The Bookies Newsletter
The Bookies Monthly Newsletter
July 2015
 
Relax with Summer Reading
It's officially summer and there's no better way to relax than with a good book. Whether you're spending summer at the beach or the park, in your yard or under an air conditioner, all you need is a cool drink and a good book. Check out our paperback round-up for favorite reads that have recently come out in paper. For our youngest readers, Ryan, our storyteller extraordinaire, lets us know which books have been the biggest hits at Tuesday's preschool storytime, complete with our unique pretzel rating system. And, don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of the newsletter, where you'll find our pick of the new July publications.

Now in Paperback! 
Beach book Lighter in the luggage and in the hand, a good paperback makes the perfect summer companion. Sadly, libraries frown upon on sunscreen stains and sand in the bindings, so summer is definitely a time when it's best to invest in your own books. Here are some of the latest releases of novels that we have loved in hardback - out in paperback, just in time for vacation!

Wishing this was you? We sure are! Well, wishing it was us...

Photo thanks to marcolm from freedigitalphotos.net



The Invention of Wings The Invention of Wings
by Sue Monk Kidd
From the celebrated author of The Secret Life of Bees, this masterpiece follows the lives and complex relationship between two women in early nineteenth century Charleston, SC - one privileged, but ambitious beyond the limits imposed on women, and the other, her slave. A Bookies favorite.

The Last Kind Words Saloon
The Last Kind Words Saloon
Larry McMurtry
A chronicle of the closing of the American frontier through the story of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. McMurtry traces the legendary friendship from the settlement of Long Grass, Texas, to Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in Denver, and finally to Tombstone, Arizona, as they live out the last days of a cowboy lifestyle that is already passing into history.

We Are Not Ourselves We are Not Ourselves
Matthew Thomas
The highly anticipated paperback of this very successful debut novel. The story follows the impact of ambition and Alzheimer's on a family as they try desperately to hold their life together, and to preserve, against long odds, an idea they have cherished of the future.

Nora Webster Nora Webster
Colm T�ib�n
Set in Wexford, Ireland, Colm T�ib�n's magnificent seventh novel introduces the formidable, memorable, and deeply moving Nora Webster. Widowed with four children and not enough money, Nora has lost the love of her life, Maurice, the man who rescued her from the stifling world to which she was born. And now she fears she may be sucked back into it.

Neverhome Neverhome
Laird Hunt
A farmer's faithful wife leaves her husband to don the uniform of a Union soldier in the Civil War. Through bloodshed, hysteria and heartbreak, Ash Thompson becomes a hero, a folk legend, a madwoman and a traitor to the American cause. But why did Ash leave and her husband stay? Why can she not return? What will she have to go through to make it back home?

Lisette's List Lisette's List
Susan Vreeland
A young Parisian woman must move to Provence during WWII to take care of her husband's ailing grandfather, and discovers that despite the horrors of war, the paintings of C�zanne, Pissarro, Chagall and Picasso bring a fresh perspective and breathe new life into her, and allow her once again to experience love. 

Everything I Never Told You Everything I Never Told You
Celeste Ng

Wonderful debut novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee and her parents are determined she will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue. When Lydia's body is found in the local lake, the family is forced to confront long-kept secrets that are slowly pulling them apart.

  

And a few for younger readers... 

  

Princess in Training Princess in Training
By Tammi Sauer, Joe Berger
Princess Viola is great at skateboarding and karate-chopping, but she's lousy at the royal wave, walk, and waltz. The king and queen are not pleased. What's a princess to do? Attend the skill-polishing Camp Princess, of course. In the end, it's a good thing Viola is made of tougher stuff. Who else will save the day when the green dragon comes along? Fun for ages 4-7.

The Year of Billy Miller The Year of Billy Miller
by Kevin Henkes
When Billy Miller has a mishap at the statue of the Jolly Green Giant at the end of summer vacation, he ends up with a big lump on his head. What a way to start second grade, with a lump on your head As the year goes by, though, Billy figures out how to navigate elementary school, how to appreciate his little sister, and how to be a more grown up and responsible member of the family and a help to his busy working mom and stay-at-home dad. A laugh-out-loud read for ages 8-12.

A Grimm Warning A Grimm Warning
Chris Colfer
The third in The Land of Stories series. When all signs point to disaster for the Land of Stories, twins Conner and Alex Bailey must join forces with their friends and enemies to save the day. But nothing can prepare them for the coming battle...or for the secret that will change their lives forever. A popular series for readers aged 9-12.

All these are on our shelves now! If you find they are out of stock when you want them, we will gladly reorder.

The Glory of Games
Games

Think games are for long, cold winter nights? Well, we're not denying that, but they're also wonderful for whiling away summer days. And some are also great for passing the time on long vacation journeys. Here are a few that we recommend for in-car/train/plane entertainment.

Bellz A brand new and deceptively simple magnetic game that's a lot more challenging than it looks! Bellz is ideal for travel, because the container opens up to become a small, neat game 'arena'. We've been playing this one behind the counter, and it's a lot of fun! Age 6 and up.



Spot It Splash Spot It is a hugely popular 'spot the difference' card game. Very little space is required to play, making it great for travel. This edition is perfect for vacations, because the cards and their storage bag are waterproof, so you can even play on the beach. Age 7 and up.


Another new game, Attila comes with its own very small play board. This is a game of strategy where you must try and trap your opponent on the battlefield. Age 7 and up.




Classics like Bop It just keep getting better! Play on your own or against others. It's a lot of fun in a relatively small package. This game is noisy, though, so keep it off the plane for the sake of your fellow passengers.  Age 8 and up.



These are a few possibilities - come and browse our game section for many more!

Ryan Recommends: Preschool Storytime Treasures!
 
                        
                        1 pretzel = good for a giggle
                    2 pretzels = fun for family and friends
             3 pretzels = worth sitting still for
        4 pretzels = wiggle-proof and "wow" worthy
  5 pretzels = proudly perfect for parents and preschoolers!

There's a Lion in My Cornflakes
by Michelle Robinson, Jim Field 
 
There's a LIon in My Cornflakes Everyone enjoys hunting down the prize in their favorite cereal, or collecting coupons to send in for something amazing, but I know I'd have worked a lot harder if it meant having a lion of my very own! This book captures that desperate need to obtain the trendy toy, with a fun twist. Told in a nontraditional manner, and filled with fantastic artwork, this book is a true treat for adults and kids alike!



I Wish You More From the amazing team that brought us Duck! Rabbit! and The OK Book comes a short and sweet book with all the wonderful things you wish for kids of any age. Perfect for any occasion, this book's hopeful message reminds me of wonderful titles like Robert Munsch's Love You Forever, Dr. Seuss' Oh the Places You'll Go and Going Places by Peter Reynolds.

It's Only Stanley
by Jon Agee 

It's only Stanley Join the family in their confusion and frustration as they are woken up time and again by the family dog who seems dead set on fixing things around the house. You'll laugh at the heart-warming ending when you discover his true intentions. Perfect for any little boy or girl who likes dogs, fixing stuff or just a good "tail".





Bulldozer's Big Day Wish your little construction/vehicle fan a happy birthday with this cute story. As Bulldozer goes through his daily routine, you can't help but hope that the cute little guy will get the celebration he deserves for all his hard work.



Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes Funny and bizarre only begin to describe this story. Too much text for most toddlers, this is a great choice for kids who are a little older and can enjoy the puns.




Duck's Vacation

Duck's Vacation Interactive, hilarious and ridiculous, this book has everything you need for a great summer storytime! As Duck tries to relax on his perfect vacation, you'll fall in love with the fun antics that befall him on each turn of the page. Just be warned, because Duck knows it is all down to whoever is turning the page...aka YOU!




Tad and Dad
by David Ezra Stein 

Tad and Dad Celebrate Dad even after Father's Day has passed with an adorable tale of a frog who only wants to be like his dad. Dad will relate to the accomplishments and annoyances that come from spending time with his biggest fan.





I Will Take a Nap
by Mo Willems 

I Will Take a Nap! The latest from Elephant and Piggie! Gerald's best buddy Piggie won't let him catch enough z's to stop being "tired and cranky," ...or is Gerald already asleep? Join Mo Willems' favorite pachyderm and pig pals for their adventure into dreamland where we learn about the importance of sleep!





And finally - here's one for older kids (ages 6-106):
The Last Resort
by J Patrick Lewis 

The Last Resort If you've ever had writer's block, or gone to the creativity well only to find it bone dry, this book will inspire and educate you at the same time. When the writer needs a new muse, he packs up the car and takes a trip to a resort far off the beaten path, where he meets some amazingly out-there characters who can't help but give him all sorts of ideas. Patrick Lewis continues his tradition of unconventional stories while adding some history and fantasy to engage you, but if that doesn't suck you in, I have no doubt you will fall head-over-heels for the brilliant illustrations. Make sure to pay attention to whom the writer meets in this book, and then check out the final pages for bios on the real life people who inspired him!

All these are on our shelves now! If you find they are out of stock when you want them, we will gladly reorder. 

They're Almost Here... 
Go Set a Watchman One of the most anticipated books in publishing history will finally arrive on our shelves in July. Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman will go on sale on July 14th. We've been taking pre-orders for the last couple of months and it's no exaggeration to say that this one is going to be big! We anticipate that our shelf copies will sell fast, so if you want to be sure of getting your hands on one, it's not too late to pre-order by phone, (303) 759-1117, or on our website.



What Pet Should I Get? Dr. Seuss fans have to wait a bit longer for their new read - What Pet Should I Get? is not due out until 28 July. Again, if you want to ensure you get a copy as soon as possible, please pre-order by phone, (303) 759-1117, or on our website.



   

What We Were Up To in June...
Wine books
Some of us believe books and wine were meant to be together. Imagine our joy when we saw our new wine glass - big enough to hold a whole bottle! Not that we would ever...or would we? For more modest portions, our collapsible wine glass means you will always be ready for a drink. And if you want to know more about your libations, The Little Black Book of Wine is definitely pocket-sized. Or, for more fun, The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert by Richard Betts is a board book for adults - complete with delicious smells on every page!

Teaching: The Sacred Art Teaching: The Sacred Art - The Joy of Opening Hearts and Minds by Jane E. Vennard has aroused the interest of some of our former teachers. This is a very special book for teachers (to be read with wine over summer perhaps?) For some, teaching is a spiritual call. As you develop as a person, you develop as a teacher and it is all a spiritual pilgrimage.

   

 

 

 

 

Juan Felipe Herrera Congratulations to Juan Felipe Herrera, our new Poet Laureate. He is the first Latino poet to hold the position. A lifelong poetry lover and prolific writer, Herrera will take over the position from current holder, Charles Wright, in the fall.
 

Camp notes Sending the kids off to camp this year? Worried you may never hear from them again? These cute notes are pre-printed with essential information, so all your child needs to do is fill in a few adjectives about the fun and then pop the note in an envelope. Surely they can manage that...


Boogie Board We love the spontaneous messages we find on our display Boogie Board at the front counter. Keep them coming!


 






Would You Like to Be a Bookie?
We're hoping to add to our team and have some part-time bookselling and receiving positions available. If you would like to join us, please check our website for more information. 


Sue Lubeck
Storytime!

Join us each Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. for Preschool Storytime. We choose awesome picture books to share with our young readers!


Coming Out This Month - Our July Joys!



by Jacqueline Kelly
$16.99, Henry Holt & Co
Fiction, ages 9 to 12 

 

Delightful book set in Texas in the 1900s, following the further adventures of Calpurnia of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. The world of science is closed to girls but Calpurnia and her friends are given chances to see the future. A great look at a specific time in history and a great girl empowerment book. This is not so much a series as a continuation of a story of a girl and a time in our culture. These books are inspirational and historical. Great read for ages 9 - 12. Coming out in early July.  


Review by Larry 


In The Unlikely EventIn The Unlikely Event

By Judy Blume 

$27.95, Knopf

Fiction, Adult 

 

Judy Blume's first novel for adults in over 15 years, this story is based on the reality of three plane wrecks in the late fifties and early sixties, all associated with Newark airport. Blume uses the wrecks to take the reader to a period of American life that she brings to life. I felt like I was back in my boyhood days during the entire read. The readers will live the hopes, embarrassments and minor victories through the life of one high school girl, as well as the life of crash victims and survivors. The book was entertaining and I was annoyed when demands forced me to put it down! On our shelves now. 

 

Review by Larry 

Circling the Sun

Circling the Sun

by Paula McLain

$28, Ballantine  

Fiction, adult 

 

An extremely good novel about Beryl Markham by the author of A Paris Wife. This is exactly the way a "fictional historic biography" (so to speak) should be written. This is the life story of a complicated woman who made history rather than just living through it. Set in colonial Kenya in the 1920s, where Markham broke all the rules and became entangled in a love triangle with Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen. Horse trainer, aviator and a wild child, this woman was so much more than she revealed in West With The Night! Coming out at the end of July.

Review by Larry 

 

Read Bottom Up

Read Bottom Up 

By Neel Shah, Skye Chatham  

Dey Street Books, $16.99 

Fiction, adult 

 

This is a delightful, fun read and great for a plane trip.

Love in an electronic age is not easy - particularly with your friends looking over your shoulder and interpreting everything. A nice twist as two people who do not expect to connect actually do. What is said is not always what is meant, proving the more things change, nothing really changes!

Review by Larry   

Adrift
By Paul Griffin
$17.99, Scholastic
Fiction, YA

Solid action all the way through makes this the ideal book for older teens who are reluctant to read this summer. Five teenagers find themselves adrift at sea. As the days pass, who will have the strength to survive? Not all of them, it turns out. Under all the action there are some serious messages about handling relationships at this age. Out at the end of July.

Review by Shona
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