61507 Barrett NL:Holiday 2011 11/18/11 12:42 PM Page 1 · 2012-01-06 · Cabin Fever (Diary of a Whimpy Kid #6, Jeff Kinney Greg Heffley is in big trouble. School property has been

Holiday /Winter 2011-2012 www.barrettbookstore.com

Dear Customer

Holiday Greetings from all of us at BarrettBookstore! As we approach our fifteenth season, itis amazing to look back at all the changes in thebook business. The ultimate impact of the digitalbook on publishing is still unclear, but it is defi-nitely a force to be reckoned with. Publishers aswell as booksellers are struggling to adjust to themarket. A gentle reminder: For those of you whouse an iPad or any android based device, we offerGoogle eBooks on our website, eighty percent of thetitles at the same price as Amazon. In addition, thepublishers from time to time offer special pricingon selected titles. So do visit barrettbookstore.comto take advantage of some great opportunities.

As always, we look forward to seeing you in thestore and hope our dedication to providing out-standing service can compensate somewhat forwhat we are unable to offer in discounts. Once againwe have a wonderful selection of books for all inter-ests. The following pages offer just a sampling ofthe many great titles. And if you are stumped fora gift idea, a Barrett Bookstore Gift Card isalways a great solution.

Our Children’s section is overflowing with beauti-ful picture books as well as toys and games perfectfor stocking stuffers. We also have calendars ofevery type—diaries, date books, address books andthe popular Mom Agendas to keep track of busyschedules.

So whether you are looking for a luxury gift book ora hostess present to bring to a holiday party, we canoffer one stop shopping in a pleasant atmosphere.

OUR WINTER BOOK CLUB PICK

Little Princes, Conor GrennanIn search of adventure, twenty-nine-year-old Conor Grennan traded his dayjob for a year-long trip around the globe,a journey that began with a three-month stint volunteering at an orphan-age in war-torn Nepal. Little Princes’Children's Home housed 18 childrenfrom the remote province of Humla, res-cued from a notorious child traffickerwho had bought the children from poorvillagers terrified of the Maoist insur-

gents. Moved by their plight, Grennan vowed to reunitethe children with their families, but this commitmentwould be no small task. He would risk his life on a journeythrough the legendary mountains of Nepal, facing the dan-gers of a bloody civil war and a debilitating injury. Atturns tragic, joyful, and hilarious, Little Princes is a tes-tament to the power of faith and the ability of love to carryus beyond our wildest expectations.

MEET THE AUTHOR

CONOR GRENNAN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12AT 7:00 PM

Téa Obreht, author of The Tiger's Wife, our Fall Book Club selection,with Rosanna Nissen, Annette Trial-O’Neil & Elizabeth McIntryre

Conor is a graduate of theUniversity of Virginia andthe NYU Stern School ofBusiness. He currentlyresides in Connecticutwith his wife and son.

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Holiday Fare

Christmas Eve:The Nativity Story in

Engravings, Verse and SongExcerpts from the gospel according toLuke are interspersed with original blackand white engravings by Liesl Williamsand traditional carols—all celebratingthe miraculous night in a lovely gift book.All Ages.

The Christmas Snowman,Margery Cuyler,

Johanna WestermanLooking out their window at night,two children see the snowman theymade come to life, sledding, skiingand making snow angels! But whentheir extraordinary snowman beginsto melt prior to Christmas, they askfor Santa's help. A charming storywith elegant illustrations for parentsto share with their children duringthe holiday. Ages 4 -7

The Carpenter’s Gift,David Rubel, Jim

LaMarcheDuring the depression, eight-year-old Henry and his father sellChristmas trees in Manhattan tomake some money. When they returnhome, Henry plants a pine cone fromone of the trees and years later itbecomes the giant Christmas tree atRockefeller Center. The tree bringsjoy to thousands and is later recycledto build a home for a family in need.Written in collaboration with Habitatfor Humanity, the book includes anessay by Jimmy Carter about a realhome built from the famous tree for afamily made homeless by Katrina.Ages 5-7

Stopping by the Woods ona Snowy Evening,

Robert FrostSusan Jeffers (Illustrator)Here is a wonderful way to intro-duce the young reader to this muchloved poem! Susan Jeffers hasbrought Frost’s famous text to lifeby personifying the speaker as anelderly gentleman with his horseand sleigh. Her beautifully drawnlandscapes capture the pattern ofbare branches laden with snow andthe woodland creatures quietly look-ing on as the man pauses on hisjourney to contemplate the magic ofthe winter wood. All Ages

Michael Hagues’s Treasuryof Christmas Carols

Originally published individually,these four beloved Christmas carolsare now gathered together in onebeautiful volume. Michael Haguehas created an enchanted worldfilled with animals celebratingNoel—from a dandified bunny dash-ing through the snow in a one-horseopen sleigh to bears, rabbits, andchipmunks awaiting their hot bowlsof figgy pudding. This book will bringholiday joy to the entire family!All Ages

Christmas Eve at theMellops, Toni Ungerer

It is the day before Christmas andthe four Mellops brothers all havethe same idea: to surprise theirfamily with a Christmas tree! ByChristmas Eve the hall is full oftrees—and tears—and the Mellopsmust find a way to share the festivecheer. First published more thanfifty years ago, the adventures ofthe delightful family of pigs was afavorite with young audiences. Nowa new generation can enjoy thistale of how the true spirit ofChristmas is in bringing joy to oth-ers. Ungerer’s witty and expressivedrawings are irresistible. Ages 4-7


Richard Scarry’sChristmas Tales

What a perfect stocking-stuffer forlittle hands! Celebrate ChristmasBusytown-style in these four miniboard books packaged in a small box.Each story is brightly illustrated andfeatures favorite characters.Preschool

ʻTwas the Night BeforeChristmas, Clement Moore

When you open the cover of this specialkeepsake edition, a voice says “Thisbook is a special gift from someone wholoves you very much!’ A built in device,will record your own voice as you readthis Christmas favorite to your littleones wherever they are. A treasure tokeep through the years. (Incudes 3replaceable AAA batteries.) Ages 2-5

A Christmas Goodnight,Nola Buck, Sarah Jane Wright

This sweet book is a perfect bedtime book forexcited kids that focuses on the story of the birthof the baby Jesus instead of the pile of presentsthat awaits under the tree. Reminiscent ofGoodnight Moon, a small child says goodnight—one by one—to the figures in his nativity set.The gentle rhymning text is a joy to read.Preschool

Something for Christmas, Palmer Brown“What are you doing, dear?” “It’s a secret.”“Secrets are better if you share them a little. So tell Motherwhy you look so sad on Christmas Eve.”“I am wondering what to give—someone—for Christmas.”So begins the story of a little mouse’s search for a very spe-cial gift for a very special person. Nothing seems just rightuntil the little mouse realizes that the best present of all isalready at hand. Ages 3-5

for little ones...

all things LEGOA fun way to count down toChristmas—just make surethe robbers don't steal allthe gifts and get away! Helpthe police catch the robbersusing the cool snowmobileor the mini police car. 24individual gifts will delightany fan.

THE LEGO IDEAS BOOK

You have what it takes! Did you ever won-der what you can do with all of thoseLEGO® bricks after you have created theproject they came with? Now with TheLEGO Ideas Book, you can take what youalready have and make something new!The book is divided into six themed chap-ters—transportation, buildings, space,kingdoms, adventure—each with basictemplates of key models and spreads toinspire you to create your own. Withexpert advice from LEGO MasterBuilders, this book will keep kids of allages creating for hours.


The Family Storybook TreasurySelected by the staff ofHoughton Mifflin’s Children’sgroup, this collection containseight all time favorite storiescomplete with original illus-trations and a bonus audioCD. Including such classics asMike Mulligan and the SteamShovel, Sheep in a Jeep andTacky the Penguin, this will bethe ‘go-to’ volume for that spe-cial reading time. This is theperfect gift to start any first

library. Ages 3-5

Hansel & Gretel, Susan JeffersThis classic tale from the BrothersGrimm is beautifully presented inthis retelling by Amy Ehrlich.Richly enhanced with gorgeouspaintings that captures all the sub-tle details of the adventure of twochildren lost in the woods, Jeffershas once again brought her magicto the landscape of the classic fairytale just as she did in herCinderella,The Snow Queen and ThumblinaHere is another gem to add to thecollection. Ages 3-5

The Giant Book of GiantsThe pop-up, pull-out poster in this BIG tome measures overfour feet tall—and offers plenty of playful extras, includingflaps to lift and removable items such as a clock tower pocketwatch, pipe organ harmonica, and even the giant's ear wax!The action-packed tales in the book include “Jack and theBeanstalk,” “Sinbad's Third Voyage” and “Coyote Tricks theGiant.” Monster fun for any child—tall or small! Ages 4-6

Bumble-Ardy, Maurice SendakBumble-Ardy is a mis-chievous pig who reachesthe age of nine withoutever having a birthdayparty. But all thatchanges when Bumble-Ardy throws a party forhimself and invites allhis friends, leading to awild masquerade that

quickly gets out of hand. Sendak once again explores theexuberance of young children and the unshakable lovebetween parent (in this case, an aunt) and child. Preschool

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Jerry Pinkney

Only an artist as talentedas Jerry Pinkney couldtransform this simple nurs-ery song into a lush magicalworld where the lovingarms of nature embrace usdespite darkness or uncer-tainty. This book is a feastfor the eyes as we accompa-ny a little chipmunk on hisvoyage of wonder. Preschool

TThe Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, EricCarlEvery child has an artistinside him, and this vibrantnew picture book from EricCarle will help let it out. Theartist in this book paints theworld as he sees it, just like achild. There's a red crocodile,an orange elephant, a purplefox and a polka-dotted donkey.More than anything, there'simagination. Filled with someof the most magnificently col-orful animals of Eric Carle's

career, this tribute to the creative life celebrates the powerof art. Ages 3 and up

If You Give a Dog a Doughnut, Laura Numeroff, FeliciaBondThe exuberant dog who firstappeared in ‘if you give a pig aparty’ is now the star of his veryown book. Written in the irre-sistible “If You Give…” tradition,here is another home run fromthe beloved team of Laura

Dottie’s Picks


Older KidsThe Man in the Moon, William Joyce

The first in the “Guardians ofChildhood” series tells the storyof the Man in the Moon or MiM.As baby, MiM sailed the heavenswith his mother, father anddevoted friend Nightlight in theirbeautiful ship Moon Clipper. Butan encounter with Pitch, King ofNightmares, threatens and tosave the baby he is magicallytransported to a safe haven, theMoon. Here he grows up tended

by moonbots and moonmice and, gazing down at a distant greenand blue planet, discovers his true vocation: To forever protectthe children of Earth from fear of darkness and to send themsweet dreams by dispelling the darkness with his shining face.As a picture book this is a visual masterpiece, full of enchantingcharacters that will capture the imagination. Ages 5-and up.

The Apothecary, Maile MaloySet in the historical context of the Cold War,Jamie’s parents are targeted by HUAC andthe family flees to London. There, Jamie meetsBenjamin, a “defiant” classmate, and hisfather, the neighborhood apothecary who hasdiscovered miraculous secrets that could haveglobal ramifications. This thoroughly enjoy-able adventure is filled with magic, humor,memorable characters, and just a bit of sweetromance. Ages 10 and up

Inheritance, Christopher PaoliniNot so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer,Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poorfarm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a bluestone in the forest. Now the fate of an entirecivilization rests on their shoulders. TheRider and his dragon have come further thananyone dared to hope. But can they topple theevil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? Andif so, at what cost? This is the much-anticipat-ed, astonishing conclusion to the worldwidebestselling Inheritance cycle.

Ages 12 and up.

The Death Cure, (Maze Runner *3) James DashnerThe final volume of the Maze Runner trilogyties the bow in unforgettable ways. Thomashas learned and remembered much since hefirst awakened knowing only his name. Butnow he and Glade survivors must risk every-thing as they confront one final test for thecure. A suspenseful, action-packed conclusionwith well-developed characters will keep thereader turning the pages until the very end. Ages 12 and up

Wonderstruck, Brian SelznickBrian Selznick, the Caldecott Medalwinning author of The Invention ofHugo Cabret, has created anotherintriguing tale. Wonderstruck weavestogether two stories set fifty yearsapart. In one thread, told in words, ayoung boy finds a mysterious clue abouthis absent father in his mother's room;in the other, told in pictures, a younggirl's research about a enigmatic actressleads to a series of astonishing discover-

ies. This juxtaposition of graphic and written story is abeguiling way to introduce a reluctant reader to the pleas-ures of spending time with a great book. Ages 8-12

Liesel & Po, Lauren OliverClassic fairy tale elements weavethroughout this lively adventure: ayoung girl locked in an attic by herwicked stepmother, a friendly ghost, anapprentice alchemist who bungles hismagic with nearly disastrous conse-quences and a suspenseful chase as thetrio escape their evil pursuers. Thisengaging novel testifies to the power offriendship that lights even the darkestof places. Ages 8-12

Home for the Holidays (Mother-DaughterBook Club #5) Heather Vogel Frederick

Becca, Megan, Emma, Cassidy and Jesshave plenty of reading material to bringon their holiday trips because the bookclub’s next selection is Maud Hart Lovelace’s “Betsy-Tacy series. Butit is not all holiday joy as the girls’friendship is put to the test when boyproblems, a sledding accident and othercomplications arise. Parallel plot linesand "fun facts" about the author arecleverly inserted in a way that will

tempt fans of this series to read the classics. (Betsy-TacyTreasury: Books 1-4 has just been reissued!) Ages 9-12

Cabin Fever (Diary of a Whimpy Kid #6, Jeff KinneyGreg Heffley is in big trouble. Schoolproperty has been damaged, and thehunt for the culprits is on. But when asnow storm closes school, and Greg isstuck inside with his family for the holi-days other problems arise. Fans willenjoy the latest episode of this haplesshero. Ages 8-12

Fantasy

New in Series...


Staff Picks The Cat’s Table, Michael Ondaatje

This novel is, quite simply, magical.In telling the story of an eleven-year-old boy’s three-week ocean voyagefrom Ceylon to England in 1953,Ondaatje conjures up a microcosm ofthe people and events that make up alifetime of experiences.

The boy, Michael, arrives on the boatknowing no one but his sophisticatedolder cousin, Emily. He is seated inthe dining hall at “the cat’s table”, a

table of misfits placed as far as possible from the captain’stable. There he befriends two boys his own age, rambunc-tious Cassius and reticent Ramadhin, in addition to aneccentric array of adults: a woman who carries birds in herpockets; a mute tailor; a disgraced piano player; an ardentbotanist. As it will turn out, everyone has secrets to hide.Michael, Cassius and Ramadhin take full advantage of thefact that they are basically invisible to the adults on board.Their adventures during all hours of the day and nighttake them to the first class passenger pool for illicit swimsand nibbles from the lavish buffet table, to a lush tropicalgarden in the bowels of the ship, and to midnight sightingsof a manacled prisoner being walked on the decks. Theylash themselves to the foredeck in order to experience firsthand the fury of a violent storm. One of them even covershis body in oil in order to slip through the bars of cabinwindows in order to steal for a charismatic thief. As thejourney progresses, they realize they are witnessing somevery suspicious activities. Some of the mysteries will besolved when, in adulthood, Michael revisits his memoriesof the trip and fills in the rest of his life story. The fact thatOndaatje is not only a Booker Prize –winning novelist (TheEnglish Patient), but also an acclaimed poet is evident inevery line of his lyrical prose. He paints indelible images ofhis characters, their surroundings and their feelings. I canalready see the movie in my mind’s eye. — Robin Harvey

The Sense of an Ending, Julian Barnes

The newest Man Booker prize win-ner, The Sense of an Ending, is a bril-liant story of a middle-aged man,divorced with a grown daughter, whoseems relatively happy with his life.He maintains a friendly relationshipwith Margaret, his ex-wife, and seeshis daughter on occasion. Not anexciting or tragic life, but one thatseems satisfactory. When a letterarrives, telling him that he hasreceived an unexpected legacy from

the mother of a girlfriend of his youth, he starts a searchthat eventually forces him to re-examine much of his lifeand his understanding of his place in it. This is a short butpowerful novel. — Julie Chase

Rules of Civility, Amor Towles

On the eve of 1938, Katey Kontent is atwenty-five year old woman living in aboardinghouse in New York City. Young,eager, and ambitious, she hopes to riseabove her modest station in life and spreadher wings. She works diligently at her jobin a Wall Street secretarial pool and savesher earnings, splurging only rarely on out-ings with her friend and housemate, EveRoss. On New Year’s Eve the two womenare in a Greenwich Village jazz club where

they meet Tinker Grey, a young, charming banker whose win-ning smile captivates them both. This chance encounter willdramatically alter the course of all of their lives. Tinker willintroduce and give Katey and Eve access to the upper echelonsof the glittering New York society they have so long admired, butthis acquaintance comes at a price, as events and choices willhave long-lasting consequences.

In this wonderful and engrossing debut, Towles transports thereader to a different time, revealing a city that is joyously shed-ding the burden of the Depression while still immune to the hor-rors of the impending world war. The glamour, optimism, andelegance that abound in all the places and people the trioencounter belie the envy, jealousy, and avarice that brew justbeneath the surface. At once a love letter to times gone by and acautionary tale of blind infatuation, Rules of Civility is an irre-sistible and absorbing read. — Libby Stowell

The Submission, Amy Waldman

Ten years after 9/11, a jury is formed toselect the design for a memorial at thesite of the Twin Towers. Members of thejury represent various factions, includingthe families of the victims. ClaireBurwell, whose husband perished in theattack, casts her vote for a “Garden,” astarkly beautiful plan, one among themany anonymous submissions, and withpassionate advocacy prevails. When thedesign’s creator is revealed to be

Mohammed Khan (Mo to his friends)—an American with aprestigious architectural firm who has never seen the inside ofa mosque—a political and media furor is unleashed. What fol-lows is at once predictable and extraordinary. Fueled by a mix-ture of outrage, grief and self-interest, the characters arguetheir own agendas. But what saves this riveting novel frombeing a simple polemic is the way Ms. Waldman, writing inlimber prose, treats each fully developed character and theirpoint of view with an emotional empathy that makes the read-er question where the true and just resolution to the dilemmareally lies. What becomes clear is that truth is not absolute,but framed by each individual’s life experience. With lots todiscuss, this stunning debut is a great choice for book groups.Loved it! — Sheila Daley


The Dovekeepers , Alice Hoffman

From 70CE to 73CE, approximately onethousand Jews known as the Zealotsoccupied Herod’s ancient mountainfortress in Judea called Masada.Surrounded and outnumbered by theRoman army, they killed themselvesrather than be enslaved or murdered bytheir enemy. Two women and five chil-dren survived to tell their story.Hoffman’s historical novel is an expan-sive retelling of the story of Masada as

seen through the eyes of four female narrators, all outcasts,who venture to the mountaintop for different reasons.Yael,an assassin’s daughter escapes a burning Jerusalem andexperiences her first love on her desert journey to Masada.She arrives unwed and pregnant. Revka watches as her onlydaughter is raped and murdered by Roman soldiers in frontof her grandsons. When they finally reach Masada, the boyshave lost their ability to speak. Aziza, a beautiful youngwoman, has been brought up to fight like a male warrior andis an expert in the arts of disguise and deception. Shirah, hermother, is trained in faith healing and magic. All fourwomen become dovekeepers, nurturing the birds whosewaste fertilizes their garden, eggs feed their families andfields of flight represent love, victory and defeat.

Although the themes of religion, war, sex and motherhooddrive the narrative, it is the historical details which arethe most riveting. Hoffman spent five years researchingthis book and her attention to the minutiae of daily lifetwo thousand years ago is informative and fascinating.Before you begin the book, find a photograph of Masada.It will take your breath away! While the outcome of thesiege is known, Hoffman does have one trick up her sleeve.Which two of the four protagonists will be among the sur-vivors? Each woman’s character, personality and strengthof spirit will be so firmly etched into your mind by the con-clusion of this epic novel, that you root against hope for,somehow, all of them to live. — Robin Harvey

Blue Nights, Joan Didion

Blue Nights is the newest book byJoan Didion, and it continues theexamination of her life and feelingsthat began with her previous best-seller, The Year of MagicalThinking. As readers of her earlierbook will know, Didion's daughterQuintana died several months afterthe death of Didion's husband.Although this book is certainly aresult of Quintana's death, the focusis more on Didion's exploration of

her feelings about parenthood and the realities of aging.Joan Didion is a wonderful writer with a unique voice, andBlue Nights should appeal to anyone who has had a childor who is getting older; in short, to the vast majority of thereading public. — Julie Chase

The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern

Erin's book is wonderfully inventive. Set inthe late 1800's it's about a mysterious trav-eling circus, Le Cirque Des Reves, whichappears in towns without warning andopens only after dark. Unlike any other cir-cus, it's only in black and white and, ratherthan a single Big Top, contains clusters oftents. There's an illusionist, fortune teller,contortionist, jugglers, and labyrinths,hall of mirrors and performing kittens.With legions of devoted fans, people travelfrom town to town just to be a part of the

magic and wonder. What the audiences don't realize is thatsome of what they see is not trickery but real magic. The circushas been created as a duelling ground for a challenge betweentwo powerful sorcerers. Each of them has trained an apprenticeto pit against one another. But the apprentices fall in love andthe contest to the death is doomed. The story is dark in someplaces but has a dreamy fairytale quality throughout.Morgenstern describes a very vivid picture of the world she hasdreamed up. You feel like you are really moving through thecrowds and pathways of the circus world. If you are open to amagical experience be prepared to be enchanted by Night Circus.

— Barb Wells

Hemingway's Boat Everything He Loved InLife, and Lost, 1934 —1961, Paul Hendrickson

This book is a new nonfictional account ofthe life of Ernest Hemingway (1899—1961), the 1954 Nobel Prize Laureate ofLiterature. If you love big game fishingand learning about life in Havana andthe islands, as well as exploring the com-plex lives of the Hemingway family, thisis a fascinating read. Hendrickson, byfocusing on Pilar, the 38 foot cabin cruis-er that Hemingway bought in 1934,found a fresh way of telling a familiarstory. Pilar loomed large in Hemingway'slife. It was designed for catching big fish

in the Caribbean. Fishing, friendships, family and time spentwith wives on Pilar are all described in the book. Most of thereflections do not help Hemingway's reputation, but his sonsfondest memories are times spent on Pilar with their father.

By the mid 1930's Hemingway would rather catch marlinbetween Key West and Cuba than write. In 1954 he did win theNobel prize, but all he focused on was negative criticism. Whileon Pilar he read a good deal of it and found it intolerable.Friends found him difficult during those times.

Pilar is now a museum piece in the garden of Hemingway'shome outside Havana. It is a sad image and reflects the strongfeeling of melancholy throughout the book. When you finishreading you will have a clearer image of the Hemingway wholoved fishing, hunting, chasing women, and most of all writing.

— Barb Wells


Catherine the Great, Robert K. Massie

Would the world be a better place ifmore women were heads of State?Between the sexes, "competence"scores a draw. Yet women seem tocarry more compassion, empathyand "workforce finesse" than power-hungry men. Not convinced? Well,if there ever was a proof point tothis view, it came in the name ofCatherine the Great of Russia. Sherose from obscurity in Anhalt-Zerbst(Germany) to marry the grandson

of Peter The Great, thanks to an arranged hook-up byEmpress Elizabeth. Peter III was ill fit for anything—except playing with toy soldiers. Consequently, Catherinespent her first nine years in marriage a virgin. I know,why wait? To heir is human, but they were not coming.So, she took matters into her own bed and began relationswith the first of 12 "favorites." Face it, she knew how toruffle the sheets.

Peter flitted about in idiocy, eventually dying and layingthe ground for Catherine to rule the largest empire at thetime on earth. Up to the task? For her 34 years on thethrone, few could keep up with her. She was incrediblybright, well read, shrewd, courageous, open minded,enlightened about personal liberty with a distaste forhuman suffering. In short, she ruled with an iron handand a head full of grand plans. Where she was ratherspectacular about making love, she also excelled in mak-ing war. She hob-nobbed with the likes of Voltaire andDiderot, took time to rewrite basic laws (Nakaz) forRussia, formed the first college of medicine, turned a back-water St. Petersburg on the Baltic into worldly magnifi-cence -- thanks to her collection of over 4,000 paintingsamassed in her spare time.

Russia. So monumental. So dark and mysterious—partic-ularly during the time of our American Revolution. Thisbook throws the doors open to a fascinating place and peri-od in world history. In 1980, Robert Massie publishedPeter the Great. More than 30 years later, he follows withCatherine. If you have an itch to explore Russian history—the Orlovs, the Romanovs, an odd fellow namedPotemkin and others—and gain a better understanding ofhow this massive nation became what it is today, this bookis for you. We Americans tend to be influenced more byWestern European lore. There is so much more. Russiapossesses a heritage rich in multidimensional textures andflavors that beg to be sensed. And Massie brings everythingto light in delicious prose. Cold winter nights ahead willhave a glow when this book is in your lap.

The Destiny of the Republic, Candice Millard

James Garfield. Elected President ofthe United States in 1880. Assassinatedin 1881. Who? Most of us hold memo-ries of JFK's assassination. And we'veread about Lincoln at the Ford Theatre.Some might even recall PresidentMcKinley meeting up with a bullet inthe early 1900s. But Garfield?

Garfield could easily have been one ofour greatest Presidents. But he was cutdown too soon. Hailing from "nowhere"

Ohio, he ripped himself away from abject poverty by persever-ance alone. He didn't seek the presidency. In fact, he tried withall his will to decline his nomination. But he was a man ofimmense intelligence, leadership abilities, character—and theart of being able to sway masses with words.

Unfortunately for Garfield, the White House in the 1802entertained all sorts of visitors with an alarmingly open doorpolicy. One such regular visitor was a madman with a gun. Inthese times—even so close to Lincoln's assassination—presi-dents strolled around town and rode about in uncovered car-riages. Secret service details didn't come into being until after1900 with McKinley's death.

When Garfield was shot (as he was about to board a train), asecond factor of fortune plagued him. Doctors at the timerefused to recognize invisible germs. Sterilizing implementswas simply not done, even though a Dr. Lister in England hadopened the eyes of a majority of the medical profession inEurope to the pesky little microbes. Garfield was "enslaved" byan arrogant American doctor who believed antisepsis was dan-gerous. In the months to follow, this MD embedded more filthinto his body than anyone could endure. Bullets did not killGarfield. It was an ignorant Dr. Bliss... and we all know "igno-rance is bliss."

This book unleashes a torrent of tales about an amazing yetrelatively invisible president. If you thought John WilkesBooth was a nutcase, here comes Charles Guiteau. AlexanderGraham Bell you'll learn was enlisted to invent an "inductionbalance" to locate the bullet. Robert Todd Lincoln was there towitness a third president die in office. Political patronagebegan to die a slow death at the feet of Chester Arthur—whotook over from Garfield. In the process, our country was com-pelled to pull together at a time right after the Civil War in away that would cement all to the cause of one nation indivisi-ble.

This book is all about a chapter in American history that hasreceived far too little attention. The author, whose last bestseller was The River of Doubt, will without a doubt have abest-seller on her hands here. And the fun begins as you findyourself here. It's 1880... yet it's 2011.

Biography and ...


Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raidthat Sparked the CivilWar, Tony Horowitz

In a book on my shelves, TheHistory of Slavery and the SlaveTrade, published in 1860 on the eveof The Civil War, there's a referenceto an event in October 1859 by"deluded men" who tried to overruna U.S. armory at Harper's Ferry.The abolitionists from Ohio whopublished this old volume pannedthe attack as "defective in its theo-

ry that the Negroes (sic) were ready for insurrection."

But John Brown was not your average run-of-the-mill abo-litionist. He was not one to simply raise his voice and rat-tle cages. He was a fighter and believed that divine provi-dence compelled him to form a militia guided by his ownview of a constitution, and to lay siege to vile slave owners.The law? His law was his interpretation of the Bible.Slavery was a "peculiar institution,"an "existing evil," onethat politicians turned blind eyes to, in deference to theU.S. Constitution. All of this drove John Brown crazy.Born in Trinitron, CT and residing in Ohio (CT's WesternReserve), Brown assembled like-minded malcontents anddabbled in dust-ups through Missouri and Kansas whereslavery was coloring newly settled farms.

But from the beginning Brown had bigger intentions. Hepercolated plans to raid a U.S. armory in Harper's Ferry,VA packed with thousands of rifles waiting to be doled outto slaves just waiting to be freed from oppression. He slunkfor months in a farm house across the river, assembled amenagerie of misfits, and on the night of October 16, 1859with a band of 18 stormed across the Potomac. "I want tofree all the Negroes in this state", shouted Brown to unwit-ting citizens caught in the way. And so events unfolded onan unsuspecting sleepy little hamlet. Brown tore throughthe town, took a bunch of people hostage (including thegrand nephew of George Washington) and proceeded toarrest the armory. Unfortunately, Brown neglected todevelop a rational "exit plan" and to make a short storylong, he and his side-kicks were captured by none otherthan Robert E. Lee.

The story of the raid, however, immediately "went viral".And subsequent lynching trials became the match that litthe brush that ignited the passions that ripped apart aUnion. Why is this book nothing more than a rehash? Forgenerations, sources have been scattered into the wind.Now the author has assembled many pieces for the firsttime. And he's done so with a verbal gravitational pull todraw readers through a spell-binding tale. "John Brown'sbody lies a-moldering through these pages, but you can digit back up and be silent witness to an event that shook ournation.

Lions of the West, Robert Morgan,

Some books offer a brief Preface orPrologue where pages escape number-ing and beg to be skipped through to"get on with it". Well, in Lions of theWest, its Prologue pulls you to a grind-ing halt. It stops you in your trackslike a large red "pause" button, forcingyou to digest the enormity of its mes-sage.

In the beginning, Jefferson envisionedan expanded nation as an "Empire for

Liberty" (although liberty only pertained to a privileged few).The history of America's westward migration was influencedless by leaders and more by "unnoticed thousands on foot andon horseback, in wagons and ox carts,” who made the story afact. Masses of people led... government followed. Successcame from "the American Multiplication Table"... where victo-ries came off the battlefield and "in the bed chambers."

Our Western expansion was like watery paint bleeding acrossa map on a slanted table. Nothing was in its way to stop it —until it ran smack into the Pacific. And this book? Nothingmore than a collection of tasty historical morsels about a cou-ple of handfuls of people who helped move this migrationalong America's "bleeding edge". They were "lions". Someyou know, while others are most likely elevated from obscuri-ty: "Johnny Appleseed" (John Chapman)... James Polk (Iknow, your favorite President)... Winfield (Old Fuss andFeathers) Scott... Nicholas (I beg your pardon) Trist. Theseand others all played major parts in this drama.And another one: Can you name the only man in Americanhistory to govern two states and be president of another coun-try?

Then there was our President taking office in 1845 who hadno staff, had no hobbies and took no vacations. I've alreadymentioned him, but I'll bet you can't picture him—eventhough he's sometimes called the "most successful presidentin American history." You're Polk-ing me. Davey Crockett?Even TV labeled him "King of the Wild Frontier". And KitCarson? An illiterate who was fluent in Navajo, Apache,Comanche, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, Blackfeet, Shoshone,Paiute—and a couple of foreign languages.

Each chapter flows to a next. And before you know it,Jefferson's dream becomes John Quincy Adam's fact.Everything moves along at a gallop. And you don't even haveto stop along the way to wrest your wagon wheels out of themud. A fun read in delightful little tidbits. It's hard to getenough of this when sage brush fills the air.

History by Bob Wells


Home Design by Stacey BewkesTraditional Now: Interiors, David Kleinberg

It was during his 16 years as a mem-ber of the prestigious Parish-Hadleyfirm that Kleinberg developed hismantra of “beauty meets quality oflife”. In the first book to showcase thetalented designer’s work, we see thatmaxim at work in twenty projects,ranging from New York townhousesto country homes. The airy and ele-gant book design echoes Kleinberg’ssophisticated sensibility, successfullymixing classic traditional with con-temporary. Insightful commentary by

the designer accompany each project, explaining his process:Where to start, how to determine colors, select antiques and placethe furniture. There is something for everyone in this masterfulmix of style and substance.

The Way Home, Jeffrey Bilhuber

With over two hundred beautifulphotographs of twelve of Bilhuber’srecent projects, Reflections onAmerican Beauty is unique in thecrowded category of design publica-tions in that each home is presentedas a story, relating the way in whichthe families live within the spacesand the designer’s process of creat-ing them. Bilhuber places impor-tance on both the history of peopleand places as well as looking for-ward to how these spaces may be

used by future generations. He considers our homes to be “nar-ratives of self,” presenting the lived-in essence of each project.Even the smallest vignettes capture moments and memories ofdomestic pleasure, representing what home means to the luckyinhabitants of his designs.

Live, Love & Decorate by MartynLawrence Bullard

The co-star of Bravo’s Million DollarDecorator showcases his lavish style inthis new volume featuring projects forsuch celebrity clients as Cher, CherylTiegs, Elton John (who wrote the fore-word). His signature mix of the exoticand traditional result in dramatic yetsurprisingly comfortable spaces, eachreflecting the distinctive taste and styleof the owner. With an appealing conver-sational style, Bullard walks usthrough these luxurious, sensuoushomes, generously sharing sources andmanufacturers. Take a vicarious tour

with the glamorous designer to the stars - “it’s delicious dahling!”

Michael Smith: Kitchens and Baths

With a dazzling career as adesigner to everyone from filmindustry giants to the firstfamily, Michael Smith’s much-in-demand style is a high endblend of “European traditionand American modernism.”With two previous books,home product lines and abicoastal business, the busydesigner now presents hissolutions to the two most pop-ular rooms in the house,

including valuable commentary on how to combine formand function in these essential spaces. From engineer-ing the kitchen layout to the importance of selecting thecorrect hardware, Smith walks us through the creationof his glamorous rooms. Even for design aficionados noton a multi-million dollar budget, this volume is a musthave for inspirational ideas and practical information.

Katie Ridder Rooms

There’s something aboutRidder’s unique designvision that is totally addic-tive. Perhaps it’s her combi-nation of sophistication andpracticality or her distinc-tive color combinations butRidder’s rooms radiate anupbeat livable style that isappealing to a wide rangeof tastes. Organized byrooms, her innovative ideasare laid out with easyaccessibility in this beauti-

fully produced volume. The book is brimming with use-ful tidbits from “Anatomy of a Full-Length Curtain” to“The Ideal Dining Chair.” Homes from Connecticut andCalifornia to New York and Nantucket, supply designinspiration galore. Featuring an extensive list of sourcesand a chapter on Ridder’s signature details, this book isa must have for any design library.

Stacey Bewkes, a former art director at Simon and Schuster,now pens Quintessence (quintessenceblog.com<http://quintessenceblog.com> ), an upscale lifestyle blog,providing daily style inspiration on topics ranging from inte-riors and fashion to art, architecture, travel, wine and film.She has been featured online at Elle Decor, ConnecticutCottages & Gardens and New England Home Magazine.


Fine ArtVan Gogh: The Life, Steven Naifeh

At 953 pages, this is not a book to be takenup lightly, however, it is well worth yourtime. This is, in fact, a work to be savoured,beautifully written, it places him fully incontext as ... "perhaps the most depressedand incandescently productive artist in history..." at a time when "...people turnedfrom a religion that rallied the faithful to onethat reassured the fearful" in a place where"Sometimes the sea would simply open upand take back the land" and born to a

mother whose "children grew up clinging to family like shipwrecksurvivors to a raft." There is a new insight about this genius to behad on every page, and I recommend you read it with color imagesof his paintings near at hand. — Peach Kraft

A History of the World in 100 Objects,Neil MacGregor

The result of an audacious project that took100 curators four years to complete thisbook, based on a BBC Radio program, tellsthe history of the world through 100 objectsculled from the British Museum’s vast col-lection. MacGregor provides insightful com-mentaries on each of the objects, whichrange from the beginning of human history(about 2 million years ago) to the present,and represent most parts of the world. Theselected artifacts are not associated withimportant historical events; rather, they are

artworks and everyday things that exemplify themes and estab-lish connections across time and space. Full of surprisingdetails, this is a book to savour.

The Louvre: All the Paintings,Vincent Pomarede

Endorsed by the Louvre andfor the first time ever, everypainting from the world'smost popular museum isavailable in one stunningbook. All 3,022 paintings ondisplay in the permanentpainting collection are present-ed in full color in this striking,slipcased book. The includedDVD-ROM is easily browsableby artist, date, school, art his-torical genre, or location in theLouvre. This last featureallows readers to tour the Louvre and its contents room by room, asif they were actually walking through the building. An amazing giftthat will provide hours of enjoyment.

Pilgrimage, Annie LeibovitzAfter a trip to Niagara Fallswith her children, where shewas struck by the majesty ofthe vista before her, Liebowitzwas inspired to comprise a listof places she would visit thatspoke to her in a special way.This ‘exercise in renewal’ iscaptured beautifully inPilgrimage. Her personal jour-ney resulted in an eclectic col-lections of photographs—fromEmily Dickenson’s dress toFreud’s rooms to Thoreau’s

Walden—that is at once intimate and immersed in history.An intriguing and instructive view through the eye of amaster, this collection will be on tour through the winter.

Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations

From the one who single-handedly transformed enter-taining into an art form,comes a definitive volumethat is a treat for the eye andtreasure trove of ideas forcreative ways to host the per-fect get-together. Whether asimple Sunday breakfast or alavish holiday dinner, eachgatherings is equally memo-rable—for what Marthacherishes above all is spend-

ing time and sharing delicious food with her family andfriends. All of the events feature menus and stories fordreaming and planning, as well as delicious yet approach-able recipes.

Ralph Lauren,Mary Randolph Carter (Ed)

Another icon of style, RalphLauren has created an imagethat through his career tookinspiration from theAmerican past and trans-ported that vision into a mod-ern dream of beauty and lux-ury. A romantic at heart, inthis visually stunning work,Lauren himself speaks can-didly about his life and hisart, and invites readers to seehis sources of inspiration, hisfeelings, his unique design sensibility, and what he loves.This comprehensive book includes both a record of his private life and his most important public campaigns.

Style


Man’s Best FriendRin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend,Susan Orlean

So. You like dogs? I mean, really likedogs? Well here's a tale about the mostfamous dogie on the planet. Rin Tin Tin.Those of you who glued themselves to theboob tube in the mid 1950's will rememberThe Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin whichaired on ABC Friday evenings at 7:30.However, what few of us today remember,was by the Fall of 1954 (when the showfirst aired) Rin Tin Tin was alreadyfamous. The legend begins as the original"Rinty" was scooped up on a French battle-

field during WWI by an American doughboy and miraculouslyspirited away to America. As Rin Tin Tin grew, it was easy tosee that this was no ordinary dog. Off to Hollywood! Rintyuntied knots, leaped over yawing chasms, saved kiddies fromdrowning -- and in the process made about eight times whatany human actor made at the time from Warner Bros.

From the silver screen, Rin Tin Tin hit the road barnstormingin Vaudeville acts. In short, Rinty had real arf-ability. He wasa phenom. When he died in 1932, a series of stand ins stood in.By the time radio appearances morphed into the TV series,Rinty IV was ready to go. Only problem: the producers thoughthe was "stupid". Oh well. Listen. The shows were great... a bit"corny" for today's viewers. But hey, the 50's was a time ofintact families who had "no holes in their happiness."

What came next had no relationship. Reading about howRinty's handlers tried to keep the canine current after the1950's was a tale of tumbling tragedy. However, looking back,the legend of Rin Tin Tin endures. Truly, the original Rintywas one incredible "best friend to man". And Susan Orleandoes a fine job of serving up the kibble for all of us to nibble. Bob Wells

Puppy Diaries, Jill Abramson

“A worthy addition to the crowded so-called dogoir genre…Ms. Abramsonwrites with intelligence and grace andnever descends into the saccharin,steering clear of sappy land mines evenas she celebrates the simple joys a dogcan bring..... Dog lovers will enjoy thisaccount of one couple's efforts to raise awell-behaved pet.” — John Grogan,(author of Marley and Me)

How the Dog Became the Dog: From Wolvesto Our Best Friends, Mark Derr

Based on scientific research from manyfields, Derr posits that the interactionbetween humans and the wolf-dogstretches back thousands of yearsbefore the generally accepted date.

The Chauvet Cave in France houses theoldest representational drawingsknown. But what intrigues many aboutthe cave is a set of markings discoveredin a back chamber of the cave: the bare

footprint of an 8 to 10-year-old boy left in the mud some26.000 years ago and along side them the paw print of histraveling companion, variously identified as as a wolf or alarge dog. In an easy to read style, the author tells the fasci-nating tale of how shared sociability and curiosity drewwolves and humans together resulting in a close and endur-ing relationship of mutual utility.

Wildlife photographer Art Wolfe has chosen one hundredof his favorite photographs of dogs—including shots fromevery continent of the world—and teamed up with best-selling animal writer Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson to createa remarkable book that will be treasured by dog lovers farand wide. The mystery of this special relationship defiesexplanation, but these extraordinary photographs revealthat its uniqueness is understood throughout the world.

Dogs Make Us Human, Art Wolfe,Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

Our best friend Riley and Taylor MacDonald


Into the Silence: Mallory, and the Conquest ofEverest, Wade DavisIn the year 1919, a year after theArmistice of WWI, Britain, reeling fromher losses, needed a mission, somethingpositive "to shoot for." And there it stood:The mountain. Everest. At the time, littlewas known about tackling Everest. Basicmaps had to be drawn. Understanding ofhow to sustain life at the extreme heightson the mountain represented a blankpage. And clothing available at the timewould make current climbers wince. Sowhy try? In a memorable quote by George Mallory, one ofBritain's best mountaineers, he simply said, "Because it'sthere." The author, Wade Davis, has done his homework. Andthanks to new access of many diaries and letters, the expedi-tions of 1921 and 1924 roar to life out of thin air. The descrip-tions of the ascents—including the tragic 1922 attempt thatsaw seven Sherpas lose their lives and the long-unresolved con-clusion to the 1924 climb that resulted in Mallory and AndrewIrvine’s deaths—are breathtaking and astounding.

— Bob Wells

Fly-Fishing Daydreams: The Most Exciting Fly-Fishing Adventures Around the World, Pat Ford

Ford and his camera capturethe most exciting adventuresin the sport— from greatsailfishing expeditions inGuatemala to salmon-find-ing trips on the waters ofRussia’s Kola Peninsula. Ineach far-flung locale, Fordrecounts his unforgettablefish tales and illuminatesthem with spectacular full-color photography, putting

the reader beside him. The result is a book that enables read-ers to live out their fly fishing dreams.

The Birding Life Larry Sheenan, et alBirding as sport? The mere chance ofsighting a prized species has motivated devotees to brave earlymornings, long days, and severe conditions. Competition can beintense and the reward—a fleetingglimpse of winged beauty. In themore than twenty delightfully written stories and two hundred gorgeous color photographs, theauthors capture the beauty, intrigue,and fun of birding—with a specialfocus on the nostalgic memorabilia thatsignals devotion to birds of all kinds.

Mountain Heroes: Portraits of Adventure,Huw Lewis-Jones

Through the lives of leg-endary climbers andmountaineers, MountainHeroes presents an epicaccount of endurance,enterprise, heroism andfellowship in the wildest ofplaces. Come face to facewith those who have spenttheir lives at altitude:explorers and pioneeringtravelers, intrepid iceclimbers and extremeskiers, ecologists, photographers, and film-makers.

The Big Show: Neal McCabe For any fan interested inthe long view, Charles M.Conlon’s iconic images ofbaseball’s heyday presentstriking shots of Babe Ruth,Joe DiMaggio, and hun-dreds of other major lea-guers. Paired with captionsmeticulously based on con-temporary reports andquotes from the playersthemselves, these colorful

characters spill the beans about famous scandals, divulgequirky characteristics, and tell little-known stories.

Golf Courses: Great Britain and Ireland,David Cannon

Sporting Life

The dream destinations of any golfer are showcased inthis limited-edition oversized book with over three hun-dred stunning panoramic views of the legendary links ofEngland, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. From the venerat-ed St. Andrews to the rocky coastal vistas of TurnberryResort, the gatefold photographs—some measuring overfive feet when opened—immerse the viewer in the land-scape and capture the exceptional union of nature andcourse design. The next best thing to actually being there,this is the ultimate luxury gift book for any golfer.


Cooking by Rosanna NissenThe Food52 Cookbook: 140 Winning Recipes fromExceptional Home Cooks, Amanda Hesser, MerrillStubbs and the Food52 community

The dedication in this really funand useful new cookbook reads“For home cooks, who inspire usevery day”. And that’s exactlywhat this book does – inspire uswith recipes collected over 52weeks from cooks who submittedtheir favorite ideas to the websiteFood52.com. Using their expertiseas food editors, Amanda andMerrill and their team tested therecipes and chose the finalists,and then the readers voted, decid-

ing on the winner. All of the winning recipes are featured in thebook, arranged by season, along with a selection of communityfavorites. There are helpful comments on every recipe, as wellas photos, tips and suggestions for variations. Amanda Hesseris the editor of the bestselling The Essential New York TimesCookbook and has been a longtime food reporter and editor atthe New York Times as well as the author of Cooking for Mr.Latte. Merrill Stubbs is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu inLondon and together she and Amanda have created a treasuretrove – I haven’t seen a recipe I don’t want to try! We havesigned copies.

The Country Cooking of Italy,Colman Andrews

This is an absolutely beautiful bookbrimming over with wonderful writ-ing about Italy and genuine cookingfrom the Italian countryside, fabu-lous photographs and over 230sumptuous recipes.

Following the success of their 2010James Beard Foundation BestCookbook of the Year, The CountryCooking of Ireland, ColmanAndrews and ChristopherHirsheimer achieve the formidable

feat of illuminating the world’s most beloved cuisine in anentirely new light. From Piedmont to Puglia, Colman Andrewsprovides the fascinating origins of dishes both familiar andunexpected and then gives us recipes to cook from at homemaking this book perfect for home chefs and lovers of Italianfood alike. As Mario Batali says The Country Cooking of Italysucceeds in bringing a fresh cart down a well-traveled path,…with its selection of unusual, simple, and delicious recipes”.The photography is stunning with beautiful pictures of Italyand food that will make you reach for your saucepan and wood-en spoon.We have signed copies.

Cook Without a Book: Meatless Meals, ,Pam Anderson

Darien’s own Pam Anderson isback with another great cook-book and a healthy suggestion– we could all benefit fromgoing meat-free for at last oneor two days a week. In this bookPam makes it easy to do so withrecipes for simple, fun vegetari-an and vegan meals that aremade from accessible ingredi-ents and she includes tips andtechniques for stocking thepantry and refrigerator.

Instead of complicated, inflexible recipes, Pam lays outblueprints, “Master Formulas”, with ingredient options foreverything from hearty breakfasts and fun salads andsandwiches to satisfying main courses. Packed full of pho-tos, this book is an invaluable tool for anyone wanting togo meat-free for a day or two a week, or more. We havesigned copies.

Food Rules, Michael Pollan, Maria Kalmam

If you haven’t already given Food Rules:An Eater’s Manual, by Michael Pollan,to everyone you know, rush over toBarrett Bookstore and buy multiplecopies of the newly illustrated editionwith the most fabulous illustrations byMaira Kalman. There is a new introduc-tion by Michael Pollan and nineteennew rules to help us focus on how tohave a happier, healthier relationship tofood and to change the way we approach our eating. But itis Maira Kalman’s paintings that really steal the showreminding us that there is delight in learning to eat well.

The Table Comes First, Adam Gopnik

Weaving together the history, philoso-phy and culture of food, Gopnikreminds us that, whether at a restau-rant or at home, what goes on the tablehas never mattered as much to ourlives as what goes on around thetable—the scene of families, friends,lovers coming together, or breakingapart; conversation across the sim-plest or grandest board.

books about food


Gardening by Lesley MacAulayCollecting garden books has been a professional delicacy ofmine for years. When reviewing new considerations for myswelling bookopoly, I always do a quick flip through for instantintrigue. Interesting color selections, plant pairings, divisionof space and loads of color are always eye pleasers. One of myfavorite gifts to give is a great coffee table book; an indulgentvisual spree for my friends to enjoy. Here are my top picks forthe outdoor enthusiasts on your holiday list.

Hamptons Gardens,Jack deLashmet (Introduction)

The newest addition to mylibrary is a beautiful and luxuri-ous coffee table book byAssouline. Protected by a sleeveof mauve cardstock, HamptonsGardens is a stunning account ofthis popular holiday destination.Its generous scale and weightreduces you to a child in propor-tion while the linen cover kindlyensures that it won’t slip off yourlap. Glossy photos of taxus

hedges, a decadesold tennis pavilion,sleek gabion instal-lations and box-wood hibernating inburlap skins areexcellent inspira-tion points for anygardener.

Private Gardens of Connecticut, Jane Garmey

Resplendent residential groundswithin hands grasp! I love PrivateGardens of Connecticut for ourplant zone practicality and highpurchasing capability. With agentle mix of photo and text,Garmey spans multiple genres ofgardens to appeal to vast tastes.The splashy expose of Oscar de laRenta’s pristine pool scenes andepisodic double pear tree allee issure to give pause to any greenthumb leafing through its pages.

The Home Within Us, Bobby McAlpine

A wonderful client of mine firstintroduced me to the work ofher architect, Bobby McAlpine.Her home is just breathtakingand I feel my garden detailthere is merely “guilding thelily”. McAlpine’s work is flaw-less. Now I see his designs con-stantly in Architectural Digestand House Beautiful Magazine.Ironically, it was another clientwho suggested I read his new

book, The Home within Us. ( At this point I realized, forgetKevin Bacon, it was the six degrees of Bobby McAlpine thatruled my clientdom.) I purchased the book and equallysavored its tempo of offerings . Yes, it was a collection of fab-ulous photographs but, as I was warned, the text was so richand insightful. I loved his pendulum effect and the inspira-tion that evoked. In my opinion, this book would make agreat token of thanks for any holiday hostess.

The Planting Design Book for the Twenty-FirstCentury, Diarmuid Gavin & Terence Conran

I consider this book to be thevisual bible of garden design.Very often, I’ll bring it to sitesand it is swooned over becauseof it’s fabulous photo-montagesand truly original plantingconcepts. Emanating fromEurope, it’s content has beenlargely unpublished in theUnited States which makes itjust so covetable. In my opin-ion, this is the most luxuriousplant manual, offering fabu-lous inspiration conveyed through its generous scale andinsane photos. It leaves Dirr in the dust.

Writing the Garden: A Literary ConversationAcross Two Centuries, Elizabeth Rogers

This small gem is not just a collection ofextracts, but real discussions of the per-sonalities who made their mark on howwe design, how we plant, and how wethink about what is for many one of life'slasting pleasures. From Gertrude Jekyllto Michael Pollan this book encompassesthe full sweep of the best garden writingin the English language—a treat for those who get theirhands dirty and those who remember the pleasure.

Lesley MacAulay is a Landscape Designer with a Master Degree inLandscape Architecture from Harvard University. She began herown firm in Darien specializing in residential and public commis-sions. Recently, she has created a blog sowandsow.blogspot.com fea-turing a broad range of landscape design topics.


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Mystery & ThrillersThe End of the Wasp Season,Denise MinaIn a wealthy suburb of Glasgow, a youngwoman is found savagely murdered. WhenDetective Inspector Alex Morrow, heavilypregnant with twins, is called in to investi-gate, she soon discovers that a tangled webof lies lurks behind the crime. Robin lovedthis—great sense of place and more to lookforward to in the series. (Think KateAktinson’s Case Histories)

The Litigators. John GrishamA team of washed-up lawyers get luckywhen they stumble upon a class action casethat could be their ticket to fame and for-tune. With any luck, they won’t even have toenter a courtroom! Vintage Grisham, thisnewest is a tremendously entertainingromp, filled with the kind of courtroomstrategies, theatrics, and suspense that fansexpect from one of the masters of the genre.

Zero Day, David BaldacciIn this fast paced, tightly woven thriller,John Puller, a combat veteran and the bestmilitary investigator in the U.S. Army'sCID. is called out to investigate a brutalcrime in rural West Virginia—a familyslaughtered. He soon realizes that thingsare not what they seem and what he is real-ly up against is a conspiracy with potentialdanger to the entire country.

The Drop, Michael ConnellyHarry Bosch has been given three yearsbefore he must retire from the LAPD,and he wants cases more fiercely thanever. In one morning, he gets two.Relentlessly pursuing both cases, Boschmakes two chilling discoveries: a killeroperating unknown in the city for asmany as three decades, and a politicalconspiracy that goes back into the darkhistory of the police department.

The Informationist, Taylor Stevens“Stevens’s blazingly brilliant debut intro-duces a great new action heroine, VanessaMichael Munroe, who doesn’t have to kickover a hornet’s nest to get attention,though her feral, take-no-prisoners atti-tude reflects the fire of Stieg Larsson’sLisbeth Salander….Thriller fans willeagerly await the sequel to this high-octane page-turner.” —Publishers Weekly

Locked On, Tom ClancyThe All-Star lineup is back!. Jack Ryan,his son, Jack Jr., John Clark Ding Chavezand the rest of the Campus team are fac-ing their greatest challenge ever. Decidingto run for President again, Jack Ryanfaces a ruthless attack from his oppo-nents—a twisted plot that involves theshadow world of terrorism and that takesall the wits of Ryan’s top secret, off-the-record team to unravel.


Documents

61507 Barrett NL:Holiday 2011 11/18/11 12:42 PM Page 1 · 2012-01-06 · Cabin Fever (Diary of a Whimpy Kid #6, Jeff Kinney Greg Heffley is in big trouble. School property has been