History for the Taking

I am a big fan of history because when I read history I feel smarter. Also, as Dexter Perkins said, “History is a kind of introduction to more interesting people than we can possibly meet in our restricted lives; let us not neglect the opportunity.”

Well, thanks to River City Books, the opportunity just got more difficult to neglect. As I noticed while gazing at RCB's bargain tables the other day, The Conquerors by Michael Beschloss is currently on sale in hardcover for the historically low price of $6.98. You’d have to some research to find a better deal. As I always tell my feathered friends, at River City Books they offer discounts every day of the week.

Here’s a short review of “The Conquerors”:

Keeping Up With Erik Brooks

Hey, I just got an e-mail (yes, I can do e-mail, too) that one of my favorite children’s book authors has a cool Web site with regularly updated news and information. Everyone at River City Books appreciates that the former Northfield resident usually visits us when he’s back in town. Now you can visit Erik Brooks, or at least his site, by clicking here. I’ve also added a “Book Notes” link for future reference.

Of course, Brooks is the popular author of several terrific books that you can check out down at RCB.

Solving the Riddle

Say you’re like me and over the holiday weekend you were dragged to the latest Tom Hanks vehicle, but, sadly, you’re one of the 129 people on the planet who hasn’t yet read The Da Vinci Code and during the movie, when the dialogue was unclear or the scenes blended together like bird seed and pebbles (man, it stinks when I pick wrong!), you became confused (more than usual) and you left the theater with questions. Many questions. Friends, let me tell you I know one place where you can find the answers. The book, recently released in paperback, can be had for as little as eight bucks. Why, I know people who spend more on coffee in the morning.

Besides, they tell me the book’s better than the movie anyway and isn’t that always the case (except maybe when it came to that other Tom Hanks flick)?

Your Graduation Gift Headquarters

It’s a fact that has been confirmed by numerous studies conducted by people much smarter than me: The best gift you can give a graduate is a large wad of cash. Short of that, the next best gift idea is a great book.

At River City Books, they make graduation gift-giving so easy. You walk in, you pick out a book. (If you need help deciding on a book, the good folks at RCB can provide necessary assistance. Or, you can always buy a gift card in any denomination.) After purchase, an RCB bookseller will happily cover the book(s) with stylish wrapping paper — for free! If you want, you can also pick out a greeting card.

No kidding, I have done all of these steps in 11 minutes and 14 seconds, and the graduates have no idea I didn’t spend all afternoon. Besides, they’re so happy with the gift they don’t even think of anything else. OK, maybe they think about a few other things. But let’s not quibble with semantics. Just remember that if you need a great gift fast, you can do a lot worse.

Note: The graphical image included in this entry does not represent an actual gift purchased at River City Books.

RCB Will Be Open on Memorial Day

Say, the other day I bumped into Jon Lee, the congenial manager at my favorite book house, and after he made another customer happy he asked me to remind the flock that River City Books is going to be open on Memorial Day!

But — yes, there is a but — the store will not be open as late as is usually the case for a Monday. That is, the doors will close at 5 p.m. rather than 8 p.m.

To review, RCB’s Memorial Day weekend hours:

Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

I hope you have a fun, safe holiday and that good books are part of a joyous weekend.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Everyone knows where I buy my books. This is not news to those who read this humble blog. But what some folks may be surprised to learn is that River City Books is also a place where I purchase great music. That’s right! RCB carries a number of CDs, all of them with a local tie.

It’s a matter of fact that some of the best college musicians found anywhere on the planet are singing and strumming right here in Northfield, and River City has albums that feature the ultra-talented St. Olaf and Carleton college musicians. RCB also carries CDs of personal favorite Roger Lasley and the sweet tunes that come from his guitar.

When one thinks of books, one thinks of River City. And that only makes sense. But there’s more to the store than books. Stop by and see if I am wrong about that.

Something I Tell Myself After Watching ‘Idol’

I can't help it. I just enjoy pithy nuggets of insight:

"The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television."

-Andrew Ross

Great Time to Browse

I love this time of year, when most evenings are perfectly suited for strolls along Division Street. Sometimes I grab a cookie at Bittersweet or take a gander to see if any of the outdoor eaters at the Tavern have left behind any table scraps. As you might expect, just before dusk I often shoot my nose through the door at River City Books to check out the Book Sense bestsellers located near the front of the store.

Recently, I picked up a new title that just hit the list by Sebastian Junger, author of Fire and the international bestseller The Perfect Storm. Junger, of course, has been awarded a National Magazine Award and an SAIS Novartis Prize for journalism. This guy knows as well as any contemporary writer how to cover every angle of a story.

Something for the Whole Mind

I have read Curtis White’s The Middle Mind and while I wouldn’t say I agree with every word of every irreverent and provocative essay, I have to say the book made this bird-brain think about some aspects of modern American life in a fresh way. For that, I am grateful. While browsing River City Books’ bargain tables the other day the front, back and middle of my mind were all surprised to notice that RCB currently has this book on sale for just $7.99 in paperback.

It's like I tell the penny savers a couple of trees over: At River City Books they offer bargains every day of the week.

Best Work of American Fiction?

What is the best work of American fiction the past 25 years? It's an interesting question. For those so inclined, The New York Times (sign in required) polled writers and critics and generated a conversation-starting list of answers.

If you see any titles you watch to catch up with, remember to shop at my favorite neighborhood bookstore.