Phoenix Books and Cafe


The Phoenix Review

February 2009

Dear Friends,
 
The days are getting longer and brighter, and we're now opening up bright and early at 8:30am Monday through Friday!  So come on in and grab a hot, creamy latte or chai to start the day.  If you can't decide what to get, try our current cafe special:  a Honey Vanilla Latte - sweet, traditional vanilla with a hint of real honey right from the hive!

In this issue, you'll find news about events, sales, our selection of Vermont titles, books for your Valentine, and stories with which to combat Cabin Fever.  Meanwhile, happy Groundhog Day; let's hope the little guy doesn't see his shadow!

Sincerely,
The staff of Phoenix Books
FEBRUARY EVENTS AT PHOENIX

Applause at Phoenix Books & Cafe.

  Featuring...You!

We'll kick off the month with an Open Mic Night on Wednesday, February 4 from 6:00-8:00 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.  Keep an eye out for our Open Mic Nights on the first Wednesday of each month throughout the year.


Then, on Wednesday, February 11 from 6:00-8:00 pm, we'll be holding our fourth Phoenix Books Knit Night (and Crocheters, too!)  Our Knit Nights have been so successful, that we'll be continuing them indefinitely, on every second Wednesday of the month.  All skill levels welcome.  See you there!


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

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

  For the Love of Books

CupidThere are so many reasons why a book makes a fantastic Valentine's day gift:  A book costs less than a bottle of champagne (the real stuff), but it can make your sweetheart laugh, bring them romance and adventure, even change their life.  It's a thoughtful, personal gift, and best of all, you're not alone in picking it out.  Just come on by and one of our knowledgeable booksellers will be happy to recommend a book for your new crush or your partner of many years, for a parent or a child, or anyone else you'd like to wish a Happy Valentine's Day!

Judith Recommends...
Other People's Love Letters:  150 Letters You Were never Meant to See,
ed. by Bill Shapiro
.
Other Peoples Love LettersThis book is a compilation of scraps of love letters that were found and saved by the editor, sometimes after many years.  Some of these letters are the stationary-and-envelope variety, others are on postcards or Post-its, cocktail napkins or matchbooks, emails or text messages.  Tender, funny, some slightly vulgar, wonderful!

GOT CABIN FEVER?

  Armchair Travels and Collective Joy

If the weather is keeping you cooped up inside, how about treating yourself to a new book?  With an endless list of possible destinations - but no need to worry about airline security - this just might be the ultimate in budget travel!

Cutting for StoneBook of Unholy Mischief
Venture all over the world, from India to Ethiopia to the Bronx, in Abraham Verghese's new novel, Cutting for Stone, a February IndieNext Pick. Or, travel through time to the Renaissance:  Perhaps to Venice in the adventure novel The Book of Unholy Mischief, by Elle Newmark, or to England in Bill Bryson's Shakespeare:  The World as Stage.



Edgar SawtelleA masterfully-told story can sweep you out of a winter slump, even if the tale itself isn't set in such an exotic local.  Renee recommends...
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski.
This story was quickly engaging with characters who were both likable and believable.  The one evil character was believable and understated at the same time.  For those who love dogs, the dogginess of the book was absolutely delightful.  The ending was very powerful, and has stayed with me; for many reasons it made a sort of absolute sense, as though the story could not have been constructed in any other way.

Dancing in the StreetsStumbling on HappinessOr, take another tack, and study up on the human impulse for joy, and the psychological tendencies that can derail us on the quest for happiness.  Dancing in the Streets:  A History of Collective Joy, is a fascinating exploration of celebration itself, from Barbara Ehrenreich, author of the bestselling Nickel and Dimed:  On (Not) Getting By in America.  In the witty and accessible Stumbling on Happiness, Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert describes the foibles of imagination and illusions of foresight that cause each of us to misconceive our tomorrows and misestimate our satisfactions.


50% OFF SALE ITEMS
  Calendars and Engagement Books
Vermont Life Engagement Book 2009
Vermont Life Calendar 2009Our hand-picked calendars and engagement books are now 50% off!  They're going fast, so come on in and pick out a gorgeous, artistic, inspiring, and/or witty way to keep track of events and appointments.
PHOENIX ONLINE

  Local Lit
 
We've compiled a list of some of the many Vermont authors, illustrators, and personalities whose work we regularly carry. We're adding more information about these authors, including links to their websites, so check back soon! To find out more about the Vermont gift and culinary items we carry, click here.
 
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