STORE HOURS

As of May 1st we have returned to our regular store hours. We are open 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. We look forward to seeing you soon.

LAP DESKS

I have searched high and low for 2 years looking for lap desks and finally found them. I use mine everyday for all sorts of things, writing either in bed or on my lap in front of the TV, breakfast in bed, reading etc.. Maybe it is just me but I think everyone should have one. The best is that they aren't terribly expensive. A great graduation, mother's day or birthday present!!

NEW FROM MELISSA & DOUG

Very cool build-your-own Mighty Jet Plane...ages 6 and up.

For the little ones, Sound and Shape Puzzle and Chunky Puzzle Shapes...ages 2 and up.

New floor puzzle called "Going Places." It's 4 separate puzzles in one box for ages 3 and up.

PILLARS OF THE EARTH

It's Mimi here...........Just finished possibly one of the best books I have read this year. "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It's the story of the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England. Sounds like it could be boring but it's NOT, actually it's a true page turner, the kind of book that all you want to do is read it!! The best part is he has just published another story placed in the same town "World Without End". I can't wait to start that one! For those of you who not enjoy long books you can forget this one because it's a tome, 900 plus pages!!!

I have just started reading "Shantaram" and will let you know about this one when I am a little farther into it. So far though it has definately caught my attention.

INPUT REQUESTED FROM OUR PATRONS

As some of you know from emails and this blog and visits to the store, we do a monthly Wine, Cheese and a Book, Please event the third Thursday of each month. We would like to liven things up a bit and are requesting your input either here by adding a comment, calling us at 508-748-1041 or stopping by the store as to your ideas of what you might like to see happen at these events. Poetry reading, special book discussions, theme night have all been suggested. Any takers on those or any other ideas? This is your local bookstore and we would like to have your input to make this event more meaningful for you.

In addition, if you have any suggestions for any other events that we could hold, please let us know as well.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

and remember, so many books.... so little time....

Mimi

FOR OUR FUTURE AUTHORS?

As many of our customers are asking for information about expanding their horizons, we thought you might be interested in the following from Curry College.

Blue Hills Writing Institute at Curry College has an expanded selection of workshops and classes planned for the coming spring and summer months.

· Allan Hunter is teaching a new short workshop on May 31 and June 7 called “Writing Using the Power of the Archetypes Within You,” based on his new book Stories We Need to Know: Reading Your Life Path in Literature (Findhorn Press, 2008, ISBN 978-1-84409-123-2). This workshop will meet from 9:00 a.m-4:00 p.m. and the cost is $320.

· For those who look forward to Sandy Kaye’s Advanced Memoir, we’re breaking that out into a seven week course on Tuesday evenings running from July 8 through August 19. The cost is $960.

· Of value to those writing either fiction or nonfiction, Suzanne Strempek Shea will teach “Writing Around the Corner—Setting Stories in Your Hometown” on Monday and Tuesday August 11 and 12 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The cost is $320. Suzanne is currently touring to promote her new book Sundays in America: A Yearlong Road Trip in Search of Christian Faith (Beacon Press, April 2008, ISBN 978-0-8070-7224-0).

· Connie Griffin will teach another round of her short workshop on “Storytelling: The Craft of Creative Nonfiction” on Wednesday and Thursday August 13 and 14 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The cost is $320.

Full details are available on the Blue Hills Writing Institute web pages, which can be reached by clicking on this link: www.curry.edu/BHWI

Spring Starts on March 20th!

Well, hard to believe, but Spring is upon us! From here on out we can expect to see more and more daffodils and tulips peeking out from the cold earth to welcome in this spectacular time of year here in Marion!

In addition to all our books (remember we can special order most any book you wish to add to your collection), The Bookstall has a lot of great items for giving expected to come in in the weeks to come. There is Mother's Day in May, Father's Day in June and yes, graduation's coming as well!

We are expecting Lap Trays the week of April 18th. These are great for a breakfast in bed or snack in front of your favorite movie. Neckties are due in May just in time to plan for Father's Day! If you are planning any summer trips, we have some great Luggage Tags that will make your bag easily identifiable! Other gift ideas needed? We expect theme styled Memory Boards, for example, one is shaped like a sailboat, to put up your favorite pictures or reminders or shopping lists. We will add to our picture frames for those graduates to house the reminder of their very special day. We will also be carrying Botanicus Diffusers, Travel Candles and Fragrance Puff Jars that will help whisk away the musty odors in homes that have been closed up for the winter. If you are interested in planning some summer by the sea parties we will also be carrying cocktail napkins for that special occasion. Need a special gift to take to someone? If you like to take a good bottle of wine, you can "dress it up" with bottle covers-a lighthouse, a captain's uniform, or a beach comber-male or female! We will also have guest books for you to keep track of all those summer visits from friends and family!

As usual, we will have note cards and calendars, Flip Notes, and Note Wallets by Julia Bell.

We are adding to our already extensive collection of cards for just about any occasion. Stop by and stock up so you are ready for that birthday, graduation, anniversary or wedding. We also have blank cards that you can inscribe with your own special sentiments!

Look forward to seeing one and all and remember,

so many books . . . . so little time . . . . MIMI