I often try to shine my considerable spotlight on a single book or a small group of books with a common theme. This weekend I want no agenda. I want to walk into the neighborhood bookstore without a list or recommendation or some internal pressure to read a particular book because someone else said I should. I am, after all, a spontaneous bird. I like to roll the dice now and again. It’s a good weekend for that, says this bird, to just mosey around the bookshop and see which title from which section or wall or display jumps up and says “read me, please, read me!” After all, there are worse ways to spend a couple of hours.
Archive for February 2008
Never Know When A Book Might Strike
February 29, 2008Harry Potter Reference Guide
February 28, 2008Hey, Harry fans, what do you make of this? I am not sure if Rowling is being selfish or if she’d do what anyone else would …
Sadly, My Cheese Problem Lingers
February 26, 2008I think this is pretty funny.
They’re Selling ‘Old Men’
February 25, 2008
It seems a little odd to me that men and women walking on a carpet — red or otherwise — is televised and watched by millions. But it is kind of fun to see which film is named “best picture” of the year. And, well, by now you probably don’t need me to tell you which movie just earned that distinction. But, in case you didn’t think of it, the acclaimed book on which that film is based is available down at the neighborhood bookstore.
Now You See Him
February 24, 2008
It’s been awhile since I picked up my gratis copy of the current Book Sense picks down at the neighborhood bookstore. Once a month is a good pace. That way my odds of missing out on great books that are not on bestseller lists (but probably should be) decreases like the snow in April. (Oh, the thought!)
As a reminder to those who don’t know, astute booksellers all over the country are responsible for selecting Book Sense picks. A bookseller has to feel strongly enough about a book that he or she will sing its praises in writing as well as to customers.
The current No. 1 pick is Now You See Him by Eli Gottlieb. Says Book Sense: “This nuanced, intelligent novel is told from the point of view of Nick, a man in his thirties facing a collapsing marriage, and life, as tragic events send him on a completely new road. Richly written, this thrilling novel’s twists and revelations gloriously delve into the nature of truth, friendship, marriage, and our own perceptions of ourselves.”
What They Are Currently Reading
February 22, 2008
When it’s a gazillion below that’s when I know it’s time to stock up on my reading material.
But what to read? After I’ve exhausted the usual options of looking at great reads and on-sale staff picks I like to take a peek at the River City Books staff display (pictured; click to enlarge), located behind the register. There I see what a group of savvy book-minded fellows are spending time with.
Undoubtedly, I find at least one great suggestion and sometimes more than one. These days of all-indoor-all-the-time I can’t have too many.
Not To Be Missed
February 20, 2008
There’s one spot in my favorite bookstore that I notice people often overlook. It’s tucked between the end of the nonfiction sections and a register. In this neat little nook you can find various items, books and otherwise, that will make you think or at least make you laugh. There are also reading aids, including a fine selection of book lights, and most items are on the low end of the price scale. I’ve snapped this photo (click to enlarge) so you can see what I mean. But the items change frequently, so I recommend stopping by and checking out this corner of the store periodically.
Books On Sale Seven Days A Week
February 18, 2008
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, River City Books’ bargain book annex closed for the holiday season. But it’s worth noting that the opportunity to purchase bargain books never ceases at the neighborhood bookstore.
Dozens of bargain books have been arranged in the store’s downstairs area. Yes, there is such a thing. Sometimes even regular customers miss it, but it’s there. The stairs are accessible near the registers. Not only will you find great books for cheap there is also a selection of Carleton and St. Olaf clothing. Open seven days a week.
Everything’s Political
February 17, 2008The New York Times has posted a great round-up of new topical political books — just in time for the amazing race for president.
Friday Night … Time to Knit
February 15, 2008
A Book Sense and New York Times bestseller. A book that USA Today has called “Steel Magnolias set in Manhattan.” New in paperback. I could offer more reasons to check out the Friday Night Knitting Club but why waste your time? You could already been into the first chapter.
For those who haven’t heard, this is the story of how Georgia Walker, who after juggling the demands of her yarn shop and single-handedly raising a teenage daughter, starts the Friday Night Knitting Club. Both she and her friends are happy to escape their lives, even for just a few hours. But when Georgia’s ex suddenly reappears, demanding a role in their daughter’s life, her whole world is shattered. Luckily, Georgia’s friends are there, sharing their own tales of intimacy, heartbreak, and miracle making. And when the unthinkable happens, these women will discover that what they’ve created isn’t just a knitting club: it’s a sisterhood.
Now available at the neighborhood bookstore.
