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Wellesley Books Newsletter
August 31st, 2016
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Every so often, a new book comes along that captivates our staff in such a way that we want to shout its praise from the rooftops -- and such a book is Amor Towles's A Gentleman In Moscow (released September 6th). We were lucky enough to attain advance copies of this terrific novel, and here's what our staff is saying about it:
Betty says: "The combination of three beautiful love stories -- the Count to his homeland, the father to his serendipitous daughter and the adoration of the willowy actress -- all serve to soften the tale of the brutal transitions of early to mid 20th century Russia. Like an exquisite, and often hilarious, jigsaw puzzle, the pieces of this book fit together perfectly. We come away with a sweeping history lesson and characters we cannot let go of."
Phyllis says: "By turns provocative and humorous, we view a changing Russia through the eyes of a former count who manages to remain a step ahead of the Communists. Brilliant writing!"
Mayre says: "Captivating and charming, Amor Towles's book immerses us in Russia, post revolution to the early Khrushchev reign through the eyes of Count Alexander Rostov, who never loses his capacity to learn, to teach, and to treasure love and friendship."
Gillian says: "Just splendid! Count Rostov is now my favorite Russian aristocrat. He conducts himself with such elegance, humor, and kindness during his thirty-year house arrest in the Hotel Metropol that we almost forget his freedom has been curtailed. He sets a delightful example of grace and dignity in the face of adversity."
Peter says: "This is simply a wonderful story, told with rich, sparkling prose. Amor Towles has done it again!"
William says: "One of the best novels in years, this book charmed me like no other. Through one man's eyes. we ponder our value in society and our place in history. This is a perfect book!"
Sally says: "Prepare to be mesmerized by a Russian count who is sentenced to house arrest in the grand Metropol Hotel in Moscow in the year 1922; by a colorful cast of characters who aid and abet the Count during his years at the hotel; by the many brilliant nods to Russian literature, and by the sheer magnificence of Amor Towles' writing. Bravo!"
As you can tell, we adore this book, and we are pleased to host Amor Towles on September 8th, when he will read from A Gentleman In Moscow and sign copies purchased at Wellesley Books. Get here early as we believe this event will fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss your chance to meet this brilliant author.
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Upcoming Events At Wellesley Books
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All events are free to the public, unless otherwise noted.
Purchase the lead title
from Wellesley Books to enter the signing line!
Thursday, September 8th, 7:00 PM. Amor Towles's first novel,
Rules Of Civility, was a runaway bestseller and a store favorite. Join us for an evening with Mr. Towles as he unveils his second novel,
A Gentleman In Moscow, the story of an aristocrat in Russia who is placed under house arrest in a luxury hotel for decades. Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count's endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose. This is one of the best books of the year, so don't miss this chance to meet a great American author.
Tuesday, September 13th, 7:00 PM. Author Suzanne M. LaFleur presents her new novel for intermediate readers,
Beautiful Blue World, a story about children who become the key to winning a war. Sofarende is at war. For twelve-year-old Mathilde, it means food shortages, feuding neighbors, and bombings. Even so, as long as she and her best friend, Megs, are together, they'll be all right. But the army is recruiting children, and paying families well for their service. This is a fascinating and honest book, and this is certain to be a captivating discussion!
Friday, September 23rd, 7:00 PM. Wellesley Books hosts five best-selling young adult authors for one huge YA panel. Join Lori Goldstein (
Becoming Jinn), I.W. Gregorio (
None Of The Above), Emery Lord (
When We Collided), Marie Rutkowski (
The Winner's Curse), and Nicola Yoon (
Everything, Everything) as they discuss their newest books and the writing process. The discussion will be lively and entertaining -- arrive early so you don't miss a single minute! Purchase any of the authors' most recent book from Wellesley Books to get in the signing line and meet the author and have her sign your copy.
Tuesday, September 27th, 7:00 PM. When Miriam Weinstein's good friend died unexpectedly and other losses followed close behind, it led to a year of introspection and black outfits.
All Set For Black, Thanks ditches the sanctimony to give us the help and the laughs that we actually need in times of mourning and grief. Weinstein will present her book -- part memoir, part self help -- and she will help you get through the rough bargain of human existence.
Thursday, September 29th, 7:00 PM. Danielle Walker visits us and discusses her new book
Against The Grain Celebrations, 125 recipes for grain-free, dairy-free, gluten-free comfort food dishes for holidays and special occasions. When people adopt a new diet for health or personal reasons, they worry most about the parties, holidays, and events with strong food tradition, but Danielle Walker has revived the joy that cooking for holidays can bring
. There will be tastings! This is a
ticketed event and part of our series
The Joy Of Cookbooks.
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Bill's Book Group For Guys
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by William Finnegan
This Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir of obsession is an old-school adventure story, a social history of surfing, a literary road trip, and a perfect summer read.
Join Bill's Book Group for Guys for a relaxed evening in the store discussing a specially-chosen book while enjoying a beer, glass of wine, or select single-malt whiskey. $25 buys the book and a ticket to the event.
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Betty's Lunchtime Book Group
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by William MakepeaceThackeray
Betty Sudarsky, unparalleled bookseller and experienced book club leader, chooses each book carefully and leads the discussion. Bring your own lunch if you like; Betty supplies snacks, drinks, and insight. No need to sign up; drop-ins are welcome.
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Bookseller Recommendations!
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William Recommends:
The Gentleman by Forrest Leo
Part P.G. Wodehouse, part Monty Python, and part
Master And Margarita, this hilarious novel details the story of a bored British gentleman (what what) who may have accidentally sold his wife to the devil. Joining him is his stalwart butler, a jungle adventurer, an inventor of flying machines, and his sister, who has just been sent home from boarding school for having a 'dalliance.' Hilarious dialogue and a refreshing wit make this little book laugh-out-loud funny. Don't miss the disparaging footnotes by a disapproving cousin!
Lorna Recommends:
Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
It's Textbook because her last memoir was an encyclopedia and it's Textbook because you can text this book! It's also Textbook because it is so much of Amy -- smart, funny, thoughtful, and intriguing. I love this book. It will make you laugh and there are nine endings. Take your time getting there; it's worth it!
Lauren Recommends:
This is an acclaimed debut novel from one of the descendants of Cotton Mather, where the trials of high school start to feel like a modern day witch hunt for a teen with all the wrong connections to Salem's past. I loved every minute of this charming, spooky, twisty gem! From the magic and history, to the well-developed and intensely interesting characters and practically perfect dialogue, I was hooked. Hard to believe that this is a debut!
Phyllis Recommends:
Is the American Dream real? The Jongo family believes it is when they leave their native Cameroon to seek opportunity and democracy in New York City. As the family becomes enmeshed in the Wall Street crash of 2007 and experiences the effects of great wealth on the devastation of family values, they are not so sure America is the promised land. An immigrant story not often told,
Behold the Dreamers is a realistic look at the choices and trade-offs immigrants must make to have freedom and wealth at the cost of family and tradition.
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Wellesley Books has partnered with
Libro.fm to bring you the best in digital audiobooks. Visit
our website to get more details about this great new service, or visit
Libro.fm to sign up and download your next great read. It's like Audible.com (which is owned by Amazon), so if you would rather have your dollars go to an independent, locally-owned business, then this is a terrific option!
Now available as an Android App!
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New Books For Young Adults
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Check out our cool new YA Twitter feed
here!
Learn all about the best new titles and what's hot right now.
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Bonesville by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joelle Jolivet |
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Do you hear that sound -- the sound of little feet trudging back to their classrooms and parents sighing with relief? Send the kids back to school in style with gifts from our gift department! We have notebooks, planners, and sketchbooks ready to be filled with studious wisdom. We offer backpacks, lunch bags, and S'Well Bottles as well as colorful pencil cases. We also sell the coolest erasers you've ever seen!
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What We're Reading Now...
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Tumbleweed
Tumbleweed was a rescue dog of indeterminate breed, who was so named because he was discovered 'all rough and tumbled' on the streets of Texas. Adopted by our owner's son and daughter-in-law, this adorable boy is full of energy and love for everyone. Welcome to Wellesley Books, Tumbleweed!
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"There are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so fully
as those we spent with a favorite book."
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Thank you for supporting your community
independent bookstore!
Sincerely,
William D. Carl
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