 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 |
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Greetings!
Spring has officialy sprung, and we're celebrating March with some wonderful events. I can sincerely say there's been something for every taste and every age -- a children's author/illustrator (Henry Cole), bestselling mystery writers (Randy Wayne White and Harlan Coben), advice from Dr. Gary Small on how to prevent Alzheimer's, and more. Some of you even came to hear me talk about books to honor Women's History Month. And the month isn't even over yet. We're hosting Linda Greenlaw (bestselling author of Seaworthy and survivor of the "perfect Storm" tonight (Monday, March 25). She will be talking about and signing copies of her new book Lifesaving Lessons: Notes from an Accidental Mother at 7 pm.
April promises another group of authors, talking about food and Florida's heritage (Jeffrey Spear), introducing a new mystery (Andrew Gross), recounting a tale of small town Florida (Laura Smith), and giving advice, with a touch of humor, about how to recover from being dumped (Caryn Rosenthal). We're already scheduling authors into May and June, so stay tuned and check the calendar so you don't miss anything.
In addition to our author visits, there are other exciting book-related events coming up. April 23 is World Book & Rose Day, and The BookMark has celebrated this in the Catalonian fashion--buy a book, and we'll give you a rose. The same day is also the 2nd annual World Book Night. Booklovers across the country will be giving away free books to people who will hopefully be thrilled to receive them. I will repeat last year's morning by giving away books at the Mayport Ferry. A number of you will be picking up your box from The BookMark as well.
We continue to read books that we want to share with you, and the in-store book clubs are flourishing. There are a number of new books for children, and these always make perfect Easter gifts.
Every chance I get, I thank you for your support. A recent article in the Christian Science Monitor reports that independent bookstores are doing well and that the most important variable, of course, is community support. So again, thank you for yours. We are honored to be your community bookstore.
Rona |
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Upcoming Events
Linda Greenlaw, "Lifesaving Lessons: Notes from an Accidental Mother", (Viking), Monday, March 25 at 7 pm --TONIGHT!
America's only female swordfish-boat captain (and "perfect storm" survivor) returns with a straightforward account of the challenges she faced in becoming the legal guardian of a sexually abused teenager and in balancing unexpected motherhood with her reclulsive lifestyle on a tiny island off the coast of Maine. Greenlaw (the bestselling author of Seaworthy) and her community were disturbed to learn that a pedophile resided on the island, and that 15-year-old Mariah needed rescuing. Always a happy loner, Greenlaw found herself in a new role as mother. She skillfully draws parallels between life at sea and her new role as a parent.
Jeffrey Spear, "The First Coast Cookbook" (In Good Taste Press), Tuesday, April 2 at 7 pm
 This cookbook is a collection of recipes influenced by the ingredients and foodways of the indigenous Indians as well as the Spanish, French, British, and African settlers who inhabited the First Coast from 14,000 BC to 1821 (when Florida became a U.S. Territory). What may be surprising is how many of the foods we take for granted today did not exist prior to the arrival of European explorers and settlers. Ultimately, the style of cooking we enjoy as Southern cuisine now is the delicious and enduring legacy of the past. April 2 marks the 500th anniversary of the landing of Juan Ponce de Leon and the claiming of La Florida for Spain. Join us to celebrate this historic occasion, and enjoy some tasting samples from the book.
Andrew Gross, "No Way Back", (William Morrow), Thursday, April 4 at 7 pm
Early in this fevered stand-alone suspense novel from bestseller Gross (15 Seconds), Wendy Gould, a married woman with two stepchildren and literary ambitions, meets Curtis Kitchner, a handsome freelance journalist, in a Manhattan hotel bar. Against her better instincts, Wendy accompanies Curtis up to his room, where an intruder shoots Curtis dead. Wendy manages to kill the intruder in self-defense, but she goes on the run after a badge on the man's body identifies him as a Homeland Security agent. Wendy's fate becomes entwined with that of Lauritzia Velez, a pretty 24-year-old Mexican woman being hunted by vicious killers employed by drug cartel honcho Eduardo Cano as part of a vendetta against Lauritzia's father. Wendy's frantic attempts to avoid being captured or killed before she can discover a way to exonerate herself are somehow tied to the efforts to murder Lauritzia.
Laura Lee Smith, "Heart of Palm" (Grove Press), Monday, April 8 at 7 pm
 This is a debut novel set in a small, down-at-heels Florida town. Once enlivened by the trade in Palm Sunday palms and moonshine, Utina hasn't seen economic growth in decades, and no family is more emblematic of the local reality than the Bravos. Deserted by the patriarch years ago, the Bravos are held together in equal measure by love, unspoken blame, and tenuously brokered truces. Little do any of them know that Utina is about to meet the tide of development that has already engulfed the rest of Northeast Florida. When opportunity knocks, tempers ignite, secrets are unearthed, and each of the Bravos is forced to confront the tragedies of their shared past.
World Book & Rose Day, Tuesday, April 23
Every year we celebrate St. George's & World Book & Rose Day by giving a rose to anyone who buys a book. In the tradition of this Catalonian holiday, April 23 is a day to give someone you love a book -- symbolizing culture and permanence -- and a rose -- symbolozing nature and ephemerality.
Caryn Beth Rosenthal, "Dumped: A Grown-Up Guide to Getting Off Your Ass and Over Your Ex in Record Time" (Sellers Publishing), Monday, April 29 at 7 p m
A visually fun and humorous self-help book, Dumped tells you how to get on with your life. The authors know how you feel and want to help you get over your exes. You no longer have an excuse to wallow in your own self-pity and annoy the rest of the world. They've written the perfect guide for you so you can move on!
Coming in May ... Joshua Henkin (The World Without You, in paperback) ... Charles Martin (Unwritten) ... John Lescroat (The Ophelia Cut) ... David Gillham (City of Women, in paperback) ... in June ... Will Schwalbe (The End of Your Life Book Club, in paperback) ... Anton DiSchafani (The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls) ... Karen White (The Time Between) ... Steve Berry (The King's Deception.) Keep checking for more great events! |
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Recent Events
 | | Hnery Cole finds a blank sheet of paper inspiring! |
Children's author and illustrator Henry Cole enchanted a room full of teachers, children, and book lovers of all ages. His  personal story of how he went from science teacher to author/illustrator was inspiring. His self-deprecating tales of childhood were humorous. And his books were a huge hit. His latest, Unspoken, is a wordless picture book that is a tribute to his artistic talent. With one black crayon and a board covered in brown paper, Cole drew a character from his books in just over two minutes. You can see it on display in the children's section of the store.
 Not surprisingly, a mostly older crowd attended Dr. Gary Small's talk about his book, The Alzheimer's Prevention Program. What was surprising was the large number of people who braved a very stormy night to hear him speak. Perhaps this is a testament to the importance of the topic. Small assured people it is never too late to start eating well, exercising the body and the brain, and reducing stress.
Florida mystery author Randy Wayne White told fans that his latest book, Night Moves is truly one of his favorites. As always, he encouraged people to write if they have any inclination to do so--no excuses. In addition to telling tales of his work, Randy graciously  shared some of his favorite rum with everyone.
Local author Melanie Neale intriqued an audience of friends and new readers with tales of growing up on a sailboat. Adventures abounded, and on one occasion, officials boarded the boat thinking the family might be running drugs. In order to capture audiences of all ages, Neale published a young adult friendly version of Boat Girl as well.
 T.D. Allman shared what he would call the real history of Florida--his book Finding Florida--, a state that increasingly mirrors the rest of the nation. He offered evidence to debunk myths about Anna Kingsley as well as stories about Ponce de Leon. His irreverent style entertained a full room of people and sparked lively questions. To add to the excitement, a professional filmmaker recorded the event to use as part of a documentary on independent bookstores to air at a literary festival in the summer.
 This was the 11th year we've partnered with Jacksonville NOW to celebrate Women's History Month. For the fourth year, I presented some of my favorite books by and/or about women to a store full of people (including a few men!). It was a special evening filled with information, stimulating conversation, and some good book ideas.
 | | #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben finds a place to sign one of our "author boards" |
It was a dark and stormy night. Some might argue this is perfect weather for a mystery writer, and Harlan Coben's fans were not deterred by a little (actually a lot) of rain. All agreed it was worth getting a little wet. Coben began by reading the first sentence of his new book Six Years and shared plans for a movie already in the works. He also explained the three necessary traits for any writer -- inspiration, persperation, and finally, desperation. Seems he doesn't feel capable of any other job. He also extolled the virtues of independent bookstores as critical parts of any community and even suggested they make your property values go up. In the end, Harlan Coben appreciates his readers. It's not a book until you read it, he explained. For those who couldn't make the event, Coben generously signed extra copies of his new book for us.
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Staff Picks
Rona recommends ...
The Fever Tree, by Jennifer McVeigh (Amy Einhorn Books)--to be published April 4
It's fair to say this debut novel is a sweeping saga, both in terms of the landscape where it's set, and the wide-reaching implications of the characters' decisions about love and integrity. 1880's South Africa is remote and inhospitable, but for those who come to help its people, it's an exquisite location. For others, who come to exploit the diamond mines and find riches at the expense of its natives, it's a harsh and lonely place. For one woman, it's her only chance for happiness, after she's forced to leave her privileged life in London. The question that haunts this story is whether she will appreciate what South Africa has to offer, or will she fall victim to greed.
Buford recommends ...
Ghostman, by Roger Hobbs (Knopf)
This is a fast moving thriller, combining the best elements of Tarantino's Pulp Fiction the dry humor and pacing of a Raymond Chandler mystery. Jack is a fixer (think of the Wolf played by Harvey Keitel) who is "requested" by an old acquaintance/boss to find millions from a robbery gone terribly wrong. Jack soon finds himself between competing interests, both pledging to off him if he doesn't come through. This one is lots of fun, full of inside information and interesting characters that may threaten your sleep cycle.
Tere recommends ...
A Tale for the Time Being, by Ruth Ozeki (Viking)
This book has been circling around in my head since I read it. A truly original novel, it will intrigue you, challenge you, and leave you with many questions about the nature of the human condition. As implausible as it may seem, the Japanese tsunami, a Hello Kitty lunchbox, a writer with writer's block, Manga culture, a kamikaze pilot, and a Buddhist nun all come together to weave a story that is as emotionally powerful as it is masterfully written. I pondered the reader/writer relationship, moral living in an amoral world, and the magic of meaningful coincidence. A Tale for the Time Being is truly unforgettable. Just read it, then come in and rave about it with me!
Kids' Picks... Annette recommends ...
Follow, Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems, by Marilyn Singer (Dial)
This  picture book companion to MIRROR, MIRROR continues with fairy tale poems that are first read one way, then another. For instance, a poem about The Little Mermaid reads: For love,/give up your voice./ Don't think twice. Reading the same words backwards gives a different meaning: Think twice!/ Don't/ give up your voice/ for love. It will delight those who love fairy tales or wordplay, for ages 7 and up. Read, read!
Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover, by Cece Bell (Candlewick)
Rabbit can't wait for friend Robot to spend the night, so he makes a list of the fun things they'll do. Naturally, things don't go according to plan ... This humorous chapter book recently won a Theodore Seuss Giesel Honor Award for beginning readers.
The Terrible Thing that Happened to Barnaby Brocket, by John Boyn e and Olive Jeffers (Knopf)
Plainly stated, the Brockets are boring, and they're proud of it. All they desire is to live normal lives, to work normal jobs, and to have a normal, simple, ordinary family. Imagine their shame when son Barnaby enters the world, defying the laws of gravity: he floats! This warm, quirky story by the author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, with black-and-white illustrations by Jeffers, celebrates those who are different. Fans of Roald Dahl or Lemony Snicket will cheer.
The Bird King: An Artist's Notebook, by Shaun Tan (Scholastic)
Want to catch a peek into the mind of renowned storyteller Shaun Tan? Take a look at these ideas and doodles, collected from his working sketchbooks. Tan's random writings and early designs for book, film, and theater projects will inspire budding artists of all ages.
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Inside the Book Business
"The novel resurgence of independent bookstores"
This is the title of the cover story that appeared in The Christian Science Monitor recently (March 17). Buoyed by the outpouring of support for a Connecticut bookstore ravaged by superstorm Sandy, the Monitor delved deeper into how local independent bookstores are faring these days. The verdict is positive!
"The community support is by no means unique to (the Connecticut store), and it may be the secret ingredient behind a quiet resurgence of independent bookstores, which were supposed to go the way of the stone tablet -- done in first by the national chains, then Amazon, and then e-books." It seems even though a number of independent bookstores are closing each year, new ones are opening, some established ones are expanding, and sales overall are rising.
These trends can be attributed to a number of factors:
Large chains are closing. Borders has disappeared completely, and Barnes & Noble plans on closing stores over the next 10 years. Publishers value independent bookstores for selling print books.
The buy-local movement has grown in the past five years and has affected all small businesses. Here in the Beaches Town Center we highlight the importance of shopping at locally owned independent businesses. We "Celebrate Our Independents" during the July 4th week and invite customers to "Unchain for the Holidays" beginning after Thanksgiving. The back of The BookMark's bookmark notes "For every $100 spent in an independent business, $73 stays in the community, compared to only $43 for a national chain. None of the money spent online stays in the community."
Technology and the use of social media and emails allows small stores to stay in touch with customers. And here you are reading this email....
The rise in e-book sales has slowed, and some people have even switched back to paper from digital.
In the end, it's community support that sustains independent bookstores everywhere. As always, we appreciate yours and hope we can continue to be "Your Independent Bookstore by the Sea." |
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Book Club Discussions
Book Club Notes
 The morning fiction book club met in February to discuss My Brilliant Friend. Opinions were mixed, which often leads to a really good discussion. One person in particular adored the book, including the story, the characters, the setting (Italy), and the writing. Others who liked it were less enthusiastic, and a number couldn't relate to the characters. There was some agreement that the issues of two teenage girls growing up in a poor neighborhood in Naples were universal, and that many of the same things would happen anywhere. After the discussion, several members developed a greater interest in the book. This is the first in a planned trilogy, so we can find out what happens to the characters.
The evening fiction group had a large turnout for the discussion of The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes. The issues that stood out for many readers included the elusive, subjective nature of memory, our ability to deal with (or supress) feelings of both pain and joy, and how discreet events and experiences gradually accumulate over time to make a picture that we look at as "our life". Most members agreed that the main character was not particularily "loveable", but felt that we all can fall prey to some of his tendencies, perhaps without even knowing it. These 163 pages generated a fascinating discussion!
The evening non-fictiion book club discussed An Anatomy of Addiction:  Sigmund Freud, William Halsted, and the Miracle Drug Cocaine by Howard Markel in February. It traces the careers of two brilliant young doctors--Sigmund Freud, neurologist, and William Halsted, surgeon--showing how their powerful addictions to cocaine shaped their enormous contributions to psychology and medicine. The group agreed this was a story of medicine, two men, and addiction to drugs. It was important to not impose today's views of addiction on these two men and to keep things in historical perspective. While some members had trouble seeing the stories of these two men as connected, others found the book compelling. On a scale of 1-5, the group gave it a 4 and agreed it's a book they'd recommend.
The group read The Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming by Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway in March. It resulted in a very interesting and animated discussion, ranging from questions of when did science have enough evidence to justify public action, to the ethics of those willing to sell their scientific reputations to the highest bidder. Many felt that the book was too academic and difficult to follow (rating a 2 out of 5 in readability) while the content was worth knowing (a 4 out of 5) and the discussion interestintg and stimulating (approaching 5 out of 5). Not for everyone, the book is important for those interested in knowing more about the politics and economics of those paid to sow seeds of doubt about the science associated with some of the most important health and environmental issues of the last half century.
Future Book Club Selections
 The morning fiction group chose Reunion at Red Paint Bay, by George Harrar (Other Press). Red Paint calls itself "the friendliest town in Maine." Native son Simon Howe is a sturdy family man and owner-editor of the town's newspaper. Because there's rarely any real news, he runs stories about Virgin Mary sightings, high school reunions, and petty criminals. One day Simon's predictable life is disrupted by the arrival of an anonymous postcard. Soon, secrets from his past are uncovered, escalating towarad a tense and unexpected climax. This promises to be more than a mystery, but also an exploration of guilt, denial, and moral absolutism.
The evening fiction book club chose Pulitzer Prize winning author Richard Ford's Canada. When fifteen-year-old Del Parsons' parents rob a North Dakota bank, his normal life is altered forever. His parents' imprisonment threatens an uncertain future for Del and his twin sister. Undone by the calamity of his parents' robbery, Del struggles to remake himself. But his search for grace only moves him nearer to a harrowing and murderous collision with the forces of darkenss that shadow us all.
The fiction groups meet on the last Wednesday of each month. The next meetings are Wednesday, March 27 at 10:30 am and 7 pm.
The non-fiction book club chose The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside  Story of America's War in Afghanistan, by Michael Hastings (Plume). Hastings picks up where his Rolling Stone article about General Stanley McChrystal (commanding general of international and U.S. forces in Afghanistan) left off. From patrol missions in the Afghan hinterlands to senior military advisers' late-night bull sessions to hotel bars where spies and expensive hookers participate in nation-building, Hastings presents a shocking behind-the-scenes portrait of what he fears is an unwinnable war.
The non-ficition book club meets each month on the second Wednesday. Their next meeting is Wednesday, April 10 at 7 pm.
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Unable to attend any of these events? Call us at 241-9026 and we will reserve a copy for you.
Did you know...For every $100 spent in an independent business, $73 stays in the community, compared to only $43 for a national chain. None of the money spent online stays in the community. Shopping locally makes good sense for you and good cents for your local economy. |
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