August 2007 - Vol 2, Issue 2
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Once again, Magers and Quinn brings you the latest news from the world of independent bookselling. From great new books to the best readings, you'll hear it here first.

You can always find the latest news on our website www.magersandquinn.com. Check our current inventory, order a book, or learn about our upcoming events. Check us out today!
We're beefing up our Health and Spirituality sections. We've gotten in hundreds of new books from Inner Traditions, Bear & Co, and other great publishers.

Come in today and browse our selection. It'll have you feeling wonderful in no time at all.
Magers and Quinn is proud to be the bookseller for the Friends of the Minneapolis Library's events. Their series, called Talk of the Stacks, brings great authors to our fair city.

On September 20, Steven Pinker, author of The Language Instinct, How the Mind Works, and The Blank Slate, will discuss his latest book, The Stuff of Thought. Pinker addresses questions including Why is bulk email called spam? Why does the FCC get so riled up about salty language? and What does swearing reveal about human emotions?

And on October 11, Steven Almond will read from (Not That You Asked): Rants, Exploits, and Obsessions. Almond is the author of the hilarious Candyfreak: A Journey Through the, in which he delves deep into our obsession with candy. His latest book covers topics ranging from chest waxing to Oprah's Book Club to reality television.

Readings are held at the Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. The programs are free and open to the public. Call 612/630-6174 for more info.

Outside a book a dog is a man's best friend. Inside it is too dark to read.


--Groucho Marx

In these waning dog days of summer, let's distract ourselves with a few more pleasant thoughts--our canine companions. We have a great selection of dog books to take your mind off the weather.

Our Pets section includes all sorts of books to keep you and Fido running smoothly.


And if you only want to look, we also have books by the photographer William Wegman, featuring his famous Weimeraners:
Spending an evening in airconditioned comfort, listening to authors talking about their books. What's not to love about a book reading? Here are three of the many we have coming up in August:

Monday, August 13, 7:30pm Dan Mathews reads from Committed


Dan Mathews is the irreverent force responsible for making PETA one of the most enduring, powerful and annoying pressure groups in the world, with over 1.2 million members. Mathews' colorful crusades often land him behind bars--or enlisting stars--and in the process he has made animal rights the "it" cause, with provocative campaigns such as "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur." To the multitudes who like to see the status quo challenged, he is an inspiration--not just for redefining activism and making it relevant for today's escapist society, but for his lifelong devotion and his frank, funny and fearless style. Genre named him "one of the most influential gays of the new millennium."

Now, Mathews offers the complete story of his remarkable life and outrageous career in Committed: A Rabble-Rouser's Memoir. Mathews, who began at PETA in 1985 as the then-fledgling organization's receptionist and worked his way up to Vice President, tells of his unorthodox coming-of-age and his spectacular rise to become one of today's most famous firebrands. Recounting the most hilarious and horrific experiences of both his personal and professional life, Mathews delivers a witty, bold and passionate memoir that reveals how one man's unyielding devotion to animals has helped change the world.

Friday, August 17, 7:30pm Kathryn and Linda Koutsky present a slideshow and discussion of their new book, Minnesota State Fair: An Illustrated History


State fairs are cornerstones of the American tradition and few are as beloved as the Minnesota State Fair. From Teddy Roosevelt's famous grandstand speech suggesting that America should "speak softly and carry a big stick" to the inventions of mini-donuts and batter-fried cheese curds, the Minnesota State Fair has captured the imagination--and taste buds--of an entire nation. This treasury of happy memories is filled with memorabilia from over 100 years of the Great Minnesota Get-Together and more than 100 recipes from 4H groups, time honored concessionaires, ribbon-winning contestants, and famous Minnesota companies, including Green Giant, Pillsbury, and General Mills. Let's go to the fair!
On the heels of news of a clothing-optional book signing in Vermont, comes this great theory from the sages at BoingBoing.net: underwear created literacy. According to Dr Marco Mostert, a historian at Utrecht University, an increase in discarded underpants (itself primarily the result of folks moving to the big city where underwear was the custom) made cloth-based paper cheaper than the earlier parchment, and thus reading material was more widely available than ever before to the huddled, jockeyed masses.

Follow this link to see more on the story and a picture of what medieval underpants looked like.
The next meeting of the Twin Cities' most unusual and interesting book club is Tuesday, August 14. The discussion begins at 7:00 in our store.

This month's book is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

Unlike most months, August's meeting will be in our store. In September, Books & Bars will again be at Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 W Lake St, in Minneapolis.

Books & Bars is not your typical book club. We provide a unique atmosphere for a lively discussion of interesting authors, fun people, good food and drinks. You're welcome even if you haven't read the book.

There's always something new at Magers & Quinn. Stop in today or check our inventory on our website any time.

We'll be back next month with more book news.

Until then,
David Enyeart
Magers and Quinn Booksellers

Call us: 612/822-4611
Or visit our website: http://www.magersandquinn.com
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