Where the Love of Books and Music is Always Brewing

227 SW 2nd Corvallis, Oregon 97333 Tel: 541-754-7668

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The contents of someone's bookcase are part of his history, like an ancestral portrait. -- Anatole Broyard
 

As depicted in Lynn's sweet, childhood photo, she started reading at a young age and hasn't stopped since.

A quote that struck a chord with Lynn:
"... beware of them that look at you as an experience..."
--from Greg Brown's latest CD, Covenant.

Lynn's current reviews

Title of Book: A Cake for Herbie (order)
Author of Book: Petra Mathers
O, Herbie, unlikely hero, unappreciated poet! "A: Artie chews, Artie swallows, artichokes! … Listen to these cookies shout, open up! Let us out!" In Petra Mathers’ sweet, beautifully illustrated childrens book, Herbie the duck enters a local poetry contest and is quickly, before he can make his way through his poetic version of the alphabet, heckled off the stage. Embarrassed and generally down and out, Herbie hides by a dumpster behind a restaurant (where he, no doubt, contemplates his future, artistic worth, and choices in general!), when the chef (a mouse) arrives on the scene. "Hey, look you guys, this is Herbie. I found him sitting on the curbie." Kindred spirits! Herbie is invited in where he meets more friendly faces, like "…sweaty Betty…" who, with a colander on her head, tells him he "…looks like he needs some spaghetti." Herbie is nourished and newly inspired. Although the book states age appropriateness as being four to eight, my three-year-old niece and I have it memorized and quote Herbie’s poetry to each other every chance we get! It’s in my library next to Mathers’ other masterpieces: Lottie’s New Beach Towel and Lottie’s new Friend. All three titles explore life’s challenges, friendship and fun. My niece and I, along with other Lottie and Herbie fans, anxiously await Mathers’ fourth offering!

Title of Book: Shrub: The Short but Happy Political Life of George W. Bush (order)
Author of Book: Molly Ivins

"Villainy wears many masks, none so dangerous as the mask of virtue." – W. Irving

"We must complain. Yes, plain, blunt complaint, ceaseless agitation, unfailing exposure of dishonesty and wrong -- this is the ancient, unerring way to liberty, and we must follow it." – W. E. B. DuBois

I thought about reading it last fall. I was sure that I would. When it became evident that the "Short …political life" part was no longer true, I decided I’d hold off. I didn’t think that I could process that much bad news at one time without damaging the book. Then it arrived in the mail disguised as a Christmas present gift from a friend who works on the hill in D. C. –a friend who knows my politics and my love for political writer/humorist Molly Ivins. Ah, fair cruelty. Well, whatever your politics, Shrub: The Short but Happy Political Life of George W. Bush by Molly Ivins and Lou Dubose is a great read. Ivins will enlighten any audience about Dubya’s political versus governing skills. Her inimitable wit and wealth of knowledge, especially about the politics of her native state captivates with colorful Texan language. Though it serves up some distasteful information (and it’s all facts, folks), it’s easier to swallow when Molly’s the chef. As aware and informed as she is, if she’s still laughing, so can we. After all, "Life is too important to be taken seriously." Oscar Wilde said that. And, ah… "Rarely is the questions asked: Is our children learning?" George W. Bush said that. Sigh. Pass the pepto-bismol.

Title of Book: Prodigal Summer (order)
Author of Book: Barbara Kingsolver
"But solitude is only a human presumption. Every quiet step is thunder to beetle life underfoot; every choice is a world made new for the chosen. All secrets are witnessed." Thus begins and ends Barbara Kingslover's latest novel. Prodigal Summer is a sensuous celebration of life set in the Appalachian mountains and surrounding small farms. Like any object of strong desire, Prodigal Summer is easily, eagerly devoured, yet parting with it is difficult. Heighten your senses--Prodigal Summer is sure to awaken all of them--begging you to follow your instincts.

Read what Barbara Kingsolver has to say about independent booksellers.

Title of Book: The Way Forward is With a Broken Heart (order)
Author of Book: Alice Walker
This quote from Alice Walker's newest book gives a sense of what the book is about, and is, I think, in and of itself, a lovely piece.

"You do not talk to me now, a fate I could not have imagined... . Love does not accept barriers of any kind. Not even that of Time itself... . I miss you. We were good people. And together we were good. Allies and friends. Too good to have those years stolen from us, even by our grief."