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Grass Roots Books and Music
— 227 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis OR 97339 — 541-754-7668 |
| March 06, 2014 |
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Hello, Grass Roots readers! This is Jenny, the new newsletter editor, signing on for the first time. I'm excited to keep you guys informed about the upcoming community opportunities, store deals, and bookselling events. I'm seeing some first spring showers as I type this, and, with that in mind, I'll mention briefly that the store is getting ready for National Poetry Month in April. Take a peek at our Store News section this week if you'd like to get involved in offering up some advice for our poetry expansion endeavors. And of course check out our incoming titles, new paperbacks, and the rest of the updated events for March.
I'm super happy to be a part of this independent bookstore's staff, and excited to give you the latest weekly newsletter updates. See you down at Grass Roots! |
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| Newest Books |
You Can Date Boys When You're Forty: Dave Barry on Parenting and Other Topics He Knows Very Little About
Dave Barry
A brilliantly funny exploration of the twin mysteries of parenthood and families from the Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times-bestselling author of Insane City. In his New York Times-bestselling I'll Mature When I'm Dead, Dave Barry embarked on the treacherous seas of adulthood, to hilarious results. What comes next? Parenthood and families, of course. Ruminating on his experience as the father of a teenage daughter, Barry offers insight on the dual struggles and magic inherent in family relationships, with wit to boot.
Hardcover, $26.95
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons; ISBN: 9780399165948 |
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Mister Owita's Guide to Gardening: How I Learned the Unexpected Joy of a Green Thumb and an Open Heart
Carol Wall
In this philosophical memoir about gardening, Carol Wall narrates her friendship with an impoverished grocery store bagger from Kenya, Giles Owita. Mr. Owita happens to know a lot about gardening, while Ms. Wall knows nothing. Identifying as a well-to-do white woman, Ms. Wall decides to invite Mr. Owita into her home, where he quickly becomes her gardening guru and friend. They learn to help one another cope with their personal hardships and secrets, while the garden transforms into a masterpiece to behold.
Hardcover, $25.95
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons; ISBN: 9780399157981 |
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Where Nobody Knows Your Name: Life in the Minor Leagues of Baseball
John Feinstein
Setting out to tell stories that most baseball fans haven’t already heard, John Feinstein illuminates the sports world in this new set of overlooked sports tales. Historical in his attention to fact, Mr. Feinstein’s knowledge of the athletic world makes for delightful, suspenseful, and cutthroat depictions of the minor league. Following the stories of players and managers for the 2012 season, interviewing them along the way, readers will learn what it takes to make it big. Read this book to track the rocky ups and downs contemporary players must face as they struggle to work their way up the ladder of professional baseball leagues.
Hardcover, $29.95
Publisher: Pantheon Books; ISBN: 9780307378194 |
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Plato at the Googleplex: Why Philosophy Won't Go Away
Rebecca Goldstein
In Rebecca Goldstein’s newest philosophical book she takes the creative liberty of reimaging ancient Greece’s famous philosopher, Plato. However, she does not write him back into the past, but places him as a cool, bemused investigator of today’s world, with all its gadgets, social anxieties, and psychological conundrums. With a Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University and a MacArthur-backed fellowship, Goldstein has both the ethos and imagination to present Plato in the present in order to explore such questions as “What is knowledge?” and “Why is philosophy still important in a world of digital, mass media?” This is a deeply thoughtful, entertaining read.
Hardcover, $29.95
Publisher: Pantheon Books; ISBN: 9780307378194 |
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| New in Paperback |
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Flora
Gail Godwin
Ten-year-old Helen and her summer guardian, Flora, are isolated together in Helen's decaying family house while her father is doing secret war work in Oak Ridge during the final months of World War II. “Godwin, celebrated for her literary finesse, presents a classic southern tale galvanic with decorous yet stabbing sarcasm and jolting tragedy. . . . Godwin's under-your-skin characters are perfectly realized, and the held-breath plot is consummately choreographed. But the wonder of this incisive novel of the endless repercussions of loss and remorse at the dawn of the atomic age is how subtly Godwin laces it with exquisite insights into secret family traumas, unspoken sexuality, class and racial divides, and the fallout of war while unveiling the incubating mind of a future writer.” –Booklist Starred Review
Paperback, $16.00
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC; ISBN: 9781620401224 |
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Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald
Therese Anne Fowler
Therese Anne Fowler reimagines the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald as she might have told the story herself. Blending her knowledge of this southern belle’s biography and her own knack for lyrical storytelling, the two voices somehow come together seamlessly. Glamorous, whimsical, and tragic, Fowler breathes life back into the intriguing life of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ultimate love and inspiration, allowing us to indulge in a new version of history, life, and storytelling.
Paperback, $15.99
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; ISBN: 9781250028662 |
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The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America
George Packer
George Packer examines the sense of crisis in American democracy; seismic shifts during a single generation have created a country of winners and losers. Telling the story of the United States over the past three decades, Packer focuses on the lives of a variety of Americans, juxtaposing stories of struggle with unusual tales of success. "A broad and compelling perspective on a nation in crisis . . . an illuminating, in-depth, sometimes frightening view of the complexities of decline and the enduring hope of recovery." –Booklist Starred Review
Paperback, $16.00
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux; ISBN: 9780374534608 |
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The First Four Notes: Beethoven's Fifth and the Human Imagination
Matthew Guerrieri
A unique and revelatory book of music history that examines in great depth what is perhaps the best-known and most-popular symphony ever written and its four-note opening, which has fascinated musicians, historians, and philosophers for the last two hundred years. Music critic Matthew Guerrieri reaches back before Beethoven's time to examine what might have influenced him in writing his Fifth Symphony, and forward into our own time to describe the ways in which the Fifth has, in turn, asserted its influence. Simultaneously tracing history and the globe, Guerrieri demonstrates excellent detective work to shed further light on this music icon.
Paperback, $16.95
Publisher: Vintage Books; ISBN: 9780804170192 |
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Americanah
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A young woman from Nigeria leaves behind her home and her first love to start a new life in America, only to find her dreams are not all she expected. Ifemelu is beautiful and aristocratic in nature, making assimilation into American culture both exciting and complicated. Her high school sweetheart, Obinze, also escapes Nigeria, but can’t move to America in a post 9/11 world. Therefore, he struggles for years in menial jobs in London, waiting to rekindle his relationship with Ifemelu. This novel follows the path the heart must take over oceans, land, and time, and the uncontrollable changes that occur from within.
Paperback, $15.95
Publisher: Anchor Books; ISBN: 9780307455925 |
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| Featured Books for Young Readers |
Princess Labelmaker to the Rescue!: An Origami Yoda Book (Origami Yoda)
Tom Angleberger
Ages 8 to 12
In this latest addition to the blockbuster Origami Yoda series, Tom Angleberger confronts the ongoing adventures of the Origami Rebel Alliance. This time Principal Rabbski has not yet declared her allegiance to the alliance, leaving everyone wondering if the students of McQuarrie Middle School will have to take the next rounds of standardized tests. With the school board breathing down her neck, it’s up to our heroes to convince her of the right thing to do.
Hardcover, $13.95
Publisher: Amulet Books; ISBN: 9781419710520 |
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This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl
Esther Earl, Lori Earl, and Wayne Earl
Young Adult
In a collection of essays, journal entries, photos, and short fiction, the late Esther Earl shares her insights on life as she struggles with cancer. Humorous and bold, readers will be inspired by the work of 16-year-old Esther. Compiled by her mentor and friend, John Green, and her parents Wayne and Lori Earl after her death in 2010, this memoir is a bit like no other.
Hardcover, $19.99
Publisher: Dutton Books; ISBN: 9780525426363 |
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| Music |
Regina Carter
Southern Comfort
Genre: Jazz
Detroit violinist Carter has never been shy in flirting with genres. Her new project traces her African ancestry, from the continent itself to her father's home in Alabama. ($11.95) |
Pink Martini and Von Trapps
Dream a Little Dream
Genre: Jazz
For their new record, the Portland ensemble collaborates with the great grandchildren of the Von Trapp family. As with previous releases, this one seamlessly blends jazz, pop, and classical. ($17.95) |
Drive By Truckers
English Oceans
Genre: Pop/Folk
Following a few lineup changes, the Truckers return with one of their most focused, accessible records to date. Behind the storytelling of writers Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley, the band plays a hard-edged alt. country. ($13.95) |
Bob Dylan
30th Anniversary Concert Celebration
Genre: Pop/Folk
This live double CD was recorded in 1992 at Madison Square Garden. Paying tribute to the bard are artists such as George Harrison, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, and more. ($15.95) |
John Gorka
Bright Side of Down
Genre: Pop/Folk
The singer-songwriter's first original album in five years displays Gorka's masterful ways with lyrics. Backed by a full band, his twelfth album features a duet with fellow folkie Michael Johnson, as well as a ballad dedicated to Gorka's late friend Bill Morrissey. ($17.95) |
Loreena McKennitt
Journey So Far: Best of
Genre: Celtic
McKennitt has been one of Grass Roots' bestselling artists over the years. If you've missed out, this collection brings together the contemporary Celtic and world music blend other customers have come to love from the singer-songwriter. ($10.95) |
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| Events |
Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music
227 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis |
Julian Hoffman
The Small Heart Of Things: Being At Home In A Beckoning World
Winner of the 2012 Association of Writers and Writing Programs Series Prize for Creative Nonfiction, author Julian Hoffman will speak about his work and read from his award-winning book, The Small Heart Of Things: Being At Home In A Beckoning World.
In The Small Heart of Things, Julian Hoffman intimately examines the myriad ways in which connections to the natural world can be deepened through an equality of perception, whether it's a caterpillar carrying its house of leaves, transhumant shepherds ranging high mountain pastures, a quail taking cover on an empty steppe, or a Turkmen family emigrating from Afghanistan to Istanbul. The narrative spans the common—and often contested—ground that supports human and natural communities alike, seeking the unsung stories that sustain us.
This free event is co-sponsored by Grass Roots Books & Music and the Spring Creek Project for Ideas, Nature and the Written Word.
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| Community Events |
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Community Events
Darkside Cinema: Movies showing 3/7-3/13/14, showtimes daily, Darkside Cinema, Corvallis.
- Gloria –R See it now, and see it before the inevitable insufferable American remake. Chilean director Sebastian Lelio's Gloria is a warm, intimate, sharply funny depiction of a life in progress. 99% on RT! Spanish and English.
- Nebraska –R Nominated for Best Picture. Bruce Dern.
- Inside Llewyn Davis –R The Coen brothers have crafted another unique period piece.
- 12 Years a Slave –R Academy Award for Best Picture of 2013.
Visit their website for showtimes.
Literary Events:
- Random Reviews presents The Round House by Louise Erdrich, reviewed by Beth Rietveld: Wednesday, March 12, noon-1 p.m., Corvallis-Benton County Library, Corvallis. Interesting books. Interesting people. Monthly Reviews. Coffee, tea, and cookies served. Feel free to bring your lunch. Sponsored by The Friends of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. These programs are open to the public and free of charge.
Ticket Sales: Grass Roots sells tickets for local music events. Please call or stop by the store to see what's currently available.
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Saturday, March 22
LaSells Stewart Center
OSU, Corvallis |
Insights into Gardening
(Rescheduled from Feb. 8)
This event is sponsored by the Benton County Master Gardeners Association and Oregon State University Extension Service.
Insights into Gardening is a day-long seminar offering practical, hands-on learning for home gardeners and gardeners-to-be. Whether you are an experienced or novice gardener, new to the area or an Oregon native, you will find plenty of ideas to make your gardening easier, more enjoyable and more successful. Please visit the Insight into Gardening website for updated registration information.
Books recommended by event speakers and general gardening books will be available to purchase from Grass Roots Books & Music. Discounts are available on select items. The onsite bookstore will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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| News |
Featured in the Store
Pomegranate Puzzles: Get ready for the spring season with one of our freshly ordered Pomegranate Puzzles. Each puzzle combines superb color reproduction, wondrous images, and sturdy construction to delight and intrigue novice and veteran puzzle solvers alike. Whether you are looking for a gift or a pastime of your own, come by the store to see our growing supply of nature, art, and architecture themed puzzles. |
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New Poetry Section
We have moved our previous poetry section a few shelves over in order to give these volumes more face time and easier access. Essentially, our poetry and science fiction have been switched! We haven’t downsized science fiction, don’t worry, simply adjusted it a little to the right, poetry to the left.
Additionally: if you consider yourself an avid poetry reader, Grass Roots is interested in your opinions about how we might improve our small, but mighty, poetry section. What poets and subject matters are you interested in? More Pacific Northwest? New up-and-comers? Nature observers, or urban-dwellers? Send us your thoughts and suggestions at grootsreads@gmail.com so we can enhance our current selection. |
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| This Week's Puzzle |
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Solve this week's jigsaw. |
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| Reading Group Selection |
Tuesday, April 1, 6:30-8 p.m.
A Tale for the Time Being
Ruth L Ozeki
Tiffany will be leading our April reading group discussion of A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. Check our staff favorites section to see what Tiffany had to say about it in her review.
Nao is a 16-year-old Japanese schoolgirl, shy and bullied, determined to end it all to avoid her dreary life. Before she does, she plans to document the life of her great-grandmother, a Buddhist nun. Across the Pacific, Ruth is a struggling writer on a remote island off the coast of British Columbia. On the beach she finds a Hello Kitty lunchbox washed ashore, filled with a curious collection of artifacts, including a collection of letters and a journal. As the mystery of its contents unfolds, Ruth is pulled into the past, into Nao's drama and her unknown fate, and forward into her own future. |
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Publisher: Penguin Books
ISBN:9780143124870
Paperback
Regular price: $16.00
On sale for $13.60 until April 1.
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On Our Nightstands |
 Linda
The Snow Leopard
Peter Matthiessen
Reading Peter Matthiessen is always an honored journey deep into the mind of a man wondrously versed on nature and history. In this National Book Award journal, Matthiessen meanders and climbs with his friend George Schaller into the Himalayas. Doing research on the blue sheep of the high elevations, they also seek a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard. Mattiessens's inner journey, reflected here, is new in grief, and rich in Buddhism and its history. His writing, clear and concise, will suddenly burst into beautiful poetic description, alongside his insight and interpretation of the natural world he travels through.
Paperback, $17.00
Publisher: Penguin Books; ISBN: 9780143105510 |
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Adam
Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror: Speculative Genre Exercises from Today's Best Writers and Teachers
Laurie Lamson
In the latest volume in the best selling Now Write! Series, the editors take on speculative writing. Packed with exercises from the greats in science fiction, fantasy and horror, this is a must have for any aspiring writer of fantastic worlds. Use it as a jumping off point for your own writing or just to explore the ways speculative writers like Aimee Bender, Piers Anthony, and Jack Ketchum get their own story juices flowing and inspire the students in their classes. Also, check out the other Now Write! books in this continuing series on the craft of writing.
Paperback, $15.95
Publisher: Tarcher; ISBN: 9780399165559 |
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Neé
The Flight of the Silvers
Daniel Price
Flight of the Silvers took my life by storm; I entered an all-encompassing whirlwind of reading until all 500+ pages were devoured. In this Sci-Fi saga (part mystery, thriller, and humor) the Silvers are saved from a vanishing world by enigmatic forces with shadowy motives. They are instantaneously plunged into a realm of temporal chaos and raging enemies, while discovering new purpose and grappling with imaginative supernatural powers unlike anything you’ve ever seen. I anxiously await book two in this series as the author shaped deeply authentic characters whose fates I’m ready to discover in this fast-paced flight through an epic new world.
Hardcover, $27.95
Publisher: Blue Rider Press; ISBN: 9780399164989 |
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Jenny
Bust Magazine
What I appreciate most about this feminist magazine is its sincere empathy towards all the very different women and men it features in each article. I wanted my first Night Stand to be a little eclectic in subject matter, which is why I chose the February/March issue of Bust as my inaugural read. I think women’s magazines can have the propensity to lean towards glamour and celebrity issues, but Bust’s slightly curmudgeonly themed “Valentine’s Day/Love and Sex” issue goes in the opposite direction, focusing instead on exposés of female furries and young egg donors. Between each major article are up-to-date superfoods lists, DIY clock-making instructions, and computer coding reference websites. Empowering, but not berating towards male readers, Bust is excellent pop culture news for anyone’s nightstand.
Bi-monthly, $5.99
Publishers: Laurie Henzel and Debbie Stoller |
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