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| August 20, 2015 |
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Good afternoon, Readers,
 2016 wall and engagement calendars are just beginning to show up in the store! A few popular titles now in stock include the Sierra Club Wilderness calendar, the Ansel Adams calendar, and assorted Posh pocket engagement calendars. Grab next year by the horns and pick yours up soon.
Of course, that means it's that time of year again -- Grass Roots is getting a jump on back to school books. Classroom-themed picks for youngsters await you in our kids' section!
You won't want to miss what's hot off the presses this week: the late and great Ivan Doig's Last Bus, new short story collections by award-winning authors Adam Johnson and China Miéville, and Tolkien's translated Beowulf in paperback...and the latest albums from Wilco and Putumayo.
Lots to look at! See you soon.
~ Marissa
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New Hardcovers
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by Stephanie Clifford
[Fiction]
It's 2006 in the Manhattan of the young and glamorous. Money and class are colliding in a city that is about to go over a financial precipice and take much of the country with it. At 26, bright, funny, and socially anxious Evelyn Beegan has long felt like an outsider to her privileged peers, until she gets a job at a social network aimed at the elite. Recruiting new members for the site, Evelyn steps into a promised land of Adirondack camps, Newport cottages and Southampton clubs thick with socialites and Wall Streeters. Evelyn finds the lure of belonging intoxicating, and starts trying to pass as old money herself. . .
Hardcover; $26.99
Publisher: St. Martin's Press; ISBN: 9781250077172
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by Ivan Doig
[Fiction]
"The majority of the late Doig's novels were deeply rooted in one place, the Two Medicine Country in Montana, but this time, in his swan song, he takes readers on a road trip. In the summer of 1951, 11-year-old Donal Cameron. . .is dispatched by Greyhound (the dog bus) to Wisconsin, where he is to live with his Aunt Kate. . .Packing his treasured memory book, in which he asks any and all to inscribe a few meaningful words. . . it is such an utterly charming, goodhearted romp that readers will willingly immerse themselves in the all-pervasive sweetness of the story. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review
Hardcover; $28.95
Publisher: Riverhead Books; ISBN: 9781594632020
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by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
[Fiction]
 "Diffenbaugh's second novel (after the best-selling The Language of Flowers) is the immigrant story of Letty Espinoza, a single mother who hasn't had to act like a mother a day in her life. Her two children, Alex and Luna, have been faithfully cared for by Letty's mother, up until she abandons them in the middle of the night to seek out her husband in Mexico. Distraught, Letty leaves. . .just as abruptly to drunkenly drive after her mother in a fruitless effort to get her to return. Return she doesn't, and Letty is forced to confront parenthood under the umbrella of poverty and illegal immigration. . ." - Library Journal
Hardcover; $27.00
Publisher: Ballantine Books; ISBN: 9780553392319
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by Adam Johnson
[Fiction]
"How do you follow a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel? For Johnson ( The Orphan Master's Son), the answer is a story collection, and the tales within are hefty and memorable. . .In the title story, two North Korean criminals adjust to post-defection life in South Korea; in 'Nirvana,' a man deals with his wife's illness by creating an app that lets people talk to the (fictional) recently assassinated president. . .Often funny, even when they are wrenchingly sad, the stories provide one of the truest satisfactions of reading: the opportunity to sink into worlds we otherwise would know little or nothing about. . . " - Publishers Weekly |
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by China Miéville
[Fiction]
"Award winner Miéville ( Embassytown) moves effortlessly among realism, fantasy, and surrealism in this dark, sometimes horrific short story collection. Highlights include 'Polynia,' in which icebergs begin appearing in the sky over London, floating effortlessly despite their enormous weight; 'In the Slopes,' centered on the discovery of a Pompeii-like ancient city in which humans and aliens seem to have coexisted in peace; [and] the frightening 'Sacken,' a about Lovecraftian goings-on at a lakeside vacation spot. . .Above all, what the stories have in common is a sense that the world is not just strange, but stranger than we can ever really comprehend. . ." - Publishers Weekly |
New Paperbacks
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by Nicholas Carr
[Non-Fiction]
"[This] latest work looks at the perils of automation and argues that the added convenience provided by mechanization and computerization comes at the risk of weakening our mental and physical dexterity. Carr begins by recounting the experimental success of the computer-operated Google car, which so far has passed every city and highway driving test with flying colors. For Carr, this sci-fi dream-come-true inspires a sober discussion of the degeneration effect, whereby commercial pilots' overuse of autopilot controls has led to such a dangerous erosion of skills. . . Carr brilliantly and scrupulously explores all the psychological and economic angles of our increasingly problematic reliance on machinery. . . to manage almost every aspect of our lives. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review
Paperback; $15.95
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; ISBN: 9780393351637
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by John Grisham
[Fiction]
 "Our heroine is a bright young Ivy Leaguer newly furloughed, in the wake of the Lehman Brothers collapse, from Big Law up on Wall Street. The deal: The company might call her back in a year if she uses the time to be a do-gooder somewhere in the real world. The real world turns out to be a hardscrabble coal patch in Appalachia. . . [Where] Samantha finds herself is. . . chilly and gloomy, the kind of place where black lung disease floats in the air along with the bullets from the goon squad. . . baddies are busily doing bad things wherever they can: poisoning streams and wells, killing teenage girls with their big trucks. . . Can Samantha save the day?. . ." - Kirkus Reviews
Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Bantam; ISBN: 9781101964873
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edited by Daniel H. Wilson
[Fiction]
 "Even those who doubt the editors' claim that 'video games have come to play a vital role in modern human civilization' will be enthralled by these 26 stories (most of which are original to this volume) exploring what video gaming does for and to its participants. The main character in Robin Wasserman's 'All of the People in Your Party Have Died' painfully chooses selfish practicality over passion. Physical metamorphoses reveal the essence of a macho lawyer in Marguerite K. Bennett's equally pessimistic but hilarious 'Stats.' Players discover valuable truths by testing the limits of a fantastic scenario in Cory Doctorow's 'Anda's Game'. . .[A] provocative assortment of thoughtful stories. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Paperback; $15.95
Publisher: Vintage; ISBN: 9781101873304
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by Marie Phillips
[Fiction]
 Sir Humphrey du Val has had enough. Relegated to the Table of Less Valued Knights -- Camelot's least prestigious spot -- he has been banned by King Arthur from going on quests, and hasn't left the castle in 15 years. After a chance meeting with Elaine, a young maiden in search of her kidnapped fiance, Sir Humphrey, along with his squire Conrad (an undersized giant) and Jemima (Conrad's elephant), sets off on a journey to find the distressed damsel's betrothed, hoping to restore himself to a place of honour at the Round Table. . .The fate of the realm rests on their grudging cooperation and unexpectedly interconnected lives.
Paperback; $16.95
Publisher: Vintage Books Canada; ISBN: 9780307359957
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by J.R.R. Tolkien
[Fiction]
 "More than a decade before writing The Hobbit, Tolkien completed his translation from the Old English of this epic poem, whose influence on his Lord of the Rings trilogy is well known. Tolkien continued to refine the phrasing even after 1926, but this rendition edited by his son Christopher and published for the first time will delight fans. Tolkien conveys both the pageantry of the fifth-century Danish court and the physicality of the battle between Geat hero Beowulf and man-eating monster Grendel. . .as well as 'Sellic Spell,' a previously unpublished fantasy that imagines Beowulf's biographical backstory. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Paperback; $15.95
Publisher: Mariner Books; ISBN: 9780544570306
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New For Young Readers
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 If you're happy and you know it, beep along! With this new take on the classic sing-along song, kids can interact with their favorite Little Blue Truck and beep his horn while they visit with all his farm animal friends. Colorful illustrations, bouncy rhyme, and a cuddly truck with built-in squeaker make this a perfect interactive choice for play time and story time.
Board Book; $12.99
Publisher: Harcourt Brace and Company; ISBN: 9780544568129
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by Rick Riordan
[Fiction]
Ages 8 and up
 Who cut off Medusa's head? Who was raised by a she-bear? Who tamed Pegasus? It takes a demigod to know, and Percy Jackson can fill you in on the all the daring deeds of Perseus, Atalanta, Bellerophon, and the rest of the major Greek heroes. Told in the funny, irreverent style readers have come to expect from Percy, and enhanced with vibrant artwork by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco, this story collection will become the new must-have classic for Rick Riordan's legions of devoted fans -- and for anyone who needs a hero.
Hardcover; $24.99
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion; ISBN: 9781423183655
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New Bargain Books
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This week, why not treat yourself? Try your hand at a variety of chocolate chip cookies, decadent vegan desserts, or homemade candy bars with a guilty pleasure cookbook -- originally priced at $20 or more, now bargain-priced for as low as under $10. Sweet deal!
Featured titles (click to reveal the deal!):
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New Music
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Jackie Greene
Pop/Folk
In addition to his solo work, Greene has served time with Black Crowes, Gov't Mule, Los Lobos and several other bands. Greene's new solo effort pleases the ears with strains of Americana, blues, rock, and gospel music.
($16.98)
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Noah Gundersen
Pop/Folk
From Dualtone records: "An impressive personal work, it co-mingles the sensual and the sexual with the spiritual, often using religious and biblical imagery like Leonard Cohen to plumb the depths of everyday emotions and feelings. The album explores doubt and faith, sin and redemption, mortality and transcendence in 11 songs that get underneath the skin and cut to the heart."
($13.98)
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White Buffalo
Pop/Folk
Singer-songwriter Jake Smith performs his gritty alt. country under the White Buffalo moniker. A frequent contributor to shows like Sons of Anarchy, White Buffalo makes music that is simultaneously edgy and soulful.
($14.98)
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Wilco
Pop/Folk
The seminal indie rock band surprised fans last month by releasing this new collection for online downloads. Now in CD format, Star Wars finds the band paring down its sound, leaning on more rootsy elements and removing some of the band's studio trickery.
($15.98)
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Putumayo Artists
World
Putumayo's new collection looks back on 1950s and '60s Latin dance music. Contributors include Nestor Torres, Trio Zamora, Gustavo Santaolalla, and more.
($16.98)
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Events at Grass Roots
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Community Events
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Darkside Show Times for 8/21-8/27
-Stray Dog -NR In this vivid and compelling documentary, Stray Dog and fellow vets caravan to pay tribute at the Vietnam Memorial In DC. Debra Granik (Winter's Bone) directs. Lots of motorcycles! 100% on RT!
-Tangerine -R A rip-roaring odyssey through various subcultures in L.A. -- both hilarious and heart-attack serious. Feels like a Pedro Almodovar remake of Crank. 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: 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.
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Community Events with Grass Roots
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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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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)
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Store News
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Back to School Books!
School's in session! Do you have your books? From the witty quirkiness of Lemony Snicket's Shouldn't You be in School? to the classic Berenstain Bears picture book Get Ready for School, to the funny yet thought-provoking middle grade adventure Public School Superhero, celebrate and foster a love of learning with our Back to School display at Grass Roots. |
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 September 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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If you love a good pun (or a bad one), or know someone who does, this witty book is for you! Perfectly packaged as a small, gifty hardcover, Frida Clements pun-derful collection pairs hand-lettered wordplay with delightful illustrations to create verbal and visual puns sure to brighten anyone's day. (Grass Roots also carries Frida Clements' boxed notecards.)
Hardcover, $14.95
Publisher: Chronicle Books; ISBN: 9781452144160
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I loved this book. Harper Lee's writing style is addictive; I couldn't stop reading to find out how these beloved characters had changed and grown. Yet it also seems they remain the same. Jean Louise has abandoned the childhood nickname Scout, grown into a 26-year-old young woman who sees her family and her friends as real, complex people with opinions she disagrees with for the first time. She must find a way to process this disillusionment and make a decision. While To Kill a Mockingbird has its merits, I prefer Watchman for its level of complexity, historical accuracy, and realistic representation of racial relations in the 1950s Southern U.S.
Hardcover, $27.99
Publisher: Harper; ISBN: 9780062409850
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