NOVEMBER BOOK GIVEAWAY
Click on the titles to see the descriptions at Bookshop.org
Read about the titles here, email me your selections by November 20th, and I’ll make random-ish selections shortly thereafter.
The Bohemians by Jasmin Darznik imagines the life of photographer Dorothea Lange during 1920s San Francisco, when she lived in an artists colony and first began to love painter Maynard Dixon. A richly told novel of that period of history and the passionate relationship between Lange and her Chinese-American friend, Caroline Lee. Signed hardcover.
Courting Greta by Ramsey Hootman. Ramsey and I connected over FB some years ago and I’ve enjoyed both her novels which always feature quirky and unexpected characters. Here, Samuel is a “cripple” on crutches, with a massive crush on Greta, the gym coach. An unconventional romance.
The Dakota Winters by Tom Barbash. The Dakota is widely known as the residence where John Lennon lived—and was shot. This novel takes place while Lennon is still alive, and the Winters (who also live there) are a late-night TV host (think a cruder Dick Cavett) and his son, enlisted to help rescue his father’s foundering career. Lots of famous people are peppered throughout the pages of this evocative portrait of New York in the 80s. Signed hardcover from the author’s appearance at Sacramento Stories on Stage (now CapLit).
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. This novel and the one below, by a different Ms. Williams, came out at the same time and I believe both suffered from a lack of attention because of it. But they are both worth reading! Adelaide’s father works for a dictionary creator, and the young girl collects scraps of paper with words on them. Later, she is drawn to language that never appears in those pages: the argot of street peddlers, midwives, suffragists. Adelaide becomes increasingly rebellious…(an advance uncorrected copy)
Encyclopedia of the Exquisite by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins. The subtitle says “an anecdotal history of elegant delights” such as aerial ballooning, an 11th century Islamic guide to etiquette, tea, red lipstick, and much more. The kind of book which one dips into, rather than reads straight through. Full of fascinating tidbits.
The Feather Detective by Chris Sweeney. You’ve likely never heard of Roxie Laybourne, who worked at the Smithsonian for decades. Her painstaking research on bird feathers helped the FBI solve crimes, the FAA prevent deadly bird strikes on airplanes, and ornithologists everywhere. And what a fascinating person she was! I was so pleased to read and positively review this new book.
Just Kids by Patti Smith. National Book Award winning autobiography of her early years in New York and friendship with Robert Mapplethorpe before either of them became famous. Sensitively written, photographs included.
The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams. A novel in two strands: in 1899, a writer begins to insert fictitious words (the lies) into the massive dictionary on which he toils. And in the present day, a young woman in the same offices tries to ferret out the “mountweazels” (as they are called). The sense of mystery is heightened by crank calls…or are they threats? Delightful read for word-lovers. See above entry. (bound galley copy)
Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg. Focused on “third spaces”, those gathering spots where people actually come together and can find common purpose: libraries, childcare centers, parks, churches. An important and thought-provoking read on improving civic life that my book club enjoyed discussing.
Truth Serum by Bernard Cooper. His memoirs are cleanly written, especially The Bill from my Father (yes, after he was grown, his father presented him with a bill, demanding to be reimbursed for all expenses incurred while raising him). This book is composed of essays, most of which were previously published in Harper’s and the LA Times Magazine, and with a focus on his young life of growing up and coming out as gay in southern California.
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. Delightful novella in which the Queen (Elizabeth II, that is) begins to read…and what disconcerted ripples her new hobby sets off within the palace.
The World Don’t Owe Me Nothing. Janis Martinson interviewed the Delta bluesman Honeyboy Edwards at length to craft this rich memoir of a musician from bygone times and places. Great read for anyone who appreciates the blues. I met Janis in the indie bookstore where she works, A Face in a Book.
To enter the giveaway, EMAIL ME BY NOVEMBER 20 WITH YOUR CHOICES. Offer good for newsletter subscribers only. (If you’ve already won several times, your name might be gently put aside in favor of someone else’s.) And if you don’t win, I hope you’ll seek out the desired title at your local library or bookstore.