August 26th, 2008
Every year, apart from staying on top of new releases, there is a book, or series of books to which we have a belated, but passionate awakening. This year there have been two so far, both young adult fantasy, The Fablehaven series by Brendan Mull, and the The Farsala Trilogy by Hilari Bell. I called it a passionate awakening but fanatical may be the mot juste, I'm afraid. When stock shortages of book one are considered a looming crisis, when the entire staff can recite my handselling description verbatim, when we become convinced (see the photo of young Elijah Pelkey to the right) that no child is too young not to appreciate book one, it is clear that we have crossed over into the realm of bookselling obsession. Fablehaven is three books in, and growing stronger with every release. In a nutshell, concerned parties, aware that the encroachment of humanity threatened to expunge magical life, set up preserves. In accepting the protection of the preserves magical creatures agreed to a contract stipulating certain rules.  Beyond that the preserves are very wild places indeed. Mull's characters are universally interesting, regardless of age, and the conflict between caretakers and The Society of the Evening Star is most engaging. Hilari Bell's
Farsala trilogy is remarkable for its depth of characterization, and its ability to make the grappling with important, complex issues both exciting and compelling. The trilogy follows three young people during an isolated Kingdom's stand against a methodical Empire's invasion. The ruling elite of Farsala have their faults, and The imperial Hrum, have their virtues, making the drama far richer than one usually finds.Both these series have broad appeal to anyone (including adults) old enough to read them, nor does either include any content that would give a parent pause. If being unable to put a book down, and savoring every sentence are virtues, the two series are virtuous indeed! Here they are! Our weekly picks for the two best: two hardcover, two paperback, and two children's books. The very best new arrivals to leap out of the box and onto our shelves this week. Call or email us if you want more information on any of these titles, or to have us hold you a copy. Or stop in and check them out in person. We'd love to see you. Thanks as always for sharing your reading with us! |
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The Laughter of Dead Kings: A Vicky Bliss Novel of Suspense
By Peters, Elizabeth 2008/09 - William Morrow & Company 9780061246241 - Hardcover List Price $25.95 - Your Price: $20.76
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A new Elizabeth Peters book is important news for her fans, of course, of which there are several on our newsletter mailing list, but one has little to say in an editorial vein other than to mark the spot.
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Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
By Rawlinson, Julia Beeke, Tiphanie 2008/09 - HarperTrophy 9780061573972 - Trade Paper List Price $6.99 - Your Price: $5.59
You might think it was difficult to mistake a charming paperback picture book for an adult hardcover, but when strong hardcovers are all to seek the mind does strange things. A more delightful book for children on the coming of autumn than Fletcher and the Falling Leaves would be even harder to find than a second strong hardcover though....More
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The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window Into Human Nature
By Pinker, Steven 2008/09 - Penguin Books 9780143114246 - Trade Paper List Price $16.00 - Your Price: $12.80
It's one of those strong weeks for paperback releases. Two notable fiction releases are Diana Gabaldon's The Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Bladeand Alexander Mcall Smith's The Careful Use of Compliments. Nonetheless non-fiction carries away the prize this week in the form of Steven Pinker's fascinating The Stuff of Thought.Anyone who can make linguistics compelling deserves top billing!
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The Mascot: Unraveling the Mystery of My Jewish Father's Nazi Boyhood
By Kurzem, Mark 2008/10 - Plume Books 9780452289949 - Trade Paper List Price $16.00 - Your Price: $12.80
A five year old whose entire village, including his family, were massacred by a Nazi Death Squad, Alex Kuram fled into the surrounding forest where he was discovred by a Latvian SS troup. The SS troup took on Alex as a mascott, not realizing he was Jewish. He traveled with the troup, in uniform, appeared in a propaganda movie, and was somethig of a propaganda sensation. Late in life Kuram disclosed his secret to his son Mark, the author of this book. Alex's story, and Mark's exploration of the price of survival, and a child's choices, are profound indeed. ...More
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The Pet Dragon: A Story about Adventure, Friendship, and Chinese Characters
By Niemann, Christoph Niemann, Christoph 2008/09 - Greenwillow Books 9780061577765 - Hardcover List Price $16.99 - Your Price: $13.59
This is a truly clever book which teaches basic Chinese Kanji characters by weaving them into drawings and into the story of a little girl out searching for her pet dragon who has broken a vase and run away out of fear of the consequences. A good story, wonderfully illustrated, which teaches the basics of Kanji to children whose brains, we are told, are wired to drink in pictorial foreign languages, cannot be over praised....More
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The Little Yellow Leaf
By Berger, Carin Berger, Carin 2008/09 - Greenwillow Books 9780061452239 - Hardcover List Price $16.99 - Your Price: $13.59
This magnificently illustrated title about a yellow leaf unwilling to let go of its tree long after the frost has set in, apart from making it appear that I fibbed about Fletcher and the Falling Leaves being unique, uses autumn as a metaphor for change in a way that will truly reach and touch the youngest listeners....More
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