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Adult News - Summer Non-Fiction

What is a summer read? Most people would say a thriller or mystery, others would say historical fiction; all would agree to a book you can't put down. With all the great fiction choices we're presented with each summer, sometimes non-fiction books can get lost in the shuffle. 

Here is a list of non-fiction books our staff is buzzing about. For me, there is nothing like a true story to keep me glued in my beach chair until after Labor Day.
- Andrew, Adult Book Buyer

by Amy Schumer
Our current comedienne "It girl" has given us a hilarious memoir of her journey to the top of the entertainment world. Learn how Amy made it in stand-up comedy, a business dominated by men, by sticking to her own style and character.
 
Patient H.M. by Luke Dittrich
In one of the great medical tales of our century, Luke Dittrich delves into the controversial surgeries his grandfather performed at Yale that left a 25 year old epileptic unable to form new memories. Like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this book represents the best of memoir, science, and hubris gone unchecked. 
 
The Fifty Year Mission by Edward Gross 
and Mark A. Altman
This is THE Star Trek book.  A true oral history and collection of direct quotes from all the most important players in this longstanding TV/movie franchise, The Fifty Year Mission is a cool, unique treasure. The authors have been covering Star Trek for 30 years and it shows.
 
Adnan's Story by Rabia Chaudry
If you were as obsessed with the first season of the Serial podcast as the rest of the country was, you'll want to pick up this book.  Rabia Chaudry, one of Adnan Syed's staunchest supporters, delves deeper into the case than any text has before in an effort to secure his release.
 
American Heiress by Jeffrey Toobin
Everyone who knows the story of Patty Hearst has an opinion. Kidnapped? Brainwashed? Complicit? Responsible? Let Jeffrey Toobin, one of the world's great news storytellers, paint you a complete picture.
 
Be sure to browse our popular Staff Suggestions

now with updated suggestions!
Results for quiz include a coupon code for
10% off your recommendations!
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Kids and Young Adult News

My granddaughter threads her feet through my legs and snuggles into my lap; at a year and a half she has already figured out that reading a book is a pleasure you should immerse yourself in, body and soul. 

When customers say they just need a little board book for a newborn, I mention that the first 6 months of a baby's life is spent listening. When you read any picture book that you love, they may not follow the story line yet, but they will hear the rhymes and rhythm, and the joy. 

Young readers who like to come back to their old favorites are often labeled "reluctant readers" and discouraged from reading those favorites because they are "too old" for them. 

But is the child who has read all the Diary of A Wimpy Kid books, and anxiously awaits the 11th (coming November 1st), really a reluctant reader? Any well-written book offers the reader insight and wonder. 

Reading some challenging books over the summer can keep children from the summer slide, but a few books that are considered easy can go a long way towards preserving the joy we all started with, on someone's lap, years ago.  - Jamie, Kids and YA Book Buyer

Here are some books to be discovered and added to that "old favorites" pile: 

Crazy Hair by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean
From one of the most versatile and creative authors of our time, this book has rhymes and brilliant illustrations.

Still a Gorilla by Kim Norman and Chad Geran

Brand new and fun with eye-catching animal babies.


 

Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama

Repetition and beautiful illustrations, with a message for children as they get older.


The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt 

and Oliver Jeffers

Seeing someone else's perspective is always 

a good idea.


The Storyteller by Evan Turk

Let your child immerse themselves
into a new culture without committing to 
a long read.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Shelved in 8-12 years, this book is a classic in the making, already enjoyed by many adults.


 

The Pushcart War by Jan Merrill

A classic story of the little guy fighting back against political and cultural bullies.

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 Summer Reading Olympics Challenge 
Podium Ceremony


 

Did you Go for the Gold in our 

Join us at our Podium Ceremony this
 
To reward your child's great reading this summer, 
we're having a party with refreshments and prizes!  

Plus, one lucky attendee will win a ticket to a 
surprise author event in the Fall!

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Exciting Events
 
 
Adult Event Highlights
Dog Days at R.J. with Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter Sun 8/28 from 12- 2pm
Goodspeed Musicals presents an exclusive 
preview of Chasing Rainbows Tues 9/6 at 7pm
Stephen Metcalfe, The Practical Navigator
Wed 9/7 at 7pm
Thurs 9/8 at 12pm

Kids Event Highlights
Podium Ceremony Fri 8/26, 4pm
Thurs 9/1 at 10:30am

View our entire calendar of upcoming events here.
giftsN

From unique laundry bags, recycled dictionary page wall art and lap desks, to notebooks, pens and calendars, we have everything your student could need to go back to school! Featured below are just a few fun and colorful back to school tools we have ready to fill backpacks and desktops!


Not sure what to pick? A
is always a great gift
!
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Book Club News

Our Book Clubs are currently reading: 

Award Winners
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
 
Classics
Nana by Emile Zola

Debut Author
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren 
 
Hot Off the Press
Barkskins by Annie Proulx
 
Men-Only Book Club
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
 
R.J. Readers
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

Whodunit
Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris

Join us for a Book Club Soiree with R.J. store owner Roxanne Coady and Penguin Random House sales representative Michael Kindness on Thursday September 22, at 7pmMeet with other local Book Clubs for mingling, food, raffles and giveaways; not to mention book recommendations from Roxanne and Michael!

For more information about joining one of our book clubs or to register your book club with R.J. Julia, click here. All registered book clubs receive 20% off hardcover orders and 15% off paperback orders of 5 or more copies!
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Are you saving with your Booklover's membership yet?  
You have a passion for books and we think that should be rewarded! Join our Booklover's Loyalty Program for great savings year round:
  • 10% savings on every book
  • Two 20%-off storewide sales per year
  • Email Bulletins with exclusive discounts on in-demand books
The annual membership is $25.00 and the day you sign up you'll receive 15% off your book purchase.

Click here to join now or ask about the program next time you're in the store!
Thank you for supporting your local independent bookstore!

R.J. Julia Booksellers | (800) 74-READS | rjjulia.com 

Store Hours:
Sunday  10:00am - 6:00pm     
Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 8:00pm