The Phoenix Review April 2009
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Dear Friends,
Spring is a time when the natural world begins to buzz with activity, and we're doing the same here at Phoenix Books. We're looking forward to an exciting array of events this month: We'll celebrate our local landscape and history, explore mindfulness and meditation, invite you to participate in our monthly open mic and not one but two knit nights, and give kids and kids-at-heart the opportunity to meet a favorite author-illustrator.
In this issue you'll find a selection of books to inspire you on Earth Day, our monthly pick for book clubs, and a new way to connect to Phoenix online. Even better, you can check out our cafe's new selection of soups, sandwiches, and sweets - and then come on in and connect in person; we'll look forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,
The staff of Phoenix Books
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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From Art and Illustrations to Mindfulness and Meditation
Our Open Mic Night is tonight, Wednesday, April 1 from 6: 00-8:00 pm.
Come check out the local talent at your local, independent bookstore!
Want to perform at next month's open mic? Call 872-7111 and ask for Michael to sign
up.
Artists Get Wet: Lake Champlain in Paints and Words will take place tomorrow, April 2, from 6:30-8:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of lake art, poetry, and natural history served up with light refreshments at your local bookstore. Join us for a few minutes or the entire evening.
We have two Knit Nights (Crocheters, too!) this month: The usual first Wednesday on April 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm, as well as Tuesday, April 21 from 6:00-8:00 pm. All skill levels welcome. See you there!
On Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 am, beloved children's author/illustrator Tracey Campbell Pearson will present her newest book, My Brother Bert: the tale of a girl who finds a zoo-worthy collection of animals tucked into ever nook and cranny of her brother's room.
Internationally-known channel Nasrin Safai will host a guided meditation and group channeling based on her Path to Enlightenment series on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm.
On Saturday, April 18 at 3pm, Ginger Gellman will present her new book Historic Photos of Vermont, which tells the story of our state in 200 striking black-and-white photographs.
Then, on Saturday, April 25 at 3pm, Essex's own Arnie Kozak, Ph.D. will present his new book of 108 metaphors for mindfulness.
For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website. Events at Phoenix are free and open to the public.
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ON THE SHELVES AT PHOENIX
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Inspiring Reads for Earth Day, and Some Fun for April Fools
Early Spring, by Amy Seidl: Vermont ecologist Seidl explains how natural upheaval occurs in the microcosms of our backyards and parks. While the human community, including Seidl's daughters, adapts to a changing climate, plants and animals also adapt, she shows, in ways both obvious and surprising. Through beautiful literary w riting grounded in the science of ecology and evolutionary biology, Seidl offers both a personal and a research-based testimonial of global warming.
Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv: In this landmark work, Louv has brought together cutting-edge studies that pointed to direct exposure to nature as essential for a child's healthy physical and emotional development. His message has galvanized an international back-to-nature campaign, and his book will change the way you think about our future and the future of our children.
Eco Barons, by Edward Humes: While many people remain paralyzed by the scope of Earth's environmental woes, eco barons - a new generation of Rockefellers - are having spectacular success saving wildlands, pulling endangered species back from the brink, and pioneering the green technologies needed if life and civilization are to endure.
The World Without Us, by Alan Weisman: A penetrating take on how the world would respond without the relentless pressure of human presence. "Weisman is a thoroughly engaging and clarion writer fueled by curiosity and determined to cast light rather than spread despair," says Booklist
Fool, by Christopher Moore: This wildly irreverent tale shows that even Shakespeare's melancholy tragedy King Lear can be seen as anything but high culture. Fans of Moore won't be disappointed with this, his latest book.
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BOOK CLUB PICK OF THE MONTH
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The Samurai's Garden, by Gail Tsukiyama
 It is the eve of the Japanese invasion of China during World War II. At the suggestion of his family, a young man afflicted with tuberculosis is relocated from his home in Hong Kong to the small Japanese village of Tarumi. Living by the peaceful coast, the young man embarks upon a journey of self-discovery and becomes inextricably involved in the lives of three of Tarumi's residents: his aging and stoic caretaker, a compassionate and gentle woman afflicted with leprosy, and a young girl with whom he falls in love.
The Samurai's Garden is a moving and at times heartbreaking story of love, loyalty, and honor. Tsukiyama's writing is both thoughtful and elegiac. When reading her works, one cannot help but be captivated by the serenity of her landscapes and the utter humanity of her characters. --Bridget
Did you know? Book clubs are eligible for a 15% discount on books ordered from Phoenix! At least five copies must be ordered, and all copies must be purchased through your book club's coordinator, for discount to apply.
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THE CAFE AT PHOENIX
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New Offerings, from Soup to Nuts
Sandwiches: Toasted for melty-hot deliciousness! The Plump & Perky Turkey: Oven roasted turkey, Cabot sharp cheddar, tart cranberry spread, baked sweet potatoes, and lettuce. Oh yes, you must!
The Roast Beast: Tender roast beef, mozzarella, tomatoes, sweet onion, lettuce, and raspberry-honey dijon. Satisfy that beastly hunger with flavor! The Veggie Monster: Fresh avocado, juicy red tomatoes, lettuce, sweet onion, melted provolone, with a thin layer of cream cheese. Eat well, feel better!
Crockpot Selections: Vary weekly and includes a wide variety of flavorful soups & chili's. Sweets: New! A warm, rich, chocolate brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, and drizzled with Ghirardelli chocolate sauce. Just do it, you know you want to! Don't forget to try our daily selection of baked goods, baked right here!Scones: Cranberry-Orange with citrus glaze, Traditional (plain) with almond glaze, Raspberry with peach
melba glaze. Cookies: Buttery cinnamon oatmeal-raisin, old fashioned chocolate chip, double chocolate (chocolate cookie w/ white choc chips), and a variety of
beautiful sugar cookies!
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PHOENIX ONLINE
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Socializing on the Net
Phoenix Books is now on Facebook! Tell your friends you love your local by becoming a "fan," plus keep track of news and upcoming events at Phoenix.
Do you have a gmail account? If so, you can add Phoenix's schedule of events to your calendar. Just click on the button in the lower right-hand corner of our calendar (click here to view), and follow any on-screen prompts. | |
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