November 2007 - Vol 2, Issue 5
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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!
If you're already making a list and checking it twice, here are three great gift ideas. You might want multiple copies. They're that good.

So you think you know the Bard? Bill Bryson's Shakespeare shines a light on the man--and discovers a mystery. Bryson writes, "We don't know exactly how many plays he wrote or in what order he wrote them. ... we have just 14 words in his own hand... we have no written description of him penned in his own lifetime... we are not sure how best to spell his name."


Like every right-thinking American, I love Stephen Colbert, author of the indispensable guide I Am America (And So Can You!). His new book is as funny as you'd hope. See for yourself at his website. Then get a copy for yourself and another to give to someone you love.



In Gentlemen of the Road Michael Chabon again conjures up an unexpected sort of Jewish homeland. This time, the place is the kingdom of the Khazars, and the time is a thousand years ago. Swords clash along ancient caravan routes in this thrilling adventure tale. It's the smartest escapism you'll find this winter. You can read an excerpt here.

We can suggest books for just about anyone. Try and stump us.
2008 is just around the corner. Make your plans with a handy wall or desk calendar. We've already gotten our first batch in the store, and more will be coming soon


We also have some great page-a-day calendars to help you save the world, cook a good meal, or just pass a few pleasant minutes.


We'll be getting more calendars throughout the rest of the year. Come in today to see our complete selection. There's sure to be something for you.
M&Q is hosting three events this month that are sure to please local history buffs.

On Tuesday, November 13 at 7:30pm, we're hosting Dave Kenney at the Suburban World Theater to discuss his new book Twin Cities Picture Show. Filled with photos of the dazzling marquees and great theaters of yesterday and today, historian Dave Kenney's highly readable account offers rich histories of some of the grandest theaters ever constructed.

On Thursday, November 15 at 7:30pm, historian Annette Atkins will be in the store to talk about Creating Minnesota: A History From the Inside Out. Atkins's book presents a fresh understanding of how a complex and modern Minnesota came into being. Each chapter of this innovative state history focuses on a telling detail, a revealing incident, or a meaningful issue that illuminates a larger event, social trends, or politics during a period in our past.

And on Saturday, November 24 at 8:30pm, Twin Cities alt-news mainstay Jim Walsh will share stories from The Replacements: All Over But the Shouting. Walsh has compiled excerpts from hundreds of interviews with not only the band members themselves, but also friends, family, fans, and fellow musicians including Peter Buck and Alex Chilton.

Check out details for these and all our many other events on our website.
Breaking news... We will soon receive several large shipments of audiobooks and books about computers. We'll be working hard to get those cataloged in the next week or so. Be sure to stop by the store soon to check out our new stock.
We were recently able to purchase a gorgeous book--which will be arriving shortly-- with an important Uptown connection. At Home on the Prairie: The Houses of Purcell & Elmslie reviews the careers of William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie, two of the upper Midwest's most important Prairie Style architects of the early twentieth century. At Home is filled with photographs and illustrations of their homes, which combined the era's cutting-edge design as well as the latest technology of the day. This book was published at $40.00, but our copies will be available for only $14.99.

And the local connection? William Purcell's own home, built in 1913, is actually right here in Uptown. What's more, it was given to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts by its second owner, and the restored house is open for tours one weekend a month throughout the year. From November 24 to December 30, the Purcell-Cutts House is open every weekend and decorated for the holidays. Guided tours bring the house to life.

Make plans to see this singular piece of architectural history right in our backyard. Tickets to the Purcell-Cutts House are $5.00 (free for MIA members) and can be purchased online.
Because you're a loyal customer, we want to let you in a little secret. On Thanksgiving Day, we have a sale. Come in between 1pm and 10pm and get twenty percent off everything in the store. Stretch your legs and start your holiday shopping with this once-a-year opportunity.

Magers and Quinn will be collecting donations on Thanksgiving Day for Plymouth Congregational Church's Groveland Emergency Food Shelf. The Food Shelf (located at 1900 Nicollet Ave S in Minneapolis) serves about 850 people and hands out 25,000 pounds of food per month. Canned goods are always useful, but donations of fresh fruits and vegetables are particularly welcome.
At a recent forum on the future of Uptown, Minneapolis mayor RT Rybak had some kind words for the unique local businesses that make our neighborhood special. He singled out a M&Q as an example of a store you won't find just anywhere and one of his favorites in the area.

We're grateful for the kind words, and we look forward to many more years making Uptown vibrant and interesting.
One of our favorite books of local history is Uptown Minneapolis. It's a collection of historic photographs of the neighborhood and a fascinating look at the area's past.

You can not only get the book at our store right now, but on November 27, at 6:30pm, you can meet author Thatcher Imboden. He'll be speaking at the Walker Library (2880 Hennepin Avenue S). The event is free. Call 612/630-6650 for details.
The Midwest Independent Publishing Association (MIPA) is looking for nominations for its eighteenth annual Midwest Book Awards. The competition is open to all books published in 2007 within the Midwest. Winners will be announced May 14, 2008, at the Midwest Book Awards Ceremony in St Paul.

We have nomination forms in the store or visit www.mipa.org for more details.
The next meeting of the Twin Cities' most unusual and interesting book club is Tuesday, November 13. Books & Bars meets at Bryant-Lake Bowl, 810 W Lake Street, in Minneapolis. Doors open at 6:00pm; the discussion begins at 7:00pm.

November's book is The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Through the lens of four meals from four different sources--"industrial food, organic or alternative food, and food we forage ourselves"--Pollan explores why we eat what we eat.

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.


PS: Check out the StarTribune's recent article about Books and Bars. They loved it!

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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