November 2011 eNewsletter

"The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read." —Abraham Lincoln

Happy Day-After-Halloween! While we recover from our candy overdose, we're still working hard to get ready for book fair season. Every year we put on fundraisers for the schools and nonprofit groups in our community. We give half our gross profits on those evenings and over the years have contributed approximately $300,000. That "investment" is one big way (and there are many small ways) that we have tried to care for our community. Miraculously, the community has multiplied and returned the benefits in their caring and support of our store. This is the common good at work. Join us for any or all the school fundraisers this fall listed on our calendar. Add to our big soup pot. It will be fun and there will be plenty.

Roger and Nancy Page
Owners and Booksellers

GOOGLE eBOOKS NOW AVAILABLE AT ISLAND BOOKS

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COUNTER INTELLIGENCE: BOOKSELLER PICKS

Roger: Train Dreams

by Denis Johnson

Set against the landscape of the American West, this poignant portrait of the start of the 20th century contrasts the country's historical development with one man's life personal struggles.

Nancy: The Name of the Star

by Maureen Johnson

At a boarding school in London, a young American girl begins to notice she possesses some special abilities. Her talents might help her solve a series of murders—and make her the killer's next target.

Marni: The Buddha in the Attic

by Julie Otsuka

Tracing the story of "picture brides" who travel to America from Japan, this novel follows their triumphs and heartbreaks from mastering a new language and culture to raising children who will ultimately reject their heritage.

Kay: Empire of the Summer Moon

by S.C. Gwynne

Here is a vivid historical account of the 40-year battle between Comanche Indians and white settlers for control of the American West, centering on the legendary Comanche chief, Quanah, who never fought a battle he didn't win.

Garry: A Curable Romantic

by Joseph Skibell

A young man flees an arranged marriage and moves to Vienna, where he forms a special friendship with Sigmund Freud. There, he falls in love with one of Freud's patients, who seems to be possessed by the demon of his ex-wife.

Lori: A Monster Calls

by Patrick Ness

A 13-year-old boy awakens after midnight and finds a monster outside his bedroom. His mother has been ill, and he's been expecting a monster, but not one like this. This monster wants something terrible—the truth.

Cindy: 1Q84

by Haruki Murakami

A young woman notices puzzling discrepancies and believes she has entered a parallel existence. Meanwhile, an aspiring writer takes on an unusual project, and their stories converge in a surprising way that binds them to each other.

Good Reads for Great Prices

Catch up on the titles dominating the indie bestseller lists, like Susan Orlean's celebration of a legendary American dog, and save 20% when you order online.

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CHILDREN'S CORNER

Picture Books

Some picture books inspire a cult-like devotion by their fans, so much that they pop up on all kinds of lists for decades. Here are some titles we think have that kind of staying power.

Middle Grade

Left to their own devices, kids will often read the same thing over and over. These books offer unique voices and an unfamiliar approach that will get kids reading beyond their comfort zone.

What's Cooking?

Kay is our go-to resource for the best cookbooks for any occasion. This month, she shares her list of essentials for Thanksgiving, featuring all the cozy comfort foods that make the holiday special.

It Could Always Be Worse

These compelling stories are a good reminder of all we have to be thankful for this season.

The Nominees

Here's the list of the 12 finalists in the 2011 National Book Awards fiction and nonfiction categories. The winners will be announced on November 16th.

Browse the List