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 | | A somewhat effective sign from last year's Holiday Open House. |
It's that time of the year again! Our Third Annual Holiday Open House is this weekend, and we hope you'll join us for cider, donuts, a raffle, and visits from some of our favorite authors as they take turns being our guest booksellers. On Saturday, we'll welcome Sarah MacLean, Michael Showalter, Emma Straub, Michael Buckley, and Fiona Robinson; and then on Sunday, Josh Ritter, Haley Tanner, David Rees, Peter Brown, Michelle Knudsen, John Bemelmans Marciano, and Gabrielle Hamilton. It's a great lineup and we hope you'll come put them to work giving book recommendations and wrapping your gifts! For full details, check out the event page.
 As ever, we're trying to help you with your Christmas lists by featuring of some of our favorite books from the last year. We couldn't resist including some of our favorite bestsellers (hi, 1Q84) but we also tried to pick some books you might have missed. You can read through this email from top to bottom, or click on these section headers to skip to the books you're looking for:
You can buy these books online and in-store, and don't forget that if you put books in your cart online, you can choose to pick them up and pay in the store, if you need an excuse to visit us. We'll be open our regular hours of 11am-9pm until Sunday, 12/18, and then from 12/19 to 12/23, we're extending our hours to 10am-10pm! We'll be closed on Christmas but we will be here 10am-4pm on Christmas Eve, for all you last-minute shoppers.
 As you surely already know, WORD offers free gift wrapping for everything purchased at the store. However, this holiday season we're encouraging you, if you appreciate our wrapping, to donate to the Greenpoint Food Pantry. As you may be aware, the Food Pantry feeds over 600 people every week, and recently their federal funding was cut by almost 75%. They're able to buy food at a reduced cost from the NY Food Bank, so anything we all can give goes a long way. We'll also be selling gift cards all month that you can buy to be donated to the Food Pantry for kids who don't have much under the tree this year so that they can come in and pick out their own book. You can also donate directly to the Food Pantry here. And don't forget to support our friends at The Brooklyn Kitchen and The Diamond, who are helping the Food Pantry as well!
 On a final note, we've had a lot of customers ask us this year how they can still support WORD if they want to read electronically, which we really appreciate! We want to be your bookstore no matter how you like to read. As we head into the gift-list season, we want to remind you that the only e-reader which we cannot sell you ebooks for is the Kindle. Amazon has chosen to keep their ebook system closed and you can only buy books for the Kindle from them. However, if you buy or are given an iPad, a Nook, a Kobo, an Android tablet, or a fancy new smartphone, not only can we sell you ebooks to read on them, but we'd be happy to show you how to best use them. In fact, those of you with Androids can now download an app that allows you to read and buy books from WORD right from your phone! And our monthly recommendation newsletter will always have deals and recommendations for new and new-to-you ebooks.
Now, onto the books! And remember, if somehow we don't mention the book you're looking for in this email, we're here for you to help pick the perfect title all holiday season. Just call, email, or drop by, and we'll fix you right up.
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FICTION, FICTION, GLORIOUS FICTION
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The Astral by Kate Christensen. Greenpointers, don't miss this brilliant, witty, perceptive novel about a lovable loser poet adrift in North Brooklyn. This is the fifth book by Pen Faulkner winner Christensen, who knows these streets like the back of her hand. (Jami)
Once Upon A River by Bonnie Jo Campbell. This book is no joke. It's as fierce as its protagonist, a teenage girl who leaves home and finds a new life along the river. You'll understand and love her on every page even when you want to wring her neck. Give it to someone from whom you can borrow it once they're done. (Stephanie)
The Curfew by Jesse Ball. For that friend who has read everything. They probably haven't read this one--and need to IMMEDIATELY, because it is a genius novel about family and the culture of war. (Jenn)
Composition No. 1 by Marc Saporta. This is for anyone who survived post-modern lit classes with you. Every page is loose, and you can read the book in any order. If you're not enjoying it, you can just shuffle it up and try again! Most people probably wouldn't like it, but I bet you know someone who will love it. (Stephanie)
   
Embassytown by China Mieville. For fans of science fiction, an action-packed tale of aliens and linguistics! (No, really!) (Jenn)
The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine by Alina Bronsky. A good one for moms; you can send it with a card thanking yours for being better than the (hilariously awful) narrator of this unforgettable book. (Jenn) 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. Murakami's new epic novel draws influence from Orwell's 1984, but is also an incredibly interesting character study and meditation on fate and reality. Get this for your broke friend who won't stop telling you to read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. (Cree)
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. Manhattan, 1938: two twenty-something girls on their own meet a young man of means, and their lives are changed. For your friend who goes to museums on days off. (Christine)
   
Among Others by Jo Walton. This is most perfect book for those of us who grew up reading, especially lifelong sci-fi buffs. In addition to being a love letter to books, it's smart and has a good amount of magic without being annoying, and is just really great. (Stephanie)
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes. This year's Booker Prize winner and well-deserved at that. A little slip of a book that packs a big punch. Give it with a bottle of wine to give your friend the gift of a blissful evening. (Stephanie)
Zone One by Colson Whitehead. Fans of horror and apocalypse will be delighted by Whitehead's vision of an overrun U.S. complete with zombies both terrifying and pitiful; fans of literature will revel in his linguistic flights of fancy and wry commentary on society. It's in my top five favorite end-of-the-world novels to date, and believe me when I say I've read more than my fair share. (Jenn)
After Midnight by Irmgard Keun. It seems impossible that a love story set in Nazi Germany should be so compelling, but it is. In certain spots, the writing is so perfect as to be painful. For the historical fiction fans on your list. (Stephanie)
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NON-FICTION OF ALL SORTS
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Literary Brooklyn by Evan Hughes. Complete with maps, a history of the borough and our literary residents. For...well...everyone! (Simone)
The Wilder Life by Wendy McClure. For fans of The Little House on the Prairie comes this hilarious memoir by Bust columnist/This American Life contributor McClure, who goes deep inside the long-lasting fan culture of the popular books and television series. (Jami) The President Is A Sick Man by Matthew Algeo. President Grover Cleveland not only had top-secret surgery for cancer at sea (on a boat!) but covered it up afterward, discrediting the reporter who tried to expose the incident. This book is fascinating and a perfect slice of American history, from a time both simpler and more corrupt. Buy it for your dad, but read it first before you give it to him. (Stephanie) One Day I Will Write About This Place by Binyavanga Wainaina. For foreign policy/African history/Alexandra Fuller wonks, a memoir that is writerly, amusing, and evocative in spades. (Jenn)     Crafting With Cat Hair by Kaori Tsutaya. Seriously, what cat owner wouldn't want to make a coin purse out of their very own cat's fur? Perfect for the crazy cat lady on your holiday shopping list...or just for the cat lover with a wacky sense of humor. (Cree) Debt: The First 5,000 Years by David Graeber. A thoughtful and thought-provoking book that goes far beyond the average economic discussion (thankfully) and uses anthropology and a truly global outlook to think critically about our relationship to money and credit. For whoever it is in your family who agrees with you during dinnertime discussions about politics. (Stephanie) Sweet Heaven When I Die by Jeff Sharlet. Marvelous vignettes of this bizarre country of ours and its doubly bizarre inhabitants. I loved The Family and C Street but I think this is his best so far. Give to the person who already has a Longreads membership. (Stephanie) The Chairs Are Where the People Go by Misha Glouberman with Sheila Heti. For city-dwellers and creative types, a collection of essays on topics as diverse as the art of charades, noisy neighbors, and pop-culture trends. (Jenn) |
BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG-AT-HEART
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Symphony City by Amy Marin. Music and the rhythms of the city are made visible in beautiful block prints as a young girl makes her way through the streets of Seattle. A gorgeous picture book for all ages. (Simone)
All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin. For the teenager (or grown-up) in your life who loved Twilight and The Hunger Games--a better, smarter YA complete with star-crossed lovers. (Jenn)
Cool City by Sean Kenney. Got a budding enginerd at home? (Or a grown one who still dabbles?) LEGO pro Sean Kenney's latest teaches you how to build everything from gas stations to ship yards to sky rises, all with pieces you'll find in any kit. Hours and hours (and hours) of fun. (Jenn)
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. The story of a bear's quest to find his stolen hat! Who can't relate to that? Excellent choice for the three-year-old with a wicked sense of humor. You're never too young to learn a lesson about leaving bears alone. (Cree)
   
Stuck by Oliver Jeffers. We're getting ready to anoint Oliver Jeffers the Brooklyn ambassador of children's books (though we think Jon Sciezka and Peter Brown might mud-wrestle him for the title). His latest book is absurd and lovely and a great addition to your bedtime playlist. (Adrian)
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. If you know someone who liked The Invention of Hugo Cabret, they will LOVE this book. Continuing the unique storytelling style and beautiful illustratations found in Hugo, this book is a great gift for the young at heart, no matter the age. (Cree)
It's A Little Book by Lane Smith. Fans of last year's It's A Book, take note: this instantly classic tale of all the things a book can and can't do is now available for the board book set! Give to families with tots who don't understand electronics without touchscreens. (Stephanie)
The Apothecary by Maile Meloy. Vetted by the best-read pre-teen in Greenpoint, if not all of North Brooklyn, we are delighted to report that "You'd never guess this book was so good by looking at it."
   
How Machines Work: The Interactive Guide to Simple Machines and Mechanisms. A kit that explains the mechanics behind mechanisms we use every day, and then supplies you with the parts to create your own working models. Pulleys, levers, rack and pinion...kids get to see how they operate in a hands on fashion with historical tidbits and real-life examples. (Simone)
Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto by Gianni Rodari. Yes, terrorism is not normally the stuff of children's books, and especially not of fairytales. But this book, by one of Italy's most beloved writers, is perfect for anyone who's reached the age at which you first fall in love with The Little Prince and Roald Dahl. It's also perfect for that person's parents. (Stephanie)
Balloon Toons: Zoe and Robot, Let's Pretend by Ryan Sias. The Balloon Toons series is perfect for kids just starting to read on their own -- comics designed specifically for the young (and potentially reluctant) reader. This one is a personal favorite -- how do you teach a robot to pretend? Find out with Zoe. (Jenn)
Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity by Dave Roman. Full of nutty humor and more exclamation points than every other comic of 2011 combined. The combination of average high school drama with outer space superhero hijinx is potent and addictive, especially against the backdrop of Roman's art, which is definitely manga-inspired but has a life all its own. For budding artists and those already in bloom. (Stephanie)
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COOKING AND FOOD
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Scanwiches by Jon Chonko. This incredibly appetizing book has mouth-watering photos, recipes and histories of over thirty specialty sandwiches. A must-have for the sandwich connoisseur in your life! (Cree)
The Family Meal by Ferran Adria. Every recipe is drool-inducing (hello, potato chip omelet, get in my mouth), and each is also laid out in a stunning, simple format that makes you feel like you might actually be able to cook this stuff. It's like food porn except it's practical. You want this gift in the hands of someone who owes you a dinner. (Stephanie)
Tender: A Cook and His Vegetable Patch by Nigel Slater. Has anybody ever loved veggies as much as Nigel Slater? Unlikely. For cooks whose copy of How To Cook Everything Vegetarian is getting tattered. (Stephanie)
  
Rotis: Roasts For Every Day of the Week by Stephane Reynaud. This is for your friend who is known by name over at The Meat Hook. Or whoever is in charge of this year's Christmas dinner. This ain't yo momma's Sunday roast. (Stephanie)
They Draw And Cook: 107 Recipes Illustrated by Artists from Around the World. A unique and beautifully-illustrated cookbook that is just as good as a coffee table book; any foodie would be proud to display on the table after making dinner. You can even play along and add your own illustrated recipe to the website! (Christine) Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes From London's Ottolenghi by Yotam Ottolenghi. So delicious, you won't even notice that there's no meat (which makes sense, because is a vegetarian cookbook written by someone who's not a vegetarian). Sadly, it is not waterproof, so make sure you fit your droolcatcher before you look at its beautiful pictures---one for every recipe! (Stephanie) |
FANCYPANTS GIFT BOOKS
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Of Lamb by Matthea Harvey and Amy Jean Porter. A graphically thrilling strange retelling of Mary Had a Little Lamb. A stunning picture book for grown-ups. (Simone)
The Black Apple's Paper Doll Primer by Emily Winfield Martin. Paper dolls with great looks and biographies that include fantastic details, such as "Sylvie is descended from three generations of French beekeepers but has a curious aversion to honey," and "Cora lives in a tiny house, in a place where the forest meets the sea. Her favorite thing to do is to look out over the night ocean..." (Simone)
Flip Flop Fly Ball: An Infographic Baseball Adventure by Craig Robinson. Our hot stove pick this winter is the most entertaining baseball book you'll ever see--yes, see, not read--even though it was written by an Englishman living in Germany who hadn't even been to a baseball game until his mid-thirties. A must for even a casual fan of baseball. Or great design. (Vinnie)
Street Photography Now by Sophie Howarth and Stephen McLaren. Photographs from all over the world by forty-six contemporary photographers. The old man in the electric wheelchair casually towing a little girl on a bright yellow skate board is Awesome! From Fort Greene, Brooklyn to Kalingrad, it's an exciting, stylish collection. (Simone)
   
Habibi by Craig Thompson. For art geeks, graphic novel/comix lovers, and fans of The Kite Runner. Thompson's modern fable is stunning -- the art has details so intricate, you can tell why it took seven years to complete, and the sweeping storyline explores religion, cultural change, and love with two unforgettable characters. Epic in the definitive sense of the word. (Jenn)
New York: The Pegleg by Timothy Speed Levitch. An inventive new way to explore the city that goes beyond a list of must-see skyscrapers. Give to your holiday visitors and also to the crankiest know-it-all New Yorker in your life. (Stephanie)
Moby-Dick In Pictures: One Drawing For Every Page by Matt Kish. Whether one has been chasing the White Whale for years or still hasn't dusted off that years-old copy, this book is a must-have. Kish did an illustration for literally each page of the novel on found paper. Abstract, ironic, technical, whimsical, each page is a discovery, much like the book that inspired the project. (Jenn)
The Penguin Anthology of Twentieth-Century Poetry edited by Rita Dove. A good-looking clothbound collection from a wonderful time in poetry. All the names you know and love or would love if you knew them are represented here. A wonderful introduction to the our contemporary greats for those starting their exploration of poetry, and a great collection for those who are already fans. (Simone)
  
The Louvre: All The Paintings by Erich Lessing and Vincent Pomarede. All the paintings! ALL OF THEM. A fantastic splurge for the art lover who has everything except a private plane to Paris. (Stephanie)
Design*Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney. The founder of the popular home decor website brings together her top DIY home beautification tips. Perfect as a gift -- or as an inspiration for yourself for the new year. (Jami)
M. C. Escher Pop-Ups by Courtney Watson McCarthy. Simultaneously trippy and elegant, this pop-up book is a gorgeous gift for the Escher fan in your life. Bonus: The book also includes insights behind Escher's inspirations for his art. (Jami)
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THINGS THAT AREN'T BOOKS BUT ARE ALMOST AS GOOD AS BOOKS
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| | Well, we're biased, but we think the best gift in the store is our WORD To Your Mailbox program. The only thing better than a book under the tree/menorah is a book in the mail every month. We've got a program for adults featuring the best in new paperbacks, and a program for kids that sends board books, picture books, or chapter books, depending on the age of the reader.
 We've also got stocking stuffers of all shapes and sizes: onesies that say Future Reader, T-shirts with book covers on them, tons of holiday cards (boxed and single), pens, bookmarks, calendars (including a great new bilingual calendar line for kids), journals, USB-rechargeable booklights, magnets, and other fun things. And for the pickiest book lovers among us (and we're not judging---booksellers are the pickiest of all!) we've got gift cards so that your friends and family can visit the store and sift and poke until they find something on their own. WORD gift cards can also be used at on our website though at this time, they cannot be used to pay for Google ebooks. (Though we're working on it!)
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WORD 126 Franklin St Brooklyn NY 11222 open from 11am to 9pm, seven days a week (and open 10am-10pm from 12/19-12/23, 10am-4pm 12/24, closed Christmas Day, and 12pm-6pm on 12/26!) 718.383.0096 www.wordbrooklyn.com info@wordbrooklyn.com |
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