July Staff Picks
Our monthly staff
picks are 20% off until July 15
Mixing
it Up: Taking on the Media Bullies and Other Reflections
By Ishmael Reed
Reviewed by Shana
In this collection of fresh, insightful, tirelessly researched essays, Reed
pulls no punches. Constantly surprising-I laughed out loud, it inspired outburst
and had me looking around empty rooms and quiet cafes for someone to share
these ideas with. You may not agree with all of Reed's assertions, but these
essays are always thought provoking and, often, undeniably revealing. You'll
watch/read/see differently after reading this.
Marcovaldo,
or The seasons in the city
By Italo Calvino
Reviewed by Julia
Oh! I didn't know that anyone else saw the same kinds of wonder in the world
that I do. Try these twenty stories-spring, summer, winter and round and
round and round again, and each season something that comes as a surprise,
but, with a moment, wasn't unexpected. I know those are synonyms, but Italo
Calvino is amazing like that. To be read over and over if you like in all
the in between moments.
Amulet
By Roberto Bolano
Reviewed by Stephen
From the first sentence, this book sets down an elegant retelling of the life
of the 'Mother of Mexican Poetry.' Bolano's rhythms are those of a poet,
and he even makes appearances as his literary self-Arturo Bolano. Towards
the end, this novel builds and rolls until one of the perfect last pages
in literature.
The
Mysterious Benedict Society
By Trenton Lee Stewart
Reviewed by Rebecca
The reader is dropped right into a story of mystery along with a cast of realistic
and colorful characters. I loved the subtle humor, word and logic puzzles,
and intriguing themes for grown ups and kids alike. I haven't checked out
the sequel yet, but it should be more of a great thing.
The
Story of a Marriage
By Andrew Sean Greer
Reviewed by Michael
Trust me, you haven't read this story before, and seldom have read a story
told with such exquisite grace. Telling the plot is unfair to the next reader.
This book haunted me long after I finished it.
Drop
City
By T.C. Boyle
Reviewed by Emily
There are many reasons to read Drop City. It's a thriller, a love story, a
study of commune living, the sixties, Alaska and human nature. As the Alaskan
winter closes in around the commune, Boyle explores the spectrum of human
reaction to life's periods of darkness and, through much Darwinian wackiness,
celebrates triumph of the human spirit. All in all, a perfect page-turning
summer read.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?
By Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
Reviewed by Patti
This amazing little book was so loved by my 8-month-old son that it motivated him to crawl for the first time. He just couldn't wait to get his little hands on it. We read it daily, recite it in the car, and it never fails to put a smile on his face.
A Beautiful Bowl of Soup
By Paulette Mitchell
Reviewed by Annie
Mmm. And how! My fresh pea soup (pg. 40) was not nearly as beautiful as these photos, but it was quite pretty, and it pleased the veggies and vegans alike. The cover soup (wild rice and cranberry, pg 68) is next on my list. Yum!
