Lucy's Books

Happy Summer Reading

2013-04-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers!
I have the new Tana French BROKEN HARBOR in paperback at the store. I can't release it until April 30th but I have three copies waiting to be read. If you'd like to reserve one, call at 503-325-4210. LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS by M.L. Stedman is also now in paperback, as is THE ORCHARDIST by Amanda Coplin. I realize those of you who facebook will see this same announcement....so now I'll add something to this post to change it out a bit.

I have customers come in all the time recommending books, and for the most part, just about everyone has been spot on about the book they read. Books for relaxing and perfect for the ol' camping trip, books to lose yourself in and get absorbed in, making it the perfect reason why you aren't the one starting the dinner on the campfire.

Most of you are voracious readers, so these titles- please excuse if you've read the book- are summer get-aways...literally. Get a copy and have that all-is-well-I-don't-have-anything-to-do-but-read-this-book feeling. Don't you love that feeling?

WINTER GARDEN by Kristin Hannah. This book is a mesmerizing story about two sisters who took different paths in life. One a mother, the other followed her dream. Their mother is icy and enigmatic. But on her husband's deathbed she promises to tell her daughters the fairy tale that spans over sixty years and is unfinished. From war-torn Leningrad to modern-day Alaska, this is an intimate portrait of women poised at the crossroads of their lives.

DAMNED by Chuck Palahnuik. A hilariously visual of hell told by a young girl who doesn't really know the reason she's there. Maybe because she's fat? Maybe because of the marijuana overdose?
Madison joins a motley crew of THE BREAKFAST CLUB of the damned as they march across the unspeakable terrain of hell. I am reading this right now and find it delightful. Once in awhile you need a book that has no redeeming factor other than it is a unique story that grabs you and takes you along on a journey you can't experience elsewhere. How cool is that?

GENTLEMEN and PLAYERS by Joanne Harris. This story, set in an all boys school in England, is a cat and mouse thriller about Roy Straitley-an eccentric Classics teacher- and an opponent who has meticulously planned a final, deadly move. Our customer who recommended this title thoroughly enjoyed it. He loved the twists and turns of the plot.

DANCING to the FLUTE by Manisha Jolie Amin. Lucy's Books' customer enjoyed this book, saying it was beautiful, ethereal, and moving. The story focuses on a young boy, Kalu, who is a street kid in rural India. He has two friends, Bal who tends the buffaloes, and Malti, a gentle servant girl.
Here is an excerpt from the book:
"Kalu picked up the flute by his side and started to play. The sound was deep and full as if he was translating his thoughts into music. It stayed in the air like dust floating on the sunlight, and each note held the promise of something not quite spoken but maybe heard in the darkness of a dream."

I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU by Lucinda Rosenfeld. Now, this book seems like it's answering my little green friend that sits on my shoulder from time to time...Wendy's best friend Daphne has everything going for her and Wendy is jealous. Caught between being a good friend she prides herself on being, and her crippling jealousy of flighty Daphne, Wendy takes things a bit too far. One quote from Publisher's Weekly said "A dark, hilarious, and painfully accurate view of the less-than-pure reasons why women stay friends."

So, get some sunshine, SUNSCREEN, and sand and enjoy your summer reading!

Hello Readers!

2013-04-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

Hello All You Wonderful Readers,

I want to clear up any misconceptions about Lucy's Books. The bookstore is doing great...I DO NOT intend on closing it, which surprised me to hear from a customer. Look at the new sign and sandwich board I painted...I wouldn't have done that much work to close a store. So PLEASE, PLEASE-if you hear the rumor that I am closing the store, it is Not true . Lucy's Books is for sale, but I will continue to work diligently, keeping up stock, ordering for customers et.al., lovingly taking care of the store and waiting for just the right new owner, because Lucy's Books just can't go to anyone, right?

Books that are out that are good beach reads...

These books were customer recommended:

Bed and Breakfast by Lois Battle ($15.). She says that this is a great beach read. At first she was disappointed but then 'click' she really started to enjoy it.

Miss Timmon's School for Girls by Nayana Currimbhoy($14.99). This customer said it was interesting learning about a British boarding school in India. This book is a mystery, so for all you sleuths out there, if you haven't read this one, give it a try.

Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos ($15.) This customer said this was a good book. This is a review about this book:
Love Walked In is a wonderful book, full of beautiful cinematic moments that fill your heart. The story of the three lives — Clare, Cornelia, and Teo — connecting and growing together is wonderful to read. This is a book I’ll pick up and read again, pass along to my best friend, and sit talking about for hours afterward. I’m in love!

The Witch's Trinity by Erika Mailman ($13.95). This book takes place in 1507 Germany where a friar arrives with a book called Mallwus Maleficarum ( The Witch's Hammer) to clean the town of evil. The author says she had an ancestor who was twice tried for witchcraft. How horrible would that be in times when lack of knowledge made things unexplainable so naturally, it was a witch who caused the situation. Hummm......

You can e-mail me at patti@lucysbooks.net or call at 503-325-4210 if you wish to order any of these titles or others.

Happy reading!

Book Store

2013-01-09T14:18:00.001-08:00

Well, here it goes...although I have enjoyed owning a bookstore, albeit only for a year and a half, I am putting it on the market. We had a wonderful Christmas season, all is going great in that aspect, there is a great customer base and support, but my heart is not in it now. I am enjoying having my art take off in a direction that I thought wouldn't happen, and there is where my real passion lies. Also, there is a physical reason too, but compared with others who are so ill, mine seems minor, yet it can be almost crippling at times. So, I'll leave it at that. Anyone interested in buying the bookstore can contact me at patti@lucysbooks.net.

Events for November

2012-10-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Lucy's Books Presents native Astorian Christopher Lord reading from his new Cozy Mystery book

The Christmas Carol Murders on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Lucy's Books. Complimentary refreshments served.

There is something afoot in Dickens Junction, Oregon. Local bookstore owner Simon Alastair is getting ready for the community's annual celebration of Charles Dickens's well known story. But a stranger shows up and is murdered. Simon and Zach, a dashing magazine reporter, begin to investigate. Then another murder follows. Is Dickens Junction safe? Is the murderer from the community? Or is there a shadowy organization behind this?

Then...

Lucy's Books presents Robert Michael Pyle reading from his new book of essays The Tangled Bank: Writings from Orion on Thursday, November 15, at KALA, 1017 Marine Drive, Astoria. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. There is a $6.00 cover charge. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Robert's essays convey an exuberant sense of what it feels like to encounter the greater-than-human world with senses alert and mind engaged. Robert Michael Pyle is curious and knowledgeable about all manner of living things from butterflies to bats, from bio-luminescent plankton to the yeast in beer.

October and November

2012-10-12T17:28:00.002-07:00

The sky is gray and the rain is falling. How appropriate for October in Astoria. We've needed the rain, although the stretch of sunshine we had was nice, especially for those who need sunshine in their days to stave off depression. But the rain is here. The days are getting darker earlier and it is time to cozy up to a good book or two or more!

What has been selling like hotcakes... and I'm sure you will not believe this (tongue in cheek here):

Fiction:
The Fifty Shades Series: Fifty Shades of Gray, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed.

Then there's

The Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, now that it has been made into a movie, is a hot item. It is a great story, though.

The Shopkeeper by James D. Best- a western...

Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon. This is his latest book.

Now in paperback, Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore. A murder tale with Henri Toulouse- Lautrec and Lucien Lessard trying to solve van Gogh's untimely death. Baing an artist, this book strikes a particular interest.

Fantasy/Sci-fi

The Game of Thrones series. Always a seller.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Several customers loved this one.
What Lies Beneath The Clocktower by Margaret Killjoy. This book reminds me of Steampunk.

Non-Fiction

The Tangled Bank: Writings by Orion by regional author Robert Pyle. These are essays on nature and this is his latest book.
Days of Revolt by Chris Hedges
Feathers by Thor Hanson
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski. This is a true biography/autobiography about a sales executive and an eleven year old panhandlers relationship.
No Easy Day by Mark Owen. This is the Navy Seal's account of the Bin Laden assassination.

Young Readers and Children's Books

Larry Gets Lost in Portland by Michael Mullin and John Skewes. A funny tale and recognizable locations in Portland.
The next in the Wildwood Series: Under Wildwood by Colin Meloy.
I Want My Hat Back author Jon Klassen's book This Is Not My Hat a great tale that addresses stealing.

So many more books I haven't mentioned but time is a factor here.

Calendar of Events for November:

Saturday November 3, 1:00 p.m. Christopher Lord, a native Astorian living in Portland, has written The Christmas Carol Murders. The story starts in Dickens Junction, Oregon. Simon Alastair is the local bookstore owner getting ready for the community's annual Charles Dickens reading. But suddenly there is a murder in the town. Simon and Zach, a young magazine reporter, try to solve the mystery. This book is the first of a series with the atmosphere of Agatha Christie puzzles, a touch of Charlotte MacLeod, a hint of Oscar Wilde humor, and the spirit of Charles Dickens. This event will take place at Lucy's Books.

Thursday November 15, 7:00 p.m. local writer Robert Pyle will read from his new book The Tangled Banks: Writings from Orion.
The location of the reading TBA later, as I am working on this. Robert brings in a crowd. More later.

Here's what's happening when shopping at Lucy's Books after Thanksgiving...
Beginning Nov. 23rd through Dec. 21, we will be open til 7 p.m. on Fridays, and here's the deal offered:
20% off the lowest priced book when you buy three, includes special orders.

A Treat of an Evening for All

2012-09-29T22:40:00.002-07:00

Lucy's Presents an evening of Trick and Treat with Portland native author Lisamarie Jelderks.

The treat: The Willamette Saloon Haunting is her new book introducing Tuesday Brousseau who runs away from her past and hopes Hurricane Katrina will cover her tracks. She revisits her past in Portland and the old Willamette Saloon. Does trouble await her here?

Come and find out on

Tuesday, October 9th

7:00 p.m. at Lucy's Books.

Oh, and the trick? Remember to bring a flashlight and $3.00 (proceeds will go to the Assistance League) for a field trip that is sure to be an experience to remember.We will be going underground...

AND a special thanks to Dulcye and her store, Old Town Framing Company, for collaborating with Lucy's Books on this event.

Reading in Tokeland, Washington

2012-09-13T12:36:00.001-07:00

Hello Readers,

Lucy's Books, or at least the new owner, is trying something different for the next reading...

We will be supplying the books for a reading by Garth Stein, author of
The Art of Racing in the Rain,

who will be in TOKELAND, WASHINGTON (about an hour and a half from Astoria area) on

September 21, at 4 p.m. at the Shoalwater Bay Tribal Community Library. If you have a hankering for a little fall drive, come to the event. I'll be there along with hubby Mark and Helga, our mini dachshund (her little nose would be bent out of shape if she didn't get to go). The event promises to be exciting, I'm sure.

TONIGHT SEPTEMBER 7th

2012-09-07T11:32:00.001-07:00

Tonight will be the reading by poet Carlos Reyes.

He lives in Portland and has traveled afar to collect his lyrically and transcending ideas for writing. All are welcome.  Wine and snacks will be served.

At: Lucy's Books
       348 12th Street
       Astoria, OR     503.325.4210

August/ September

2012-08-18T17:28:00.002-07:00

Well, this summer has flown by for Lucy's Books. It seems like yesterday was June and here it is the middle of August.

First, I have to correct the date of Brie Mathew's gathering. It still is going to be at the same place, but the date is September 8th, which is a Saturday, at 6:00p.m. I apologize for the mistake. And like stated before, guests are welcome to bring a potluck dish or even libations. The gathering will be informal so just come as you are.

Japan. In June we traveled to Osaka for our son's wedding, which was beautiful. Elegant, actually. The ceremony was said in Japanese so our family just enjoyed the serenity of the moment. Andrew was so handsome and Ai was lovely. There were no bridesmaids or grooms even though the wedding was "western style". Our daughter, Nicole, and son, Sam attended. The whole time was like a huge family reunion for both sides. Ai's two sisters were delightful. I have to say that I adore Ai, her mother, and extended families. Everyone was very friendly AND polite. Big brother Sam gave a toast to the newly weds, which turned out to be touching. There was music and kind of like an M.C. talking the entire time we ate, when they cut the cake, and clear to the end of the event. Again, all was in Japanese so I don't know what was said. I am thinking stories about Andrew and Ai, however, I forgot to ask Andrew! The bride and groom put together a video starting with her baby pictures till current, as did Andrew. Tears flowed. The event ended with Mark, my husband, giving a thank you to everyone who attended, in Japanese. Andrew coached him for a couple days.

Siyoko, Ai's mother, cooked some wonderful tempura meats, fish, chicken, and vegetables. I tried squid and octopus for the very first time. It was very good, not that I'll order cephalpods anytime soon. We ate at a Korean BBQ restaurant, all you can eat for two hours, which had delightful dishes and meats. Very tender-cut beef, seasoned and plain, that were brought to your table raw. In the center of the table was a small round BBQ set in the table, vents around the sides, and you cooked your own veggies and meats. You could also order salads, rice dishes and desserts- as much as you could eat. So, while enjoying a particular salad, I asked Ai what the crunchy bits were in the salad. I now can add jellyfish to my cephalopod tasting list.

So thinking that I'd lose a few pounds like I did the last time we were in Japan, I was mistaken. Food seemed to be the focus of this whole trip, but I wouldn't change a single thing about about our visit!

Books. Amazon is really trying to get every small business owner's dime. Yes, you might be able to find that new book sooner, and marked down a few dollars, but you don't get the customer service like you do at small book stores. Same thing goes with other small stores. Box stores are coming in our area and I just hope that the town of Astoria can stay in business. Enough about my pontificating, let's get down to BOOKS.

Fiction: Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern- Now that I have read this, I have to say I was impressed with how this young woman wove the story. Even though it is a bit surreal and fantastical, it had a thread of reality woven through it, plus she kept the time period true. If you have ever seen anything or read about steampunk, this sort of impression floated around in my mind. Good read.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender, is a story about a young girl who can taste her mother's emotions in every slice of her mom's home-made lemon-chocolate cake. Intriguing, right? Can you imagine someone knowing your deepest kept secrets?

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus- this book is for young readers and is a Newberry Honor Book.
I myself enjoy reading these books, when there is time, and this book is on my list. It is an adventure that five friends take on, based on true events, and the author was praised for doing her research.

A customer came in and gave me a few titles of books that she had read to 6th and 7th grade boys. She said they enjoyed the books immensely. And I have to say,one is a bit ooky (yes ooky not spooky). It is about famous deaths. Marie Curie, Edgar Allen Poe, and more. The title is How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg.

Non-fiction: Handmade to Sell by Kelly Rand is about how to market the art you make. I have looked through it, even ordered one for myself. The information given is for those who are thinking about selling their goods, but don't know the first step.

Well, enough for now. I have been very winded this time. Have a great rest of the summer and a great beginning of fall. I'll be posting my calendar of events soon-ish, so keep an eye out for it.

My Error

2012-07-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

I have a typo in the e-mail address for Kristi Athen. Please note that it is www.getyourpitchforkon.com.

July/ August

2012-07-02T16:51:00.002-07:00

Summer is upon us and as July is here many around the country are getting ready for the Fourth of July. And so am I. My husband, as I write this,is driving back from Colorado with our grandchildren: nine year old Warren and soon to be seven years old Dustin. We will take them to see the fireworks, swimming at our beautiful aquatic center here in Astoria, to the many parks around town, to the movies, and have them go up and down the Column five times to wear them out! But seriously, I am looking forward to spending time with them. I have chosen several books from the store to read to the boys: one of them is

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

by Brian Selznick. Have you seen this book? It is a work of art! The book design itself is fabulous but the drawings add such a richness to the story. Then I chose a couple of Dr. Seuss books, and a few chapter books that hopefully Warren will enjoy. He is a voracious reader. Dustin is working on getting up to speed so I picked a few books that he can read to us. As for me, I am reading some of Alice Hoffman's books. They are easy and light, which makes for fun summer reading. Our book club has chosen for our August read

The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern. I look forward to reading this too. There are so many books out there, we can't read them all. However, I would like to hear from you about your favorite book(s). I would like to put reader reviews in books so that someone looking for a great book can read another's comments. If you would like to do this, please e-mail me at patti@lucysbooks.net with your review. Of course names will not be revealed. Well, I guess I'd better do some "grandmotherly" things, like bake some cookies and prepare a dinner for tomorrow's arrival of the grand-boys. I'm so excited to see them! Have a joyous and safe July and August.

JULY EVENTS

2012-06-28T15:18:00.002-07:00

LUCY’S BOOKS presents

July Calendar of Events

At Lucy’s Books

Sunday, July 8^th-beginning at 12:00p.m. A signing by Northwest Author Kristi Athens’s book Get Your Pitchfork On! This informative book gives you the practical tools you need to realize your own dreams of getting away from it all, with the basics of home, farm, and hearth. The book also enters territory that others avoid—straightforward advice about the social aspects of country living, from health care to schools to small-town politics. Check out her website at www.getyourpitchforkon.com.

Saturday Art Walk July 14^th –beginning at 1:00p.m.- Northwest Poet and Author Joseph Green will be signing and reading from his new chapbook, That Thread Still Connecting Us.Joseph is from Longview Washington, where he taught English at Lower Columbia for nearly 25 years. His poems have been published in Bellingham Review, Crab Creek Review and more. Check out his website at www.poetry.us.com/josephgreen.

ALSO on the 14^th

Intuitive Counselor Catherine Al-Meten will be doing readings from 5p.m.-8p.m.is the Founder and Presidentat Northwest Creative Outreach, Astoria Center for the Arts and Professor of Comparative Religious and Spiritual Traditions at Clackamas Community College/SFTS, Instructor of Theology at Marylhurst University and Clackamas Community College. Executive Director, Center for Spirituality & Lay Ministryat Sacred Heart University, and a freelance Writer at Examiner.com

Sunday, July 22^nd-beginning at 12:00p.m. Local Seaside Author Honey Perkel will be signing her latest book, Secrets at the Cove, the second in her A Thousand Summers trilogy. Honey is currently working on the third novel, A Place Called Paradise. Check out her site at honeybooks@frontier.com.

Eat, Paint, Connect
Nutritional Health Coach Emily Butler and Artist Cindy McGonagle are sharing foods that help you stay creatively focused and an art experience painting with the spirits of Georgia O'Keeffe and Monet.
Sunday, July 22nd, 11:30-3 pm
Tolovana Arts Colony3779 S. Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR
$44
contact; cindymcgonagle.com, 503 531 2758

Brie Mathews

2012-06-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

It is with extreme sadness to announce that Brie Mathews didn't make it through. She passed away June 11th.
Brie was such a fun and loving person. I got so tickled when she told a story about one of her cats or her dog, Archie, because Brie got so animated. I always laughed before she even began. Although I didn't know her long, maybe 7 months, I loved her spirit and thirst for books. Brie will be missed greatly in this community.

Brie's Progress

2012-06-09T06:02:00.001-07:00

Hello All from Japan...I just got great news via e-mail from Laura Snyder that Brie is doing well after receiving her new liver and heart. Brian, her husband said: Brie is doing well. If she continues to progress over night the plan is to take out the right ventricular assist device and get her closed up. She still has a long road but all of her numbers are good and the heart is beating strong. I can't say enough about the staff here at St. Luke's. This would not been possible anywhere else. From Laura: Great news after several days of very complicated, scary stuff. Keep sending positive energy. So please, however you send your prayers and/or positive energy, let's send as much as we can Brie's way, with a bit going to Brian too. I can't imagine the stress and worry he's been going through. And thanks to Laura for keeping the Brie Updates. Brie, I send you my love. Patti

Brie Mathews

2012-05-22T18:33:00.001-07:00

Hi All, I know I said you wouldn't hear from me until July, but I felt it very necessary to post this letter written by previous owner Laura Snyder. Brie Mathews Transplant Fundby Laura Snyder on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 1:56pm Dear Friend, What if you were living on borrowed time? For Brie Mathews, being healthy is a luxury she would love to enjoy. She was born with a heart condition that required three open heart surgeries when she was 12. Even with her longtime health issues, she lived a relatively normal life until she became extremely ill in 2010. She is now battling congestive heart and liver failure, and doctors say a heart/liver transplant is critical to her survival.Now she spends nearly all of her time in bed, too sick and weak to do the simplest tasks. Despite these challenges, Brie loves life and refuses to take even one day for granted. She is grateful for the love and support of her husband, Brian, and their family and friends, who mean so much to them both. She looks forward to the transplant that could give her back the active, independent lifestyle she once enjoyed. She hopes to one day resume her favorite activities of gardening, photography, hiking, reading, camping and enjoying nature. But right now, she needs your help. Unfortunately, Brie’s hope for a new life will come at a very high price. A heart/liver transplant could cost more than $1 million. And that’s only the beginning. Even with health insurance, she’ll still face significant expenses for follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications for the rest of her life. Post-transplant medications can be very costly, and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. To receive medical care while awaiting her transplant, Brie and Brian have temporarily relocated from Oregon to Texas, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food and lodging. For seven years, Brie loved working at a bookstore on the Oregon coast, but her declining health forced her to stop working. Not only does this add to her financial strain, but she really misses the customers and diving into new books. What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others? The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve Brie’s growing burden of expenses. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with fundraising support for 29 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable NFT to provide Brie with the financial support she desperately needs. You can help by visiting http://patients.transplants.org/briemathews to make a tax-deductible donation to NFT in her honor. Like · · Share Laura Snyder http://patients.transplants.org/briemathews to donate! It is secure and only takes a minute to donate.

National Foundation for Transplants - General Donation patients.transplants.org Use this page to see campaign donations. View all totals and watch them grow to ...See More

Another Scheduled Reading

2012-05-18T16:37:00.001-07:00

Okay, so here's the deal...I was trying to edit the May/June letter and couldn't for the life of me find the edit button, therefore I had to add this information separately.

We had a good deal of interest in Dr. Catherine Al-Meten that we decided to have her again to do readings Sunday, May 20 from 11:00a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Lucy's Books.

Dr. Al-Meten is warm, kind, friendly, and very knowledgeable, which will put any anxieties to rest. Drop in or call Lucy's and schedule a time that's convenient for you!

May/June

2012-05-04T22:36:00.001-07:00

I had written this three times, this is the fourth. If I lose this into cyber space yet AGAIN, the next blogg will be after I get back from Japan which is reason number one in combining two months. The other is that no matter how hard I try to make time at the store to write, something always takes precedent. How's that for sounding professional? Well, as I said above, we will go to Japan to join our youngest son, Andrew, and his wife, Ai, in their wedding ceremony. Yes, they are already married...it seems in Japan, to get hitched all you have to do is apply to the government and it is so. The ceremony will be a "Western" wedding, Japanese style. Weddings are expensive and Japan is no different. Ten thousand dollars will get you a pretty nice ceremony being that the average price going for these events is around thirty thousand. Yes, that's right. Andrew said that ten thousand was the best price. And custom there is that everyone gives a monetary gift of 300,000 yen, or $300, to the happy couple. Most of the wedding paid for! Our other son, Samuel, and our daughter, Nicole, will join us there. This is the first time in four years that we will all be together. I'm looking forward to that! Summer seems to be the time for relaxing with a fun book. Here are some suggestions: NON-FICTION: Turn Right at MACHU PICHU by Mark Adams. A man, a mountain, a rediscovery. Wild by Cheryl Strayed. A woman, a trail, 1,100 miles. FICTION: A Year On Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball. Three women, a farm, funny results! Weird Sisters by Elenore Brown. Three sisters, a family home, life experiences. EVENTS for MAY at LUCY'S BOOKS: Intuitive Catherine Al-Meten will be giving readings from 4:00p.m.-9:00p.m. at Lucy's Books, 348 12th Street, Astoria. Call to find out pricing and to reserve a time OR just walk in. 503-325-4210. See you in July!

It's March!

2012-03-01T11:18:00.004-08:00

Wow, how the time flies. And I totally blanked out on February. I tell you, those two readings in February were back-to-back and extremely exhausting. It is always a worry when you plan these events; you stress about if people will show up, and if they do, will it be two, three, five...any? Then you worry about the expectations of the author and did you meet them? So, February was definitely a learning experience, one that moves me up that good ol' learning curve a bit more.

Again, I am so appreciative of this community and their support. Through these slow months they still come in to Lucy's Books. Sadly, my wonderful employee has to move away so I am on my own here ordering books (she did most all of the ordering) and hoping I am meeting most of the tastes of the customers.

March has come in like a lion, I wonder if it'll go out like a lamb? The weather today has been wild...hail, rain, more hail, then hail again, now broken blue skies. What a roller coaster of precipitation.

This is the time of elections...the campaigning has begun. Now we have to pay attention to candidates and their policies (this is my reminder, really). I wish the "Occupy" had stronger roots so we could have made a difference in the Government. Don't get me wrong, I am not one to overthrow those who govern, but when will we get the "Honest Abe" person(s) in office? I know talking politics is a very sensitive issue and I don't want to offend anyone reading this. We have to weigh the good with the bad then make our best choice.

PLEASE NOTICE THE CHANGE OF TIME FOR KRISHNA IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS:
Events for this month:
March 30, 2012 @ Lucy's Books from 7:00p.m.-8:00p.m., Scott Teitsworth's reading and signing of his new book Krishna in the Sky with Diamonds
which will be very interesting and informative. Call Lucy's Books for more information at 503-325-4210.

January News

2012-01-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

And January is halfway over. How about that? I thought the older you got, the slower the days. NOT TRUE. The two truisms: death and taxes. So, live on even if the days fly past. And taxes, well, there you are.

After Christmas the store seems empty (of customers) but not books. I'm stocking up on gardening books (for both adults and children) and bird and nature logs for kids. Got to get ready for spring...it's time to plan the garden, plot the plans out on paper, and dream of the bounty that will come at the end of summer! Until then, while those little seeds are warming up and growing, it's time to take the children or grandchildren out to watch those flighty feathery friends. Record what you hear and see, look through the binoculars; observation is another way to teach ourselves to just be still. Remember: make sure the books are indigenous to your area.

Some books that I have in the store for such gardening and birding events are:

GARDENING
Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as You Grow Older by Sydney Eddison

The Pruning Answer Book by Lewis Hill & Penelope O'Sullivan

Gaia's Garden by Chelsea Green

The $64 Tomato by William Alexander. This memoir is about a man who was on a quest for a perfect garden, and the cost to grow one of his Brandywine tomatoes.

It's a Long Road to a Tomato by Keith Stewart. This gardening, nature book is about how a man quit the big city for the life of organic farming.

For Children:
Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots by Sharon Lovejoy. this is a gardening book for parents and children.

BIRDING
Again, remember these books are recommended for Oregon and Washington. You can order these specific for your region.

Lone Pine puts out a beautifully illustrated book Birds of Oregon by Roger Burrows & Jeff Gilligan

The National Geographic Field Guide to Birds edited by Jonathan Alderfer.

Audubon Pocket Backyard Birdwatch by Stephen Kress

For Children:
Beginning Birdwatcher's Book by Sy Barlowe. This is a Dover Children's activity book that includes stickers of birds, facts about their habitat, eating habits, bird size, and more.

So, getting ready for spring will be a fun read.

Now, events coming up:

January 26, 7:00 p.m.- at Lucy's Books -this is the first night of Lucy's Books book club. We are reading A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka.

February 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m.- at Lucy's Books - a book signing by Charly Heavenrich. His book Unimagined Gifts will be the focus. Charly is a Master Storyteller, Personal Life Coach, and Expert on Change Management. He has quite the career going so check out his website www.charlyheavenrich.com.

February 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lucy's Books - a book signing evening with Northwest author Richard Powers who wrote The Astoria Chinatwon Conspiracy. The evening will also include discussion on the writing and publishing of his novel.

March 30 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lucy's Books- an evening with Scott Teisworth and his discussion and signing of his book Krishna in the Sky with Diamonds More to come about this in the February newsletter.

I want to thank Kayla Sewell for her tender and sweet note. Yeah, it brought tears to my eyes. If it had'nt been for students like her, I would have quit teaching long ago. Kayla, come visit me when you are in town!

2011-12-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings, Happy Solstice, Merry Winter, and December Celebration to All:

We have had a busy season so far. Many thanks to loyal Lucy's Books customers!
We could not survive without you.

The weather has been mild here in Astoria. We have had many sunny days that is not typical during this time of year, so I'm told by the NBA's (native born Astorians).
I on the other hand am a ABC, Astorian by Choice. Just a little bit of local jargon and trivia that always seems intriguing with small communities.

The Christmas Season, Hanukkah, and other Celebrations are fast upon us- I had planned to get something out before now. It is a season for giving and forgiving. Of buying gifts, those special ones, that makes the receiver tickled down to their toes. Of giving good cheer, and continuing it in the New Year. Giving is the easy part- forgiving might be a little harder for me. I have been pondering over this for a few weeks, not to mention worrying too.

What's on my mind is the greed of a large online company that, paired with the ever smarter smart phone, is now offering a discount when a person goes to a store, scans the ISBN number or code off an item, then buys it through that large online company which the customer will receive five dollars off the already discounted price. This is, to me, not just (as in fair) business practice...it encourages and propagates greed. It is unethical and underhanded. How will the small business owner survive this onslaught- he can't compete on their level. Is it the end of the small businesses in this country? We've heard about the middle class disappearing...is this yet another step involved in that? How did the Grinch get so...so selfish, fat, destructive, and gluttonous? It is unforgiving if small businesses go under because of the big cyberspace company's need to eek out every last dime.

On a happier note...I still have to be grateful to this community here in Astoria who still believes in having a small bookstore in town and supporting it when they can. That's love and devotion. And a great Christmas gift for Lucy's. We'll keep on plugging through despite the obstacles.

Wow, these books have been popular here and flying off the shelf...if you have any holiday cash to spend between now and after the season, check these titles out (if you haven't already):

Fiction:
Faithful Place by Tana French
Swell by Corwin Ericson
The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht

Non Fiction:
The Dirty Life:A Memoir on Farming, Food,and Love by Kristen Kimball
Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food by Paul Greenberg
Profit Over People by Noam Chomsky
Matter Horn and What It Is Like To Go To War by Karl Marlantes
Working in the Shadows by Gabriel Thompson

Young Readers:
The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
The Graveyard Book by Niel Gaiman

Children's:
I Want My Hat Back by John Klassen which won the Best Illustrated Children's Book Award from The New York Times.
The Frog Wore Red Suspenders by Jack Prelutsky, and this book is a New York Best Seller plus it's a selection of the Junior Library Guild.
Ugly As A Toad by Jullie Fox. This simple book shows how things can ALWAYS be worse. Tommy is a toad who thinks he's ugly. However, what would be worse than that? Well, you could be an ugly toad WITH ants in your pants and butterflies in your stomach! Being a toad isn't so bad,eh?

Have a Happy Season and a healthy New Year!

November Already!

2011-11-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? November. How time does fly when you're selling books.
November brings to mind fall leaves, cold crisp days, blue blue skies (not always available in Astoria), cocoa, and (gulp, do I really say this?)Football. Charlie Brown football, I mean. AND November means curling up with a good book.

Some of the books that are piquing my interest (and if I get the time I'd like to read all of these) are: Wingshooters by Nina Revoyr, fiction, which tells of a young American Japanese girl growing up in a small town. Of course more happens to thicken the plot but this is always a subject that is tender, hurtful, and ever present in our society STILL.

The next read, Christmas Exposed, by the outspoken newspaper- The Onion- which provides a tongue in cheek satire about mall shopping, dysfunctional family events, and more. Now, remember here, these are books I haven't read yet so I have to go on what I sneak peek through the pages and from reading the back of the books.

There are two children’s series that are calling my name:
The Secret Series written by Pseudonymous Bosch (the author’s name alone makes me want to read the book); with the first book titled The Name of this Book is Secret . This is a mystery around finding a dead magician's diary and trying to find immortality.

The second series The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart is about an ad in the newspaper asking children to take a series of mysterious tests. Only four of the most intelligent and resourceful are chosen to go on a secret mission.

I’d love to hear what you have read and recommend.

As far as the store goes...I'm still climbing that learning curve, and I certainly have made my mistakes and foibles. A very humbling lesson. I will learn from this and grow.

Happy Thanksgiving.

What a Whirlwind!

2011-10-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings,
Having been in beautiful Astoria for almost two months, I have to say that I love it here. I do miss my family back in Idaho, and confess to a boo-hoo breakdown in Fred Meyers (no less) but after an hour and a half conversation with my best friend and daughter, I cheered up. She will be here for a visit in a week. My husband? Who's he? Naw, I guess I miss him too. What a great guy, eh? He's doing all the packing back in Idaho while I mind the store.

What wonderful customers I have. Thanks to all of you! This is all due to the previous owner, Laura. If I forget to mention her name in thanks, the sentiment is still there. Anyhoo, I have learned so much from our customers about this book or that author. I so wish I could read everything that folks buy here. However, I am still reading my pile of books at home, then maybe I can get to that big list in the sky.

I can't thank Brie enough- she is invaluable has taught me so much. She has a terrific sense of what the customers want to read. As a matter of fact, she and I want to start a Book Club soon. If you are from the area and might be interested, give us a call at the store. We have room for eight more readers.

There will be some events happening- at least I'm trying to get things rolling.
On October 26th, at 6:00 p.m., Dina James will do a signing and answer/question session. I'm very excited. And for Dina, this is her first novel about a character her fans have pleaded with her to develop. Thus came All Wounds which will be released October 11. A list of her other works can be found on her website www.dinajames.com. Being a local gal, I hope to see a great group of fans out to meet and greet her.

The next event, happening Saturday December 10, time T.B.A., is a reading for moms, dads, and kids. Local area illustrator Adam Taylor's first children's book
George In The U.K. is a beautiful example of his talent as a story teller and illustrator. The illustrations are so fabulously tactile, who needs words? And the quality of color print and paper- this book is a visual delight as well. The age range is newborn to nine. As December gets closer, there will be more on this event.

So, as I step into the whirlwind (no ruby slippers, darn it!) I can say "There's no place like Astoria," and honestly mean it. "There's no place like Astoria, there's no place like Astoria, there's no place like HOME."

Patti

A Post, Finally!

2011-09-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
As I fire up this dagged nab machine again to write a second “Hello All” to you, the first one is floating in cyber space. For some odd reason, when I closed my document it CLOSED for good. And I’d spent a good hour agonizing over what to say, trying to carefully choose my words so as not to affront anyone, because as we all know, the tongue-in-cheek intent doesn’t always translate in the written form. Totally at a loss for the lost document, my husband tried to retrieve it from the cyber gods. Unsuccessfully, I might add, although kudos for trying. We decided that it was time for bed. As I tried to sleep, my mind kept coming back to the lost doc., stewing that the computer had won this round. Not to be defeated, no not me, I decided at 12:35 a.m. that enough was enough. So…
Mark and I were so lucky to have bought Lucy’s. For some fortuitous cosmic reason, Laura was ready to sell and we were ready to buy. Let me clarify that. I was ready to buy. My stable accountant husband wasn’t as sure as I, but being the kind man he is, he couldn’t say no. I’m as persistent as a dachshund with a t-bone. Chew, chew, chew.
Laura had been in the book business for thirteen years. I had been a high school art teacher for thirteen years. Coincidence? I think not. Actually, I’m not sure, but I’ve always wanted to say that. Like when I was a kid and asked “Are we there yet?” Mom and Dad would say in that humming tone “Almost.” And then when we had children I got to give the exact same humming response to them! Back to the not coincidence. It all worked out, for both Laura and us, and here we are, living in my dream town, beautiful Astoria, with my other dream. Owing a book store.
I have been greeted by some wonderful members of the community so far. They’ve been so welcoming. And I have been asked why I wanted to DO this, or have I had ANY experience in owning a book store before. Mark would answer the first question: to make money. And he’d love to answer the second question: yes, and we made money. I, on the other hand, haven’t had any experience in owing a book store other than I love to read. I love books, love the relationship created with each new book I read, love physically turning the pages, and I love the feel of paper. More than a few customers have asked me if I’ve read this book or that. Imagine my chagrin when I have to say no. But there are so many books out there and many genres to choose from that most of the time we may not have read the same thing. I take the challenge that keeping up with the needs of the readers will be enough for now. They are the important ones.
Having the magnificent Brie Mathews, a long time friend and employee of Laura’s, is such a boon. She has an eye for what our readers love. With her help, I hope to stock the titles loved by the community. I will add my quirkiness to the mixture, no doubt about that.
Do forgive me if I don’t recognize a local artist’s name or a local author. I have only been local for a week and a half. I will get on it, at it, with it and any other its I need to get with to familiarize myself with the who’s who-er and outwards.
With Laura leaving, I have some pretty big boots to fill. If there was a way to fill them and keep everyone happy, I’d certainly do it. But I know that Laura’s take on things are hers and you wouldn’t want a faitour. Plus, in everything evolving and changing like the world commands, we know that nothing stays the same. Oh, I forgot, death and taxes do. Being neither, I’ll wear my colorful boots around the store. We’ll see what happens, eh?
I look forward to hearing from you,
Patti
Here are a few books that got my attention this summer:
Fiction
Anything Terry Prachett. An amazing writer whose dry sense of humor tickles my funny bone.
For the more serious reader:The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson: A heavy read but poignant.
Non- fiction
For fun: Amy Stewart’s Wicked Plants and Wicked Bugs. These light reads kept me engaged and itching. For the light organic gardener,
From the Ground Up and Flowers Confidential .
The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley is an interesting look at Teddy Roosevelt’s quest for Americanization. For me, the take on our own history and how it has been spooned to us as children is a reminder that we really need to write more truth in such histories, raw and hurtful as it might be.

Bitter/Sweet

2011-08-19T10:49:00.001-07:00

It’s with many mixed feelings that I tell you that I’m selling Lucy’s Books. It’s taken me a couple of years of waffling to come to the conclusion, finally, that I need change in my life (I guess rearranging the furniture won’t satisfy the urge for change this time around!), something new to do after 13 years at Lucy’s, however wonderful those years have been. The serendipitous timing of this choice, combined with an ad placed in the paper, and an enthusiastic answer to that ad, tells me it’s time to go. I started Lucy’s with a passion for reading, a big dose of ignorance, some luck, and nothing in the way of experience running a business. The passion part helped me to realize 13 years of one of the best livelihoods a person could ever hope to have. The ignorance and general haplessness taught me patience, and to appreciate all of the locals and tourists alike who were patient with me, kind and good humored, while I learned to become a bookseller.
I’m so pleased I’m able to pass the business, in healthy condition, to Patti Breidenbach. Please welcome her and her husband Mark to our lovely community. We will try to make the September 1st change as seamless as possible for our customers and community. Thank you for your years of patronage and support. I will miss you all, and my life as a bookseller, as I take a deep breath and plunge into my next adventure (whatever that may turn out to be). With any luck, it will turn out as well as the last.

My Friend Tony - The Literati

2011-04-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

My friend and longtime customer Tony died unexpectedly over the weekend. It is fairly unfathomable that he will no longer walk in the door on his way to tend bar across the street, sit down and chat for a while, gather up the Times Book Reviews and New Yorkers I save for him, and ask me, “Whaddaya got for me today?”

A dozen years ago at the beginning of the Lucy’s experiment, Tony Sales walked in. He brought with him the trace of tobacco smell that unavoidably came second hand (back then anyway) when you were Tony of Tony’s Tavern, and spent most of every day and night in a bar. Tony was one of the many, many people that have taught me to leave my assumptions at the door. He was one of the most literate, well-read people I have ever known.

The minute he spoke, I knew he was from some northeastern city or another, and clearly one rife with Italians. Sure enough, and oddly, it turned out he was from my own hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. Here in Astoria, 3000 miles from there, I had a friend who remembered Snyder’s Market, my grandfather’s grocery on Sumner Avenue. How weird is that? I felt a connection to Tony because though he didn’t personally know my parents and grandparents (I don’t think the Jews and the Italians ran around together much in Springfield), he knew where I came from. He knew who I am, and who my people are, in a way difficult to quantify, but which felt familiar in a faraway place.

Of course, I also felt connected to Tony through books. Simply put, he was a true Reader. Now, with his unexpected passing, I feel pretty sad that I have yet to read “Zorba the Greek.” I figured I’d get around to it eventually, and would talk with him about it later. The mere thought of “Zorba” brought a quick smile to his face. He loved “The Brothers Karamazov,” “Don Quixote,” Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian.” If you were game for arguing, you could try telling Tony that a novel that is not “Blood Meridian” is the greatest 20th century American novel. Recently I felt triumphant, having convinced Tony to read David James Duncan’s “The Brothers K,” (my Great American Novel) and getting grudging approval of its worth. The last book he read may have been Laura Hillenbrand’s “Unbroken,” which he loved. It’s a story of triumphantly overcoming the absolute worst adversity, dealt out by the worst humanity had to offer. We really had to finish our conversation about it.

Tony sort of disappeared for a few years along the way. When he walked in the door after that long hiatus, I found out he’d gone back home to care for his mom, up until she died. All became right in bookstore-land with Tony back around, bantering and arguing with me about the usual stuff: writing, writers, novels. He convinced a lot of people that reading a certain book was a great idea, and if he told you to read something, generally you listened. I know – many locals showed up here for one book or another that Tony had decreed that they needed to come here, acquire, read, and (of course, the fun part), report back.

Rest in peace, Tony. You will be missed.