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| September 24, 2015 |
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Welcome to autumn, Readers!
The first signs of fall are here, and we can feel it in the air...and what pairs better with colder weather than cozying up with a warm drink and a good book? We recently added a new shipment of bargain books to our inventory, as well as seasonal favorites like children's Halloween-themed titles.
We at Grass Roots are also gearing up for Banned Books Week, beginning September 27! Celebrate the freedom of print by perusing our selection of challenged titles in the store.
New books this week from Elizabeth Gilbert, Patrick DeWitt, and Jan Karon, along with new music from Don Henley and Patty Griffin.
Read on!
Marissa |
New Hardcovers
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by Elizabeth Gilbert
[Non-Fiction]
"For anyone who has ever dreamed of writing a novel, painting a still life, sculpting a statue, or choreographing a dance but hasn't done so, Gilbert has just one question: What's stopping you? Doubt, denial, demands: you name it, the obstacles are many. . .For Gilbert, the bestselling author of the surprise hit Eat Pray Love, such dithering was never part of the equation. . .Wanting and doing can be two very different things, however. . .Gilbert's wise and motivating book of encouragement and advice will induce readers not only to follow specific artistic dreams but also to live life more creatively, fully, and contentedly." - Booklist
Hardcover; $24.95
Publisher: Riverhead Books; ISBN: 9781594634710
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by Patrick DeWitt
[Fiction]
"Following up on the huge success of The Sisters Brothers, DeWitt has another askew masterpiece on his hands, this time turning his unique narrative voice onto the familiar tropes of the fairy tale. Lucien (Lucy) Minor leaves his home, by train, to accept the position of the assistant to the majordomo of Castle Von Auxaka undermajordomo. A darkly humorous adventure ensues, as Lucy leaves home as a boy and becomes a man. Throughout this journey, Lucy encounters many memorable characters, including two thieves who become his best friends and, surprisingly, his moral compass. . .and the beautiful Klara, who captures his heart but not without competition. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review Hardcover; $26.99
Publisher: Ecco Press; ISBN: 9780062281203
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by Jan Karon
[Fiction]
 Over the course of 10 Mitford novels, fans have kept a special place in their hearts for Dooley Kavanagh, first seen in At Home in Mitford as a barefoot, freckle-faced boy in filthy overalls. Since money will be tight for a while, maybe he and Lace Harper, his once and future soul mate, should keep their wedding simple. So the plan is to eliminate the cost of catering and do potluck. And once mucked out, the barn works as a perfect venue for seating family and friends. Piece of cake, right? In this eleventh installment, Karon delivers the wedding that millions of Mitford fans have waited for.
Hardcover; $27.95
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons; ISBN: 9780399167454
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by Jenny Lawson
[Non-Fiction]
"Popular blogger/author Lawson ( Let's Pretend This Never Happened). . .decides that rather than wave a white flag, she will combat mental illness by being 'furiously happy.' Helping her stuffed raccoons ride on her cats, visiting Australia in a koala bear costume, and battling menacing swans are just a few of the ways she creates humor in a life that might defeat a less inventive individual. She also shares days of darkness, social anxiety, and a range of fears that sometimes keep her housebound. . .[exploring] the ways in which dark moments serve to make the lighter times all the brighter." - Publishers Weekly
Hardcover; $26.99
Publisher: Flatiron Books; ISBN: 9781250077004
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by Bill O'Reilly
[Non-Fiction]
Just two months into his presidency, Ronald Reagan lay near death after a gunman's bullet came within inches of his heart. His recovery was nothing short of remarkable -- or so it seemed. But Reagan was grievously injured, forcing him to encounter a challenge that few men ever face. Could he silently overcome his traumatic experience while at the same time carrying out the duties of the most powerful man in the world? In Killing Reagan, O'Reilly and Dugard take readers behind the scenes, creating an unforgettable portrait of a great man operating in violent times.
Hardcover; $30.00
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company; ISBN: 9781627792417
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New Paperbacks
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by Amy Poehler
[Non-Fiction]
"Poehler, the sharp and self-deprecating Emmy-winning star of TV's Parks and Recreation, takes a stab here at autobiography mixed with advice on sex, babies, and even divorce. She mines her 20s, back in the 1990s, when she cut her teeth in theater at ImprovOlympic in Chicago, and with the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York. Poehler struggled for many years in part-time gigs including doing bits on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and her humility and good work ethic shine through. . .Her memoir is as bewitching and chameleonlike as Poehler herself is when she appears onstage and on-screen." - Publishers Weekly
Paperback; $16.99
Publisher: Dey Street Books; ISBN: 9780062268358
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by Howard Axelrod
[Non-Fiction]
"Following a freak accident that left him without sight in one eye, the world Axelrod had envisioned for himself after graduating from Harvard suddenly didn't seem to matter. Nothing felt concrete -- not the world around him, his future plans, or even his own physical sense of being. . .He retreated to a small cabin deep in the woods of Vermont, a place far enough away from the noise of the world that he could hear himself think [and] slowly gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be alive. . .A vibrant, honest, and poetic account of how two years of solitude surrounded by nature changed a man forever." - Kirkus Reviews
Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Beacon Press; ISBN: 9780807075463
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by Garth Stein
[Fiction]
"There's more than one way to be haunted. In Stein's first novel since his popular The Art of Racing in the Rain, a 14-year-old named Trevor uncovers the dark mysteries surrounding the mansion built by his great-great-grandfather, a timber baron in the Pacific Northwest. While Trevor's father is ostensibly there to sell the property and position himself to save his faltering marriage, Trevor begins to suspect there's a soul at the mansion determined to see it returned to nature. Stuck in the house with his demented grandfather and flirtatious aunt, the perceptive teenager learns about his family's legacy, his forebears' avarice causing damage as it echoes down the generations. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review Paperback; $15.99
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; ISBN: 9781439187043
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by Steven Johnson
[Non-Fiction]
". . . [Johnson's] latest work. . . sift[s] through the plethora of mankind's greatest inventions and offer[s] a closer look at six that have made tremendous impacts on modern civilization. Using what he calls the long zoom approach, Johnson takes a broad view of history as he charts the cascading technological innovations that followed from the invention of lenses, refrigeration, recorded sound, water purification, clocks, and artificial light. . . Johnson is in peak form here, weaving a spell with his seasoned prose while providing the riveting backstories of the many devices that make our lives comfortable yet which we all too often take for granted. . ." - Booklist
Paperback; $18.00
Publisher: Riverhead Books; ISBN: 9781594633935
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by Eka Kurniawan
[Fiction]
 A wry, affecting tale set in a small town on the Indonesian coast, Man Tiger tells the story of two interlinked and tormented families and of Margio, a young man ordinary in all particulars except that he conceals within himself a supernatural female white tiger. The inequities and betrayals of family life coalesce around and torment this magical being. An explosive act of violence follows, and its mysterious cause is unraveled as events progress toward a heartbreaking revelation. Lyrical and bawdy, experimental and political, this extraordinary novel announces the arrival of a powerful new voice on the global literary stage.
Paperback; $18.95
Publisher: Verso; ISBN: 9781781688595
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New For Young Readers
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 Autumn is awesome! Leaves change color. Animals fly south or get ready to hibernate. People harvest crops and dress up as scary creatures for Halloween. And then there are pickup football games to play, Thanksgiving foods to eat, leaf piles to jump in -- all the amazing things that happen as the air turns crisp and cool. With colorful photographs, lively explanations, and classic craft ideas, Bruce Goldstone has created a festive and fascinating exploration of autumn's awesomeness.
Paperback; $8.99
Publisher: Square Fish; ISBN: 9781250062666
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by Ali Benjamin
[Fiction]
Ages 8 to 12
 "Suzy lost her longtime best friend twice: first at the beginning of sixth grade, when Franny shifted away from her and into a clique of pretty girls, and irrevocably during the following summer, when Franny drowned at the beach. Entering seventh grade and burdened by painful memories that she can neither express nor forget, Suzy almost entirely stops talking for many months. She becomes fascinated with jellyfish and intent on linking Franny's drowning to a sting. Unable to connect meaningfully with those who are closest to her, she secretly, meticulously plans a trip to Australia to consult a jellyfish specialist in hopes of finding answers to her questions about Franny's death.. ." - Booklist, Starred Review
Hardcover; $17.00
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; ISBN: 9780316380867
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by Neil Gaiman
[Fiction]
Young Adult
 A thrillingly reimagined fairy tale, "told in a way only Gaiman can" and featuring "stunning metallic artwork" (GeekInsider.com). In this captivating and darkly funny tale, Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell have twisted together the familiar and the new as well as the beautiful and the wicked to tell a brilliant version of Snow White's (sort of) and Sleeping Beauty's (almost) stories. This story was originally published (without illustrations) in Rags & Bones. This is the first time it is being published as an illustrated, stand-alone edition, and the book is a beautiful work of art.
Hardcover; $19.99
Publisher: HarperCollins; ISBN: 9780062398246
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New Bargain Books
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New in stock! Enjoy all the comforts of home with a selection of the classic Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and illustrated books on house plans for more than 40% off the list price.
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New Music
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Pop/Folk
After years of supporting other artists with her violin and her vocals, Zonn recently began releasing her own records. This second solo collection features bluegrass, Americana, and folk, with plenty of instrumental guest stars.
($16.98) |
Pop/Folk
Cass County marks the former Eagles' first solo record in 15 years. A personal reflection on place, the album features work with Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, and more.
($11.99) |
Pop/Folk
Every album the veteran band has released has featured a specific sound or overarching genre. Gates of Gold brings together elements of them all: Rock, blues, Latin, and Americana.
($15.98) |
Pop/Folk
As heard on NPR: Patty Griffin is an award winning Americana songstress. Her new album features songs inspired in part by the natural philosophers like Thoreau and Whitman.
($14.98) |
Pop/Folk
Uncovered introduces the singer-songwriter's second collection of cover songs. Colvin applies her smooth approach to songs by Springsteen, Waits, Simon, and more.
($16.98) |
Pop/Folk
One of the country's pre-eminent jam bands, Widespread Panic released their first album in the waning years of the '80s. Their first studio album in five years bounces between rock, blues, and extended jam sounds.
($15.98) |
Events at Grass Roots
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Derek "Deek" Diedricksen
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music
227 SW 2nd St.
Corvallis, OR
If you dream of living in a tiny house, or creating a getaway in the backwoods or your backyard, you'll love this gorgeous collection of creative and inspiring ideas for tiny houses, cabins, forts, studios, and other microshelters. Created by a wide array of builders and designers around the United States and beyond, these 59 unique and innovative structures show you the limits of what is possible. You'll also find guidelines on building with recycled and salvaged materials, plus techniques for making your small space comfortable and easy to inhabit.
Derek "Deek" Diedricksen is the author of Humble Homes, Simple Shacks, Cozy Cottages, Ramshackle Retreats, Funky Forts. His work has been featured on the cover of the New York Times' Home and Garden Section and in the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, the Seattle Times, the Wall Street Journal, Make magazine, and Apartment Therapy.com; and on NPR, CBS, PBS, and ABC. Diedricksen lives in Stoughton, Massachusetts. |
Community Events
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Darkside Show Times for 9/25-10/1
-Cooties -R A horror comedy with unexpected laughs and unapologetic thrills. When a cafeteria food virus turns elementary school children into killer zombies, a group of misfit teachers must band together to escape the playground carnage. Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson.
-Slow Learners -NR Jeff and Anne, two close friends and co-workers who are embarrassingly unlucky at love, hatch a plan to transform themselves over the course of a sex-and-alcohol-fueled summer.
-Grandma -R Lili Tomlin is Grandma, who with her granddaughter spends the day trying to scrape up $600 in cash by making unannounced visits to old friends and flames, which end up rattling skeletons and digging up secrets. 92% on RT.
-Meru -R A triumph of editing and narrative beyond "Are you kidding me?" visuals, Meru is a climbing story with context; biographies are woven in incrementally. A rare documentary that proves thought-provoking while offering thrilling wide-screen vistas.
Arts/Literary Events
Sweet Home Public Library Open Mic
Thursday, September 24 at 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. (sign-up at 6:00)
Sweet Home Public Library
This program is free and open to the public. The number of readers is limited by available time. First to sign up is first to read. Time limit per reader is 7 minutes. No graphic violence, sex, or hate speech. If you don't want to read, please come hear some talented writers present their work. Local authors and teachers Dana Kirk and Mark Holden will be reading from their books.
Friends of the Library Fall Festival Used Book Sale
Saturday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*Members - 9:00 a.m. (Join at the door) and Sunday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Main Meeting Room
Corvallis Public Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR
Lots of lightly used top-quality paperback books at very reasonable prices. Books especially selected for this sale include fiction, children's, youth, biographies, history, memoirs, cooking, and holiday crafts. Sets of high quality books suitable for book groups will also be available.
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Community Events with Grass Roots
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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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Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Corvallis Public Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR
In death-ravaged Verona, Angelica, a mother mourning her day-old infant, enters the household of the powerful Cappelletti family to become the wet-nurse to their newborn daughter Juliet. Over the next 14 years, Angelica becomes caught up in the Cappelletti's darkest secrets. But when those secrets erupt across five momentous days of love and loss, Angelica must confront her own deepest grief to find the strength to survive.
Award-winning author Lois Leveen's work has appeared in the New York Times, the LA Review of Books, the Chicago Tribune, the Huffington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic and on NPR, as well as in numerous literary and scholarly journals and in film and performing arts festivals. She lives in a bright green house in Portland, Oregon, with two cats, one Canadian, and 120,000 honey bees. Grass Roots will be selling books at this event.
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Crazy Eights Author Event (Albany)
Saturday, November 14, at 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Albany Public Library
2450 14th Ave. SE
Albany, 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:
- Bill Cameron (Friends of Mystery Award for County Line forthcoming title Accelerant)
- K.B. Dixon (Oregon Book Award finalist, The Sum of His Syndromes; Eric Hoffer Award)
- Molly Gloss (Oregon Book Award winner, Falling From Horses; PNBA winner)
- Lisa Ohlen Harris (Oregon Book Award finalist, The Fifth Season)
- Justin Hocking (Oregon Book Award winner, The Great Floodgates of the Wonderworld)
- Jane Kirkpatrick (Noted for 23 historical novels, WILLA Awards, Oregon Book Awards finalist)
- Jody Seay (Oregon Book Award fiction finalist, The Second Coming of Curly Red)
- Molly Best Tinsley (Oregon Book Award winner, Throwing Knives; thriller Broken Angels)
- 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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Fall Books
Fall in love with the best reads of the season!
From cider making to quilting to football, we're displaying great books featuring autumn hobbies in the store (as well as a non-exhaustive list of upcoming fall festivities in the Corvallis community).
Our kids' section is also adorned with reads about Halloween, pumpkins, and all things fall. Come take a look!
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Banned Books Week
(Artwork courtesy of the American Library Association)
Snag free loot like an "I Read Banned Books" sticker and stick it to the man, or pick up a Banned Books bookmark (perfect for marking those irrepressible passages) and become a crusader for "freadom!"
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Jigsaw
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Reading Group Selection
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Tuesday, October 6, at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
 Join our October Reading Group with The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes, winner of the 2011 Man Booker Prize. This intense novel follows Tony Webster, a middle-aged man, as he contends with a past he never thought much about -- until his closest childhood friends return with a vengeance: one of them from the grave, another maddeningly present. Tony thought he left this all behind as he built a life for himself, and his career has provided him with a secure retirement and an amicable relationship with his ex-wife and daughter, who now has a family of her own. But when he is presented with a mysterious legacy, he is forced to revise his estimation of his own nature and place in the world.
Regular Price: $14.95
On sale for: $12.71
Until Tuesday, October 6
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 9780307947727
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Night Stands
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Marissa
[Comics]
From the archives of her webcomic Hark! A Vagrant to glorious pen and ink! Beaton's art style is minimalist yet her subject matter is complex, focusing mostly on historical figures and characters from classic literature (sometimes in preposterous situations) -- like the founding fathers at the mall, a sassy Nancy Drew, or a Wonder Woman who is frankly fed up with society . Many times she delves into the realm of the obscure, although her humor remains timely and fresh. From a treatise on the meaning of "strong female characters" to the antics of Greek gods, you'll be unable to keep a straight face. NPR agrees: Beaton is a comedic genius.
Hardcover, $19.95
Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly; ISBN: 9781770462083
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Linda
[Non-Fiction]
What a lovely, wonderful book this is! For all of us who grew up reading Winnie-the-Pooh, this captivating chronicle will delight. Aalto has created a fantastic adventure, taking us step by step through Ashdown Forest, the real Hundred Acre Wood of Pooh's world, showing us such spots as Pooh's house, Enchanted Place, and Piglet's violets. Richly illustrated with black and white photographs of the actual places in Pooh's life, and touching on the biography's of A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard, Pooh's illustrator, this engaging book is full and exceptional; a perfect companion to the beloved books.
Hardcover, $24.95
Publisher: Timber Press (OR); ISBN: 9781604695991
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