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Bookshelf
11429 Donner Pass Rd. #2
Westgate Shopping Center
Truckee
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We are now located 3 doors down from Wild Cherries coffee shop. Come see our new spot!
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Dear Book Lover,
Somehow fall has passed, winter has arrived and we are behind again in getting you the latest picks from our staff. Know we are still reading new things and will share the best with you when you come in.
Also, if you have somehow missed the fact that we are fundraising on-line to secure our future, the link is www.igg.me/at/save-our-shelf-truckee The 10 grade English classes held a rally at the store that, thankfully, raised awareness of our plight as well as sales. Our income has been up since then, which helps pay the bills. It does not, however, help pay for a new manager, or to help investigate new business models, etc. We appreciate anything you can contribute.
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Adult Hardcover Fiction Readers
 The Dogs of Christmas
by W. Bruce Cameron
This is a perfect holiday read for dog lovers. Josh Michaels is mending a broken heart when his neighbor abandons his pregnant dog, Lucy, at his doorstep. Josh has never had a dog, but can't resist Lucy and is determined to do the best for her. When Lucy delivers stillborn puppies, Josh is devastated but takes her home only to find someone has left a box containing five newborn puppies in the back of his pickup truck, giving Lucy the job of mothering the litter. Josh calls the local animal shelter for help where he meets Kerri, who teaches him how to care for the tiny pups and get them ready for adoption through the shelter's "Dogs for Christmas" program. While Josh is falling in love with his new furry family, he is also falling for Kerri. Can a litter of Christmas puppies change a man's life? A heartwarming holiday tale that comes with the power of love, trust, and most of all a basket full of puppies. This book deserves a special place under your holiday tree. Also by the author, I recommend A Dog's Purpose and A Dog's Journey, both in paperback. (Forge, $15.99). Reviewed by Carol
Guests on Earth
by Lee Smith
Founded in 1904, Highland Hospital, a "health institution" in Asheville, North Carolina, treated patients for mental and nervous disorders. In 1936, Evalina Toussaint, orphaned and just thirteen-years-old, begins a new life when she is sent to Highland by her mother's married lover to relieve his "obligations". Over the years Evalina remains there where she meets many notable patients, among them Zelda Fitzgerald, the estranged wife of famous writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. Evalina is a young piano prodigy who is taken under the wing of Zelda, and for the next twelve years she narrates the events that happen at Highland Hospital: the programs of diet, exercise, occupational therapies and experimental shock therapy which are directed by the head psychiatrist Robert Carroll. As Evalina listens and observes, she tells the reader everything she remembers, including her "intermezzo" years away from the hospital before returning again, and which culminates with the 1948 tragic fire---still an unsolved mystery to this day---causing the death of nine women locked in a ward, Zelda among them. A compelling novel about a time and a place, treading on a fine line between sanity and insanity, passion and medicine, weaving together fact and fiction which will draw readers behind the scenes to these "guests on earth". (Algonquin Books, $25.95). Reviewed by Carol
Loss of Innocence
by Richard North Patterson
The second in a projected trilogy, (actually a prequel to Fall of Grace now in paperback), is a family drama set in 1968. 22-year-old Whitney Dana, a recent college graduate, is spending the summer at her family's vacation home in Martha's Vineyard planning her September wedding. Her powerful and doting father has planned a future for Whitney and her fiance, plans which begin to unravel when she meets Ben Blaine. Ben is ambitious but underprivileged, and their relationship stirs emotions within Whitney that raise doubts about the "perfect future" her family is planning for her. The political and social unrest of the 60's sets the background for an engrossing story steeped in dark secrets and tensions that betray this picture-perfect family. (Quercus, $26.95). Reviewed by Carol
The Paris Architect
by Charles Belfoure
Lucien Bernard, an up-and-coming French architect, is teetering on the edge of debt in German-occupied Paris in 1942. When a wealthy industrialist offers him an unusually large sum of money to design a hiding place for his Jewish friend who is being sought by the Gestapo, Lucien immediately refuses. But when the offer is increased if Lucien will design a large factory where the Germans can manufacture weapons for the war effort, he "sells his soul to the devil" in order to further his professional career. Lucien soon finds himself caught in a collaboration he cannot back away from: designing hiding places for Jews planning to escape the Occupation in order to reach freedom, and on the other side providing designs for elaborate projects aiding the enemy in making weapons for use against the Allies, a collaboration monetarily benefiting him, while at the same time endangering his life and putting his marriage in jeopardy. What is it then that changes the course of Lucien's life? This novel tells about a desperate time in history surrounding the lives of Parisians affected by the Nazi's takeover of the city during the 1940's; an emotionally stirring story about choices and sacrifices. Highly recommended. (Sourcebooks, $25.00). Reviewed by Carol
 The Rosie Project
by Graeme Simsion
This romantic comedy drama will lighten-up your next reading experience as a perfect antidote to maybe that last "downer" book. If you read The 100 Year Old Man by Jonas Jonesson or Care of Wooden Floors by Will Wiles (both I highly recommend), The Rosie Project will offer you a crazy relationship that is funny and farcical. It's a must read! Don Tillman, a brilliant professor of genetics, has a problem approaching social situations; he's never even had a second date. He embarks on a hunt for a perfect partner using his Wife Project: a 16-page questionaire. His match must be punctual, logical, enjoy traveling by bicycle, a non-smoker, non-drinker, and doesn't read horoscopes. Then he meets Rosie Jarman. Rosie has her own agenda: searching for her biological father. Don feels his genetic expertise might just be the thing to help Rosie with her Father Project, so he puts his Wife Project on hold and an unlikely relationship blooms between the two. Rosie, however, seems to be a most incompatible candidate for Don's standards and totally unsuitable for a life partner. But Rosie has her way of disrupting Don's carefully organized world. Don't miss this great amazing story as you laugh and cheer on Don and Rosie. Loved this book! (Simon & Schuster, $24.00). Reviewed by Carol
Seven for a Secret
by Lyndsay Faye
In this second novel of a great new mystery series (the first being The Gods of Gotham, now in paperback) Timothy Wilde, a copper star becomes involved in the corrupt underworld of the "blackbirders". Set in the exciting world of 1840's New York City as the NYPD is being launched as the city's first law enforcement organization, Timothy is approached by Lucy Adams who reports a robbery; the stolen property is her mixed-race sister and son. "Blackbirders" are snatching free Northerners...free, but black...and selling them South to work as plantation property. Timothy, an abolitionist, is horrified by these traders but finds himself caught between the power of politics, where the police are complicit, and his own principles. Rich in history and detail with a compelling cast of characters, Faye brings suspense fans a page turner. Highly recommended. (G.P. Putnam's Sons, $26.95). Reviewed by Carol
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Adult Hardcover Non-Fiction Readers
One Summer, America, 1927
by Bill Bryson
"Whatever else it was, it was one hell of a summer". This is how Bryson describes the 1927 months from May through September in America: Charles Lindbergh's solo flight in The Spirit of St. Louis from New York across the Atlantic to Paris; Babe Ruth's celebratory season with the New York Yankees; the weak Article XIII Prohibition Amendment which saw popular speakeasy clubs elevating mobster crime activity which encouraged political corruption. Then there was VP Calvin Coolidge taking over the presidency following the early death of Warren Harding and leaving the Teapot Dome scandal behind that "darkened" the administration; the Great Mississippi flood, the anarchist movement, the height of bigotry, and much more which Bryson's research digs deep to uncover. This is one American summer of history in a lesson I couldn't have learned anywhere outside of reading this amazing chronicle. All I can say, is it must be put on your Fall book list! (Doubleday, $28.95). Reviewed by Carol
I am Malala
by Malala Yousafzai
After reading this book I am without words! A few sentences are inadequate to describe what this 16-year-old Pakistani girl has brought to readers in a remarkable account of her family, uprooted by the global terrorism that has followed her from birth. Malala has watched the Taliban take control of her beautiful Swat Valley but refuses to stay silent, fighting for a right to an education. In October 2012, while riding her school bus, she was singled out and shot by a member of the Taliban. Malala tells of her miraculous recovery and a journey which has now taken her to speak before the United Nations in New York City promoting her cause to gain the rights for all boys and girls in the world to obtain an education. She is currently living in Birmingham, England with her parents and siblings, a world away from Pakistan, both culturally and geographically, and is actively raising funds for a non-profit organization to support education around the world. She hopes to one day return to her homeland. Malala has become the youngest person to ever be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. I highly recommended I Am Malala to readers in order to learn about a heroine who has lived in a part of the world we have only been looking at from the outside. (Little, Brown and Company, $26.00). Reviewed by Carol
Killing Jesus
by Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard
The authors make it clear they are not writing a religious book, but rather a biography of a religious figure, Jesus of Nazareth. They tread a fine line between strictly biographical and religious writing by using sources from the four Gospels and often direct quotes from the Bible. Several chapters are devoted to Julius Caesar and other historical characters of the time as well as a brief but comprehensive history of Rome. Many black-and-white drawings include maps, historical sites, and timely characters which enhance the authors' account. It was difficult to review this book about a man who is revered by many as being the most influential religious figure of all time. All things considered, I feel the authors have done well in telling their story and will leave it to each reader to draw his/her own conclusion. (Henry Holt, $28.00). Reviewed by Carol
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Adult Fiction Paperback Readers
 Thursdays in the Park
by Hilary Boyd
George and Jeanie have been married for twenty-two years when George suddenly decides to abandon the marital bed and sleep in the spare bedroom. Now ten years later, carrying on a celibate marriage, but also seeming to have an amicable relationship, George is retired and enjoys his hobbies while Jeanie spends her days running her health food business. But as Jeanie approaches her 60th birthday, George decides on a life change for the couple: selling the family home and moving to the country. But this is not a change that Jeanie wants. Thursdays in the park with her 2-year-old granddaughter brings diversions to her life, and when she meets Ray and finds that love can put a spark back into her life, she has the courage to take the "plunge" and enters into late-in-life romance. But then George drops a "bomb shell" when he reveals a long hidden personal secret. Everyone from family to friends are giving advice; advice that often only benefits themselves. How will Jeanie possibly decide what is best for her? Single or married, young or on the "other side" of young will want to read and ride-along on this delightful romantic journey.(Quercus Books, $16.95). Reviewed by Carol
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Adult Audiobooks
 The Signature of All Things
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Henry is the son of a poor farmer who tends the apple trees at the Kew Gardens in England. When Henry is caught stealing specimens to sell to visitors who are denied access to them, instead of being hanged, he is sent on botannical expeditions throughout the world. When he sees his chance he moves to America to make his fortune, and this is where his daughter Alma is born. Alma is intelligent and shares his love of botany, and is intensely curious. Enjoy this sweeping novel with wonderful characters -- abolitionists, sea captains, astronomers, and botanists. This is a fascinating audio experience, and I think the book would be as well. (Penguin Audio, $39.95, 21.5 hours;Penguin hardcover $28.95). Reviewed by Debbie.
This is How You Lose Her
by Junot Diaz
Erika and I both listened to this audio. Unfortunately I was listening at 6 am on a trip to San Francisco. I didn't know it was interconnected stories, so was a bit confused. Also, I was unfamiliar with his style, which is using the F*** noun and verb profusely! At 6 am this was not a hit. Erika assures me this would not be unusual for Dominicans, and she rather enjoyed this audio. It is about the power of love-- obsessive, illicit, maternal-- in all its forms. These stories are funny and raucous. So, if you're not offended by the language, and it's not 6 am, you have two thumbs up. We do think the book experience might be a little different than the audio. (Penguin Audio, $29.95, paperback, Riverhead, $16.00) Reviewed by Debbie
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Gift Cards/Certificates and IndieBound
 Gift cards are always a welcome gift for a reader, who can then choose exactly what they want. Our booksellers are always ready with a great book suggestion for adults and children.
IndieBound is about supporting Independent bookstores and other businesses, and celebrating what makes them unique. It's about reaching out, it's about raising awareness, and it's about taking pride in your community.
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Deborah Lane Bookshelf Stores Inc
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