The E-mail Newsletter of Rakestraw Books

NEWS AND REVIEWS 

falling in love 

Six years ago can seem like long time – or only a couple months ago, given that certain experiences can yield memories antique and yet utterly contemporary. Falling in love with a book is one such example, and in many respects it’s like, well, falling in love period. Some things you don’t forget, and my recollection of Richard Russo’s Nobody’s Fool – one of the first books I read from the Rakestraw Staff Favorites Table in 1995 – is still vivid and deeply satisfying.

It is with great excitement that we announce Richard Russo’s visit to Rakestraw on Thursday, 7 June at 7:00 PM to read from his newly published Empire Falls. We know it’s a busy time of year, but we encourage you to make the extra effort for this one. It’ll be worth it. 

wine and war 

Subtitled “The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure,” this thrilling first book tells the story of a forgotten chapter of World War II’s history. Great reading for the francophile, the wine lover, and the history buff alike, Wine & War is a treat. This evening will be include a tasting of French wines and a fabulous raffle. 

We look forward to welcoming you to meet Don and Petie Kladstrup on Friday, 8 June at 7:00 PM. The Kladstrups will be discussing and signing Wine and War. Please join us. 

in cuba I was a german sheperd 

Ana Menendez’s debut collection of short stories set in Havanna and in the Cuban homeland in exile of Miami capture not only the exile’s nostalgia for a lost home, but also the immigrant’s sense of hope. Wonderful. 

We will be hosting a luncheon with Ana Menendez on Wednesday, 13 June at noon. The cost is $12 and advance reservations are recommended. 

two signings 

It is a pleasure to announce two Rakestraw favorites will be dropping by on Saturday, 16 June in the afternoon to sign copies of their books. Joanne Harris, bestselling author of Chocolat, will be signing Five Quarters of the Orange as well as her earlier titles. Caldcott medalist David Wiesner will be stopping by to sign copies of The Three Pigs as well his award-winning earlier books. Should you wish to add signed copies of any of these books to your library, we suggest visiting Rakestraw to arrange for that. 

newbery medalist and caldecott medalist to visit  

We are delighted to request your company on Tuesday, 19 June at 10:00 AM. Richard Peck, author of A Year Down Yonder (winner of the 2001 Newbery Medal), and Judith St. George, author of So You Want to be President? (winner of the 2001 Caldecott Medal), will be discussing and signing copies of their books. This is a very special occasion and we hope you can join us. 

15% more staggering 

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius was, without question, the literary sensation of 2000. Dave Eggers’s memoir of a college senior who, in the space of five weeks, loses both his parents to cancer and inherits an eight-year-old brother, manages to be simultaneously hilarious and wildly inventive as well as a deeply heartfelt story of the love that holds a family together.

This Rakestraw Book of the Year 2000 is a bestseller that is becoming a contemporary classic. To celebrate the paperback publication (with 15% more material) of this remarkable book we are thrilled to announce an event with Dave Eggers on Wednesday, 20 June at 7:00 PM. A portion of the proceeds for this event benefit Hospice of Contra Costa County. Reservations required.