Drew Daywalt

Bestsellers, for a Reason    Our weekly bestseller list below reflects a lively start to the new season here at the store and beyond. Our #1 book by far is Rising Strong by Brené Brown, following the enormous success of her Family Awareness Network (FAN)-sponsored event at New Trier High School last Thursday. She's pictured here (in the middle) with Stephanie and Roger Hochschild. We welcome the new football season and thank the area's many local Wolverine fans -- and college football aficionados in general -- for the success of our #2 title, Endzone: The Rise, Fall, and Return of Michigan Football by award-winning journalist and Michigan-ex John Bacon. The #3 spot is held by Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg, who will be here at the store for his only Chicago-area appearance on Tuesday, September 22, at 7 pm. His book has been longlisted for the 2015 Man Booker Prize and will be part of Richard Reeder's Man Booker Prize book discussion here at the store tomorrow, Thursday, September 10, at 6:30 pm. You'll find signed copies of our top two sellers here at the store, and those who come to meet Mr. Clegg will have the opportunity to go home with their own personalized, autographed book! We feel good about the new season not least because of the seamless transition from a very successful summer here at The Book Stall. Business was brisk all summer long, thanks to great books and events on both the adult and children's side of the store -- and thanks, first and foremost, to you, the best book customers in all of Chicagoland. The current good health of independent bookstores in general has been the subject of a number of articles lately. We liked this one, "4 Reasons Why Independent Bookstores Are Thriving," recently published in The Week. A White House Welcome for Authors The recipients of the National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal who will be honored at the White House tomorrow include a number of authors, all well known to our readers.  Among those who will receive the National Medal of Arts are: Stephen King (whose latest is Finders Keepers) and Tobias Wolff (This Boy's Life). Recipients of the National Humanities Medal, also to be presented tomorrow, include: Annie Dillard (Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, The Maytrees) Rebecca Newberger Goldstein (Plato at the Googleplex) Jhumpa Lahiri (Interpreter of Maladies, The Namesake, The Lowland) Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show, Terms of Endearment) and Alice Waters (My Pantry, coming out September 15). To view the entire list of recipients, click here. RAINA TELGEMEIER Wednesday, September 9 5 pm at The Book Stall We're delighted to welcome a visit late this afternoon from Raina Telgemeier, author and illustrator of the graphic novels Smile, Drama, and Sisters, each a #1 New York Times bestseller. She has also adapted and illustrated four graphic novel versions of Ann Martin's Baby-sitters Club series.  We'll have refreshments and plenty of her books on hand. It's not too late to join us! RICHARD REEDER Thursday, September 10 6:30 pm at The Book Stall Those who follow the Man Booker Prize, Britain's top literary award, won't want to miss Richard Reeder's presentation of the five American novels that are longlisted for the 2015 prize. Mr. Reeder, an author who teaches literature courses at Oakton Community College, is a local expert on those books that have achieved Booker fame, and he's been busy reading this year's American semifinalists.  The titles include Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg (who will be at our store at 7 pm on Tuesday, September 22); The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami; Lila by Marilynne Robinson; A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler; and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.  Those of you planning to attend can do a bit of homework by having a look at these brief author interviews posted on the Man Booker website during the past week: Bill Clegg, Marilynne Robinson, Anne Tyler, and Hanya Hanagihara.  Look for an interview with Laila Lalami soon. Please join us for a stimulating evening. It will surely heighten the suspense leading up to the announcement of the six finalists on September 15. The prize will be awarded in London on October 13. This event is free and open to the public JUDY SCHACHNER Thursday, September 10 7 pm, Vernon Area Public Library 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire It's worth a trip to Lincolnshire to meet popular children's author Judy Schachner, creator of the Skippyjon Jones picture book series. She'll be talking about her newest book, Dewey Bob, the story of a clever raccoon whose collection of wonderful objects is missing just one thing -- a friend! This program is free and open to all children ages 5-8 with a caregiver, but registration is required. Register online here, by telephone at 224 543-1486, or in person at any service desk in the library. Click here for a charming video of Ms. Schachner talking about how she comes up with ideas for her books and settled on Dewey Bob for her latest tale. A Meet & Greet with M.E. FRIEDMAN Saturday, September 12 11:30 am - 1 pm at The Book Stall Meet  M.E. Friedman,  a first-time author whose personal experience moved her to write  Farfel the Magic Bunny, a children's book about the transcending power of love. The book, featuring photos of the real Farfel, is a story of comfort for those who have lost a loved one. The little bunny brings healing, hope and the realization that the spirit of those we love remain with us always. Click  here for a video of Farfel, set to The Beatles' beautiful "Here, There and Everywhere."  You'll also find more Farfel videos featuring musical classics. DICK and LIZ CHENEY Monday, September 14 11:30 am, Luncheon, The Union League Club Hear former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz Cheney, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, speak about their new book, Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America. In it, they describe their view of the unique nature of American power, how they feel the principle of American power has been abandoned, and how they believe the country can and must lead again.   Click here for an interview with the Cheneys about their book on CBS News last week. To make reservations, call The Book Stall at 847 446-8880 or click here to do so online. DREW DAYWALT Monday, September 14 4 pm at The Book Stall We're excited to host the only Chicago-area bookstore appearance of Drew Daywalt, who'll bring along one of the new season's hottest new children's titles, The Day the Crayons Came Home. It's the companion volume to his #1 bestseller The Day the Crayons Quit and is one of those picture book favorites that adults love as much as kids do!  Click here for a lively introduction to the books and all things Crayons on their very own website. Please note that the purchase of a Crayon book from The Book Stall is required to secure a place in the signing line. Also, a special note that Mr. Daywalt's visit is at 4 pm (not 4:30 pm as stated in earlier publicity). His time is limited, so punctuality is encouraged. But do come!

Richard Reeder

RICHARD REEDER

Thursday, September 10

6:30 pm at The Book Stall

 

Those who follow the Man Booker Prize, Britain's top literary award, won't want to miss Richard Reeder's presentation of the five American novels that are longlisted for the 2015 prize. Mr. Reeder, an author who teaches literature courses at Oakton Community College, is a local expert on those books that have achieved Booker fame, and he's been busy reading this year's American semifinalists. 

The titles include Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg (who will be at our store at 7 pm on Tuesday, September 22); The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami; Lila by Marilynne Robinson; A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler; and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. 

 

Those of you planning to attend can do a bit of homework by having a look at these brief author interviews posted on the Man Booker website during the past week: Bill Clegg, Marilynne Robinson, Anne Tyler, and Hanya Hanagihara.  Look for an interview with Laila Lalami soon.

Please join us for a stimulating evening. It will surely heighten the suspense leading up to the announcement of the six finalists on September 15. The prize will be awarded in London on October 13.

Two great children's events!

September 2, 2015 - 

Our children's department is gearing for some great season-opening events before and after Labor Day. On Wednesday, September 2, at 4:30 pm we'll welcome back children's picture book author Mac Barnett, together with illustrator Christian Robinson, who will tell us the story of their new collaboration Leo: A Ghost Story. Attendees will help cover the sidewalk outside The Book Stall with their chalk drawings, and each kid will be officially knighted, two things that Leo the ghost gets to experience in the book!   This event is recommended for ages 3-7, and is free and open to the public. The purchase of a copy of one of the visiting authors' works from The Book Stall is requested in order to enter the book-signing queue. Click here for a cool trailer for the book. 

 

September 14, 2015 -  

Check out our front window touting the September 14 visit by Drew Daywalt, creator of the fabulous picture book The Day the Crayons Quit. He'll be here with his newest, The Day the Crayons Came Home, which just went on sale yesterday. For this event, we ask that you purchase one of Drew's Crayon books to get a ticket for the signing line. For ages 4 to 9. Click here to sample the new book's wit on a special Crayons website.

Children's Book Week - May 4-10, 2015

It's a Kids World!

After Independent Bookstore Day May 2, kids will rule the roost here at The Book Stall. It's national Children's Book Week May 4-10, and in its honor, we're hosting author appearances and parties  Monday-Friday -- all combined with great give-aways.  Here is children's department chief Robert McDonald's run-down of events:

Monday May 4 at 4:30 pm -

Sarah Mlynowksi presents the seventh in her fractured fairy tale "Whatever After" series,Beauty Queen, where siblings Abby and Jonah are transported into the story of Beauty and the Beast. Great for kids ages 8-12 who love fairy tales!

Tuesday, May 5 at 4:30 pm - Total Takeover: A Timmy Failure Party! A Total Takeover event is a party with giveaways, raffles, distinctive red scarves, and a five-foot tall (yes, five-foot tall) inflatable polar bear!  Not only will this be a fantastic family event, it will be a great photo opportunity. If you don't know Timmy Failure, you should, and if you are 8-11 and like funny books, this is the event for you!

Wednesday, May 6 at 4 pm - Celebrate the magic of Where the Wild Things Are by coming to meet a Wild Thing live and in-person!  Don't worry, we'll read the story first so we learn Max's trick of taming the Wild Things. This special storytime is recommended for ages 4 - 6 and will be a great photo-op.

Thursday, May 7 at 4:30 pm - Middle Grade Madness!  Starring Kate Hannigan and friends. Kate introduces us to her new novel set in Chicago, The Detective's Assistant, based on the true story of the first-ever female Pinkerton detective! Joining in the fun will be Brianna DuMont, author of Famous Phonies, Jenny Meyerhoff, (The Barftastic Life of Louie Burger series) and Allan Woodrow, whose hilarious The Pet War is new in paperback! A must-see for ages 9 and up. Refreshments will be served, and great prizes will be raffled!

Friday, May 8 at 7 pm - We are proud to welcome rising YA star Sabaa Tahir.  Her book An Ember in the Ashes is getting HUGE amounts of buzz. PRI Radio compares her work to JK Rowling and Suzanne Collins. Our teen reviewers have loved this book. With overtones of the Roman Empire and a heroine who must find a bravery she did not know she possessed, this is an amazing, book, and I urge you to meet Sabaa before the book's reception sends her into superstar status. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Harper Lee

 
You're seeing it here first! 

HarperCollins just today released the jacket for one of the year's most highly anticipated books, Harper Lee's newly discovered novel Go Set a Watchman, featuring many of the characters from the author's beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird. 

Click here for the HarperCollins page devoted to the new book, which goes on sale July 14.

The Cat in the Hat... Live and In Person!

Saturday, February 28

2 pm at The Book Stall

Join us as we welcome the beloved Cat in the Hat (live and in person) to the store. We'll listen to the original story, play some Seuss-inspired games, and then meet the Cat himself!

In 1957, Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) wrote The Cat in the Hat. Many years and millions of copies later, the book continues to delight young people, and we are delighted to host the famous feline in our store. 

This event is recommended for ages 3 and up, and is free and open to the public.

 An awesome ps: What Pet Should I Get?, a new Dr. Seuss book based on a recently discovered manuscript and Seuss sketches, will be published by Random House Children's Books this summer. Click here for the story in USA Today.

Harry Potter Birthday Party...

 

Calling all Harry Potter fans!

Harry Potter turns 15 on July 31st! 

Be sure to stop by the store and sign our giant Harry Potter birthday card, enter a drawing to win a FULL set of the Harry Potter books, and make plans to attend our Harry Potter birthday party!

   

Donna Tartt, Doris Kearns Goodwin win Carnegie Medals

 

 

 

The Book Stall congratulates Donna Tartt and Doris Kearns Goodwin, winners of the 2014 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Exellence in Fiction and Nonfiction, awarded last weekend by the American Library Association at its annual conference in Las Vegas. 

 

Ms.Tartt (right) won the fiction award for The Goldfinch (also the winner of this year's fiction Pulitzer Prize), and Ms. Kearns Goodwin the nonfiction award for The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism.

  

Fiction finalists included Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat. Nonfiction finalists included On Paper: The Everything of Its Two-Thousand-Year History by Nicholas A. Basbanes and Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink.

Simon Van Booy: "One Book Two Villages" author

Author of the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library's 

"One Book Two Villages" Selection

SIMON VAN BOOY

Friday, June 6

6 pm, Cocktail Reception

7:30 pm

, Lecture and Book Signing

 

Meet Simon Van Booy, the author of The Illusion of Separateness, the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library's current "One Book Two Villages" selection. The novel tells the harrowing and enchanting story of how one man's act of mercy during World War II changed the lives of a group of strangers and how they each eventually discover the astonishing truth of their connection to one another.

Click here to read a transcript of an interview with Mr. Van Booy on NPR's "The Diane Rehm Show."

For reservations ($65 for the cocktail party and lecture, $15 lecture only), click here or call  847 446-7220. Please note: tickets are limited.

Roberta Rubin Achievement Award

Congratulations, Roberta!   

 

We're pleased to report that Roberta Rubin has been named the 2014 Women of Achievement Honoree for Arts and Culture by the YWCA of Lake County. She and other distinguished honorees will be feted at the 36th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner on Friday, May 16, at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. Please join us to honor Roberta. To read more about this event and for information on registration, click here.

YA Education Day, Feb. 22

YA Education Day! 

Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 am-12 noon

 

Educators and librarians interested in books for grades 6-12 should plan on joining us at The Book Stall for bookseller book talks, teen reviewers recommending recent faves, lots of giveaways, door prizes, special discounts, and special guest star Sharon Biggs Waller, author of the historical novel A Mad Wicked Folly. 

 

This event is free, but you do have to register by RSVP via Facebook or calling the store at 847 446-8880.