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| August 6, 2015 |
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Happy August, Readers,
You're never too old to color, and the trend is catching on -- coloring books for adults are now available at Grass Roots! Beautiful, intricate black-and-white designs by Johanna Basford fill the pages of Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book, ready to be brought to life with a splash of color. Take a look at many more choices in the store!
 New bargain books for kids have also hit our shelves, along with the latest from Alice Hoffman and Amitav Ghosh, plus Naomi Klein and Tana French in paperback.
Read on for recently added author events and special offers at Grass Roots.
See you in the bookstore!
~ Marissa
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New Hardcovers
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by Alice Hoffman
[Fiction]
Growing up on idyllic St. Thomas in the early 1800s, Rachel dreams of life in faraway Paris. Rachel's mother, a pillar of their small refugee community of Jews who escaped the Inquisition, [marries Rachel off] to a widower with three children to save her father's business. . .[But when] his handsome, much younger nephew, Frederick, arrives from France to settle the estate, Rachel seizes her own life story, beginning a defiant, passionate love affair that sparks a scandal that affects all of her family, including her favorite son, who will become one of the greatest artists of France.
Hardcover; $27.99
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; ISBN: 9781451693591
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by Amitav Ghosh
[Fiction]
"The final novel in Ghosh's dynamic trilogy about India's involvement in the Opium Wars between England and China is rife with antic lust, lost love, and foul greed. Ghosh's ebullient fluency in the colorful argot of the contentious worlds he brings forth distinguishes this passionately researched series. . .Sailor and carpenter Zachary Reid, a mixed-race American, becomes entangled with a British opium magnate and his lonely wife. Kesri Singh, a career soldier serving the East India Company, finds his loyalties severely tested. . .and opium trader Bahram's widow, Shireen, bravely seeks the truth about her husband's life and death. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review
Hardcover; $28.00
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux; ISBN: 9780374174248
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by Ruth Ware
[Fiction]
 "In Ware's debut, a reclusive crime writer reunites with a long-lost friend during a weekend hen party that goes horribly wrong. When Leonora Shaw wakes up in the hospital with memory gaps and a head wound, one of the first questions she asks is, 'What have I done?' Through flashbacks, Ware slowly unspools the mystery, setting a truly spooky scene as six relative strangers gather at the isolated Glass House, celebrating the upcoming marriage of Nora's former friend Clare Cavendish, with whom she had lost touch 10 years before. . .Read it on a dark and stormy night -- with all the lights on." - Kirkus Reviews
Hardcover; $26.00
Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press; ISBN: 9781501112317
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by Anil Ananthaswamy
[Non-Fiction]
"Science journalist Ananthaswamy (The Edge of Physics) skillfully inspects the bewildering connections among brain, body, mind, self, and society. . .profiling sufferers of a range of neurological ailments, including Allen, whose Alzheimer disease has 'scrambled his narrative,' and the pseudonymous David, who has body integrity identity disorder and believes that he must have his leg amputated. Laurie, a schizophrenic, struggles with inner voices that taunt her and lead her to attempt suicide. . . and Graham, a Cotard's syndrome sufferer whose delusion convinced him that he was brain dead. These patients' stories help shed light on [neurological disorders and] current notions of what the self really is. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Hardcover; $26.95
Publisher: Dutton Books; ISBN: 9780525954194
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by Anna Badkhen
[Non-Fiction]
"Badkhen's lyrical, off-the-beaten-path travel memoir also serves as a trenchant sociological study of one of the planet's largest remaining group of nomads, the Fulani, of West Africa. Embedding herself with a Fulani family, she thoroughly immerses herself in their culture and their lifestyle -- a curious hybrid of the primitive and the contemporary -- as they, together with herds of cows, trek their way across the Mali savannah during their seasonal migration to the grasslands. Inevitably, the journey is dotted with incursions of modern life. Still, the Fulani display a remarkable ability to adapt to certain new realities while honoring centuries-old traditions. . ." - Booklist
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New Paperbacks
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by Naomi Klein
[Non-Fiction]
"The struggle for a sustainable world is really a fight against capitalism, according to this sprawling manifesto from Nation columnist Klein (The Shock Doctrine). She gives a rousing rundown of the perils of global warming and singles out energy corporations in particular, and the 'extractivist' economic system and ideology in general, as the planet's great enemies. Her proposed remedies include strict regulation of fossil fuels and investments in renewable energy, but also a vision of a low-consumption, no-growth, localist, people-over-profits economy coupled to a social transformation that emphasizes cooperation with nature instead of dominion over it. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Paperback; $16.99
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; ISBN: 9781451697391
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by Tana French
[Fiction]
 Detective Stephen Moran has been waiting for his chance to get a foot in the door of Dublin's Murder Squad and one morning, 16-year-old Holly Mackey brings him this photo. The Secret Place, a board where the girls at St. Kilda's School can pin up their secrets anonymously, is normally a mishmash of gossip and covert cruelty, but today someone has used it to reignite the stalled investigation into the murder of handsome, popular Chris Harper. Stephen joins forces with the abrasive Detective Antoinette Conway to find out who and why. . .And the private underworld of teenage girls can be more mysterious and more dangerous than either of the detectives imagined.
Paperback; $17.00
Publisher: Penguin Books; ISBN: 9780143127512
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by Anita Diamant
[Fiction]
 "Bestseller Diamant ( The Red Tent) tells a gripping story of a young Jewish woman growing up in early-20th-century Boston. Addie Baum, an octogenarian grandmother in 1985, relates long-ago history to a beloved granddaughter, answering the question: 'How did I get to be the woman I am today?' The answer: by living a fascinating life. First reminiscing about 1915 and the reading club she became a part of as a teenager, Addie, in a conversational tone, recounts the lifelong friendships that began at club meetings and days by the seaside at nearby Rockport. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Scribner Book Company; ISBN: 9781439199367
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by Jan Karon
[Fiction]
 "There are few more difficult transitions for a working person than that of retirement. Some embrace it wholeheartedly; others wonder, What am I to do? As Karon ( In the Company of Others) continues her beloved Mitford series, Father Tim Kavanagh finds himself in the latter camp now that he's no longer parish priest for the Lord's Chapel. He's tried traveling to Ireland with his bride, Cynthia, only to find his inclination to step in to help those in need is a natural one. How then to help himself to some well-earned leisure time when the good citizens of Mitford still rely on him to fix their daily problems, from the quotidian to the life-threatening?. . . " - Booklist
Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Berkley Books; ISBN: 9780425276211
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by Kim Van Alkemade
[Fiction]
 In 1919, four-year-old Rachel Rabinowitz is placed in the Hebrew Infant Home, where Dr. Mildred Solomon subjects her to an experimental course of X-ray treatments that establish the doctor's reputation while risking the little girl's health. Now it's 1954, and Rachel is a nurse in hospice when elderly Dr. Solomon becomes her patient. Realizing the power she holds over the helpless doctor, Rachel embarks on a dangerous experiment of her own design. Before the night shift ends, Rachel will be forced to choose between forgiveness and revenge. Inspired by true events, Orphan Number Eight is a powerful novel about the human capacity to harm and to love.
Paperback; $14.99
Publisher: William Morrow & Company; ISBN: 9780062338303
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by Daniel J. Siegel
[Non-Fiction]
 Between the ages of 12 and 24, the brain changes in important, and oftentimes maddening, ways. According to renowned neuropsychiatrist Siegel, if parents and teens can work together to form a deeper understanding of the brain science behind all the tumult, they will be able to turn conflict into connection. Drawing on important new research in the field of interpersonal neurobiology, he explores exciting ways in which understanding how the teenage brain functions can help parents make what is in fact an incredibly positive period of growth, change, and experimentation in their children's lives less lonely and distressing on both sides of the generational divide.
Paperback; $16.95
Publisher: Tarcher; ISBN: 9780399168833
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New For Young Readers
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 As every child knows, grandparents are special. Why? Because they love their grandchildren in their own unique way. Although the boy and girl in this story often make mistakes, their grandparents never lose patience, but help their grandchildren and cheer when they get things right. Lyrical, soothing words are paired with warm and humorous pictures in this tribute to the unconditional love every grandparent and grandchild share.
Hardcover; $16.99
Publisher: Clarion Books; ISBN: 9780544148543
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by Gregory Maguire
[Fiction]
Young Adult
 "An imprisoned monk narrates this fabulist tale from Maguire, which draws inspiration from Russian folklore, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Twain's The Prince and the Pauper while incorporating a modern thread about the threat of climate change. On her way to be presented to the Tsar's godson, wealthy Ekaterina is marooned in a rural village when a broken bridge stops her train. Peasant Elena approaches the luxurious train to beg, and the two girls take tentative steps toward friendship; when the train starts moving again, the wrong one is aboard. The journey to their eventual reunion brings Ekaterina in contact with legendary witch Baba Yaga. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Paperback; $11.99
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA); ISBN: 9780763680169
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New Bargain Books
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This week we're featuring multicultural and bilingual children's picture book titles in limited stock at great prices! Explore award-winning selections, nursery rhymes in Spanish, and illustrated stories celebrating Native American, African American, and more cultures with your child.
Featured titles (click to reveal the deal!):
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New Music
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Langhorne Slim & the Law
Pennsylvania's Langhorne Slim came into his own as a performer while busking on the city streets. With his backing band, he makes upbeat music that brings together elements of Americana, punk, and gospel musics.
($13.98)
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Iris DeMent
Known for her distinct vocal delivery as much as for her original songs, Dement's new collection takes a new approach. Trackless Woods explores the singer's fascination with Russian poet Anna Akhmatova, setting her stanzas to Americana music.
($16.98)
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Frank Turner
Turner has always appealed to audiences for the enthusiasm and verve with which he performs. His new collection incorporates bits of folk, punk, and popular politics.
($10.99)
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Lindi Ortega
As heard on NPR: Lindi Ortega hails from Canada, with parents from Mexico and Ireland. Her music is Americana, but includes shades of rockabilly and country as well.
($12.98)
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Events at Grass Roots
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Community Events
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Darkside Show Times for 8/7-8/13
-Irrational Man -NR Woody Allen's latest. When a burned-out, brilliant professor -- one who believes in lessons from life rather than textbooks -- takes a job at a small college, everyone there is abuzz. Joaquin Phoenix.
-The Young And Prodigious T.S. Spivit -PG-13 10-year-old cartographer secretly leaves his family's ranch in Montana to travel by freight train across the country to receive a prestigious award at the Smithsonian Institute. Jean-Pierre Juenet (Amelie) directs.
-Dark Places -R Libby Day was only seven years old when her family was brutally murdered. Twenty-five years later, she agrees to revisit the crime and uncovers the wrenching truths that led up to that tragic night. Charlize Theron.
-Dr. Strangelove Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964) -NR Stanley Kubrick. August 8, 9, 10 only!
-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.
-Amy -R This documentary reveals the incredible story of six-time Grammy winner Amy Winehouse -- in her own words. 97% ON RT!
Arts/Literary Events
Willamette Writers on the River: Monthly Meeting 
"Your Life in Print: How to Write and Sell Short Memoir"
Monday, August 17, at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
114 SW 8th St.
Corvallis, OR
With Melissa's guidance, we'll analyze some examples of short memoir published in magazines and newspapers. From there, we'll learn how to identify compelling topics and themes from our own lives, and how to structure a short memoir. And through brief writing exercises, in an interactive and lively setting, we'll talk about how to identify the right editor, and learn how to pitch and sell the piece. Melissa will take questions throughout.
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Community Events with Grass Roots
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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.
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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.
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Monday, September 14, at 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Monroe Community Library
380 North 5th St.
Monroe, OR
Bestseller Jance's 51st novel brings together two of her popular series characters Seattle detective J.P. Beaumont and Arizona sheriff Brandon Walker in a highly entertaining plot that honors both of these now-retired cops. Grounded in the legends and lore of the Tohono Oaodham people, the story also delivers a solid look at the vagaries of justice. In 1970, Walker arrested John Lassiter for the shooting murder of Lassiter's foster father, prospector Amos Warren. Still in prison after all these years and suffering from MS, Lassiter refuses a plea deal that might release him. Instead, Lassiter wants Walker to find the real killer. . .
J. A. Jance is the New York Times bestselling author of the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, the Ali Reynolds series, and the Walker Family Series. Over 20 million copies of her books are in print. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona.
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Store News
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Win a copy of X
Sue Grafton's newest Kinsey Millhone Mystery releases August 25, and X is for a mystery number!
Come on down to Grass Roots to guess the number of gumballs we have in a jar. Depending on your detective skills, you just might go home with a FREE signed copy of X.
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Waldo Celebration recap
You came, you saw, you found Waldo! Grass Roots gives a big thanks to everyone for participating, and to our local Corvallis businesses for providing amazing raffle prizes. As you can see, our cart was overflowing with giveaways, from chocolate to gift cards to nifty gadgets.
Find Waldo 2015 may be over, but there's still time to get rewards for reading! Check out our Summer Reading Challenge for kids below.
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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!
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Jigsaw
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Reading Group Selection
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Tuesday, September 1, at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
 Join Tiffany as she leads our August Reading Group with Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, a National Book Award Finalist and a PEN/Faulkner Award Finalist.
Kirsten Raymonde will never forget the night when a devastating flu pandemic arrived in the city, and within weeks, civilization as we know it came to an end. Twenty years later, Kirsten moves between the settlements of the altered world with a small troupe of actors and musicians called The Traveling Symphony, dedicated to keeping the remnants of art and humanity alive. But when they arrive in St. Deborah by the Water, they encounter a violent prophet who will threaten the tiny band's existence. Vividly depicting life before and after the pandemic, the strange twist of fate that connects them all will be revealed.
Regular Price: $15.95
On sale for: $13.56
Until Tuesday, September 1
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 9780804172448
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Night Stands
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 Sometimes in Corvallis we get stuck in a bubble, free of crime, pollution, and according to some, even racism. Which is why it is essential, in my view, that white Corvallis-ites, Oregonians, and Americans read Ta-Nehisi Coates' memoir Between the World and Me. This is a story of a black, well-educated man growing up in Chicago, doing everything black men are supposed to do to make themselves "respectable," and yet he still has to experience violence against his body and those of his friends, and he has to explain why the killer of Michael Brown was not even indicted. This narrative is powerful, and at times emotionally difficult to read, but absolutely necessary.
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 Parisian bookseller Jean Perdu has a gift for "prescribing" the perfect book from the stacks aboard his floating barge bookshop, the Literary Apothecary, to cure whatever ails his customers. However, when a new heartsick neighbor moves into his apartment building and accidentally finds a forgotten letter written to the bookseller by his old love, Jean sets off an a journey down the Seine to heal his own heartbreak and repair what he can of the past, learning along the way to embrace life anew. Engaging characters and beautiful descriptions of the French waterways and countryside enhance this sentimental, but not saccharine, story (a bestseller in the author's native Germany and Europe) of loves lost and found.
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