 The BookMark
220 First Street
Neptune Beach, FL 32266
(904) 241-9026
Website: bookmarkbeach.com
Hours: Mon.-Wed.: 10 am- 7pm
Your Independent Bookstore by the Sea |
|
Greetings!
We're continuing our busy events schedule this month with a line-up of wonderful authors. Starting on the very first day of November, we'll find out about how those glossy women's magazines lure us in with beaches resident Jennifer Nelson (Airbrushed Nation). She's followed by Eric Deggans who will talk about the competition between Fox and MSNBC for viewer attention (Race-Baiter). When B. A. Shapiro comes with her novel about the art heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, she'll be joined by staff from MOCA Jacksonville. Then there's guidance on how to draw and journal in your own back yard (Helen Correll, Middlewood Journal), and a nostalgic and historical look at the iconic Jacksonville department store, May Cohen's (Cohen Brothers). Surely, at least one of these would be the perfect gift for someone on your holiday list, especially if the author signs it specifically to that person.
Once you read about the authors we hosted in October, you'll truly get excited about what's coming up next. People are still talking about Jan Brett's visit.
We know the gift-giving season is approaching, so we're sharing some of our favorite books of late. Of course you know you can always get personal service from any of our staff. Or you can plan a holiday gathering here for your book club and let me recommend some good books to you.
Small businesses nationwide celebrate the "independents", and we're joining in. Every year we invite you to "unchain for the holidays" and get a chance to win gift certificates from the merchants and restaurants of the Beaches Town Center.
Some of you enjoy knowing what's happening in the publishing industry, so I'll tell you what I know so far about and upcoming merger of two large publishers.
As always, there's so much to share with you. I hope to see you soon.
Rona |
|
Upcoming Events
Jennifer Nelson, Airbrushed Nation: The Lure and Loathing of  Women's Magazines (Seal Press), Thursday, November 1 at 7 pm
Jennifer Nelson-a longtime industry insider-exposes the naked truth behind the glossy pages of women's magazines, both good and bad. She delves deep into the world of glossies, explaining the ways in which these magazines have been positive for women, highlighting the ways in which their agendas have been misguided, and asking the questions that have long gone unasked: What do women think and believe about the retouched photos, the ubiquitous sex advice, the constant offensive on aging, and the fantasy fashion spreads featuring unaffordable clothing and accessories? Do the unrealistic ads, images, and ideals that permeate glossies damage women's self-esteem-and is it intentional? Critical, clever, and full of tantalizing insider information, this is a book for every woman who reads these magazines-those who hate them, those who love them, and those who live by them.
Eric Deggans, "Race Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation (Palgrave Macmillan), Thursday, November 8 at 7 pm
Deggans, the TV and media critic for the Tampa Bay Times, dissects how popular pundits and anchors concoct a web of hate and untruth to recruit viewers, saying " trust us, not them." In this thoughtful, controversial book, Deggans explores the racial strategies he sees used by conservative media for political advantage, and also cites the blow-by-blow battles between FOX and MSNBC.
B. A. Shapiro, "The Art Forger" (Algonquin Books), Monday, November 19 at 7 pm (NOTE the new date & time)
The 1990 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist is the centerpiece of this debut  novel. Fact and fiction are woven together in a story that exposes the underbelly of the art world, including the skill and larceny involved in creating a copy of a painting. Mix this with passion, family feuds, ego, and talent, and you get a rich palette of story and characters that combine to create a thrilling canvas. Is it too corny to call The Art Forger a masterpiece?! The BookMark is partnering with MOCA/Jacksonville for this event. In addition to meeting and listening to the author, you will get a chance to hear from MOCA staff about the museum and how they secure their collection. MOCA is also generously offering a special reduced rate for membership that day. This is a great way to support the bookstore and the museum.
Helen Correll, Middlewood Journal: Drawing Inspiration from Nature, (Hub City  Press), Monday, November 26 at 7 pm
From her studio, nestled in the forest behind the house, Correll paints and writes of the day's journey, its temper and conversation. With a foreword by naturalist Janisse Ray, Middlewood Journal gathers Correll's illustrations and writings from her hikes and blog of the same name to create a treasury of discoveries, from giant red mushrooms peeking beneath a cover of leaves to hawks on a branch so close you can hear their preening. Season to season, you will discover the miniature beauties of the South, the life that you only find by slowing, allowing the landscape to inspire: turkey tracks in creek water, persimmon trees that fool the eye, tidy little snow holes hiding the casualties of winter.
Ennis Davis and Sarah Gojekian, Cohen Brothers: The Big Store (The History Press), Saturday, December 1 at 4 pm
 Once known as the "Wanamaker of the South", Cohen Brothers department store captured the hearts of thousands of Jacksonville residents. This book is a nostalgic journey through the store, from its beginnings as a dry goods enterprise in a small log cabin to its growth into a trend-setting retail institution and the final poignant closing of its doors. Davis and Gojekian combine interviews with former employees, stories from the vibrant atmosphere the store created, and memories from longtime residents to bring readers back to the elegance of one of the South's most distinctive enterprises. Saturday, December 1 is the day for the Beaches Town Center Tree Lighting Ceremony. What better way to kick of the holiday season with the warmth of our small towns and the memories from our childhood of an iconic Jacksonville store.
|
|
Recent Events
It's hard to know where to begin. October was an amazing month at The BookMark with lots of good events.
J acksonville native Meg Haston enchanted her readers, old and young, when she talked about her newest book in the How to Rock series, How to Rock Break-Ups and Make-Ups. In addition to talking about her book, she asked attendees to fill out a card naming an important relationship in their life and a reason they like this person. Then, much to everyone's surprise, she drew cards at random and gave the winner a bowl of candy. One young girl thought she was supposed to select one piece of candy. Imagine her delight when she got to keep the entire bowl! Meg Haston knows her audience.
Although we didn't have an author or even a character for our Star Wars Reads Day celebration, we had fans and fun. We (yes, me included) learned how to make origami Yodas (only five folds). Our younger fans worked on mazes and games, and everyone enjoyed a piece of cake decorated for the occasion. The day was a good reminder about the fun of reading.
 Not surprisingly, actress and artist Jane Seymour attracted a large crowd. Admirers of all ages talked about her Bond girl days, her role in the movie with Christopher Reeves (Somewhere in Time), and her TV series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. She told stories about her life, near death experience, and her family. She also entertained us with her signature voice by reading passages from her newest book Open Hearts Family. This is one of those books that is a perfect gift for any occasion.
Children's author and illustrator Jan Brett thrilled a packed studio of fans both young and old as she talked about her new book Mossy and treated us to an art demonstration. Brett's arrival was heralded by her 45' bus decorated with her artwork and a local volunteer dressed as Hedgie who greeted attendees at the
door. As part of our partnership with the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, a volunteer positioned a table outside the event and talked with people about protecting our sea turtles. Jan Brett stopped to get information on her way in as well. The event was in the Water Studio behind the store, so to be sure people would find their way, we had sea turtle tracks marking the path. Once people got close, the bus made it all clear, and many stopped to take a picture.
 | |
Jan Brett prepares to show the crowd how she draws a turtle. |
Jan Brett encouraged everyone to explore their creativity and gave a wonderful talk  about how each person is unique (just look at the swirls on your fingertips) and how their art  is as well. When she completed her turtle drawing she signed and dated it, explaining she always dates her art because she always hopes she'll improve over time. An estimated 300 people stood in line to chat with Brett and get books signed. They were rewarded with good conversation, photos, and even posters.
Every year, the Beaches Town Center Halloween Costume Parade seems to get  bigger and better, with more people, more creative costumes, and more activities. While it's always before October 31, it gives everyone a chance to try out their costumes and make any necessary corrections for the big night. Two of our "smaller" customers dressed as characters from the children's book Robot, Zombie, Frankenstein, written and illustrated by a BookMark staff Annette Simon. It made all us smile, especially Annette.
 Robert Macomber devoted his time to talking about his experiences in Cuba, where he was conducting research for his latest book Honorable Lies. Much to his surprise, the Freemasons were critical to his 1880's story about Peter Wake's adventures in Cuba. Macomber was able to gain access to this usually extremely private and secretive group, and his story is all the richer because of this.
According to Pat Conroy, Janis Owens is "that luckiest and most dazzling of writers--she gets better every time she steps up to the plate." American Ghost is her  newest and her best novel, and Conroy was hoping to be here to introduce her. He couldn't make it, but that's actually good news for his fans--he was busy writing his next book. As I promised, I read his words when I introduced Janis. She is a consummate storyteller, and this book is the product of lots of stories. Many involve family members, some of whom are not too happy that she wrote it. That may be reason enough to read it. But if that's not enough, listen to Pat Conroy.
|
|
Staff Picks
Rona recommends ...
The End of Your Life Book Club, by Will Schwalbe (Alfred A. Knopf)
This memoir is as much a tribute to reading and the power of books as it is to the author's mother. Although the author's mother is dying, this is surprisingly not a depressing book. Throughout their lives, mother and son have read voraciously and talked about books as a way to communicate. This relationship is intensified as Mom approaches the end of her life, and the two find themselves in a two-person book club. Schwalbe has a powerful homage to the physical book (page 42-43) that makes me smile.
Travels with Epicurus: A Journey to a Greek Island in Search of an Authentic Old Age, by Daniel Klein (Penguin)
The author of the bestselling Plato and Platypus Walk Into a Bar, again tackles serious philosophical questions with humor and ease. In this case, he's pondering how to enjoy an authentic old age, as opposed to spending our "golden years" trying to stay forever young. What better place to do this than in Greece among the ghosts of so many great thinkers. This small tome provides insights and is guaranteed to make you smile at any age.
Buford Recommends ...
The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo, by Tom Reiss (Crown Publishers)
This is the story of Alex Dumas, the father of author Alexander Dumas and the model for many of his famous characters, including the Count of Monte Cristo and one of the Three Musketeers. Born in Haiti to a black slave mother and a white French nobleman, Dumas went on to become one of France's most famous generals, leading French soldiers in their quest to extend the fruits of the revolution in Austria, Italy, and Egypt. This biography reads like an adventure where, for a brief moment, revolutionary principles overrode racism, and personal achievement was rewarded, before being betrayed.
Tere Recommends ....
Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver (Harper)
 On her way to meet a man and leave her family, Dellarobbia is stopped by a startling sight on the mountain. Is it fire, or locusts, or a mirage? No, it's millions of monarch butterflies that have taken a wrong turn in their migration and ended up on her family's property, News of the phenomenon spreads quickly, attracting scientists, media, and curiosity seekers, and calling into question the decision to clear cut the land. Kingsolver's agenda of sustainable living and themes of living with our own chosen truths weaves through this engaging story as the butterflies, as well as the human characters, seek conditions in which they can thrive. This story personalizes environmental issues so important to Kingsolver while also giving us an endearing everyday heroine. It's extremely readable, it's enlightening (especially the parts about the monarchs), and it's Kingsolver at her finest.
Kid Picks...
Annette recommends ... 
Mice!, by Rose Fyleman and Lois Ehlert (illustrator) (Beach Lane Books)
Are mice...nice? The narrator of this 1932 poem thinks so! Vibrant color illustrations by Caldecott Honor Medalist Ehlert celebrate the little critters. Pre-schoolers will happily follow these mice in their nightime romp--just like the narrator.
Shiver Me Timbers! Pirate Poems and Paintings, by Douglas Florian and Robert Neubecker (illustrator) (Beach Lane Books)
Arr, Matey! It's piratical poetry! Deft word-play and silly colored-ink drawings explain why pirates wear patches, what's their least favorite food, and what the symbols on their flag really mean. Aye, this book will be a treasure for scalawags and salty dogs ages 4 - 8.
A Rock is Lively, by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long (Illustrator) (Chronicle Books)
 Rocks are also galactic, inventive, creative, and helpful. Did you know crocodiles and sea lions swallow rocks to help them dive deeper and stay steadier when swimming? From the creators of "An Egg is Quiet", "A Seed is Sleepy", and "A Butterly is Patient", comes another beautiful book for geologists, artists, and collectors ages 4 - 8.
Every Day, by David Levithan (Alfred A. Knopf for Young Readers)
This most original love story gets to the heart of identify. Every morning, 16-year-old A wakes up in the body and life of a new person. Despite being neither male nor female, and of undertmined race and ethnicity, A has a strong sense of self and tries hard not to disrupt the life of the person A will be until midnight. However, when A falls in love with Rhiannon, everything changes. A's question: could you love someone who is different every day? |
|
Inside the Book Business
Now that it's November, and Halloween is over, our minds naturally start drifting towards the upcoming holiday season. Here are some holiday happenings to keep in mind.
Friday, November 23 - Saturday, December 1: Unchain for the Holidays. Every year, The BookMark, along with independent bookstores nationwide, highlights the importance of supporting your local independent businesses. As a reminder, the Merchants of Beaches Town Center ask you to kick off your holiday gift buying season with us. To say "Thank You", you will have the chance to win gift certificates to the area stores and restaurants. The Beaches Town Center Tree Lighting is scheduled for December 1.
Saturday, November 24: Small Business Saturday. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a day is dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Last year over 100 million people participated. We'll keep you posted about these events to support your locally-owned independent businesses. We appreciate your support!
Holiday Celebrations at The BookMark. Traditionally, we invite book clubs to spend an evening with Rona and let her recommend good books to read for the upcoming new year. Rona will also talk about gifts for people on your list, and the staff will be available to give you that personalized service you deserve. If you're interested in scheduling an event in November, please contact the store and ask for Rona.
Two Publishers Plan a Merger. Some of you may have read articles in the New York Times about an impending merger of two large publsihers, Random House and Penguin. This merger would result in the largest such publisher controlling more than 25% of market share. The two houses are hoping this will make them more competitive and able to deal with changes in the industry. We'll keep you posted on this and any changes you as a reader might notice. |
|
The Post-American World, by Fareed Zakaria for November. The author explores the shifting role of the United States in the rapidly changing landscape of world affairs. The tilting balance of power has proceeded more swiftly than anyone could have anticipated, aided by the financial crisis and the surprising determination and continued growth of emerging markets overseas. Planning ahead, the group chose The Swerve for December. (Please note that the December meeting will be on Wednesday, December 5 at 7 pm. The group will discuss the book and enjoy a bit of holiday cheer.)
