Kiitos Tove

The headline of this Guardian article made me click immediately:  Tove Jansson should have won Nobel Prize, says Philip Pullman.  I own four of her books.  I have a Moomin paperweight sitting next to three Iittala dishes on my little shelf.  My spoon rest has a Moomin on it.  [It's likely this dish was not intended to be a spoon rest, but don't tell the Finns.]

Each of the books cost me hours sifting through paperbacks, testing the limits of my Finnish and being mistaken for Russian when I couldn't understand the question "paper or plastic".  [This was a compliment by the cashier in that my Finnish was passable.]   Finland was my first trek out of the US many years ago and I'd venture a guess that I'm the only person in this state that has been to Moomin World to have ice cream (or Finnish equivalent).

Jansson's books are for adults as much (or more) than children.  I agree with Ms. Flood in that the drawings were just as memorable as the tales.  Add the Moomin books to your reading list to share with the kids or simply to enjoy with a Midsummer reading water.

Short and Sweet

I really liked this essay on the Kindle Single published today in The Guardian.  I'd missed this Amazon launch (to which my vacation account is probably grateful).  According to the article, the format is geared toward items of 5,000-30,000 words in length, perfect for that weekend jaunt or an evening in.  Several writers are adopting the format, including Howard Jacobson and Margaret Atwood.  Look out, 1-Click!

In the Summertime

Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore was the perfect plane ride, pool side, just before a nap in the afternoon, finish at 10,000 feet book for a holiday.  The characters were engaging and after reading, I can now see the appeal of owning at least one and up to seven "Bam!" t-shirts.  Simplicity.

I liked the tie-in with "the Google"  and the overall appeal of the quest.  I could imagine a few chapters ending like an old Batman series:

    What happens when he opens one of "those" books?
    Is Google really a good idea?
    Will they really find the needle in the haystack?  (Loved this answer.)

And the fact there was mention of a knitter's museum?  Bonus.

Hope you too are finding your way into a little vacation reading.

Shopping Around

Store notes:

Hilary Davidson just published her list of "Brick and mortar:  Best indie bookstores" via CNN.  (I'm certain you've been to at least one them.)

A dear friend has me thinking of Brooklyn this morning so I've found this piece from last month highlighting three of the neighborhood's stores.  (Photo contains no flannel.)

Have a great end of week - check out a local bookstore.

Secondhand Love

I've already shared with you that occasionally my books contain the odd boarding pass.  It seems I'm not alone in the habit.  "The Secret Contents of Secondhand Books" by Wayne Gooderham published in The Guardian highlights items discovered in the Skoob Books' warehouse of one million volumes.  (I think we'd lose some members of the GBC for weeks in there if there were reading water.)  My favorites include the tickets and a few postcards (both items personally collected as well).  The last find is unusual anywhere else outside of New Orleans.

In a semi-related note in my rabbit hole journey reading about second hand books, there's also this blog of book dedications.  Though perhaps not technically a dedication, this one had great ap-peal.

Alt Life of Pie

There's a small little coffee shop near the house which serves "Biscuits & Gravy" on Fridays and homemade beignets on Saturdays.  It has live music on occasion, a half a dozen tables and is connected to a used book store.  Coffees run the gamut and I've a fair bet that there are a numbers of teas.  The menu is on chalkboard so the items can be changed on a whim or as ingredients allow.  As I'm sitting on the floor, having a coffee and tapping away on my little laptop, I am pondering what it would be like to spend the day sifting through books and infusing myself with caffeine rather than the full day of meetings that begin in one hour.

Lady Meets The Tramp

Thursday discovery:  Vamp&Tramp, Booksellers, LLC

It's located not so far away.

They have miniature books, broadsides, and hand-made books.

I haven't discovered a title which wasn't lovely.

Blank Book * by John Hastings and Our Secret Garden by Paul Johnson were among my favorites.

* Author's note:  the link is to the general page, you'll have to scroll for these titles.  (It's worth it.)

We Are Family

Reminder that next month's book will be The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson.  Did anyone make it to Parnassus to hear last night's reading?

Here's a link to Mr. Wilson's site.  It was a pleasant surprise to learn he lives in Sewanee.

Happy end of week reading!

I See Smart People

Hats off to Ann Patchett this week for her appearance on The Colbert Report.  Why open a bookstore?  It was a "great tale of redemption."  The new website for Parnassus Books is also redeeming.

My favorite answer during the Q&A with Colbert:  "smart people."

Nashville does have quite a few of those.

Curry On My Wayward Son

Today was my first visit to Parnassus Books.  I knew it would be a good experience because 1) it felt like home and 2) it smelled like a bookstore.

The store was busy.  I perused.  I accidentally bumped people with my extra large bag.  I noticed that there were more than a few of us in search for that book for that someone (not knowing with certainty the item and person who would match our selections).

I bought a book because it was sitting out of place like a castaway toy.  I bought another book because I saw the person in front of me buy it.  I bought a book because I had been carrying the title in my purse notebook since I visited an independent San Francisco bookstore two years ago.  I bought a book I knew I loved and hoped that the recipient would love it too.

It was a great experience.  I felt welcome and for a few long moments I was a bit homesick for my former town and the GBC.

Upon My Honour

As a letter writer, it is important to know how to address the recipient. In times of confusion, I am happy to have Titles and Forms of Address: A Guide to Their Correct Use (1961 edition). [Add this to the list of odd little books picked up in a favorite used bookshop in Scotland.]

This book covers more items than I would ever use, such as how to address: widows of Baronets, the eldest son of a Viscount, wives of younger sons of Marquesses and Irish Chieftains. It also includes 15 pages of handy abbreviations such as "Very Revd." and "F.R.S.E." (though my British friends have never been known to be terribly brief). The section on pronunciation of proper names is also quite useful should one wonder how to handle an extra "u."

Bien Open Minded

Spontaneity led me to spend a weekend in Mobile. I was there fifteen minutes before discovering Bienville Books, a downtown independent bookstore. (The Universe was smiling.) After a two block walk, I had an hour window before closing. This was just enough time to pick up a few tiny books (a weakness), a signed copy of The Prince of Frogtown by Rick Bragg (nod to GBC CaroleKing, not the singer), and my first Carson McCullers The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. The last book was taken upon suggestion of the shop staffer who was equally enthusiastic about wee books and whose English literature background became apparent within five minutes of conversation.

The regional book section seemed to have a higher than average number of titles which involved death, hauntings, and other dark tales. (I did not want to ask too many questions about this.) The bookstore is two floors though I only managed the bottom level in forty-five minutes of meandering. Bienville Books has a mix of old and new with all titles neatly arranged. It is well worth a visit, and I can recommend a few nearby places for post-shopping reading water.

Modern English

At the risk of sounding like a complete book nerd, I am looking forward to a quiet Saturday evening reading. I am undecided on the reading water as it has been a rather social week.

Many of you know I am a Hatchards fan and there are a few new books available if you are inclined to think about summer reading and want to include a few notable characters:

• Manolo's New Shoes: Drawings by Manolo Blahnik. Hatchards has a signed copy of this one for those who like to put their best foot forward.
• And Furthermore by Dame Judi Dench. I was an existing fan of her work and was permanently secured after seeing her perform in Hay Fever (Noel Coward) in 2006.
• Transitioning now to Bond. James Bond. Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver will be available in late May for those of you who like to be shaken (or stirred).

Shoes, Knights and Bond, oh my.

Books & Bubbles

A book store and a champagne bar. I do not think Battery Park Book Exchange needs any other description. Add this locale to your Asheville travels.

Re(a)d and Green

While watching my alma mater play football this weekend (Go Irish!), a "What Would You Fight For?" ad reminded me of a company that I do not think I have mentioned while writing here. Better World Books is an enterprise that started with an idea, some determination, and a desire to make a difference in the world. The goals were to save books from landfills (like my Auntie) and to support literacy around the world. If you take a look at the "Core Values," you will see that they are not too far removed from those at Zappos. (Better World Books does however get extra props for using the word "quirktastic" in their values.)

So, if you are looking for a new book, used book or an odd book, check them out. You will enjoy the carbon neutral shipping and the fact that in some small way, you are helping another enjoy the gift of something we love to do everyday.

December Comes Full Circle

It's Friday and Fridays make me happy.

It's the weekend before bookclub, so finish reading. Also think about what fantastic thing you'll bring to our last meeting of the year. If after reflection, you are still at a loss, bring reading water.

It's two days before the Sunday Book Club signing at The Mad Platter where one of our very own members will be signing copies of "Church of the Assumption: 150 years". I am certain if you ask nicely, he will personalize your dedication.

It's the winter before the spring when Elliott Bay Book Company will be moving. I spent one of my best Seattle afternoons in this independent bookstore found, as many of them are for me, by accident on a meandering walk. One of their current recommended books is Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall. This book was also recommended to me by a stranger (who is now not a stranger) while I was waiting on a meal from our local Zackie's a few weeks ago. I do love our neighborhood.

I also love Fridays...

Why and What

In addition to attending GBC Kim's final defense Friday, I made an excursion to our downtown Main library. I had received an email the day prior that a requested book had become available and was being held for me. When I opened the email, I did not recognize the title and wondered what would have made me wish to read this book. So, I did what anyone would do and (instead of just going to pick up the book), I researched why I had wanted this book.

I checked my handy book spreadsheet and the title was there, but alas, there were no comments. (Note to self: add column for "how I learned about book"). Nearby titles jogged my memory and I was next in search of my travel notebook. Soon, all became clear as the San Francisco Bay! This was among the list of books I had noted while in The Booksmith with my sister last May; as I recall, it was listed as an employee's choice. I had requested it from the library upon my return in June and joined the list of fifteen or so other potential readers and patiently waited through the queue, so patiently in fact, that I had forgotten the book.

So when I arrived Friday, Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein was awaiting my attention near the front of the building. Not satisfied with checking out only one book, I made a trek to the third floor in search of Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. (I also was reminded that a call number that begins with "B" is a biography; I really should use call numbers more frequently so I would remember these types of things.) Finally, I picked up another third floor selection: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Three is a good number.

Since Nudge focuses a bit on our poor choices, I decided to start with Reading Lolita in Tehran.

School's In for Autumn

This weekend I visited a campus bookstore. I had forgotten the contrast between this University-operated bookstore and well, virtually any other type of bookstore in which I have shopped. Key differences include the obvious: clothing and other gear from car decals to lip balm emblazoned with the school’s logo, slogan, association, etc; textbooks at standard full price; and a grand piano. (As I type, I am actually trying to envision a grand piano in many of those tucked away used bookstores I enjoy frequenting, but it does not work.)

I remember the expense of textbooks each semester and the fight to get one of a few “used” textbooks which may have saved up to $20 each or perhaps more on the full bill. (A student could do a lot with $20.) Thanks to a young woman who talked with an extremely audible tone, I learned there are a few more options for students these days. Both Amazon and Ebay have textbook re-sale sections, and other sites such as Campus Books and Buy Used Textbooks offer discounted rates as well. These might be worth a look and may even save you enough money to buy one or two of those logoed items.

Daunted and I liked It

In the event you are in the area, I wanted to introduce you to another of those bookstore gems, Daunt Books. This branch of Daunt Books in Holland Park drew me in from the street just by sheer atmosphere. I had not intended to browse books as I had just purchased a hot sandwich, but the pull was too great. Most of the books in the bookstore are categorized by country, rather than by traditional genre. I was greeted with France just inside the doorway and soon moved to Spain and Italy. I was fascinated...and completely hooked. Interspersed with each country was not only the expected travel guides and maps, but also books about art, wildlife, fiction either about the country or by one of that country’s kinsmen. As I moved into India, Central Europe and Asia, I smiled and felt as though I was travelling a greater distance than just across the long aisle.

There were a host of other books of fiction, gardening and cookery to capture one’s interest and I’ll admit that I walked away with How to feed your whole family a healthy, balanced diet with very little money...and hardly any time, even if you have a tiny kitchen, only three saucepans (one with an ill-fitting lid) and no fancy gadgets – unless you count the garlic crusher... by Gill Holcombe. It was one imaginative title and extremely hard to say with one breath. As I share the same number of pots as the author, I thought I would give it a whirl, although I do perhaps have a few more gadgets.

Lost in Maze

Today included another of those unexpected findings in the form of an independent bookstore. While walking this afternoon, a store window display caused an impromptu stop. (In case you are curious, Geek Love was the draw.) Booksmith was a fun maze of aisles with an abundance of handwritten signs describing either a staff favorite or just the odd book. I have taken the habit to carrying around a small notebook for such opportunities and I’ve added a few more titles to my reading list.

For just a few moments, I was lost in a sea of shelves with nothing save the smell of hundreds of paperbacks for company. It’s good to be lost sometimes.