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Grass Roots Books and Music
— 227 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis OR 97339 — 541-754-7668 |
| August 15, 2013 |
| Contents |
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| Newest Books |
The Color Master: Stories
Aimee Bender
The bestselling author of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake returns with a collection of stories about people searching for connection through love, sex, and family—while navigating the often painful realities of their lives.
"Stories that range from fairy tales to quasi-erotica, all showing Bender's versatility. . . Bender's gifts as an author are prodigious, and with each story, she moves the reader in surprising, not to say startling, ways." —Kirkus Reviews
Hardcover, $25.95
Publisher: Doubleday Books; ISBN: 9780385534895 |
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Breathless
Anne Sward
Award-winning Swedish author Anne Sward's American debut blends the lyricism of youth with the darker desires of age. Lo was just six when she met thirteen-year-old Lucas the night a brushfire threatened their community. Both the children of immigrants, theirs was an easy friendship despite the fierce injunctions of Lo's family. Meeting in secret at an abandoned lake house, they reenact dialogue from their favorite film, Breathless.
How a friendship so innocent and pure could be destroyed is a mystery that unfolds over the pages of the book. Breathless explores how childhood acts can stake an unimpeachable claim on our older selves, and how atonement might be wrest from the past.
Hardcover, $25.95
Publisher: Viking Books; ISBN: 9780670026548 |
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The People in the Trees
Hanya Yanagihara
In 1950, a young doctor called Norton Perina signs on with an anthropologist for an expedition to a remote Micronesian island in search of a rumored lost tribe. They find not only that tribe, but also a group of forest dwellers who turn out to be very long-lived but progressively more senile. Perina suspects the source of their longevity is a hard-to-find turtle; unable to resist the possibility of eternal life, he kills one and smuggles some meat back to the States. He scientifically proves his thesis, earning worldwide fame and the Nobel Prize, but he soon discovers that its miraculous property comes at a terrible price.
Hardcover, $26.95
Publisher: Doubleday Books; ISBN: 9780385536776 |
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The Happy Atheist
PZ Myers
In this collection of essays, Myers, an associate professor of biology at the University of Minnesota, takes on what he deems the many contradictions and absurdities of religious thought. Through his popular science blog, Pharyngula, Myers has entertained millions of readers with his love of evolutionary science and his disdain for creationism, biblical literalism, intelligent design theory, and other products of what he considers godly illogic.
“Myers' exploration of his atheism is brilliantly designed and executed to entertain and enlighten, but also to be shocking; for some, it will surely be hurtful. . . it’s definitely not for all tastes.” —Booklist
Hardcover, $24.00
Publisher: Pantheon Books; ISBN: 9780307379344 |
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The Truth
Michael Palin
Keith Mabbut is at a crossroads in his life. A journalist of some repute, he has reached the age of 56 with nothing resembling the success of his literary heroes. When he is offered the chance to write the biography of the elusive Hamish Melville, a widely respected, highly influential environmental activist—he seizes the chance to write something meaningful. His search to find out the real story behind the legend takes Mabbut to the lush landscapes and environmental hotspots of India.
The more he discovers about Melville, the more he admires him. But is his quarry really who he claims to be? As Mabbut discovers, the truth can be whatever we make it.
Hardcover, $24.99
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; ISBN: 9781250028242 |
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| New in Paperback |
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Billy Boyle: A World War II Mystery
James R. Benn
Billy Boyle, a young Irish-American cop from Boston, has just made detective when the U.S. enters World War II. His “Uncle Ike”—Dwight D. Eisenhower—has been chosen to command Army forces in Europe and wants Billy to be his personal investigator.
Billy is not so sure about his ability as a detective, but he sets off for London, where he’ll be working with British allies to catch a spy who threatens Operation Juniper, the impending invasion of Norway.
Paperback, $9.99
Publisher: Soho Crime; ISBN: 9781616953553 |
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Electrified Sheep: Glass-Eating Scientists, Nuking the Moon, and More Bizarre Experiments
Alex Boese
This book is packed with eccentric characters, irrational obsessions, and extreme experiments. Watch as scientists attempt to nuke the moon, wince at the doctor who performs a self-appendectomy and catch the faint whiff of singed wool from an electrified sheep.
"Electrified Sheep quite brilliantly explains some of the more bizarre experiments performed in the name of scientific discovery with lashings of intellectual humour and a surprising amount of quality storytelling." —Chemistry World (UK)
Paperback, $15.99
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; ISBN: 9781250031709 |
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The History of Us
Leah Stewart
Eloise Hempel is on her way to teach a class at Harvard when she receives the devastating news that her sister and her husband have been killed in an accident. Eloise moves back into her family's century-old house in Cincinnati, pouring her own money into the house and her heart into raising her sister's three children, Theodora, Josh, and Claire.
Nearly twenty years later, the now-grown children seem ready to leave home, and Eloise plans to sell the house and finally start a life that's hers alone. But when Eloise's mother decides they should all compete for the chance to keep the house and Claire reveals a life-changing secret, the family begins to fall apart.
Paperback, $15.99
Publisher: Touchstone Books; ISBN: 9781451672633 |
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| Featured Books for Young Readers |
Llama Llama and the Bully Goat
Anna Dewdney
Ages 3 to 5
Llama Llama loves school. He loves to play with his friends. But Gilroy Goat doesn’t seem to like anyone, and what’s worse, he’s mean to Llama Llama. With some help from Teacher, Llama Llama finds a way to stand up to Gilroy and change a bad time to a good one.
“. . . Dewdney's lovable Llama Llama offers children one strategy to combat bullying, couched in her trademark rhyming verse and presented through situations sure to resonate with those new-to-school. While children should not expect a Bully Goat to change so quickly, this does provide them with some tools against bullying.” —Kirkus Reviews
Hardcover, $17.99
Publisher: Viking Children's Books; ISBN: 9780670013951 |
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| Music |
Bela Fleck
Imposter
Genre: Classical
The banjo wizard has covered a good deal of stylistic territory over the years, from traditional bluegrass to avant-jazz. On this new album, Fleck collaborates with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra on a series of original compositions for banjo and orchestra. ($18.95) |
Glen Campbell
See You There
Genre: Pop/Folk
Campbell's 2011 "comeback" album Ghost on Canvas was a surprise hit. During sessions for that album, the legendary country songwriter recorded new takes on classics like "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Galveston", featured here in new arrangements. ($13.95) |
Mickey Hart
Superorganism
Genre: Pop/Folk
The renowned Grateful Dead percussionist was recently featured in Rolling Stone: "Hart tuned out the world for his ambitious new album, tapping into his own brainwaves to find the intersection between biology, rhythm and music. By wearing a cap with electrodes, the musicologist was able to reimagine his brain signals into sound." ($12.95) |
Although we specialize in
new releases, Grass Roots can usually get you any album that's still available.
Ask at the the store! |
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| Events |
Thursday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music
227 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis |
Josh Gross
The Hack
Josh Gross returns to Grass Roots to sign copies of his new book, The Hack, while in Corvallis touring with his band.
Hamilton Brownstone’s father died when he was six. At the funeral he met a strange, angry boy named Gardner: the brother from another family that neither he nor his mother had known aboutSince then, Gardner won the lottery and has used the money on a campaign of self-destruction, largely through his hobby of applying for minimum wage jobs. Faced with no accomplishments of note, Hamilton has decided to live out the lives of famous writers in order to channel them and write a book. Hamilton bizarrely decides the only way he’ll be able to finish his book is in prison. And there’s only one person willing to help Hamilton end up there: his brother Gardner. |
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Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music
227 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis |
Author Presentation:
Susan Schneider
The Science of Consequences: How They Affect Genes, Change the Brain, and Impact Our World
Join us at Grass Roots for a presentation by biopsychologist Susan M. Schneider, exploring her book The Science of Consequences: How They Affect Genes, Change the Brain, and Impact Our World.
While it's easy to see that consequences are important, few have heard there's a science of consequences, with principles that affect us every day and empowering applications everywhere—at home, at work, and at school. Despite their variety, consequences appear to follow a common set of scientific principles and share some similar effects in the brain (think "pleasure centers"). The Science of Consequences tells a tale ranging from genetics to neurotransmitters, from emotion to language, from parenting to politics—bringing together research from many fields to show how something that seems so simple can explain so much. |
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| Community Events |
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Community Events
Darkside Cinema: Movies showing Aug. 22 to 28, showtimes daily, Darkside Cinema, Corvallis. Visit their website for showtimes.
- The Way, Way Back –PG-13: A talented cast, finely tuned script, and an abundance of charm to deliver a funny and satisfying coming-of-age story. Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell.
- Fruitvale Station –R: The performance by Michael B. Jordan is authentic and convincing, and helps us stay engaged in a film that wants to be mundane until its explosive finale.
- Lovelace –R: A strong cast topped by a quite fine Amanda Seyfried as the infamous 1970s porn star helps make this period piece both breezy and weighty at the same time, no easy feat.
- Much Ado about Nothing –PG-13: Lighthearted to a fault, Much Ado About Nothing's giddy energy and intimate charm make for an entertaining romantic comedy — and a Shakespearean adaptation that's hard to resist.
- 20 Feet from Stardom –PG-13: Rich, insightful, and occasionally heartbreaking, 20 Feet From Stardom is an energetic tribute to the passion, talent, and hard work of backup singers.
Literary Events: Visit our Community Calendar for details on these events and others in the area.
Opportunities:
- Call for Submissions: Wild in the Willamette is now seeking unpaid contributions of outdoor writing to create this field guide for everyone wanting to explore wild places within the eight major watersheds of the mid-Willamette Valley — by foot, by kayak or canoe, and by bicycle. For more details, please see the WITW website.
- Inklings, an open critique group, is seeking new members. The group meets on 1st & 3rd Sundays from 11 am to 1 pm in the upstairs meeting room at Market of Choice on 9th Street and Circle Boulevard in Corvallis. Please contact Dinaz Rogers at drogersor@msn.com or 541-967-1911 if you have any questions.
Ticket Sales: Grass Roots sells tickets for local music events. Check our Community Calendar for upcoming events that we have available. |
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Saturday, Sept. 7,
8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dallas High School
1250 SE Holman Avenue, Dallas |
OSU Master Gardeners of Polk County Fall Fling
The OSU Master Gardeners of Polk County are hosting their eleventh annual Fall Fling: A Gardening Festival, featuring presentations, workshops, and a vendor faire that is open to the public. This year’s presenters include Karen Chapman, co-author of Fine Foliage; Jessi Bloom, author of Free-Range Chicken Gardents, and Rebecca Sweet, co-author of Garden Up! Smart Vertical Gardening for Small & Large Spaces. Complete information and a registration form is available on the Polk County Master Gardeners’ website.
Books will be available to purchase from Grass Roots Books & Music. |
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| News |
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Book Awards
PEN Literary Awards: The 2013 PEN Literary Award winners were announced Wednesday morning by PEN America. Considered to be the most comprehensive literary awards program in the country, the PEN awards recognize recent outstanding endeavours in various literary fields. Winners in several categories were announced, including:
Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award: The Dayton Literary Peace Prize Committee has announced Wendell Berry as the winner of the 2013 Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award, “In recognition of a lifetime of letters exploring how humans can live more harmoniously with both the land and each other. . . .” The Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award is named in honor of the celebrated U.S. diplomat, who played an instrumental role in negotiating the Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war in Bosnia in 1995. The award, which recognizes authors for their complete body of work, will be presented to Berry at a gala ceremony in Dayton by 2012 winner Tim O’Brien. |
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Featured in the Store
Preserve Nature’s Goodness: Deep in the throes of a glut of fresh local produce and wondering what to do with it all? It’s not too late to find creative inspiration for canning and preserving on the shelves at Grass Roots. (But, seriously, tomatoes, why don’t you ripen already?) Freezing is typically my fast fix, but now I have strawberries, sweet cherries, raspberries, blueberries, and grapes staring me in the face each time I open the freezer. (Tomatoes, you’d better be next!) I plan on picking up a copy of Food in Jars: Preserving in Small Batches Year-Round by Marisa McClellan to get me out of my slump and into the kitchen to stock my pantry shelves. (Guess what you’re all getting for Christmas. . . ) Beyond jars, Put ‘Em Up: A Comprehensive Home Preserving Guide for the Creative Cook, from Drying and Freezing to Canning and Pickling by Sherri Brooks Vinton covers almost every preserving method you can think of. For a comprehensive exploration of preserving across the country—including science, literature, and personal anecdotes—peruse Saving the Season: A Cook's Guide to Home Canning, Pickling, and Preserving by Kevin West. For the truly curious home preserver, it will keep you entertained long after the last jar of jam is put up. |
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| This Week's Puzzle |
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| Reading Group Selection |
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain
David Eagleman
Neé leads an exploration of the brain with Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain by David Eagleman, a renowned neuroscientist.
If the conscious mind accounts for only a tiny fraction of the brain's function, what is all the rest doing? Eagleman navigates the depths of the subconscious brain to illuminate surprising mysteries, showing the ways in which we are not the ones “driving the boat.” The emerging understanding of the brain drastically changes our view of ourselves, shifting us from an intuitive sense that we are at the center of the operations, to a more sophisticated, illuminating, and wondrous view of the situation. |
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Publisher: Vintage Books
ISBN: 9780307389923
Paperback
Regular price: $15.95
On sale for $13.56 until Sept. 3.
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On Our Nightstands |
 Linda
David Douglas, a Naturalist at Work: An Illustrated Exploration Across Two Centuries in the Pacific Northwest
Jack Nisbet
Beautifully illustrated with photos of images from the journal of David Douglas, flowers from Douglas' time, maps, pertinent associations, and people of interest, this inspiring book is a wonderful chronicle of Douglas' journey and scientific collecting in the Pacific Northwest. Nisbet re-visits Douglas' journey, traveling himself along the same route and to the same spots. I felt history in my hands as I read through these pages of the early days of this wondrous area. The book is a lovely companion to Nisbet's earlier work The Collector.
Hardcover, $27.95
Publisher: Sasquatch Books; ISBN: 9781570618291 |
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Kendall
The Unchangeable Spots of Leopards
Kristopher Jansma
This wonderful concise novel chronicles the struggles of one man to become a published author as he meanders through varied and exciting settings. The engaging characters are few but rich, and just crazy enough to be believable (my favorite being Julian, his best friend and rival, who is, rather effortlessly, the writer the unnamed narrator has always aspired to be). Funny, smart, and delightful, this daringly different debut story by Kristopher Jansma reminds us why we read and why, deep down, you’ve always wanted to write a book others would read.
Hardcover, $26.95
Publisher: Viking Books; ISBN: 9780670026005 |
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Susan
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
Brene Brown
I was first dazzled by Brené Brown through viewing her TEDx Houston talk that quickly went viral and has now been viewed by more than 10 million people.
Brown is the real deal, a plain-talking social researcher from Texas who brings her research to life through warmth, humor, and kitchen-table storytelling. She embodies her message that vulnerability is courage in you and inadequacy in me. I love that she shares her own journey into daring greatly as well as the stories of countless others she has interviewed in her 12 years of research. I reread this book whenever I need an extra dollop of courage.
Hardcover, $26.00
Publisher: Gotham Books; ISBN: 9781592407330 |
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