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July 30, 2015
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Greetings, Readers,

 

We just received a new shipment of new bargain books! We were able to get the last remaining copies of great titles by many favorite authors, but this is a one-time deal -- once they sell out, they can't be restocked. Come early for the best selection before they're gone for good!

 

Tomorrow is the last day to find Waldo! If you participated, don't forget to mark your calendars for our Waldo Celebration August 1, complete with a raffle for plenty of surprising prizes from Corvallis businesses (trust us...you'll want to see these for yourselves).

 

July has been a fantastic month for rediscovered books from classic authors. We launched Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman (with an upcoming library discussion August 13) and now we're excited to have a new Dr. Seuss picture book on our hands! Keep scrolling for the latest books this week, plus new albums from Joss Stone and Gaelic Storm.

 

Come on down and escape the heatwave!


~ Marissa

New HardcoversNHardcovers

by Paula McLain
[Fiction]  
 

"McLain's (The Paris Wife) latest showcases her immersive command of setting and character, fictionalizing the exploits of real-life aviator and author Beryl Markham in British Kenya in the early 20th century. Beryl marries young when her father's fortunes fall, but is determined to strike out independently as a horse trainer, even though there are no female horse trainers and she's only in her late teens. . .While her successes in the horse-racing business increase. . .her need for freedom has further personal consequences, but also leaves her as the first professional female pilot in the world at a time when flying was exceptionally dangerous. . ." - Publishers Weekly  

 

Hardcover; $28.00

Publisher: Ballantine Books; ISBN: 9780345534187

by J. Ryan Stradal
[Fiction]  
 
When Lars Thorvald's wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wine and a dashing sommelier, he's left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. He's determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter, starting with pureed pork shoulder. As Eva grows, she finds her solace and salvation in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to hydroponic chocolate habaneros, each ingredient represents one part of Eva's journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club. An original debut about the bittersweet nature of life, its missed opportunities, and its joyful surprises.


Hardcover; $25.00

Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books; ISBN: 9780525429142

by William T. Vollmann
[Fiction]  
 
In this new installment in his acclaimed series of novels examining the collisions between Native Americans and European colonizers, Vollmann tells the story of the Nez Perce War, with flashbacks to the Civil War. Defrauded and intimidated at every turn, the Nez Perces finally went on the warpath in 1877, subjecting the U.S. Army to its greatest defeat since Little Big Horn as they fled from northeast Oregon across Montana to the Canadian border. Vollmann's main character is not the legendary Chief Joseph, but his pursuer, General Oliver Otis Howard, the brave, shy, tormented, devoutly Christian Civil War veteran. 

"A colossal, ravishingly descriptive, adeptly omniscient novel. . .as large, encompassing, and deeply felt as it needs to be to do justice to its momentous subject." - Booklist, Starred Review

Hardcover; $55.00

Publisher: Viking; ISBN: 9780670015986

by Neil Gaiman
[Fiction]  
 

Published in 1997, Neil Gaiman's darkly hypnotic first novel, Neverwhere, heralded the arrival of a major talent and became a touchstone of urban fantasy. Now Gaiman's preferred edition of his classic novel reconciles these works and reinstates a number of scenes cut from the original published version. Neverwhere is the story of Richard Mayhew, a young London businessman with a good heart and an ordinary life, which is changed forever when he discovers a girl bleeding on the sidewalk. He stops to help her an act of kindness that plunges him into a world he never dreamed existed.

Hardcover; $26.99

Publisher: William Morrow & Company; ISBN: 9780062371058

New PaperbacksNPaperbacks

by Louise Penny
[Fiction] 
 

"Still grieving over the carnage that wreaked havoc with those he loves and with Three Pines itself (How The Light Gets In) Gamache reluctantly agrees to come to the aid of his friend, artist Clara Morrow, who is worried about her husband, [Peter], who has failed to return to Three Pines after their agreed-upon one-year separation. Gamache and his former assistant, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, follow Peter's trail to Europe and back to Toronto, where he visited his former art teacher, and on to the remote mouth of the St. Lawrence River. In search of artistic inspiration, Peter may have found something very different and much more lethal. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review
 

Paperback; $15.99

Publisher: Minotaur Books; ISBN: 9781250022059

by Samuel Fromartz
[Non-Fiction]

In 2009, journalist Fromartz began his quest to hone not just his homemade baguette -- which later beat out professional bakeries to win the "Best Baguette of D.C." -- but his knowledge of bread, from seed to table. For the next four years, Fromartz traveled across the United States and Europe, perfecting his sourdough in California, his whole grain rye in Berlin, and his country wheat in the South of France. Along the way, he met historians, millers, farmers, wheat geneticists, sourdough biochemists, and everyone in between, learning about the history of breadmaking, the science of fermentation, and more. Complete with detailed recipes, tips, and beautiful photographs. 

 

Paperback; $16.00

Publisher: Penguin Books; ISBN: 9780143127628

New For Young ReadersYReaders

by Dr. Seuss
[Fiction]
Ages 3 to 8
 
This never-ever-before-seen picture book by Dr. Seuss about making up one's mind is the literary equivalent of buried treasure! What happens when a brother and sister visit a pet store to pick a pet? Naturally, they can't choose just one. . .The tale captures a classic childhood moment -- choosing a pet -- and uses it to illuminate a life lesson: that it is hard to make up your mind, but sometimes you just have to do it! Told in Dr. Seuss's signature rhyming style, this is a must-have for Seuss fans and book collectors, and a perfect choice for the holidays, birthdays, and happy occasions of all kinds.

Hardcover; $17.99

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; ISBN: 9780553524260

by David McPhail
[Fiction]
Ages 1 to 4
 
A fox in a dress, a rabbit in shoes -- if they can get dressed, so can you! From David McPhail comes a board book of early concept words. In I Get Dressed, animals try on different articles of clothing, often to hilarious effect, ultimately teaching children the names for all kinds of clothes. These new board books are not only handy, fun guides for early learning concepts, but also the youngest readers' introduction to the whimsical world of David McPhail.

Board Books; $5.99

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press; ISBN: 9781626721470

by Sara Nickerson
[Fiction]
Ages 10 and up
 
Twelve-year-old Missy and her older brother Patrick get summer jobs picking blueberries at a local farm. For Missy, though, blueberry picking quickly becomes about more than just money -- it's the perfect distraction from the fact that her two best friends have gone off to summer camp without her and that her dad is getting remarried. Why can't everything go back to the way it used to be? But Missy soon discovers that the summer is full of secrets: the secrets to making her family feel whole again; the secrets to keeping her two best friends from changing and leaving her behind; and the secrets of blueberries.

Hardcover; $16.99

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers; ISBN: 9780525426547

New Bargain BooksBargain

Looking for just the right book? Our bargain books section has a little something for everyone! New in stock titles include gardening reference books with tips on composting, pruning, and pest management for your healthiest plants yet; the best science fiction compilations of past decades; and kids' picture books by Mary Engelbreit, Douglas Wood, and Shel Silverstein -- all at a fraction of the original price.

Featured titles (click to reveal the deal!):




New MusicNMusic


Have Gun Will Travel
Pop/Folk

An ambitious concept album from this Florida alt. country band. The record uses twang and grit to tell the story of Shackleton's historic Antarctic voyage.
($13.98)

Joss Stone
Pop/Folk

The soulful British belter has proven to be a genre hopper throughout her career, ranging from soul to blues and rock. Stone's new collection applies her distinctive vocals to reggae originals.
($13.98)

Elephant Revival
Pop/Folk

Colorado's Elephant Revival play a strain of folk that incorporates elements of jazz, classical, and Eastern European music. This double album offers one CD of live and studio recordings as well as a DVD concert documentary.
($18.98)

Warren Haynes
Pop/Folk

Singer-guitarist Haynes has played with bands like Govt Mule, Allman Brothers, and Grateful Dead over the years. His first solo album in several years pairs him with Railroad Earth as a backing band, giving his original songs a definite roots bent.
($15.98)

Gaelic Storm
Celtic/Irish

The members of Gaelic Storm can play traditional as well as contemporary Irish music. While the band's membership has evolved from year to year, their upbeat, energetic Celtic offerings have remained consistent.
($13.98)
Events at Grass RootsEventsGRR

Waldo Celebration!

 

Saturday, August 1, at 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Grass Roots Books & Music

227 SW 2nd St.

Corvallis, OR

 

You've finished finding Waldo all over downtown. You have 15 or more stamps on your Waldo passport. What now? Join us on August 1st at 2:30 p.m. to celebrate your success! The raffle drawing will be held, and you may win prizes!

Community EventsCommunityEvents

Darkside Show Times for 7/31-8/6

-Beyond The Brick: A Lego Brickumentary -G If you thought you knew the world of LEGO®, you don't know brick. Step into the amazing real-life world of the global phenomenon that will captivate fans of all ages.

 

-Infinitely Polar Bear -R Based on a true story, Infinitely Polar Bear is a funny and heartbreaking portrait of the many unexpected ways in which parents and children save each other. Mark Ruffalo.

 

-The Stanford Prison Experiment -R Based on the real-life research of Dr. Zimbardo (who was a consultant on the film), The Stanford Prison Experiment is a dramatic period piece that remains relevant over 40 years later.


-Amy -R This documentary reveals the incredible story of six-time Grammy winner Amy Winehouse -- in her own words. 97% ON RT!

-Testament of Youth -PG-13 Based on the First World War memoir by Vera Brittain, this British period drama is a powerful story of young love, the futility of war, and how to make sense of the darkest times.

 

Arts/Literary Events

 

None this week!

Community Events with Grass Roots


Thursday, August 13, at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Corvallis Public Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR

With the release of Harper Lee's Go Set A Watchman on July 14th, there has been a flurry of opinions on the book. For those with opinions, questions, or a love of literary discussion, we've teamed up with the Corvallis Public Library to host a discussion group. Join us to talk about this fascinating contribution to the literary world. Grass Roots will be selling books at this event.
William Ritter

Tuesday, August 18, at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. 
Corvallis Public Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR

Jackaby and his trusty assistant, Abigail Rook, investigate fascinating and mysterious forms of paranormal phenomena in the latest series offering. In this sequel to Jackaby, Jackaby and Rook are called to probe into a series of strange murders-could it be vampires or "jiang-shi" (zombies in Chinese folklore)? After following a lead to the picturesque Gad's Valley, they literally unearth one of the most exciting and dangerous animals of all time. The protagonist's flighty perspicacity pairs well with Rook's down-to-earth demeanor, and together the pair work to overcome a threat to the entire world. 

Oregon native William Ritter studied at University of Oregon. He currently teaches high school language arts, including reading and writing, mythology and heroes. He is a proud husband and father. When reading aloud, he always does the voices. Grass Roots will be selling books at this event.
Store NewsStoreNews

Find Waldo Local

 

All July long, Grass Roots will be hosting Find Waldo Local! Here's what you need to know:

1. Stop at Grass Roots any time in July to pick up a passport and fill out your contact info.
2. Find Waldo at 10 local businesses in Corvallis and get a stamp at each one.
3. Return to Grass Roots for a Waldo button (optional) and a coupon!
4. Find Waldo at 15+ more businesses, then return to Grass Roots to enter a raffle to win a prize from participating businesses.
5. Join us for our Waldo Celebration party on Saturday, August 1st at 2:30 p.m. We will have activities, draw names for the raffle, and give out prizes! 

Participating businesses are:

Grass Roots Books & Music
American Dream Pizza
Animal Crackers
Burst's Chocolate
Cyclotopia
Fingerboard Extension
Footwise
Francesco's
The Golden Crane
Gracewinds
The Inkwell Home Store
Irene's Boutique
Kaleidoscope Studios
Many Hands Trading
Mod Pod Décor
New Morning Bakery
Peak Sports
Sedlak's Boots and Shoes
Sibling Revelry
Soft Star Shoes
The Toy Factory
Kids' Summer Reading Challenge 

 

If your child is between the ages of 5-12, Grass Roots wants you to participate in our Kids' Summer Reading Challenge! Stop by the store and pick up a challenge form listing 10 book genres. Find a book from each of the genres to read or listen to. Return the form to Grass Roots between June 15th -- August 16th with 4 different genres completed and you'll get a 20% off coupon good toward any one children's book and a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes

 

Want more raffle tickets? Keep reading! If you complete 8 different genres you'll get a second ticket, and if you complete all 10 you'll get a third! 


2015 American Book Awards

 

Winners were announced this past week for the American Book Awards recognizing "outstanding literary achievement from the entire spectrum of America's diverse literary community." They include: An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-OrtizA Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James; This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate by Naomi Klein; The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami; and
The Universal Tone: Bringing My Story to Light by Carlos Santana. Read the full list here
JigsawJigsaw

Solve this week's jigsaw!
Reading Group SelectionReadingGroup

by Laline Paull
Tuesday, August 4, at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Join Neé as she leads our August Reading Group with The Bees by Laline Paull, a 2015 finalist for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction.

This brilliantly imagined debut tells the story of Flora 717, a devout young worker bee who finds herself in possession of a deadly secret. Flora 717 is a sanitation worker, a member of the lowest caste in her orchard hive, where work and sacrifice are the highest virtues and worship of the beloved Queen the only religion. But Flora is not like other bees. With circumstances threatening the hive's survival, her curiosity is regarded as a dangerous flaw, but her courage and strength are assets. But when Flora breaks the most sacred law of all -- daring to challenge the Queen's preeminence - enemies abound. . .
 
Regular Price: $15.99
On sale for: $13.60
Until Tuesday, August 4
Publisher: Ecco Press
ISBN: 9780062331175
Night StandsNightStands

 

For those of us that have long believed in the healing powers of water, Nichols' engaging book proves great testament. Approaching his subject through many avenues -- i.e. sports, the arts; our chosen places of residence -- Nichols gives scientific backing to mankind's need for the great blue. Yet he is quick to point out that knowing the reasons behind our attachments to the blue liquid does not deter or deplete our poetic and romantic love for it. This is an upbeat, positive book!

Hardcover, $27.00

Publisher: Little Brown and Company; ISBN: 9780316252089

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