Mike Lawson's latest release, House Odds, is now in stock, and we'll be hosting a signing on Saturday, July 6th, from 3 to 5 p.m.  The previous book in the series, House Blood, is new in paperback, and now in stock as well.  These books are "outstanding" (Publishers Weekly) starred review, with "....fiendishly complicated plotting.." (Kirkus Reviews); beloved by many of our customers. 

Please come in and preview; and then come back to meet the author on Saturday, July 6th, from 3 to 5 p.m.

We, along with other merchants in the village, are hosting a Washington wine tasting event on June 14th, from 6 to 9 p.m.  Tickets are $20 in advance (available throughout the villlage, for cash or check, or online at www.magnoliachamber.org, if you want to pay with a credit card) and $25 the night of at Umpqua Bank.  Your ticket buys you a bracelet, which you pick up at the beginning of the evening at Umpqua, where you'll get a list of participating wineries and merchants.  Be sure to bring your own glass, and come down and join us!

As many of you may know, long-time bookstore staffer Cameron Dokey is also a long-time writer. She's been writing fiction for young readers since 1994. She has two new releases in 2013, KISSED, and Zack's Story (Boys Camp #1).

We hosted a wonderful event on Saturday, June 8th, to celebrate the release of Zack's Story (Boys Camp #1), the first book in a brand new and exciting series for beginning readers, with special emphasis on young boys.  Both the author (our own Cam, of course) and the illustrator, Craig Orback, were on hand to talk about the book and its wonderful artwork; and we now have copies signed by both of them, until they're gone, at least.   Parents looking for a strong series for boys just beginning to read alone will love this book. Every boy has a story. Encourage your own adventuresome boy to find his story with a trip to Boys Camp. 

Leslie Helm, Magnolia resident and editor of Seattle Business Magazine, is the author of Yokohama Yankee, recently released in a beautiful paperback format.  The book tells the story of how Leslie's adoption of two Japanese children led him on a journey of self-discovery into his family's 140 years in Japan, beginning with his great-grandfather's landing in Yokohama in 1869.  It has received glowing reviews:  James Fallows of the Atlantic called it "a marvelous and eloquent work of family history [that] sheds light on the political, economic, cultural, and racial interactions and tensions between Japan and the U.S..."   U. W. Asian History professor Kennth Pyle calls it "a warm and human story that will charm its readers."

We hosted a wonderful signing for Leslie in late March; and many people came to meet and congratulate him, and talk with him about the book.  If you missed it, we have signed stock available.

We joined facebook so it's easy to post news about upcoming events, new releases, and any other events important to readers and cusomers.  Please join us there to receive weekly or biweekly updates!

For those who haven't heard about it yet, two Magnolia's Bookstore staff members (Sandi and Debbie) have started the Magnolia Readers Network.  This group meets on the first Wednesday of every month, at 7 p.m to talk about their favorite books.  They describe it as a "non-traditional book club for avid readers."  There is no commitment, and no assigned reading.  If you are interested, come when you can, and be prepared to rave (or rant) about a book you've been reading, listen to others do the same, and get ideas about what to read next.  Everyone who attends receives a coupon for 10% off for one book at our store. The next meeting is on June 5th.  We love meeting at Luigi's, who gave us a wonderful welcome at our last meeting!