The Book Cove's Annual Halloween Party, 2009 Edition

Pumpkin decorating, costume contests, pin-the-wand-on-the-wizard, and so much more.... Not to mention our four guest authors, Michael Garland, Taeuun Yoo, Iza Trapani, and Peter McCarty! Our 30+ partygoers had a blast!

Signing Series Builds Steam in September

We adjourned for the month of August; the Cove will start our signings again in September. Four authors are scheduled: Gayle Forman, Lucinda Franks, Marta Szabo, and Susan Richards.

Gayle will be coming on Thursday September 10th at 7 pm, to read and talk about If I Stay. Before Gayle's book was even published, its movie rights were purchased by Summit Entertainment, the studio behind the Twilight franchise. If I Stay quickly became a New York Times-bestselling book (debuting in the Top 10), and Eric Feig of Summit raves, "Not since Twilight have we seen as emotionally moving a book for a youth audience with this kind of crossover appeal." Gayle's book has been flying off the shelves, and has been quite a hit with the young adult crowd!

Friday September 18th at 7 pm, Pulitzer-prize winning reporter Lucinda Franks will be coming to Pawling. Lucinda's event for her memoir, My Father's Secret War, will be hosted at Trinity Pawling School in their brand new theater. My Father's Secret War is being made into a movie, with Keifer and Donald Sutherland as the leads. The Chicago Tribune raves about the book, calling it "a harrowing chapter of military history is told as a suspenseful spy story." The LA Times agrees: "An illuminating, gripping narrative." This is a great event to come to if you like WWII history, geneology, spy stories, or journalism.

Saturday September 26th at 1 pm, Marta Szabo will come to the Cove for her memoir, The Guru Looked Good. A life-long writer, Marta is a founding member of the Woodstock Memoir Festival and co-directs the Authentic Writing Workshops. If you enjoy memoirs, yoga, or "group think", this is the signing for you!

Thursday September 24th, at 7 pm, New York Times-bestselling memoirist Susan Richards will join us. Susan's first memoir, Chosen By a Horse, was a huge hit with the Cove staff; we all loved it. Susan writes beautifully, and her candor is what binds the reader to her story. The Boston Globe concurs: "This is an inspirational story of what family means, and what the loss of one can do to us, and for us."


Visit Gayle's website: http://www.ifistay.com/book.php
Visit Lucinda's website: http://www.lucindafranks.com/
Visit Marta's website: http://the-guru-looked-good.blogspot.com/
Visit Susan's website: http://www.susan-richards.com/

Ann Hood Draws a Crowd

All the seats were filled. Bestselling author Ann Hood began her talk, and then read an excerpt from The Knitting Circle. As Ann read, more and more people filed through the door. By the time Q&A started, more than 2 dozen people filled the room. A fair number of knitters had come, as well as some Ann Hood fans, and those just in the mood for a good read. Everyone listened avidly as Ann shared anecdotes from her life, drawing laughs and empathy from her listeners.

Ann and her friend Tracy came all the way from Providence, RI to join us! A sincere thank you to both ladies for making the trip, as well as to our audience members for being so great.

Visit the author's website: http://www.annhood.us/
Visit the Yarn and Craft Box's website, our local knitting haven: http://www.yarnandcraftbox.com/

Children's Celebration

We were very pleased to host five children's authors at the Cove! Helen Lester, Ed Young, Patricia Hubbell, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, and James Warhola joined us to sign their books.
Each author is very distinguished in their field, and they were all pleased to meet each other and "talk shop." A big thank you to each author for coming!

Sephora Succeeds Scribner's

One of the oldest bookstores in the world, Charles Scribner's Sons, has gone out of business. Established in 1846, Scribner's was a fixture on New York City's upper east side for more than 150 years. In its place now stands a Sephora - which, let's be honest, we adore - but we'll miss Scribner's!

Another Signing Success!

Almost every member of our staff read it, and everyone loved it! We were especially excited to meet Joel Rose and ask him all our questions about his phenomenal novel, The Blackest Bird. Joel arrived with his lovely wife Karen and two vivacious boys, and people filed in off the streets to listen to Joel speak. Our most burning question was answered; it has to do with the end of the novel though, so we will post it below the jump. The Blackest Bird took an unbelievable 17 years to be completed, with Joel working on it even when he was very ill. Karen also worked on it as the editor. The finished product shows the amount of research and imagination that was poured into it. Definitely a labor of love, The Blackest Bird has become a bestseller at The Book Cove.

After Joel's autographing, sports writer Howard Megdal joined us with Rachel. The beautiful young couple had several avid baseball fans waiting for them. Howard discussed his first book, The Baseball Talmud, as well as Judaism and anti-Semitism.

Visit Joel's website: http://www.joelrosebooks.com/
Read an interview with Howard: http://www.metsgeek.com/articles/2008/05/02/interview-howard-megdal/

Hudson River Celebration

The Henry Hudson Celebration went off without a hitch! Five authors joined us to speak and sign their books. Hudson Talbott, Joanne Michels, Sheila Buff, Kevin Woyce, and Lucey Bowen formed our panelist of experts. The event drew quite a nice crowd, with lots of questions and animated discussion. Two of the authors had written travel books, one had written for children, and the other two were histories of the Hudson. All in all, it was a great event!

Home Run

Allen Barra joined us today! Allen just published a bestselling biography of Yogi Berra. A number of avid baseball fans turned out to listen to Allen share Yogi anecdotes and trivia. Allen has met Yogi numerous times over the years, and has written a very intimate, glowing tribute to the famous Yankees catcher. Allen is sharing "Yogisms," identifying the real ones and discrediting the invented ones.

Audience members were leaning forward in their seats, entranced by Allen's stories.

And the signing!

Signing in the Summer

On a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, the Book Cove was fortunate enough to host two lovely ladies. Our first author, Jayanti Tamm, entered the store with such a graceful presence, we knew it was her right away! Jayanti journeyed from NJ with her friend Jose, who doubled as a camera man. Jayanti was incredibly beautiful and poised; she was arguably one of the most well-spoken authors we have ever had the privilege to listen to. Jayanti talked with the audience and read from her book, Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult. Jayanti was very candid about the confusing and harrowing experiences that characterize cult life, including the futile desire to blend in socially, despite the associations with the (somewhat notorious) Sri Chinmoy sect. Listening to Jayanti speak about "Guru" was very thought-provoking. The stories of the guru's ploys for power, desire for fame, and manipulations of his followers were as fascinating as they were chilling, and Jayanti's audience listened spellbound as she read from Cartwheels and shared anecdotes. Selected as the "chosen one" by the guru for the cult, Jayanti grew up as the cult grew more powerful. The guru attracted followers such as Carlos Santana and Roberta Flack, among others.

Upon the guru's death in 2007, the New York Times wrote a warm obituary of the cult leader. Jayanti paints a different, yet fair, picture of this man. That was something the audience responded to, how honest and open Jayanti was, and how tranquil she seemed. Many people would have become embittered by such a turbulent childhood and traumatic young adulthood, but this woman has learned from it and gone on to build a life of her own. In attendence were Jayanti's mother, who also lived in and then left from the cult, and Jayanti's 19-month-old daughter, who was super cute in her yellow outfit and matching patterned shoes. Jayanti was so popular with the people in attendence that her signing ran for over an hour, with everyone asking questions and sharing personal stories and feedback.

As Jayanti's signing wrapped up, Gail Graham and Beaux, her faithful dog, took the stage. Gail is a very distinguished novelist, who has received numerous international accolades for her superb writing. Sea Changes is Gail's newest offering, and quite a few fans turned out to have a copy signed. Gail amiably chatted every one of them up, and random passerby grew intrigued and approached to learn more. Gail had a great deal of passion about her writing, and that came through and charmed our clientele. Gail joined us all the way from California, and we very much appreciate that she was able to stop by.

Thanks again, as always, to our audience members for coming and asking such great questions.

June Begins

This weekend, 3 authors will be joining us at the Cove! Jayanti Tamm will be here Saturday June 6th at 1 pm. Jayanti wrote Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult.

"In her fascinating new memoir, Cartwheels in a Sari, Jayanti Tamm describes growing up in a cult within mainstream America--and how she eventually managed to break free. With a succinct and earnest writing style, Tamm delivers a coming-of-age story overflowing with heartbreaking and hilarious moments." -Forbes Magazine, in their controversial article praising Tamm's book and attacking the New York Times.

"[T]he now happily married mother lands on her feet--and her effort is worthy of applause." -People Magazine, 4 out of 4 Stars

Also on Saturday June 6th, Gail Graham is appearing at 2 pm. Sea Changes is Gail's brand new book. She has written six previous novels, three of which went on to become New York Times Book of the Year recommendations. Gail's novels have been translated into half a dozen different languages; one of them, Crossfire, won Germany’s most prestigious literary award, the Buxtehude Bulle. Gail is on a book tour, and is coming all the way from California to meet you.

And then, on Sunday June 7th at 2 pm, we have Allen Barra. Allen just published the first comprehensive biography of the one, the only Yogi Berra. Yogi Berra: Eternal Yankee has become a bestselling and beloved book in record time. This also makes a great gift for Father's Day!

Come for a reading and/or discussion with the author, a lively Q&A, and an autographing for those wishing to purchase a book.

Visit our website, www.pawlingbookcove.com, for more information.

Indie Bookstore Tour: Connecticut Chapter

We headed to the Mecca of indie bookstores: RJ Julia's!

RJ Julia is legendary for their author events and staff picks. The store is huge, with 2 floors and numerous rooms. Housed in the same building is a small coffee shop, where you can nourish your body while nourishing your mind! The stock was simply amazing; neatly organized book upon book fill the shelves, which climb to the ceiling.

Staff picks are scattered throughout each genre. Hand-written and signed by each person, these selections lend a personal touch to the shop. Lining the wall, there are autographed pictures of the authors that have visited. The lineup, in keeping with the store's reputation, was quite impressive!

Professionally printed flyers advertise book clubs and upcoming author events. The store was crammed with customers, and the atmosphere was one of pleasant comraderie between the workers and visitors.


Here is a sample of the staff picks.

We had a delicious lunch in Guilford. Here's the view from our table. You can pick up a book at RJ Julia's, grab lunch at Guilford Mooring where the fresh seafood selection is to die for, and then head to the beach!

Visit RJ Julia's website: http://www.rjjulia.com/

Visit Guilford Mooring's website: http://www.guilfordmooring.com/

Indie Bookstore Tour: NYC Chapter, Pt. II

While we were in the city for the BEA, we happened to stumble across an indie book nook! 192 Books was a lovely little shop. 192 is a one-room establishment, with a glass front to the store, so that the lighting is beautiful!

This is a relatively young shop which was opened in 2003. We were very pleased to have happened upon it, en route to the Empire Diner, which if you happen to be in Chelsea is definitely worth stopping by! Their avocado chili and turkey club are particularly delicious, as are the milkshakes.

Visit 192 Books' website: http://www.192books.com/
Visit here for info on Empire Diner: http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/empire-diner/

BEA Pt. II

BookExpo of America ... how to describe it?? On Thursday, we went and attended classes that were offered to booksellers. People from all across the country and international visitors congregated in Manhattan for the conference. We dropped in on 4 different sessions. The two we found most helpful were the one on social media, and the one for creating a community center in your store.
We have a slew of great ideas for ways to make The Book Cove even better.... keep reading our blog, we will keep posting!

BEA Pt. I

Day One: Here we go! There is our destination, the Jacob Javits Center.

Journey to Javits

The BookExpo of America is tomorrow!! We are eagerly anticipating the chance to meet authors, fellow booksellers, publicists, and sales reps. We'll be posting pictures, stay tuned!

Gift Card Giveaway: Part II

We are updating the guidelines for the gift card giveaway: All you have to do is leave a comment, indicating your desire to win a $10 gift card to the Book Cove. You can comment on any of our posts. We are also extending the deadline through the month of May. A winner will be selected at random on June 1st, 2009. You can comment as many times as you would like; be sure to include some way for us to identify you as the recipient. We will announce who the winner is on the blog, so check back again soon!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Lizzie, who is the winner of our $10 gift card giveaway. Many thanks to everyone who participated. Check back soon for our next giveaway!

Finale for the Month of May

Actress and New York Times-bestselling author Isabel Gillies came to the Cove this past weekend. We all loved her! Plus, we got to ask her several questions, including the most pressing one: Will there be a sequel? We had our fingers crossed... and the answer is yes! Isabel joked that she will go on writing books until people get sick of them, and she is already writing another memoir, due to be completed this summer.

Isabel was our final author for the month of May. We have already blogged about how packed June will be; look for more information to be posted soon!

Stationery Show

The Covies paid a visit yesterday to the Jacob Javits Center! The Stationery Show was in town. We found many wonderful vendors, and purchased some great sidelines for the Cove. Journals, puzzles, cards, bookmarks, and more are all soon to be here!

Gift shows give us the opportunity to generate new ideas, speak with other retailers, and find ways to improve our shop. In a couple weeks, we will be heading down to NYC for the BEA. The BookExpo of America is a huge event, with vendors, classes, and famous guest speakers. Kicking off the event will be Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, who will play no doubt to a full house!

Image via http://www.visitingdc.com/new-york/jacob-javits-center-address.asp

Up and Coming

Our schedule is crammed to capacity over the next couple of weeks, with a slew of authors coming to visit! On Sunday May 17th (less than a week away!) Isabel Gillies will be here at 1 pm. What can we say about her book that has not already been said? Happens Every Day debuted on the NYT-bestseller list in the Top 10, and has been on the list for more than 4 weeks. It has been featured, well, everywhere! This moving memoir tells the story of how Isabel's husband abruptly left her and their two young children, and has been reviewed in Oprah's "O" Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Parenting Magazine, Elle, Glamour, Entertainment Weekly, and People, among many other outlets. Isabel was interviewed on
the Today Show about her book, and Starbucks chose it as their Read of the Month. Several of our staff members have read and loved this book, as have quite a few customers.
Isabel has led a fascinating life, appearing on the cover of Seventeen Magazine as a teenager, briefy dating Mick Jagger, having a recurring role on Law & Order: SVU, and having (both) her marriages written up in the New York Times. Happens Every Day is a very real, vivid chapter of Isabel's life, which she tells to the reader with spunk and courage. Isabel's signing will wrap up our authors for the month of May.
In June, we have almost a dozen writers coming. Saturday June 6th, we have Jayanti Tamm coming, whose memoir, Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult, was written up in Forbes magazine and given a 4 out of 4 star review in People. The same day, we have Gail Graham coming, who has had no less than 4 of her novels chosen to be featured as New York Times Book Recommendations. Then on Sunday, June 7th, at 2 pm, Allen Barra will appear to discuss his biography of Yogi Berra, Eternal Yankee. On Saturday June 13th, there will be a huge Hudson Celebration taking place, with 5 authors participating. To see more about the other authors coming next month, visit our website. http://www.pawlingbookcove.com/

Signing Success Streak Continues!

Olivia reads from Life List.
Evelyn speaks about Murder Takes the Cake.
Questions & Answers.







And the signing!

We were very pleased to host Olivia Gentile and Evelyn David today. Both ladies were wonderful speakers, and the audience was captivated by their talks and readings. A lively discussion concluded the event, with lots of people asking questions and sharing feedback!
The Book Cove has been very fortunate with all of our authors; they are gracious, entertaining, warm, and personable. Many thanks to Evelyn and Olivia for coming, and thank you to the audience members as well.

Indie Bookstore Tour: NYC Chapter

Coming to a city near you...We're on tour!

We are visiting our fellow independent bookstores. We began this week in New York City with three very renowned shops.

We started out at Rizzoli. Located on the westside of Manhattan, Rizzoli was unquestionably one of the most beautiful bookstore we've been to. Three stories high, Rizzoli offers a wide array of coffee table books, with a concentration in art, as well as an impressive assortment of foreign books, music, and magazines. In business for over 40 years, Rizzoli clearly has a loyal clientele-and with such an exquisite store and stock, how could they not?

Our second stop: Shakespeare & Co. Their stock was incredible, with books upon books, and ladders reaching up to even more books. If one were looking for a bestselling title that is out of stock seemingly everywhere, Shakespeare & Co. would be the place to look. With shelves stretching to the ceiling, chances are they will have it!

Next up: The Strand. The legendary "18 mile" bookstore did not disappoint! It was a mob scene, with people milling around outside and an even bigger crowd indoors. The classics section was astounding, with delicately bound copies at very reasonable prices. The Strand has a range of prices and subjects. A hardback, bound copy of Hardy's Tess, for example, was a mere $6.95. Outside, there are stacks of $1 books. Inside, you can sell your used books or peruse each section. All of the subjects are incredibly in-depth, filled with new books as well as rare and out of print titles. Quite rare books are available upon request; flyers throughout the space advetise unique and costly tomes.

Every shop we visited was characterized by knowledgeable and friendly salespeople. There was only one bookstore we passed and didn't go into: Barnes & Noble. All the same, a bookstore is a bookstore, and everybody is struggling in this challenging economy.

Independent bookstores are an endangered species. We appreciate your support...and we hope you will follow us on our tour!

Visit Rizzoli's website: http://www.rizzoliusa.com/

Visit Shakespeare & Co.'s website: http://www.shakeandco.com/

Visit The Strand's website: http://www.strandbooks.com/