Open Monday–Saturday, 9 am–9 pm; Sundays 10 am–6 pm
Open 9 am–6 pm on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3
From Mamie:
I love to post great lines from books I'm reading on Facebook. And that's what I started doing as I read the opening pages of Ohio by Stephen Markley (Simon & Schuster $27). It wasn't long before I realized that my friends would soon tire of my posts, because almost every line of this book is quotable! Markley can write! And the story, of friends returning as adults to the town of New Canaan, Ohio, where they grew up, is a gut-clenching, fast-paced one. These men and women are the same age as my daughters, products of 9/11, the senseless wars in the Middle East, and the deteriorating foundation of many industrial centers in our country. Markley looks on their challenges with an unflinching eye. This book is gritty and hard to digest, but it has given me a deeper understanding of my children's generation.
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OUR TAKE TEN STAFFER FOR SEPTEMBER: CAM STEELE
From Mamie: Cam, or Cameron if you are speaking to his mother, has been juggling hats in the bookstore business for about seven years; six months of that has been at Quail Ridge Books. Cam loves fishing, kayaking, playing bass guitar, and learning about Jesus. He is excited that he will be a husband next spring!
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (Scribner $12.99). It's rarely the fish that fishermen are after, and in this classic novella, Hemingway perfectly encapsulates this. He takes the reader on a journey with an elderly fisherman seeking validation from his peers and for himself. He finds so much more.
gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for Your Heart by Kyle Idleman (Zondervan $16.99). You will be challenged as you take a deeper look at what idols are battling for the throne of your heart and which ones may already be winning.
State of Fear by Michael Crichton (Harper $9.99). Race around the world to stop a group of environmental terrorists before it's too late! You'll struggle to guess what is science and what is fiction in this thriller, and worry about how realistic it seems.
A Fly Rod of Your Own by John Gierach (Simon & Schuster $16). This is the most relatable book I have ever read, and I don't even fly fish! Gierach's sometimes hilarious and sometimes somber stories capture perfectly what it means to be a fisherman. I was torn because I was itching to get out there and fish, but I couldn't put the book down!
The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman (Northfield Publishing $15.99). This book has saved and elevated so many relationships including my own. It can be difficult to express your love to someone in a way that truly reaches them, but when you learn what love language speaks to the person, your words and actions can do just that. This book is life-changing!
My Utmost for His Highest: Updated Edition by Oswald Chambers (Discovery House $17.99). Chambers raised the bar for all devotionals, and the bar has yet to be moved. This book is so good I go back through it again every few years.
Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson $15.99). Who hasn't struggled with the idea of purpose, fallen into a job they hate, or just reached the point where they don't know what to do with their life? In this book, Lucado guides you towards finally getting an answer to the question, "What am I born to do?"
500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish: A Visual Reference to the Most Popular Species by Greg Jennings (Firefly Books $24.95). The most accurate and high-quality photographic library of freshwater aquarium fish I've found yet! Jennings gives you enough information to choose the perfect fish whether you are putting together a peaceful community or breeding a single species.
The Oath by Frank Peretti (Thomas Nelson $15.99). A suspenseful tale rife with symbolism that takes you into a small town full of secrets, a strange black rash, and brutal deaths at the hands of a large, mysterious creature.
Jesus Is ______: God's Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence by Judah Smith (Thomas Nelson $16.99). Smith fills in the blank in a new way in each chapter to capture the humanity of Jesus in a way that the Christian community seldom can. Smith's fun and accessible writing style will introduce you to the Jesus that the stained-glass pictures, hymns, and Renaissance paintings sometimes fail to capture.
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NEW IN PAPERBACK
Shooting Ghosts: A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey Back from War by Thomas J. Brennan and Finbarr O'Reilly (Penguin $18). A unique joint memoir by a U.S. Marine and a conflict photographer whose unlikely friendship helped both heal their war-wounded bodies and souls.
The Islamic Enlightenment: The Struggle Between Faith and Reason, 1798 to Modern Times by Christopher de Bellaigue (Liveright $17.95). ". . . rewrites everything we thought we knew about the modern history of the Islamic world."—Wall Street Journal
The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World by Jeff Goodell (Back Bay $17.99). "A well-rounded, persuasive survey . . . . A frightening, scientifically grounded, and starkly relevant look at how climate change will affect coastal cities."—Kirkus, Starred Review
Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children's Literature as an Adult by Bruce Handy (Simon & Schuster $16). "Consistently intelligent and funny. . . . The book succeeds wonderfully."—NYT Book Review
In the Midnight Room by Laura McBride (Touchstone $16). A "jewel of a novel" (BookPage) about four vivid and complicated women in Las Vegas whose lives become connected by secrets, courage, tragedies, and small acts of kindness.
Up From Freedom by Wayne Grady (Doubleday $16.95). For readers of Colson Whiteheadand James McBride, a stirring novel about the dangers that arise when we stay silent in the face of prejudice or are complicit in its development.
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BOOK CLUB BASH WAS A BLAST!
If you missed Book Club Bash earlier this week, you can find the books we recommended here. Next Bash is Spring of 2019. We'd love to hear your book club's recommendations too--email us at [email protected] and we'll share them here.
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BANK ON BOOKSELLERS
The Binc Foundation (Book Industry Charitable Foundation) is the only non-profit in the country that helps booksellers and their families in times of crisis, and it's kicking off a special fundraiser. Over 100 piggy banks decorated by your favorite authors, illustrators, and celebrities, from James Patterson to Ann Patchett to Celeste Ng to Jon Scieszka to Al Roker to Brad Paisley, are going up for auction. Bidding opens at noon on Sunday, Sept. 9th and closes at noon on Saturday, Sept. 15. Click here to check out these amazing works of art. Bid often and bid high! Auction proceeds go to the Binc Foundation.
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THE GREAT AMERICAN READ
PBS kicked off its eight-episode documentary on reading in American with the Launch Special back in May when they released America's 100 best loved books. The Great American Read's remaining seven weekly episodes, hosted by Meredith Viera, begin with the Fall Kick-off airing on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 8:00 p.m. There's still time to vote for your favorite book, and the winning book will be featured during the final episode in October. Re-watch the Launch Special and cast your vote at PBS.org/TheGreatAmericanRead. Come browse the books at our in-store Great American Read display!
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NC BOOKWATCH
NC Bookwatch with host D.G. Martin airs on UNC-TV on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Coming up, D.G.'s guests are Daniel Wallace with his humorous novel of coming into one's own, Extraordinary Adventures, and Alex Harris and Margaret Sartor with Dream of a House: The Passions and Preoccupations of Reynolds Price. Find the full cable schedule and a link to watch online here.
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QRB EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5, 7:00 p.m. Bridging the Divide Book Club discusses The Gun Debate: What Everyone Needs to Know by Philip Cook and Kristin Goss. Moderated by Cook, Professor of Public Policy, Economics and Sociology at Duke University. The club's goal 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. As with all of our in-store book clubs, participants receive a 21% discount on the discussion book; just let us know at the counter when you purchase it.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 6, 7:00 p.m. The Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art, Larry Wheeler, presents "Your Art Museum: Big Deal". Wheeler has overseen NCMA's transformation into one of the top museums in the Southeast, and he has announced his retirement for later this year. In a town meeting format, he will be in conversation with retired NCSU professor Clay Stalnaker, to discuss the museum's past and future.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 8, 2:00 p.m. Hunt Library on NC State campus in Raleigh. Captain Underpants author Dav Pilkey, Lord of the Fleas (Dogman #5), for ages 6+. Seats are sold out, but with QRB pre-order of the book, you'll receive a signed copy, plus two tickets for Dav's after-presentation greeting line where you can have a photo taken and he will sign extra books purchased at the event. Lobby activities include having photos taken with costumed characters and more. Order and get all the details here.
MONDAY, SEPT. 10, 7:00 p.m. Shelia Turnage, The Law of Finders Keepers. For kids ages 8+, it's the launch party for Sheila's final installment in the Mo & Dale adventure series that began with the Newbery Award-winning Three Times Lucky. Pre-order the new book and receive two tickets for reserved seats and signing-line access. General unreserved seating may also be available, and a signing-line ticket comes with each QRB purchase of The Law of Finders Keepers.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 12, 6:30 p.m. For children (and adults!), join author-illustrator duo Drew Daywalt and Scott Campbell, for a special pre-bedtime event. Their new picture book Sleepy, The Good Night Buddy features a little boy and his bedtime pal who will do anything they can to avoid going to sleep. Come as you are or wear your favorite jammies, and don't forget your favorite stuffed animal or blanket. This is not a reserved seating event, but you'll receive a priority signing-line ticket with pre-order of Sleepy.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 7:00 p.m. Robert W. Turner II, Not for Long: The Life and Career of the NFL Athlete. Drawing on his own football experience as well as interviews with over 120 National Football League players, Turner will discuss what it means to be an athlete in the NFL, and why so many players struggle with life after football.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 14, 7:00 p.m. Craig Johnson, Depth of Winter, a new Sheriff Walt Longmire mystery. An international hit man and the head of one of the most vicious drug cartels in Mexico has kidnapped Walt's daughter, Cady, to auction her off to his worst enemies, of which there are many. Click here to purchase the book and receive a ticket for reserved seating and the signing line. General unreserved seats may be available and all QRB purchases of the book come with a signing-line ticket.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 15, 4:00 p.m. Frank Harmon, Native Places, Drawing as a Way to See. Harmon, FAIA, has designed sustainable modern buildings across the Southeast for 30 years. Native Places is a collection of 64 watercolor sketches paired with mini-essays about architecture, landscape, everyday objects, and nature. Harmon explores the belief that hand drawing and writing are not obsolete skills. He'll be introduced by Raleigh author Angela Davis-Gardner. Click here to purchase the book and receive a ticket for reserved seating and the signing line. General unreserved seats may be available and all QRB purchases of the book come with a signing-line ticket. Find out more about Harmon and the book here.
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BOOK CLUBS & MEETINGS (Everyone welcome)
**Our Saturday morning Under the Tree Storytime for kids is on hiatus and resumes Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m. Mz. Linda's Toddler Time on Monday's at 10:30 a.m., for ages ages 1–4, will not meet Labor Day, Sept. 10.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 4, 7:00 p.m. MYSTERY BOOK CLUB, discussing mysteries set in Spain.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5, 7:00 p.m. BRIDGING THE DIVIDE, The Gun Debate: What Everyone Needs to Know by Philip J. Cook and Kristin A. Goss; the meeting will be moderated by Cook. The goal of this book club is to foster dialog and better understanding between people with different viewpoints.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 9, 2:00 p.m. WRITERS COFFEEHOUSE. Every writer of any kind at any stage in their writing career is welcome to join this discussion and networking group, and there is no set agenda. Not a peer review/critique group.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 11, 2:30 p.m. OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), Friends in High Places by Donna Leon.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 11, 7:00 p.m. NOT FOR MEN ONLY, Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 7:00 p.m. LITERARY HORROR, We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 15, 10:00 a.m. SINGLES, Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward.
THE FREAKIN' AWESOME BOOK CLUB, for young adults with developmental disabilities, meets Sundays at 4:45 p.m. at QRB or in members' homes. Currently reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. Contact facilitator Marlyn Wells at [email protected] for more information.
TEEN WRITERS COLLECTIVE: Usually meets on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Suggested entry level is rising high school freshman+. Contact Cris Crissman at [email protected] for more information.
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Quail Ridge Books
33 Years of Independent Bookselling
919-828-1588
QuailRidgeBooks.com
“There is no Frigate like a Book.”~~Emily Dickinson
For inquiries concerning QuailMail contact editor Kent Bryant at [email protected].
Links to browse or shop the books:
Ohio by Stephen Markley
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
gods at War by Kyle Idleman
State of Fear by Michael Crichton
A Fly Rod of Your Own by John Gierach
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Cure For the Common Life by Max Lucado
500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish by Greg Jennings
The Oath by Frank Peretti
Jesus Is ______ by Judah Smith
Shooting Ghosts by Brennan and O'Reilly
The Islamic Enlightenment by Christopher de Bellaigue
The Water Will Come by Jeff Goodell
Wild Things by Bruce Handy
In the Midnight Room by Laura McBride
Up From Freedom by Wayne Grady
Extraordinary Adventures by Daniel Wallace
Dream of a House by Harris and Sartor
The Gun Debate by Cook and Goss
Lord of the Fleas by Dav Pilkey
The Law of Finders Keepers by Sheila Turnage
Sleepy, The Goodnight Buddy by Daywalt and Campbell
Not For Long by Robert W. Turner II
Depth of Winter by Craig Johnson
Native Places by Frank Harmon
Friends in High Places by Donna Leon.
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets by J. K. Rowling