February 2012 eNewsletter

"We read to know that we are not alone." —C.S. Lewis

I have never been a big one for remembering birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. I'd like to blame nature or nurture but there is really no excuse. In polite company my wife says, "He's challenged." I won't repeat her more intimate assessment, but she's right and she's got proof. Years ago, when I first became owner of the bookstore, I scheduled an important staff dinner at our house on May 31st (her birthday). She quietly prepared the house and table and then, leaving us to gab, went downtown to work out her frustration through therapeutic shopping. She repeated the prescription weekly until I finally took notice. We call this in the family "the gift that kept on giving." I did feel bad and the next year shortly before her birthday, I happened upon an opportunity to buy a painting of her beloved Eastern Washington landscape for a price that was more than I thought we could afford. I bought it and presented it, asking that it "cover" the next couple years of birthdays and holidays. I was informed, "It doesn't work like that, Rog." Fran's Chocolates Trying to cut my losses, I now operate on the traditional "show up with a card and a small box with a bow" technique. I recommend you do the same. We have, this year, a best-ever selection of cards, chocolates, jewelry, and books at the store. I will personally make the bow for you. It's important. Really.

Roger Page
Owner and Bookseller

VALENTINE'S DAY SOLUTIONS

Love for Sale

Browse our unique gifts to find the perfect way to say "I love you." We're sitting on a treasure trove of thoughtful presents, including fine jewelry, chocolates, bags, soaps, candles, and more. Don't forget the card!

Too Good to Be True

There's nothing more timeless than a love story--they've been scratched onto papyrus, handwritten on vellum, printed with movable type, and can now be read as pixels on a screen. Here's a selection of some of the best of them, from history and from today.

First Line Friday

In this featured post, James makes himself sentence-drunk by examining some of the best first lines on the bookshelf.

By the way, did you know you can get our Store Journal by email?

Enough With Love, Already!

Valentine's Day is supposed to be an occasion for celebration, but sometimes the sweetness is just too much. There's nothing wrong with taking the opportunity to wallow in self-pity with the help of these books for the broken-hearted.

For Young Hearts

Even kids love the idea of love.

Kay's February Pick:

The Barbarian Nurseries

We read a lot, and despite ourselves, we're guilty of playing favorites. For example, this month Kay's been talking up a book reminiscent of The Bonfire of the Vanities. Here, our booksellers share their February recommendations.

See More Staff Picks