What's cookin'?

It is lunch time at Grass Roots, so it must be time to discuss food. At least we should talk about books about food. Oh, I do love a good cookbook...

The inventory surveys we asked people to complete a few weeks ago has brought some lovely changes to our shelves, including an increased cooking section with more variety. (Thanks for the feedback!) One of the significant changes I noticed right away is more ethnic cookbooks. Yum!

We've included a few Indian cookbooks in our inventory, including 660 Curries: The Gateway to Indian Cooking by Raghavan Iyer, and How to Cook Indian by Sanjeev Kapoor, who is quite the celebrity chef in the rest of the world. Personally, I am not familiar with Indian cuisine, but there are over 1,100 recipes between these two books. That sounds like a pretty good foundation to me, and one to explore. You could make a night of it and read A Passage to India by E.M. Forster with your book group, and enjoy a recipe out of one of these cookbooks.

Italian cooking is something I have considerably more experience with, though I there's no way I could compete with Giada. The Glorious Pasta of Italy by Domenica Marchetti may just up my game, however. Sadly, I'm a sucker for a well-designed cookbook with nice pictures, but that is not the only reason I admire this one. There's a lot of information about pasta here, including buying and using dried pasta, a glossary of pasta shapes, and recipes and tips for making your own pasta at home. (I admit I cheat; I use a Kitchenaid. But it's still delicious!) It also covers basic sauces, but then it moves beyond. Bake it, sauce it, stuff it--heck, you can even make it sweet! If you love pasta, you've got to check this one out.

I can not not talk about international cookbooks without mentioning something French. This recommendation, however does not include pretty pictures. To make up for it, there is a recipe for Oreilles de Veau Farcies, Sauce Bernaise. I'm not going to translate that for you. The French Menu Cookbook, a classic tome by Richard Olney, will do that for you. It's a tidy little book organized with menus and wine pairings. If you think an evening reading The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry by Kathlenn Finn while nibbling on Fonds d'Artichauts aux Deux Mousses with a fine wine is your idea of a good time, I recommend this book.

Surely that's enough to keep your mouth watering until you come by and visit us. If you can't wait, you can click on the titles that interest you, and the link will take you right to our fantastic new website, www.grassrootsbookstore.com. Easy browsing and ordering right there!

Hopefully, though, you'll still come by and visit us. See you in the bookstore!

Pamela.

Greetings from the bookstore!

Just in case you were worried, I just want to reassure you that Grass Roots Books & Music is still here. We are even moreso still "HERE" since we have a new website. The new and improved grassrootsbookstore.com is awesome. You should definitely go take a look at it if you haven't seen it. Go ahead. I'll wait.

See what I mean? You can order from home and check our inventory from home whenever it strikes your fancy. And if by chance you have emptied your list of "books to read" (If you're like me, that will NEVER happen...), you can always check in with our staff recommendations. You'll find everything from our Nightstand reviews from the Grass Roots Reader newsletter, to specialized lists of Children's, Local, and Seasonal titles. And more is to come! (My Cooking recommendations will be coming soon!)

It has also been a few couple of months for events in the store, so it's really no wonder I haven't had time to blog. For poetry month in April, we hosted a wonderfully diverse crowd of local poets. May has been aflame with more local authors, and we have more planned in June. There are many local writers with new books out this year, and we're hosting three of them next month. George Estreich will join us June 4 at 2 p.m. for a reading and signing, Marjorie Sandor will lead a memoir-writing workshop on June 11 at 2 p.m., and Katie Kacvinsky will be here June 25 at 2 p.m. for a reading and signing. So much going on! (And more to come... Kathie Sever July 14...Laurie Notaro October 1...I could just squeal!) Follow along here, be our fan on Facebook, sign up for our newsletter, or stop by the store to keep up with what's new!

Certainly more new stuff will follow. I've seen some exciting changes in a few sections as a result of our recent surveys (Cooking and Crafts! YES!) which I will be talking about more in depth very soon. Our new website will keep improving, I (hopefully we...) will blog more often, and we'll work even harder to make shopping at Grass Roots your best book shopping experience ever. (Just please let us know how we can do that!)

With all that's new, however, somethings never change: I'll see you at the bookstore!

Pamela.

New Music Tuesday

It's another week, and a new batch of music has hit the shelves. Thanks to our music buyer, Scott, we have reveiws to share:

 

 

Adele, 21    $11.95

Torchy, soulful London singer evokes white soul singers like Amy Winehouse and Duffy, but reaches further back for influence, to Dusty Springfield and Etta James.  Her second album focuses on her syrupy, sweet voice, perfect for her songs about broken hearts.

Builders and the Butchers, Dead Reckoning  $12.95

This Portland quintet's fifth album ranges from folk to back porch bluegrass to gutbucket blues, all fueled by a raucous garage spirit.  Renowned for their kinetic live performances, their new effort seeks to recreate that energy on disc.

Johnny Cash, From Memphis to Hollywood: Bootleg Vol 2    $15.95

The second album in a series that brings to light rare, archival tracks from Cash's early career.  This new collection features cuts from Cash's personal tapes, recorded between 1954 and 1970, including many from his Sun Studio sessions.

Cave Singers, No Witch  $14.95

The third full-length album by this harmony-heavy Seattle folk-rock outift.  "No Witch is grander and more lush than The Cave Singers' previous efforts. It's also a nervier, scrappier affair: greasy guitars buck and rear up; Eastern-influenced blues snake through songs; gospel choirs rise up like tidal waves."

G. Love, Fixin' to Die    $10.95

G. Love has always occupied a rare space between folk, blues and hip hop.  On his new CD, produced by and with insturmental help by the Avett Brothers, the singer takes a big step towards percussion-heavy roots music.

Gibson Brothers, Help My Brother  $19.95

IBMA Award winners, Eric and Leigh are widely recognized as the finest brother duet in bluegrass music today.Their tenth release features 12 tracks, most of which are originals, feature guest spots by Alison Brown, Ricky Skaggs and Claire Lynch.

Johnny Irion & Sarah Lee Guthrie, Bright Examples    $12.95

The husband and wife duo's second full-length album is produced by Vetiver's Andy Cabic and Thom Monahan. The 12 original songs highlight the duo's patented country rock songwriting and rich vocal harmonies beautifully intertwining with Vetiver's West Coast pastoral psych-rock aesthetic.  Special guests include Mark Olson and Gary Louris.

Loch Lomond, Little Me Will Start a Storm  $13.95

"Elegant yet uneasy, this intriguing Portland sextet echoes the nervous grace of Arcade Fire and the New Pornographers, minus the electric charge. Frontman Ritchie Young can sing delicate and high or mournful and low, and while his dense chamber-pop songs employ clarinet, violin, mandolin, and marimba, they never feel overwrought."

Low Anthem, Smart Flesh    $13.95

The unique Rhode Island multi-instrumentalists straddle both traditional and modern folk, blues and even jazz and neo-classical elements.  Recorded in an abandoned factory, the songs, "shuffle like a Crescent City dirge played on an Appalachian dusty road."

Sean Rowe, Magic  $15.95

Like a hybrid of Leonard Cohen and Greg Brown, the New York singer songwriter sings in a rusty baritone, frequently backed only by a picked guitar and cello, with occasional piano.

Blues/Jazz
Various Artists, Alligator Records 40th Anniversary Celebration  $17.95

Celebrating 40 years of releases, the seminal blues label collects 2 discs of their favorite tracks from across the years.  Artists include Koko Taylor, Marcia Ball, Buddy Guy, JJ Grey and more.

Irish/Celtic

Celtic Thunder, Heritage  $18.95

A frequent presence on PBS fundraisers, these Irish music veterans combine traditional elements of Celtic music with dramatic orchestral flourishes and contemporary rock.

Kids

Putumayo Artists, Acoustic Dreamland  $15.95

Chosen especially for moments of relaxation and rest, the label's new collection features calming pieces played by Hem, Daniel Martin Moore, Lucy Kaplansky and more.

New Music Tuesday

Apologies for the late publication. It's been one of those weeks... Time to soothe that savage beast with some fresh music!

Pop/Rock

* Nicole Atkins, Mondo Amore  $13.95
The New Jersey singer-songwriter's follow-up to her critically praised 2007 Neptune City.  A lot has changed since then, including Atkins' band and label, but what remains is the artist's dramatic, orchestra "pop noir." 

* Drew Holcomb, Chasing Someday  $12.95
"To counter the Nashville hokum-heavy stereotype of big hats, steel guitars and tear-in-your-beer emotion of a man's relationship with his tractor, there's the gloriously un-twang music of Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors.Holcomb's savvy combination of earnest midwestern rock and folksy southern charm have burnished his reputation and dramatically expanded his audience."

* Jessica Lea Mayfield, Tell Me  $15.95
The singer-songwriter's second album is produced by Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach, who brings fuzzed-out guitars and a retro spirit and sound to Mayfield's songs.  The eclectic mix blends bits of blues, country and jazz. 

* Various, The Music Inside: Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings  $10.95
A tribute to the music of the country music legend.  Contributors include Jamey Johnson, Shooter Jennings, Patty Griffin and more. 

* Over the Rhine, Long Surrender  %15.95  DEMO
The husband and wife duo's new album is produced by iconic songwriter and instrumentalist Joe Henry.  In addition to providing instrumental help, Henry contributes his trademark atmospheric touch, as well as an increasing jazz emphasis to the duo's cinematic folk-pop. 

* Danny Schmidt, Man of Many Moons  $17.95
"The arrangements are bare and revealing. It's just Danny and guitar with bass, a tiny bit of piano and harmonica, and some haunting vocal support from fellow Red House artist, Carrie Elkin and Raina Rose. The songs center around the tricky concept of commitment, and the result is another glimpse into the complicated psyche of this talented, Austin-based emerging singer-songwriter."

* Teddy Thompson, Bella  $13.95
Thompson's fifth album of melodic folk-pop.  The son of Richard and Linda Thompson fills Bella with more upbeat, buoyant melodies than on previous efforts.  The album also continues the artist's recent flirtation with Roy Orbison-esque classic country. 

* Wailin' Jennys, Bright Morning Star  $17.95  DEMO
The third studio album by the Canadian female trio highlights the Jennys strength as songwriters and instrumentalists, as well as harmony vocalists.  Heather Masse, Nicky Mehta and Ruth Moody composed all but one of the album's tunes, which weave traditional and contemporary folk and americana. 

New Age

* Yanni, Truth of Touch  $16.95
The new age legend's first new collection since 2003.  Yanni's compositions bring together the orchestral with the electronic, incorporating world music influences throughout.

New Music Tuesday

Are you tired of listening to Justin Bieber yet? Stop by and check out the newest CDs in stock at Grass Roots this week!

 Pop/Rock

Hot Club of Cowtown, What Makes Bob Holler  $17.95
With their guitar/violin/bass and vocal line-up, the Hot Club puts their special spin on the 1940s Western swing of Bob Wills.  This tribute was released first in the UK, where it vaulted into the top 10 for several weeks. 

Bobby Long, Winter Tale $11.95
British singer-songwriter Long first came into the public eye with a contribution to the soundtrack to the teen vampire movie Twilight.  The poetry and guitar-centered music on his debut CD have been likened to Leonard Cohen playing the music of Ryan Adams. 

> David Lowery, Palace Guard  $11.95
As a bandleader, Lowery formed and fronted the seminal indie bands Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker.  For his debut solo CD, Lowery channels the quirky jam-inspired sounds of his previous bands into a more intimate, acoustic direction. 

North Mississippi Allstars, Keys to the Kingdom  $13.95
In the wake of their father Jim Dickinson's passing Cody and Luther Dickinson gathered friends at their Zebra Studios to record a tribute to the legendary producer and musician.  Keys to the Kingdom features guest spots by Ry Cooder, Mavis Staples, Alvin Youngblood Hart and more. 

Todd Snider, Live: the Storyteller  $16.95
This 2-disc set features the contemporary americana singer-songwriter's greatest hits, recorded live with a backing band.  It also  highlights Snider's prowess and good humor as a storyteller as he tells the tale behind his tunes. 

Tennis, Cape Dory  $13.95
As featured on NPR, this husband and wife duo play retro pop music in the spirit of the 1960s.  Some of the album's songs were inspired by boat trip along the Eastern seaboard. 


Kids
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Songs From a Zulu Farm  $13.95

The celebrated South African vocal ensemble present their second album for young listeners.  Sung primarily in the Zulu language, the songs also feature the sounds of farm animals and children.

New Music Tuesday

Tuesday is typically the day of the week that new music releases come out, and there are lots of them this week! Some are being featured in the Grass Roots Reader, but there is so much more out there. Here's what you might miss:

Pop/Folk

Carrie Elkin, Call it My Garden  ~  $17.95
Contemporary folk and americana singer-songwriter's third release demonstrates a laid-back spirit as Elkin gathers with a group of industry friends and collaborators in the kitchen of a friend's house.  The albums is produced by Colin Brooks (Band of Heathens) and fellow singer-songwriter Danny Schmidt. 

Lori McKenna, Lorraine  ~  $16.95
McKenna began her career with a piece on NPR focusing on her identity as a homemaker and mother of three children who lived a working class life and was a songwriter on the side.  Since, her songs have been performed by several mainstream country artists, and her solo CDs have garnered critical praise.  McKenna's new release is inspired by stories of her own mother's life. 

 James Vincent McMorrow, Early in the Morning  ~  $11.95
From Ireland, folk pop with mostly acoustic guitars, occasional drums and vocals, buoyed  by banjo and electric piano. McMorrow's album was considered one of the best of the year by Irish critics. 

Lynn Miles, Fall For Beauty   ~  $16.95
Canadian folk-americana artist has a beautiful catch in her voice and a way with a story.  Miles' new CD features a more polished production, as well as a fuller band sound behind her melodic tunes. 

Redbird, Live at the Cafe Carpe  ~  $16.95
Redbird is both the name of the album and the loose affiliation of three acclaimed American songwriters- Kris Delmhorst, Jeffrey Foucault and Peter Mulvey.  This live recording features tunes originally recorded by artists as diverse as Rickie Lee Jones, Neil Young, Merle Haggard and more. 

John Renbourn, Palermo Snow  ~  $18.95
Drawing on his recent excursions to Italy and its rich musical heritage Renbourn delivers another classic album of gentle, but engaging, guitar music. Seduced by the romantic grip of the area and its people he delivers a beautiful album that can only be described as timeless.


Classical
 
Helene Grimaud, Resonances  ~  $18.95


Stop by and have a listen...ask us what we like!

You big teaser!

A few days ago, I ached for Spring.

It was sunny and about 50 degrees, which is downright BALMY. At least if felt balmy, but I think the lack of gloom may be starting to affect my perception of the world in winter.

I felt inspired to walk along the river front from the parking lot to the store. The river is clearly swollen and murky-smelling, but there were other people out there. Adn there were buds on the trees and shrubs. That is always a good sign! People were in and out of the store all day, and the streets were practically teeming with walkers. Okay, that may be exaggerating. It's nice to see people out and about instead of holed up in their houses, though. When I walk on the street to and from my car, I notice the bulbs poking up from the planters. It makes me so jealous, and it makes me want to get my hands dirty. Time to find some good gardening books, I suspect.

Today, however...sigh, today... It is gray gloom again and I can see people's breath when they're walking by our windows. It reminds me that it is still time to curl up in a chair at home with a nice cup of tea and a good book.

On my nightstand right now?
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson
Winona's Pony Cart by Maud Hart Lovelace
The Four Seasons Book of Cocktails: Tips, Techniques, and More Than 1,000 Recipes from New York's Landmark Restaurant by Greg Connolly, Charles Corpion, John Varriano, and Fred DuBose
The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball

Clearly, I'm going to be busy for a while...

 

What are you reading right now? Is it varied, or do you stick to one book and/or topic at a time? How many more days until Spring???

 

I'll be waiting it out behind the counter. See you at the bookstore!

 

Pamela.

What's a teenager to read?

In the great scheme of things, I'm not old. I'm in my mid-30s. I like to call it "Bookstore Middle-aged" because the last few years my ages has planted me pretty squarely among college students and twenty-somethings, and others older than me. It's just me...hangin' out here...in the middle...

One of my favorite books. My recommendation.

From this perspective, I remember the books I loved as a child. I remember the books I escaped with on my breaks home from college. I remember most of the books I've read in the 13 years I've been working in bookstores. But there's this gap in my reading memory...what the heck did I read while I was in high school? I have always been a voracious reader, and it surprises me that beyond what was required of me in school, I don't remember reading.

I guess it's possible I didn't read for pleasure much in those years. (Well, except maybe Sweet Valley High books... Don't judge me.) During those years I didn't live in the library district, and I certainly didn't have expendable income at that time.

One of this year's winners.

Maybe this gap in my reading memory is why I have such a hard time recommending books to readers in the14-19 age group. There are so many variables involved, not the least of which is the maturity level of the reader in question. Even for grade schoolers, I always ask myself, "What was I reading at that age?". I can't do this with teenagers, though, so I have to review the books of my adult reading life to gauge their appropriateness for this age group. Fortunately, the Alex Awards make this easier when my own reading interests diverge from that of the other reader.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My most-anticipated read of 2011.

Okay, I see how it is. Are you sitting in front of your computer right now going, "Uh...you know it's already a week into it, right?" Well, now I do. Things were pretty wonderfully busy in the store over the holidays and we are settling back into our habits of bringing you great books--and news and entertaining tidbits from the world of books.

January is the time for our buyers to pour through catalogs to scout out the next great thing. From the world of literary gossip, I can already tell you that new books are expected from Chuck Palahniuk, Jean Auel, Sarah Vowell and David Foster Wallace's final novel.
Looking for more? Here's what The Guardian, The Millions, and The Daily Beast all have to say.

That should help you to at least get a start on your list of books to read this year. We'll be here to tell you more about them and get them in for you!

See you at the bookstore!

Pamela.