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| October 29, 2015 |
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Fantastic new books have arrived this week! An inspirational read by bestselling author Cheryl Strayed, novels by David Mitchell and Gregory Maguire, and signed first edition copies of Pacific by Simon Winchester, to name a few. New albums by Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Ryan Adams, and much more...
Boxed holiday cards are also here, and already going fast! Seasonal holiday books (including bargains) are beginning to trickle in, too.
Book lovers and wine lovers, take note! Tonight at 7:00, join us for a reading with local author David Baker from his new novel, Vintage. It's going to be a real treat.
Speaking of that: Halloween is coming to Grass Roots a day early (this Friday) for the annual downtown Corvallis Trick-or-Treat -- we hope to see you here in costume, too.
Treat yourself to a good book this weekend!
~Marissa |
New Hardcovers
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by Simon Winchester
Winchester tackles the Pacific Ocean by focusing on key moments since 1950 that speak to the greater trends and larger truths about its significance to us today. He tells the story of the little transistor radio and how it sparked the digital revolution, from Japan to Silicon Valley, altering the ocean's destiny. He examines the geopolitical shifts that shaped the ocean's vast land areas, and addresses the environmental degradation and climate shifts that now threaten this majestic body of water. Calling upon Winchester's formidable historical understanding and his singular talent for storytelling, Pacific is a paean to this magnificent sea of beauty and myth.
Hardcover; $28.99
Publisher: Harper; ISBN: 9780062315410
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by Marilynne Robinson
[Non-Fiction]
"While questions of faith underpin Robinson's award-winning Iowa novels ( Lila), she addresses religious and moral questions head-on in her new essay collection. . .Robinson's intellectual inquiries, works of rhapsodic clarity, are erudite, passionate, and bracing. A self-described theist, writer, and scholar, Robinson delves into neuroscience and metaphysics, celebrating the study of the complexity of the human brain, while cautioning against mechanistic reductiveness and elucidating our sense of self and the valuable concept of the soul. . .These bravely and brilliantly argued, gorgeously composed, slyly witty, profoundly caring essays lead us into the richest dimensions of consciousness and conscience, theology and mystery, responsibility and reverence." - Booklist, Starred Review Hardcover; $26.00
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux; ISBN: 9780374298470
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by Stacy Schiff
[Non-Fiction]
 "In 1692, the Massachusetts Bay Colony executed 14 women, 5 men, and 2 dogs for witchcraft. The ensuing terror cut a wide swath through the colony, affecting residents of all ages and educational backgrounds. Pulitzer Prizewinning historian Schiff ( Cleopatra) chronicles the surrounding events, painting a vivid portrait of a homogenous, close-knit network of communities rapidly devolving into irrational paranoia. . .Discarding false legends and lore while expertly capturing and communicating the social climate of this particular time and place, she provides a compulsively readable slice of Americana that will appeal to both book clubs and a wide variety of individual readers. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review
Hardcover; $32.00
Publisher: Little Brown and Company; ISBN: 9780316200608
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by Alexander McCall Smith
[Fiction]
"Precious Ramotswe goes on vacation in Smith's enchanting 16th No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novel. . .[and] the prickly Grace Makutsi is glad to take charge in her absence. Mma Ramotswe. . .can't help worrying about how things are going at the office. Her concern grows when Mr. Polopetsi, a part-time chemistry teacher who also helps out at the agency, confides that Mma Makutsi has failed to make progress on a new case involving a late government official. With Mr. Polopetsi's blessing, Mma Ramotswe discreetly investigates. . .As usual, Smith's blend of gentle humor and insights into human nature is irresistible." - Publishers Weekly
Hardcover; $24.95
Publisher: Pantheon Books; ISBN: 9780307911568
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by Gregory Maguire
[Fiction]
". . .Maguire takes us on the journey [of Alice in Wonderland] again, this time in the company of Ada, who has fallen down the legendary rabbit hole after her friend. While Ada goes in search of Alice, always a few steps behind in the same vibrantly colorful land, Alice's sister, Lydia, remains in the ordinary world of Victorian England, searching the streets of Oxford for the missing girls, while her father visits with Charles Darwin to discuss the future of faith. . .[Maguire] weaves an intricate web of symbolism and allegory, asking readers to consider issues of humanity that are as timeless as the original tale itself. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review
Hardcover; $26.99
Publisher: William Morrow & Company; ISBN: 9780060548957
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by David Mitchell
[Fiction]
". . .Literary-fiction stalwart Mitchell offers his most accessible book yet -- a haunted-house story. . .Written as five distinct chapters, each set on the last Saturday in October, spaced nine years apart, the novel follows the nefarious exploits of the Grayer twins, who inhabit the eponymous home, hidden in a narrow alley behind a pub. Each chapter is told through the point of view of the poor soul who has been unknowingly summoned to the home as a sacrifice to the twins. Readers will appreciate how, over the 36-year span, characters and story threads overlap to craft a unified psychological tale. . .a Halloween staple for years to come." - Booklist
Hardcover; $26.00
Publisher: Random House; ISBN: 9780812998689
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New Paperbacks
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by Neil Gaiman
[Fiction]
"Everything that endears Gaiman. . . to his legions of fans is on display in this collection of short stories (and the occasional poem): his gift for reimagining ancient tales, his willingness to get down into the dark places, his humor. Most of these stories have been published elsewhere, except for the new American Gods story 'Black Dog' (which does not disappoint), but the collection as a whole does add up to something bigger than it seems. . . Full of all manner of witches and monsters and things that creep in the night, this collection will thoroughly satisfy faithful fans and win new ones -- if there's anyone out there left unconverted." - Kirkus Reviews
Paperback; $16.99
Publisher: William Morrow & Company; ISBN: 9780062330321
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by The Onion
[Non-Fiction]
Known for its quick-witted humor, the Onion has come out with an encyclopedia parody of massive proportions. As Onion staffers say themselves: "Seen by tens of billions worldwide, these are the unforgettable Onion Magazine covers that altered the course of human history and radically redefined your trivial life anew every weekend." Nothing hyperbolic about that. The book is news through the double-lens of picture and satire -- a satisfying experience for anyone who doesn't mind a little tongue-in-cheek mixed into their headlines.
Paperback; $17.99
Publisher: Little Brown and Company; ISBN: 9780316256476
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by Stephanie Barron
[Fiction]
Christmas Eve, 1814: Jane Austen has been invited to spend the holiday with family and friends at The Vyne, the gorgeous ancestral home of the wealthy and politically prominent Chute family. As the year fades and friends begin to gather beneath the mistletoe for the twelve days of Christmas festivities, Jane and her circle are in a celebratory mood. Jane, however, discovers holiday cheer is fleeting. One of the Yuletide revelers dies in a tragic accident, which Jane immediately views with suspicion. If the accident was in fact murder, the killer is one of Jane's fellow snow-bound guests.
Paperback; $16.95
Publisher: Soho Crime; ISBN: 9781616955724
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by Craig Johnson
[Fiction]
"For a decade, Johnson has sent out a new Walt Longmire short story each Christmas Eve. Now those stories, along with a new one, 'Petunia, Bandit Queen of the Bighorns,' are collected into one volume. For fans of Johnson's Absaroka County sheriff, all the familiar characters fill these stories --Walt, Vic, Henry, Cady, and of course the wild, open spaces of Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains. Several pieces mention Martha, Walt's wife, who has died, and readers can sense his loss and loneliness. 'Slick-Tongued Devil' tells of a Bible salesman trying to cash in on Walt's grief. Always outsmarting the bad guys, Walt's razor-sharp intellect and reasoning win out in every story." - Library Journal
Paperback; $14.00
Publisher: Penguin Books; ISBN: 9780143127826
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by Jennifer Iacovelli
[Non-Fiction]
Most people think they have to donate a lot of time and money in order to make a difference. But there are simple ways to integrate giving into our personal and professional lives that don't involve either. In Simple Giving, Jennifer Iacovelli shows us how to make giving a part of our daily routines, including more than 40 ideas to make the world a better place. We can also think about ways to make sustainability and social good a part of our business models. Iacovelli inspires us with the stories of how people ranging from moms to social entrepreneurs are giving back in creative ways.
Paperback; $14.95
Publisher: Tarcher; ISBN: 9780399172458
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New For Young Readers
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 New twin sisters Miri and Molly are ready for a normal life. But just when they think there's smooth sailing ahead, a door opens, time folds, and magic is unleashed from their very special house. The girls set off on a new adventure, playing a cat-and-mouse game with time -- and trouble -- as they discover two soldiers in need of their help. With cunning, imagination, and the inadvertent assistance of their kitten, Molly and Miri must find a way to save themselves and their wayward brothers from the past. This sequel will bring new readers to Annie Barrows' highly acclaimed, wonderfully popular world of twin-inspired magic.
Paperback; $7.99
Publisher: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books; ISBN: 9781619637986
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by Brian Selznick
[Fiction]
Ages 10 and up
 The journey begins on a ship at sea in 1766, with a boy named Billy Marvel. After surviving a shipwreck, he finds work in a London theatre. There, his family flourishes for generations as brilliant actors until 1900, when young Leontes Marvel is banished from the stage. Nearly a century later, Joseph Jervis runs away from school and seeks refuge with an uncle in London. Albert Nightingale's strange, beautiful house, with its mysterious portraits and ghostly presences, captivates Joseph and leads him on a search for clues about the house, his family, and the past.
Hardcover; $32.99
Publisher: Scholastic Press; ISBN: 9780545448680
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New Bargain Books
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Calling all writers and aspiring authors: National Novel Writing Month is November, so now is the time to prepare. We have excellent deals on vocabulary and grammar books for word enthusiasts! Whether you're plotting to speed-write a novel in record time or just getting to know the basics of publishing, consider these featured bargain books your NaNoWriMo boot camp.
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New Music
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Drive-by Truckers
It's Great To Be Alive!
Pop/Folk
The Athens alt. country band has gone through several line-up changes since their 1996 beginnings. This multi-disc set features their current members performing music from throughout their career.
($17.98)
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G. Love & Special Sauce
Love Saves the Day
Pop/Folk
As heard on NPR: G. Love has created his own genre, melding hip hop, blues, and rock. His new collection features collaborations with artists like Lucinda Williams, Citizen Cope, and more.
($13.95)
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Ryan Adams
Pop/Folk
One of the year's most interesting releases features the longtime roots rocker reinterpreting one of the year's most popular pop records. Adams covers the entirety of Taylor Swift's bestseller.
($13.95)
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Son Volt
Trace: 20th Anniversary Edition
Pop/Folk
20 years ago, Jay Farrar and Son Volt released one of the seminal roots music albums. This reissue features a remastering of the record, as well as rare demos and a full live Son Volt concert recording.
($24.98)
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Steve Martin & Edie Brickell
Pop/Folk
The last several years have seen the comedian/actor/banjo player Martin releasing bluegrass recordings. This marks his second collaboration with pop-folk singer Edie Brickell.
($15.98)
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Yawpers
Pop/Folk
Denver's Yawpers are named after a line from Alan Ginsberg's poetry. Their music features roots instrumentation played with punk fury and garage spirit.
($15.98)
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Events at Grass Roots
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David Baker
Thursday, October 29, at 7:00 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music
227 SW 2nd St.
Corvallis, OR
Bruno Tannenbaum is a self-described "working class gourmet food writer" with a weakness for expensive wines and indulgent meals, but lately Bruno's excesses have come back to haunt him -- leaving him broke, fired from his job as a food columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times, and nursing a spot on his mother's couch, separated from his family. Then Bruno stumbles on the secret to an infamous bottle of wine, the 1943 Trevallier, worth a small fortune (and major acclaim) to whoever locates it. In a desperate attempt to kick-start his waning career and maybe even earn that small fortune, Bruno embarks on a journey across Europe to find the Trevallier. . .
David Baker has spent time working in commercial vineyards and making passable pinot noir in his garage. He holds an MFA from Columbia College, Chicago and currently lives in Oregon's Willamette Valley. He is the Director of Interactive Communications at Oregon State University in Corvallis.
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Community Events
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Darkside Show Times for 10/30-11/5
-Truth -R The film chronicles Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett) and Dan Rather (Robert Redford) who broke the Abu-Ghraib prison abuse scandal and revealed that a sitting U.S. president may have been AWOL from the National Guard for over a year during the Vietnam War. When the story blew up in their face, the ensuing scandal ruined Rather's career, nearly changed a U.S. Presidential election, and almost took down all of CBS News in the process.
-Scouts To The Zombie Apocalypse -R Three scouts and lifelong friends join forces with one badass cocktail waitress to become the world's most unlikely team of heroes. When their peaceful town is ravaged by a zombie invasion, they'll fight for the badge of a lifetime and put their scouting skills to the test to save mankind from the undead. Hey, it's Halloween.
-Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension -R In this sixth and supposedly final installment of the Paranormal Activity horror films, the Fleege family finds a set of video tapes featuring young Kristi and her sister, Katie, being inducted to the demonic coven of their grandmother. The filmmakers promise that this time you will see the paranormal activity occur. Scary!
Arts/Literary Events
Wild in the Willamette: Book Launch 
Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Corvallis-Benton County Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR
Wild in the Willamette is a guidebook and literary compendium to natural areas in the mid-Willamette Valley, published by OSU Press. The goal of the book is to introduce readers to those areas of the mid-Willamette Valley that may be new to them, through enticing trail descriptions, engaging essays by noted authors, and clear maps. Wild in the Willamette is a not-for-profit project originated in 2011 through the vision of the late Gail Achterman, a pioneer for the protection of Oregon's natural resources. Featuring author readings, guest speakers, and book signings and sales. All proceeds from the publication will be directed to Greenbelt Land Trust!
Reviewed by Patricia Lacy; sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Wednesday, November 18, at 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR
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Community Events with Grass Roots
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OSU Visiting Writer series: T. Geronimo Johnson
Thursday, November 5, at 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
OSU Valley Library Rotunda
201 SW Waldo Pl.
Corvallis, OR
In his second novel, longlisted for the 2015 National Book Award, Johnson continues his unique inquiry into questions of race and class, this time with a satiric edge. Southerner D'aron Davenport is having a tough time adjusting in his freshman year at Berkeley (aka Berzerkeley). When D'aron reveals in history class that his hometown holds an annual Civil War reenactment, his friends decide to stage a performative intervention as a form of protest. However, weighed down by their misconceptions about the South as well as their hyperliberal, overly intellectualized theories about race and history, the students find that their actions have tragic, unintended consequences.
T. Geronimo Johnson was born in New Orleans. A graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and a former Stegner Fellow at Stanford, Johnson has taught writing at UC Berkeley, Stanford, Iowa Writers' Workshop, The Prague Summer Program, San Quentin, and elsewhere. His first novel, Hold it 'til it Hurts, was a finalist for the 2013 PEN/Faulkner Award. Grass Roots will be selling books at this event.
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Tuesday, November 10, at 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
LaSells Stewart Center
875 SW 26th St.
Corvallis, OR
Michael Beschloss is an award-winning historian of the Presidency and the author of eight books, including the magnificent bestseller Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America 1789-1989. His most recent book is Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy, a #1 New York Times bestseller. Beschloss writes a sports history column that appears in The New York Times both in print and online every Saturday, called HistorySource.
Called "the nation's leading Presidential historian" by Newsweek, Beschloss appears regularly on Meet the Press, The Today Show, The Daily Show and all NBC network programs, providing expert analysis of the executive branch. In 2005, he won an Emmy for his role in creating and hosting the Discovery Channel series Decisions that Shook the World. 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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October 29 is National Cat Day
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Jigsaw
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Reading Group Selection
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Tuesday, November 3, at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
 Join Kerry as she leads our November Reading Group with Dissident Gardens by Jonathan Lethem, winning author of the National Book Critics Circle Award and MacArthur Fellowship.Rose Zimmer, the aptly nicknamed Red Queen of Sunnyside, Queens, is an unreconstructed Communist who savages neighbors, family, and political comrades with the ferocity of her personality and the absolutism of her beliefs. Her equally passionate and willful daughter, Miriam, flees Rose's influence for the dawning counterculture of Greenwich Village. Despite their differences, they share a power to enchant the men in their lives, including Rose's aristocratic German Jewish husband, Albert; her feckless chess hustler cousin, Lenny; and Miriam's (slightly fraudulent) Irish folksinger husband, Tommy Gogan. Through Lethem's vivid storytelling we come to understand that the personal may be political, but the political, even more so, is personal.
Regular Price: $15.95
On sale for: $13.56
Until Tuesday, November 3
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 9780307744494
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Night Stands
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Tiffany
[Fiction] Ages 8 to 12
In a quest to live in all 50 states, Emily's family moves frequently, making it hard for her to make friends. Her one constant is Book Scavenger, an online game devoted to hiding and finding books in public locations and sharing their adventures with a community of book lovers. When the family moves to San Francisco -- home of Garrison Griswold, Book Scavenger's founder, Emily meets James, a like-minded puzzle enthusiast, and stumbles upon a copy of Edgar Alan Poe's The Gold Bug, which might hold the clue to Griswold's newest game. And when Griswold is attacked in a subway station, Emily and James become embroiled in a real-life mystery while trying to solve the book puzzle. Young readers who enjoy books with puzzles -- such as The Westing Game, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, and The Mysterious Benedict Society, mysteries, and a good friendship story will find much to satisfy them in this engaging read.
Hardcover, $16.99
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