December 2013 eNewsletter

"Luckily, I always travel with a book, just in case I have to wait on line for Santa, or some such inconvenience."

—David Levithan

Holidays are a mixed bag for me. On the negative side, the hours are long, my feet are sore, and I wake up most nights worried about stupid stuff. On the bright side, I like to watch people shop. It's fascinating, really. Everyone approaches it so differently. It can be so revealing of one's inner psyche.

At the bookstore, shoppers tend to fall in to certain groups. First, there are the list makers. There still are some yellow legal pad people out there, but whether it's print or phone, these folks have names, ages, addresses, preferences (and occasionally a record of last year's gift) at their fingertips. When they get a grip on you you better allot some time, because they are not going to let go until all the ribbons are tied and the stamps are licked. It's actually fun to share in the sense of accomplishment that is the object of their efforts. I always think we ought to share a little glass of champagne when we wrap the last gift for the niece in Urbana.

On the other end of the spectrum are the "creative types." They wander about looking high and low in every nook and cranny. The telltale sign of the creative shopper comes when they ask to use some counter space as a sort and gather spot. There is often no apparent goal or time limit to this process, just little mysterious piles that grow and multiply. But there is energy (they remind me of the squirrels running around in my back yard) and sometimes genius. A mother/daughter team bought seven scarves the other day and matched them perfectly with earrings, while a grandfather carefully sorted out seven books of poetry for the progeny. You give these folks a little room and encouragement and they will be happy.

Then (and this is particularly an Island Books type) there is the advice seeker. Perhaps due to past positive experiences, perhaps due to the overwhelming options, many customers come right up to the counter with the question, "You chose the perfect book for my in-laws last year, can you pick out something perfect this year?" An innocent enough request, however it requires us to remember in-laws, preferences, last year's book, etc. and then perform the magic trick again. Sometimes all I can see is fog. Thank God for the able staff of Island Books and their friendly, collaborative, and creative nature. Someone, somehow, will solve the problem. They are a proud group of old pros.

Lastly, there is the indiscriminate and unsophisticated group of shoppers. This is my tribe. I don't really care what I walk away with when I go shopping on my one day a year. I just want to go someplace familiar, stimulating, cozy, and cheerful. I shop at two stores every year: de Medici Ming Fine Paper stationery store in Seattle and Galway Traders in Ballard. I just like returning, visiting, browsing, and conversing. To me it is a ritual with rhythm, not a process with a goal. I say I am part of the "Slow Shopping Movement." My wife says I am useless. Be it as it may, I have hundreds of kinfolks who while away some hours at our store in pointless pleasure. We provide for these folks too.

Regardless of your modus operandi, we want you to know how much fun all your energy and questions bring to our store during the holidays. Thank you for shopping, and thank you for sharing.

Joyfully,
Roger Page

Owner and Bookseller

OUR BEST OF THE YEAR: FICTION

They Shaped Our Imagination

Here are our favorite works of fiction published in 2013.

They Expanded Our Horizons

Here are our favorite works of nonfiction published in 2013.

Roger's December Pick:

One Summer

We read a lot, and despite ourselves, we're guilty of playing favorites.

For example, this month Roger has been talking up One Summer by Bill Bryson. With his trademark vividness and wit, Bryson brings the summer of 1927 to life and transports readers to the time that Charles Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic, Al Jolson's historic silent movie, The Jazz Singer, was filmed, Al Capone used fear to rule the illegal booze business, and many more events transpired and shaped American history.

Here, our booksellers share their other December recommendations.

See More Staff Picks

HOT TOPICS ON OUR STORE JOURNAL

Reading-Related Rambles

In November, we fell in love with Amsterdam (including the city's intelligently-named Island Bookstore) and championed some of our favorite new fiction, nonfiction, and children's books. Don't forget, you can also get our Store Journal by email.

3014 78th Ave. SE

MI, WA 98040

(206) 232-6920

info@mercerislandbooks.com

Store Hours

Mon-Wed: 9:30 - 7:00

Thurs: 9:30 - 8:00

Fri: 9:30 - 7:00

Sat: 9:30 - 6:00

Sun: 11:00 - 5:00

Upcoming Events

Sat, Dec 7, 6:30pm: PJ Storytime with Margaret Read MacDonald

Mon, Dec 9, 7p m: David Laskin, author of The Family, at Stopsky's Deli

Our Best of the Year: Children's

Here are our favorite books for children this year.

Our Best of the Year: Tween and Teen

Kids had plenty to choose from this year; these are the young adult books we liked best.

Gifts Galore

Did you know Island Books is more than just a bookstore? We take great care to stock one-of-a-kind gifts like Fran's chocolates, beautiful jewelry, creative toys and games, and handcrafted pottery.

Open Book Club

Our book club is on hiatus in December, but generally Island Books hosts an open book club that meets the last Thursday of each month at 7:30pm. All are welcome to attend, and if you purchase your book here in the store you'll always get a 10% discount.

20% Off Indie Bestsellers

Island Books hosts an open book club that meets the last Thursday of each month at 7:30pm. All are welcome to attend, and if you purchase your book here in the store you'll always get a 10% discount.