Let's Get Crafty!

From Susan T:

At the suggestion of a customer who shall remain nameless (thanks, SG!), I went to Beauknits, Ltd in Cohoes to learn how to knit. I recently resumed crocheting after a 30-year break, but I needed some instruction to resume knitting again. Thus, the lessons. Barbara at Beauknits is a wonderful teacher and I am almost done with my first hat; I'll finish it at next Saturday's lesson. In the meantime, I've started hat #2 and purchased yarn for an easy-looking sweater.
(Remember that Florida trip where I said I'd save money by not buying books? I lied.) What does this have to do with books, you ask?

Whenever I have a new enthusiasm (Pilates, local economies, crocheting, slow cooker recipes, the Mitford sisters, whatever), I need books about that subject. I might not read them right away, I might just dip into them now and again, but I need to be surrounded by information. On Monday afternoon, we received a book that covers 2 of my enthusiasms: "Pints & Purls: Portable Projects for the Social Knitter", a knitting book with patterns for the person who knits in a bar. Each pattern is rated according to how much attention it requires; the designated driver patterns are the most difficult and the 4-bottle ones require very little skill. (Although
one simple pattern warns, "Never underestimate the difficulty of counting!") I am now the proud owner of this book. Now I just need to find a knitting group that meets in a local pub.....

There are 2 more knitting books on my must-buy list. Erin recommends "The Knitting Answer Book." Published by Storey Press (one of our favorite publishers; they publish interesting, high quality titles), it answers any possible knitting question you might have. Then there is "The Knitter's Companion", recommended by another bookseller as the best knitting reference book out there, and small enough to stash in your knitting bag.

Knitting and books on knitting--who could ask for anything more? Possibly one more thing--one of those gadgets that holds my novel open so I can read while knitting......

Susan

PS--In the next couple of months, Beauknits, Ltd will be offering a class on how to knit 2 socks at the same time on one circular needle. If I am feeling ambitious, I might take that class, and I know just the book to bolster me: "2-at-a-Time Socks" by Melissa Morgan-Oakes. It looks scary, but the best thing about knitting is you can always pull it out and start over.

The House in the Night is here!

The new Caldecott award winner, The House in the Night, by Susan Marie Swanson & illustrated by Beth Krommes has been reprinted & is now here at your very own independent, locally-owned bookstore! This is a really beautiful book with luminous illustrations & a simple, lyrical text that is perfect for a new baby gift or as a read aloud, particularly for bedtime. There is a very classic feel to this book, akin to Virginia Burton's Little House or Margaret Wise Brown's Goodnight Moon that is very charming and lovely!

The Book House Book Group!

We used to get many questions here at the Book House about whether we had a store affiliated book group. At the end of last year, we decided to launch one and see how it went. The first meeting of the Book House Book Group happened in January, and it's been going strong since! The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month. So far, we've read The Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon (January) and Firmin by Sam Savage (February).

This month's book is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, a book that Stanley of Market Block Books called his favorite book of 2008. If you'd like to join us, the next meeting is on Wednesday, March 11th at 7pm at the Book House -- still plenty of time to read! Just stop by the Book House (or Market Block Books) and pick up your copy.

If you have any questions, or if you'd like to RSVP, give us a call at (518) 489-4761. We hope you can join us!

News from Market Block Books in Troy, NY

This is my first post here and I hope it's not my last. I'm juggling a few blogs at the moment which is why I'm writing this post. We created a blog for the staff and customers at Market Block Books. Click on that name there (it's a link) and it'll take you to it. There you will see postings by some of your favorite Book House staff as well as guest contributors who just happen to be our customers. Have a look, leave a comment and let me know if you want to post your own book recommendation.

Stanley in Troy

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3 The Last Straw is here!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3 The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney was released yesterday, January 13th-to the delight of the series' many fans! It may have seemed an eternity to diehard fans since the last book came out, but it was just last October that Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Do-It-Yourself Book was released, which encourages kids to write a journal of their own in a Wimpy kid format. For those who may be unfamiliar with the Wimpy Kid phenomenon, it's a hilarious series written in journal form with cartoon style illustrations that is extremely popular, particularly with middle schoolers. The series has a broad appeal to both boys & girls & has been instrumental in getting many reluctant readers to actually enjoy reading. Suggested reading age is about 8 to 13.

The Best of 2008: Staff Favorites

Below you will find the Book House booksellers' favorite books from 2008. They're as different as we are, so we hope there will be something for everyone! We'll be highlighting the books in the store to make it easy for customers to find them.

Without further ado, the best books of 2008, according to the Book House staff:

Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien
Chosen by: Troy
The book chronicles the life shared by biologist Stacey O'Brien and her adopted owl Wesley.
Troy says: Stacey O'Brien's dry humor and engaging reportage make this "animal tale" a standout. Read it even if--especially if--you're not pet-obsessed, because it's intelligent and fun.


Au Pied de Cochon by Martin Picard
Chosen by: Julia
Stories, photographs, and recipes make this cookbook a unique package.
Julia says: Life is a party, and at this Montreal restaurant, it's a party with pork products. An amazing eating experience is captured in this fantastic cookbook.


Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
Chosen by: Dan
The newest book by the best-selling author of Blink and The Tipping Point.
Dan says: Chance plays a bigger role in our lives than we like to admit. Gladwell shows how it may be the most important factor.


Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
Chosen by: Drew
This novel just made the cutoff; it was published right at the end of 2008.
Drew says: This fast-paced thriller tells the story of a doctor who was a mob hit man in a past life. This is the first novel from Josh Bazell. Written in a Chuck Palahniuk style, it's impossible to put down.


Mudbound by Hillary Jordan and The Little Book by Selden Edwards
Chosen by: Susan T.
Two very different books, so she just couldn't choose! Mudbound is set in the post-WWII South and has been compared to To Kill a Mockingbird. The Little Book tells the story of one man's struggles to understand why he was sent back in time to a half century before his own birth.
Susan says: Hard to choose, but Mudbound is by Hillary Jordan, a local author from Tivoli, and The Little Book involves traveling back in time (one of my favorite fictional devices) and it hasn't gotten nearly as much press as my other favorites...Watch for Mudbound in paperback this spring and possibly an author event, too!


The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Chosen by: Erin
Though technically classified as a young adult novel, Suzanne Collins spins a nail-biting story that will capture any reader.
Erin says: Set in a future America, it follows sixteen-year-old Katniss as she fights to win the government-sponsored, required-viewing Hunger Games--a reality TV show where the last contestant left alive is declared the winner. I spent every one of my spare minutes reading it, and when I'd finished, I spent days searching for something as catching to read. Everyone should read this book.

Holiday Message from Roy Blount Jr.

Roy Blount Jr., president of the Author's Guild and author of Alphabet Juice: The Energies, Gists, and Spirits of Letters, Words, and Combinations Thereof; Their Roots, Bones, Inners, Piths, and Pips, has issued the following holiday message on authorsguild.org:

Holiday Message from Roy Blount Jr.:
Buy Books From Your Local Bookstore, Now

December 11, 2008. I've been talking to booksellers lately who report that times are hard. And local booksellers aren't known for vast reserves of capital, so a serious dip in sales can be devastating. Booksellers don't lose enough money, however, to receive congressional attention. A government bailout isn't in the cards.

We don't want bookstores to die. Authors need them, and so do neighborhoods. So let's mount a book-buying splurge. Get your friends together, go to your local bookstore and have a book-buying party. Buy the rest of your Christmas presents, but that's just for starters. Clear out the mysteries, wrap up the histories, beam up the science fiction! Round up the westerns, go crazy for self-help, say yes to the university press books! Get a load of those coffee-table books, fatten up on slim volumes of verse, and take a chance on romance!

There will be birthdays in the next twelve months; books keep well; they're easy to wrap: buy those books now. Buy replacements for any books looking raggedy on your shelves. Stockpile children's books as gifts for friends who look like they may eventually give birth. Hold off on the flat-screen TV and the GPS (they'll be cheaper after Christmas) and buy many, many books. Then tell the grateful booksellers, who by this time will be hanging onto your legs begging you to stay and live with their cat in the stockroom: "Got to move on, folks. Got some books to write now. You see...we're the Authors Guild."

Enjoy the holidays.

Roy Blount Jr.
President Authors Guild

When asked if booksellers could post and forward this message, Mr. Blount's response was this:

"Yes! Forward! Yes! Post! Sound the clarion call to every corner of the Internet: Hang in there, bookstores! We're coming! And we're coming to buy! To buy what? To buy books! Gimme a B! B! Gimme an O! O! Gimme another O! Another O! Gimme a K! K! Gimme an S! F! No, not an F, an S. We're spelling BOOKS!"

You can see the original post here. We here at the Book House are grateful to Mr. Blount for his support and encouragement. Every one of our customers makes a difference. We hope you'll think of us this holiday season and come support your local independent bookstore!

Which Guide Should You Buy?

Traveling this holiday season, but not sure what travel guide would be best for you? Our travel guide expert has put together a short and sweet list to help you choose the right guide for your trip. Here's what she has to say about the various options:

Fodor's, Frommer's
These are inclusive, general guides that are considered standards in the field. If you're looking for a good all-around guide, go with one of these.

Lonely Planet Guides, Rough Guides
These guides are inclusive as well and are better for the independent traveler, as they're slightly less mainstream.

Michelin Green Guides
"Concise yet encyclopedic," these guides include good town maps.

DK's Eyewitness Guides, Fodor's "Experiencing" series
Although slightly heavier to carry, these two series are great if you're more visually oriented. They are fully illustrated, with color photos throughout.

The "Best of" or "Top 10" Series
These small guides cover various cities worldwide. They are best if you only have a few days to spend in a place and plan to stay in the area.

Culture Shock!, Culture Smart series
These guides are great if you'd like to know more about the people and culture of a place. They work well paired with one of the more geographically oriented guides.

Let's Go (by Lonely Planet)
Students and backpackers will find these handy guides especially useful.

Have further questions? Give us a call or stop in and see us. We'll be happy to help you find all the reading material you need for your trip...from travel guides to books for the plane!

Signing 12/11: Seven Stones by Peggy Nelson

On Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 7pm, local author Peggy Nelson will be signing her new book, Seven Stones: A Collection of Poems and Thoughts on Surviving Breast Cancer. The book is being printed by The Troy Book Makers and will be available at the signing.

From the back of the book:

"Peggy Nelson developed breast cancer in 2006. She went through chemotherapy and radiation, and is now in remission. Within these pages are the thoughts and feelings she experienced during that time, from happiness to depression, pain and recovery. Her highs and lows are written to express her feelings and to hopefully connect with those fighting cancer of all forms.

"Peggy is the mother of three and the grandmother of four. She lives in Delmar, New York with her husband of 38 years, Dr. Gary Nelson, a Delmar dentist."

We hope you'll join us in welcoming Peggy Nelson to the Book House on December 11th!

Signing 12/13: When I Grow Up by Jessica Loy

On Saturday, December 13th, 2008 from 1-2:30pm, local author Jessica Loy will be at the Little Book House signing When I Grow Up: A Young Person's Guide to Interesting and Unusual Occupations. Geared toward the 8 & up age group, this fun book teaches children about fourteen occupations that are a bit off the beaten path.

Ever thought about being a kite designer? How about a pet photographer? Maybe a Chocolatier, or a Lobsterman, or an Alpaca Farmer? When I Grow Up gives you details, facts, and photographs about these and many more interesting occupations. The people profiled have made their interests and dreams into realities, and the book encourages children to do the same.

The book also includes a list of resources and summer camps at the back so that parents can help their children pursue various interests.

The book, which is published in hardcover from Henry Holt & Company, is $16.95 and is currently available at the Little Book House.

We hope you'll join us in welcoming Jessica Loy to the Little Book House on December 13th!