Books Inc. Palo Alto

"Book Busters" Bake Sale For Haiti!

2010-04-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

"Book Busters" is hosting a Bake Sale for Haiti! On Friday, May 7th, my gang of book busting club kids will be filling the store with lots of yummy treats like cupcakes, cookies & cakes to raise funds for The American Red Cross in support of their disaster relief work in Haiti! From 5:00pm-8:00pm come on over to our store and meet this fantastic group of local kids! Every dollar counts! Thank you fans for all of your support! Let's get baking!

If you have any questions, please email me @ cross@booksinc.net

Hope to see you & all your friends there!

Cheers!
~Colleen

Childhood Favorites!

2010-04-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

Guess what?! The Baby-Sitters Club is BACK!! Originally published in 1986, I am thrilled to see this favorite childhood series back in print agian! The 4 girls who we all fell in love with nearly a generation ago have been re-introduced in a brand new Baby-Sitters Club adventure! So whether or not you're new to this best-selling mystery series or already a fan, you will LOVE this group of smart and charming girls! Stay tuned for further new printings of the original series!

The Baby-Sitters Club The Summer Before by Ann Martin

Before there was the Baby-Sitters Club, there were four girls named Kristy Thomas, Mary Anne Spier, Claudia Kishi, and Stacey McGill. As they start the summer before seventh grade (also before they start the BSC), each of them is on the cusp of a big change. Kristy is still hung up on hoping that her father will return to her family. Mary Anne has to prove to her father that she's no longer a little girl who needs hundreds of rules. Claudia is navigating her first major crush on a boy. And Stacey is leaving her entire New York City life behind...
...in order to find new friends in Stoneybrook, Connecticut.

The Baby-Sitters Club Kristy's Great Idea

It all began with a great idea ... and the inspiring original story of the Baby-sitters Club is back! Kristy Thomas's brilliant business plan gets off to a great start with the help of Claudia Kishi (vice-president), Mary Anne Spier (secretary), and Stacey McGill (treasurer).

The Baby-Sitters Club Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls by Ann Martin

Being a good baby-sitter isn't always easy, and the vice-president of the Baby-Sitters Club, Claudia Kishi, is learning that the hard way. She and the other club members have started getting strange calls on the job. Is it the Phantom Caller, a jewel thief who's been breaking into houses in the area? One thing is certain -- the Club has to take action to protect their kids!

Happy reading friends!

-Colleen

Erin Hunter is coming! Erin Hunter is coming!

2010-03-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Bestselling author, Erin Hunter is coming to the area!

Where? Capuchino High School in San Bruno, California

When? Saturday April 24th @ 2:00pm

To attend this highly anticipated event, you can purchase event tickets at any Books Inc. location!

Tickets are $1 with any WARRIORS or SEEKERS book purchase

or

$5 with no book purchase

So come and get them fans! It's going to a FANTASTIC event!

FREE Movie Tickets!

2010-03-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

We have tickets! We have tickets! Book Inc. Palo Alto has a very limited number of FREE passes to see the upcoming movie, "THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO," in theaters March 19th! Passes admits two free admissions Monday-Thursday at Aquarius Theatre in Palo Alto during the film's entire run of engagement! This ticket however does not guarantee you a seat. Seating is on a first-come first-served basis! So come and get them while supplies last! Please ask a staff member at the front register!

Happy Reading!

~Colleen

ALEC "THE YEARS HAVE PANTS" (A LIFE-SIZED OMNIBUS) by Eddie Campbell

2010-03-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is a monumental collection of work from an often overlooked artist. It brings together all of Campbell’s Alec books (with the exception of The Fate of the Artist, currently published by First Second), plus some previously unpublished material. The whopping, 638 page tome contains almost 30 years of autobiographical comics. The first books, The King Canute Crowd and Graffiti Kitchen tell the story of a young Alec MacGarry, Eddie Campbell’s alter-ego. We follow his comical adventures while he works a dead-end job, drinks with rowdy friends, and gets involved in various romantic troubles. How to be an Artist shows how Alec becomes a successful cartoonist. This chapter is wonderful history of comic books, and features cameos by numerous creators including Alan Moore and Harvey Kurtzman. The later books, such as The Dance of Lifey Death and After the Snooter deal with Alec’s marriage, the birth of his children, and coping with middle-age. The art style is loose and expressive, but never sloppy or confusing. One of the most fascinating aspects of this book is watching Alec and his cast of recurring characters slowly age. You really get the feeling of knowing these characters. Campbell’s body of work is an exceptional and unique achievement. This book is a must for anyone who appreciates comics as an art form.

--John

OUR BAND COULD BE YOUR LIFE by Michael Azerrad

2010-03-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

This is a very enjoyable look at American underground rock music in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. While the book tends to focus on hardcore punk and post-punk bands, there are still a wide range of styles represented: Black Flag, Sonic Youth, The Minutemen, Dinosaur Jr., The Replacements, Butthole Surfers, Mudhoney, and many more. The histories of thirteen bands are catalogued, and you get a great feel for the motivations that kept them on the road (and in some cases got them off the road). Despite their musical and philosophical differences, the groups all took full advantage of the freedom granted by recording with a small, independent record labels. Also included are plenty of rock-and-roll antics to make the book fun reading. Check out this book, then check out the music!

--John

2010-03-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

When Guy Gavriel Kay releases a new book, it's cause for celebration. His new book (coming on April 27th, less than 2 months from now!) Under Heaven, is a jewel. Set in the fictional land of Kitai during the 9th Dynasty (which bears a marked resemblance to Tang Dynasty China), the book open with a man in a high mountain valley (the site of an ancient and not-so-ancient battleground), where he's been for the last 2 years, alone, burying the dead, with only ghosts for company...

This book will have you reading into the wee hours, mesmerized not only by the wondrous tale, but also by Kay's beautiful writing.

This book is so new it's not yet listed on our website, but you can call us at (650) 321-0600 to reserve your copy!

Happy reading,

~Lori

It's the END of the WORLD as we know it?! New YA releases!

2010-03-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

One of my store's highest selling subjects in the Young Adult genre is Post-Apocalyptic Fiction (no big surprise with all of the Post-Apocalyptic blockbuster movies floating around out there!) Since I myself love delving into the what ifs & maybes of humanity's possible future, I'm very excited about these new & upcoming Young Adult releases!

THE LINE by Terri Hall

"An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the Unified States. The Line is the part of the border that lopped off part of the country, dooming the inhabitants to an unknown fate when the enemy used a banned weapon. It's said that bizarre creatures and super humans live on the other side, in Away. Nobody except tough old Ms. Moore would ever live next to the Line.

Nobody but Rachel and her mother, who went to live there after Rachel's dad died in the last war. It's a safe, quiet life. Until Rachel finds a mysterious recorded message that can only have come from Away. The voice is asking for help.

Who sent the message? Why is her mother so protective? And to what lengths is Rachel willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right?"

OUT IN STORES NOW!

THIS WORLD WE LIVE IN by Susan Beth Pfeffer

"It's been a year since a meteor collided with the moon, catastrophically altering the earth’s climate. For Miranda Evans life as she knew it no longer exists. Her friends and neighbors are dead, the landscape is frozen, and food is increasingly scarce. The struggle to survive intensifies when Miranda’s father and stepmother arrive with a baby and three strangers in tow. One of the newcomers is Alex Morales, and as Miranda’s complicated feelings for him turn to love, his plans for his future thwart their relationship. Then a devastating tornado hits the town of Howell, and Miranda makes a decision that will change their lives forever."

OUT IN STORES NOW!

THE OWL KEEPER by Christine Brodien-Jones

"Maxwell Unger has always loved the night. He used to do brave things like go tramping through the forest with his gran after dark. He loved the stories she told him about the world before the Destruction—about nature, and books, and the silver owls. His favorite story, though, was about the Owl Keeper.

According to Max’s gran, in times of darkness the Owl Keeper would appear to unite owls and sages against the powers of the dark. Gran is gone now, and so are her stories of how the world used to be. Max is no longer brave. The forest is dangerous, the books Gran had saved have been destroyed, and the silver owls are extinct. At least that’s what the High Echelon says. But Max knows better.

Maxwell Unger has a secret. And when a mysterious girl comes to town, he might just have to start being brave again.

The time of the Owl Keeper, Gran would say, is coming soon."

COMING SOON!

I can't WAIT to get my hands on these fascinating new titles! Can you?

Happy Doomsday Reading, friends!
~Colleen

S.F. Chronicle

2010-03-05T11:34:00.000-08:00

Books Inc. has been written up in the San Fransisco Chronicle! With an outstanding interview with our company owners, Michael & Margie Scott Tucker, this is the reason why independent bookstores are here to stay! Thank you Michael & Margie!

Happy Reading!
-Colleen

ChAngels! Changing the world one Pajama at a time!

2010-03-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

* The girls of local mother-daughter organization, ChAngels!*

On Friday February 5th, Book Inc. joined together with M Magazine & a local mother-daughter group, ChAngels to host a "Pajama Party" to collect Pajamas & books for needy children in our community! Not only did we make a FANTASTIC group of new friends but we also helped ChAngels collect over 100 PJ's, 80 books & a $500 donation courtesy of our store! Keep on going ChAngels! You are changing the world, one pajama at a time!

M Magazine, a literary magazine published specifically for moms, is on Facebook! Click here to see their profile!

Cheers!
-Colleen

Love is in the air!

2010-01-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air with some of our store's favorite Valentines Day staff picks! It's a day you can share with everyone in your life, no matter how close or far away they may be! Happy heart day!

I LIKE YOU by Sandol Stoddard Warburg

"A small book with a single message amplified and illustrated with cartoon-style drawings."

A perfect little gift for anyone you like! Captures the wonder of the relationship! A classic must read!

-Katie

WAG by Patrick McDonnell

"It seems that everything gets Earl's tail wagging--a bowl of food, a field of flowers, long walks, and belly rubs. But Mooch, Earl's best friend, knows what all of these things have in common: love is what makes Earl's tail wag. Patrick McDonnell, creator of the nationally syndicated comic strip, Mutts, pays an incredibly sweet tribute to his dog in a tale of wiggling and waggling, fwipping and fwapping...and every dog's secret to the joy of life."

One of my favorite books by Patrick mcDonnell!

-Colleen

VALENTINE SURPRISE by Corrine Demas

"It’s only a week until Valentine’s Day, and Lily wants to make the perfect heart-shaped valentine for Mommy. But every time she cuts out a heart, it’s either too pointy, too round, or too skinny. As the days go by, Lily tries again and again, and when Valentine’s Day finally arrives, she has a heart for each day of the week! Which one will be the perfect valentine surprise for Mommy?"

The cutest, most endearing book of family love for the season!

-Colleen

MONDAY HEARTS for Madalene by Page Hodil

"When a person falls in love, the universe—and everything in it—come vividly alive. It happened to San Francisco artist Page Hodel when she found the love of her life, Madalene Rodriguez. She expressed her devotion in an unusual way: Early every Monday morning, Page would create a heart for Madalene and leave it for her to discover somewhere near her front door. Here are photographs of one hundred of Page’s hearts for Madalene, fashioned from a magical, surprising diversity of materials: acorns and asparagus; berries, buttons, and bungee cord; cardboard, clothespins, corks, and candy corn. True love embraces the world, and Page’s art is testimony to its enduring faith."

MY MISTRESS SPARROW IS DEAD by Jeffery Eugenides

I love anthologies because they are the bite-sized bits of literature that invariably leads me to an author I've not discovered. true, many of these authors are well known, but there are more to explore. The Checkov is excellent, yet the crwoning glory is Alice Munro's beautiful, tender tear-jerker of an ode to lasting love. Share it with someone special!

-Angela

VALENTINES POEMS by Ted Kooser

A beautiful, stunning collection of love letters & poems! Taking the seemingly most ordinary everyday things, the author shares the wonder of this provocative celebration with simple yet brilliant contemplation! Something to share with everyone of significance in your life!

"Pocket Poem" on page 1 is my favorite!

-Colleen

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentines Day!

February is FULL of beautiful creatures!

2010-01-15T16:35:00.000-08:00

Calling all teens! Need a pick me up from those after holiday blues? Then check out these two upcoming YA author events in February!

On Monday, February 8th, come meet YA author, Erin Dionne as she regals us with her newest delightful teen novel, "The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet."

"In a novel every bit as funny as her debut, "Models Don't Eat Cookies," Dionne has created another eighth grader whose situation is utterly unique--but whose foibles and farces are sure to resound with every girl currently suffering through middle school."

Cookies included!

Not Your Mothers Book Club is pleased to present a SPECTACULAR YA author event with widely bestselling authors, Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl!

Last December, this dynamic team of two hit the ground running with their first smash hit, "Beautiful Creatures," and haven't stopped yet!

"Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever--and one secret could change everything."

Bring yourself & all your fantasy loving friends too! This is going to be a FANTASTIC evening of NYMBC magic!

For more event information, please go to www.notyourmothersbookclub.com

-Colleen

The BEST of 2009!

2010-01-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

2010 has just begun & we're celebrating it's beginning by reminiscing on some of our favorite staff picks of 2009! Just because it's the new year doesn't mean you still can't go back through some of these fantastic titles...

Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon

Await Your Reply is a literary masterwork with the momentum of a thriller, an unforgettable novel in which pasts are invented and reinvented and the future is both seductively uncharted and perilously unmoored.

My favorite novel of fall 2009, this is a masterful tale of identity, deception & betrayal as seen through the eyes of three seemingly unconnected pairs of people. I could not put this book down!

-Lori

A Gate At The Stairs by Lorrie Moore

In this dazzling new novel—Lorrie Moore's first in more than a decade—Moore turns her eye on the anxiety and disconnection of post-9/11 America, on the insidiousness of racism, the blind-sidedness of war, and the recklessness thrust on others in the name of love.

One of the best writers around! Don't miss this coming of age novel by this bestselling author!

-Linda R

Stitches by David Small

An ideal starting point for anyone curious about graphic novels & a superb treasure for those who already appreciate the genre!

Though Small has crafted a most compelling biographical tale, the true beauty and skill lies in his resounding artwork!

-Angela

The Financial Lives of Poets by Jess Walter

In the winning and utterly original novels Citizen Vince and The Zero, Jess Walter ("a ridiculously talented writer"—New York Times) painted an America all his own: a land of real, flawed, and deeply human characters coping with the anxieties of their times. Now, in his warmest, funniest, and best novel yet, Walter offers a story as real as our own lives: a tale of overstretched accounts, misbegotten schemes, and domestic dreams deferred.

This book is laugh-out-loud-when-your-alone-in-a-public-place funny! It's also a sweet, heartfelt story, terribly sad & not a little outraged! -Eric

The Good Soldiers by David Finkel

I can't say enough good things about this book! It's moving! It's enlightening! It's tragic! Finkel has captured this tale of the men & women who volunteers their lives for a war none of us believed in, in a way that I will remember for quite some time!

-Anthony

The Evolution Of God by Robert Wright

In this sweeping narrative that takes us from the Stone Age to the Information Age, Robert Wright unveils an astonishing discovery: there is a hidden pattern that the great monotheistic faiths have followed as they have evolved.

Though the idea of God seems, of late, so thoroughly refuted by minds like Hitchens & Dawkins amongst others, Wright here lays the foundation for a hopeful theory of religions cultural evolution.

-Derek

Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong by Jen Yates

This may be the funniest little book of baking mishaps you will ever read! Trust me! We laughed until we literally cried!

-Colleen & Eric

A Shadow Falls by Nick Brandt

From the opening images in A Shadow Falls, of a verdant world filled with multitudes of animals, to the closing images of small bands of creatures moving across a parched, dusty earth, Brandt portrays a mythic Africa struggling against tragic forces.

Nick Brandt is to me the Ansel Adams of African wildlife! A genius far outranking most others in his field! A brilliant feat of photographic artistry! -Colleen

Stay tuned for forthcoming reviews on new 2010 book titles! Happy Reading!
-Colleen

Who wants to party? We did with chef guru, Yvonne Tally!

2009-11-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

Last week everyone here at Books Inc. Palo Alto witnessed a fantastic party! With delicious food, overflowing bottles of wine, and a lot of social interaction, chef Yvonne Tally regaled us with her wit, charm, and the phenomenal story of how she became the chef she is today. In dedication to her mother, Yvonne presented her highly acclaimed first cook book, Your Fit Gourmet: Cooking Secrets for the Overscheduled Woman to a full house of family & friends. Taking inspiration from her experience traveling and working in France, Yvonne has dedicated her chef's career to cooking simple, delicious & healthy meals for women & families always busy and on the go. From smoothie recipes to breakfast options to lunch box kid's meals, this small gem of a cook book is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to go organic or simply in need of changing the way they eat for a healthier, more productive lifestyle. On behalf of the staff at Books Inc, I would like to thank Yvonne for making her first author appearance at our store such a spectacular one! We can't wait to see what she's cooking up next! Check out a few of the event photos that her daughter, Juliette took!

Yvonne Tally and her daughter, Juliette (also her photographer)

Yvonne, Jill Plant & I

Yvonne at the signing table!

Family & Friends! What a party it was!

For more information on Yvonne Tally and her culinary organization, go to www.poisedfit.com

Happy Holidays & Good Eating!
-Colleen

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

Since Halloween fell on a Saturday this year, I was very excited to host a huge Halloween story time event, filled with stories, costumes, prizes and best yet, face painting! This year we had 5 kids who came in dressed up as some of their favorite childhood characters, including Robin Hood, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, Little Red Riding Hood, Carmen Miranda (the fruit lady!) & a cute little Polar Bear! Everyone who came dressed in a costume won a prize and the whole story time group got to have their faces painted by the lovely & talented Miss Kate the Good Witch! Here are just a few of the event's costumed photos! Thank you everyone who stopped by!

Face Painting Fun! Pink Glitter Flowers!

Face Painting Fun! A Vampire!

Kate the Good Witch Face Painting a Flower!

Kate the Good Witch Face Painting a Rainbow!

Little Red Riding Hood, Dorothy & the little Polar Bear!

Robin Hood of the Forest with his dad, Spiderman!

I host story times for children ages 3-6 every Saturday morning at 11am so stay tuned for upcoming special holiday story time events!

Happy Reading!
-Colleen

Don't Miss Ken Reed on October 22nd

2009-10-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, October 22nd we'll welcome Ken Reed, author of He Flew Too High, a novel of suspense set in Pennsyvenia's Dutch country. I'll be interviewing Ken. We'll also have a special guest, Dobro guitarist Jeff Hahn, performing some Blue Grass and Gospel tunes; plus Amish Moon Pies. The event will start at 7pm. While you wait, check out Ken's book trailer too.

Eric

Peter Yarrow sings Puff the Magic Dragon

2009-10-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 9th, Peter Yarrow stopped by the store to sing some songs. Day is Done is his latest. We all had a great time! It was a truly special and inspiring night. Here's a little video of this final number, Puff the Magic Dragon.

Eric

The Best of the Best!

2009-10-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, but the holiday season is fast approaching & no matter what age you might be shopping for, we're proud to be introducing you to some of our favorite new reading picks of the season! Since we all know how how finicky Middle & Young Adult readers can be, I'd like to throw a few appropriate suggestions your way.

For Middle Readers (ages 9-11)

Flawed Dogs by bestselling author Berkeley Breathed!

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of "Bloom County" comes his first illustrated novel--a heartwarming and humorous ode to the unconditional and lasting love we and our pets share.

Think the movie "All Dogs Go To Heaven" except retold in a stylish, charming new way!

The Mysterious Benedict Society & the Prisoners Dilemma by Trenton Stewart

When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, Reynis, Kate, Sticky, and Constance must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before. Filled with page-turning action and mind-bending brain teasers, this wildly inventive journey is sure to delight.

Book 3 in this bestselling mystery series!

* A personal favorite of Eric's!

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman

Newbery Medalist Neil Gaiman and illustrator Helquist team up for a new fantasy novella in which a young boy must free Asgard--the city of the gods--from the evil Frost Giants.

Percy Jackson fans, look out for this one! You've never seen Norse mythology told in quite this way before!

* A personal favorite of Lori's!

The Spiderwick Chronicles; The Completely Fantastical Edition by Tony Diterlizzi & Holly Black

All five books in The Spiderwick Chronicles are now available in one exquisitely produced volume that includes "The Field Guide, The Seeing Stone, Lucinda's Secret, The Ironwood Tree," and "The Wrath of Mulgarath," and bonus features such as an exclusive making-of section and an all-star gallery where other artists put their spin on the characters and creatures.

If you haven't had the chance to read this series yet, then here it is!

The Doom Machine by Mark Teague

With surprises around every corner, Teague takes readers on a funny, outrageous adventure when the small, sleepy town of Vern Hollow is invaded by a flying saucer filled with ridiculously inept aliens.

For Young Adults (ages 11-15)

Ash by Malinda Lo

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left to the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes from reading the fairy tales her mother once told her. Fairy tales that lead her to a fateful encounter with the dark & dangerous fairy Sidhean, who she believes has the the power to bring to life her deepest wish. A wish that will either save or destroy her. Spell binding and romantic, "Ash" is a riveting and empowering retelling of the Cinderella story--a novel about choosing life and love over solitude and death.

There's been a lot of YA buzz going on about this new fantasy/fable so don't miss out on this one!

Girl In The Arena by Lisa Haines

Lyn is a modern gladiator's daughter, and the rules of the sport are second nature to her family. However, the rules turn against the family after a gifted young fighter kills Lyn's father and captures Lyn's dowry bracelet--which means Lyn must marry him. To win her freedom, she must face her father's killer in mortal combat.

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Partnered in biology with new student Patch, 16-year-old Nora Gray starts seeing things she cannot explain. At first she's both drawn and repelled by her lab partner, but when she sees V-shaped scars on his back, Nora learns Patch is fighting an ancient battle between the fallen and the immortal.

Fans of "Twilight" & "Shiver" will LOVE this edgy, new fantasy!

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

On the eve of World War I, the machine-loving Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their big steam-powered Clankers. Inspired by Darwin, the British have fabricated animals into warships. Their mothership is called "Leviathan," and she is a whale-dirigible. The first book in a brand-new trilogy by the author of the "New York Times"-bestselling Uglies series.

Steam punk at it's best!

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

When Thomas wakes up, he's surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade--a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls, stone walls that hold a dark & deadly secret. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got there. The next day, a girl arrives with the surprising message that Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. A message that might mean the difference between life or death for everyone involved! Can he find the way out of the ever shifting maze surrounding him or will his fate be sealed within it for all eternity?

An innovative, chilling tale perfect for fans of "The Hunger Games!"

If you need any assistance in choosing the best of our fall releases for your middle reader or young adult, come see me at the store! Happy reading mates!
-Colleen

A Fabulous Fall of New Events!

2009-10-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air & we're happy to be celebrating this highly anticipated pre-holiday season with a WIDE assortment of upcoming author events! There's an author event in here for everyone to enjoy!

Local, bestselling author Meg Clayton is finally coming to our store! Benefiting the Silicon Valley Alumni Club, we're thrilled that Meg is coming here this Tuesday, October 6th at 7pm to speak to us about her wildly acclaimed first novel, "The Wednesday Sisters."

Humorous and moving, this novel--set in California during the tumultuous 1960s--is a literary feast for book lovers that earns a place among those popular works that honor the joyful, mysterious, unbreakable bonds between friends.

As loyal fans of her writing, we all have a feeling that this is going to be one of those very special, memorable author events! Bring your friends too!

NOT YOUR MOTHERS BOOK CLUB is thrilled to present Kristin Cashore, bestselling author of "Graceling", who will discuss her latest book, "Fire."

Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the acclaimed "Graceling" has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in the previous book. This story features a girl named Fire, whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her.

On Wednesday, October 7th at 7pm, come meet the amazing Kristin Cashore herself for what is sure to be a wonderful evening for fantasy book lovers! Adult book fans welcome too!

Peter Yarrow is coming! Yes, I DID say the one & only, Peter Yarrow! Join us for a mini concert and book signing with the legendary singer, songwriter, & best-selling children's author Peter Yarrow when he visits to celebrate the release of his latest book "Day is Done"!

**Due to space limitations the purchase of any book by Peter Yarrow will admit two people to this event.

This is going to the event of the century, so stop by and pick up one of his 5 bestselling books before everyone else does!

On Thursday, October 22nd at 7pm, local author, Ken Reed will present his first suspense novel, "He Flew Too High."

"He Flew Too High" tells the story of one's man's quest to bring an awakening to a reluctant people. If you like suspense stories with a strong spiritual undercurrent, such as The Shack or This present Darkness, this is the book & author event for you!

After huge success with his first novel, "Dot.Dead," local author, Keith Raffel will be presenting the 2nd book within his catchy mystery series!

Ian Michaels, CEO of Accelenet, and his wife Rowena, a deputy D.A., are out for a run one winter morning when a mysterious black car runs them down, leaving Ian with a broken leg and Rowena unconscious. Someone wants Ian or Rowena dead, but who? Once again, Ian must use his brains and business acumen to navigate a deadly trail of hostility, greed, and revenge, while investigating a cold case in the physics department of Stanford University and battling the richest, most ruthless man in California for control of his company.

If you're into high tec mysteries, stop by the store on Saturday, October 24th from 10-1pm to meet this fascinating local author.

On Monday, October 26th at 7pm, we're all thrilled to welcome author, Henry Pollack, co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, as he gives an engrossing talk about his latest non-fiction novel," A World Without Ice. "

"A World Without Ice" answers the most urgent questions about this pending environmental crisis, laying out the necessary steps for managing the unavoidable and avoiding the unmanageable.

This event has all the workings to become a vastly intriguing author chat so don't miss out on this one!

Hope to see you soon!

Meet Your Booksellers! Meet Anthony!

2009-08-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hello readers! A few months ago, our store created a new wall display featuring each of our store's bookselling staff! Meet Anthony! For the month of September, his "Bookseller Wall" displays a large smattering of his favorite reading titles! Want to get to know him a bit more? You should!

" As the youngest of four children being raised by a single parent, I spent many days of my childhood alone, but I was never lonely. I had books, and books had me.

It began as a shallow flirtation with Garfield the Cat and Charlie Brown but grew into a passionate affair with Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer and the Hardy Boys. They were with me in my backyard behind the tall grass where no one would find us, and I traveled with them on every adventure I could get my hands on.

Reading opened the world to me. When you read a book, you can go places you've never gone, see things you've never seen, meet people you would otherwise never get the chance to meet. Books can connect with people in a way no other form of media can. They take us into the hearts and souls of characters whom we both love and hate.

These days, I have been spotted reading "boring" non-fiction and, on occasion, an engrossing work of fiction.

-Anthony "

Here are some of his favorite reading titles...

Walden by Henry David Thoreau

One of the great books of American letters and a masterpiece of reflective philosophizing. Accounts of Thoreau's daily life on the shores of Walden Pond outside Concord, Massachusetts, are interwoven with musings on the virtues of self-reliance and individual freedom, on society, government, and other topics.

Black Boy by Richard Wright

Richard Wright grew up in the woods of Mississippi amid poverty, hunger, fear, and hatred. He lied, stole, and raged at those around him; at six he was a "drunkard," hanging about in taverns. Surly, brutal, cold, suspicious, and self-pitying, he was surrounded on one side by whites who were either indifferent to him, pitying, or cruel, and on the other by blacks who resented anyone trying to rise above the common lot. "Black Boy" is Richard Wright's powerful account of his journey from innocence to experience in the Jim Crow South. It is at once an unashamed confession and a profound indictment--a poignant and disturbing record of social injustice and human suffering.

The Star Rover by Jack London

"The Star Rover is the story of San Quentin death-row inmate Darrell Standing, who escapes the horror of prison life--and long stretches in a straitjacket--by withdrawing into vivid dreams of past lives, including incarnations as a French nobleman and an Englishman in medieval Korea. Based on the life and imprisonment of Jack London's friend Ed Morrell, this is one of the author's most complex and original works. As Lorenzo Carcaterra argues in his Introduction, "The Star Rover is "written with energy and force, brilliantly marching between the netherworlds of brutality and beauty." This Modern Library Paperback Classic is set from the text of the first American edition, published in 1915.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

A searing, postapocalyptic novel destined to become Cormac McCarthy's masterpiece. A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food--and each other. "The Road" is the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his son, "each the other's world entire," are sustained by love. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation.

The titles listed above are just a tiny glimpse into the type of literature that Anthony has fallen in love with as a dedicated book connoisseur! Want to see more? Drop by the store anytime to browse though his featured wall of personal picks! You'll love what you see!

Stay tuned every month for a bio on each of our featured booksellers!

Vampires, Zombies & Things that go bump in the night!

2009-08-19T12:49:00.001-07:00

Not You Mothers Book Club will be hosting a fabulous YA author panel next Thursday night, August 27th at 7pm right here in Palo Alto! Meet two new highly prolific YA authors, Richelle Mead & Lili St. Crow as they gab about their newest vampire & zombie titles! Join NYMBC hosts, Shannon & Jennifer as they party it up with raffle prizes, food & a wide assortment of teenage mischief!

For more information about NYMBC events, check out their website at www.notyourmothersbookclub.com

Cheers!
-Colleen

Lions & Tigers & Cupcakes? Oh my!

2009-08-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

With my two nephews in tow, I recently journeyed to the fantastic San Fransisco Zoo & decided to pick up the zoo's new historic piece of literature, San Fransisco Zoo by Katherine Girlich. Chronicling nearly 80 years of history since it's prestigious grand opening in 1929, this beautiful full spread of sepia photographs detailing park construction & the building of it's noteworthy animal habitats has become my favorite piece of tourist memorabilia! Did you know that the original park had a "Elephant" shaped train that ran for around .30 a person instead of the "Little Puffer" miniature steam train that runs there today? Or that the zoo was originally created as an adult play field & massive pool for San Fransisco residents designed by renowned businessman Herbert Fleishhacker before it was turned into a wildlife conservatory? No? Then you will love delving into the fascinating bits of history that grace the pages of this historical little gem like scenes from an old fashioned movie! I certainly do!

My baking extraordinaire co-worker, Jane just recommended me one of her favorite guides to baking. Not just any & all forms of baking either. This baking is all about the mastering of cupcakes! Like her, I've recently been exploring my love for baking & decorating cupcakes & I must confess, this is the BEST cupcake book I've run across thus far! With detailed, easy to comprehend information ranging from Ingredient suggestions to Frosting recipes (Cream Cheese frosting is my favorite!) to full on decorating styles for every type of occasion you can think of, A Bakers Field Guide To Cupcakes by Dede Wilson is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike! Feeling adventurous? Try the Lemon Meringue Cupcake recipe on page #56. Your tummy will thank you!

Whenever I host my store's weekly story time, I always try to pick out a group of themed picture books that would appeal to my toddler aged audience. So when this new picture book, I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll caught my eye a few weeks ago, I knew that I had to do a monster themed book reading! I truly ADORE this picture book! Why? Because this little boy is not your typical scared-of-the-dark kind of kid. In fact, you might be surprised with how very UNAFRAID of anything he is, including monsters! With hilarious illustrations & a charming cast of would be monsters, this is one of those rare picture books that I will treasure for a very, very long time! What's under your bed?

Happy Reading Mates!
---Colleen

What I've Been Reading

2009-07-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

Blood's A Rover
James Ellroy

This book isn't out until September, but I can't wait to tell you about it. What a completely crazy story. I mean, I won't even attempt to lay out the plot, which spans the 60s and 70s. But, J. Edgar Hoover, Richard Nixon, The Dominican Republic, Voodoo, the Mob, and some stolen emeralds all play a part. And it's jammed with James Ellroy's snappy, melt-your-face, prose. A delight, and a thrill. Look for it in September.

Await Your Reply
Dan Chaon

This one's another that isn't out for a bit, but it was so good. Dan Chaon is one sensitive writer. He gets his character, and lays them out in the best understated flashes. The story is about several different people and their search for identities. some authentic, and many others that are only temporary. Chaon takes the whole menace of identity theft and the Internet, and builds a terrific, fast paced and elegant story with it. I absolutely loved it.

Rabbit Run
John Updike

This is the book I'm reading now. I haven't finished it, but it's one of the best ever. Of course, everyone says this. I think it was near the top of the New York Times best books of the past fifty years. Updike can write! It's about this schmuck going through an early midlife crisis. I think he's 28 or something. Anyway he thinks he's great, and he abandons his wife, who's a wreck. He's off his nut. Great stuff!

Scarecrow
Michael Connelley

Connelley writes seriously hard-boiled stuff. This one's a newsroom procedural, in Los Angeles. A reporter chases his final story before he gets laid-off, and stumbles onto a killer that the police don't have a clue about. This book interfered with my work. I took some long breaks, if you know what I mean. Like Await your Reply, this has to do with the Internet and identity theft, adding to the creepiness. Don't wait for the paperback, get it today.

The Devil's Company
David Liss

David Liss writes these historical mystery thrillers that center around economics. I know how that sounds,but they're fantastic. Full of historical tidbits, and somehow he ties his stories into current events. Like, this one takes on globalization, and consumerism, but instead of the GAP or Target, it's the East India Trading Co. Over that compelling mix, Liss lays down a bang-up plot with a pugilist protagonist who's very charming and honorable, like that. Good stuff!

Looking After Pigeon
Maud Markson

I adore this novel about five-year-old Pigeon searching for someone to take care of her in her dysfunctional family. It'll break your heart, and also make you laugh, a lot. And if your family, like mine, wasn't ideal, you'll find this one incredibly validating. Pigeon's self-absorbed and dismissive mother is truly one of the greatest characters I've come across in a long time.

VALIS
Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick's books are one of the great pleasures in life, if you're a little off your nut, like me. They are always wild and brilliant, and VALIS is the wildest and the brilliantest I've read. It's like a who done it, but the protagonist, who's named Horselover Fat, go figure, is on the trail of God, who might be alien technology, or a being from the future, or a Russian spy satellite. This book is theology, and unforgiving in its analysis. And the kicker is, it's autobiographical.

~Eric

Who you gonna call? Book Busters!

2009-07-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

"If there's a book to read, in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? Book Busters!"

Special Announcement! After much heated debate, my new Middle Reader Book Club has voted on its official club name! We are now.... BOOK BUSTERS!!

Since last February, this newest in-store book club has been gathering club members from all over the Peninsula & proudly stands at 15 members strong! With free books, special raffle prizes & food at each group meeting, we're burning our way through our favorite Middle Reader picks at an astounding rate! We've already pre-selected some fantastic reading clear though December & can't wait to get our hands on some of these titles' upcoming sequels! For the next 5 months here are our upcoming reading selections....

For the month of August, we will be reading Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George! Creel, the heroine of Dragon Slippers is hardly a damsel-in-distress. After her aunt totes her out to the local dragon in desperation (with the hope that the local prince will rescue her from certain death and marry her), Creel refuses the haughty prince and finds friendship with the dragons, who set her on a journey to the center of the kingdom with a pretty pair of what only seem to be ordinary slippers. Along the way we discover Creel’s enormous talent at embroidery, and you can’t help but linger over the rich descriptions of her lovely tapestry-like gowns, which quickly make her the most sought-after dressmaker in the kingdom. But soon enough those mysterious slippers begin to wreak havoc, and it’s up to Creel to save the kingdom from disaster and defend the dragons from certain doom.

Our September reading selection is Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman! Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more—something dangerous and exciting—something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself. In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who—and what—she really is.

For the month of October, we will be reading George's Secret Key To The Universe by Lucy & Stephen Hawking! Stephen Hawking, author of the multi-million copy bestselling A Brief History of Time, and his daughter Lucy explain the universe to readers of all ages. George's parents, who have always been wary of technology, warn him about their new neighbors: Eric is a scientist and his daughter, Annie, seems to be following in his footsteps. But when George befriends them and Cosmos, their super-computer, he finds himself on a wildly fun adventure, while learning about physics, time, and the universe. With Cosmos's help, he can travel to other planets and a black hole. But what would happen if the wrong people got their hands on Cosmos? George, Annie, and Eric aren't about to find out, and what ensues is a funny adventure that clearly explains the mysteries of science.

Our November reading selection is Roar by Emma Clayton! Mika and Ellie live in a future behind a wall: Solid concrete topped with high-voltage razor wire and guarded by a battalion of Ghengis Borgs, it was built to keep out the animals, because animals carry the plague. At least that's what Ellie, who was kidnapped as a child, has always been taught. But when she comes to suspect the truth behind her captivity, she's ready to risk exposure to the elements and answer the call of the wild. Listen. Can you hear it? She's strapping on her headset, jump starting her Pod Fighter, and--with her capuchin monkey at her back--she's breaking out! With a refreshing blend of adventure & suspense akin to that within The Hunger Games & Artemis Fowl, this is the new series readers have been waiting for!

To finish out the year in December, we will be devouring the bestselling phenomenon The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins! Katnis is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used to be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place. So begins the shocking tale within this riveting new series!

See anything you're interested in reading? Bring your friends (ages 9-12) & meet my crew every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6pm and see why we call ourselves "Book Busters!" Hit me up with an email at cross@booksinc.net if you have any questions! See you next month Book Busters!

Psst! Since this is a registered book club, each month's reading selection is 15% off!

---Colleen

A Super-ific Superhero!

2009-07-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Throughout the month of June, we challenged children of all ages to create drawings of their favorite "Superhero!" 6 year old Daniel Blum rose to the occasion! Daniel's superhero is not quite the stereotypical superhero either! His idea of a "Superhero" is a fantastic pink & green monster who's saving the city from the real villains: little blue aliens! Not all monsters have to be scary after all! On behalf of the entire staff at Palo Alto, I would like to congratulate this highly imaginative youngster for stealing the show! Thank you Daniel! Your creativity is an inspiration to all of us kids at heart!

---Colleen

Beam me up, Scotty!

2009-07-09T22:34:00.001-07:00

On July 20th of this year, Americans of all ages will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the historic moon landing. Bookstores far & wide will proudly display the newest and best of books published chronicling this prestigious moment in history! In honor of this star studded day, I wanted to share two of my own favorite space related children's books!

The first & newest of picture books I've added to my moon landing collection of stories is Look To the Stars by Buzz Aldrin. As one of a handful of astronauts to have walked on the moon, Buzz Aldrin has a unique perspective on space. He serves as an amazing guide as he introduces us to the pioneers of space travel. From Copernicus to the Wright brothers, from the Apollo program to dreams of future travel, he reminds us that mankind has always looked to the stars. Aldrin's informative, kid-friendly text is paired with beautifully detailed illustrations by renowned illustrator Wendell Minor. This book offers the perfect introduction to everything space-related, including the development of the first rockets, America's space race with Russia, details of the Apollo missions, and the space station. Aldrin and Minor collaborated on the bestselling Reaching for the Moon and now they reach beyond that book to give readers a concise look at the entire history of space exploration. Each spread provides a wonderful jumping-off point for young readers, and will no doubt inspire them to look to the stars themselves. Thinking of doing some early Christmas shopping? This is the "it" gift book of the year! *recommended reading for all ages*

One of my other favorite space adventuring picture books is Regards to the Man in the Moon by bestselling author, Ezra Jack Keats. When the other kids make fun of Louie and call his father “the junkman,” his dad explains that the so called junk he loves “can take you right out of this world”—with a little imagination. So Louie builds the spaceship Imagination I and blasts off into his own space odyssey. Reissued just in time for the 40th anniversary of the first lunar landing, this fantastical Keats adventure celebrates the power of imagination, with the help of some very creative friends! Even if it's been a while since you've journeyed though the spectacular worlds of Ezra Jack Keats, this is the book that will make you fall in love with him all over again! *recommended reading age 3-6*

So go ahead young astronauts , break out those telescopes & space boots! All of the thrilling wonders of space are right here, only a page away!

Happy Landings!

---Colleen

Fabulous Fall

2009-07-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

This fall this is shaping up to be a great one for new books! I've been busily reading all the advance copies I can get my hands on, and here are a smattering of my favorites coming out soon (so far):

The title I am most excited about is Await Your Reply, by Dan Chaon (due out August 1st). I probably never would have noticed it in our big stack of advance copies, but at the urging of our Random House rep, I read it last weekend. I am so glad I did! This is an amazing book, by a wonderful writer. There are 3 storylines, each about 2 people, seemingly unconnected. Each storyline is fascinating in itself, but when they all come together (which I wasn't sure was going to happen), you will be astounded. This book comes out on August 25th, and is sure to be one our top-sellers this fall (if I have anything to say about it!).
Next up, coming out a month later (September 22nd), is Year of the Flood, by master poet and writer extraordinaire Margaret Atwood. This is a companion novel to her 2004 book Oryx & Crake, both satirical and dystopian views of a future that could easily come to be.
Coming out later in the year (December) is The Kingdom of Ohio, by Matthew Flaming. This is a fantastical tale set at the turn of the last century, concerning a young woman who mysteriously appears in New York City, and how her life intersects with Peter Force, a subway worker (as in, he's helping to excavate the tunnels). Throw in guest appearances by Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, & J.P Morgan, and the result is a riveting story about the mythical (or is it?), little known, Kingdom of Ohio.
Fire, by Kristin Cashore, is the eagerly anticipated prequel to the bestselling YA novel Graceling, which is a favorite of many of us on staff. Fire (due October 1st) is the eponymous story of a young woman who is a "human monster", ("monster" being the term given to animals and people who possess brilliant plumage/hair/fur and great physical beauty, as well as some unusual mental powers). Fire is the last human monster, and as her father was a monster in every (bad) sense of the word, she is determined to use her powers for good, or not at all. A wonderful story all on its own, you needn't have read Graceling (which comes out in paperback on September 7th) to understand this book (but you really should read it, because it's AWESOME). Also, read Kristin's blog, because it's charming and witty and wonderful. And also again, we've just received word that she's coming here on October 8th to do a reading and signing!!
Coming on September 17th is David Byrne's new book, Bicycle Diaries, in which he writes about some of the major world cities which he's viewed (over the last 30 years) from a bicycle. Witty and entertaining, and also thought-provoking!

Happy Reading!

~Lori

It's like Christmas in July!

2009-07-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

InnVision, a supportive services center for families on the Peninsula, and Books Inc. Palo Alto are proud to be sponsoring our very first book drive for the Opportunity Center in Palo Alto, a weekly assistance program for adults & children in need, during the entire month of July. Beginning July 1st, there will be a Giving Tree in the Children's Section of our store & a donation barrel at the front door so customers can buy & give new or like-new children's books to kids of all ages! It's easy! All you have to do is pick a red construction paper apple from our Children's Giving Tree with the child's age, gender and interests written on it & choose a gift for that particular child! Or choose any book of your liking for the Opportunity Center's phenomenal after school program. The center's after school program serves between eight and twelve children throughout the year, ranging from five to twelve years of age. What's summer without a really good book? If you have any questions about this delicious event, please contact us at the store!

Have a safe & happy summer!

---Colleen

July Events

2009-06-24T11:08:00.001-07:00

We're all a little wacky with excitement, because our July events are the tops! There aren't too many, but they're all terrific authors with terrific books, and even a few canine friends in search of a home. I hope to see you there. And remember, in these times, you can't beat free fun, and our events are always free.

Thursday, July 9th, Inked books: the Graphic Novel Book Club discusses Arkham Asylum, by Grant Morrison.
This is Batman on the cutting edge, as he faces not only his most dangerous foes but his own inner demons as well. The inmates of Arkham Asylum have taken over Gotham's detention center for the criminally insane, and demand Batman in exchange for their prisoners. Accepting their demented challenge, Batman is forced to live and endure the personal hells of the Joker, Scarecrow, and many others of his sworn enemies in order to save the innocent and retake the prison. During his run through this absurd gauntlet, the Darknight Detective's own sanity is in jeopardy. And the art is phenomenal! Inked books is a drop-in discussion group focused on the Graphic Novel. Starts at 4:00 PM

Tuesday, July 15th, our soon-to-be-named Middle Reader book club discusses The Looking Glass War by Frank Beddor.
The Looking Glass war is the real story of Alice In Wonderland! The Truth in Wonderland is real. Alyss Heart is the heir to the crown, until her murderous aunt Redd steals it, and kills Alyss' parents. Alyss and her bodyguard, Hatter Madigan, flee to our world through the Pool of Tears, only to become separated. Lost and alone in Victorian London, Alyss is befriended by an aspiring author to whom she tells the violent, heartbreaking story of her young life. Yet he gets the story all wrong. Madigan knows the truth only too well, and he is searching every corner of our world to find the lost princess. Join Colleen for thought-provoking chit chat, fun, and prizes. Starts at 6:00 PM

Thursday, July 16th, we welcome William C. Pack for a reading and discussion of his novel The Bottom of the Sky, an aching rags-to-riches family saga that spans smalltown Montana to Wall Street and the Silicon Valley. Pack takes us inside the aftermath and consequences of child abuse for a sister and a brother. One succumbs to addiction and degradation, while the other escapes, wielding a fragile and uncanny genius, to strike it rich. This is a riveting, thunderous tale of disparate worlds joined by one man in his search for redemption.

We're teaming up with CORA on this event. They provides free and confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic and dating violence and abuse, including child and teen witnesses, in San Mateo County. Their services include a 24-hour hot line, support groups, legal services, emergency and transitional housing, and more. 15% of the book sales will be donated to them. Starts at 7:00 PM

Wednesday, July 22nd, we'll celebrate the release of Maud Markson's latest novel, Looking After Pigeon.
This is one of my top picks for summer, a book that I absolutely loved. It's the story of a girl named Pigeon, and the summer of her fifth year. That's the year her father takes off, and her mother moves her and her brother and sister from New York to the Jersey Shore. The characters in this book are priceless, and horrifying. And for anyone whose childhood was less than ideal, this is the book for you. We'll start at 7:00 PM, and there will be light hors d'oeuvres and drinks served.

Saturday, July 25, Pets in Need animal adoption and fundraiser
We're all a little dog crazy in the store (some of us certifiably so), so this event is going to be a fantastic way to close out the month. Located in Redwood City, Pets in Need's mission is to bring a loving, healthy home within paw's reach of every adoptable dog and cat in our community. From 12:00 to 3:00 stop by the store and meet a few of these homeless fellows. And when you make a purchase, we'll donate 15% of it to Pets in Need.

Tuesday, July 28th, The Forth Tuesday Book Club on special assignment . . .

And lastly, don't forget every Saturday morning at 11:00am Picture Book Pals takes over the kids' section with stories, fun, and sometimes treats! Kids under 5 are welcome, and parents too.

Take Care
Eric

A Night at the Movies!

2009-06-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Since most of us die hard book fanatics are also big movie goers, I'd like to recommend two of my favorite classic picture books that will soon be translated up on the big screen!

Coming to local theaters in September 2009, is the quirky cult classic, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi & Ron Barrett

If food dropped like rain from the sky, wouldn't it be marvelous! Or would it? It could, after all, be messy. And you'd have no choice. What if you didn't like what fell? Or what if too much came? Have you ever thought of what it might be like to be squashed flat by a pancake?

This is the scrumptious tale of the little town whose food was larger than life & the trouble that came because of it!

Want to read something equally as engaging while you're eagerly awaiting the movie release? Check out this whimsical favorite of mine, Tuesday by David Wiesner!

With very little text & gorgeous, larger than life illustrations, this is the very unusual story of what happens to a boring town's neighborhood on a very peculiar Tuesday morning!

A Caldecott Award Winner!

Also coming to theaters this September is the wildly imaginative & much anticipated film release of Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

In the forty years since Max first cried "Let the wild rumpus start," Maurice Sendak's classic picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. Now, in celebration of this special anniversary, introduce a new generation t o Max's imaginative journey to where the wild things are.

Will he ever make it back home?

A cherished Caldecott Award Winner!

Want to try out another wild picture book adventure, guaranteed to bring out the animal within? Escape into the fantastic realm of A Growling Place by Thomas Aquinas Maguire!

With a missing teddy bear, a brave little girl & a cave bursting with terrible bears, you'll never look at your favorite childhood play toy in the same way again!

Be brave, be adventurous & have a jolly good time at the movies! I'll see you there!

--Colleen

Thanks for Giving to Pennies for Peace

2009-06-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Back in January, we put out a collection box for Pennies for Peace at the register. So far we've raised over $12o.oo! We're about to mail the check (the first of many, hopefully), and it occurs to me that now is a wonderful time to give you the scoop on what it's all about, if you don't already know.

Pennies for peace is a program of the Central Asia Institute (CAI), started by Greg Mortenson, after his experience in Pakistan after a climbing K2, the worlds tallest mountain, back in 1992. You can get the whole story in his bestselling 3 Cups of Tea.

He learned from the Balti tribes in the mountains there that sustainable and sucessful development can only come when initiated and managed by the local community. CAI's mission, since 1996, is to promote community based education, especially for girls, in Pakistan and Afganistan. As of 2008, they've successfully established 78 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing education to over 28,000 students.

Here at home, Pennies for Peace educates children, and adults for that matter, about the world beyond their experience, and shows them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time.

The folks at Pennies for Peace contend that, "Our best hope for a peaceful and prosperous world lies in the education of all the world’s children. Through cross-cultural understanding and a solution-oriented approach, Pennies for Peace encourages children, ultimately our future leaders, to be active participants in the creation of global peace." Pretty cool right!

You may be wondering: why just a penny? Well, the penny, 1% of a dollar, is symbolic of the '1% of Gross Domestic Product' goal set by the United Nations. The goal was for wealthy countries to give foreign aid to impoverished nations each year. One penny will buy a child in Afganistan or Pakistan one pencil, opening the way for literacy.

The collection box is still on the register, so next time your in, drop off your spare pennies, and help to make the world a better place. If you'd like to start your own collection, you can find out how here.

--Eric

Great video from the author of Coop

2009-06-06T17:47:00.001-07:00

Have you heard about Coop: a Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Parenting by Michael Perry? Maybe you've heard of Truck, A Love Story? That was his first book. Here at the store, Linda is a big fan! And she knows her books.

I came across this video on You Tube, and I thought it was just perfect. He's so down home!

Check it out.

--Eric

Our DOG-TASTIC photo winners!

2009-06-02T20:59:00.001-07:00

Our 1st Place Photo Winner, Sidney!

One of our store's regular dog customers, Sidney is a 6 year old coon hound we have all come to LOVE and adore! Sidney & her mom Luci come jogging by the store frequently & always make a beeline into the store to say hello to the morning crew. With 22 customer votes, this lovable hound stole both the show & our hearts! Congratulations Sidney!

Our 2nd Place Photo Winner, Jake!

Beep Beep! Look out for that cute little dog in his groovy red car! With 21 customer votes, this adorable Bichon Frise was a customer favorite from the very start. Both his owner & her daughter were VERY excited about our store's first dog related photo contest! Congratulations Jake!

Our 3rd Place Photo Winner, Ranger!

With 17 customer votes, Ranger is our store's FAVORITE German Shepherd! Ranger's trainer Robin runs a new training & adoption agency named Cirrus Ranch, which has become a very popular in-store training experience for all of his beloved dog rescues. Ranger has been prancing through the store since we first moved to our new location in 2008 & has become a beloved figurehead to us & our customers. Thank you Ranger for always putting a smile on our faces! Congratulations!

We will have all 3 of our canine photo winners on display at our store for the next week so please stop in to take a peek!

On behalf of the entire staff, I would like to offer my congratulations to all 10 of our participating dog contestants! Our store is a more wonderful place because of you all!

P.S. Stay tuned for further information about a possible Cat Photo Contest!

Cheers!
--Colleen

Percy Jackson fans! Need something else to read?

2009-06-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

THE BEAUTIFUL STORIES OF LIFE; SIX GREEK MYTHS, RETOLD by Cynthia Rylant
Newbery Medal-winner Cynthia Rylant retells her favorite stories from Greek mythology, breathing fresh life into the tales of Pandora, Persephone, Orpheus, Pygmalion, Narcissus, and Psyche. The writing is lyrical and understated--a perfect tone for stories that introduce young readers to themes of love and loss, pride and forgiveness. Carson Ellis's elegant black-and-white illustrations lend an aura of beauty and mystery.

* Recommended reading for all ages!

THE ONE EYED GIANT by Mary Pope Osbourne
When Odysseus must leave his home to fight the Trojan War, he never imagines that he'll be away from his family for so many years. Now, at long last, he is leading his men home across the seas. But many dangers await them - and none is more terrifying than Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant.

*Recommended reading for Middle Readers

NOBODY'S PRINCESS by Esther Friesner
She is beautiful, she is a princess, and Aphrodite is her favorite goddess, but something in Helen of Sparta just itches for more out of life. Not one to count on the gods—or her looks—to take care of her, Helen sets out to get what she wants with steely determination and a sassy attitude. That same attitude makes Helen a few enemies—such as the self-proclaimed "son of Zeus" Theseus—but it also intrigues, charms, and amuses those who become her friends, from the famed huntress Atalanta to the young priestess who is the Oracle of Delphi.

In Nobody's Princess, author Esther Friesner deftly weaves together history and myth as she takes a new look at the girl who will become Helen of Troy. The resulting story offers up adventure, humor, and a fresh and engaging heroine you cannot help but root for.

*Recommended reading for Young Adult

RADIANT DARKNESS by Emily Whitman
Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more—something dangerous and exciting—something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself.

In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who—and what—she really is.

*Recommended reading for Young Adult

QUICKSILVER by Stephanie Spinner
Hermes--also known as Mercury, Wayfinder, and Prince of Thieves--has many talents. Wearing his famed winged sandals, he does the bidding of his father Zeus, leads the dead down to Hades, and practices his favorite arts of trickery and theft. He also sees the future, travels invisibly, loves jokes, and abhors violence. And he's an entertaining and ideal narrator on a fast-paced journey through ancient Greek mythology--from Medusa's cave to Trojan War battlefields to the mysterious Underworld.

* Recommended reading for Young Adult

QUIVER by Stephanie Spinner
Greek gods and mortals spring to life in this riveting retelling of the myth of Atalanta, the fleet-footed girl warrior who could outrun any man in ancient Greece. Cast off and abandoned at birth, Atalanta- saved by a she-bear and raised by hunters-proves herself to be a superior archer and the fastest runner in the land. But her skills and independence anger many, including her father, the Arcadian King, who suddenly reclaims her and demands that she produce an heir to the throne. Atalanta has pledged herself to Artemis, goddess of the hunt, who has forbidden her to marry. Unwilling to break her promise, Atalanta suggests a grim compromise: she will marry the first man to beat her in a race, but everyone she defeats must die. All the while, Artemis, Apollo, Aphrodite, Eros, and Zeus himself watch-and interfere-from on high.

*Recommended reading for Young Adults

---Colleen

Jason Reviews Tigerheart by Peter David

2009-05-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

Interview With Rick Glaze

2009-05-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, June 3rd at 7pm we'll welcome Rick Glaze, author of The Middle Fork, A Political Novel, to the store to kick off our June Author Series. I sat down with Mr. Glaze to ask him a little about the writer's life, and his inspiration.

How did you get started writing?
I started writing financial articles for the local papers more than 20 years ago. A decade back, I became a columnist for the Los Altos Town Crier, and this year for the Nob Hill Gazette in San Francisco. Five years ago, I went on a trip to Jamaica and started writing a kind of impressionistic, fictitious travel journal, part of which appears in The Middle Fork as dreams of the narrator, Jonathan. That fall I headed over to Stanford University to start 2 years of study in the Creative Writing Program. A few short stories followed and then The Middle Fork emerged.

Where did you get the idea for The Middle Fork?
Everybody brings a little bit of themselves on these trips, biases, anxieties and prejudices. Politics has become contentious and personal and many people are very stuck on their ideologies. Dan Brown elicited huge emotions about religion in his book, The Da Vinci Code. The same intense feelings float down a swollen river in my story as politics.

What’s your writing process like?
I wrote The Middle Fork very fast to get the flow of the river and the story on paper. That process makes the action and the dialogue very snappy, or, as a reviewer called it, “well paced.” The first draft was finished in 6 months, mostly from nights and weekends, but the rewrites took two more years. During that process I took several kayaking trips, for research, down the Grand Canyon, and the Rogue. The last rapid in the book is actually one on the North Umpqua River in Oregon. I work-shopped the early drafts at Stanford under the working title, The Purple River.

--Eric

Meg Waite Clayton loves our store!

2009-05-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite authors, Meg Waite Clayton, who wrote The Wednesday Sisters and lives just around the corner from us, recently wrote a lovely piece on our store for the bibliophile website She Is Too Fond Of Books.

You can find her article here. Thanks for the kind words, Meg!

--Jason

June is Superhero Month!

2009-05-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Calling all superheroes: boys & girls, cats & dogs!

Books Inc. Palo Alto is celebrating the superhero in all of us! Don't want to wait for Halloween to dress up as your favorite cartoon superhero? Join me on Saturday June 27th @ 11am for a super-tastic story time! Boots, capes & superhero masks encouraged! Ages 3-7

P.S. Each fabulously costumed hero will receive a special prize!

Looking for an adventure that's a bit more challenging? Submit a drawing of your favorite superhero, & enter our heroic drawing contest! Drop your entry off at the store with your name, age, & phone number, and we'll proudly display your drawing throughout the entire month of June for all to see! Ages 4-10. Please contact me for more information!

--Colleen

Upcoming Events in June

2009-05-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 3rd at 7pm Rick Glaze, The Middle Fork
Los Altos author, and columnist for the Los Altos Town Crier discusses his novel that navigates through river rafting and political discourse.

Saturday, June 6th at 11am Picture Book Pals Presents Sharelee Igelhart, Three Cheers for Kangarooslow
Story time with a special puppet show! For kids under 7.

Saturday, June 6th at 3pm Sally Mallum, Dende Maro, The Golden Prince
Join us for a reading of Dende Maro, an African creation story with art inspired by African Rock Painting. After we hear the story we'll do some of our own rock painting with motifs inspired by the book! For kids 5 to 10.

Tuesday, June 9th at 6pm New Middle Reader Book Club

Join us for lively discussion, treats, giveaways, and tons of fun! This month's selection is Tunnels, by Roderick Gordon. It's a thrilling tale of a secret subterranean society and a boy in search of his father.

Thursday, June 11th at 4pm Inked Books, The Graphic Novel Book Club
Drop in on our graphic novel group for discussion and good times. This month's selection is Top 10 by Allen Moore, creator of Watchmen. It's the story of a superhero police squad, in a city overstuffed with superheros, on the trail of a superhero serial killer.

Thursday, June 18th at 7pm Elizabeth Chapman, Light Thickens
We're thrilled to host poet Elizabeth Chapman. She'll read from her latest collection.

Saturday, June 20th at 11am Picture Book Pals presents the Fabulous Judy Sierra!
Join us for a reading of The Sleepy Little Alphabet, by longtime favorite Judy Sierra, who is Books Inc.'s "What's So Great About..." author for the month of June.

Tuesday, June 23rd at 7pm The Fourth Tuesday Book Club discusses The God of War by Marisa Silver
Drop in on the fourth Tuesday book club for lively discussion of the best in literary fiction.

Great Time Had by All at our Kids Otter Read Day

2009-05-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 16th, was the first Kids Otter Read Day, when twelve independent bookstores all across the Bay Area hosted more than fifty authors. We were one of those lucky stores. The whole shindig was put on by the Northern California Children's Booksellers Association. We at the store all had a great time, so thanks for coming!

If you missed out on the good times, or if you just want to relive the experience, here are few pictures.

Betsy Franco, a long time favorite of the store, recited from her fabulous new collection of poetry, A Curious Collection of Cats! She also brought in pictures of her own silly kitties helping her write.

Store favorite, Jim LaMarche, sketches a member of the audience, after talking about how he got started as an artist. He showed us some original art from his story Lost & Found.

Dorina Lazo Gilmore drove all the way down from Fresno to share her book Cora Cooks Pancit. She also brought a pot of pancit for everyone to taste. Yummy!

Next up, Cynthia Chin-Lee treated us to a reading from her alphabet books Ameila to Zora, about amazing women who fought to make the world a better place, and Akira to Zoltan, about men who did the same.

Last up for the day was middle reader author Susan Taylor Brown, to read from her book Hugging the Rock, which is a novel writen in poetry. She told us all about growing up with a love for telling stories.

A huge thanks to all our authors for taking the time to come in. It was great fun! Hope to see you at our next event.

--Eric

Lee Konstantinou - Pop Apocalypse

2009-05-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Lee Konstantinou event, celebrating the first printing of his debut novel Pop Apocalypse, was as beguiling an event as I have participated in. It was a small event, at which the attendees consisted mainly of Lee's fellow Stanford graduate students that produced no dearth of intellectual commentary and social dissection. And while the conversation was at once stimulating, it also seethed with illicit and cerebral-tingling humor. On a satirical scale, Lee's writing fomented with an exceptional amount of caustic wit. Waggish material was drawn from the plethora of contemporary pop culture that is strewn about us in this our day and age. Lee has collected the absurdities that lurk behind every corner of our cities and has portrayed them in a manner relentlessly amusing, and all his own. From the addlepating assimilation of all things trendy-secular by religious subscribers to the befuddling commodification of name and personhood, one is all but beside themselves at such confounding concoctions that Lee has created in his world on the eve of apocalypse.

-Derek

Tim Winton: One of my Favorite authors

2009-05-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

A few years back, during a trip to Australia, I picked up a novel called Cloudstreet, by Tim Winton in a bookshop in Brisbane. Right away, I was completely enthralled by this sprawling family saga. I took it everywhere I went, and if I had any kind of a break, I had to open it up.

It tells the story of the chaotic Pickles, a working-class family touched by tragedy. To make ends meet they take on the pious, and super industrious Lamb family as lodgers in their over-sized house on Cloudstreet. The sparks begin to fly. The prose is really adventurous, but highly readable--at times it has the feel of Magic Realism, but then it swings into a gritty elegance. And Winton knows his characters! We get to look right into their hearts. It's been a while, but I still think about the people in this book.

But really, the great thing about Winton's novels is how he writes about the land. The coast of Western Australia, with its beaches, rivers, sloughs, and outback, is always as central as any character. It's a hard and unforgiving land which transforms its inhabitants. Winton has said, "The place comes first. If the place isn't interesting to me then I can't feel it. I can't feel any people in it. I can't feel what the people are on about or likely to get up to." These stories are all about how the land and the people meet, under the best of circumstances and the worst: how they depend on each other, destroy each other, and defy each other. Some of the most memorable passages in Cloudstreet are about fishing on the Swan River in Perth.

At the end of May, Winton's latest novel is coming out in paperback, which is what brought his books to mind. His latest is called Breath. It was a New York Times Notable Book last year.

Breath is a coming-of-age story, about two friends, Pikelet and Loonie, who will do anything for a thrill. The background is big wave surfing on the west coast of Australia. It's a short, brutal, and amazing book. In the scenes out on the water, I felt like I was there, sliding up and down the waves, with my heart in my throat, being sucked under in the harrowing wipe-outs, my lungs bursting for a breath: that's some viceral writing. This book is a real gem!

If you want to go a little deeper into this great authors list, here's a little bit about the other books of his that I've read:

The Turning is a collection of interlocking short stories all about people making a transition--turning towards, or away, from their past, or their future; discovering their convictions, or sliding back on them. Winton is a master of the novel, but he's really on the game when it comes to the short story.

These stories are great, because you can read one in at a single stretch, but then once you're done, you're done--there's nothing to do but mull over what you just went through in silence. There's nothing to compare to that kind of an experience.

That Eye, the Sky: It tells the story of young Ort Flack, as he tries to come to grips with the world around him after the death of his father, and his family becomes entangled with that of a religious conman. It's written from a young boys perspective. It's a strange mix of idyllic childhood experiences, such as Ort sailing on an old car hood down a flood creek with his buddy, and a dark unfathomable world blazing from the adults in Ort's life. This is a startling and beautiful book!

--Eric

New book from China Mieville

2009-05-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

China Mieville's latest, The City & The City will be in the store Tuesday, May 26th.

The City & The City is an existential thriller set in a city unlike any other--real or imagined.

When a murdered woman is found in the city of Beszel, somewhere at the edge of Europe, it looks to be a routine case for Inspector Tyador Borlu of the Extreme Crime Squad. But as he investigates, the evidence points to conspiracies far stranger, and more deadly, than anything he could have imagined.

Borlu must travel from the decaying Beszel to the only metropolis on Earth as strange as his own. This is a border crossing like no other, a journey as psychic as it is physical, a shift in perception, a seeing of the unseen. His destination is Beszel's equal, rival, and intimate neighbor, the rich and vibrant city of Ul Qoma. There he teams up with detective Qussim Dhatt. As the detectives uncover the dead woman's secrets, they begin to suspect a truth that could cost them and those they care about more than their lives.

What stands against them are murderous powers in Beszel and in Ul Qoma: and, most terrifying of all, that which lies between these two cities.

Casting shades of Kafka and Philip K. Dick, Raymond Chandler and 1984, The City & the City is a murder mystery taken to dazzling metaphysical and artistic heights.

If that sounds good to you, and how could it not, check out this interview with the author:

--Eric

Read The Missing, By Tim Gautreausx

2009-05-11T00:54:00.000-07:00

Check out Eric's review of The Missing, by Tim Gautreaux:

2009-05-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Russell Howze here in the store, Tuesday, May 19th at 7pm. He'll have a slide presentation of stencil art from his book Stencil Nation.

While you wait here's a sneak peak at the book:

Saxon Holt - Grasses and Hardy Succulents

2009-05-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

I am a day or so late on this event update, but it was an interesting enough event with such a great guest that I feel it deserving of a quick posting, better late than never anyways.
Saxon Holt, a garden photographer with many publications under his belt, those among them including Grasses and Hardy Succulents, graced a small crowd with an event appearance at Books Inc. in Palo Alto Tuesday May 5th. The event ran more as a discussion about, and critique of the artist's work than a presentation of materials. Composition, lighting, filtering, texture, and the "60-Mintutes" technique were all discussed as the essentials of garden shooting. Old photographs were shown aside new one's exemplifying Saxon's maturation as a photographer and how having a vision can change the possibilities of one's shoot. I was, and am impressed how much passion and humility this artist has retained throughout his career and displayed in his discussion with the aspiring and interested. This was a great event to take part in, and it was a pleasure to converse with such an individual.

-Derek

Kid's Otter Read Day May 16

2009-04-30T11:06:00.002-07:00

Books Inc. Goes to the Dogs

2009-04-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

Throughout May we'll be celebrating all things Wooftacular!

Bring in a Photo of your favorite canine friend, or if you cannot make it in, send a jpeg photo file attatchment to cross@booksinc.net with the pooch's name, the owner's name, and contact information to enter our bowlicious photo contest! Photos will be displayed in the store for everyone to adore. The winner will be determined by customer votes.
Winner will be announced Monday, June 1st and will receive a $25 Books Inc. Gift Card.

Jean Hanff Korelitz - Admission

2009-04-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

Last night Jean read from her new novel Admission to a small, yet garrulous audience. An interesting discussion ensued upon the reading's conclusion concerning the strengths and shortcomings of the college admissions processes for top tier schools. Are our youth being adjured to write beyond their means in application essays? Are the pressures of matriculation conducive to focus and direction, or rather to an angst-ridden academic youth subculture? Exhaustively introspective applicants stretch and knead their ambitions into feigned likenesses of what they believe to meet national prestigious standards, but what comes of it may be detrimental to our youth and society in general.
While the system has it flaws, it may be argued that it makes more than due with what has been passed down successively from generation to generation. Without a complete, from the foundations up, reworking of the entire system there may be little hope for fundamental change. Jean's new novel gives further insight into the world of the application process and its intriguing unknowns.
Jean's reading was well accepted and very encouraging to those who are yet to crack open her new novel. We invite you to check it out yourself and consider the issues embedded in this engaging story.

-Derek

Fran Gage - The New American Olive Oil

2009-04-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

The event today went off even better than expected with a fortuitous gathering of devotees and passers-by. After having made the drive down from San Francisco, where she had earlier made an appearance on KRON Channel 4, Fran was able to appease a curious and prodding crowd with her sagacity pertaining to all things olive. Leaping and bounding through varietal sorts, growing conditions, press processes, bottling, and tasting, Fran was able to engross a crowd that pushed the limits of our seating capacity. The oil sampling lessons and olive cake at the end of the question and answer session put a definitively satisfying end to a particularly gratifying afternoon at Books Inc. in Palo Alto.

Things to remember when selecting your olive oil (not to be confused with Olive Oyl, that would have a-whole-nother set of criteria altogether):

Never profile your olive oil by its color...this makes no difference in quality or taste and makes you a presumptuous bigot of sorts, only joking of course.
Make sure it can wear an especially white dress should you decide to settle down with it (i.e. only Extra Virgin olive oil should be used to ensure flavor, quality, and to avoid oils subjected to refinement processes)
A darker bottle is conducive to longer shelf-life, attempt to stow it "where the sun don't shine" (i.e. your cupboard or closet)
A bottle of olive oil is neither a bottle of wine nor an exquisite woman, it will not attain any favorable characteristics over time, shelf life is typically 1-2 years...enjoy sooner as opposed to later, and, if need be, throw a party tonight.
When assessing the flavor and quality of a particular olive oil be sure to begin by warming it to approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit; then swish it around in a circular motion in an open faced container that allows for oil to breathe a bit; with nose over the brim of the container inhale deeply while attempting to identify any distinctive characteristics; proceed to imbibe the oil and let it rest on your tongue while breathing in through taught lips, allowing the air to pass over the oil while it rests on your palette; and finally swallow and exhale through your nasal passage in order to take note of any further qualities accentuated through nasal exhalation. Note: this procedure is for the aspiring connoisseur and not to be attempted by the faint of heart nor the uneducated dilettante.

-Derek

May Events

2009-04-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 5th at 6:00 PM
Our Get Gardening program will feature Saxon Holt: photographer of Grasses.

Friday, May 8th at 7:00 PM
David Kessler will read from The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite, a compelling analysis of why we eat the way we do.

Tuesday, May 12th at 6:00 PM
The Monthly Middle Reader Book Club will be meeting and discussing Pendragon Book One: The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale

Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00 PM
Lee Konstantinou will read from his debut novel Pop Apocalypse: A Possible Satire.

Thursday, May 14th at 4:00 PM
Inked Books: Graphic Novel Book Club will be meeting and discussing Epileptic by David B.

Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00 PM
Founder of StencilArchive.org, Russell Howze will read from his book. Stencil Nation: Graffiti, Community, and Art.

Wednesday, May 20th at 7:00 PM
Meet C.M. Mayo author of The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire.