Love Hurts. Winning Doesn’t!
Did your last boyfriend or girlfriend leave you high and dry with a broken heart? Well, let us help you put that sad sack behind you and give you a chance to win something fun in the process. Come into Vroman’s Bookstore or Vroman’s Hastings Ranch anytime before Sunday, February 12 with a picture of the one that did you wrong and when you are checking out at the register or visiting our information desk tear up his or her photo, put your name and phone #/email on the back and deposit your two chances to win in our Valentine’s Day drawing box.

You will have entered into a drawing to win a holiday basket courtesy of Vroman’s Bookstore, filled with books and gifts totaling up to $200!

How many times have you finished a book and felt like it was the end of a relationship? That longing feeling lingered in your system and seeped into your subconscious. I know, I’ve been there. Now, there are books that are as memorable as last year’s Thanksgiving and THEN there are the ones that devour your senses and cut away at you like your first kiss. Here’s my list:

The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho
I know what you’re thinking, another biography about finding yourself? I assure you this one will put into perspective most things that lay dormant in most of us. Like the title suggests, the book is about a journey, both literal and spiritual. If you’re a wanderlust and have no funds to support such a habit this book will act a tour guide exploring northern Spain to Santiago de Compostella. I’m not the kind of person who easily falls for a writer but Coelho has left an imprint on my soul like no other. He’s also a love him or hate him type of writer SO if his tendencies to go into a realm that’s too confusing or just plain unreal/surreal gets in the way then he’s not for you. Otherwise indulge in the meditative pleasures of finding yourself within the pages of this book.

Chariots of the Gods by Erich von Däniken
Our world is so vast and so full of mysteries it’s easy to cast it aside as tumultuous and get caught in a bubble. Life, if we let it, can become monotonous, moving along to the same drum beat day after boring day. The very FACT that we’re here with blood  running through our veins stirs my emotions to a point that can be clinically called Obsessive. Erich von Däniken came out with this masterpiece back in 1968. While Nixon declared his presidential candidacy and the US State Department announced the highest US casualties in the Vietnam War, Däniken introduced a hypothesis that declared with a vociferous voice that our civilization was indeed visited by what he refers to as “ancient astronauts”. Far out, right? But the evidence, THE EVIDENCE that lies in those pages is nothing short of incredible. Take a read for yourself and dare to question our existence!

Tiger Tiger by Margaux Fragoso
Sexual abuse is not an easy subject to tackle in any form; especially if the predator isn’t referred to as such and is instead humanized by its victim. This book is more of a long poem within a modern timeline. A prose tinged with perversion and innocence. My heart and respect go out to Mrs. Fragoso for not only having to re-live her situation by writing this memoir but for surviving it; for helping those who have been in similar circumstances and exposing herself indirectly without compromising her incredible gift as a writer. A bittersweet book that will haunt and inspire you well after you read it.

The Power of Kindness by Piero Ferrucci
It’s hard to imagine a compassionate world if we were to base it on current events. Personally, this book really made me question myself and my everyday actions towards the people I love and those I have yet to meet. The benefits of living a happy life go hand in hand with spiritual growth. Ferrucci doesn’t scold you into submission but instead takes a sincere and gentle approach into helping you realize how simple and beneficial it is to let kindness be your guide. Everyone can benefit from this book but remember to leave your EGO at the door.

Got any recommendations on books that changed your life? Let me know, I’m ALWAYS open to suggestions. It’s hard to stay in the know with so much literature and so little time…

-Ingrid

Alright I know that the title makes me sound as if I’ve gone loco, but I do have a point. We all know the great advantages to buying locally. As Ruby has said in this very blog, it even goes as far as reducing your carbon footprint. Sounds like win, win, win all round. But there are even more advantages to buying local, locally. Alright that still doesn’t make sense. Perhaps I should try to explain with an example.

We all know that great feeling you get when you read a romance novel and think “I know that feeling”. Or even a murder mystery set in a locale where you’ve been. Reading a rock band bio and knowing “I was at that concert!” Well buying local authors’ works can give you that warm fuzzy feeling a dozen times over.

Living in Pasadena or anywhere in Southern California, makes it easy for us to do that. The book store shelves are full of novels set in the area, tributes to the icons, bios of celebs that inhabit our hometowns, and even the local guides (where to eat, visit, and shop) can all bring a knowing smile to our faces.

Case in point…  Becoming Johnny Nova does a great job at that. A rite of passage tale set in the Pasadena/Arcadia area in the early 80’s, Johnny’s wild adventures take us through New Years Eve on the Rose Parade route, late night adventures at the Arboretum in Arcadia, cruising in Whittier, the night clubs of Hollywood, and lots of other places we know and many of us have been to. This refreshing tale also hits home with pretty much all of us who struggled through late adolescence thinking ‘who am I and who will I become?’ ‘Johnny’ is not only full of places and struggles that locals can relate to, but will have you laughing (a lot), cheering, tearing up, and have you pinned to the pages ‘knowing’ the people, smelling the night air, hearing the music, and reliving the feeling of the unabashed anarchy of youth.

So do it. Go out to your local bookstore, (Vroman’s comes to mind) and grab yourself something local. Something for yourself or for that guy you know that really should read a little more often. And tell Johnny I said “Hi”.

Andrea Lambert’s debut novel, Jet Set Desolate, follows Lena Cosentino through the disco underbelly of millennium-era San Francisco in a sexy, fast-paced read you’ll be too scared to put down. Leaving a trail of men (and the occasional woman) in her wake, Lena fights to keep her head above water amid a frenetic backdrop of wrenching pain and struggle barely masked by the twinkling lights of the disco ball. Although her life seems marked by excess, just a scratch beneath the surface reveals Lena barely holding it together as she attempts to keep her cruel sometimes-ex Jesse at bay while simultaneously managing her bipolar disorder, which is exacerbated by her growing cocaine addiction.

Lena’s troubles may appear to be largely a result of poor choices, but the reader cannot help feeling sympathetic towards this well-written and complex character; indeed, Lena is taken advantage of at nearly every turn, rendering her agency in her own fate nearly moot by the novel’s devastating conclusion.

Jet Set Desolate is as brutal and unrelenting as it is captivating. Andrea Lambert – whom I have never met and am certainly not married to – holds nothing back in her bold and daring entrée into the literary scene.  Sparing no gritty detail for her readers’ comfort, this book captures an unflinching portrait of what happens when the party is over and the harsh fluorescent lights come on after last call, revealing the truth within the sallow faces of the used-up revelers.  At times hard to read due to its intensity (and I am not one who flinches easily,) Jet Set Desolate will leave you feeling slapped – shocked and perhaps pained, yet also refreshed and breathless. Lambert’s confident prose and lyrical descriptions lend beauty to even the most brutal scene, of which there are plenty. The strength of the writing allows the reader to hold on and remain captivated by Lena’s story even as she is dealt a series of horrific blows. The discomfort one feels as one reads this novel is in fact, in itself, a testament to Lambert’s ability as a writer; even as your gut clenches in disgust, you will find your desire to keep reading win out over the urge to put the book down and run for the nearest kitten-and-unicorn farm in an attempt to put your mind back at peace.

An emerging voice in the Los Angeles literary community, Andrea Lambert has made a brave and ultimately successful move by coming out of the gates with such a bold first novel, guaranteeing that her name, and her talent, will not be forgotten. Even  if you don’t live with her.

Jet Set Desolate is available in store only, in our Local Authors’ section.

They need book-loving volunteers to fan out across America on April 23, 2012. Just pick up 20 free copies of a book from a location in your community (Vroman’s is a pick-up location), give them out to the people of your choice, and you just might change someone’s life. You’ll need to sign up by February 1st, though, so head on over to their website!

The goal is to give books to new readers, to encourage reading, and to share your passion for a great book. You even get your choice of book – they’ve got a lot of gems on the list, so you can pick one that is really meaningful to you. There is huge support from the publishing industry, local bookstores and libraries, authors, printers, and more, who are all donating services, space, and time. The first World Book Night was held in the UK last year, and it was such a big success that it’s spreading around the world, so you’ll be in great company. Please volunteer to be a book giver in the U.S.! Let’s try to get as many people reading as possible.

Caldecott Award: A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka
Here’s a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it.  Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy’s anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. Raschka’s signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and children dealing with the loss of something special.

Newbery Award: Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
Endlessly surprising, this sly, sharp-edged narrative is the author at his very best, making readers laugh out loud at the most unexpected things in a dead-funny depiction of growing up in a slightly off-kilter place where the past is present, the present is confusing, and the future is completely up in the air. Dead End in Norvelt is also a Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Fiction title for 2011 and one of Horn Book’s Best Fiction Books of 2011.

Printz and Morris Awards: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley
Geisel Award: Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider
Sibert Award: Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
Coretta Scott King Award (Author): Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson
Coretta Scott King Award (Illustrator): Underground by Shane W. Evans
Pura Belpre Award (Author): Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Pura Belpre Award (Illustrator): Diego Rivera: His World and Ours by Duncan Tonatiuh

Also take a look at some of our personal favorites! These honor winners were strong contenders for the prize:

Newbery Honor: Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Caldecott Honor: Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
Coretta Scott King Honor: Never Forgotten by Patricia McKissack
Pura Belpré Honor: The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred by Samantha R. Vamos
Geisel Honor: I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Morris Honor: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

All of these great books (and even more honor winners!) are currently on display in our Children’s department! The winners sell out really fast, so make sure you call us or order online right away if you want a copy.

Margaret works on call in the Customer Service department at the main store.

1. Has an affinity for all marine animals
2. Weaknesses include McDonald’s breakfast and also Husky puppies
3. Once told one of her idols that she was looking at him
4. Goes through quinoa phases
5. Writes things on her blog (which, as all good blogs should be, is self-indulgent)
6. Cannot take a serious picture (i.e. a regular smile and normal eyes)
7. Has no pronounced allergies or medical disabilities
8. Probably is incorrectly using chopsticks
9. Had a dream last night about someone named “Dragon”
10. Won a copy of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in a trivia contest
11. Eats spaghetti sometimes
12. Knows a lot of the lyrics to “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie
13. Thinks every rose really does have its thorn
14. Can gift wrap with her eyes closed (as long as it’s symmetrical)
15. Has never been able to whistle
16. Got really good at Wii Bowling one night
17. Didn’t drink eggnog until she was 18
18. Recently discovered that people really, really hate it when you fake rimshots
19. Has met some truly delightful people while working at Vroman’s
20. Only really felt confident in her use of white-out in her golden era (2008-present)
21. Edited all the yearbooks
22. Will cry without fail at the “Jurassic Park” episode of Futurama
23. Really enjoys mac and cheese with cut up hot dogs (a true gourmand)
24. Thinks Li’l Sebastian went too soon
25. Once entered a pun contest with ten puns, hoping one would win, but no pun in ten did

Awesome booksellers at Type Books in Canada created this beautiful video by painstakingly moving books all over their store. It’s called Joy of Books, and they couldn’t have picked a better title.

You can now read Google eBooks (the eBooks that Vroman’s sells) on your Kindle Fire. It takes a bit of hacking, but just read Girl with the Dragon Tattoo first and you’ll be all set. Changing Hands has a great guide.

There are a bunch of eBooks on sale for the new year. Here’s a list:
Accounting for Non-Accountants, 2E by Wayne Label, $1.99
The Art of Lawyering by Paul M. Lisnek, $1.99
Reagan Persuasion by James C. Humes, $1.99
Surrounded by Geniuses by Alan Gregerman, $1.99
50 Simple Ways to Live a Longer Life by Suzanne Bohan and Glenn Thompson, $1.99
Dr. Susan’s Fit and Fun Family Action by Susan Bartell, $1.99
Over the Counter Natural Cures by Shane Ellison, $1.99
The Perfect 10 Diet by Michael Aziz, $1.99
10,000 Ways to Say I Love You by Gregory J. P. Godek, $1.99
1001 Ways to Be Romantic, 3E by Gregory J. P. Godek, $1.99
The Anger Habit by Carl Semmelroth and Donald E. P. Smith, $1.99
The Case for Falling in Love by Mari Ruti, $1.99
Complete Dream Book of Love and Relationships by Gillian Holloway, $1.99
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Ex by Heather Belle and Michelle Fiordaliso, $1.99
Instant Self Hypnosis by Forbes Robbins Blair, $1.99
Introvert Power by Laurie Helgoe, $1.99
The Macho Paradox by Jackson Katz, $1.99
Ten Zen Seconds by Eric Maisel, $1.99
Wealthy Spirit by Chellie Campbell, $1.99

Plus 10 Young Adult eBooks for $0.99 each:
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, $0.99
Vesper by Jeff Sampson, $0.99
Bumped by Megan McCafferty, $0.99
Hereafter by Tara Hudson, $0.99
The Unidentified by Rae Mariz, $o.99
The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood, $0.99
Entwined by Heather Dixon, $0.99
Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn’t Have) by Sarah Mlynowski, $0.99
Withering Tights by Louise Rennison, $0.99
Lucky by Rachel Vail, $0.99

1. I am Greek & Norwegian
2. Demetria is the Greek equivalent of Jane/Janie
3. I am originally from Iowa
4. I have a brother & sister who live in Minnesota & Iowa
5. My son’s name is Justin Fisk – Fisk after baseball’s Carlton Fisk
6. I love baseball & Ichiro
7. JFK drove by my house in Iowa & waved at me – gorgeous man!
8. I love all cats big & small
9. My cat family tree: Bear (current), Willie, Kiefer, Buckwheat, Prudence, Hubble, Athelstan, Munts, & Lucifer (Munts is Norwegian and means Rascal)
10. I try to swim every day
11. I have a paralegal certificate
12. I LOVE Eric Burdon & have a pillowcase with his picture on it (give me a break I made it when I was 14)
13. I no longer have my picture taken, everyone feels so free to post on the internet!
14. Actress Viveca Lindfors (Stargate) is my photo stand-in and we have the same birthday (We were NOT born in the same year TEE)
15. I moved to CA in 1971 & stayed at the YWCA in Long Beach – scary!
16. Which reminds me – I love horror films, movies in general & Woody Allen
17. I watch so much TV I probably glow in the dark
18. I had a frog named Stromboli & a lizard named Elgernon
19. I hate eggs
20. A “Demetria Special” at McDonalds is a small coffee, small fry & a sundae
21. My favorite snack is white popcorn with salt & butter & a side of Evian water
22. My favorite flowers are Lilac, Peony and Lily of the Valley
23. I keep a dream diary
24. I like wandering around cemeteries
25. I’m afraid to fly