Originally published November 2020.

Lately, I can’t seem to ignore this charming yellow hue that’s a bit more orangey than mustard and more opaque than just plain honey. I’m calling it “honeycomb.”

You can find this sweet shade on artisan goods, as well as things you can make, wear, or eat.

1. Honeycomb with fresh nectar reflecting the tree canopy. Photo by Max Westby, a beekeeper and honey producer in Burgundy, France. (CCL)

2. Dreamweaver lampshade made-to-order by Pop + Scott, $715. / Similar DIY project: rope-wrapped hanging lamp.

3. Caminito picnic blanket, rolled up and ready to go, with leather carrying straps, $92. (Shown unfolded in the top/featured image.) / More picnic supplies
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October 30, 2025November 5, 2025

All the Holiday Markets in Southern Arizona….

Made in Tucson Market booths set up along a blocked-off street

…that I could find!

After scouring the internet, soliciting suggestions, and searching down information spotted on banners and little roadside signs, I found around 100 upcoming pop-ups across a large swath of Arizona south of Picacho Peak.

Some are traditional holiday season markets and others are part of larger events or part of events that just happen to occur in November or December. Most of them are free. Many not only fundraise for the participating artists and crafters, but for other causes, community groups, schools, or organizations.

Where I could, I’ve included a few more details about what types of things you can find at the market and what other activities may be happening there. I tried to only include markets with handmade items for sale, but that’s not always clear.

Continue reading “All the Holiday Markets in Southern Arizona….”

September 4, 2025February 18, 2026

Making a List: Your Favorite Holiday Markets

Christmas tree with Old Pima County Courthouse in the background

holiday market with string lights and gold balloon decorations — Mercado Cenzontle in Tucson.

Holiday Season Market Completist

I’m working on making a long list of the all the occasional / pop-up markets happening during the holiday season in Southern Arizona!

I’ve seen lists of top holiday markets in Tucson to shop, but there are so many more that don’t get mentioned. So I want to search out as many as Southern Arizona markets as possible, so you can peruse all your options in one list!

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November 29, 2024January 4, 2025

Gift Ideas for Travelers

I found some really neat gifts for the traveler in your life that I wanted to share with you. Spoiler alert, they’re all on Etsy!

Festive botanical Christmas gift wrap. — Botanical Christmas Wrapping Paper pack by Iris Merks.

While I am an affiliate and may earn commission from purchases, it’s really not about Etsy as much as the individual makers who use it as a platform to sell their creations.

Cactus shirt by Marcy Ellis (screenshot).

Etsy holiday shopping tips:

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