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August 13, 2015
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Hello there, Readers,

Join us TONIGHT for a discussion of Harper Lee's Go Set A Watchman at the Corvallis Public Library! See details below.

 

Yet another shipment of bargain books is here! See our Bargain Books section for fresh featured titles -- and be sure to stop by the store before we're fresh out.

 

So many exciting new releases are dropping at the bookstore this week: We have the first two Murakami novels in one volume, a memoir by Felicia Day, and the 2015 American Book Award winning An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States now in paperback. Read on for much more where that came from, plus new music from The Waifs and Grace Potter.


Happy reading!

 

~ Marissa

New HardcoversNHardcovers

by Fausto Brizzi
[Fiction]  
 
Imperfect, unfaithful, but loveable Lucio has been thrown out of the house by his wife and is sleeping at his father-in-law's bombolini bakery when he learns he has inoperable cancer. So begins the last hundred days of Lucio's life, as he attempts to right his wrongs, win back his wife (the love of his life and afterlife), and spend the next three months enjoying every moment with a zest he hasn't felt in years. In 100 epigrammatic chapters -- one for each of Lucio's remaining days on earth -- 100 Days of Happiness is as delicious as a hot doughnut and a morning cappuccino.

Hardcover; $27.95
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books; ISBN: 9780525427377
by Haruki Murakami
[Fiction]  
 
The remarkable short novels Hear the Wind Sing and Pinball, 1973 launched the career of one of the most acclaimed authors of our time. These powerful, at times surreal, works about two young men coming of age the unnamed narrator and his friend the Rat are stories of loneliness, obsession, and eroticism. They bear all the hallmarks of Murakami's later books, and form the first two-thirds, with A Wild Sheep Chase, of the trilogy of the Rat. Widely available in English for the first time ever, newly translated, and featuring a new introduction by Murakami himself, Wind/Pinball gives us a fascinating insight into a great writer's beginnings.

Hardcover; $25.95
Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group; ISBN: 9780385352123
by Felicia Day
[Non-Fiction]  
 
The Internet isn't all cat videos. There's also Felicia Day -- violinist, filmmaker, Internet entrepreneur, compulsive gamer, hoagie specialist, and former lonely homeschooled girl who overcame her isolated childhood to become the ruler of a new world. . .or at least semi-influential in the world of Internet geeks and Goodreads book clubs. Felicia's rags-to-riches rise to Internet fame launched her career as one of the most influential creators in new media. Now, Felicia's strange world is filled with thoughts on creativity, video games, and a dash of mild feminist activism -- just like her memoir.

Hardcover; $25.99
Publisher: Touchstone Books; ISBN: 9781476785653
by Ann Beattie
[Fiction]  
 
A magnificent new collection of linked stories from a multiple prize-winning master of the short form. Ann Beattie's first collection of new stories in a decade is told through the voices of vivid and engaging women of all ages, exploring their doubts and desires and the unexpected moments and glancing epiphanies of daily life. Some of Beattie's characters have arrived in the coastal state by accident, while others are trying to escape. The collection is woven around Jocelyn, a wry, disaffected teenager living with her aunt and uncle for the summer, forging new friendships, avoiding her mother's calls, taking writing classes, and encountering mortality for the first time.
 
Hardcover; $25.00
Publisher: Scribner Book Company; ISBN: 9781501107818
by Louis De Bernieres
[Fiction]  
 
"De Bernieres. . .spins a masterful tale that bridges two worlds and delineates the apocalyptic abyss in between. On the eve of WWI, the four McCosh sisters and their neighbors, the Pendennises and the Pitt boys, live an idyllic existence in Kent. As the threat of hostilities looms closer, the carefree days of their youth are revoked and each must face the harsh realities of modern warfare and beyond. Drawn into spiritual, physical, and emotional battles as the war years grind on, dreams are deferred and the future remains uncertain. [A] heartrending saga of love, loss, and endurance. . ." - Booklist
 
Hardcover; $27.95
Publisher: Pantheon Books; ISBN: 9781101946480
New PaperbacksNPaperbacks

by Melanie Sumner
[Fiction] 
 
Aristotle "Aris" Thibodeau is 12.5 years old and destined for greatness. Ever since her father's death, however, she's had to manage her mother's floundering love life and dubious commitment to her job as an English professor, not to mention co-parenting a little brother. Luckily, Aris has a plan. Following the advice laid out in Write a Novel in Thirty Days! she sets out to pen a bestseller using her charmingly dysfunctional family as material. If the Mom-character would ditch online dating and accept that the perfect man is clearly the handyman/nanny-character, Aris would have the essential romance for her plot (and a father in her real life). . .
 
Paperback; $14.95
Publisher: Vintage; ISBN: 9781101873472
by Dana Gynther
[Fiction]

1929, Montparnasse. Model and woman about town Lee Miller moves to Paris determined to make herself known amidst the giddy circle of celebrated artists, authors, and photographers in the city. She seeks out the charming, charismatic artist Man Ray to become his assistant, but soon becomes much more than that: his model, his lover, his muse. Lee begins working on her own projects and even stars in a film, provoking the jealousy of the older and possessive Man Ray. But she also falls in love with the art of photography, and finds that her own vision can no longer come second to her mentor's. . .

Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Gallery Books; ISBN: 9781476731957
by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
[Non-Fiction]
(2015 American Book Award Winner)

"Dunbar-Ortiz, Native American studies scholar and longtime American Indian Movement member, offers a radical rewrite of traditional U.S. history up to and including the five wars waged since WWII, a history, she explains, based on settler colonialism, or the founding of a state based on the ideology of white supremacy, the widespread practice of African slavery, and a policy of genocide and land theft. Dunbar-Ortiz doesn't end her litany of violence against the indigenous as part of this land grab with the Sand Creek Massacre or Wounded Knee. . .Meticulously documented, this thought-provoking treatise is sure to generate discussion." -Booklist

Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Beacon Press (MA); ISBN: 9780807057834
by Ruth Rendell
[Fiction]

". . .Multiple award-winning author Rendell. . .turns her keen eye on the elderly: how they manage the present, look toward the future, and, especially, remember the past. [In the 1940s,] after murdering his wife and her lover, a man buries their two joined hands in a tin box, deep in tunnels [where] it stays for 60 years. . .As one of the children who played in the tunnels, [a] man volunteers to bring together the others, now mostly in their seventies, to see if anyone can help authorities. . .[and] the reunion sparks old rivalries, loves, and disappointments that change the lives of everyone in the group. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review

Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Scribner Book Company; ISBN: 9781476784342
by Donald McCaig
[Fiction]

Set against the backdrop of the American South from the 1820s until the dawn of the Civil War, this tale will forever illuminate the reading of Margaret Mitchell's unforgettable classic, Gone with the Wind. On the Caribbean island of Saint Domingue, a senseless attack leaves only one survivor: an infant girl. What follows is the sweeping tale of Ruth's life as shaped by her strong-willed mistress and other larger-than-life personalities she encounters in the South: Jehu Glen, a free black man with whom Ruth falls madly in love; the shabbily genteel family that first hires Ruth as Mammy; and finally Scarlett O'Hara -- the irrepressible Southern belle Mammy raises from birth.

Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Atria Books; ISBN: 9781451643541
New For Young ReadersYReaders

by Kate Messner
[Non-Fiction]
Ages 5 to 8
 
Deep in the forest, in the warm-wet green, one almendro tree grows, stretching its branches toward the sun. Who makes their homes here? Two great green macaws, four keel-billed toucans, eight howler monkeys, 16 fruit bats, 32 fer-de-lance vipers, 64 agoutis, 128 blue morpho butterflies, 256 poison dart frogs, 512 rusty wandering spiders, 1,024 leafcutter ants. Count each and every one as life multiplies again and again in this lush and fascinating book about the rainforest.

Hardcover; $16.99
Publisher: Chronicle Books; ISBN: 9781452112480
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
[Fiction]
Ages 8 to 12
 
"Introduced at the moment of her birth, Appleblossom is a young possum growing up along with the 12 others in her litter. Mama Possum trains them in possum survival skills: foraging, playing dead convincingly, and avoiding monsters such as people, vehicles, and dogs. Exploring on her own, Appleblossom tumbles down a chimney into a house inhabited by a friendly young girl, her parents, and a decidedly unfriendly dog. Though the endearing possum values her independence, she treasures the family members who bravely attempt a rescue mission. . ." - Booklist

Hardcover; $16.99
Publisher: Dial Books; ISBN: 9780803741331
New Bargain BooksBargain

This week's roundup of bargain books features all-American classics. A variety of Best American series titles from 2012-2013 are on sale, plus stunning Civil War photography including frameable photographic prints, and a LIFE Magazine visual compilation of American history with a 20% off offer. But these deals are too good to last forever! Check them out early for the best selection.

Featured titles (click to reveal the deal!):






New MusicNMusic

 
Grace Potter

Potter's first album without her Nocturnals finds the heralded singer expanding into the realm of pop-rock. Songs range from country-roots rockers to more electronically based dance numbers.
($13.95)
 
Rod Picott

Picott is recommended if you like Slaid Cleaves or Fred Eaglesmith. For his seventh record, the writer pared back the production and focused on raw, gritty Americana.  
($16.98)
 
The Waifs

The Waifs are a hard touring Australian roots 'n folk trio. With three individual writers, this eclectic affair offers "a bit of blues and roots, a bit of country, a bit of jazz; anything really."
($16.98)
 
Vintage Trouble

The sophomore full-length album by a Hollywood band specializing in a soulful blues-rock sound. Songs show a definite '60s and '70s retro quality, while allowing room for contemporary rock influences. 
($10.99)
Events at Grass RootsEventsGRR

None this week!
Community EventsCommunityEvents

Darkside Show Times for 8/14-8/20

-Cop Car -R Why is that cop car abandoned in the woods? IDK, but it's perfect for a joyride, think two young boys. Then, the corrupt county sheriff (Kevin Bacon!) finds out. Thriller.

-Cartel Land -R A riveting, on-the-ground documentary that looks at vigilante efforts to thwart organized crime at the Mexican-American border. 94% on RT!

-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.
 
-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.

Arts/Literary Events

Willamette Writers on the River: Monthly Meeting
with Melissa Hart
"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. 

Melissa Hart is the author of the memoirs Wild Within: How Rescuing Owls Inspired a Family and Gringa: A Contradictory Girlhood. She's a contributing editor at The Writer Magazine, and her essays have appeared in The Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and numerous other publications. She lives in Eugene.

Willamette Writers on the River: Character & Plotting Workshops with Susan Kelly

Saturday, September 12 and/or Sunday, September 13, at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Corvallis, OR

Susan Kelly has a gift for conveying the structure of story. Her workshops are suitable for fiction and creative non-fiction writers. Her goal is always for students to have fun, to participate, and to learn lots. For maximum benefit, Susan recommends taking both workshops. Register before September 1 for reduced pricing at the Willamette Writers on the River website. Attendance is limited to 25 for each workshop.

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.

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.
Crazy Eights Author Event (Corvallis)

Thursday, October 15, at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Corvallis-Benton County Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR

Speed dating, only with authors! Each author will have eight minutes to address the audience about their life as a writer and introduce a featured book. It will be a fast-paced literary slam. A mixer, wherein the authors will interact one-on-one with members of the audience to discuss their work and personally sign books, will follow the rapid-fire presentations. Grass Roots will be selling books at this event.

Authors include:
  • Dan DeWeese (Oregon Book Award fiction nominee, You Don't Love This Man)
  • K.B. Dixon (Oregon Book Award finalist, The Sum of His Syndromes; Eric Hoffer Award)
  • Cai Emmons (Oregon Book Award winner, His Mother's Son; new work Weather Woman)
  • Lisa Ohlen Harris (Oregon Book Award finalist, The Fifth Season)
  • Lauren Kessler (Oregon Book Awards; on David Letterman twice; newest: Raising the Barre)
  • Phillip Margolin (Nationally known for NYT best selling legal thrillers; Woman With a Gun)
  • Ismet Prcic (Bosnian author of Oregon Book Award winner novel, Shards; NYT Notable Book)
  • Ellen Waterston (Award winning poet and essayist, novel of verse Via Lactea most recent)
  • Emcee: George Byron Wright (Noted for Oregon-based novels; In the Wake of Our Misdeed)
Store NewsStoreNews

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. 
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! 


JigsawJigsaw

Solve this week's jigsaw!
Reading Group SelectionReadingGroup

by Emily St. John Mandel
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
Night StandsNightStands

Linda
[Non-Fiction]

Jimmy Carter has written yet another wonderful book. Looking back on his life of 90 years, he shares aspects of his boyhood in Georgia, talks of his war years, and comments on highlights both in politics and his long life. Despite his magnanimous achievements and the honorary award of the Noble Peace Prize, Carter is gently humble, completely non-boastful, and brings forth easily our respect and admiration. As always, his writing is comfortable and easy to read; it is a true joy.
 
Hardcover, $28.00
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; ISBN: 9781501115639
Ne�

[Non-Fiction]
(Bargain book!)

Well-Read Women brings an inspiring collection of literary heroines to life! Samantha Hahn uses beautiful watercolor portraits to bring color and form to each beloved character and quotes that capture her unique and timeless voice. This book is a visual manual that will resonate with faithful readers that remember the first time they were invited into the worlds of characters like Scarlett O' Hara, Nancy Drew, Jane Eyre, and Anna Karenina. This is a must-have for any reader in your life! 

Hardcover, 
on sale for $11.48
Publisher: Chronicle Books; ISBN: 9781452114156
Marissa

[Non-Fiction]
(Bargain book!)

Contrary to what the erroneous displays pictured throughout this book might lead you to believe, that door is actually "broken"; that "stop" sign is not, in fact, hypothetical; and that poster indicating  "no" food or drinks probably means it. This "celebration of creative punctuation" -- quotation marks intended -- makes a fun gift for students, teachers, bloggers, and fellow sarcastic grammarians who like to have a good laugh at the often misquoted English language. 

Hardcover, on sale for $5.98
Publisher: Chronicle Books (CA); ISBN: 9780811876452
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