[readers-advisory] Unchained Choices

Mon Nov 29 07:50:12 EST 2004

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Inkwoodbks at aol.com 
To: Inkwoodbks at aol.com 
Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 11:47 AM
Subject: Inkwood's Holiday Picks - wrapped and ready and 20% off...

Dear friends of Inkwood,

Here's the list of our TWO DOZEN Unchained Choices selected by our booksellers with holiday gift giving in mind. Already wrapped for you, 20% OFF starting today, on display at the store, or see more info on our website at www.inkwoodbooks.com. (If you still can't decide, don't forget our Book Sense gift cards, redeemable at over 300 of the best independent bookstores  from here to Alaska, and at our websites!)

AMERICA: THE BOOK: A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO DEMOCRACY IN ACTION by THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART - "Fans of the Daily Show will soak this up like a sponge. Even those unfamiliar with the infamous "fake news" hit will revel in the hilarity of this American History textbook spoof, complete with graphs and sidebars. If the loved one in your life is feeling less than optimistic about the state of American politics, America: The Book will provide some much needed brevity to his/her holiday." - Stephen. Regularly $24.95; our price $19.96.

ART AND COOK: LOVE FOOD, LIVE DESIGN AND DREAM ART by ALLAN BEN STUDIO - "I loved this the minute I saw it and so will you. A true one of a kind volume combining Surrealism, Dadism and Pop Art to create gorgeous and bizarre images, accompanying accessible but imaginative recipes. See a pea as pearl in an oyster, and onion minarets, plus mouthwatering food photos, while cooking everything from Grilled Chicken Soup with Carrot Dumplings to Peanut Butter Crème Brulee and every course in between. A stunning and unique gift." Carla. Regularly $59.95; our price $47.96.

BABY ANIMALS - "This conveniently sized and beautiful photographed collection of wild and domestic baby animals is perfect for everyone. Young children and adults will enjoy the humorous and adorable photographs of nature's babies." Laura. Regularly $18.95; our price $15.16. 

BIRTH OF A NATION: A COMIC NOVEL by AARON McGRUDER - "This is like reading the animated movie it was originally intended to be - a biting political/cultural satire by the creator of the equally controversial cartoon strip The Boondocks.  McGruder and crew, however, couldn't find a producer gutsy enough to produce it so since you'll probably never be able to see the film, try the graphic "novel" instead. After thousands of black voters are disenfranchised, East St. Louis secedes from the United States. The perfect gift for radical political junkies still recovering from depressing election results and thinking of seceding themselves. The humor borders a little on the crass side sometimes so parents beware." Barb. Regularly $25; our price $20. 

CASE HISTORIES by KATE ATKINSON - "Literary mysteries are often hard to pull off, more one than the other, but Case Histories manages it perfectly. Short-listed for this years Whitbread Award, Case Histories is the story of a private detective and his involvement in three previously unsolved cases. Full of beautiful writing, funny and true, it also manages to be a book that you can't put down. A great way to spend the holidays!" Leslie. Regularly $23.95; our price $19.16.

 THE COMPLETE CARTOONS OF THE NEW YORKER edited by ROBERT MANKOFF - "This comic chronicle is the perfect gift for at least one person on everyone's list, if you can finish browsing it by the time you have to wrap it in December. The cartoons are in chronological order, with two CDs including every cartoon ever published in the magazine. Robert Mankoff edits this incredible volume which includes brief introductions for each decade along with profiles and mini portfolios of key contributors from each era.  You'd be a fool to pass this one up!" Leslie. Regularly $60; our price $48.

DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER by JEFF LINDSAY - "This Cape Coral author's stunning debut suspense novel brings to life the most creative and memorable protagonist in years in a compelling pageturner. The tale is told from the unique perspective of Dexter Morgan, Miami blood splatter technician by day and serial killer/vigilante by night - but don't let that creepy premise stop you from devouring this beautifully crafted novel. For any fan of Florida fiction, we have a limited number of SIGNED first editions." Carla. Regularly $22.95; our price $18.36.

THE END OF THE BEGINNING: BEING THE ADVENTURES OF A SMALL SNAIL (AND AN EVEN SMALLER ANT) by AVI -  "This is a great chapter book for middle readers who enjoy funny, lighthearted adventures. Avi's short tale is also great for reading aloud to young ones. Avon the snail and his friend, Edward the ant, will please anyone who chooses to join them in their travels." Laura. Regularly $14.95; our price $11.96.

ENGLISH AS SHE IS SPOKE - BEING A COMPREHENSIVE PHRASEBOOK OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, WRITTEN BY MEN TO WHOM ENGLISH WAS ENTIRELY UNKNOWN by JOSE DE FONSECA AND PEDRO CAROLINO - "The title says it all. Two Portuguese men wanted to write a textbook for young students learning English. Yet they had no knowledge of the English language. What they did have was a Portuguese to French Dictionary and a French to English Dictionary. What they created, over 150 years ago, has survived to this day as a supreme example of unintentional humor. You need to know nothing of the Portuguese language to appreciate the glorious ways in which these translations have been bastardized. Reprinted here by Mcsweeney's, it is a great gift for the person in your life in need of a chuckle." - Stephen. Regularly $9.00; our price $7.20.

GILEAD by MARILYNNE ROBINSON - "Robinson's risky vehicle for the story of Reverend John Ames is a triumph of luminous prose with a compelling and sometimes suspenseful story. Ames is the son of a son of a preacher in Gilead - an Iowa town founded by abolitionists - writing at the end of his life to his very young son, in a letter that becomes a soul-searching journal of faith and doubt. Robinson explores the tense relationships between generations of fathers and sons, and between Ames and his estranged namesake godson. A quiet and enduringly beautiful novel." Carla. Regularly $23; our price $18.40.

IN FACT: THE BEST OF CREATIVE NONFICTION edited by ANNIE DILLARD & LEE GUTKIND  - "This is a great book for any writers or essay lovers (e.g. readers of The Sun Magazine) on your list. Creative non-fiction is a relatively new style of nonfiction writing that employs the techniques of fiction authors (dialogue, plot, intimacy, characterization, point of view). It feels more like an intimate conversation with a close friend telling a life story. A great introduction to the genre and a nice miscellaneous reader."  Barb. Regularly $15.95; our price $12.76.

JAMESLAND by MICHELLE HUNEVEN - "Many of us have been patiently waiting for another novel since Huneven's NYT Notable Round Rock, and this warm and witty tale is worth the wait. An LA neighborhood brings together motley lost souls, including philosopher William James' great-granddaughter Alice (trying to get over her affair with a married man), Helen (the purportedly too-religious Unitarian minister), and Pete (depressed multi-failured son-of-a-nun). Both intelligent and moving, with characters whose self-discovery and redemption ring true. A completely satisfying and wonderful read." - Carla. Regularly $14; our price $11.20.

 THE LOVE WIFE by GISH JEN -  "This is a wonderful story of marriage as a melting pot, the joys and sorrows of love and parenting in contemporary America. Jen manages to tell the story of two cultures clashing, giving us that uncomfortable glimpse of ourselves as others see us, while simultaneously showing us the universal nature of love and loss. Jen's chorus of a novel contains voices so strong and funny and true you will never forget them" Leslie. Regularly $25; our price $20.

 MARCELLA SAYS: ITALIAN COOKING WISDOM FROM THE LEGENDARY TEACHER'S MASTER CLASSES - "To those in the know, Marcella is to Italian what Julia was to French. Since her treasured Classic Italian Cook Book was published over 20 years ago, Hazan has popularized authentic Italian cooking around the world. Her teaching skill shines in descriptive recipes that cannot go wrong. We are delighted to have a number of SIGNED copies available." Carla. Regularly $29.95; our price $23.96.

ORACLE NIGHT by PAUL AUSTER - "Sidney Orr is a writer slowly recovering from an accident that nearly killed him. Recuperatory walks through his Brooklyn neighborhood bring him to a small stationery shop, which sells a blue notebook that has a certain pull on him. Soon, he is writing a new story in it, one that seems to be more channeled through him than thought up by him. More curious is the chain of events in his real life - his wife's strange behavior, his mentor's sudden illness, losses of time - that seem to mirror the action in his new story. Auster's novel is very concerned with time, as well as the dangers inherent in artistic creation. Mostly, it is a fascinating character study with extremely sharp turns of plot that make for a pulse-quickening climax." - Stephen. Regularly $14; our price $11.20.

THE RAREST OF THE RARE: STORIES BEHING THE TREASURES AT THE HARVARD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY by NANCY PICK, with introduction by EDWARD O.WILSON and photographs by MARK SLOAN - "A perfect gift for anyone with an interest in natural science and quirky aspects of American history, this beautiful volume is almost a naturalist's coffee-table book. Brief, fascinating stories of historical figures, early scientific advances, scandals and gossip accompany gorgeous photos of the museum's eclectic exhibits. You won't be able to stop browsing." Leslie. Regularly $22.95 our price $18.36.

SHADOW DIVERS: THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF TWO AMERICANS WHO RISKED EVERYTHING TO SOLVE ONE OF THE LAST MYSTERIES OF WWII by ROBERT KURSON - "In 1991, when a New Jersey fisherman locates a large unknown steel object off the coast, no one suspects the secrets it bears, or the personal journeys it will set on course. Intrigued by the possibility of something new, a team of divers braves the 230 foot depths to discover that the rusting hulk suggested by the fisherman's rust flecked lures is in fact a previously unknown Nazi sub, beginning a seven year life-and-death struggle to identify the boat and its crew. Expertly balancing historical narrative of the days when U-Boats prowled the depths with the dangerous allures of deep sea diving, the book delves deeper to understand the motivations of the two men who persisted in the face of personal loss on land and constant danger at sea to come to terms with the wreck and understand themselves." Anthony. Regularly $26.95; our price 21.56.

SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING by BILL BRYSON - "Bryson has achieved a remarkable feat with the publication of this book; he's written a concise, pertinent, and wide ranging collection of science essays covering the universe from all sides of the scientific curriculum. The first chapter, rather non-linearly, deals with quantum physics. He works somewhat backwards from there to the solar system, and later in the book, matters of biology. This is no hastily written "for dummies" book; nor is it a dry text by any means.  Bryson delivers a book any reader - curious novice and hard scientist alike - will find illuminating." Stephen. Regularly $15.95; our price $12.76.

THE STAR OF KAZAN by EVA IBBOTSON - "The author of The Secret of Platform 13 brings another superb work to the shelves this month. This story is set in Vienna during the rule of Emperor Franz Joseph and draws the reader into the life of a young girl who has been raised by two servants since she was found as an infant. Annika loves her simple life, but fantasizes about her real mother and hopes that the day will come when her mother returns to say how much she has missed her daughter. Ibbotson does a remarkable job creating characters bursting with life in Annika's small village and then adds despicable villains when her 'mother' finally shows up to claim her. The story takes an interesting and mysterious twist as Anikka learns that this woman and her son are not the family she has been wishing for all along and astounding truths are revealed that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end." Laura. Regularly $16.99; our price $13.59.

TEN LITTLE INDIANS by SHERMAN ALEXIE - "Every story in this collection is a gem. You'll want to pause after each one to soak it up, mull it over, dig at it and work it until it integrates itself into your life. His characters are so universal, so complex, so easily identified with; their lives and stories are filled with moments of unbearable grace, magical redemption, spontaneous beauty, soul-baring honesty, unexpected humor and stubborn hopefulness. Alexie is a memorable writer of rare quality who pushes us out of our tired old comfortable selves and into stretchier new skins and we become a little more human for it."  Barb. Regularly $13.00; our price $10.40.

TEN POEMS TO LAST A LIFETIME edited by ROGER HOUSDEN - "This is the fourth in Housden's series of poetry collections, this one focusing on what it means to be truly human. He couples each poem with mostly intelligent commentary on the poet, the poem and the reason for its selection. How he narrowed it down to the 11 (yes, I know...the title says 10...but how can you blame him?) he picked, I don't know, but this is a lovely collection of poems that make a perfect start to a new year." Leslie. Regularly $16.00; our price $12.80.

THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG: A POP-UP STORYBOOK WITH A TWIST IN THE TAIL by EUGENE TRIVIZAS AND HELEN OXENBURY - "One of my favorite children's books just got better with the new pop-up edition. The classic tale is given a twist that all kids are sure to find funny. Oxenbury's illustrations have a timelessness about them that makes the images of the extreme antics of the pig even funnier. The lovely ending is perfect, and a great way to introduce the concepts of trust and kindness to children." Leslie. Regularly $24.95; our price $19.96.

 THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LOVE LIFE by BENRIK - "This is a fun and insightful guided journal for couples. Great for a laugh or for real use, this handy log will provide endless topics for discussion." Laura. Regularly $18.00; our price $14.40.

TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE by AUDREY NIFFENEGGER  - "The most universally admired novel to come along in a long time, TTW is the story of the lovers Henry and Claire who are continually pulled apart and brought back together as Henry travels involuntarily through time. With its intense depth of feeling, seamless construction and thoughtful attention to real-world detail, the reader's suspension of disbelief in the possibility of the plot is richly rewarded with the story of a love that stands outsides the boundaries of time." Anthony. Regularly $14.00; our price $11.20.

AN UNFINISHED LIFE, by MARK SPRAGG - "This is an elegant novel in an inelegant Wyoming setting, with complex characters so real you will be feeling for them, rooting for them, and wondering about them long after closing the book. Escaping a brutal boyfriend with her spunky daughter Griff in tow, Jean Gilkyson's only haven is the faltering ranch of her father-in-law Einar. But Einar still blames Jean for his son's death ten years ago, and his grief keeps him distant from everyone but Mitch, his best friend since Korea, now severely disabled. There's suspense, heartbreak, humor and more, all beautifully written in a satisfying and compelling read." Carla. Regularly $23; our price $18.40.

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Inkwood Books
216 South Armenia Avenue 
Tampa FL 33609-3310
ph 813-253-2638
fax 813-253-2396 http://www.inkwoodbooks.com/ 
inkwoodbks at aol.com 

As a proud member of the Book Sense alliance of great independent bookstores from coast to coast, we sell and honor Book Sense giftcards and distribute Book Sense booksellers' recommendations. Want to know more? Visit www.booksense.com 

216 South Armenia Avenue
Tampa FL 33609-3310
inkwoodks at aol.com 
www.inkwoodbooks.com 

A fiercely proud member of the Book Sense alliance of independent bookstores from Florida to Alaska! We sell and redeem Book Sense giftcards, in the bookstore and online.