Thursday, October 15, 2009

Don't Miss Ken Reed on October 22nd

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

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!

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

Friday, October 2, 2009

A Fabulous Fall of New Events!

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!