If there's one thing we hear a lot around here it's, "So many books, so little time." We've had many requests for extra time, which, if we were able to sell that, we'd probably be multi-billionaires. During the holidays, time seems especially precious and rare, so one thing I look forward to every year is the day after Christmas, when there's nothing to do and nowhere to go; I can spend all day, if I like, curled up with a book. Over the past month or so, I've been stockpiling books that I want to read, saving them up as a Christmas present to myself. So far, I've got three young adult books, two kid's books, and three adult novels sitting in a tantalizing pile on the shelf. (Actually, I did cheat a little--I opened one early and started reading it last night!)
What will you be giving yourself for Christmas this year? And what do you look forward to, after the holiday rush is over?
Happy Holidays to all!
12.18.2009
What are YOU getting for Christmas/Galaxy Bestsellers
This time of year, one of our games is to try to guess which books we've sold the most of. It's more of a challenge than you might think, because none of us are at the register for every sale, and sometimes sales numbers creep up a little at a time without you realizing that--hey, we've already sold 15 copies of Nontoxic Housecleaning! It's fun to see what people are getting excited about--sometimes it's about a book they've read and want to pass on, and sometimes it's a book that just got a great review on NPR.
So, here's a sneak peek at the books that are being tucked under Christmas trees all over the greater Hardwick area (and beyond). Maybe you'll find a few under your tree this year!
1. The Pleasures of Cooking for One - It's a gorgeous, unique, and inspiring
cookbook; sales were certainly helped by our event with Judith Jones, but I'm pretty sure this would have been a bestseller no matter what. A wonderful gift for singles, but also good for couples and anyone who might want to cook small meals from time to time.
2. Bananagrams -- The totally addictive word game is being purchased by the bunch by many of our customers! (Haha - "bunch" - get it??)
3. Not Too Awful Bad -- Another book that got a boost from a visit by the author. Leon Thompson has written a fine addition to the genre of Vermont humor.
4. Nontoxic Housecleaning -- I was not kidding, we've sold a lot of this little book. It's a great gift for anyone who has to clean...which is almost everyone over the age of 20. This little collection of simple and inexpensive recipes for nontoxic cleaning products is perfect for slipping into a stocking, or perhaps a basket along with some baking soda and vinegar!
5. Stones Into Schools -- It's no surprise that Greg Mortenson's follow up to
Three Cups of Tea is a success. The man's story is inspirational, fascinating, and also timely.
6. Thirty Below Zero: In Praise of Native Vermonters -- We may not have had books for Ethan Hubbard's visit, but they were finally released by Customs, and we've got 'em. It's a small book, but packed full of wonderful photographs. It's almost guaranteed that you'll recognize some of the faces here.
7. Favor Johnson -- Another unsurprising bestseller. Willem Lange's Christmas story has been beloved by radio listeners for years, and the picture book version is something the whole family will treasure. Unfortunately, the book is now hard to come by because the publisher did not anticipate quite such a huge response. Huh.
8. Reading Lights -- What could be better for a book lover's stocking than a book light?
9. Head Massagers -- I have to say, I can't quite get the appeal of these whisk-shaped gadgets featured on our Planet Shari table (to my scalp, it just tickles) but a lot of people find the Head Massagers very enjoyable. At $4, you can't go wrong. We're out of these at the moment, but expect another shipment in any day.
10. Taking the Leap -- Pema Chodron's latest book was helped along by a
discussion group in Greensboro. A slim volume, full of Chodron's simple and profound wisdom.
11. Lamoille Stories -- Bill Schubart's collection of stories about growing up in Morrisville continues to be a hit.
12. The Tenth Muse -- Again, Judith Jones' visit helped out with these sales, but it's also been on our Staff Favorites table since it was first published in 2007.
13. Someone Knows My Name -- Another Staff Favorite, this novel is just an incredible story about one woman's struggles against the bonds of slavery.
14. Mudbound -- Yet another Staff Favorite! Hillary Jordan's debut novel won the Bellwether Prize with good reason. Her book is an utterly riveting story of families and friendships twisted by racism and betrayals.
15. The Hidden Life of Deer -- Haven't read it, but it sounds fascinating, and
I've heard rave reviews. A gem of a book for animal lovers and outdoorsmen and women.
16. The Catch -- Archer Mayor's books are popular throughout the year, but this new paperback will make a great stocking stuffer for anyone looking for a good Vermont mystery to enjoy on these cold nights.
17. The Mysterious Benedict Society -- A favorite of ours, and of many other readers of all ages. This series is great for voracious young readers, and also a lot of fun as a family read-aloud.
18. Mastering the Art of French Cooking -- The movie Julie & Julia has inspired a whole new set of cooks to tackle Julia Child's classic cookbook.
19. The Big Burn -- National Book Award Winner Timothy Egan brings another fascinating moment in history to life with his book about the largest forest fire in American history.
20. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days -- Nearly every kid in middle school wants to have the whole colorful collection of Jeff Kinney's bestselling series about underdog Greg. Dog Days is the fourth--the one with the yellow cover.
21. The Prairie Home Companion Pretty Good Joke Book -- Here's a good
one:
An Irishman walks into a bar in Cork City and asks the barman, "What's the quickest way to get to Dublin?"
"Are you walking or driving?" asks the barman.
"Driving," says the man.
"That's the quickest way," says the barman.
How can you pass up a book full of jokes like that? You can't! I dare you to pick it up and not spend a few minutes flipping through and chuckling over the Prairie Home Companion's 5th edition of some of the funniest--and most groan-inducing--jokes ever told.
So, here's a sneak peek at the books that are being tucked under Christmas trees all over the greater Hardwick area (and beyond). Maybe you'll find a few under your tree this year!
1. The Pleasures of Cooking for One - It's a gorgeous, unique, and inspiring
cookbook; sales were certainly helped by our event with Judith Jones, but I'm pretty sure this would have been a bestseller no matter what. A wonderful gift for singles, but also good for couples and anyone who might want to cook small meals from time to time.2. Bananagrams -- The totally addictive word game is being purchased by the bunch by many of our customers! (Haha - "bunch" - get it??)
3. Not Too Awful Bad -- Another book that got a boost from a visit by the author. Leon Thompson has written a fine addition to the genre of Vermont humor.
4. Nontoxic Housecleaning -- I was not kidding, we've sold a lot of this little book. It's a great gift for anyone who has to clean...which is almost everyone over the age of 20. This little collection of simple and inexpensive recipes for nontoxic cleaning products is perfect for slipping into a stocking, or perhaps a basket along with some baking soda and vinegar!
5. Stones Into Schools -- It's no surprise that Greg Mortenson's follow up to
Three Cups of Tea is a success. The man's story is inspirational, fascinating, and also timely.6. Thirty Below Zero: In Praise of Native Vermonters -- We may not have had books for Ethan Hubbard's visit, but they were finally released by Customs, and we've got 'em. It's a small book, but packed full of wonderful photographs. It's almost guaranteed that you'll recognize some of the faces here.
7. Favor Johnson -- Another unsurprising bestseller. Willem Lange's Christmas story has been beloved by radio listeners for years, and the picture book version is something the whole family will treasure. Unfortunately, the book is now hard to come by because the publisher did not anticipate quite such a huge response. Huh.
8. Reading Lights -- What could be better for a book lover's stocking than a book light?
9. Head Massagers -- I have to say, I can't quite get the appeal of these whisk-shaped gadgets featured on our Planet Shari table (to my scalp, it just tickles) but a lot of people find the Head Massagers very enjoyable. At $4, you can't go wrong. We're out of these at the moment, but expect another shipment in any day.
10. Taking the Leap -- Pema Chodron's latest book was helped along by a
discussion group in Greensboro. A slim volume, full of Chodron's simple and profound wisdom.11. Lamoille Stories -- Bill Schubart's collection of stories about growing up in Morrisville continues to be a hit.
12. The Tenth Muse -- Again, Judith Jones' visit helped out with these sales, but it's also been on our Staff Favorites table since it was first published in 2007.
13. Someone Knows My Name -- Another Staff Favorite, this novel is just an incredible story about one woman's struggles against the bonds of slavery.
14. Mudbound -- Yet another Staff Favorite! Hillary Jordan's debut novel won the Bellwether Prize with good reason. Her book is an utterly riveting story of families and friendships twisted by racism and betrayals.
15. The Hidden Life of Deer -- Haven't read it, but it sounds fascinating, and
I've heard rave reviews. A gem of a book for animal lovers and outdoorsmen and women.16. The Catch -- Archer Mayor's books are popular throughout the year, but this new paperback will make a great stocking stuffer for anyone looking for a good Vermont mystery to enjoy on these cold nights.
17. The Mysterious Benedict Society -- A favorite of ours, and of many other readers of all ages. This series is great for voracious young readers, and also a lot of fun as a family read-aloud.
18. Mastering the Art of French Cooking -- The movie Julie & Julia has inspired a whole new set of cooks to tackle Julia Child's classic cookbook.
19. The Big Burn -- National Book Award Winner Timothy Egan brings another fascinating moment in history to life with his book about the largest forest fire in American history.
20. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days -- Nearly every kid in middle school wants to have the whole colorful collection of Jeff Kinney's bestselling series about underdog Greg. Dog Days is the fourth--the one with the yellow cover.
21. The Prairie Home Companion Pretty Good Joke Book -- Here's a good
one:An Irishman walks into a bar in Cork City and asks the barman, "What's the quickest way to get to Dublin?"
"Are you walking or driving?" asks the barman.
"Driving," says the man.
"That's the quickest way," says the barman.
How can you pass up a book full of jokes like that? You can't! I dare you to pick it up and not spend a few minutes flipping through and chuckling over the Prairie Home Companion's 5th edition of some of the funniest--and most groan-inducing--jokes ever told.
12.11.2009
The Holiday Rush
It's the middle of December and there are some number of days until Christmas, which I refuse to count. Business is steady and picking up daily, and we're busy filling orders for special holiday gifts. From time to time, there's a lull in which to collect thoughts and take time to enjoy our customers and the wealth of books around us. [BOOK PLUG: This afternoon, I had a chance to pick up an advance copy of Lori Lansen's new novel (out in February), The Wife's Tale. I enjoyed her first novel, The Girls, and after reading the first couple of pages, I'm pretty sure this is the book that's going to save me from a reading dry spell.]
When we've remembered to do so, we've tried to capture some of the fun moments happening around the store. Here's a peek at what's been going on at The Galaxy Bookshop:
[caption id="attachment_667" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Perusing books with the help of a Bookseller Cat"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_670" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="The lovely and delightful Judith Jones"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_669" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="We had a fantastic crowd turn out for Judith's reading and book signing"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_672" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Stardust bookseller Sam Z. got a chance to chat with Judith after having his book signed"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_668" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Enjoying some of the year's best picture books."]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_680" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Kitten-approved reading"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_678" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="For those curious about our Name the Kitties vote: Meet Cassiopeia Juniper Scout and Comet Jem! (And if you're choice didn't win, feel free to nickname them.)"]
[/caption]
When we've remembered to do so, we've tried to capture some of the fun moments happening around the store. Here's a peek at what's been going on at The Galaxy Bookshop:
[caption id="attachment_667" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Perusing books with the help of a Bookseller Cat"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_670" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="The lovely and delightful Judith Jones"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_669" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="We had a fantastic crowd turn out for Judith's reading and book signing"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_672" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Stardust bookseller Sam Z. got a chance to chat with Judith after having his book signed"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_668" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Enjoying some of the year's best picture books."]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_680" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Kitten-approved reading"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_678" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="For those curious about our Name the Kitties vote: Meet Cassiopeia Juniper Scout and Comet Jem! (And if you're choice didn't win, feel free to nickname them.)"]
[/caption]
12.04.2009
It's here! The pace quickens...
Wow, just like that, we've been dropped into the holiday season. Sorry I missed last week--what with Thanksgiving falling on my usual blog-writing day, it kinda slipped my mind. However, I hope you all had as lovely a day with family, friends, and food as I did!
It's hard to believe that it's really December, but that's what the calendar seems to say. I won't remind you how many shopping days! are Left! till Christmas! because that drives me nuts, but I will mention that The Galaxy Bookshop has put together a list of the books that we're excited to recommend as great gifts (whether for someone else or for yourself.)
Here are the links to our various lists (which you will also find along the right had side of our website):
Babies & Toddlers , Growing Readers , Fiction , Non-fiction , for the Do-It-Yourself-ers , Seasonal titles , Vermont-centric , Marvelous Miscellany
You can also take a look at the New England Independent Booksellers' Holiday Catalog for more suggestions from our cohorts in bookselling around the region.
After you've made your gift/wish list, come to our Annual Sirius Reader Sale & Party tomorrow--December 5! There will be sales on many of the titles from our Holiday Picks list; coffee, juice, and baked goodies; a good selection of advance reading copies to pick through (a suggested $1 donation per book will benefit the Hardwick Area Food Pantry); and you can help us officially name the two kittens (yes, they're still here!) by voting for your favorite names.
On top of that, we have two authors coming for book signings during the day.
At 11 a.m., meet Leon Thompson, author of Not Too Awful Bad: A Storyteller's Guide to Vermont. He's got a unique and funny take on the state, and we are looking forward to getting to know more about this new Vermont author.
At noon, Ethan Hubbard will be here to sign copies of his new book of collected photos, Thirty Below Zero: In Praise of Native Vermonters. Well, we HOPE he'll be signing copies--as I type this, the books are being held up by Homeland Security in Boston (routine procedure)--but Ethan does have some copies to flip through. In the worst case scenario, we'll take orders for the book and expect to get them to you, autographed, in time for Christmas.
In other holiday news, cats love to help decorate:
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="207" caption="Hmm...let's see what's in here."]
[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="186" caption="Shh--don't tell Linda I used this pic!"]
[/caption]
It's hard to believe that it's really December, but that's what the calendar seems to say. I won't remind you how many shopping days! are Left! till Christmas! because that drives me nuts, but I will mention that The Galaxy Bookshop has put together a list of the books that we're excited to recommend as great gifts (whether for someone else or for yourself.)
Here are the links to our various lists (which you will also find along the right had side of our website):
Babies & Toddlers , Growing Readers , Fiction , Non-fiction , for the Do-It-Yourself-ers , Seasonal titles , Vermont-centric , Marvelous Miscellany
You can also take a look at the New England Independent Booksellers' Holiday Catalog for more suggestions from our cohorts in bookselling around the region.
After you've made your gift/wish list, come to our Annual Sirius Reader Sale & Party tomorrow--December 5! There will be sales on many of the titles from our Holiday Picks list; coffee, juice, and baked goodies; a good selection of advance reading copies to pick through (a suggested $1 donation per book will benefit the Hardwick Area Food Pantry); and you can help us officially name the two kittens (yes, they're still here!) by voting for your favorite names.
On top of that, we have two authors coming for book signings during the day.
At 11 a.m., meet Leon Thompson, author of Not Too Awful Bad: A Storyteller's Guide to Vermont. He's got a unique and funny take on the state, and we are looking forward to getting to know more about this new Vermont author.
At noon, Ethan Hubbard will be here to sign copies of his new book of collected photos, Thirty Below Zero: In Praise of Native Vermonters. Well, we HOPE he'll be signing copies--as I type this, the books are being held up by Homeland Security in Boston (routine procedure)--but Ethan does have some copies to flip through. In the worst case scenario, we'll take orders for the book and expect to get them to you, autographed, in time for Christmas.
In other holiday news, cats love to help decorate:
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="207" caption="Hmm...let's see what's in here."]
[/caption][caption id="" align="alignright" width="186" caption="Shh--don't tell Linda I used this pic!"]
[/caption]
11.20.2009
Pet Books
I don't know what it's like to deal with overstock in other types of retail, but the business of returns in bookselling is, quite frankly, a huge pain. Figuring out which books get shipped where, pulling them from the shelves, and then packing them up can be a hassle. More painful is acknowledging that you bought too many copies of that presidential biography, that no one but you liked the picture book about ducks on a camping trip, and that you should have let your instincts overcome the sales rep's enthusiasm when you hesitated over buying that very heavy $60 illustrated history of American quilts. In other words, it's a time for owning up to your mistakes.While looking over all of the inventory that hasn't "turned" (sold and been re-ordered) within the past 6 months or more, you have to remind yourself to be ruthless--these books aren't earning their keep, so it's time to give 'em the boot. So long, celebrity memoir! Sayonara, Harry Potter wannabe! Nice knowing ya, Best American Essays of 2008--time to make room for a new year. It's all going great...until you come across the book that stares up at you with sad puppy dog eyes. How is it that no one wanted to take home this picture book about a girl and her horse? Is it possible that not one person was interested in reading about the authors behind the Nancy Drew series? This is when I turn to Linda (or vice versa) and insist, "We can't send that one back!" We're so sure that there's someone out there who will love this book that we won't give up on it--not yet.
Some of these books have lived on our shelves for years--these are what we call our "pet books." Season after season, they are saved from the returns box in hopes that just the right readers will discover them, take them home, and love them. The attachment may be irrational--we haven't even read some of these books, but they still speak to us somehow--it's a part of our book loving natures. Sometimes, emotion overrules business sense. Though our pet books aren't "earning" a spot on the shelves, they become good friends. While the covers around them change with the seasons, these old reliables remain comfortingly familiar. When, at last, someone does take one of our pet books home, we gladly send it off into its new life where it will be read and cherished, satisfied in the knowledge that we were right about that book all along.
11.05.2009
Books for a brand new reader
Today, as I went about my regular bookstore business, I was also keeping an eye out for my own shopping. In a few weeks, I'm going to be an aunt for the first time, and that means that I get to buy lots of picture books for my brand new niece!! It's so exciting to think about all of the stories that are waiting for her to discover, and it's something I've been looking forward to, every time I've helped a customer select baby gifts. Of course, I'm happy to give recommendations to other people, but how will I choose books myself?!
Do I go for the classics? Do I steer clear of those, since she's likely to end up with duplicates, and pick out some lesser known gems? Most importantly, how do I stop piling up the books? There are so many good ones, and it's hard to stop at two, or five, or ten...
One that I have already set aside is Bear's Day Out. This book by Michael Rosen just came out in board book format, and the bouncy call and response rhyming tale is perfect for read aloud time.
I already gave my sister-in-law a copy of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. This is another new book that's destined to be a classic. Mem Fox's rhyming story about babies all over the world is perfectly illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, who created a lovely multi-cultural portrait of babies doing the things babies do, no matter where they are from. Oh, an additional endorsement came from my friend, whose 4 month old got excited every time she pulled out this particular book!
Dwell Studio (which is apparently a home furnishings company and not the likeliest of candidates for producing a good book) has, in fact, developed a nice little line of beginning board books. My favorite is LOOK, which is wordless and features a single image per page, simple, bright, and sharply contrasting with its background.
So, these are some of my favorite new books, but there are so very many classics--some of my favorites growing up--that my niece has to have. Where do I start? Which ones should wait for later? I can't wait to pass along Pippi Longstocking and Anne of Green Gables (apparently, I had a weakness for red-headed orphans), but those might be better gifts when she's old enough to read them herself. But what about Winnie the Pooh? What about Beatrix Potter and Richard Scarry? She might not be able to understand the stories yet, but she'll grow into them.
One of my biggest challenges is finding the very best book of bedtime stories--I had a bunch of books full of stories and poems when I was a kid, and I think almost all of those are out of print. It's time to find something new for this new baby girl to love and ask for, night after night.
[Early morning additions] Obviously, I missed many wonderful books, but I
woke up this morning and realized there were a few I couldn't leave off: Madeline, Ferdinand, The Poky Little Puppy and The Tawny Scrawny Lion (for that matter, just about any book in the Golden Books collection), Green Eggs and Ham, Corduroy, From Dusk Till Dawn, Strega Nona, Jamberry, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Tacky the Penguin, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, and The Belly Button Book are just a few of the books that I couldn't let my niece grow up without.
Thank goodness I have years of being a book-giving aunt to look forward to!
What are your favorite books to give as baby gifts? What did I miss? What book should no baby's library be without?
Do I go for the classics? Do I steer clear of those, since she's likely to end up with duplicates, and pick out some lesser known gems? Most importantly, how do I stop piling up the books? There are so many good ones, and it's hard to stop at two, or five, or ten...
One that I have already set aside is Bear's Day Out. This book by Michael Rosen just came out in board book format, and the bouncy call and response rhyming tale is perfect for read aloud time.
I already gave my sister-in-law a copy of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. This is another new book that's destined to be a classic. Mem Fox's rhyming story about babies all over the world is perfectly illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, who created a lovely multi-cultural portrait of babies doing the things babies do, no matter where they are from. Oh, an additional endorsement came from my friend, whose 4 month old got excited every time she pulled out this particular book!Dwell Studio (which is apparently a home furnishings company and not the likeliest of candidates for producing a good book) has, in fact, developed a nice little line of beginning board books. My favorite is LOOK, which is wordless and features a single image per page, simple, bright, and sharply contrasting with its background.So, these are some of my favorite new books, but there are so very many classics--some of my favorites growing up--that my niece has to have. Where do I start? Which ones should wait for later? I can't wait to pass along Pippi Longstocking and Anne of Green Gables (apparently, I had a weakness for red-headed orphans), but those might be better gifts when she's old enough to read them herself. But what about Winnie the Pooh? What about Beatrix Potter and Richard Scarry? She might not be able to understand the stories yet, but she'll grow into them.One of my biggest challenges is finding the very best book of bedtime stories--I had a bunch of books full of stories and poems when I was a kid, and I think almost all of those are out of print. It's time to find something new for this new baby girl to love and ask for, night after night.
[Early morning additions] Obviously, I missed many wonderful books, but I
woke up this morning and realized there were a few I couldn't leave off: Madeline, Ferdinand, The Poky Little Puppy and The Tawny Scrawny Lion (for that matter, just about any book in the Golden Books collection), Green Eggs and Ham, Corduroy, From Dusk Till Dawn, Strega Nona, Jamberry, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Tacky the Penguin, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, and The Belly Button Book are just a few of the books that I couldn't let my niece grow up without.Thank goodness I have years of being a book-giving aunt to look forward to!
What are your favorite books to give as baby gifts? What did I miss? What book should no baby's library be without?
10.30.2009
Bookseller trick or treat!
Possibly the most fun literary ghost story I've come across: AbeBooks lists the top 10 ghostwritten books. You might be surprised by the names of some of the ghostwriters!
There are now four "episodes" available in the Library of Congress's Exquisite Corpse Adventure--part 1 by Jon Scieszka, part 2 by Katherine Paterson, part 3 by Kate DiCamillo, and part 4 by Susan Cooper. Check in every two weeks for more exciting installments!
If you're like me and far behind on all sorts of reading, you may not have had a chance to read the New Yorker excerpt from Wild Things, Dave Eggers' novelization of Where the Wild Things Are.
Not really literary, and also an older article, but it seems like a good time to pull out this story about a scientific study of the odds of humanity surviving a zombie attack. Remember--aim for the head.
DON'T FORGET: For a Spooktacular time tonight (Friday, October 30) -
head to Stardust Books for their POE-try Slam. It begins at 7:00, the suggested donation is $1 (all donations go into a pot that will be awarded to the best poet of the evening by specially selected judges) and costumes are encouraged!
Poets: Bring one spooky or seasonal poem and one poem on a subject of your choice to perform for the audience.
We'll start the Slam off with a dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven." It's guaranteed to be a Fangtastic evening!
Happy Halloween!!
There are now four "episodes" available in the Library of Congress's Exquisite Corpse Adventure--part 1 by Jon Scieszka, part 2 by Katherine Paterson, part 3 by Kate DiCamillo, and part 4 by Susan Cooper. Check in every two weeks for more exciting installments!
If you're like me and far behind on all sorts of reading, you may not have had a chance to read the New Yorker excerpt from Wild Things, Dave Eggers' novelization of Where the Wild Things Are.
Not really literary, and also an older article, but it seems like a good time to pull out this story about a scientific study of the odds of humanity surviving a zombie attack. Remember--aim for the head.
DON'T FORGET: For a Spooktacular time tonight (Friday, October 30) -
head to Stardust Books for their POE-try Slam. It begins at 7:00, the suggested donation is $1 (all donations go into a pot that will be awarded to the best poet of the evening by specially selected judges) and costumes are encouraged!Poets: Bring one spooky or seasonal poem and one poem on a subject of your choice to perform for the audience.
We'll start the Slam off with a dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven." It's guaranteed to be a Fangtastic evening!
Happy Halloween!!
10.23.2009
Read-a-Thon Wrap-up
For our first Read-a-Thon, in 2008, we had prepared by talking with other booksellers who had hosted Read-a-Thons in the past. We had no particular expectations going in. We were bowled over to have 38 participants, mainly ages 12-17, raising around $830 for Hardwick Head Start.
This year, we'd been through the whole process and had a good idea of what we were getting into. We recruited extra volunteers to chaperone and set some new ground rules to make sure everyone was on the same page as far as what was expected and what was off limits during the 24 hours we'd be spending together in the bookstore.
Yet again, our expectations were blown away--we had 53 participants (including chaperones, many of whom found time to do some reading of their own) and, as of five days later, have raised $1040.98 for Hardwick Head Start and Early Head Start! According to several phone calls, emails, and drop-in visits, we are expecting to reach over $1,100 when all is said and done.
And what did the Read-a-Thonners do to honor the pledges they raised? Reading, of course, played a big part. Just from the participants who chose to keep logs of the books they read, we had a count of 14,063 pages read. In visual terms, that's the equivalent of a stack of 18 copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows--in hardcover! Our winner for most pages read logged over 4,000 pages in her 24 hours here!
Of course, these voracious readers also had an appetite for food, and this is another way in which our community showed generous support for the Head Start programs. Hall's Market donated several bags of fruit; Patchwork Farm & Bakery gave us a discount on delicious pizzas for Friday night's dinner; Connie's Kitchen delivered some fresh baked muffins and cinnamon bread for breakfast on Saturday; and Grand Union gave us a gift certificate that we used towards lunches and snacks.
We also wanted to give people a chance to take breaks from their books from time to time, and activities such as storytelling and Literary Jeopardy were popular diversions. Susan O'Connell--the children's librarian at 
Jeudevine Library--created a special "library annex" here at the store for anyone who ran out of reading material, and at midnight led a Raid on the Library that let people stretch their legs and stock up on additional books.
A 5 a.m. scavenger hunt through the bookstore found very few takers (two, to be exact), since nearly everyone else was fast asleep.
In the morning, however, they were awake and ready to hit the books again.
10.15.2009
A moment of Zen
It's hard to focus on much when it's less than 24 hours before our 24 Hour Read-a-Thon, so enjoy these sleeping kitties until I'm able to write more! Stop by the store this weekend to check out our Read-a-Thoners; I'll try to post stories and photos from the event next week. ~ Sandy
10.09.2009
Up all night, read all day
IT'S TIME FOR READ-A-THON 2009!
The Galaxy Bookshop's Second Annual 24 Hour Read-a-Thon is set to kick off Friday, October 16 at 4 p.m. and run through Saturday, October 17 at 4 p.m. The Read-a-Thon is a fundraiser for Hardwick Head Start and Early Head Start and promotes the importance and the enjoyment of reading at all ages. Hardwick Head Start and Early Head Start provide education, nutrition, health, community, and social services to low-income children.
Read-a-Thon participants collect pledges--all of which will be donated to Head Start--and can spend up to 24 hours at The Galaxy Bookshop reading and enjoying a variety of activities. Last year, thirty-eight readers participated in the Read-a-Thon, raising just over $800 for Head Start and collectively reading over 10,000 pages and dozens of books! Head Start used the money raised by our readers to purchase furniture for a reading area and books for the program's students.
Admittedly, Read-a-Thonning is tiring work, but lots of fun! You're welcome to stay for the entire 24 hours (as Morgan, above, did last year) or come join us for a short time. We also invite you to stop in during the day on Saturday--the store will be open for normal hours--to cheer on our readers and make a donation to Head Start.
9.25.2009
Kittens at the Bookstore
Written by Sandy
For a lot of people--and I'm one of them--books and cats fit together. That, and a good cup of tea. It's not unusual to find a kitty curled up in some cozy spot in a bookstore; even a library might become a home for a cat. So, when Linda agreed to take in two kittens, there was some excitement at The Galaxy Bookshop about the possibility of adopting a bookstore cat. For a little while, at least, they've found a home in our bank vault, and they are the most adorable things you'd want to see.
The benefits are obvious (at least, to a cat lover): Cats are good company and, on a bad day, can be therapeutic; they attract other cat lovers; a cat would catch any stray rodents or flies that might find their way in; cats are good lap warmers (and it does get chilly in here during the winter.)
Of course, there are also draw-backs, the most obvious of which is that there are plenty of people who are allergic to cats. We certainly don't want to make those people uncomfortable about visiting the bookstore. We really don't want to cause an unsuspecting customer to have a serious reaction, such as an asthma attack.
I have to admit, it's a bit hard to be objective when the matter at hand is a kitten--they're just SO CUTE! Just look at those tiny faces!
Despite the overwhelming cuteness, our goal is to provide a welcoming place for people to spend time browsing and buying books, and that gives a lot of weight to the "con" side of the debate. Still, I keep hoping to discover the secret to having a cat that won't irritate allergic customers. How do other stores handle that? (Besides adopting a hairless cat, that is. I have a feeling those wouldn't do well here during the winter.)
We had a number of responses to our polls about a bookstore cat, both at the store and on Facebook. If you'd like to weigh in, or have any suggestions as to how we might be able to have a cat and give all of our customers a happy bookstore experience, please share!
For a lot of people--and I'm one of them--books and cats fit together. That, and a good cup of tea. It's not unusual to find a kitty curled up in some cozy spot in a bookstore; even a library might become a home for a cat. So, when Linda agreed to take in two kittens, there was some excitement at The Galaxy Bookshop about the possibility of adopting a bookstore cat. For a little while, at least, they've found a home in our bank vault, and they are the most adorable things you'd want to see.The benefits are obvious (at least, to a cat lover): Cats are good company and, on a bad day, can be therapeutic; they attract other cat lovers; a cat would catch any stray rodents or flies that might find their way in; cats are good lap warmers (and it does get chilly in here during the winter.)
Of course, there are also draw-backs, the most obvious of which is that there are plenty of people who are allergic to cats. We certainly don't want to make those people uncomfortable about visiting the bookstore. We really don't want to cause an unsuspecting customer to have a serious reaction, such as an asthma attack.
I have to admit, it's a bit hard to be objective when the matter at hand is a kitten--they're just SO CUTE! Just look at those tiny faces!
Despite the overwhelming cuteness, our goal is to provide a welcoming place for people to spend time browsing and buying books, and that gives a lot of weight to the "con" side of the debate. Still, I keep hoping to discover the secret to having a cat that won't irritate allergic customers. How do other stores handle that? (Besides adopting a hairless cat, that is. I have a feeling those wouldn't do well here during the winter.)
We had a number of responses to our polls about a bookstore cat, both at the store and on Facebook. If you'd like to weigh in, or have any suggestions as to how we might be able to have a cat and give all of our customers a happy bookstore experience, please share!
9.11.2009
Wallace Stegner Weekend
Robert Gray--a bookseller at Northshire Books and columnist for Shelf Awareness--wrote a great article last week about the upcoming Wallace Stegner Centennial weekend at Highland Lodge. With his permission, we're reprinting the article here.
A sound like a big crowd a good way off, excited and shouting, getting closer. We stand up and scan the empty sky. Suddenly there they are, a wavering V headed directly over our hilltop, quite low, beating southward down the central flyway and talking as they pass. We stay quiet, suspending our human conversation until their garrulity fades and their wavering lines are invisible in the sky.
They have passed over us like an eraser over a blackboard, wiping away whatever was there before they came.
"Oh, don't you love them!" Charity says. "Sometimes when we stayed late in Vermont, or went up late for the color, we'd see and hear them like that, coming over Folsom Hill. Someday you've got to visit us there."
Maybe it’s just the time of year, but I recalled that passage from Crossing to Safety (not word-for-word, of course. I had to look it up for the exact quotation) when I heard about the upcoming Wallace Stegner Centennial. This "literary weekend" will be held during foliage season, September 25-27, at the Highland Lodge, Greensboro, Vt., a town where Stegner often summered and the model for scenes in his celebrated novel. Featured speakers include Philip L. Fradkin, author of Wallace Stegner and the American West, and Stegner's agent, Carl Brandt, of Brandt and Hochman.
Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, Vt., is one of the co-sponsors and will sell books at the event. Owner Linda Ramsdell notes: "Stegner's works, especially Crossing to Safety, do still sell well, and better because of the local reference points. An earlier novel, Second Growth, also has many local reference points. Wallace Stegner was a great supporter of the Galaxy Bookshop, and in an earlier iteration of community collaboration, we were fortunate to sell books at the Greensboro Public Library when they presented him with an award."
Anne T. Molleur Hanson, organizer of the celebration, explains that the genesis was "threefold." Four years ago, the inn hosted a Reading Greensboro weekend, with a focus on Crossing to Safety and the belief that "acknowledging the many writers like Wallace Stegner who have summered or spent time in Greensboro (or even live here year round, like Anne Stuart) would be a wonderful way to celebrate Greensboro's literary legacy." In addition to Stegner, John Gunther and Margaret Mead are among the noted authors who called this village of fewer than 1,000 people their Green Mountain home away from home.
"Our Crossing to Safety night was well attended, especially by folks from here," Hanson adds. "After the event, many people--several from afar--remarked on their hope that we would do another such event sometime."
About six months ago, Hanson and Willie Smith, one of the Highland Lodge innkeepers, discussed hosting another literary weekend focusing specifically on Stegner, "who is known as a Western writer, but who had a clear fondness for the northeast, particularly Greensboro, to which his and wife Mary's friends Peg and Phil Gray (portrayed as Charity and Sid Lang in Crossing to Safety) had introduced the Stegners in the late 1930s/early 1940s. My interest in hosting a Stegner event was in part due to my nearly 20-year long regret that although I grew up here, I never attended a Wallace Stegner reading, which he offered during many of the summers he was here."
The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when Hanson learned that Philip Fradkin, "who had stayed here while researching his biography on Stegner, was, like me, a graduate of Williams College. I e-mailed Philip and asked if he would join us for a literary weekend celebrating Wallace Stegner. Philip agreed. He suggested we find sponsors to help us with the event. At that point I contacted our friend, neighbor, and favorite independent bookseller Linda Ramsdell, to ask if the Galaxy Bookshop would like to co-sponsor. Linda was enthusiastic and immediately on-board."
Ramsdell adds that the "Hardwick area is becoming a model for ways that businesses and organizations work together to do things that no one entity can do alone. Attention has focused on the agricultural economy, but there are many examples outside of that sector too. Especially in this economy, the importance and benefits of collaborating are extremely tangible. The other aspect of the Galaxy area, which differs from many cities with local alliance organizations, is that it is a small place where people know each other and are friends. We have a vested interest in each other's viability and success. It is very easy to see how money stays in our area and benefits accrue when we work with each other."--Robert Gray (column archives available at Fresh Eyes Now)
Vermont Foliage Season with Wallace Stegner
A sound like a big crowd a good way off, excited and shouting, getting closer. We stand up and scan the empty sky. Suddenly there they are, a wavering V headed directly over our hilltop, quite low, beating southward down the central flyway and talking as they pass. We stay quiet, suspending our human conversation until their garrulity fades and their wavering lines are invisible in the sky.
They have passed over us like an eraser over a blackboard, wiping away whatever was there before they came.
"Oh, don't you love them!" Charity says. "Sometimes when we stayed late in Vermont, or went up late for the color, we'd see and hear them like that, coming over Folsom Hill. Someday you've got to visit us there."
Maybe it’s just the time of year, but I recalled that passage from Crossing to Safety (not word-for-word, of course. I had to look it up for the exact quotation) when I heard about the upcoming Wallace Stegner Centennial. This "literary weekend" will be held during foliage season, September 25-27, at the Highland Lodge, Greensboro, Vt., a town where Stegner often summered and the model for scenes in his celebrated novel. Featured speakers include Philip L. Fradkin, author of Wallace Stegner and the American West, and Stegner's agent, Carl Brandt, of Brandt and Hochman.
Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, Vt., is one of the co-sponsors and will sell books at the event. Owner Linda Ramsdell notes: "Stegner's works, especially Crossing to Safety, do still sell well, and better because of the local reference points. An earlier novel, Second Growth, also has many local reference points. Wallace Stegner was a great supporter of the Galaxy Bookshop, and in an earlier iteration of community collaboration, we were fortunate to sell books at the Greensboro Public Library when they presented him with an award."
Anne T. Molleur Hanson, organizer of the celebration, explains that the genesis was "threefold." Four years ago, the inn hosted a Reading Greensboro weekend, with a focus on Crossing to Safety and the belief that "acknowledging the many writers like Wallace Stegner who have summered or spent time in Greensboro (or even live here year round, like Anne Stuart) would be a wonderful way to celebrate Greensboro's literary legacy." In addition to Stegner, John Gunther and Margaret Mead are among the noted authors who called this village of fewer than 1,000 people their Green Mountain home away from home.
"Our Crossing to Safety night was well attended, especially by folks from here," Hanson adds. "After the event, many people--several from afar--remarked on their hope that we would do another such event sometime."
About six months ago, Hanson and Willie Smith, one of the Highland Lodge innkeepers, discussed hosting another literary weekend focusing specifically on Stegner, "who is known as a Western writer, but who had a clear fondness for the northeast, particularly Greensboro, to which his and wife Mary's friends Peg and Phil Gray (portrayed as Charity and Sid Lang in Crossing to Safety) had introduced the Stegners in the late 1930s/early 1940s. My interest in hosting a Stegner event was in part due to my nearly 20-year long regret that although I grew up here, I never attended a Wallace Stegner reading, which he offered during many of the summers he was here."
The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when Hanson learned that Philip Fradkin, "who had stayed here while researching his biography on Stegner, was, like me, a graduate of Williams College. I e-mailed Philip and asked if he would join us for a literary weekend celebrating Wallace Stegner. Philip agreed. He suggested we find sponsors to help us with the event. At that point I contacted our friend, neighbor, and favorite independent bookseller Linda Ramsdell, to ask if the Galaxy Bookshop would like to co-sponsor. Linda was enthusiastic and immediately on-board."
Ramsdell adds that the "Hardwick area is becoming a model for ways that businesses and organizations work together to do things that no one entity can do alone. Attention has focused on the agricultural economy, but there are many examples outside of that sector too. Especially in this economy, the importance and benefits of collaborating are extremely tangible. The other aspect of the Galaxy area, which differs from many cities with local alliance organizations, is that it is a small place where people know each other and are friends. We have a vested interest in each other's viability and success. It is very easy to see how money stays in our area and benefits accrue when we work with each other."--Robert Gray (column archives available at Fresh Eyes Now)
9.04.2009
Is this game tax deductible?
I think that it's safe to say that people who love books are people who love words. For all you word junkies today, some excellent free word games you can play at your desk. On your lunch break, of course.
Although, if you play Free Rice during work hours, it seems like you and/or your company should get some sort of tax write-off. After all, you're earning grains of rice to feed the hungry!
Less altruistic is Must Pop Words, which pits the player in a race against an ever increasing shower of letters.
Lexulous (the game formerly known to Facebook users as Scrabulous until Hasbro sued for copyright infringement) continues as a fair imitation of Scrabble (TM), and is still free. You need to create an account in order to play against other people online and save games, but if you'd rather not have yet another user name and password to remember, you can choose to play solitaire or against the computer in a practice game.
Of course, after realizing how popular the Scrabble-esque game was, Hasbro did launch its own, official Scrabble application for Facebook. (I have to admit, being able to play Scrabble with friends and family in other states is the real reason I joined Facebook.)
From one of the ultimate authorities on language, Merriam-Webster's website offers a number of fun, quick, and of course free word games.
Happy Spelling!
P.S. And now for a commercial announcement: The Galaxy Bookshop now carries Bananagrams! It's a portable, simple word game that people of all vocabulary levels can play together. Come by the store to play a demo game or two with one of us anytime.
Although, if you play Free Rice during work hours, it seems like you and/or your company should get some sort of tax write-off. After all, you're earning grains of rice to feed the hungry!
Less altruistic is Must Pop Words, which pits the player in a race against an ever increasing shower of letters.
Lexulous (the game formerly known to Facebook users as Scrabulous until Hasbro sued for copyright infringement) continues as a fair imitation of Scrabble (TM), and is still free. You need to create an account in order to play against other people online and save games, but if you'd rather not have yet another user name and password to remember, you can choose to play solitaire or against the computer in a practice game.
Of course, after realizing how popular the Scrabble-esque game was, Hasbro did launch its own, official Scrabble application for Facebook. (I have to admit, being able to play Scrabble with friends and family in other states is the real reason I joined Facebook.)
From one of the ultimate authorities on language, Merriam-Webster's website offers a number of fun, quick, and of course free word games.
Happy Spelling!
P.S. And now for a commercial announcement: The Galaxy Bookshop now carries Bananagrams! It's a portable, simple word game that people of all vocabulary levels can play together. Come by the store to play a demo game or two with one of us anytime.
8.28.2009
Book Review: Graceling
Graceling, by Kristin CashoreOn the back cover of Graceling, you'll read a snippet of a review comparing the book to Twilight, and of course the publisher would want to appeal to the legion of Twilight fans who are hungry for something new to read, now that Stephenie Meyers' series is finished. If I were to compare this book to anything in the pop culture consciousness, however, I'd lean towards Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Yes, it is a fantasy novel with a romantic vein, but this is above all a book about a young woman who is strong and independent and who wants to empower other girls to take care of themselves.
Gracelings are indentifiable by their eyes, which are of two different colors, and each Graceling has his or her own unique abilities. Some are more mundane than others--they can range from an affinity for cooking to psychic knowledge of weather patterns. Katsa's Grace manifested itself when, at eight years old, she killed an uncle who was making inappropriate advances toward her. Since then, Katsa has been employed by another uncle, King Randa of the Midlunds, as his personal assasin and enforcer. She has trained and honed her superhuman skill for killing and maiming until she can take out an army of men on her own.
Although she is forced to deliver horrible and often unfair punishments to her uncle's subjects, the injustices Katsa sees all around her lead her to form a secret Council that works to save victims of tyranny and abuses of all kinds. On one such mission, rescuing an elderly prince from the dungeons of a neighboring kingdom, Katsa meets a stranger who will change her life and everything she believes about herself and her Grace.
Prince Po of the island kingdom of Lienid is also Graced with fighting abilities, and he is searching for his grandfather--the same prince that Katsa helped to rescue from prison. Together, Po and Katsa seek to discover who kidnapped the elder Lienid prince and for what dark purpose.
I was thrilled to read this book, with a heroine whose strength and independent spirit does not give way at the entrance of a handsome, romantic young man. Though she doesn't always understand it, Katsa embraces her strength, protecting others and teaching them to protect themselves. The men she allows close to her are not intimidated by her power but respect and love her for that very strength. This is a book I am very happy to recommend to young women--and young men--looking for a story full of action, adventure, and romance, with characters they can cheer for and admire.
[Note: Graceling has just been published in paperback. Fans will be eager to read Cashore's next book, Fire, which is about different characters, but still set in Katsa's world.]
[Note, part II: Check out Kristin Cashore's website and blog for more information about the author and her books and books-in-progress!]
8.21.2009
With my glass half-full
There are pessimists who will note, with some pride, that their view of the world ensures that they are never disappointed when things go wrong and often surprised when things go better than expected. I prefer to be optimistic, but as it turns out, a bit of pessimistic planning ahead might have been a good thing this week.
As some of you may know first (or second) hand, our anticipated event with Bernd Heinrich this past Tuesday didn't take place because the author was unfortunately unaware that he had a speaking engagement at The Galaxy Bookshop at all.
It was, certainly, an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved. For me, it was also a learning opportunity.
Lesson #1: ALWAYS re-confirm events with the author or publicist near the date of an event. The publisher may have a whole department working on author tours, and the event may be posted to the official website, but that doesn't mean that things can't slip between the cracks.
Lesson #2: Be prepared for contigencies. Within minutes after I made the announcement that Bernd would not be attending, I began thinking of ways in which I could have softened the blow and created some organization for everyone as we worked on our Plan B. Because I didn't get people's contact information, I have to hope that we will be able to reach them through our website, via our email newsletter, here, on Facebook, in advertisements, etc., in order to let them know that....
Lesson #3: Know that there is a way to rectify the situation (i.e. Don't Panic!). The happy outcome of our canceled event is that Bernd Heinrich made a point of stopping by the following day, on his way to Maine, to sign books for us. We now have a number of signed copies of Summer World and some of Bernd's older books that we'd be happy to exchange for unsigned copies for any of the people who were here on Tuesday evening.
We are also working on rescheduling this event, which will either take place in October or in the spring, when Bernd's next book (Nesting) is published. We will let everyone know as soon as we have a date--and promise (barring emergencies) that we'll get the author to the book signing on time.
One more thing I took away from Tuesday evening--our people are good people. Though it would have been understandable for folks to get angry, annoyed, frustrated, vocal...it didn't happen. At least, they didn't show it. Instead, they were kind and understanding, voicing hopes of meeting Bernd here another time and offering sympathy for the situation we found ourselves in. Some people even helped us fold and stack chairs--a gesture that, on a hot and stuffy night, did not go unappreciated.
So, I will continue to be an optimist, but an optimist with a back-up plan.
As some of you may know first (or second) hand, our anticipated event with Bernd Heinrich this past Tuesday didn't take place because the author was unfortunately unaware that he had a speaking engagement at The Galaxy Bookshop at all.
It was, certainly, an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved. For me, it was also a learning opportunity.
Lesson #1: ALWAYS re-confirm events with the author or publicist near the date of an event. The publisher may have a whole department working on author tours, and the event may be posted to the official website, but that doesn't mean that things can't slip between the cracks.
Lesson #2: Be prepared for contigencies. Within minutes after I made the announcement that Bernd would not be attending, I began thinking of ways in which I could have softened the blow and created some organization for everyone as we worked on our Plan B. Because I didn't get people's contact information, I have to hope that we will be able to reach them through our website, via our email newsletter, here, on Facebook, in advertisements, etc., in order to let them know that....
Lesson #3: Know that there is a way to rectify the situation (i.e. Don't Panic!). The happy outcome of our canceled event is that Bernd Heinrich made a point of stopping by the following day, on his way to Maine, to sign books for us. We now have a number of signed copies of Summer World and some of Bernd's older books that we'd be happy to exchange for unsigned copies for any of the people who were here on Tuesday evening.
We are also working on rescheduling this event, which will either take place in October or in the spring, when Bernd's next book (Nesting) is published. We will let everyone know as soon as we have a date--and promise (barring emergencies) that we'll get the author to the book signing on time.
One more thing I took away from Tuesday evening--our people are good people. Though it would have been understandable for folks to get angry, annoyed, frustrated, vocal...it didn't happen. At least, they didn't show it. Instead, they were kind and understanding, voicing hopes of meeting Bernd here another time and offering sympathy for the situation we found ourselves in. Some people even helped us fold and stack chairs--a gesture that, on a hot and stuffy night, did not go unappreciated.
So, I will continue to be an optimist, but an optimist with a back-up plan.
8.14.2009
Those "lazy" days of summer
How does the week fly by so fast? Here it is, Friday again, and August is halfway over. There's so much to do during these last weeks of summer, as we try to pack in as much activity as possible before vacation is over. On top of that, it looks like we have one of the most gorgeous weekends of the summer ahead!
Here are a few of the events you might want to enjoy, right around our community this weekend:
Circus Smirkus! Final shows of the season are in Greensboro--Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 16 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (It's recommended that you get there quite early if you haven't bought tickets in advance--lines can get long.)
The Vermont Philharmonic Pops Concert at the Hardwick Town House--Saturday, August 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Catch folk musicians Rick & Bec at The Music Box in Craftsbury--Saturday, August 15, at 8 p.m.
Enjoy music on the water at Landon Lake Cottage on Caspian--Sunday, August 16, at 7:30 p.m.
And, don't forget, The Galaxy Bookshop has two events coming up next week:
Dinner and book signing with Allison Hooper of Vermont Butter & Cheese--Monday, August 17, 6 p.m. at Claire's Restaurant. Seating is limited, reserve tickets in advance at The Galaxy Bookshop.
Reading and book signing by naturalist Bernd Heinrich--Tuesday, August 18, 7 p.m. at the bookstore. Free, and no reservations necessary.
Have a great weekend!!
8.07.2009
We've got 'em, signed!
Wow, Friday just snuck up on me--which is why this post is so late...and brief.The wonderful Richard Russo very generously agreed to stop by The Galaxy Bookshop today to sign books for us! We have many autographed copies of his new (and very enjoyable) book, That Old Cape Magic, available now. Call (802-472-5533) or email us if you'd like to reserve a copy! We also have signed copies of some of his previous books, including Empire Falls and Bridge of Sighs.
Read an interview with Russo at the Wall Street Journal or listen to his NPR interview (and read an excerpt from the book) on Morning Edition.
The Washington Post printed a great review of the book (I think it sums up everything I thought about it, in better words than I could have found.)
7.31.2009
Beautiful objects
Many people (myself included) are fairly squeamish at the thought of purposely damaging books. Some artists and crafters, however, have created incredibly beautiful and just plain cool items out of the pages and covers of books. Here are a few examples for your enjoyment. Happy Friday!
Thanks to Alison at Shelftalker for sharing this amazing stop-motion video, which was produced for the 25th anniversary of 4th Estate, a HarperCollins imprint in the U.K. (Due to Wordpress constraints, and my own shortcomings as a computer user, I can't embed the video, but do click through--it's jaw-dropping.)
Su Blackwell is a British artist who builds incredibly detailed sculptures from old books. Each piece is inspired by the book it is created from and uses only the pages from that book. See the article here and a slideshow of the sculptures here.
I love Thomas Allen's gorgeously pulpy diorama photographs, which he creates using covers from vintage paperbacks.
I could probably spend all day clicking through on images from a simple Google search for "book art." Just, wow.
Of course, I haven't even gotten into books as works of art in themselves. Powell's blogger Kirsten Berg writes about rare books and book bindings that are so beautiful it could make a bibliophile swoon. My favorite entry was on fore-edge art, something I have never seen on any modern book.
Finally, some edible art based on books. Cake Wrecks (a site that spends most of the week hilariously riffing on terrible cake decorations) has had a couple of book related cake posts, including children's books and Harry Potter.
PBS offers more examples of kid's book inspired cakes that are nearly too lovely to eat.
Thanks to Alison at Shelftalker for sharing this amazing stop-motion video, which was produced for the 25th anniversary of 4th Estate, a HarperCollins imprint in the U.K. (Due to Wordpress constraints, and my own shortcomings as a computer user, I can't embed the video, but do click through--it's jaw-dropping.)
Su Blackwell is a British artist who builds incredibly detailed sculptures from old books. Each piece is inspired by the book it is created from and uses only the pages from that book. See the article here and a slideshow of the sculptures here.
I love Thomas Allen's gorgeously pulpy diorama photographs, which he creates using covers from vintage paperbacks.
I could probably spend all day clicking through on images from a simple Google search for "book art." Just, wow.
Of course, I haven't even gotten into books as works of art in themselves. Powell's blogger Kirsten Berg writes about rare books and book bindings that are so beautiful it could make a bibliophile swoon. My favorite entry was on fore-edge art, something I have never seen on any modern book.
Finally, some edible art based on books. Cake Wrecks (a site that spends most of the week hilariously riffing on terrible cake decorations) has had a couple of book related cake posts, including children's books and Harry Potter.
PBS offers more examples of kid's book inspired cakes that are nearly too lovely to eat.
7.24.2009
What is "local" anyway?
Even locavores can disagree on what constitutes locally produced food. Is it food that has been grown and processed within 100 miles of your home, within 50 miles, within your home state, or within your county? For non-locavores, shopping locally might include purchasing Mexican grown watermelon from your locally owned market; books printed in China from your independent bookstore; and yarn from your neighbor who raises the sheep and spins their wool in her home. It is this type of ambiguity which has begun to present a new challenge to independent business owners.
Shopping locally is an important way to keep our communities flourishing. As our economy flounders and more businesses shut their doors, chambers of commerce and other organizations are promoting "Buy Local" as a way to prevent or reverse the downward turn in their hometowns. The question is, what does "Buy Local" mean? Just as the word "organic" was co-opted by large corporations with a nose for profit, the term "local" has become the latest catchword to be bandied about by the same national and global giants.
Stacy Mitchell, author of Big Box Swindle, has written a thoughtful and illuminating article for Seven Days about this alarming trend. If you're looking for more reading on the topic, here are a few possibilities:
Food, Inc.
Deep Economy
The New Village Green
The Transition Handbook
Lifting the Yoke
Shopping locally is an important way to keep our communities flourishing. As our economy flounders and more businesses shut their doors, chambers of commerce and other organizations are promoting "Buy Local" as a way to prevent or reverse the downward turn in their hometowns. The question is, what does "Buy Local" mean? Just as the word "organic" was co-opted by large corporations with a nose for profit, the term "local" has become the latest catchword to be bandied about by the same national and global giants.
Stacy Mitchell, author of Big Box Swindle, has written a thoughtful and illuminating article for Seven Days about this alarming trend. If you're looking for more reading on the topic, here are a few possibilities:
Food, Inc.
Deep Economy
The New Village Green
The Transition Handbook
Lifting the Yoke
7.21.2009
Mark Rudd -- post-event notes
with reporting by Sam Zaber
Mark Rudd (member of SDS during the Columbia University takeover and
founding member of the Weather Underground) came by the Galaxy on Wednesday the 15th to read from his new memoir, Underground, and take questions from the audience. And what an audience--over 50 people, from students to seniors, turned out to hear Rudd speak. It seemed that everyone packed into the Galaxy's front room had their own fascinating story to share which led from discussion to discussion on any and every topic. Debates over the means of effecting change were especially lively. Rudd himself was involved in violent activities with the Weather Underground, but has since embraced a non-violent philosophy, and is an advocate for peaceful activism and organization. The program stretched into the night but inside no one seemed to notice.
Mark Rudd (member of SDS during the Columbia University takeover and
founding member of the Weather Underground) came by the Galaxy on Wednesday the 15th to read from his new memoir, Underground, and take questions from the audience. And what an audience--over 50 people, from students to seniors, turned out to hear Rudd speak. It seemed that everyone packed into the Galaxy's front room had their own fascinating story to share which led from discussion to discussion on any and every topic. Debates over the means of effecting change were especially lively. Rudd himself was involved in violent activities with the Weather Underground, but has since embraced a non-violent philosophy, and is an advocate for peaceful activism and organization. The program stretched into the night but inside no one seemed to notice.
7.17.2009
Ongoing reading
Well. I was going to start with an admission that I never end up reading the books I plan to read during the summer. Then, I looked at the list I came up with a couple of weeks ago and realized I've already read two of the books on that list--yay, me!
So, here are some highlights from my summer reading so far:
The Family Man, by Elinor Lipman: I read The Inn at Lake Devine years ago and loved it. I've only read one other of Lipman's novels, but I've always thought of her as an author I could count on for a good read. I was lucky enough to meet Elinor, briefly, at a bookseller/author event in Brattleboro last month, and got a signed copy of her latest. The Family Man is all about mending relationships, featuring a reunion between a middle-aged gay man and his long-lost ex-stepdaughter. Mild highjinks ensue, and I found it to be a quick, delightful story-- perfect weekend fare.
Someone Knows My Name, by Lawrence Hill: This was recommended to me by several customers, and I finally picked up the thick book, thinking that I may not get through it before being distracted by something new. I couldn't have been more wrong. It is a long novel, but the plot is deeply engaging, and the narrator -- a woman who was kidnapped from her village in Africa as a child and sold into slavery towards the end of British rule in America -- is a strong, memorable character.
Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen: When I was in high school and college, I was a sucker for girly romances, and I still can't resist them from time to time. I picked up Sarah Dessen's latest because I know she's a popular writer, and I wanted to check out an alternative to the paranormal romances that are flying off our shelves these days. Nothing against those books -- I love fantasy -- but sometimes you just want a story about normal people with normal problems, and for that, Along for the Ride was perfect.
Andromeda Klein, by Frank Portman (coming in August): I'm going to admit that there's a lot I skipped in this book--Andromeda sees the world as it relates to her obsession with obscure magical knowledge, which I found to be somewhat confusing. No matter what I might have missed in her analysis of sigils, spells, and symbols, I adore Andromeda. She's a loner, an introvert, and doesn't seem to fit in anywhere; she talks to her cat (even when he's not there, so, really, she's talking to herself a lot of the time); a rare bone disorder affects her hearing, so her vocabulary is peppered with misheard phrases that she's adopted as stand-ins for the real thing (for example, Spinach U-Turn = Finnish Lutheran). The book is funny and bizarre and wonderful. Portman writes honestly and unapologetically about the life of a teenager who -- no matter how odd she might be -- is just like every other teenager, wondering, "What's the point of all this?"
So, here are some highlights from my summer reading so far:
The Family Man, by Elinor Lipman: I read The Inn at Lake Devine years ago and loved it. I've only read one other of Lipman's novels, but I've always thought of her as an author I could count on for a good read. I was lucky enough to meet Elinor, briefly, at a bookseller/author event in Brattleboro last month, and got a signed copy of her latest. The Family Man is all about mending relationships, featuring a reunion between a middle-aged gay man and his long-lost ex-stepdaughter. Mild highjinks ensue, and I found it to be a quick, delightful story-- perfect weekend fare.Someone Knows My Name, by Lawrence Hill: This was recommended to me by several customers, and I finally picked up the thick book, thinking that I may not get through it before being distracted by something new. I couldn't have been more wrong. It is a long novel, but the plot is deeply engaging, and the narrator -- a woman who was kidnapped from her village in Africa as a child and sold into slavery towards the end of British rule in America -- is a strong, memorable character.Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen: When I was in high school and college, I was a sucker for girly romances, and I still can't resist them from time to time. I picked up Sarah Dessen's latest because I know she's a popular writer, and I wanted to check out an alternative to the paranormal romances that are flying off our shelves these days. Nothing against those books -- I love fantasy -- but sometimes you just want a story about normal people with normal problems, and for that, Along for the Ride was perfect.Andromeda Klein, by Frank Portman (coming in August): I'm going to admit that there's a lot I skipped in this book--Andromeda sees the world as it relates to her obsession with obscure magical knowledge, which I found to be somewhat confusing. No matter what I might have missed in her analysis of sigils, spells, and symbols, I adore Andromeda. She's a loner, an introvert, and doesn't seem to fit in anywhere; she talks to her cat (even when he's not there, so, really, she's talking to herself a lot of the time); a rare bone disorder affects her hearing, so her vocabulary is peppered with misheard phrases that she's adopted as stand-ins for the real thing (for example, Spinach U-Turn = Finnish Lutheran). The book is funny and bizarre and wonderful. Portman writes honestly and unapologetically about the life of a teenager who -- no matter how odd she might be -- is just like every other teenager, wondering, "What's the point of all this?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)