Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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Tusome Books is an online bookstore that specializes in books written by underrepresented authors, including 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, Indigenous and racialized authors. We aim to amplify diverse voices and provide meaningful stories for all readers.
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Tusome Books operates online, serving readers across Canada.
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“Tusome” is a Swahili word that means “Let’s read.” It reflects our mission to encourage reading and celebrate stories from diverse cultures and perspectives.
Shopping and Products
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We sell physical books, eBooks, and audiobooks in partnership with Libro.fm. While audiobooks can be purchased by readers anywhere in the world, physical and eBooks are available for Canadian customers.
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Yes! We offer a range of merchandise, including tote bags, bookmarks, and more. Check out our merch collection here.
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Yes, we offer e-gift cards that can be used for any purchase on our website, except for audiobooks. They make the perfect gift for book lovers.
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Yes, we welcome special requests! Contact us at info@tusomebooks.com, and we’ll do our best to source the book for you.
Shipping and Returns
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No, we currently ship within Canada only.
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For orders within Canada, shipping typically takes 3–7 business days. For special events, timelines are determined on a case-by-case basis. You’ll receive tracking information once your order ships.
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We accept returns on unused and undamaged items within 30 days of purchase. Please visit our return policy page for more details. COMING SOON.
Corporate and Special Services
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Yes! We provide tailored book packages for corporate gifting, diversity and inclusion initiatives, employee engagement, and professional development. Learn more about our Corporate Services.
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Absolutely! We love helping readers find the perfect books. Email us at info@tusomebooks.com with your preferences, and we’ll send you personalized recommendations.
Diversity and Representation
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We curate our collection to highlight underrepresented voices in publishing. We prioritize authors from equity-deserving communities and ensure our books reflect diverse experiences and perspectives.
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Representation matters because stories shape how we see ourselves and others. By showcasing diverse voices, we help readers expand their understanding and appreciation of different cultures, identities, and experiences.
Events and Community
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We host mostly virtual events, occasionally hold in-person events, and also participate in vendor markets and pop-up shops. Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
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You can support us by shopping on our website, sharing our mission with others, following us on social media, or leaving a review about your experience. Every little bit helps!
Tusome Book Club
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The Tusome Books Book Club is a vibrant community for readers passionate about discovering books by underrepresented authors. Each month, we feature a carefully selected book to inspire meaningful discussions and broaden perspectives.
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Joining is easy! Sign up on our website and pay the annual membership fee of $9.99 to gain access to exclusive benefits and resources.
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The annual fee helps sustain the book club by covering:
Administrative costs such as moderating and hosting discussions.
Curating high-quality book selections by underrepresented authors.
Developing exclusive resources like discussion guides and author interviews.
It also supports special perks for members, such as discounted rates for events and books.
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Members enjoy:
•Access to monthly book club discussions held on the last Sunday of every month at 12 PM EST.
Discounted rates on Tusome Books events.
Exclusive member discounts on books purchased from our online store.
Curated book selections by diverse authors.
Exclusive content, including discussion guides and bonus materials.
Opportunities to connect with like-minded readers.
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We encourage members to support our bookstore by purchasing the monthly book selection from us, especially since members enjoy discounted rates on books. However, it’s not mandatory—you can use any format or retailer that works for you.
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Our team carefully selects books by underrepresented authors that align with our mission to amplify diverse voices. We prioritize stories that inspire meaningful conversations and reflect various experiences.
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Absolutely! We welcome suggestions from our members. Email your recommendations to info@tusomebooks.com, and we’ll consider them for future selections.
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If you miss a discussion, don’t worry! We share summaries and highlights from each meeting with all members. You can also participate in online discussions at your convenience.
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The $9.99 membership fee is annual. Members are responsible for obtaining the monthly book selection, but they can enjoy discounted prices when purchasing from Tusome Books.
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We meet monthly on the last Sunday of every month at 12 PM EST to discuss the featured book.
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Most meetings are virtual to accommodate members from across Canada. Occasionally, we host in-person meetups or events for local members.
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Once you join, you’ll receive regular emails with updates, meeting schedules, and resources. You can also follow us on social media for additional announcements.
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The annual fee is non-refundable, but you can cancel your membership anytime. Simply email us at info@tusomebooks.com if you’d like to be removed from the mailing list.