December 2011 eNewsletter

"The greatest gift is a passion for reading." —Elizabeth Hardwick

In 1973, the mighty Lola Deane opened the first bookstore on Mercer Island and it was called “Island Books Etc.” The original staff is pictured here with Lola in the foreground. The “Etc.” referred to the local pottery, stained glass, candles, and macramé (!) that they sold alongside the adult and children's books in those days. Though we don’t use the “Etc.” anymore, we do still sell pottery (some locally produced and some from as far away as Poland), silk scarves, jewelry, soap, toys, stationery, games, puppets, and a list of other items much too long for this space. Look around the store and you will be surprised to find a pretty complete card shop, toy store, and gift shop hidden in the nooks and crannies. Whatever your gift-giving needs this season, we can accommodate them. But the hurly-burly of the holidays will soon recede. As we're sitting indoors on a dark, cold January day watching the rain slide down the windowpanes, what we want most is one good book to read and the time to reflect on it. When you're searching for that special volume for a friend or relative (or for yourself) we're happy to help guide you through the shelves to find the perfect and personal match for anyone on your list. We love our "Etc.," but we love books even more.

Roger and Nancy Page
Owners and Booksellers

WHAT SHOULD I READ NEXT?

Ask the Booksellers!

One of our favorite parts of the in-store experience is when a customer comes in with a challenge. With over 100 years of bookselling experience between us, we can help you find whatever you're looking for.

Join the conversation

GIFTS GALORE
(With Free Gift Wrapping)

More Than a Bookstore

You probably already know that Island Books has been serving readers on the island and off for almost forty years, but you may not realize that it's also the best place around for other kinds of gift-giving. We feature a wide selection of cards, toys, games, chocolates, and other exceedingly interesting and useful items.

Get Great Reads for Less

Catch up on the titles dominating the indie bestseller lists, like Jeffrey Eugenides's compelling bildungsroman, and save 20% when you order online.

This Year's Best

Publisher's Weekly reviews almost every book that comes out, and at this time of year they come up with a list of the best. We like that they're not out to push a particular product and ve chosen our favorites from their longer list.

Meet the Staff

Our booksellers share their December recommendations.

Get in the Spirit

'Tis the season for holiday books!

Topping Off 2011

This isn't a definitive list by any means, but the product of one afternoon's back and forth about which books we liked this year, including what we've read about in reviews and what we've heard from numerous customers.

The Dreaded Family Gift

Everyone has that weird cousin who likes tarantulas and a nutty aunt with a passion for underwater basket weaving. What in the world do you give these people?