July 2021... News, Events and What We are Reading

Summer BeckonsHope everyone had a safe, fun Fourth of July. We celebrate “Indie-pendence” Day every day at our locally owned & operated independent bookstore (!) The long holiday weekend got off to a great start with the return of Sausalito’s Jazz & Blues by the Bay downtown at Gabrielson Park. After a pandemic hiatus, the free concerts will continue through August – 6:30 every Friday night. Don’t forget that we’re only a block from the festivities and now offer mini-gourmet picnics, wine, beer, cookies, and gelato TO-GO… no fuss, no muss TGIF!

We are staying open LATE on Friday nights to accommodate all our friends at Jazz by the Bay. Swing by and say hello, grab some emergency rations to take home (would that be wine?!) or browse our collection of Best Books for Summer Reading. Whether you’re at the beach, the lake, a park or your own back yard, we’ve got a great selection of summertime books.

Cheryl

Gourmet Mini-Picnics To Go

Past Events Photo Gallery

Upcoming Events

July 13th, 4pm

Summer Reading Recommendations with Cheryl Popp

Private Event for
Sausalito Village Members!

Join us for wine & reading recommendations! 10% discount for Sausalito Village Members

July 22nd, 5-7pm

Reception for Artist
Lucinda Eubanks

Featuring Her Watercolor& Oil Paintings

Some artists travel great distances to find inspiration for their art. Lucinda has always had a view from which to paint. She has lived on all three of the U.S. Virgin Islands, in the Napa Valley, and now in Sausalito. Lucinda has owned two galleries, served as resident artist for Robert Mondavi Winery, Caneel Bay, St. John and The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Lucinda's art has been featured in many publications, wine labels, and on television shows. She also teaches art and is the artist in residence at Cavallo Point. 

August 3rd, 6pm

Book Launch Celebration The Biography of the Pixel with Alvy Ray Smith

From cave paintings to Toy Story, the pixel is the organizing principle of all pictures. Encompassing art, technology, entertainment, business, and history, the book is essential reading for anyone who has watched a video on a cell phone, played a videogame, or seen a movie.

Alvy Ray Smith cofounded Pixar and Altamira Software. He was the first Director of Computer Graphics at Lucasfilm and the first Graphics Fellow at Microsoft. He has received two technical Academy Awards for his contribution to digital moviemaking technology.

August 8th, 4pm

Beach Reading

Summer’s not over yet, so how about celebrating with four of your favorite romance and women’s fiction authors? Brenda Novak, Rae Anne Thayne, Nancy Naigle and Sheila Roberts are ready to get together and share some fun in the virtual sun. Games, recipes and, of course, a door prize drawing for special treats. 

Click here to register and / or buy a book: sausalitobooksbythebay.com/2021-events

August 15th, 3pm

Book Launch Celebration Sausalito: Once Upon a Waterfront with Sausalito photographer/author Catherine Lyons Lebate

A large format book of Catherine’s photography documenting the life and character of the Sausalito waterfront where Catherine has lived since 1974. You may see some familiar faces…

August 18th, 6pm

Book Launch Celebration Sure: 40 Years of Sailing with Author Craig Brown

In partnership with the Sausalito Yacht Club. Non-members are welcome; buy the book and/or sign-up for the event with us for access to the Sausalito Yacht Club. 415.887.9967 staff@sausalitobooksbythebay.com

August 24th, 6pm

FLY TO FRANCE with Author Erin Byrne –Wings Anniversary Event

You are invited to celebrate five years of Wings: Gifts of Art, Life, and Travel in France! Enjoy an evening of champagne, cheese, and reminiscences of France at Sausalito Books by the Bay with Erin Byrne and Matthew Félix. 

We will swoop between Bordeaux and Provence, The French Comté and Normandy, and, as always, begin and end up in Paris. Come share your own memories and tales of travel: We will post a wall of photos of YOU in France, so please bring one!

Wines of The Month

Okay. I admit it. I am a wine snob. When my staff kept telling me we HAD to carry wines in a can; when my wine rep kept saying canned wine was selling like hotcakes; when customers kept asking for it, I said “God Forbid!” I’ve finally accepted screw top caps on elegant bottles of wine. Canned wine was pushing the limit for me. So, it is with great humility, I admit I was wrong. We have three small cans of wine we now sell and they are damn good. Really good. I’m warming up to these slender, thin, almost sexy metallic cannisters. Each provide about a glass and a half of wine and they are perfect for picnics. Sip and savor.

A pinot gris, rose & pinor noir from Underwood in Oregon. I know. Improbable, right? They are delicious.

New Merchandise

It’s a wrap! Check out our new wraps – a beach cover-up, a scarf, or a pareo – wear it three ways! Pair with one of our classy straw tote bags and a stylish sun hat and you’re ready for the pool, lake or seashore.

Sign Up For Our Book Club By The Bay!

• The 2nd Tuesday of every month
• We will read fiction and non-fiction and will strive to keep books affordable and in paperback (you’ll get a 10% discount!)
• Book authors may be joining us & other special guests
• We’ll meet at the bookshop…or maybe on a yacht docked at the marina and other fun venues
• Meeting times will vary to accommodate as many schedules as possible
• There will always be sips and bites (coffee & croissant, tea & cucumber sandies, wine & cheese).

We welcome your input on what YOU would like.

If you are interested in joining us, please email me cheryl@sausalitobooksbythebay.com or sign up at the bookshop on your next visit!

What We're Reading

Secret Keeper of Jaipur
Alka Joshin

Following on the heels of her wildly popular debut novel, The Henna Artist, Joshi revisits her henna artist Lakshmi and her protégé Malik who has returned to the Jaipur Palace. The second novel in her trilogy (the series has been picked up by Netflix) there is more intrigue, more drama. Another captivating and lavish tale to savor. Cheryl P.

The Last Thing He Told Me
Laura Dave

It’s not easy to resist a novel set in Sausalito, and this engaging mystery does not disappoint. A newlywed’s husband suddenly disappears. In her search to find him, he is not what she thought he was. Surprise! While it’s immensely fun to read about local places you know, I’m not sure the author ever spent more than a few nights at the Casa Madrona, as her depiction of Sausalito seems a bit shallow. But then, the book is not about the city, it’s just the setting. You tell me what YOU think. Still, it is an entertaining, fun summer read. Cheryl P.

Falling
T. J. Newman

Don’t start reading this right before you go to bed, or you’ll be up all night. A page-turning thriller that’s hard to put down. Bad stuff just keeps happening and while somewhat predictable, it’s not the usual terrorist, plane, high-in-the-sky hi-jacking. This debut author, who was a flight attendant in a former life, offers a strong narrative and compelling character development, and the in-flight scenario rings true… or so I am told by my best friend, a former Pan Am flight attendant. It is a tribute to the men and women who we need to recognize are far more than just “trolley-dollies” at 30,000 feet. Cheryl P.

Address Unknown
Katherine Kressmann Taylor 

First published as a short story in a literary magazine in 1938, I came across it 25 years ago as a “from the archives” reprint, and it has stayed with me. I searched for years to find another copy (mine long lost in move), and finally one independently published by her son. I am thrilled that it is being republished now for the greater public. Max and Martin are gallery owners in San Francisco. Martin returns to their boyhood home of Germany on behalf of the gallery, and through a series of letters between the friends, you see how Martin falls under the spell of fascism. As the story ends, you will see why it still haunts me. Angela K.

The Hidden Palace
Helene Wecker

In this long awaited sequel to The Golem and the Jinni, Helene Wecker continues the story of magical creatures Chava and Ahmad from the beginning of the century to WWI. Chava is working as a teacher in an all-girls while Ahmad continue to use his special talent with wrought iron. As they continue to try to find their way in the human world, they change and collide with the people around them. A thrilling story that will keep you turning the page. Angela K.

By the Light of Burning Dreams: The Triumphs and Tragedies of the Second American Revolution
David & Margaret Talbot

For anyone who lived through this era (and BTW I’m amazed that I did survive it!) this is a fabulous overview of the history being made in the radical 1960’s and 1970’s. The political upheavals, the bold idealism, the activism, all of which were sweeping, inspirational and very messy all at once. A companion piece of sorts to David Talbot’s Season of the Witch, but like that book one with intergenerational appeal and historical relevance. Cheryl P.

The Reason for the Darkness of the Night: Edgar Allan Poe and the Forging of American Science
John Treschn

Even if we've never read Poe we all know of him, even think we have an understanding of him, so powerful are the tropes he bequeathed to us 170-plus years ago. But this is a Poe I'd never before encountered, an omnivorous explorer of mid-nineteenth century scientific beliefs, alternately proselytizing and debunking current thought, all played out in the very public forums of lectures, essays in popular magazines, as well as in his Tales. Fascinating both as literary criticism and as an overview of scientific thought before the Darwinian revolution. Jeff B.

Simulacron-3
Daniel F. Galouye

I consider Jill Lepore's If Then the best book of 2020, an illuminating history of the proto-Google Simulmatics Corporation, its intersection with the politics of the sixties, and its inevitable self-immolation. The audacity of the claims made by Simulmatics spurred two mid-sixties novels, one long forgotten. This one, however, very much like many works of Philip K. Dick, keeps infiltrating the culture, never more poignantly than in Fassbinder's World on a Wire from 1973, a longform TV movie I never tire of. Jeff B.

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
Mitch Albom 

A series of anecdotes from the funeral of Frankie Presto, detailing how this man rose to fame and collected each of the colorful strings on his favorite guitar. Narrated by Presto's oldest colleague, Music. Magic Strings is an inspirational story full of shocking turns, about pursuing one's passions and the potential of art to change lives. As you might guess from the unique narrator, this is a book all about loving music, and it offers a sweeping examination of 20th-century music history. Even if you've never played an instrument (like me) you are sure to find it an engaging read! Matthew K.

Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction
Jeff Vandermeer 

For anyone curious about writing fiction this book is an absolute delight, not only as a supplement to the experience of writing but as an experience itself. In addition to discussions of craft, just about every page is laced with heartfelt anecdotes and gorgeous artwork made to jumpstart a playful inquisitive mindset and resolute creativity. Jeff Vandermeer presents a list of clearly defined lessons in a recommended order, but encourages the reader to go at their own pace and deviate as needed. The book includes a number of rabbit holes to get lost in on the way, including essays by beloved authors, thought provoking graphics, and an arsenal of tricky writing prompts. Matthew K.

A Winter’s Promise 
Christelle Dabos

In a this series that is bound to delight fans of Land of Stories and Harry Potter, we follow headstrong Ophelia who cannot only see into an object’s past, but also travel through mirrors. When she is promised in marriage to Thorn, she learns that she is about to become a political pawn in a dangerous game. Winner of several awards in Europe, this is Book 1 in a quartet. Angela K. 

The Book No One Wants to Read 
Beth Bacon

A delightful book for both the newly reading child and the adults listening, this brightly colored book is both sly and funny. A perfect summer reading adventure. Angela K. 

Previously Reviewed & New in Paperback

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

Summer Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 11am – 7pm

Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 7pm

Fulfilling special orders via phone 415.887.9967
or email staff@sausalitobooksbythebay.com

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The Best Little Bookshop On The Bay!

Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, National Medal of the Art, Chavalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from the government of France. If you don’t know this author, you can check out the 10 books he wrote here: https://ernestgaines.louisiana.edu/author

He was a great man.

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