We have two new books available from local authors, and another on the way….

The first is A Log of a Snow Survey by Patrick Armstrong, a Bishop and McCall, Idaho resident.  Mr. Armstrong began doing snow surveys in 1972, also the year he represented the US on the Biathlon team, and has continued the arduous skiing and backcountry survival required to measure mountain snow packs ever since.  You may not have given snow surveys much thought before now, but this book will give you a new appreciation for the challenge of measuring the West’s greatest water resource.  The book is graced with lovely artwork by Nancy Overholtz for another dose of local talent as well as some photographs.   Copies are available at $19.99

The second unique new title is an almanac style gardening journal called A Gardener’s Companion, packed with local gardening information, timelines, and articles, and written by the UCCE Master Gardeners of Inyo and Mono Counties. Now is the time to be ordering seeds and sketching your garden plan, as well as a list of other activities you’ll find in these pages, so don’t put off picking up your copy!  If you have ever been frustrated trying to use Sunset’s broad climate categories, this book will be an immense help with specific ideas for climates ranging from Topaz to Tecopa.  It is also pretty to look at with a cover painting by Mickey Short and more artwork through out.  The price for this gem is $24.95.

And coming soon, a childrens’ book by local artist and author Shelly Wilson on Rudy the Baby Donkey.  Cute, cute, cute. Let us know if you want to be on the list for this one!

When I went to my first “gift show” in San Francisco this summer, I did not expect to come home with an order for hand lotion.  I love beautiful smelling things as much as anyone, but lots of stores sell hand lotion and it just wasn’t on my list of possibilities.  But when Katie and I passed the elizabethW booth in the handcrafted, local and artisan section of the giant convention center, we were pulled right in. It turns out, these beautifully packaged and unique fragrance items are made in the Bay area, but inspired, says the owner, by his great-grandmother Elizabeth Wightman who started a ranch in the Sierra in the 1800’s  “when neither grace nor style were required or desired”.  The brochure continues that “her spirit of determination and independence went hand in hand with her romantic nature and classic elegance.  She was the obvious inspiration for his business”.   Sounds like my grandma, and truly a woman after my own heart.  How can I pass up that marketing?  And then, you take a few test whiffs, and we were sold! We chose the Purely Essential Collection, with letterpress packaging and the scents of Cucumber, Lavender and Rosemary.  Each one is infused with California Poppy extract and contains only essential oils and extracts.  The catalog states “From the earth to the bottle, this true botanical collection seeks to offer harmonious, incredibly effective products for bath, body and home”.  We are carrying hand lotion, bath fizzes, lip balm, and diffuser oil.  They all smell wonderful, and would be ideal gifts.  Please come by and take a whiff, and honor those determined and independent women who pioneered with grace and style.

Here are the latest in  new movies available at East Side Books:

We have boatloads of Patrick OBrian in for a change, so now is your chance to pick up those missing volumes!  We just received a complete Master and Commander Series!  If you are interested in his other non-nautical talents, we recently shelved other O’Brian in General Fiction.   Topics include Spain and India, and they were highly recommended by our customer!  Don’t wait, give us a call or stop by if you are a fan of Lord Nelson’s Navy and plenty of action.  (Master and Commander books are shelved in Historical Fiction).

Our selection of new movies this month includes some true classics adapted from literature by PBS/Masterpiece Theather and BBC.  And if you are looking for Mother’s Day gifts, I held back a few of the Jane Austen movies that just may fit the bill!

One of my childhood favorites, The Wind in the Willows, was made by Masterpiece Theatre, with humans playing Mole, Ratty, Toad, et al.  It was  included in the adult PBS selection, and really looks intriguing.  Of course I’m not really sure what any stoat looks like, so the human version invading Toad Hall may work great!

Another favorite author, Roald Dahl’s story of The Fantastic Mr. Fox, received a great deal of attention for its unique puppet animation.  George Clooney and Meryl Streep provide voices, as well as Owen Wilson and Bill Murray, so this movie includes some talent.  It looks adorable.

Clifford the Big Red Dog  in Celebrate with Clifford, does not need any introduction from me.  Norman Bridwell’s stories of Emily Elizabeth and her giant puppy make great preschool entertainment. bite out of the competition”.  I’m buying one for my dog crazy niece I think!  And while we have dog stories to consider, add Because of Winn Dixie to the must have to watch and rewatch pile.  A wonderful, and beloved Newbery Award winning book adapted beautifully to film, your whole family will love it. 

The last two family classics are The Man from Snowy River, another visually lovely and romantic  movie featuring Kirk Douglas, and Cinderella, only a version “unlike any you have ever seen”  It is a western animated version with characters riding ostriches….hmm, it has got to be funny!

Another selection from PBS Masterpiece Theatre, Any Human Heart stars Jim Broadbent, Matthew Macfadyen and Sam Claflin.  Based on a novel by William Boyd,  its character brushes with many historic figures from World War II on, but is defined by the women in his life (including Kim Cattrall).  It’s a long one, 4.5 hours on two discs, so you will get your  entertainment value with this movie!

Great Expectations, Our Town, Birdsong, and Far from the Madding Crowd round out this selection with stories familiar from literature and beautiful presentations by PBS Masterpiece Theatre.  Get some culture in your life this weekend, pick up a great movie!

Has the (depressing) season finale of another Abbey left you with nothing to watch?  Need an Easter movie for your family?  Our latest batch of new DVD’s is sure to have something to make you smile!  There are two Jane Austen classics, including Northhanger Abbey, the Masterpiece Theatre version of Dracula, Tales of season of Agatha Christie’s Poirot, and season three of the BBC favorite Doc Martin, and more. The lovely princess Anne Hathaway stars in Ella Enchanted, based on the favorite story by Gail Levine, and Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman bring some major talent to Mr Magorium’s Magic Emporium.  Find one to take home for your family’s entertainment!