Grass Roots Books and Music — 227 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis OR 97339 — 541-754-7668
August 29, 2013
Contents
Newest Books
New in Paperback
Featured Books for Young Readers
Music
Events
News
This Week's Puzzle
Reading Group Selection
On Our Nightstands
Grass Roots Online — Contact Us
 
 

Labor Day weekend already? How can this be??? Back-to-school supply lists, Beaver football, local apples at the Farmers Market, wine tasting events, and the sudden doubling of the community population. . . I'm afraid it must be true: summer is approaching its sweet conclusion.

I'm going to try to be oblivious for a few weeks longer. I'm going to bury my nose in a book, continue to pick tomatoes from my garden, and keep summer in my heart. The nose-in-book remains constant, and hopefully it does for you, too. To support your habit, we will be open on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 2) from 11 a.m. to 4-ish p.m.

Start dreaming of days of cozy lounging on the sofa with a cup of tea and a heavy tome. There's always a new book waiting to be discovered at Grass Roots. Come inside�we're excited to show you what we've discovered!

See you in the bookstore!

Pamela.

 
Newest Books

How the Light Gets in: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

Louise Penny

�Complex characterizations and sophisticated plotting distinguish Agatha-winner Penny's masterful ninth novel. Things have never looked bleaker for the unassuming and empathic Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Quebec Surete, A corrupt superior has gutted his homicide department, and the agents he now supervises treat their cases with blatant indifference. Amid all this personal and professional turmoil, Gamache lands a strange murder case. There's no obvious motive for why somebody killed elderly Constance Ouellet, the only living member of a set of quintuplets who were national celebrities in their youth. Fair-play clues lead to a surprising solution to the murder, while Gamache's battle to save his career unfolds with subtlety and intelligence.� �Publishers Weekly

Hardcover, $25.99

Publisher: Minotaur Books; ISBN: 9780312655471

Claire of the Sea Light

Edwidge Danticat

�Danticat's last book, the memoir Brother, I'm Dying, was a National Book Critics Circle Award winner and a National Book Award finalist. . . now this best-selling author returns to fiction for the first time in nine years. Claire Limye Lanme ('Claire of the Sea Light'), whose mother died in childbirth and whose fisherman father has made the wrenching decision to give her a better life by relinquishing her, goes missing just before her seventh birthday. As the entire community searches for her, secrets emerge that clarify our relationships with other people and with the natural world, even in the beauty and heartbreak of Haiti.� �Library Journal

Hardcover, $25.95

Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group; ISBN: 9780307271792

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What Poets Are Like: Up and Down with the Writing Life

Gary Soto

The award-winning author of more than 35 books for young readers and 11 poetry collections for adults reflects on the nature of the writing life.

�His charming, thought-provoking vignettes about everything from receiving his MFA by mail to domestic downsizing are best read one or a few at a time. This enables readers to better savor his sometimes rueful wit and appreciation of time passing . . . . He observes that �Rivers make poets dream . . . and long for adventure.� [Soto] recalls �the geese darkening the sky of an autumn afternoon . . . winging south, their eyes filled with the memory of lakes.� So, too, do the essays gathered here fill and nourish us.� �Booklist

Hardcover, $15.00

Publisher: Sasquatch Books; ISBN: 9781570618741

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I Kiss Your Hands Many Times: Hearts, Souls, and Wars in Hungary

Marianne Szegedy-Maszak

�This family memoir is everything you could wish for in the genre: the story of a fascinating family that illuminates the historical time it lived through. The author's father, Aladr, was a diplomat for the Hungarian government, and her mother, Hanna, was part of a wealthy Jewish family. After seeing the madness of Hitler in Berlin, Aladr returns to Budapest to oppose Nazism . . . When the Germans finally invade their cowed ally in 1944. . . Hanna's family goes into hiding and eventually escapes to Portugal, while Aladr is arrested and almost dies in Dachau. . . a great introduction to WWII Hungary and a moving tale of personal relationships in a time of great duress.� �Booklist Starred Review

Hardcover, $27.00

Publisher: Spiegel & Grau; ISBN: 9780385524858

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New in Paperback

The Philosopher's Table: How to Start Your Philosophy Dinner Club - Monthly Conversation, Music, and Recipes

Marietta McCarty

In this book, readers will find all of the necessary ingredients to start a Philosophy Dinner Club, taking a monthly tour around the world with friends to sample hors d'oeuvres of succulent wisdom and fill their plates with food from each philosopher�s home country. Complete with McCarty's recipes, recommendations for ethnic music from each region and discussion questions to prompt debate, The Philosopher's Table contains everything needed to create gastronomic and mental satisfaction.

Paperback, $15.95

Publisher: Tarcher; ISBN: 9781585429264

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Winter of the World: Book Two of the Century Trilogy

Ken Follett

�This second installment of Follett's epic Century trilogy is just as potent, engrossing, and prolix as the opening opus, Fall of Giants. Continuing the histrionics of the five families introduced in Fall, this masterfully conceived novel picks up in 1933. . . . Rife with plot lines, interpersonal intrigue, sweeping historical flourishes, and an authentic and compelling cast, this is a tale of dynamic characters struggling to survive during one of the world�s darkest periods.� �Publishers Weekly

Paperback, $25.00

Publisher: New American Library; ISBN: 9780451419248

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NW

Zadie Smith

Four friends grew up on an estate together in northwest London, but all of their lives have taken vastly different turns. Leah, Natalie, Felix, and Nathan are now trying to make their adult lives out of that area, and are finding that London is a complicated place, as beautiful as it is brutal, where the thoroughfares hide the back alleys and taking the high road can sometimes lead you to a dead end.

�The book takes place in NW London, where characters intersect and circumvent one another's lives and, in the process, expose their ethnic distinctions and class transformations, their relationships and their secrets.� �Publishers Weekly Starred Review

Paperback, $16.00

Publisher: Penguin Books; ISBN: 9780143123934

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The Racketeer

John Grisham

In this country�s history, only four active federal judges have been murdered�surprising considering the controversies surrounding them and the violent people they sometimes confront. Judge Raymond Fawcett has just become number five; his body, and his young secretary�s, are found in a remote lakeside cabin, no signs of forced entry or struggle. The Racketeer�a former attorney in the Federal Prison Camp near Frostberg, MD�is the only one who seems to know who killed Judge Fawcett and why, and what was in the safe found empty at the cabin. But everything has a price, and the Racketeer wasn�t born yesterday. . .

Paperback, $16.00

Publisher: Bantam; ISBN: 9780345545336

Ostrich

Matt Greene

This is Alex's story. But he doesn't know exactly what it's about yet, so you probably shouldn't either. Instead, here are some things that it's sort of about (but not really): It's sort of (but not really) about brain surgery. It's sort of (but actually quite a lot) about Alex's parents. It's sort of (but not really) about feeling ostrichized (which is a better word for excluded (because ostriches can't fly so they often feel left out)). And it's also sort of about courage. Because sometimes it actually takes quite a lot of it to bury your head in the sand.

Paperback, $15.00

Publisher: Ballantine Books; ISBN: 9780345545213

 
Featured Books for Young Readers

Bugs in My Hair!

David Shannon

Ages 4 to 8

"Shannon offers young head lice victims and the grownups who love them a much-needed source of levity and empathy. His itchy redheaded hero can't help imagining the worst�which is right up Shannon's alley. . . What if the boy becomes a social pariah? What if his condition requires a scorched scalp policy? What if the �lice-a-palooza� in his hair takes over the entire house? . . . Readers will come away reassured that it will take a lot more than a bunch of bug-eyed, multi-legged �Little Nasties� to sink their families." �Publishers Weekly

Hardcover, $17.99

Publisher: Blue Sky Press; ISBN: 9780545143134

The Lost Kingdom

Matthew J. Kirby

Ages 8 to 12

In this adventure story, Billy Bartram, his father, and a secret society of philosophers and scientists venture into the American wilderness in search of the lost people of the Welsh Prince Madoc, seeking aid in the coming war against the French. Traveling in a flying airship, the members of the expedition find their lives frequently endangered in the untamed American West by terrifying creatures, a party of French soldiers hot on their trail, and the constant threat of traitors and spies. Billy will face hazards greater than he can ever imagine as he gets caught up in the fight for the biggest prize of all: America.

Hardcover, $17.99

Publisher: Scholastic Press; ISBN: 9780545274265

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Music

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Valerie June

Pushin' Against a Stone

Genre: Pop/Folk

Valerie June is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist from Tennessee, whose new album has garnered a large amount of online buzz. Produced by the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, Valerie June's album shifts from country to gospel and folk, celebrating the singer-songwriter's unique voice. ($9.95)

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Bob Dylan

Another Self Portrait 1969-1971: Bootleg Series 10

Genre: Pop/Folk

The tenth album in Dylan's official Bootleg Series returns listeners to his underappreciated Self Portrait album from the early '70s. The 2-disc set includes demo versions of the album's original tracks as well as tunes recorded during the same sessions but never released. ($19.95)

Black Joe Lewis

Electric Slave

Genre: Pop/Folk

As heard on NPR's Sunday Edition: "In 2009, reporter Christian Bordal profiled an up-and-coming singer from Austin, Texas - a guy who had learned to play guitar working in a pawn shop, and was still driving a fish delivery truck to make ends meet. But it ended up being a big year for the musician. His band was named one of 'Ten Bands to Break Out' at that spring's South by Southwest festival by Esquire magazine." ($12.95)

Alela Diane

About Farewell

Genre: Pop/Folk

From Portland, Alela Diane's hushed music crosses contemporary folk with an indie spirit. About Farewell addresses issues of separation, personal stories told in the singer's haunting croon. ($12.95)

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Putumayo Artists

Jewish Celebration

Genre: World

Putumayo's new sampler takes a look at Jewish music in all its dimensions. Contributors range from the folk of Alisa Fineman to the skewed jazz of the Klezmer Conservatory Band and Kayama's reggae-influenced cut. ($15.95)

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Austin Lucas

Stay Reckless

Genre: Pop/Folk

Lucas' family is deeply steeped in the music of rural America, as evidence by the fact that his father has written tunes for Alison Krauss. Lucas himself took a roundabout path to his current alternative country position, dallying in everything from gospel to death metal. Lucas is backed by Glossary on his first album for New West Records. ($11.95)

 
Events

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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Saturday, Sept. 21,
3:30 to 7 p.m.

Downtown Corvallis

 

Rhapsody in the Vineyard

Stop by Grass Roots Books & Music to sample wines from an Oregon winery during the Downtown Corvallis Association�s Rhapsody in the Vineyard event. The event features several Oregon wineries, offering tastes of their finest vintages at participating downtown retailers. Drop in and tell us about your favorite tastings of the evening, and sample a wonderful wine while browsing our shelves.

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Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.

Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis

Ian Doeschner

William Shakespeare's Star Wars

Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library and Grass Roots Books & Music

Worlds collide in Ian Doescher�s William Shakespeare's Star Wars. The author joins us this afternoon to read from and discuss his Shakespearean rendition of Star Wars, followed by a book signing.

Return once more to a galaxy far, far away with this sublime retelling of George Lucas's epic Star Wars in the style of the immortal Bard of Avon. The saga of a wise (Jedi) knight and an evil (Sith) lord, of a beautiful princess held captive and a young hero coming of age, Star Wars abounds with all the valor and villainy of Shakespeare's greatest plays. 'Tis a tale told by fretful droids, full of faithful Wookiees and fearsome Stormtroopers, signifying. . . pretty much everything.

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Community Events

Community Events

Darkside Cinema: Movies showing Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, showtimes daily, Darkside Cinema, Corvallis. Visit their website for showtimes.

  • Blackfish �PG-13: Blackfish is an aggressive, impassioned documentary that will change the way you look at performance killer whales. 98% on Rotten Tomatoes!
  • Blue Jasmine �PG-13: Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine finds the director in peak late-period form � and benefiting from a superb cast led by Cate Blanchett. In Digital in 2 auditoriums (sort�a)!
  • The Way, Way Back �PG-13: Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell. What else do you need?
  • Much Ado About Nothing �PG-13: Shakespeare done by Joss Whedon, the guy who did Firefly. He has a really big forehead so you know he�s smart. In it�s 143rd week at the DS!
  • 20 Feet From Stardom �PG-13: It is THE really good movie about back up singers. See it. No, really. See it. Held over for 215 weeks!

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 [email protected] 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.

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

Back to School

We want to linger on summer reading, but the truth is that school starts again soon. For the Corvallis school district, it�s Wednesday in fact. Yikes! There�s still time to help your kids make the transition back to school days with a special book. Froggy, Dinosaurs, Miss Bindergarten, even Bad Kitty�they�re getting ready for school, too! Stop by the store to see a display of our favorite titles. (I heartily recommend The Kissing Hand!)

Educator Services

It�s also back-to-school time for teachers. Grass Roots can help set your room in order with educator discounts (20% for most items for classroom use), easy ordering, and specialized assistance. Teachers, school librarians, and homeschoolers for grades K-12 who live or teach in Corvallis and nearby communities are invited to register as an educator at Grass Roots Books. Visit our website for more information, or stop by the store and ask any of our wonderful booksellers.

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Labor Day Hours

Enjoy your last moments of summer this holiday weekend with a visit to Grass Roots, and finish off your stack of wishful reading. We will be open on Monday, Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4-ish p.m. Enjoy our company all weekend; we�ll be here!

 
This Week's Puzzle



Solve this week's jigsaw.
 
Reading Group Selection

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain

David Eagleman

Ne� 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.

incognito

Publisher: Vintage Books

ISBN: 9780307389923

Paperback

Regular price: $15.95

On sale for $13.56 until Sept. 3.

 

 

On Our Nightstands

Linda

Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis

Timothy Egan

In this fascinating book, the life and work of Edmund Curtis is displayed before us in every crease and valley, every detail and expanse�a mirrored image of the quality, lessons, and beauty of his photographs. Within the pages of this book is an incredible look at America in the early 20th century and, through the eyes of Curtis, the suffering of the Native American Indian. Timothy Egan has, once again, presented a thoroughly researched and brilliantly written documentation of American history. Books like this are a wonder and education to read.

Paperback, $15.95

Publisher: Mariner Books; ISBN: 9780544102767

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Falling Into the Fire: A Psychiatrist's Encounters with the Mind in Crisis

Christine Montross

The brain is fascinating when functioning properly and even more so when it�s broken. Psychiatrist Christine Montross reveals the darker side of the mind in Falling Into the Fire by walking the reader through her years of medical experience. From emergency rooms, to psychiatric hospitals to her own private practice Montross explores the mind and its maladies through first-hand stories (in my opinion the best way to learn a disease). If you love psychology like I do, this is a must-read, but be aware, it can be graphic at times.

Hardcover, $25.95

Publisher: Penguin Press; ISBN: 9781594203930

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Susan

Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey Into the Afterlife

Eben Alexander

As a neurosurgeon and scientist, Dr. Alexander was convinced that Near Death Experiences were fantasies created by the brain, and he could not reconcile his scientific knowledge with any belief in God, heaven, or the soul. Until his own brain was attacked by a mysterious illness that shut it down completely. The story of his illness, his journey beyond this world to encounter the Divine, and his miraculous recovery are as riveting as his attempts to make sense of his experience when he came back. A must read for anyone who has wondered what happens to when we die and about our place in the universe.

Paperback, $15.99

Publisher: Simon & Schuster; ISBN: 9781451695199

 
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