Staff Picks
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Modoc This book is about a devoted friendship between, Modoc, the daughter of an Indian elephant headed for the big-top and Bram, the son of the elephant’s trainer, who form a bond that spans their entire, often heartbreaking but always adventure-filled lives. This is the most amazing story I have ever read. Modoc is a good example of the existence of the human-animal connection. by Nicole Gonsalves, Bookseller SEBASTOPOL |
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Woman’s World This is a fascinating novel made entirely from cut-up vintage women’s magazines. Like his earlier collaged work, Diary of an Amatuer Photographer, Rawle coaxes a sinister tale out of completely mundane material. This unique book is highly recommended. by Allan Kausch, Events Specialist PETALUMA |
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Laughable Loves Often written off as one of Kundra’s less “serious” books, this deceptive light collection of short stories addresses themes of love and relationships that are just as weighty as those found in his better known novels. Insightful and entertaining. by Mark Wickham, Store Manager MONTGOMERY VILLAGE |
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Affluenza Finally! A fun and witty yet serious analysis of our cultural addiction to consumption and the resultant symptoms: over-work, debt, depression and ecological degradation. With fascinating historical background, this book shows how we got to be this sick and offers a path forward to achieving a healthy balanced society. by Rosaleen Murphy, Bookseller SEBASTOPOL |
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The Sparrow My daughter recommended this book to me, and I’m glad she did. The Sparrow reminds me of what good science-fiction can do: create worlds and people them with intriguing characters and ask important questions. In this instance, about faith and humanity. by Barbara Spicer, Bookseller PETALUMA |
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The Tattooed Soldier Both engrossing and moving, The Tattooed Soldier thrusts the reader into the minds of the victim and the perpetrator of horrible crimes during the Guatemalan Civil War. Tobar, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times reporter who came from Guatemala as a small child, has written a stunning novel. by Amber Reed |
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God Is Not Great I recently took this book to a cloistered monastery I visit each year. A thought provoking read while enveloped in a world of silence. Hitchens, always provocative, plays “devil’s advocate” to the religious right and every other direction religions take us. His intellect and logical arguments do indeed give one pause… by Cynthia DeMartini, Bookseller HEALDSBURG |
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Gentlemen of the Road Decidedly not a typical Chabon novel but if you are daunted by the name or hype… this is the perfect Chabon book to start on. Serialized in The New Yorker, this story, an old-fashioned adventure tale with a 21st-century spin, is a riot. The banter is flawless and witty. Chabon is top notch with words and metaphor. by Phil Hoeft, Bookseller SEBASTOPOL |
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The Principles of Uncertainty The Diary of Frida Kahlo meets Lynda Barry's The Good Times Are Killing Me in this pictorial diary by artist Kalman. By turns cranky, poignant, stern, and lush, this is the gift to catch for the artist or journal-writer in your life, or as inspiration for your own uncertain, exquisite self. by Ellen Skagerberg, Bookseller SEBASTOPOL |
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The Night Watch Set in modern day Russia, The Night Watch is the first in a series about a race of supernaturally gifted “Others,” who serve either the “Light or Dark Side” and scheme against each other for temporal control. Newly translated into English, this epic has already been made into a feature film. The book, however, is far better and has much more depth. The Night Watch is a truly unique blend of fantasy and horror. I couldn’t put it down! by Chris Treagus, Bookseller PETALUMA |
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The Days of Awe What caught my eye first about this book is the quote on the front cover by esteemed author and critic Cynthia Ozick, “I just finished The Days of Awe. I am too moved to move. (Even this pen.) An amazing novel. It is as if we are eavesdropping on life.” Set in New York City just before, during and after September 11, this is a heartbreaking love story about morality and mortality, and brings home the realization that we, and those we love, are indeed going to die. by Rob Laine, Store Manager SEBASTOPOL |
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The Zookeeper’s Wife Antonia Zabinski, a Polish housewife faced with keeping her loved ones safe during the Nazi takeover of Warsaw, is the central focus of Ackerman’s amazingly well-researched and lovingly written historical book. While Antonia’s husband was directly involved with the Polish Underground Resistance, Antonia ensured that their home, small zoo, son and all the people that were brought to her to hide, were as safe and happy as possible. I found Antonia’s uncanny abilities to communicate with and care deeply for all living things both touching and incredibly inspiring. I wonder what I would do in such a time, and as I read about Antonia, I found myself with an exemplar, a true heroine whose deep compassion and humanity shine through during a very dark time. By Sarah Hadler, Children’s Book Specialist SEBASTOPOL |
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Fell #1: Feral City Fell #1: Feral City was an incredible find for me. As the “Graphic Novel Guy” at our store, I am always on the lookout for stories that are inventive, fresh, and new. Fell has this in spades. The story is atmospheric, and Ben Templesmith’s illustrations and artistic style make this more than just a comic book. In Fell, crime noir blends with surreal hints of occult mysticism into a brooding, dark, and thoroughly absorbing tale, and you never know what will occur around each tension-filled corner. Feral City chronicles the first seven issues of Fell, and I am riveted, waiting for the second installment. For ages 16+. By Ray Lawrason, Bookseller PETALUMA |
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Monkey Portraits This photography book, featuring monkeys and apes that work in show business, is beautiful, thought provoking and fun. Greenberg is a master photographer. Plus, the wide range of emotions portrayed in these images reminded me just how closely related we are to these animals. I laughed out loud at many of the monkey faces. Some made me feel sad. Many of the images remain stuck in my mind. I like Monkey Portraits. By Laurie Williams, Manager CALISTOGA |
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The Namesake (DVD) An extremely well-done film adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s acclaimed novel about an Indian family making their way through American culture. This story will leave you with a sense of enlightenment and joy, and quite possibly a deeper appreciation for your own family. by Fraser Hammersly, Bookseller MONTGOMERY VILLAGE |
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Street of a Thousand Blossoms I highly recommend this new title by Gail Tsukiyama, which will no doubt please her many fans and gain new ones as well. A generational saga set in Japan during and after WWII, the author weaves a story around the fascinating but vastly different worlds of sumo wrestling and Noh drama, bringing to life the ancient and time-honored traditions of both through the characters whose lives become entwined with these institutions and with each other. Written with great sensitivity and deft portrayal and a wonderful addition to a growing list of memorable titles by Ms. Tsukiyama. By Cynthia Florenzen, Bookseller HEALDSBURG |
