You'll never guess who dropped by the bookstore early on Sunday morning before we'd even opened, at 10.45 a.m, together with his young and pretty Producer, Jess. That was a hint. You mightn't have recognized him until he spoke. That is another hint. I wouldn't have, except I'd seen him at a reading in Toronto in June.
He performed a reading. I had to shut my eyes though because I found looking at him too distracting. I couldn't 'get in the zone' with the unaccustomed visual distraction. So have you figured it out yet?
Of course - it was Stuart McLean of Vinyl Cafe fame.
Not only did I hear him read in June, I also met him. He came and sat at the same table as me. Not because of me, mind you. But because I just happened to be at the same table as Tory McNally (of McNally Robinson) and he and Tory are old friends. When Stuart said to Tory that he'd be sure to drop by her store (the one that just opened in Toronto), I piped up and said "and you could come to my store too." They stopped in their conversation for a moment, Tory and Stuart, and looked in my direction. It was a fairly long gaze. Certainly long enough that I felt a bit uncomfortable. "If you wanted," I said. They went back to chatting.
But it doesn't end there. Stuart was in town on Sunday. Here in Owen Sound. And early on Sunday morning Jess, his sweet, young Producer phoned (I was still in my pyjamas) and said she and Stuart could drop by. So an hour later after I'd frantically tried to get some heat going on in the bookstore, I opened the door to Stuart, Jess and her handsome Portuguese Water dog, Spring.
While he was signing all my copies of Extreme Vinyl Cafe (more about that later) he told me a funny story about being in a certain giant chain store - dropping in spontaneously and asking if they'd like him to sign their stock. The manager asked him for identification, said she wasn't sure if they carried anything by him or not, what was his name again, but she would look. He suggested - demurely I'm sure - that she might try the best seller section. In telling the tale to me, he was very forgiving. She was new. She hadn't been in the book trade before, etc. But we chuckled together, me and Stuart and Jess. Ha ha, ha and I shook my head ... those chains!
My Mom came in right after church, "well," she said, "has be been here?" Oh, did I mention that our Penguin sales rep had said he might drop in? That sometimes he does that. And that she'd given him our phone number and address. I had mentioned this to my Mom who has listened to Stuart McLean on radio forever.
"Yes, Mom, he came at 10.30."
"Damn," she said, "I'd have skipped church if I'd known."
Once Stuart and Jess and Spring had ambled off for their appointment for the sound check at OSCVI I ran right upstairs and told Andre about the chain store manager and we both had a good laugh. Those chains!
I've only just started reading my signed copy of Extreme Vinyl Cafe and it is vintage McLean. Heart-warming, optimistic, and funny. He uses a format I love. Each story is prefaced by a letter to Stuart seeking advice. The following story is by way of allegory to the supposed advice seeker.
It seems Dave and Morley have become a bit like family, haven't they? We know them so well at this stage it's like sitting down with old, much loved friends.
I was first introduced to Dave and Morley through one of the Vinyl Cafe books but I'm not sure which one in 2000 when I was staying in a little cottage in Tobermory on a visit home from Ireland. Living abroad I hadn't listened to CBC radio in years so I knew nothing about the Vinyl Cafe on air. This little slim volume was on the bedside table. I am sure it had the Dave and Christmas turkey story in it. I have since heard that story twice on radio and each time it is as good - maybe better - than the previous time. Sort of like Grandpa's stories, the more familiar the better loved. "Tell the one about ..."
I'm only two stories into Extreme Vinyl Cafe so far but very happy to reacquaint myself with Dave - I mean, his action hero of choice is Jean Claude Van Damme (me too!) so we just have so much in common. Overall, it is the moments that make it such good reading. When Morley and Sam come back with the Ninja Turtle sheets and Morley is relieved that Sam is still making little boy decisions and Dave asks, "but did he buy them in earnest or in irony." Or as Dave sits starving in the backseat of his neighbour's car and longingly mentions the good burger joint around the bend.
Let me just say, I know that fans will not be disappointed by the current offering and new comers will be charmed as I was ten years ago with my summer cottage find.
Oh, and I must just mention that Stuart and Jess and Spring came back this morning again to The Downtown Bookstore. I was up the street at the health food store and Andre was behind the counter.
A man and girl approach the counter,
Man: "I guess it was your wife I was talking to yesterday."
Andre: "I have no idea who you were talking to yesterday."
Man: "Yes, Hazel. We stopped by yesterday morning."
Andre: "If you say so. Is there something I can help you with?"
Man: "Well I'm Stuart McLean. We thought we'd stop in for coffee."
Andre: (mortified) "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you. Why didn't you speak. I'd have know your voice."
He was still there when I got back and we had another little visit. So, it looks like I've got a new friend! I'm into double digits now. Thanks for all those great emails, by the way.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
We're having a "Celebrate Independents" Day party on Saturday October 17th. Together with independent bookstores across the country we'll be tooting our horn about all the things that make us important in the age of giants, more, higher and deeper, etc.
The Canadian Booksellers Association solicited the views of some prominent Canadian writers on why, indeed, independents matter and I love what Steven Heighton had to say: "I revere and celebrate independents because they are about literature, not merchandising, and hence stand in spiritual opposition to the times - much like the best of the books they carry." http://www.stevenheighton.com
It reminds me of what a customer (and now friend) said not long after we opened. Elizabeth asked if we (Andre and I) had been in retail before. When I replied, "no" she said "so that's why you're doing such a good job." No disrespect to retailers intended but of course what she meant was - as Heighton put it - is that she could see that we were first and foremost about reading.
On Saturday we are hosting a number of great authors, all with Owen Sound connections.
From 11 a.m. to noon JOHN MOSS, author of Still Waters and Grave Doubts, will be in the store to chat with readers and to sign copies of his books. Until lately I've been kind of a snob about crime writing. I was labouring under the misapprehension that work in the genre was too formulaic. Then, during the summer I read Old City Hall and was pleasantly surprised. I am now reading Moss's Grave Doubts and am even more impressed.
Grave Doubts opens with the discovery of the mummified remains of two entwined lovers - minus heads - and we move rapidly from a remote and gothic Heathcliff and Catherine anthropological inquiry to a much more sinister crime scenario. That's all I'll say about the plot - but what makes me really happy as a reader is that the detectives, Morgan and Quin, are actually interesting - really interesting - people. I want to know what they think and what they are going to do next. I suspect this may say more about John Moss than about your average detective and as he's the writer this is no doubt a good thing. There, I've just declared my prejudices.
At 12 noon two writers - Eric Zweig and Barbara Hehner who moved to Owen Sound a couple of years ago - will be presiding in our window space.
ERIC ZWEIG has numerous sports books, mostly non-fiction for young readers, to his credit. What I want to rave about here, however, is his recent fiction title, Fever Season. I've just read it and I have high expectations of kids' fiction. If it doesn't interest and engage me as an adult reader then I figure it's probably going to have the same effect on the average child reader.
Fever Season is the story of growing up in Montreal in the early 1900s and it is packed with historical details but not in a pedantic way. Zweig weaves in the zeitgeist so effortlessly you'd swear he was there or better still - by the time you finish the book - that you'd been there. The main character, David, faces many issues including how to develop a relationship with his remote father, how to face bullying, as well as, how to incorporate what his mother has taught him as he becomes a man. Ultimately, David is left alone in the world as a result of the first world war and the "spanish" flu of 1919. In the second half of the novel he sets out on an eventful train trip across the young Canada with the Montreal Canadiens that makes even a non-hockey person like me care about hockey.
BARBARA HEHNER, also a consummate historical writer, will be signing Desert Hawk and Tunnel King, two excellent stories about real Canadians who served with exceptional valour during World War II. The other title Barbara will be signing is The Spirit of Canada: Canada's Story in Legend, Fiction, Poems and Songs. I love this collection. Great for the those little 'becoming Canadians'.
At 1:00 yours truly will sit down 'in the window' together with fellow-contributor to Every Second Thursday, Danuta Valleau, to commune with any would be short-story readers or indeed short-story writers about how we went about compiling this little collection. We'll also sign copies, chat about writing, writing groups, other good reading, weather, wine, etc.
At 2:00 p.m. come along and chat with DENNIS WHITE of nearby Wiarton who has written a trilogy of mysteries with local settings. Dennis has been hand-selling the latest offering The Chicheemaun Ghost all summer long, where else but aboard The Chicheemaun during sailings between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but noted with interest Andrew Armitage's review in The Sun Times recently. He said White was giving local mystery writer Richard Thomas a run for his money and Thomas has a dedicated local posse of fans. He also used words like "a hoot" and "a treat".
While we've got this great lineup of talent on hand we'll be having draws every hour on the hour soliciting your feedback on things like
- what do you love most about The Downtown Bookstore
- what's the best book that you've ever bought at The Downtown Bookstore
and more stuff like that. Don't worry, no right or wrong answer. None of Andre's hard quizzes that in the past have had people running home to do research.
We'll also being having a sale. Each hour 20% off a different section of the store.
Children and young adult books from 9:00 to 10:00;
History and Biography from 10:00 to 11.00;
Reference, Arts & Culture from 11:00 to noon;
Poetry from noon to 1:00;
Literary fiction from 1:00 to 2:00;
General and genre fiction from 2:00 to 3:00;
Environment, Nature and Science from 3:00 to 4:00;
Cookbooks from 4:00 to 5:00. (How's that for timing? You can rush right home and whip up something fabulous. )
Did you know we have the biggest poetry section of any bookstore for 100 miles?
Okay, so I know that was probably way too long winded for a post. If you're still with me, then post a comment. But bear in mind it will only encourage me.
One draw exclusive to blog readers. Just ask for your ballot slip.
The Canadian Booksellers Association solicited the views of some prominent Canadian writers on why, indeed, independents matter and I love what Steven Heighton had to say: "I revere and celebrate independents because they are about literature, not merchandising, and hence stand in spiritual opposition to the times - much like the best of the books they carry." http://www.stevenheighton.com
It reminds me of what a customer (and now friend) said not long after we opened. Elizabeth asked if we (Andre and I) had been in retail before. When I replied, "no" she said "so that's why you're doing such a good job." No disrespect to retailers intended but of course what she meant was - as Heighton put it - is that she could see that we were first and foremost about reading.
On Saturday we are hosting a number of great authors, all with Owen Sound connections.
From 11 a.m. to noon JOHN MOSS, author of Still Waters and Grave Doubts, will be in the store to chat with readers and to sign copies of his books. Until lately I've been kind of a snob about crime writing. I was labouring under the misapprehension that work in the genre was too formulaic. Then, during the summer I read Old City Hall and was pleasantly surprised. I am now reading Moss's Grave Doubts and am even more impressed.
Grave Doubts opens with the discovery of the mummified remains of two entwined lovers - minus heads - and we move rapidly from a remote and gothic Heathcliff and Catherine anthropological inquiry to a much more sinister crime scenario. That's all I'll say about the plot - but what makes me really happy as a reader is that the detectives, Morgan and Quin, are actually interesting - really interesting - people. I want to know what they think and what they are going to do next. I suspect this may say more about John Moss than about your average detective and as he's the writer this is no doubt a good thing. There, I've just declared my prejudices.
At 12 noon two writers - Eric Zweig and Barbara Hehner who moved to Owen Sound a couple of years ago - will be presiding in our window space.
ERIC ZWEIG has numerous sports books, mostly non-fiction for young readers, to his credit. What I want to rave about here, however, is his recent fiction title, Fever Season. I've just read it and I have high expectations of kids' fiction. If it doesn't interest and engage me as an adult reader then I figure it's probably going to have the same effect on the average child reader.
Fever Season is the story of growing up in Montreal in the early 1900s and it is packed with historical details but not in a pedantic way. Zweig weaves in the zeitgeist so effortlessly you'd swear he was there or better still - by the time you finish the book - that you'd been there. The main character, David, faces many issues including how to develop a relationship with his remote father, how to face bullying, as well as, how to incorporate what his mother has taught him as he becomes a man. Ultimately, David is left alone in the world as a result of the first world war and the "spanish" flu of 1919. In the second half of the novel he sets out on an eventful train trip across the young Canada with the Montreal Canadiens that makes even a non-hockey person like me care about hockey.
BARBARA HEHNER, also a consummate historical writer, will be signing Desert Hawk and Tunnel King, two excellent stories about real Canadians who served with exceptional valour during World War II. The other title Barbara will be signing is The Spirit of Canada: Canada's Story in Legend, Fiction, Poems and Songs. I love this collection. Great for the those little 'becoming Canadians'.
At 1:00 yours truly will sit down 'in the window' together with fellow-contributor to Every Second Thursday, Danuta Valleau, to commune with any would be short-story readers or indeed short-story writers about how we went about compiling this little collection. We'll also sign copies, chat about writing, writing groups, other good reading, weather, wine, etc.
At 2:00 p.m. come along and chat with DENNIS WHITE of nearby Wiarton who has written a trilogy of mysteries with local settings. Dennis has been hand-selling the latest offering The Chicheemaun Ghost all summer long, where else but aboard The Chicheemaun during sailings between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but noted with interest Andrew Armitage's review in The Sun Times recently. He said White was giving local mystery writer Richard Thomas a run for his money and Thomas has a dedicated local posse of fans. He also used words like "a hoot" and "a treat".
While we've got this great lineup of talent on hand we'll be having draws every hour on the hour soliciting your feedback on things like
- what do you love most about The Downtown Bookstore
- what's the best book that you've ever bought at The Downtown Bookstore
and more stuff like that. Don't worry, no right or wrong answer. None of Andre's hard quizzes that in the past have had people running home to do research.
We'll also being having a sale. Each hour 20% off a different section of the store.
Children and young adult books from 9:00 to 10:00;
History and Biography from 10:00 to 11.00;
Reference, Arts & Culture from 11:00 to noon;
Poetry from noon to 1:00;
Literary fiction from 1:00 to 2:00;
General and genre fiction from 2:00 to 3:00;
Environment, Nature and Science from 3:00 to 4:00;
Cookbooks from 4:00 to 5:00. (How's that for timing? You can rush right home and whip up something fabulous. )
Did you know we have the biggest poetry section of any bookstore for 100 miles?
Okay, so I know that was probably way too long winded for a post. If you're still with me, then post a comment. But bear in mind it will only encourage me.
One draw exclusive to blog readers. Just ask for your ballot slip.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
We've published a short-story anthology
Did you see that our recently published collection of short stories - Every Second Thursday - received front page coverage in The Sun Times last week?
www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1973491
Every Second Thursday features work from six local writers as well as stories from guest authors who have read at the bookstore: Allen Smutylo; Sally Cooper; Anthony De Sa and Joseph Boyden (winner of the 2008 Giller Prize).
We're very proud of this little collection. It contains quality writing and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good short-story. We're donating a portion of the proceeds to a bursary for a graduating student from Westhill Secondary school in June 2010 who demonstrates excellence in creative writing.
We're hoping to repeat the effort at some point in the future, once again featuring writers working in our in-house writing groups or in other writing groups in Grey Bruce.
Speaking of the Giller Prize, the short list has been announced for 2009. It's great to see Kim Echlin on the list for her elegant, haunting novel The Disappeared.
http://www.scotiabankgillerprize.ca/2009-Giller-Prize-Shortlist.html
If your writing group would like me to attend one of your meetings and talk about the process of putting Every Second Thursday together, just let me know.
Or if your book club would like it for a monthly pick, we can arrange for one or more of the contributors to attend to participate in the discussion. Hey, we'd love the feedback!
Every Second Thursday is on sale at the bookstore for $10.00 while supplies last. Fits brilliantly into a stocking, by the way. I've tested it.
Watch this space for a list of our Independents Matter activities next Saturday ... an all-day sale and party at the bookstore. Be sure and respond to the poll too!
www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1973491
Every Second Thursday features work from six local writers as well as stories from guest authors who have read at the bookstore: Allen Smutylo; Sally Cooper; Anthony De Sa and Joseph Boyden (winner of the 2008 Giller Prize).
We're very proud of this little collection. It contains quality writing and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good short-story. We're donating a portion of the proceeds to a bursary for a graduating student from Westhill Secondary school in June 2010 who demonstrates excellence in creative writing.
We're hoping to repeat the effort at some point in the future, once again featuring writers working in our in-house writing groups or in other writing groups in Grey Bruce.
Speaking of the Giller Prize, the short list has been announced for 2009. It's great to see Kim Echlin on the list for her elegant, haunting novel The Disappeared.
http://www.scotiabankgillerprize.ca/2009-Giller-Prize-Shortlist.html
If your writing group would like me to attend one of your meetings and talk about the process of putting Every Second Thursday together, just let me know.
Or if your book club would like it for a monthly pick, we can arrange for one or more of the contributors to attend to participate in the discussion. Hey, we'd love the feedback!
Every Second Thursday is on sale at the bookstore for $10.00 while supplies last. Fits brilliantly into a stocking, by the way. I've tested it.
Watch this space for a list of our Independents Matter activities next Saturday ... an all-day sale and party at the bookstore. Be sure and respond to the poll too!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Welcome and Summer Events.
Hello and welcome to The Downtown Bookstore Blog.
Watch this space for information about what we are reading, what we are selling, and all our upcoming literary, musical and miscellaneous events.
To start off, here is a list of summer fun @ The Downtown Bookstore.
Saturday, July 4th @ 8pm. Windsor ambient, post-rock quartet What Seas, What Shores returns to Owen Sound in support of their debut album 'Threnodies'. Opening for What Seas, What Shores will be local ambient electronic musician Joshua Richardson, aka Tel Quel. Their literate take on instrumental rock is evocative and could play as soundtrack to many a modern day film. Be sure to hear a sound that rarely visits Owen Sound. Tickets $10
Saturday July 11th @ 7pm. The Silent Film Ensemble is back with "The Seashell and the Clergyman", widely regarded as the first surrealist film, with a scenario by Antonin Artaud, whom Silent Film Ensemble goers have seen as Joan's confessor in Carl Dreyer's "The Passion of Joan of Arc". Tickets $10... reserve early.
Saturday July 25th at 7:00pm Dr. Ross Pennie reads from Tainted: A Dr. ZOl Szabe Medical Mystery. Ross Pennie is also the author of the award-winning memoir of Papua New Guinea, The Unforgiving Tides.
Saturday August 1st Richard Laviolette and the Hollow Hooves. With opening sets from Sarah Mangle and First Rate People. 7:30pm. Tickets $10
Wednesday 19th August at 7:00pm. Edeet Ravel reading from Your Sad Eyes and Unforgettable Mouth. Writing workshop the next day.
Back by Popular demand. Live Jazz! with Don Buchanan & Neil Morley. Saturday August 29th 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 regular, $5 students.... reserve early.
Ex-libras Game Night. Monday August 10th 7:00pm. Test your literary knowledge and writing skills in this wonderful game. $8 - includes paper, pen, gourmet coffee & dessert. By reservation.
Curry and Black Books. A therapeutic dose, featuring three special Bernard L. Black episodes, a dynamite Rocky Raccoon curry, plus coffee and dessert. Wednesday July 22nd 7:30pm. Tickets - $22. 16 places only. By reservation.
Check back soon for more detailed post on each of these events.
Question? Call us at 519-371-2384.
Watch this space for information about what we are reading, what we are selling, and all our upcoming literary, musical and miscellaneous events.
To start off, here is a list of summer fun @ The Downtown Bookstore.
Saturday, July 4th @ 8pm. Windsor ambient, post-rock quartet What Seas, What Shores returns to Owen Sound in support of their debut album 'Threnodies'. Opening for What Seas, What Shores will be local ambient electronic musician Joshua Richardson, aka Tel Quel. Their literate take on instrumental rock is evocative and could play as soundtrack to many a modern day film. Be sure to hear a sound that rarely visits Owen Sound. Tickets $10
Saturday July 11th @ 7pm. The Silent Film Ensemble is back with "The Seashell and the Clergyman", widely regarded as the first surrealist film, with a scenario by Antonin Artaud, whom Silent Film Ensemble goers have seen as Joan's confessor in Carl Dreyer's "The Passion of Joan of Arc". Tickets $10... reserve early.
Saturday July 25th at 7:00pm Dr. Ross Pennie reads from Tainted: A Dr. ZOl Szabe Medical Mystery. Ross Pennie is also the author of the award-winning memoir of Papua New Guinea, The Unforgiving Tides.
Saturday August 1st Richard Laviolette and the Hollow Hooves. With opening sets from Sarah Mangle and First Rate People. 7:30pm. Tickets $10
Wednesday 19th August at 7:00pm. Edeet Ravel reading from Your Sad Eyes and Unforgettable Mouth. Writing workshop the next day.
Back by Popular demand. Live Jazz! with Don Buchanan & Neil Morley. Saturday August 29th 7:30pm. Tickets: $10 regular, $5 students.... reserve early.
Ex-libras Game Night. Monday August 10th 7:00pm. Test your literary knowledge and writing skills in this wonderful game. $8 - includes paper, pen, gourmet coffee & dessert. By reservation.
Curry and Black Books. A therapeutic dose, featuring three special Bernard L. Black episodes, a dynamite Rocky Raccoon curry, plus coffee and dessert. Wednesday July 22nd 7:30pm. Tickets - $22. 16 places only. By reservation.
Check back soon for more detailed post on each of these events.
Question? Call us at 519-371-2384.
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