Open Monday–Saturday, 9 am–9 pm
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Sundays 10 am–6 pm
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Once again, I found myself reading something while at the Wildacres Retreat Center in the NC mountains that became a part of the experience. Mesha Maren’s book,
Sugar Run
(Algonquin $26.95), has Appalachia written all over it. The main character Jodi, newly released from prison, and the rag-tag assortment of characters she accumulates as the story progresses are defined by the past they want to leave behind and their present struggles to make a go of it in rural West Virginia. There’s hard drinking and a lot of drugging, loving and leaving, and a good bit of frustrated anger thrown in for some nail-biting tension. If you like Ron Rash, you’re going to love
Sugar Run
. Maren’s writing is so gorgeous and precise that I know whatever she writes, I’m going to want to read it. Mesha Maren will be here to talk about the book on Thursday, Feb. 7th at 7 p.m.
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STAFF PICKS
Kiwi Calhoun is a bookseller in our Children's Department who also writes and edits the
QuailKids newsletter
. Here are two of her reviews (for grownups!):
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Convenience Store Woman
by Sayaka Murata (Grove $20, translated from Japanese). This little, unassuming book is chock full of startling hilarity and thoughtful commentary about cultural and social expectations. Perfectly fulfilled as a convenience store worker, Keiko doesn't understand social conventions and has learned to blend in by mimicking her coworkers. But people keep bothering her: Why hasn't she pursued a more serious career? Does she have a boyfriend? She tries to appease her prying family by taking in a deadbeat ex-coworker to pose as her (fake) boyfriend. But all Keiko truly wants is to be a perfect cog in the machine of the convenience store!
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Passing for Human: A Graphic Memoir
by Liana Finck (Random House $28). When I picked up this book, I was quite unsure of it, but now it is one of my favorite books of 2018. It made me laugh, and cry, and feel more validated by a narrative than I have in a long while. Read this if you have an artistic soul and have ever felt lost or beaten down. Read it if you've ever misplaced your hopes and dreams. Liana's story is a big 'ol hug that will help you remember who you are, and make you feel okay about being human.
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Margaret Wilkerson Sexton wins Crook's Corner Prize for
A Kind of Freedom
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The Crook's Corner Book Prize is given annually for the best debut novel set in the American South. Sexton receives a $5000 cash prize and a complimentary glass of wine at Crook’s Crook's Corner Café and Bar in Chapel Hill each day of her prize year. Read more
here
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ENJOY 25% OFF ALL MAGAZINES THROUGH
JANUARY 23rd!
(in-store purchase)
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NEW IN PAPERBACK
A bumper crop of great titles this week!
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Author Jeff McKown joins Jason Jefferies on the
Bookin'
podcast
North Carolina Book Festival:
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Tonight, Jan. 9, 7:00 PM
The Open Discussion Project
(Previously the Bridging The Divide Book Club)
The goal of the Open Discussion Project is to foster dialog and better understanding between people with different political viewpoints, and to provide a space for civil discourse on controversial or divisive topics. Books discussed will represent issues and viewpoints across the political spectrum. OPD will meet on second Wednesdays of the month; tonight's is an organizational and planning meeting with our new facilitators, Lisa Finaldi and Patti Gillenwater. Join us!
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Thursday, Jan. 10, 7:00 PM
A
Books and Beer
event at Crank Arm Brewing in Raleigh
JEFF JACKSON,
Destroy All Monsters: The Last Rock Novel
An epidemic of violence is sweeping the country: musicians are being murdered onstage by members of their audiences. Are these random copycat killings, or is something more sinister at work?
Visit our website
for information about attending this event at
Crank Arm Brewing
, 319 W Davie St, Raleigh 27601.
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Saturday, Jan. 12, 2:00 PM
WAKE Up and Read Book Drive Kickoff
Kids activities and storytime with celebrity readers
Join us for a fun afternoon celebrating literacy and the launch of the annual
Wake County Book Drive
. You can help by donating new or gently used books for ages birth to 12 (excluding textbooks, encyclopedias and magazines). Purchase new books for donation at a 20% discount. We'll have storytimes with WRAL anchor Brad Johansen and Wake Co. Commisioner Jessica Holmes. Plus face painting, craft activities, and an appearance by Ruben, the
WAKE Up and Read
Rooster! QRB is accepting donations through Feb. 15.
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Monday, Jan. 14, 5:45
–
6:15 PM
KENNETH and SARAH JANE WRIGHT
Lola Dutch: When I Grow Up
A fun and interactive storytime for ages 3+
We welcome husband and wife author/illustrator team Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright for the continuing adventures of the unstoppable Lola Dutch. Lola has lots of ideas for what she wants to be when she grows up! Perfect for fans of
Olivia
and
Fancy Nancy
.
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Thursday, Jan. 17, 7:00 PM
TOMMY TOMLINSON
The Elephant in the Room: One Fat Man's Quest to Get Smaller in a Growing America
Nearing age fifty and weighing 460 pounds, Tomlinson decided he had to change his life. The former
Charlotte Observer
journalist and columnist speaks candidly about what it’s like to live as a fat man, and taking the first steps toward health. And he discusses our nation's struggle with weight, body image, and a relationship with food that puts many of us at risk.
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Friday, Jan. 18, 7:00 PM
GARNER MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The Roots of Our People: From One World to Another, Juntos
Eight young writers at Garner Magnet HS have published this bilingual book of poetry, essays, letters, and memoirs which explore their experiences as first generation and immigrant students in our community. All proceeds from the $12 book go a scholarship fund. Book sales will be handled by the students, so cash purchases will be appreciated.
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Saturday, Jan. 19, 11:00 AM
FRANK HYMAN,
Hentopia: Create a Hassle-Free Habitat for Happy Chickens; 21 Innovative Projects
More eggs, less work--and more enjoyment for both the chickens and their keeper! Featuring easy-to-follow instructions and colorful photos, the projects use salvaged or found material and require no carpentry experience.
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Saturday, Jan. 19, 2:00 PM
KELLY STARLING LYONS,
Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist
Jada Jones is back in the third book of this celebrated series for ages 6+. Jada is hosting her first sleepover, and she has lots of cool scientific activities planned, but when her friends just want to hang out, can Jada figure out the formula for fun and save the sleepover? Storytime, games, slime and cookies. PJs optional!
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Book Clubs and Groups - Everyone Welcome!
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The Open Discussion Project
Tonight, Jan. 9
7:00 PM
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Literary Horror
Book Club
Thursday, Jan. 10
7:00 PM
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Writers Coffeehouse
Sunday, Jan. 13
2:00 PM
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Not For Men Only
Book Club
Monday, Jan. 14
7:00 PM
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Forever Young:
YA For Adults
Thursday, Jan. 17
7:00 PM
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Find the schedule for all of our groups
here
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Mondays and Saturdays
10:30 AM
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Hindi/English Storytime
Monday, Jan. 14
10:30 AM
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For Young Adults with
developmental disabilities.
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QRB Teen Writers Collective
Meets at NCSU. Contact Cris.Crissman@gmail.com for info.
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Quail Ridge Books
34 Years of Independent Bookselling
919-828-1588
“
Reading is equivalent to thinking with someone else's head instead of with one's own
.”~~
Arthur Schopenhauer
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