Phoenix Books and Cafe


The Phoenix Review

November 2008

Dear Friends,
 
What an exciting time this is!  Election day is tomorrow, and the holidays are around the corner.  The news reports may be harrowing, but this is a time of great potential, when your choices make a bigger difference than ever.

In that light, we want to thank you for choosing an independent bookstore during these tough economic times.  Money spent here, stays here:  Phoenix is proud to support local vendors, as well as a slew of local authors.  For more info on the impact you have by choosing to shop locally, check out Ten Great Reasons to Think Local First.

In this, our first monthly e-newsletter, we'd like to share some of the books, gifts, and cafe offerings that we're particularly excited about.  We've also provided a listing of our upcoming events; these events are free, open to the public and fully accessible. Please join us!

Sincerely,
The staff of Phoenix Books
 
 
EVENTS AT PHOENIX

Hand Made, Hand Played

We'll kick off the month with an Open Mic Night on Wednesday, November 5 at 6:30 pm.  Come check out the local talent at your local, independent bookstore!  Want to be the local talent?  Call 872-7111 and ask for Michael to sign up.

 

On Saturday, November 8 at 7 pm, Guitar Aficionado/Art Historian Robert Shaw will present his new book Hand Made, Hand Played:  The Art and Craft of Contemporary Guitars.  This lush exploration of today's most creative, imaginative, and gorgeous hand-made guitars will be an event not to miss for players, craftspeople, collectors, and those who are simply a fan of this versatile instrument.

Wednesday, November 12 from 6-8 pm will mark our first ever Phoenix Books Knit Night (and Crocheters, too!)  All skill levels are welcome.  See you there!

Listening to StoneOn Sunday, November 16 at 3pm, Dan Snow will present his newest book, Listening to Stone. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the documentary Stone Rising: The Work of Dan Snow and to speak with producer/director Camilla Rockwell.  For thirty years, Dan Snow has been creating stunning works of dry stone throughout southern Vermont and New Hampshire. In his most recent book, Snow demonstrates astonishing range as he touches on such subjects as geology, philosophy, and community. In these fast-paced times, Snow's life's work offers an antidote: the luxury of patience, the bounty and quietude of nature, the satisfaction of sweat. "I work with stone," he tells us, "because stone is so much work."


For more information on these and other upcoming events, click here.

GIVE A BOOK...
...because no one ever talks about the tie that changed his life.*

There's no doubt about it:  books are a bargain.  A book can be a work of art full of lush photography; it can take you to an ashram in India or to Vermont's past; it can be a harmless escape from your daily life or provide a life-changing experience.  All this for a price tag in the single- or low double-digits.

Here at Phoenix, we carry books for all budgets, interests, and ages.  If you're not sure which book to choose, just ask one of our knowledgeable booksellers for a recommendation.  We pride ourselves on helping you find great reads for yourself, and great gifts for even your "hard-to-fit" friends and family members.  We're also happy to special order a book or to sell you a gift certificate in any denomination.

Our autographed books by Vermont authors make great gifts.  Come by one of our Monsterologyauthor events if you'd like a personalized inscription.

Or, choose one of the many 'Ology books in our selection.  These gorgeous, detailed explorations of fantastic subjects are generously priced at about $10-25.  Their bright colors and imaginative subject-matter appeal to kids, while the rich artistry and design make them attractive to adults as well.  Visit us to see them for yourself!

Finally, don't forget to browse through our selection of discounted books - you never know what you might find!

*Neal Sofman, quoted in Bookselling This Week.

 
THE CAFE AT PHOENIX

An Authentic Espresso and Wine Bar

A Hot, Frothy CappuccinoAs the outside temperature cools and the holiday season kicks in, our cafe is the perfect place to relax and revive.

Our frothy cappuccinos, hot lattes, and rich mochas are available traditionally or with a wide array of flavor options:  We have all the old favorites from Almond to Vanilla Bean, plus the seasonal flavors Gingerbread, Italian Eggnog, Pumpkin Pie, and Peppermint.  These beverages - as well as our creamy, dreamy hot chocolate and our warming, aromatic chai - are made to order with real Vermont milk from Sweet Clover Market.

Not ready to exchange foliage for snow?  We also offer fresh, local apple cider, steaming hot or refreshingly cold...Autumn in a cup!  Need time to slow down for a while?  Sit a spell and sip one of our black, green, or herbal Republic of Tea varieties, served in a personal tea-for-one pot.  Or meet a friend for a relaxing glass of wine or beer in our calming, comfortable cafe.

Feeling peckish?  Enjoy our baked goods from such local vendors as Magna Vita Bakery, The Busy Chef, and Vermont Cookie Buttons.  Or if something savory is your pleasure, our gourmet cheese plate is just the thing.  Whatever you choose, don't forget to take a deep breath, a long sip, and enjoy the season.

CARDS, JOURNALS AND GIFT ITEMS
Including an Array of Local and Green Choices... 

Our holiday cards are in and on display!  Customers constantly remark on our unique selection of cards,  Danforth Purse Mirrorand our boxed Christmas cards won't disappoint.  Many of our cards feature work by local artists and photographers.

For those who love writing as well as reading, Phoenix offers stunning fountain pens and a large selection of journals and stationary.  Our latest addition, Crane Stationary, has been making tree-free, energy-efficient, waste-reducing, renewable, recyclable, 100% cotton stationary since 1801.  Now that's what we call being ahead of the times!

We also carry a hand-picked selection of items from Danforth.  These gorgeous pewter items - including jewelry, bookmarks, purse mirrors, frames, and more - are made right here in Vermont.
PHOENIX ONLINE
Delivery to Your Door...and more!
 
Shop OnlineYou can now shop online while still supporting your local bookstore!  When you shop our secure online site, you don't have to worry about whether the books are on our shelves in Essex...we'll have your item shipped right to your door!  Just click on the image at left (which you can also find on phoenixbooks.biz) to get started!

Michael DeSantoWe're growing our website to better help you enjoy the dynamic world of books.  Keep an eye out for pages featuring staff picks, Vermont authors, and the many ways in which Phoenix chooses to go green and go local.  Our latest addition is owner Michael DeSanto's blog, The Owner's Nook:  The Inner Life of a Veteran Bookseller Fresh From the Wars.  Drop by, leave a comment, and join the discussion!
 
A FINAL NOTE...
Don't Forget to Vote!Vote! by Eileen Christelow
 
Whoever your candidates of choice, please don't forget to visit the polls tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4.

Need more information?  Google maps will help you find your polling place.  The National Association of Secretaries of State and Rock the Vote are both great resources for figuring out details like what hours the local polls are open.


Vote!
, by Eileen Christelow, one of
the many Vermont authors whose
work you can find at Phoenix.


Can't make the event?
You can still purchase an autographed book! Please call us at 802-872-7111 to make arrangements.
 
Phoenix Books at the Essex Shoppes & Cinema
802.872.7111 * www.phoenixbooks.biz * M-Sat 10-8; Sun 11-6