January 2021... What we're doing and what we're reading!
As this extraordinary year draws to a close and we prepare to celebrate the Christmas holiday I want to thank everyone in our book-loving community for the remarkable support you’ve provided throughout these challenging times. In this season of gift giving, you have given us the greatest gift of all by your unwavering, loyal support.
While there were some silver linings in the past year, I’m ready to hit delete on most of 2020. I am not going to dwell on this (the good, the bad, the ugly, the comical, the politics, the heroism). I just hope everyone has kept a journal. If you don’t have one, we have a vast selection from which to choose.
One silver lining is that it appears people are READING more. Or at least buying more books. (What else is there to do?!) The industry reports that print sales were up almost 8 percent in 2020.
Despite the recent assault on our democracy, crossing into the new calendar year has given me a shot of renewed energy and optimism, even if I haven’t gotten the “other shot” yet. It can’t get much worse, right?
Here’s wishing everyone health, happiness, better times and more reading in 2021.
Cheryl
In The Spirit of The New Year
In the spirit of new year and all the cliche-phrases and resolutions that go with it (fresh start, clean slate, loosing weight, exercising more) here are some rejuvenating titles to consider. Do your mind, body and spirit a favor.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, January 21st
5:30pm
Tiffanie DeBartolo
Virtual Book Launch Celebration & Fundraiser for Marin Humane
$75 includes the virtual event and a signed copy of Tiffanie’s new book Sorrow which will be shipped for free or available for pick up at our shop.
The book retails for $19.95. All proceeds will benefit Marin Humane.
To Register:
sausalitobooksbythebay.com/2021-events
In addition to being a talented local author & music executive, Tiffanie DeBartolo and her Irish Wolfhound Dipsea are actively involved in supporting Marin Humane. Dipsea is the largest dog in the history of the Marin Humane Animal Assisted Therapy program!
It’s never too late to summon the courage to be the person you want to be.
Sorrow is a poignant novel about friendship, lasting love, and what’s important in life. It is mostly set in our own beautiful Marin County, Northern California backyard and resonates with messages that are perhaps even more meaningful today than ever before. Tiffanie DeBartolo is a gifted storyteller who weaves an evocative and touching tale of redemption and the power of nature, art & music to connect us all. Sorrow is the third book by Indie record label owner and author Tiffanie DeBartolo. Not only is the novel a great read, the event is for a great cause.
In the spirit of full disclosure, bookstore owner Cheryl Popp serves on the Board of Directors for Marin Humane and LOVES dogs, but she also thinks this is a fabulous book!
Night In a Bookstore
Ever been in a bookstore all by yourself after hours? It’s almost like being in a museum or a library all alone. It’s pretty cool. Even inspiring.
SCHEDULE A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT BEFORE OR AFTER HOURS
While our personal shoppers are always at your beck & call, we are offering private, on-site book buying sessions. While you won’t be all alone (a bookseller will be on site to help curate books and gifts) you will have the shop to yourself; you can wander on your own and browse. Yes, you will have to wear a mask & and sanitize your hands. We are always COVID-careful. Email for an appointment: staff@sausalitobooksbythebay.com
What We're Reading
Eleanor
David Michaelis
With all due respect to Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Nancy Pelosi, and other more contemporary women of politics, Eleanor Roosevelt remains one of the most influential and widely admired women in American history. This biography is a comprehensive cradle to grave portrait of this remarkable woman who overcame so much and gave so much. An American icon, a humanitarian who knew freedom was a choice, Eleanor was a woman ahead of her time who sets a much-needed example for us today. Cheryl P.
What Are Your Going Through
Sigrid Nunez
Wit, warmth, wisdom and wonderful writing. Nunez – while always verging on the existential – is a joy to read even when it gets disturbing or emotional. Case in point here. Two long-time friends. One is dying. The other stays by her side and goes on the journey with her. But along the way we are treated to vignettes on aging (especially as it relates to women), climate change, the marvels of memory, and so many other provocative and timely topics. As the author notes “No matter how sad, a beautifully told story lifts you up.” A must read. Cheryl P.
Fools and Mortals
Bernard Cornwell
A story about long suffering actor Richard Shakespeare, and the tense relationship with his renowned playwright brother. Set in the streets of Elizabethan England, in a world of rowdy acting troupes and warring theater companies, the story is full of political intrigue, street brawls, and some of the most biting insults I've ever seen in a novel. Perfect for Shakespeare! In addition to the memorable characters and a twist-filled- page-turning plot, this book also gives a captivating look at how theater was made during the period. Matthew K.
Hogfather
Terry Pratchett
Part of the Discworld series, Hogfather is set in a fantasy world with its own set of rules, holidays, and mythological figures. The story asks a difficult question: what if someone put a hit out on Santa Claus? The titular Hogfather (this world's stand in for St. Nick) is in danger, and there's a whole lot more at stake besides presents should the people hunting him succeed. So begins an absolutely bonkers story, where even the Grim Reaper and the Tooth Fairy get involved. This book is hilarious and whimsical, but it also surprised me with just how serious it gets. Hogfather is a novel about belief, and it goes to some truly incredible places. Perfect for those still riding the wave of the Holiday Season. Matthew K.
Forest Bathing –
How Trees Can Help You Find Health & Happiness
Dr. Qing Li
Also known as the Japanese art of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing is a medicine, an art form, a practice that will enable you to embrace the sense of comfort that nature can bring, easing stress and worry, rejuvenating. Not a bad way to start the New Year, right? Humans have a biological need to connect with nature (it’s call biophilia) because we evolved from nature. Forest bathing is simply being in nature and connecting to it with ALL your senses. Sounds easy? When was the last time you tried it? Written by a scientist, not a poet, but a poetic treatise none the less. When we are in harmony with nature we are better able to heal and restore balance to our lives. I say bring it on. Cheryl P.
Office of Historical Corrections
Danielle Evans
In this collection of short stories and a novella, Danielle Evans focuses on particular relationships and moments which reflect larger issues of race and culture. Each is so skillfully told that you are immediately drawn into the story. A white college student does not understand the broad implications of wearing a confederate flag bikini in a social media post as she digs herself into an ever deepening hole. A young woman and her mother tour Alcatraz, a place which had lasting repercussions on the family decades earlier. All of the stories will make you stop and think about universal experiences while reflecting how Black people have been treated differently in our country. Angela K.
The Liar’s Dictionary
Ely Williams
Do you know what a mountweazel is? You will after reading this delightfully funny novel by British author Ely Williams. The cover alone was enough to entice me to pick up the story which had me giggling all the way through. Winceworth is a lexicographer in 1899 and underneath his meek outer appearance is a man who is chaffing at society around him. Mallory is a modern young woman madly in love with her roommate/girlfriend Pip but not out to the greater world. This uniquely paced novel will have you grabbing your dictionary to ensure that any given word is not bogus. Angela K.
A Place for Everything: The Curious History of Alphabetic Order Judith Flanders
Kindred: Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art Rebecca Wragg Sykes
There are books I'll insist you read, though those are not as plentiful as I'd wish. There are also books which are important, which fill in gaps in one's knowledge, and are enjoyable without being essential. I'm reading two in the latter category this week, which I can recommend if the subjects interest you. How we got to where we are today always fascinates me. Jeff B.
Community Supported Bookstore Program
By opening a CSB account with us – or adding money to an existing account – you provide us with valuable working capital to help make ends meet during this dramatic economic downturn.
For more information CSB program
Hours of Operation
While we are once again in “lockdown, shelter in place mode”, retail operations such as ours are allowed to stay open and continue operating at 20% capacity. All of the usual pandemic protocols remain in place. Be sure to MASK UP.
https://www.marincounty.org/main/county-press-releases/press-releases/2020/hhs-covid-stayathome-120420
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100 Bay Street, Sausalito, CA 94965, 415.887.9967
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