Rainy Day Books, Inc.


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Rainy Day Books
Rainy Day Books is located in
The Fairway Shops
2706 W 53rd Street
Fairway, Kansas 66205-1705
Phone: 913-384-3126

Store Hours:
Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri 10 to 6 and Saturdays 10 to 5
Sundays we are Home with our families and friends when we read and rest!

In This Newsletter
BEST OF 2012 LISTS? Our is huge!
Girls Night Out with Jojo Moyes!
Rilla Askew presents her novel Kind of Kin
Book Club Evening featuring Karen Thompson Walker
Whole Foods CEO John Mackey presents Conscious Capitalism
World Book Night wants YOU to help us give away 1 MILLION BOOKS
SAVE THE DATE: 2013 Author Events!
SAVE THE DATE!

Our 2013 Author Events Calendar is just starting to shape up!

 

Jojo Moyes, Tuesday, January 15

 

Rilla Askew, Tuesday, January 22

 

Karen Thompson Walker, Wednesday, January 30

 

John Mackey, Thursday, January 31

 

Bobby Deen, Monday, February 11

 

Susan Cain, Tuesday, February 12

 

Ernest Freeberg, Tuesday, March 12

 

Richard Ford, Thursday, March 14

 

Jenny Lawson, AKA, The Bloggess, Thursday, March 21

 

Anne Lamott, in the First Week of April.  The Date will be announced.

 

Cheryl Strayed, Tuesday, April 23

 

Michael Pollan, Friday, May 10

 

Rick Atkinson, Monday, May 20

 

Jennie Fields, Thursday, June 6

Volume 616                     January 2, 2013

Greetings! , 

 

We wish you and your Family a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year 2013!  We are thankful for all of our faithful and loyal Customers and Community.

 

We have much to be grateful for and Life is Good and just keeps getting Better!  We have a saying, "Bigger isn't Better; Better is Better."  Let's all help to make 2013 our Best Year yet. 

 

With our appreciation and dedication,

 

Vivien & Roger

 

BEST OF 2012 LISTS?  Ours is huge!

2012 was a magnificent year for Book Lovers.  Throughout the Year we've sold many great Books, and the following Titles were especially delightful to discover and share with our Customers. 

 

Favorite novels of the Year:

 

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce 

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If there's a common theme to Books we love, it's getting lost in them.  Harold Fry takes us on a surprisingly magnificent adventure when he decides to visit an ailing friend.

 

Leon and Louise by Alex Capus 

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Originally a Bestseller in France, this Paperback original captivated us with a story of two lovers separated by war and reunited by happenstance.

 

John Saturnall's Feast by Lawrence Norfolk 

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While Hilary Mantel grabbed headlines with her Booker Prize Winning novel Bring Up The Bodies, Lawrence Norfolk delivered a tantalizingly rich historical story about a young orphan, a 17th century manor house kitchen, and the road to love through great food.

 

Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman 

Light Between Oceans  

A profound and gripping tale of a childless couple, a baby adrift at sea, and the choices we make to keep ourselves strong in an unforgiving world.

 

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton 

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We had a lot of debate about whether this belonged in mystery, because the surprise ending adds such a twist!

 

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple 

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Our favorite handsell for anyone who's overloaded, overscheduled, or overwhelmed.  Where'd You Go Bernadette is a Book we can all relate to, and the laugh-out-loud moments make the lessons inside all the more bittersweet. 

 

The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields 

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One of Vivien's most popular recommendations, made even more popular when we learned that the letters behind the Book's inspiration were discovered in an attic just a few blocks from the Bookstore!

 

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter 

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Richard Russo said it best: "Why mince words?  Beautiful Ruins is an absolute masterpiece."

 

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain 

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This made a lot of Year End Lists, and it's on ours because it proved to be a pitch-perfect satire of modern war.  Inspired by an actual Super Bowl moment, and apparently, truth is stranger than fiction because this year's Half-Time Show will feature Beyonce.

 

The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson 

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A Pandora's box of a novel, revealing the inside world of North Korea.  From the prisons that don't exist to the fairy-tale lives of the high command, this Book is masterfully written. 

 

A Good American by Alex George 

A Good American 

Still a staff favorite for so many reasons: the Midwestern setting, the highs and lows of three generations across the 20th century, and especially the blend of music and food into a narrative about finding a new place to call Home.

 

American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar 

American Dervish 

An amazing debut opening our eyes into the lives of American Muslims.  Set in the doldrums of suburbia and challenged by the temptations of consumerism and mass media, this coming-of-age story reveals the struggle of a young boy between his faith and his adopted country. 

 

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty 

Chaperone 

A lively novel about Kansas native and actress Louise Brooks, richly told and well-researched by Kansas native Laura Moriarty.

 

The Art Forger by B.A.  Shapiro 

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A many layered Literary Thriller about love, betrayal, and authenticity.  The story of an artist who becomes caught up in one of the most dazzling unsolved mysteries in the art world.

    

 

Favorite Thrillers / Suspense / Mystery:

 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

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If you've read it, you know why it's here.  If you haven't, all you need to know is that Gillian Flynn is the high priestess of the modern prairie gothic.  So twisty and surprising we can't tell you anything other than, don't start it late at night. 

 

Prague Fatale by Philip Kerr 

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From the opening assignment, Bernie Gunther has a most difficult task: find a murderer in a houseful of murderers.  A taut, perilous police procedural where the detective is German, the setting is World War II, and the suspects are all high-ranking Nazi officers.

 

Wanted Man by Lee Child 

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We LOVED the latest Jack Reacher adventure, and so did many of you.  We especially liked the third act, which takes place in and around Kansas City!

 

The 500 by Matthew Quirk 

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For anyone who's ever thought that Washington was more than just a power play, it's all a giant con game.  This fast-paced legal / political thriller was a big hit.

 

Growing Up Dead in Texas by Stephen Graham Jones 

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25 years ago, someone set fire to the cotton fields in Stephen's West Texas Hometown.  Now Stephen is heading back, sifting the ashes of his childhood and finding a white-hot mystery.

 

The Yard by Alex Grecian  

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If you're longing for a great Historical Mystery like Sherlock Holmes, we've found it in The Yard.  Atmospheric and stimulating, we're eagerly awaiting the next adventure!

 

The Inquisitor by Mark Allen Smith 

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A gritty and gripping thriller about a professional: a man who specializes in getting information from those unwilling to surrender it. 

 

The Spy Who Jumped Off the Screen by Thomas Caplan 

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What if one of the world's most high-profile actors was also a spy?  This one had us hooked from the first chapter, and we wouldn't be surprised to see this made into a Movie!

 

Angelmaker by Nick Harkaway 

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Part spy thriller, part homage to cold war fanaticism, and part delightful English romp, Angelmaker is inventive and addictive. 

 

 

Favorite Science Fiction / Fantasy: 

 

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller 

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A moving story about a post-apocalyptic world and one bush pilot's daily search for the remnants of humanity.

 

Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan 

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Something peculiar is going on at this Bookstore, and it might just involve the intersection of two powerful worlds: the realm of technology and the kingdom of Books. 

 

 

The Rook by Daniel O'Malley 

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There are strange forces at work, and one young woman has just discovered that she's one of the good guys, but who are the bad guys?  Filled with witty dialogue and sharp action. 

 

Redshirts by John Scalzi 

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From a gifted writer of science fiction comes this perfectly crafted ode to that most under-appreciated member of the space adventure: the lowly crewman.  Yet, this is no ordinary spaceship, and the legends have yet to be written.

 

Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson 

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When a Middle Eastern hacker crosses paths with state security and a long lost Book of the Djinn, the result is the stuff of pure fantasy.

 

 

Favorite Non-Fiction / Biography:

 

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed 

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A Book about a long walk, filled with inspiring messages about who we are, where we come from, what we're made of and where we're headed.  

 

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan 

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Written like a first-rate medical thriller, only the author is the victim.  A terrifying narrative of her descent into a medical mystery that baffled the experts until it nearly killed her. 

 

Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America's Most Perilous Year by David Von Drehle 

Rise To Greatness  

A monumental Book, meticulously researched and told with a strong narrative voice.  A close look at one of the most important periods in American history, starring the most iconic figure.

 

Crossing the Borders of Time: A True Love Story of War, Exile, and Love Reclaimed by Leslie Maitland 

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A true story of long lost love, separated by continents and war and reunited through the determination and journalistic talents of the Author.

 

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg 

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Still the most talked-about nonfiction book at our store in 2012, it's certain to be even more popular now that the time has come for New Year's resolutions!

 

Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Eduction of Two Society Girls in the West by Dorothy Wickenden 

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When two society women in 1916 New York decide to head out West to become Teachers, the result is a tale for the generations to tell.  You really can be whatever you set your mind to.

   

 

Favorite Books for Young Readers:

 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

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The Book of the Year!  Hands down.

 

Grave Mercy by Robin Lafevers 

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Our favorite historical adventure for young adults, a blend of romance, intrigue, and rich atmosphere. 

 

Crewel by Gennifer Albin 

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A stellar debut Novel, beloved by our entire Staff, young and old alike.  The start of a fantasy epic where reality and romance play equally strong roles.

 

Wonder by R.J. Palacio 

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A moving and uplifting debut Novel about a young boy whose face hides an unquenchable spirit for life.  Highly recommended for middle schoolers struggling with peer pressure.

 

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage 

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This quirky and original debut Novel kept us laughing to the very end.  A very Southern mystery, a young girl, and a town full of curious characters that might hold the key to something big!

 

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate 

 

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Ivan is a gorilla living in a sideshow, but his life is about to change when he meets a new arrival Ruby, a baby elephant.  Much to love about this story about the bonds of friendship and the souls of animals of all kinds.

 

Nightsong by Ari Berk 

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Loren Long's illustrations are the stuff of legend (Otis the Tractor, anyone?).  Here with this marvelous story from Ari Berk; a tale of a young bat venturing out into the world is sure to capture the heart of readers of all ages.

 

OUR NEXT EVENT:  GIRLS' NIGHT OUT with Jojo Moyes, presenting her New Novel Me Before You

Jojo Moyes  

Jojo Moyes, author of the Bestseller The Last Letter from Your Lover, will appear In Conversation for her New Novel Me Before You on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

 

Jojo Moyes will discuss her Books and answer questions In Conversation with Vivien Jennings, Founder & President of Rainy Day Books.

 

This Event is a Girls' Night Out!  We'll have great Giveaways and Prizes as we start our New Year of Author Events off with a lively discussion.

 

Read full Author Event details on our Website. 

Tuesday, January 22:  Rilla Askew presents her New Novel Kind of Kin

Rilla Askew 

Rilla Askew, Oklahoma native and author, will present her New Novel Kind of Kin on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 7:00 PM. 

 

Read full Author Event details on our Website. 

Wednesday, January 30:  BOOK CLUB EVENING featuring Karen Thompson Walker, presenting her Bestselling Novel The Age of Miracles

Karen Walker 

BOOK CLUB EVENING: Karen Thompson Walker, author of the Bestseller The Age of Miracles, will appear on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 7:00 PM. 

 

Vivien Jennings, Founder & President of Rainy Day Books will give a Special Presentation of Recommended Reading for Book Clubs prior to the start of this Event.

 

Read full Author Event details on our Website. 

Thursday, January 31:  John Mackey will present his New Book Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business

John Mackey 

John Mackey, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market and author of his New Book Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business, will appear on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 7:00 PM. 

 

Read full Author Event details on our Website. 

Give the gift of reading to someone new! Sign up NOW for World Book Night 2013!

 

WORLD BOOK NIGHT 2013 INVITES YOU!

Join our global initiative to give books to those in need of something great to read!

At no cost to you, share one of these magical titles with your chosen few!

 

WBN 2013  

 

Apply now to be a World Book Night giver!  Be part of this great campaign to give free Books to light and non-readers on April 23, 2013. 

 

Learn more at www.us.WorldBookNight.org

2013 AUTHOR EVENTS:  Save the Date!  Full Author Event details are coming soon!

 

Bobby Deen, Food Network star, will appear for his new Cookbook From Momma's Table to Mine on Monday, February 11, 2013.

 

Susan Cain, author of The New York Times Bestseller, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, will appear on Tuesday, February 12, 2013.

 

Ernest Freeberg, author of his new Book The Age of Edison: Electric Light and the Invention of Modern America, will appear on Tuesday, March 12, 2013.

 

Richard Ford, author of The New York Times Bestseller Canada, will appear on Thursday March 14, 2013.

 

Jenny Lawson, AKA, The Bloggess, author of The New York Times Bestseller Let's Pretend This Never Happened, will appear on Thursday, March 21, 2013.

 

Anne Lamott, author of The New York Times Bestsellers Traveling Mercies and Help, Thanks, Wow, will appear for her newest Book Some Assembly Required: A Journey of My Son's First Son.  This Event will take place the first Week of April, at a Date & Time to be announced.

 

Cheryl Strayed, author of The New York Times Bestseller Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, will appear on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.

 

Michael Pollan, author of The New York Times Bestseller The Omnivore's Dilemma and the new Book Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation, will apear on Friday, May 10, 2013.

 

Rick Atkinson, author of The New York Times Bestsellers An Army at Dawn and The Day of Battle returns with his highly-anticipated final chapter in The Liberation Trilogy: The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945 on Monday, May 20, 2013.

 

Jennie Fields, author of The New York Times Bestseller The Age of Desire, will appear on Thursday, June 6, 2013.

 

There will be many more Author Event Updates to come!  Watch & Read our Weekly E-mail Newsletters!

Thank You for supporting Your Community Bookseller, Rainy Day Books!

Since 1975, we have pursued our Legacy of Literacy: 38 years of helping match readers to great books, bringing famous and soon-to-be-famous names to Kansas City, and enjoying the excitement of sharing so many experiences.

 

Take the time to tell someone new about Rainy Day Books.  Each book that you purchase at Rainy Day Books makes Rainy Day Books a place authors ask to visit, a vibrant part of Kansas City's arts community, and a bookstore where people love books enough to talk about them all day long.  Please encourage your fellow readers to sign up for this E-Newsletter.  We have an exciting schedule of upcoming Author Events, and this is the first place to hear about them!  We also take Orders for Author Autographed Books, so your friends far and wide can share in the experience.

 

Rainy Day Books is located in The Fairway Shops, at the intersection of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Belinder Road.  Our address is 2706 W 53rd Street, Fairway, Kansas (KS) 66205.

 

Get directions to Rainy Day Books and our Event venues by clicking here. 

 

Store Hours:  Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri 10 AM to 6 PM, Sat 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays we read, rest and enjoy our families and friends.

 

When you shop at Rainy Day Books you're a part of our Legacy of Literacy for Kansas City.  We provide full service, knowledgeable recommendations and priceless Author Event experiences, all at a fair price.  To our customers, 

thank you for your support. 

 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Vivien Jennings & Roger Doeren  


Vivien, Roger, and all of your friends at Rainy Day Books