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| March 31, 2016 |
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It's the last day of March, Readers:
That means no April Fools for you...only a real book roundup from a real brick-and-mortar bookstore in this newsletter!
Seeing as April is National Poetry Month, we have an amazing selection of poetry including local authors in the store now. We're sorry to disappoint our subscribed poetry-lovers, but Grass Roots will not be publishing the Poem-a-Day this year. Readers who wish to receive a Poem-a-Day in their e-mail inbox from the founders of the original program, the Academy of American Poets, can sign up here at Poets.Org.
This year, Grass Roots will be celebrating poetry by publishing one poem a week in the Grass Roots Reader, hosting a number of poetry readings in April, and participating in Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 21. Watch the newsletter, our website, and our Facebook page for these and other offerings.
Tonight, join us at the public library for the launch of Forest Under Story, an OSU-based anthology of forest ecology -- see events below for details, and please note an updated time and date for our April event featuring the author of Earth & Eros, Lorraine Anderson.
We'll see you there!
~Marissa
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New Hardcovers
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by Edward O. Wilson
In order to stave off the mass extinction of species, including our own, we must move swiftly to preserve the biodiversity of our planet, says Wilson in his most impassioned book to date. Half-Earth argues that the situation facing us is too large to be solved piecemeal and proposes a solution commensurate with the magnitude of the problem: dedicate fully half the surface of the Earth to nature. If we are to undertake such an ambitious endeavor, we first must understand just what the biosphere is, why it's essential to our survival, and the manifold threats now facing it.
Hardcover; $25.95
Publisher: Liveright Publishing Corporation; ISBN: 9781631490828
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by Diana Abu-Jaber
[Non-Fiction]
"All grudges are softened by the approach of dinner, Arab American novelist Abu-Jaber writes in her second food-oriented memoir, following The Language of Baklava. And in a family like hers, dinner can't come soon enough. With a tenderness that never dips into nostalgia, Abu-Jaber weaves together the stories of those closest to her: a gregarious and food-obsessed Jordanian father, a German grandmother who trusts sugar and flour but remains suspicious of men, three husbands, one treasured daughter, and many friends and relatives. . . Abu-Jaber renders her relationships to both food and family in rich, joyful detail." - Booklist
Hardcover; $26.95
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; ISBN: 9780393249095
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[Non-Fiction]
(Author event on May 25 coming soon to the Reader!)
In 1980, no one was prepared when an immense eruption took the top off of Mount St. Helens and laid waste to hundreds of square miles of verdant forests in southwestern Washington State. The eruption was one of the largest in human history, causing more than one billion dollars in damage and killing 57 people, some as far as 13 miles away from the volcano's summit. Shedding new light on the cataclysm, author Steve Olson interweaves the history and science behind this event with page-turning accounts of what happened to those who lived and those who died.
Hardcover; $27.95
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; ISBN: 9780393242799
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by Cynthia D. Sweeney
[Fiction]
Every family has its problems, but the Plumb family stands out as spectacularly dysfunctional. Years of simmering tensions finally reach a breaking point on an unseasonably cold afternoon in New York City as Melody, Beatrice, and Jack Plumb gather to confront their charismatic and reckless older brother, Leo, freshly released from rehab. Months earlier, an inebriated Leo got behind the wheel of a car with a nineteen-year-old waitress as his passenger. The ensuing accident has endangered the Plumbs joint trust fund, The Nest, which they are but months away from finally receiving. . .but first they must acknowledge the choices they have made in their own lives.
Hardcover; $26.99
Publisher: Ecco Press; ISBN: 9780062414212
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by Kimball Taylor
[Non-Fiction]
 "Journalist Taylor deftly guides readers over la frontera and back again, many times, to unravel the story behind the thousands of bikes of all shapes and sizes found abandoned over the years along the Mexican-U.S. border. The book's sympathetic narrative traces the rise of El Indio, a young Mexican, to the top of a prosperous but dangerous business that smuggles migrants into the U.S. . .In Tijuana, he hits upon a wildly successful and quite lucrative mode of sneaking people across the heavily enforced border: traveling via bicycle, streaking down the perilous canyons between the wall and a brighter future. . ." - Publishers Weekly
Hardcover; $26.95
Publisher: Tin House Books; ISBN: 9781941040201
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by Sara Baume
[Fiction]
 "[Baume's main character, a 57-year-old-] man is an orphan, living in his father's house with no especially fond memories of his past, no friends or family in his present, and no excitement or enthusiasm for the future. The dog is a one-eyed mutt with an absolute hatred of other dogs, due to be euthanized in a matter of hours. The man rescues the mutt in the hopes that the dog. . .can help keep his home clear of vermin. . .but the man soon realizes that their now-intertwined lives have become fuller, richer, and infinitely more difficult. . .a superlative first novel." - Booklist, Starred Review
Hardcover; $23.00
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; ISBN: 9780544716193
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New Paperbacks
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by Richard Louv
[Non-Fiction]
"Louv, whose Last Child in the Woods became the 21st century's back-to-nature clarion call and a game changer in the world of parenting books, returns with a guide on just how to accomplish spending all that much-needed time outdoors. Vitamin N (N is for nature) is everything the worried parent needs: organized chapters that provide 500 smart, fun, and effective ways to engage their children outside. Louv covers the field, from craft projects to camping, stargazing, photography, and science projects. . .Louv addresses families with money concerns, living in urban environments. . .and those already lucky enough to be near wilderness areas. . ." - Booklist, Starred Review
Paperback; $15.95
Publisher: Algonquin Books; ISBN: 9781616205782
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by Mary Norris
[Non-Fiction]
"Norris has spent more than 35 years in The New Yorker's legendary copy department, earning the nickname Comma Queen along the way. So it makes sense that her first book is a delightful discourse on the most common grammar, punctuation, and usage challenges faced by writers of all stripes. Not surprisingly, Norris writes well with wit, sass, and smarts, and the book is part memoir, part manual. She recounts the history of Webster's Dictionary [and] explains when to use 'who' vs. 'whom' and 'that' vs. 'which'. . .It's a sure bet that after reading this book, [readers will] think more about how and what they write." - Publishers Weekly
Paperback; $15.95
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; ISBN: 9780393352146
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by Various Authors; introduction by Elizabeth Gilbert
[Non-Fiction]
"Since its 2006 publication, Elizabeth Gilbert's astoundingly successful Eat Pray Love, which traces the author's psychic (and globe-trotting) journey from emotional misery to self-determination and personal satisfaction, has served as a guide for the discontented. . .Now, 10 years after Gilbert's cultural juggernaut took off, this collection serves up the tales of almost 50 lives changed -- for the better -- by the inspiration provided in her original work. Writers from various backgrounds each share an 'aha' moment prompted by Gilbert's experience and relate accounts of abuse, addiction, grief, and spiritual unmooring, along with episodes of ennui and bad career choices. . ." - Library Journal
Paperback; $16.00
Publisher: Riverhead Books; ISBN: 9780399576775
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by David Gessner
[Non-Fiction]
Archetypal wild man Edward Abbey and proper, dedicated Wallace Stegner left their footprints all over the western landscape. Now, award-winning nature writer David Gessner follows the ghosts of these two remarkable writer-environmentalists from Stegner's birthplace in Saskatchewan to the site of Abbey's pilgrimages to Arches National Park in Utah, braiding their stories and asking how they speak to the lives of all those who care about the West. Gessner renews his own commitment to cultivating a meaningful relationship with the wild, confronting American overconsumption and fighting environmental injustice all while reawakening the thrill of the words of his two great heroes.
Paperback; $16.95
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; ISBN: 9780393352375
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by Rosalie Knecht
[Fiction]
In the heat of a stifling summer in her 16th year, Livy Marko spends her days in the rust-belt town of Lomath, Pennsylvania, babysitting, hanging out with her best friend, Nelson, and waiting for a bigger life to begin. These simple routines are disrupted when the electricity is cut off and the bridges are closed by a horde of police and FBI agents. A fugitive from the Republic of Georgia, on the run from an extradition order, has taken refuge in nearby hills and no one is able to leave or enter Lomath until he is found. Knecht's wise and suspenseful debut conjures the contemporary paranoia of the post-terrorist age.
Paperback; $15.95
Publisher: Tin House Books; ISBN: 9781941040225
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New For Young Readers
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by Nancy E. Shaw
[Fiction]
It's time for bed, but the sheep just can't settle down. Never fear: a trusty sheepdog is here to help. What will it take to get these restless sheep to bed? A hug? A blanket? A drink of water? Will this dedicated collie ever get these bleating sheep to sleep? From the team behind the best-selling Sheep in a Jeep, this sweet and silly sleepy-time tale is perfect for anyone putting a demanding little one to bed. This sturdy board book is just right for little hands.
Board Books; $7.99
Publisher: Hmh Books for Young Readers; ISBN: 9780544640535
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New Bargain Books
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| A large shipment of bargain books is arriving early next week! Stop by the store for the best selection and stay tuned to the Reader for a sneak peek... |
New Music
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Andrew Bird
Are You Serious
Pop/Folk
Bird began his career as a fiddle player for Squirrel Nut Zippers. As a solo artist, he incorporates elements of rock, jazz, folk, and world music.
($14.98)
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Charles Bradley
Changes
Pop/Folk
Bradley surprised fans with his soulful take on the Black Sabbath title cut. For his first record on the DapTone label, Bradley offers further soul and R&B on covers and originals.
($15.98)
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Margo Price
Midwest Farmer's Daughter
Pop/Folk
Price is the first country artist to be released on Jack White's Third Man record label. Her music incorporates contemporary honky tonk sounds along with soulful '70s country à la Tanya Tucker.
($14.98)
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Slobberbone
Bees and Seas: The Best Of Slobberbone
Pop/Folk
Not a mere greatest hits album but more a creative retrospective, a painstakingly selected group of songs that best represent who the band is and was. This two-CD set features an original cover painting by Will Johnson (Centro-matic, Monsters Of Folk) and liner notes by Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers).
($13.98)
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Parker Millsap
The Very Last Day
Pop/Folk
Parker Millsap's gut-punching narratives, riveting vocals, and soulful performances are on full display on The Very Last Day. The new offering should prove to be a milestone in the 22-year-old's young body of work, and a foreshadowing of things to come.
($12.98)
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Events at Grass Roots
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Wayne Harrison
Wednesday, April 6, at 6:00 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music
227 SW 2nd St.
Corvallis, OR
Wayne Harrison's short stories have appeared in Best American Short Stories 2010, The Atlantic, Narrative Magazine and on NPR's All Things Considered. He is the recipient of a Maytag fellowship, an Oregon Literary fellowship and a Fishtrap writing fellowship. His short story collection Wrench was a finalist for the Serena McDonald Kennedy Award, the Spokane Prize and the Iowa Short Fiction Award. The Spark and the Drive is his debut novel. This event is sponsored by OSU Office of the Provost.
The author will be reading and signing books at this event. Reception with hors d'oeuvres and wine, catered by Valley Catering, to follow.
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Lorraine Anderson
Monday, April 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music
227 SW 2nd St.
Corvallis, OR
Earth & Eros combines words and photographs to inspire readers to deepen their connection with the wild earth and with their own capacity for reverence. Intended as an antidote to an age obsessed with speed, screens, and machines, the book brings together previously published prose and poetry -- by such authors as Terry Tempest Williams, Gary Snyder, Sherman Alexie, D. H. Lawrence, and Pablo Neruda -- with fine art landscape photographs to explore the sacred erotic dimension of humans' relationship to the earth.
Lorraine Anderson is a freelance writer and editor in Corvallis with a longstanding interest in creating a culture grounded in a reciprocal relationship with nature. The author will be reading and signing books at this event.
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David Biespiel
Tuesday, April 12, at 6:00 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music
227 SW 2nd St.
Corvallis, OR
David Biespiel has published 10 books of poetry and prose. The Book of Men and Women was named Best Poetry of the Year for 2009 by the Poetry Foundation and also won an Oregon Book Award. Biespiel published monthly essays on poetry for the Oregonian for 10 years, which was the longest-running newspaper column on poetry in the country. A Long High Whistle is a collection of many of these essays. This event is sponsored by OSU Office of the Provost.
The author will be reading and signing books at this event. Reception with hors d'oeuvres and wine, catered by Valley Catering, to follow.
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A William Stafford Birthday Celebration
Thursday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Grass Roots Books & Music
227 SW 2nd St.
Corvallis, OR
Local writers Ann Staley, Steve Jones, Jerri Otto, Jim Merrill, and Liz Schillinger will be reading from poet William Stafford's work and speaking about his influence on their writing and thinking. This will be followed by an open mic so that whomever shows up can share their favorite Stafford poem, a poem of their own (inspired by William Stafford), or a poem by another Oregon poet.
William Stafford, Poet Laureate of Oregon, Library of Congress Poet, beloved teacher at Lewis & Clark College, published over 6,000 poems and 60 collections of poems during his writing life. Stafford was a member of the Brethren, one of three pacifist religious sects, which also included the Quakers. His brother, Bob was a bomber pilot; Bill was a CO during World War II.
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Community Events
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Darkside Show Times for 4/1-4/7
-I Saw The Light -R The story of legendary country-western singer Hank Williams: his meteoric rise to fame and its ultimately tragic effect on his health and personal life.
-Embrace of the Serpent -NR Embrace of the Serpent features the encounter, apparent betrayal and finally life-affirming friendship between an Amazonian shaman (the last survivor of his people) and two foreign scientists. 99% ON RT!
-The Last Man on the Moon -NR The Last Man on the Moon takes a justifiably reverent look at a largely unexplored chapter in the history of American space exploration -- and a side of astronaut's lives that's rarely considered.
-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.
Arts/Literary Events
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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Thursday, March 31, at 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR
Book launch and celebration for Forest Under Story, with readings by Charles Goodrich (Director of the Spring Creek Project at OSU), Jeff Fearnside, John Campbell, and Fred Swason, slideshow of forest images by photographer Bob Keefer, and live music composed by Justin Ralls. Michael Nelson will emcee. Forest Under Story is a new anthology of selected works from the Long-Term Ecological Reflections program that showcases the insights of the program's thoughtful and important encounters among writers, scientists, and place. Grass Roots will be selling books at this event.
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Rita Dove
Thursday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Oregon State University
CH2M Hill Alumni Center Ballroom
725 SW 26th St.
Corvallis, OR
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Rita Dove has been selected as the 2016 recipient of Oregon State University's Stone Award for Lifetime Literary Achievement. The biennial award is presented to a major American author who has created a body of critically acclaimed work and who has mentored young writers.
Dove served as Poet Laureate of the United States from 1993-1995 and has received numerous awards for her work, including the 1987 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry. She is the only poet to receive both the National Humanities Medal (1996) and the National Medal of Arts (2011). She holds the Commonwealth Professor of English chair at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
Grass Roots will be selling books at this event.
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David Allen Sibley
  Monday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m.
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR
The Sibley Guide to Birds has been released as an enhanced two volume set, The Sibley Guide to Birds of Western North America and The Sibley Guide to Birds of Eastern North America. Now completely revised and updated -- the indispensable resource for all birders seeking an authoritative guide to the birds of the East and West is in a portable format they will want to carry into the field.
David Allen Sibley is the author and illustrator of the series of successful guides to nature that bear his name. He is the recipient of the Roger Tory Peterson Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Birding Association and the Linnaean Society of New York's Eisenmann Medal. Grass Roots will be selling books at this event.
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Store News
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April is National Poetry Month
Celebrate the craft, cultural resonance, and beauty of poetry all month long -- see just a few featured poetry titles displayed at the front of the store! Our selection is wide, so you're sure to find something that speaks to you.
Stay current with new poetry collections (Helen Macdonald; Ursula Le Guin), get to know the works of local wordsmiths (Jennifer Richter; Ann Staley), or revisit classic favorites from bestselling poets (Mary Oliver; Wendell Berry).
Look for more new poetry releases throughout April, plus poetry readings at Grass Roots!
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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 Maria Semple
[Fiction]
This novel is fun to read and hard to put down. Told in the form of e-mails, doctors' reports, faxes, Post-it Notes, etc., it recounts the story of a Seattle family and their eccentric matriarch, who somehow manages to get lost in Antarctica. It's a character study as well as a hilarious satire about the city of Seattle, gossipy private school moms, and Microsoft's corporate culture. The locations -- Seattle and Antarctica -- are almost as important as the characters, and give the story additional depth. Where'd You Go, Bernadette is a remarkably clever and smart work disguised in a cute, kitschy cloak.
Paperback; $14.99
Publisher: Back Bay Books; ISBN: 9780316204262
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by Robert J. Gordon
[Non-Fiction]
In light of current techno-optimism, this is a contrarian view of the future of United States economic growth. If you enjoy good economic history, or were a reader of the Everyday Life in America series, you will really enjoy this book. I found the focus on standard of living to be very interesting, with a lot of cool graphs and charts, and a nice reminder of the amazing growth that took place between 1870 and 1940. For history readers, this book provides important context as we look toward the future.
Hardcover; $39.95
Publisher: Princeton University Press; ISBN: 9780691147727
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by Edward O. Wilson
[Non-Fiction]
Finally a book that not only talks about what is going on in the world, but actually provides a plan to save our biosphere! Simply devoting half of the planet to nature seems crazy and/or impossible, but Wilson provides names of regions that are not too late to salvage. He also brings to light the millions of invertebrate animals and microorganisms (forming the foundations of Earth's ecosystems and going extinct) which could be saved by this change. This book offers an attainable goal that we can strive for on behalf of all life. It is time to make a change, and this thought-provoking book will give you the desire to do so!
Hardcover; $25.95
Publisher: Liveright Publishing Corporation; ISBN: 9781631490828
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