August 2009
Newsletter
Parkside Books
208B N. 7 Highway
Phone: 816-224-9082
Fax: 816-224-0962
e-mail: books @parksidebooks.com
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday
Store Events in August
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Wednesday, August 12, 10:00 a.m. The Morning Book Club
(discussing: The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett)
Image courtesy of http://www.DailyClipArt.net
With the cool weather this week, and the rain, it’s not hard to believe that summer days are coming to an end. School is just around the corner and there’s a sense of expectation in the air. There are even a few changes here at the store to report.
The biggest change is that we have discontinued carrying the new paperback books. We still have select titles of new books and more new books on consignment from local authors.
We are offering free high speed Wi Fi. Just bring your laptop and camp out in our Reading Room.
Our Young People’s Room book sale continues through the end of August. 50% off all books from those shelves. (No credit will be used with these sales.)
Have a safe and enjoyable August. Come see us for your reading selections.
In The Spotlight
By Beth King
I Was Amelia Earhart
By
Jane Mendelsohn
Amelia Earhart is in the news, again. Scientists, intent on solving the mystery of her disappearance in 1937, somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, are hoping to discover DNA in the effects of a castaway who died on Nikumaroro Island that will match up with the DNA of a relative of Ms. Earhart. Rumors abound around the disappearance Ms. Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan. When I was growing up, Amelia Earhart was my hero. The stories of her solo flights made my imagination soar.
Last week I discovered this little book on the shelves and couldn’t resist. I say little because it is a novella, 146 pages long. The book has been praised and panned. Although it was best seller back in its day, 1996, I’ve read reviews that suggest it might be the worst book ever written. I’ve also read reviews that found Ms Mendelsohn’s imaginings to be lyrical, soulful, and powerful in the telling of Earhart’s last flight.
Although the book includes some actual facts in the telling, it is fiction. The author mixes first and third person perspectives throughout the book. The first person voice is that of Amelia Earhart, pragmatic at first, then moving into effusive phrasing that is nearly poetic. The narrator’s voice is woven into the story, providing facts and expanding on the story being told by Amelia.
This is not the kind of book that you can read while you wait in line at the DMV. It takes a kinder softer setting. Try it while reclining on a beach in the evening, as the sun goes down over the horizon. Don’t forget the umbrella drink and a few tissues. I liked it, but you may not find it as appealing.
Brief Reminder
We are still featuring the beautiful note cards of local artist, Phillip King. These are blank cards that you can use for any occasion by adding your own message. They are great for just saying “Hello, I’m thinking of you today.”
Mr. King is a native of Blue Springs and has graduated from Blue Springs High School and the Art Institute of Denver, in Denver, Colorado.
Watch for
We will be resuming our Book Signing Events in September. Rose Ann Martin will be here to sign copies of her books. Watch for more details online and in our next newsletter.
We have expanded our selection of the popular Magnetic Bookmarks. These are perfect for school or leisure reading as they clip to the page and stay put. By arranging the marker on a page you can mark your place on the page, as well.
Beth and Marilyn
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