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| March 10, 2016 |
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Hello, Readers,
Our storefront is blossoming with a garden of books -- have you caught spring reading fever like we have? Time to read is of the essence...don't forget to move your clocks forward one hour this coming Sunday!
This week in the store: a collection of poetry (and memoir now in paperback) by Helen Macdonald, a 10th anniversary edition of The Book Thief, and new magazine titles (see Store News).
Please join us tonight at 7:00 for a reading with Greg Warburton from his book, Ask More, Tell Less: A Practical Guide for Helping Children Achieve Self-Reliance.
Have a fantastic weekend!
~Marissa
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New Hardcovers
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"The enduring master of numerous literary forms, Harrison delivers one of his loosest and most playful books yet. In three stylistically varying novellas, he returns to his customary subjects: Montana and the Midwest, womanizing and boozing, the writing life and rural living. . . Hired on to investigate a Buddhist howler-monkey cult, [Detective] Sunderson wrestles with ethics while courting a teenage neighbor. . .A Montana farmhand who partially spent her youth in England during WWII recounts her passion for chickens and her vain attempts to find love. . .And in the [third story], the [narrator] refuses to allow death's imminence to keep him from living fully. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review
Hardcover; $25.00
Publisher: Grove Press; ISBN: 9780802124562
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by Helen Macdonald
[Poetry]
"Macdonald, a British historian, naturalist, and illustrator, made waves with her memoir, H Is for Hawk, but in her debut collection of poetry she goes beyond simply observing the natural world, displaying the indefatigable curiosity that motivated the early naturalists who inspire her. Macdonald employs her knowledge of the natural sciences as she deftly works scientific discoveries into poems on such subjects as love, politics, solitude, death, and more. Her imagery encompasses biology, geology, physics, weather patterns, and astronomy. . .The rich and heady language calls to mind the tradition of the English Romantic poets while offering wholly new and original constructions . . ." - Publishers Weekly
Hardcover; $22.00
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press; ISBN: 9780802124630
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[Fiction]
In the 25th novel in this celebrated series, Brunetti finds himself drawn into a case that may not be a case at all. Fifteen years ago, a teenage girl fell into a canal late at night. Unable to swim, she went under and started to drown, only surviving thanks to a nearby man. . .though not before she suffered irreparable brain damage that left her in a state of permanent childhood, unable to learn or mature.
Now, at a fundraising dinner for a Venetian charity, a wealthy and aristocratic patroness -- the girl's grandmother -- asks Brunetti if he will investigate. . .
Hardcover; $26.00
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press; ISBN: 9780802124807
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by Abby Geni
[Fiction]
". . .Geni transports us to [a] jagged, treeless archipelago off the coast of San Francisco [where] a nature photographer named Miranda. . . photographs the elephant seals, whales, sharks, and birds. [But] the looming danger of the ocean and the islands themselves force Miranda to rely on her often elusive housemates. There is Galen, the longest resident, who is a shark specialist; Mick, the amiable whale biologist; Charlene, the young, enthusiastic intern; and Lucy, a private but determined ornithologist. A series of mysterious accidents and injuries augur more surprises during Miranda's tumultuous stay on the islands. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Hardcover; $25.00
Publisher: Counterpoint LLC; ISBN: 9781619026001
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by Matthew McKay
[Non-Fiction]
"McKay, professor at the Berkley Wright Institute and cofounder of Haight Ashbury Psychological Services, grieved the death of his adult son Jordan, victim of a shooting in 2008. Since then, McKay has been actively channeling his late child. At one time a skeptic, McKay provides an account of the many ways he attempted communicating with Jordan, finally breaking through with a technique developed by a Veterans Administration doctor who works with PTSD sufferers. McKay attributes much of this text to the communication he has received from Jordan, including insights on karma, cosmic reality, and the connection between body and soul. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Hardcover; $20.00
Publisher: New World Library; ISBN: 9781608683734
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New Paperbacks
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by Helen Macdonald
[Non-Fiction]
An instant New York Times bestseller, Helen Macdonald's story of adopting and raising one of nature's most vicious predators has soared into the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. Fierce and feral, her goshawk Mabel's temperament mirrors Helen's own state of grief after her father's death, and together raptor and human "discover the pain and beauty of being alive" (People). A genre-defying debut from one of our most unique and transcendent voices.
". . .Macdonald broadens her scope well beyond herself to focus on the antagonism between people and the environment. . .poignant, thoughtful and moving. . ." - Kirkus Reviews
Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Grove Press; ISBN: 9780802124739
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by Marcus J. Borg
[Non-Fiction]
"Because 'context matters,' religion scholar Borg reviews the itinerary of his spiritual journey toward his life's convictions. An expert on the historical Jesus. . .Borg bases his biblical exegeses in scripture, reason and tradition; another three-legged stool -- memories, conversations, and convictions -- shapes this forthright book. . .[Borg] intertwines his considerable knowledge of the Bible and of Christianity with exploration of his life at lectern and in pulpit. . .He does not shy from laying out controversies among contemporary Christians. . .and he analyzes Jesus, the Bible, and the Cross. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Paperback; $15.99
Publisher: HarperOne; ISBN: 9780062269980
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by Eileen Chang and Ailing Zhang
[Fiction]
Shanghai, 1930s. Shen Shijun, a young engineer, has fallen in love with his colleague, the beautiful Gu Manzhen. He is determined to resist his family's efforts to match him with his wealthy cousin so that he can marry her. But dark circumstances force the two young lovers apart. As Manzhen and Shijun go on their separate paths, they lose track of one another, and their lives become filled with feints and schemes, missed connections and tragic misunderstandings. At every turn, societal expectations seem to thwart their prospects for happiness. Still, Manzhen and Shijun dare to hold out hope however slim that they might one day meet again. . .
Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Anchor Books; ISBN: 9780307387547
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by Tracy K. Smith
[Non-Fiction]
"[Pulitzer Prize winner and poet] Smith has. . .written a gracefully nuanced yet strikingly candid memoir about family, faith, race, and literature. Smith grew up in Northern California, snuggled close to her elegant and devout mother; challenged by her engineer father. . .and enthralled by books. As one of few African Americans in their community, Smith navigated a sea of white faces. . .Smith holds our intellectual and emotional attention ever so tightly as she charts her evolving thoughts on the divides between races, generations, economic classes, and religion and science, and celebrates her lifesaving discovery of poetry as soul language. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review
Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Vintage; ISBN: 9780345804075
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by Heidi Julavits
[Non-Fiction]
Like many young people, Heidi Julavits kept a diary. Decades later she found her old diaries in a storage bin, and hoped to discover the early evidence of the person (and writer) she'd since become. Instead, the entries are daily chronicles of anxieties about grades, looks, boys, and popularity. Thus was born a desire to try again, to chronicle her daily life as a fortysomething woman, wife, mother, and writer. The dazzling result is The Folded Clock, in which the diary form becomes a meditation on time and self, youth and aging, betrayal and loyalty, friendship and romance, art and ambition. . .
Paperback; $15.00
Publisher: Anchor Books; ISBN: 9780804171441
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New For Young Readers
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by Markus Zusak
[Fiction]
A modern classic beloved by millions of readers and one of the most enduring stories of our time, The Book Thief is just a small story, about, among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. The 10th anniversary edition features pages of bonus content, including marked-up manuscript pages, original sketches, and pages from the author's writing notebook.
Hardcover; $19.99
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers; ISBN: 9781101934180
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New Bargain Books
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New Music
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Events at Grass Roots
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Greg Warburton
Thursday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music 227 SW 2nd St. Corvallis, OR
Ask More, Tell Less offers unique and usable methods that cause children to do more of their own thinking, talking, listening, remembering, relating, and deciding all along the growing-up pathway. Warburton's time-tested techniques move children toward self-reliance while taking pressure off of parents and making parenting more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Greg Warburton, after 20 years as a successful mental health counselor for kids, teens and parents, founded INNER LIBERTY, INC. in January 2006 to provide innovative and leading-edge counseling and consulting services. Warburton focuses on providing real help right now in helping youth achieve the inner-freedom confidence that goes with becoming a self-reliant person; teaching young people how to handle life on their own.
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Community Events
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Darkside Show Times for 3/11-3/17
-Hail, Caesar! -PG-13 Joel and Ethan Coen's all-star comedy Hail, Caesar! is set in Hollywood's Golden Age. Stars Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and Channing Tatum.
-Mustang
-PG-13
When five orphan girls are seen innocently playing with boys on a beach, their scandalized conservative guardians confine them while forced marriages are arranged. Oscar nom for Best Foreign Language Film. Subtitled Turkish. 96% RT!
-Where to Invade Next -R This is an expansive, rib-tickling, and subversive comedy in which Michael Moore, playing the role of "invader," visits a host of nations to learn how the U.S. could improve its own prospects. Turns out the solutions to America's most entrenched problems already existed in the world -- they're just waiting to be co-opted.
-Spotlight -R WINNER! Best Motion Picture of the Year! Stars Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci. 96% on RT!
-Lady in The Van -PG-13 Based on the true story of Miss Shepherd (played by a magnificent Maggie Smith), a woman of uncertain origins who "temporarily" parked her van in Bennett's London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years.
Arts/Literary Events
Willamette Writers on the River: Quarterly Reading
Monday, March 21, at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (sign-up at 6:15) First Presbyterian Church 114 SW 8th St. Corvallis, OR
These quarterly readings are free and open to everyone. The number of readers is limited by the 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.
Reviewed by Margaret Manoogian; sponsored by Friends of the Library
Wednesday, April 13, 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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Phillip Margolin
Thursday, March 17, at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR
New York Times bestselling author and master of suspense Phillip Margolin knows what his fans want and he delivers with his newest novel Violent Crimes. Join us as Mr. Margolin reads from and discusses his latest novel.This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Grass Roots will be selling books at this event.
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Store News
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New magazine titles at Grass Roots
Grass Roots has added three new magazine titles to our rotation for your reading pleasure! You can now find Modern Farmer, Coins, and Marijuana Venture (please visit our expanding section of books on marijuana growing)
on our stand while copies last.
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CWS Raffle: Enter to win!
Throughout March only, stop by Grass Roots to enter to win this rocking chair (raffle benefiting Corvallis Waldorf School). This Sam Maloof-style chair was handmade by CWS Bill Brock and has an estimated value of $5,000! Tickets are $10 each; drawing is on April 21.
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Jigsaw
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Reading Group Selection
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Tuesday, April 5, at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Join Née as she leads our April reading group with The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons by Sam Kean.
Early studies of the functions of the human brain used a simple method: wait for misfortune to strike -- strokes, seizures, infectious diseases, lobotomies, horrendous accidents -- and see how the victim coped. In many cases survival was miraculous, and observers could only marvel at the transformations that took place afterward, altering victims' personalities. But a few scientists realized that these injuries were an opportunity for studying brain function at its extremes. With lucid explanations and incisive wit, Sam Kean explains the brain's secret passageways while recounting forgotten stories of common people whose struggles, resiliency, and deep humanity made modern neuroscience possible.
Regular Price: $17.00
On sale for: $14.45
Until Tuesday, April 5
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
ISBN: 9780316182355
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Night Stands
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by Aja Raden
[Non-Fiction]
Stoned is one of those unique, singularly focused non-fiction books that I can't resist. This is the kind of well-researched book that hooks you with not only scandals and sensationalized historical figures, but also with dedication to finer points and sassy wit. A good book is also thought-provoking, and in reading this one, you'll ponder the forces that lead to an object (such as a stone) becoming universally valued and coveted across the world. I promise you after reading this book you'll never look at your jewelry box or your grandmother's pearls the same way ever again.
Hardcover; $27.99
Publisher: Ecco Press; ISBN: 9780062334695
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by William Sullivan
[Non-Fiction]
The changing of seasons has me aspiring to get out there and explore, and it's easy to look no further than our own backyard. This latest edition of 100 Hikes on the coast, due to release in April, includes new information on campgrounds, trails, wildlife, and top attractions. Sullivan guides have been a trusted resource in local outdoor recreation for years, and Grass Roots carries a great selection of various regions in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a longtime Oregon resident or planning your next coastal day trip, this guide is worth having on hand.
Paperback; $18.95
Publisher: Navillus Press; ISBN: 9781939312112
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by Alfred Habegger
[Non-Fiction]
Within the basic beauty and simplicity that defines the poems of America's famous poet, Emily Dickinson, lie the quiet intricacies of her life. Habegger has gathered wonderful chronological information on Dickinson's life, which has often seemed veiled. Bringing in the history of her times (the mid-1800s), the literature which influenced her, and insights through numerous letters within the family, makes for fascinating and thorough reading about this poet. What her poems show us about her character is strongly supported by Habegger's research. The first stanza of poem F790 is an exquisite capsule of Dickinson's thoughts and life:
"Each - its difficult Ideal
Must achieve - Itself -
Through the solitary prowess
Of a Silent Life - "
Paperback; $9.98 Bargain Price
Publisher: Modern Library; ISBN: 9780812966015
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