February Vacation Reads

February 18, 2012 By adenise Leave a Comment

Whether you’re traveling with family or staying close to home, February vacation is the perfect time to encourage kids to get hooked on a new book. Here are some recent Barrington Books staff favorites…

Young Readers – Ages 4-8

“Grandpa Green” by Lane Smith *2012 Caldecott Honor Book*

From the creator of the national bestseller It’s a Book comes a timeless story of family history, legacy, and love.

Grandpa Green wasn’t always a gardener. He was a farmboy and a kid with chickenpox and a soldier and, most of all, an artist. In this captivating new picture book, readers follow Grandpa Green’s great-grandson into a garden he created, a fantastic world where memories are handed down in the fanciful shapes of topiary trees and imagination recreates things forgotten.

In his most enigmatic and beautiful work to date, Lane Smith explores aging, memory, and the bonds of family history and love; by turns touching and whimsical, it’s a stunning picture book that parents and grandparents will be sharing with children for years to come.

“Me Jane” by Patrick McDonnell *2012 Caldecott Honor Book*

In his characteristic heartwarming style, Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of “a life living with and helping all animals,” until one day she finds that her dream has come true.

One of the world’s most inspiring women, Dr. Jane Goodall is a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, environmentalist, and United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things.

With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall’s autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young–and young at heart.

“Bink & Gollie” by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee; illustrated by Tony Fucile *2011 Theodore Seuss Geisel Award Winner*

Meet Bink and Gollie, two precocious little girls — one tiny, one tall, and both utterly irrepressible. Setting out from their super-deluxe tree house and powered by plenty of peanut butter (for Bink) and pancakes (for Gollie), they share three comical adventures involving painfully bright socks, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion. No matter where their roller skates take them, at the end of the day they will always be the very best of friends.

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Middle Grade Readers – Ages 9-12

“Wonderstruck” by Brian Selznick

From Brian Selznick, the creator of the Caldecott Medal winner THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, comes another breathtaking tour de force.

Ben and Rose secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother’s room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing. Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories–Ben’s told in words, Rose’s in pictures–weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate; illustrated by Patricia Costello

Inspired by a true-story of a captive gorilla who lived in a shopping mall.

Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.

Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.

Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.

Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan’s unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.

“Dead End in Norvelt” by Jack Gantos *2012 Newbery Honor Winner”

Melding the entirely true and the wildly fictional, DEAD END IN NORVELT t is a novel about an incredible two months for a kid named Jack Gantos, whose plans for vacation excitement are shot down when he is “grounded for life” by his feuding parents, and whose nose spews bad blood at every little shock he gets. But plenty of excitement (and shocks) are coming Jack’s way once his mom loans him out to help a fiesty old neighbor with a most unusual chore—typewriting obituaries filled with stories about the people who founded his utopian town. As one obituary leads to another, Jack is launced on a strange adventure involving molten wax, Eleanor Roosevelt, twisted promises, a homemade airplane, Girl Scout cookies, a man on a trike, a dancing plague, voices from the past, Hells Angels . . . and possibly murder. Endlessly surprising, this sly, sharp-edged narrative is the author at his very best, making readers laugh out loud at the most unexpected things in a dead-funny depiction of growing up in a slightly off-kilter place where the past is present, the present is confusing, and the future is completely up in the air.

“The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman” by Meg Wolitzer

At first glance, Duncan Dorfman, April Blunt, and Nate Saviano don’t seem to have much in common. Duncan is trying to look after his single mom and adjust to life in a new town while managing his newfound Scrabble superpower – he can feel words and pictures beneath his fingers and tell what they are without looking. April is pining for a mystery boy she met years ago and striving to be seen as more than a nerd in her family of jocks. And homeschooled Nate is struggling to meet his father’s high expectations for success.

When these three unique kids are brought together at the national Youth Scrabble Tournament, each with a very different drive to win, their paths cross and stories intertwine . . . and the journey is made extraordinary with a perfect touch of magic. Readers will fly through the pages, anxious to discover who will take home the grand prize, but there’s much more at stake than winning and losing.

Young Adult Readers – Ages 12-17-

“Legend” by Marie Lu

Fans of The Hunger Games books will enjoy the first installment of this all-new dystopian sci-fi series.

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

“Beautiful Chaos” by by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Creatures Series Book #3)

Fans of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight have a new gothic romance series to sink their teeth into: Beautiful Creatures. The third book out of a planned four, Beautiful Chaos, was released this past fall. (A film based on the series – starring Emma Thompson and Viola Davis – is also in the works.)

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena’s Claiming. Even Lena’s family of powerful Supernaturals is affected – and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What – or who – will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He’s being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn’t by Lena – and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself – forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn’t know why, and most days he’s too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn’t just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there’s no going back. And this time there won’t be a happy ending.

“Cinder” by Marissa Meyer (Lunar Chronicle Series Book 1)

The first book in a planned quartet, this is the story of Cinderella with a futuristic twist.

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Find these and other great titles for kids and teens in-stock today at Barrington Books; or visit our website at www.barringtonbooks.com to order online!

The Doctor is In

February 15, 2012 By adenise Leave a Comment

As an active surgeon and former department chairman, Dr. Paul Ruggieri has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of his profession. In CONFESSIONS OF A SURGEON: The Good, the Bad, and the Complicated…Life Behind the O.R. Doors, he pushes open the doors of the O.R. and reveals the inscrutable place where lives are improved, saved, and sometimes lost.

Dr. Ruggieri took a few moments out of his busy day to speak with READ LOCAL about the book, and what motivated him to write this revelatory new memoir.

RL: This book is something of a lightening rod in that it reveals an awful lot about what goes on behind the OR doors — the imperfections of the system and surgeons themselves. As a surgeon, why write a book that lays bare the sometimes ugly truth?

Dr. R: I’ve always wanted to write a truthful book that takes the public into my mind during all types of situations, and directly into the operating room to see what I see. I wrote this book for me and for my patients. I wanted to show the public that surgeons are human beings, with human emotions and frailties that react to human stresses despite all the good things we do. I’ve always been very honest with my patients no matter what my outcomes are. People respect honesty and sincerity. To me the truth is not ugly, it’s the real world in which I live. Patients need to know the truth and become informed of their expectations before entering surgery.

RL: Have you had any strong reactions from colleagues to the book?

Dr. R: All of my colleagues who have read the book really enjoyed it because they live what I wrote about every day.

RL: In the book you describe a culture of brutal workloads, sleep deprivation, fear, competitiveness and even abuse that permeated your medical school and residency training; yet you also express some misgivings about the recent reforms that led to gentler, more humane surgical training programs across the country. What are your concerns, and would you roll back some of those reforms if it were up to you?

Dr. R: Yes, I trained in an era (not that long ago) where there were no work hour restrictions, no maximum 16 hour work day or 80 hour work week. Today, the surgical training programs are very different in that regard. I do express some concerns about how surgical residents are trained today. My concerns center on whether or not residents today are getting enough continuous patient care and operative experience. I believe the jury is still out on this because the rules changed in 2003.

I’m also concerned residents today might be developing a “shift like” mentality when they have to drop what they’re doing and leave the hospital because their hours are up. Surveys have shown that some residents resent having to leave the hospital in the middle of caring for someone, having to “hand off” their patient to the next resident.

Once training is up and you move out into the real world, there are no work hour restrictions. When you’re in practice and on call… up all night, there’s no one to take your place the next day.

RL: One of the more poetic phrases in the book is when you discuss having to confront “the conflict between the emotions in my heart and the scalpel in my hand,” after describing how you had to perform surgery on a man who committed a heinous crime. Most surgeons, and you yourself in the book, refer to the level of emotional distance they must put between themselves and a patient while in the throes of exacting surgical procedures. Do some surgeons take this distance too far (in your opinion) to the detriment of their patients?

Dr. R: Some surgeons probably do separate themselves too far emotionally from their patients. Some probably do it as a protective defensive mechanism. I don’t think it’s to the detriment of their patients, however. It may make them seem like they have no personality, no bedside manner, but it really wouldn’t affect their surgical abilities. Every one of us in unique in how we deal with our own emotions and stresses. Most of us, including myself, don’t dwell on our emotional reaction to stressful situations. We can’t or we couldn’t do our job on a daily basis. There’s always another ill patient waiting for your expertise the next day.

RL: There are quite a few “edge of your seat” moments in the book where you describe some very harrowing surgical situations, as well as quieter, reflective moments that reveal a humility in the face of issues of life and death. Your candidness in describing both seems truly unprecedented. What do you hope readers take away from this uncensored glimpse into the surgical world?

Dr. R: I hope the readers understand that a surgeon’s daily routine is never routine at all. I want readers to understand most surgeons truly care about their patients and despite being human, often do extraordinary things in the face of unique adversity.

RL: Thank you, Dr. Ruggieri, for speaking with us, and we look forward to seeing you at Barrington Books on the 18th.

Dr. R: My pleasure. Thank you.

About The Author

Paul A. Ruggieri, M.D., is a practicing board-certified general/laparoscopic surgeon who has been operating for over 20 years. Dr. Ruggieri performed his surgical training at the world-renowned Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes Hospital, in St. Louis. He then spent three years as an active duty general surgeon in the U.S. Army. Currently, he is former chief of the department of surgery at a large community hospital in Fall River, Massachusetts, the very hospital he helped build as an ironworker before attending medical school nearly 30 years ago. Dr. Ruggieri has written several books for patients. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife and three stepsons. Visit his website at www.paulruggieri.com.

Dr. Ruggieri will be signing copies of his book, CONFESSIONS OF A SURGEON, at Barrington Books this Saturday, February 18th from 1:00-3:30pm. To reserve your signed copy today, click here or call us at 401-245-7925. Barrington Books is located at 184 County Road in Barrington, RI.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Confessions Of A Surgeon, Dr. Paul Ruggieri Book Signing

Valentine’s Day 101

February 8, 2012 By adenise Leave a Comment

It was Valentine’s Day, 1987. My boyfriend was a boy I’ll call “Todd.”

I watched as several classmates were greeted by their significant others with flowers, candy and teddy bears.

“How, lame,” I quipped to a friend. “Teddy Bears?” (Eye-roll.)

I spotted Todd walking up the hill towards me. He was carrying only his backpack. I thought perhaps he’d tucked one long stemmed red rose under his jacket. Or maybe there was a small tastefully-wrapped gift in that backpack of his? No matter. As long as there was no gaudy Teddy Bear wearing an “I Heart You” t-shirt, holding a bunch of mylar balloons on a stem…I was happy. I’d even be happy with a card, I told myself. A thoughtful card would be enough.

“Hey,” said Todd with an amiable grin. “You ready to go?”

“Sure, um…Happy Valentine’s Day,” I said as nonchalantly as possible. Then I pulled an oversized card and a mix-tape (that’s right, mix tape) I’d made him from my backpack. I’d wrapped the tape in a page from a collection of well-known love sonnets and tied it with a bright red silk ribbon.

“Oh, I…didn’t get you anything,” Todd stammered.

“Nothing?!” I said, trying to keep my voice low so no one around us heard. “Not even a… card?”

“It’s just a Hallmark holiday,” said Todd, repeating the words he must have heard someone else say. Someone clearly without a girlfriend of EIGHT weeks and FIVE days.

Suddenly, my oversized card seemed ridiculous. It looked absurdly huge in the vast vaccuum that was created by his LACK OF CARD. Or gift for that matter! I looked down at the wrapping on my mix tape: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” Elizabeth Barrett Browning was mocking me.

We walked home in awkward silence.

Later, Todd would bring me a Teddy Bear in a t-shirt, a heart-shaped box full of candy, and an oversized card featuring “Snoopy” from Peanuts. I forgave him, and we dated for a full THREE weeks and TWO days after that.

The moral of the story? Any person who says she (or he) doesn’t want a gift on Valentine’s Day, is… how do I put this… LYING! The truth is, we don’t care if Hallmark or the Dalai Lama is responsible for this holiday! We’d like a card. Something sweet. Or funny. Or both. And yes, a GIFT! A thoughtful one. It’s Valentine’s Day, dangit’, and we want to be acknowledged! And appreciated! And most of all… we want to feel loved.

So, in case any of you came perilously close to pulling a “Todd”… the gift gurus at Barrington Books and The Studio have kindly put together this quick list of Valentine’s Day gift suggestions that are romantic, thoughtful, and about as a far as from a Teddy Bear in a t-shirt as you can get.

Real Love

What’s more romantic than reading the true love stories of others? These books celebrate love between compelling real-life couples and make a great gift for the person with whom you share your own love story.

Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope by Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly with Jeffrey Zaslow

Intimate, inspiring, and unforgettably moving, Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope provides an unflinching look at the overwhelming challenges of brain injury, the painstaking process of learning to communicate again, and the responsibilities that fall to a loving spouse who wants the best possible treatment for his wife. Told in Mark’s voice and from Gabby’s heart, the book also chronicles the lives that brought these two extraordinary people together—their humor, their ambitions, their sense of duty, their long-distance marriage, and their desire for family.

My Faraway One: Selected Letters of Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz, Edited by Sarah Greenhough

There are few couples in the history of 20th-century American art and culture more prominent than Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986) and Alfred Stieglitz (1864–1946). In O’Keeffe’s sparse and vibrant style and Stieglitz’s fervent and lyrical manner, the letters describe how they met and fell in love in the 1910s; how they carved out a life together in the 1920s; how their relationship nearly collapsed during the early years of the Depression; and how it was reconstructed in the late 1930s and early 1940s. At the same time, the correspondence reveals the creative evolution of their art and ideas; their friendships with many of the most influential figures in early American modernism and their relationships and conversations with an exceptionally wide range of key figures in American and European art and culture.

Recipes for Romance

These two books will help you cook-up a little romance this Valentine’s Day, proving what chefs and lovers have known for centuries: Any recipe made with love is an aphrodisiac.

Gifts from The Kitchen: 100 Irresistable Homemade Presents for Every Occasion by Annie Rigg

This beautiful cookbook makes a great gift; or better yet, purchase it for yourself and make some of the edible gifts to show the special ones in your life how much you love and appreciate them. With a huge variety of imaginative recipes for every season and occasion, from Turkish delight, Chinese fortune cookies, and macarons, to herbal teas, pesto, and summer berry vodka, there is sure to be something for everyone in this beautiful new book. Annie’s inventive ideas will inspire homemade gifts that are filled with love and originality.

Aphrodisia: Homemade Potions to Make Love More Likely Pleasurable and More Possible by Jill Bruton Seal and Matthew Seal

Who needs a prescription when you can mix your own? Aphrodisia is filled with simple make-your-own recipes, lists of commonly available ingredients, history, lore, and the science behind the world’s most celebrated aphrodisiacs–all beautifully illustrated.

Aphrodisia doesn’t rely on magic or mysticism or an advanced degree—just artful combinations of time-honored natural ingredients that together get the mojo flowing.

The Classics

The gift of classic literature says you value her mind as well as her heart. And let us assure you: Real men read Brontë, cozied up with their sweethearts in front of the fire with a nice glass of Pinot Noir.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

The story of Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester holds its place in history as one the greatest love stories of all time, and Brontë holds hers as a novelist ahead of her time.

With this paperback edition perfect for Valentine’s Day, rediscover this classic story of passion, love, longing, and the complexities of the human condition.

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

Tragic young love rules the day in one of Shakespeare’s most-performed and influential plays. Countless adaptations have been created on stage, page and screen. (One might argue that there would never have been a “Bella Swan” or an “Edward Cullen” if there hadn’t been a Romeo and a Juliet. One might argue… if one were a seventeen-year-old girl.) This Valentine’s Day, rediscover the original — in all its iambic pentameter!

Words from the Heart

If you have trouble expressing your love in deep and eloquent ways, don’t worry! Let the pros do it for you! A gift book of poems is just the thing for the shy or tongue-tied Valentine.

Rumi’s Little Book of Love: 150 Poems that Speak to the Heart

Rumi, one of the most celebrated mystics of all time, chose poetry to communicate his deep spiritual experiences. His language, that of love in its purest form, speaks to us today as it did seven hundred years ago, surpassing time and bridging cultures.

These poems, most of them translated into English for the first time from the original Persian, were carefully selected from two thousand of Rumi’s quatrains. Arranged thematically, they take us on a journey of the soul. Persian calligraphy enhances the beauty of the poems.

Discover the depths of a mystic’s soul. Fly with him on his beloved’s wings. Fall with him into the despair and fear of losing his beloved forever. Discover the beauty and love contained in this wonderful little book of poetry.

Haiku for the Single Girl by Beth Griffenhagen

“I feel its approach

Inevitable as death:

Internet dating.”

It can’t all be love and light, and heart and soul, and bla bla bla, right? What about the single ladies (or single men) on your Valentine’s Day list? The unattached among us deserve gifts too! And what better than a humorous portrait of the single life, expressed in hilarious haiku.

Gifts of Love

Now that you have some romantic reads… you might want to add a gift that is outside the box — or inside the box — depending on what that marvelous little box contains. Here are a few fabulous gift ideas that come all wrapped up with love.

Alex & Ani - Key To My Heart

Tell her she holds the key to your heart with this beautiful charm on Alex and Ani’s patented Expandable Wire Bangle. Available in Russian Gold and Russian Silver.

Or, choose from our extensive selection of Alex & Ani “Words Are Powerful” collection and send a message of LOVE to your Valentine.

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Red Silk Album by Rag & Bone

Inside this lovely album from Rag & Bone Bindery, you’ll find twelve pages to fill in with thoughts such as, “My favorite way to spend the day with you is…,” “I’ve always admired the way you…,” “When you’re away this is what I miss most about you…” and more.

Includes a “to” and “from” inscription page and a glassine envelope for a love letter or photo.

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Archipelago Paramour Candle by Votivo

Archipelago Paramour candle exudes pomegranate, papaya & mango for an exotic scent designed especially for lovers. Jar is poured in a beautiful oversized glass using only the finest ingredients and fragrance oils available. Light this candle to get a romantic evening off to a sweetly-scented start.

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Only 6 days left to Valentine’s Day! Stop in to Barrington Books and The Studio today and browse our collection of Valentine’s cards, books and gifts for your sweetheart.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Betrayal Book Launch Tomorrow 1-4pm

January 6, 2012 By adenise Leave a Comment

The Jack Nicholson film The Departed didn’t tell half of their story. A poor kid from the slums, Robert Fitzpatrick grew up to become a stellar FBI agent and challenge the country’s deadliest gangsters. Relentless in his desire to catch, prosecute, and convict Whitey Bulger, Fitzpatrick fought the nation’s most determined cop-gangster battle since Melvin Purvis hunted, confronted, and killed John Dillinger.

In his crusade to bring Bulger to justice, Fitzpatrick faced not only Whitey but also corrupt FBI agents, along with political cronies and enablers from Boston to Washington who, in one way or another, blocked his efforts at every step. Even when Fitzpatrick discovered the very organization to which he had sworn allegiance was his biggest obstacle, the agent continued to pursue Whitey and his gang . . . knowing that they were prepared to murder anyone who got in their way.

Join us TOMORROW, JANUARY 7th from 1-4pm for the official launch of this chilling tale of murder, corruption, and courage. Meet FBI agent Robert Fitzpatrick and co-author Jon Land for a presentation and book signing of BETRAYAL, a true-life thriller.

Read an excerpt from the Prologue below.

A Forge Book

Published by Tom Docherty Associates, LLC

175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010

PROLOGUE

SOUTH BOSTON, 1984

“You want a bullet in the head?”

A few hours before he was murdered on a raw November night in 1985, John McIntyre thought he’d been invited to a party. At least, that’s what drew him to a South Boston house owned by Pat Nee, a top associate of Boston’s Irish crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger.

Two weeks earlier, McIntyre had been aboard a ship called the Ramsland when it sailed into Boston Harbor carrying thirty tons of marijuana that would have netted Whitey somewhere between one and three million dollars. But the cargo was seized, putting a sizable dent in Whitey’s pocketbook. And it was seized because McIntyre had told federal authorities about the shipment to keep himself out of jail. Believing his informant status still safe and secure, McIntyre agreed to go the party, figuring he’d be able to strengthen his hand with law enforcement even further. Only when he arrived at the house, Bulger stepped out of the shadows and stuck a machine gun in his gut.

McIntyre was thirty-two, of average height and weight, and bearded with dark blue eyes that belied the hardscrabble life of a man who made his living at sea. He had rough, callused hands from handing fishing nets with the texture of razor wire. But in addition to the fish McIntyre was also known to carry marijuana, bringing most of his supplies into the Boston area by boat. Small time mostly and not on anyone’s radar, until he caught the attention of the murderous Bulger and his Irish Winter Hill Gang, who were determined to muscle in on Boston’s drug trade in the 1980s.

Whitey was also involved in smuggling large shipments of weapons to the Irish Republican Army in Northern Ireland, for which he commandeered McIntyre as an engineer on a boat called the Valhalla. A military veteran, McIntyre kept his wits about him and didn’t view the criminal lifestyle as anything more than a means to supplement his fishing and boat-building jobs. The money was just too easy and plentiful to turn away from, and McIntyre rationalized his actions by the need to support the young family he was struggling to hold together.

In September of 1984, the Valhalla set sail into the Atlantic with its holds full of guns and ammunition instead of marijuana, or iced swordfish and halibut. The voyage was smooth and uneventful, ending when McIntyre supervised the transfer of arms at sea onto a trawler called the Merita Ann. A few days later, off the coast of Ireland, British authorities boarded Merita Ann. The weapons were seized and the crew arrested.

The ramification of the seizure reverberated all the way back across the Atlantic. Once Valhalla docked back in Boston, Customs officials took McIntyre and another crewmember into custody on suspected gunrunning charges. After routinely questioning McIntyre, they released him. But a few weeks later the Quincy, Massachusetts, police arrested McIntyre on a domestic assault beef.

Facing a potential prison stretch, McIntyre agreed to become a government informant and cough up the information on the infamous Irish gang leader’s criminal activities. The feds assured McIntyre he’d be safe, that his informant status would be revealed only to those officials associated with the case.

Now, though, on an autumn night that felt more like winter, John McIntyre found himself staring at the machine gun barrel propped over his belt. Stephen Flemmi and Kevin Weeks, two more of Whitey Bulger’s most trusted lieutenants, grabbed him and threw him on the floor. Then McIntyre watched in horror as Bulger opened his duffel bag of death. He took out a rope, chains, and an assortment of weapons that gleamed slightly beneath the naked lightbulbs with strings dangling from their outlets like spaghetti. Flemmi hand-cuffed McIntyre to a chair and then chained him to it as well for good measure.

“We’re gonna have a talk, you and me,” Whitey told him. “I think you’re a rat. Are you a rat, Johnny?”

Can’t make it to the event? Click HERE to order a signed copy of BETRAYAL today. (Please make a note in your order that you would like the book autographed.)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Barrington Books Events, Betrayal by Robert Fitzpatrick and Jon Land, Whitey Bulger

Staff Picks: Best Children’s Books of 2011

December 14, 2011 By adenise Leave a Comment

Picture Books

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear’s memory and renews his search with a vengeance. Told completely in dialogue, this delicious take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humor and winks at the reader with a wry irreverence that will have kids of all ages thrilled to be in on the joke.

Follow Me by Tricia Tusa

Swing high into the sky and explore a world full of earthy and elegant colors with the girl in this story as she experiences nature with a twist of her imagination. After she’s ventured far away, she floats gently back down and heads home, where her mother is waiting. Like a swing on an autumn day, this gentle, contemplative title invites viewers to escape and soar.

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

From the creator of the national bestseller It’s a Book comes a timeless story of family history, legacy, and love.

Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan

It’s evening in the forest and Little Owl wakes up from his day-long sleep to watch his friends enjoying the night. Hedgehog sniffs for mushrooms, Skunk nibbles at berries, Frog croaks, and Cricket sings. A full moon rises and Little Owl can’t understand why anyone would want to miss it. Could the daytime be nearly as wonderful? Mama Owl begins to describe it to him, but as the sun comes up, Little Owl falls fast asleep. Putting a twist on the bedtime book, Little Owl’s Night is sure to comfort any child with a curiosity about the night.

Red Sled by Lita Judge

In this almost wordless picture book, a host of woodland creatures take a child’s sled for a nighttime joy ride. Their whimsical ride is gorgeously depicted in bold watercolor, complemented by humorous expressions and pitch-perfect sound effects. With a timeless tone and charming characters, Red Sled will easily find its place among other classic wintertime books like The Snowy Day and The Mitten.

Children’s Fiction

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

For all the ten years of her life, HÀ has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, the warmth of her friends close by . . . and the beauty of her very own papaya tree.

But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. HÀ and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, HÀ discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food, the strange shape of its landscape . . . and the strength of her very own family.

This is the moving story of one girl’s year of change, dreams, grief, and healing as she journeys from one country to another, one life to the next.

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy

It’s 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows – a fascinating boy who’s not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin’s father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary’s sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies – Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.

Together with Ian Schoenherr’s breathtaking illustrations, this is a truly stunning package from cover to cover.

Wildwood by Colin Meloy

Prue McKeel’s life is ordinary. At least until her baby brother is abducted by a murder of crows. And then things get really weird.

You see, on every map of Portland, Oregon, there is a big splotch of green on the edge of the city labeled “I.W.” This stands for “Impassable Wilderness.” No one’s ever gone in—or at least returned to tell of it.

And this is where the crows take her brother.

So begins an adventure that will take Prue and her friend Curtis deep into the Impassable Wilderness. There they uncover a secret world in the midst of violent upheaval, a world full of warring creatures, peaceable mystics, and powerful figures with the darkest intentions. And what begins as a rescue mission becomes something much bigger as the two friends find themselves entwined in a struggle for the very freedom of this wilderness.

A wilderness the locals call Wildwood.

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

From Brian Selznick, the creator of the Caldecott Medal winner The Invention of Hugo Cabret comes another breathtaking tour de force.

Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories–Ben’s told in words, Rose’s in pictures–weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck

In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Desperaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story of the tiny individuals who secretly live among us humans.

Helena is the oldest of four mouse siblings who live in the walls of the Cranston estate. It is 1887 when the nouveau riche Cranstons decide to take a cruise ship to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter. The Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love. They might just find perfect futures for themselves as well!

Children’s Non-Fiction

Me Jane by Patrick McDonnell

With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall’s autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young–and young at heart.

Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet

Who invented the first balloons for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? In brilliant collage illustrations, the award-winning artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade.

The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China by Ed Young

I knew nothing could happen to us within those walls, in the house Baba built.

In Ed Young’s childhood home in Shanghai, all was not as it seemed: a rocking chair became a horse; a roof became a roller rink; an empty swimming pool became a place for riding scooters and bikes. The house his father built transformed as needed into a place to play hide-and-seek, to eat bamboo shoots, and to be safe.

For outside the home’s walls, China was at war. Soon the house held not only Ed and his four siblings but also friends, relatives, and even strangers who became family. The war grew closer, and Ed watched as planes flew overhead and frends joined the Chinese air force. But through it all, Ed’s childhood remained full of joy and imagination.

This powerful, poignant, and exquisitely illustrated memoir is the story of one of our most beloved children’s illustrators and the house hisbaba built.

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. But it is also the story of injustice; of a country divided by law, education, and wealth; of a people whose struggles and achievements helped define their country. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their masters; it’s about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws; it’s about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an education. It’s a story of discrimination and broken promises, determination and triumphs.

Kadir Nelson, one of this generation’s most accomplished, award-winning artists, has created an epic yet intimate introduction to the history of America and African Americans, from colonial days through the civil rights movement. Written in the voice of an “Everywoman,” an unnamed narrator whose forebears came to this country on slave ships and who lived to cast her vote for the first African American president, heart and soul touches on some of the great transformative events and small victories of that history. This inspiring book demonstrates that in gaining their freedom and equal rights, African Americans helped our country achieve its promise of liberty and justice—the true heart and soul of our nation.

Drawing From Memory by Allen Say

Caldecott Medalist Allen Say presents a stunning graphic novel chronicling his journey as an artist during WWII, when he apprenticed under Noro Shinpei, Japan’s premier cartoonist

Drawing From Memory is Allen Say’s own story of his path to becoming the renowned artist he is today. Shunned by his father, who didn’t understand his son’s artistic leanings, Allen was embraced by Noro Shinpei, Japan’s leading cartoonist and the man he came to love as his “spiritual father.” As WWII raged, Allen was further inspired to consider questions of his own heritage and the motivations of those around him. He worked hard in rigorous drawing classes, studied, trained–and ultimately came to understand who he really is.

Part memoir, part graphic novel, part narrative history, Drawing From Memory presents a complex look at the real-life relationship between a mentor and his student. With watercolor paintings, original cartoons, vintage photographs, and maps, Allen Say has created a book that will inspire the artist in all of us.

Visit Barrington Books or click here to purchase any of these staff recommended titles!

*Next up: Our staff picks for the best Young Adult novels of 2011 –coming soon!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Barrington Books Best Children's Books of 2011

Our Staff Picks the Best Books of 2011

December 12, 2011 By adenise Leave a Comment

FICTION

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called “Le Cirque des Reves,” and it is only open at night. Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart. “A riveting debut.” The Night Circus “pulls you into a world as dark as it is dazzling, fully-realized but still something out of a dream.

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

At Westish College, a small school on the shore of Lake Michigan, baseball star Henry Skrimshander seems destined for big league stardom. But when a routine throw goes disastrously off course, the fates of five people are upended.

The Art of Fielding is an expansive, warmhearted novel about ambition and its limits, about family and friendship and love, and about commitment–to oneself and to others.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

A deeply evocative story of ambition and betrayal, The Paris Wife captures a remarkable period of time and a love affair between two unforgettable people: Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley.

Chicago, 1920: Hadley Richardson is a quiet twenty-eight-year-old who has all but given up on love and happiness—until she meets Ernest Hemingway and her life changes forever. Following a whirlwind courtship and wedding, the pair set sail for Paris, where they become the golden couple in a lively and volatile group—the fabled “Lost Generation”—that includes Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

A heartbreaking portrayal of love and torn loyalty, The Paris Wife is all the more poignant because we know that, in the end, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anyone but Hadley.

Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks

Once again, Geraldine Brooks takes a remarkable shard of history and brings it to vivid life. In 1665, a young man from Martha’s Vineyard became the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College. Upon this slender factual scaffold, Brooks has created a luminous tale of love and faith, magic and adventure.

The narrator of Caleb’s Crossing is Bethia Mayfield, growing up in the tiny settlement of Great Harbor amid a small band of pioneers and Puritans. Restless and curious, she yearns after an education that is closed to her by her sex. As often as she can, she slips away to explore the island’s glistening beaches and observe its native Wampanoag inhabitants. At twelve, she encounters Caleb, the young son of a chieftain, and the two forge a tentative secret friendship that draws each into the alien world of the other.

Like Brooks’s beloved narrator Anna in Year of Wonders, Bethia proves an emotionally irresistible guide to the wilds of Martha’s Vineyard and the intimate spaces of the human heart. Evocative and utterly absorbing, Caleb’s Crossing further establishes Brooks’s place as one of our most acclaimed novelists.

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenenides

It’s the early 1980s—the country is in a deep recession, and life after college is harder than ever. In the cafés on College Hill, the wised-up kids are inhaling Derrida and listening to Talking Heads. But Madeleine Hanna, dutiful English major, is writing her senior thesis on Jane Austen and George Eliot, purveyors of the marriage plot that lies at the heart of the greatest English novels.

NONFICTION

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Before Liz Lemon, before “Weekend Update,” before “Sarah Palin,” Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV. She has seen both these dreams come true. At last, Tina Fey’s story can be told. From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon — from the beginning of this paragraph to this final sentence. Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we’ve all suspected: you’re no one until someone calls you bossy.

Catherine The Great: Portrait of A Woman by Robert K. Massie

Pulitzer-winning biographer Massie—of Nicholas and Alexandra and of Peter the Great—now relates the life of a German princess, Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst, who became Empress Catherine II of Russia. Once again Massie delivers, with this masterful, intimate, and tantalizing portrait of a majestic monarch.

The story is superbly told. All the special qualities that Robert K. Massie brought to Nicholas and Alexandra and Peter The Great are present here: historical accuracy, depth of understanding, felicity of style, mastery of detail, ability to shatter myth, and a rare genius for finding and expressing the human drama in extraordinary lives.

The Man in The Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Imposter by Mark Seal

The story of Clark Rockefeller is a stranger-than-fiction twist on the classic American success story of the self-made man-because Clark Rockefeller was totally made up. The career con man who convincingly passed himself off as Rockefeller was born in a small village in Germany. At seventeen, obsessed with getting to America, he flew into the country on dubious student visa documents and his journey of deception began. A probing and cinematic exploration of an audacious imposer-and a man determined to live the American dream by any means necessary.

Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy by Caroline Kennedy

In 1964, Jacqueline Kennedy recorded seven historic interviews about her life with John F. Kennedy. Now, for the first time, they can be heard and read in this illustrated book and 8-CD set.

Shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, with a nation deep in mourning and the world looking on in stunned disbelief, Jacqueline Kennedy found the strength to set aside her own personal grief for the sake of posterity and begin the task of documenting and preserving her husband’s legacy. In January of 1964, she and Robert F. Kennedy approved a planned oral-history project that would capture their first-hand accounts of the late President as well as the recollections of those closest to him throughout his extraordinary political career. For the rest of her life, the famously private Jacqueline Kennedy steadfastly refused to discuss her memories of those years, but beginning that March, she fulfilled her obligation to future generations of Americans by sitting down with historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and recording an astonishingly detailed and unvarnished account of her experiences and impressions as the wife and confidante of John F. Kennedy. The tapes of those sessions were then sealed and later deposited in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum upon its completion, in accordance with Mrs. Kennedy’s wishes.

Life Itself: A Memoir by Roger Ebert

In this candid, personal history, Ebert chronicles it all: his loves, losses, and obsessions; his struggle and recovery from alcoholism; his marriage; his politics; and his spiritual beliefs.

He writes about his years at the Sun-Times, his colorful newspaper friends, and his life-changing collaboration with Gene Siskel. He remembers his friendships with Studs Terkel, Mike Royko, Oprah Winfrey, and Russ Meyer (for whom he wrote Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and an ill-fated Sex Pistols movie). He shares his insights into movie stars and directors like John Wayne, Werner Herzog, and Martin Scorsese.

This is a story that only Roger Ebert could tell. Filled with the same deep insight, dry wit, and sharp observations that his readers have long cherished, this is more than a memoir-it is a singular, warm-hearted, inspiring look at life itself.

Check back for our Children’s Books Best Books of 2011 picks… coming soon!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Barrington Books Best Books of 2011

Our Very Merry Gift Ideas!

November 23, 2011 By adenise Leave a Comment

What is a “perfect gift?” And how do you find it? It starts with finding the perfect store. A store where the possibilities are vast, and the choices delight you. Where you can find an heirloom quality toy, an engrossing bestseller, a unique piece of jewelry – even frogs – all in one place!

It helps, too, when a staff of gift experts, literature buffs and toy enthusiasts get together to bring you their favorites, so that this holiday shopping season, when you go in search of the perfect gift – you actually find it! So here it is… our VERY MERRY HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS list!

Visit Barrington Books and The Studio this holiday weekend to find these great gifts, and hundreds of other fabulous choices (stocking stuffers too!) for everyone on your list. You can also fill out one of our BOOKS* TOYS *GIFTS LISTS to let others know what’s on your wish list this year.

VERY MERRY GIFT IDEAS…BOOKS!

The Phantom Tollbooth 50th Anniversary Edition

By Norton Juster

It has been fifty years–and millions of readers–since the world was first introduced to Milo and his adventures in the Lands Beyond with Tock, the Humbug, and the captive princesses Rhyme and Reason. Now we have a remarkable 50th anniversary edition to honor this universally adored and deeply influential novel. A perfect gift for longstanding fans and lucky new readers, the 50th anniversary edition of The Phantom Tollbooth is a book to cherish. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers 9780375869037 $24.00

Inheritance

By Christopher Paolini

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope to Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances. The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaesia? And if so, at what cost?  This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers 9780375856112 $27.99

Jingle Bells (Teddy Bear Sing-Along)

By David Ellwand

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! It’s a song everyone knows…but now kids can sing along with Teddy!  Featuring David Ellwand’s acclaimed photographs, this Teddy Bear Sing Along book tells the story of the classic Christmas tune with adorable teddy bears. When kids see these cuddly friends dashing through the snow in their one-house open sleigh, they’ll laugh all the way. And when they sing along to the music from the push-button sound built right into the book, they’ll learn what fun it is to sing a sleighing song tonight! “Jingle Bells” is the perfect book to make kids’ spirits’ bright! Silver Dolphin 9781607103226 $12.95

The Night Circus

By Erin Morgenstern

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called “Le Cirque des Reves,” and it is only open at night. Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart. “A riveting debut.”The Night Circus “pulls you into a world as dark as it is dazzling, fully-realized but still something out of a dream. You will not want to leave it.” –Tea Obreht, author of “The Tiger’s Wife” Doubleday Books 9780385534635 $26.95

Out of Oz: The Final Volume in the Wicked Years

By Gregory Maguire

Maguire returns with the final installment in his transformative work, a thrilling and compulsively readable saga in which the fate of Oz is decided at last. The stirring, long-awaited conclusion to the extraordinary bestselling series begun with “Wicked,” “Out of Oz” is a magical journey rife with revelations and reversals, reprisals and surprises–the hallmarks of the brilliant and unique imagination of Maguire. For fans, this will be a revealing and satisfying end to the layered tale begun in Wicked. William Morrow & Company 9780060548940 $26.99

The Time of Our Lives: A Conversation about America; Who We Are, Where We’ve Been, and Where We Need to Go Now, to Recapture the American Dream

By Tom Brokaw

Tom Brokaw, known and beloved for his landmark work in American journalism and for the “New York Times” bestsellers “The Greatest Generation” and “Boom!,” now turns his attention to the challenges that face America in the new millennium, to offer reflections on how we can restore America’s greatness. Brokaw gives us, a wise, honest, and wide-ranging book, and a nourishing vision of hopefulness in an age of diminished expectations. Random House 9781400064588 $26.00

Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero

By Chris Matthews

“What was he like?”Jack Kennedy said the reason people read biography is to answer that basic question. With the verve of a novelist, Chris Matthews gives us just that. We see this most beloved president in the company of friends. We see and feel him close-up, having fun and giving off that restlessness of his. We watch him navigate his life from privileged, rebellious youth to gutsy American president. Simon & Schuster 9781451635089 $27.50

Then Again

By Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton has starred in some of the most memorable movies of the past forty years, including the” Godfather” trilogy, “Annie Hall, Manhattan, Reds, Baby Boom, The First Wives Club, “and” Something’s Gotta Give”.

In a remarkable act of creation, Diane not only reveals herself to readers, she also lets them meet in intimate detail her mother. More than the autobiography of a legendary actress, “Then Again” is a book about a very American family with very American dreams. Diane will remind you of yourself, and her bonds with her family will remind you of your own relationships with those you love the most. Random House 9781400068784 $26.00

Essential Pépin

By Jacques Pépin

In his more than sixty years as a chef, Jacques Pépin has earned a reputation as a champion of simplicity. His recipes are classics. They find the shortest, surest route to flavor, avoiding complicated techniques. For the first time ever, the legendary chef collects and updates the best recipes from his six-decade career. With a searchable DVD demonstrating every technique a cook will ever need. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 9780547232799 $40.00

War Room: Bill Belichick and the Patriot Legacy

By Michael Holley

Bill Belichick is one of the titans of today’s game of football. Now, sports commentator and bestselling author Michael Holley follows three NFL teams–the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and Atlanta Falcons–from training camp 2010 through the Super Bowl and into the April draft, opening a new window into Belichick’s influence on the game. This one-of-a-kind exploration takes football fans behind the scenes of the most popular sport in America, with unprecedented insider access to the head coaches, scouts, trainers, and players who make the game what it is–including new insights from Bill Parcells, Todd and Dick Haley, and Belichick himself. It Books 9780062082398 $25.99

VERY MERRY GIFT IDEAS…TOYS!

Airswimmers – The remote control flying sharks and clownfish ”swim” effortlessly through the air. Realistic graphics team up with easy steering in any direction for remote controlled fun. A great gift for ages 8 and up at $39.95.

Kidzaw Master Kitz – Artist and Mom, Michelle Talbot, is the mastermind behind these inventive painting kits. The kits include stencils, paint rollers, non-toxic paints, step-by-step instructions and more, letting kids create their own version of classic works of art. Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Gustav Klimt’s The Tree of Life and Monet’s Waterlilies are available for For ages 5 years to adult. $29.95.

Blue Orange Games Fastrack – Voted one of the Best Games for Kids 2011. Action is non-stop and fun is plentiful. Using the elasticized cord, be quick and aim well to be the first to send all of the disks zooming across to the other side. $19.95 for ages 5 and up.

Spooner Boards – Simulates board sports moves like skateboarding and snowboarding but does not require same skill level or entail the same danger! It spins, rocks and develops balance, coordination and fitness. FUN! $49.95 & 59.95 for ages 3 and up.

VERY MERRY “STUDIO” GIFT IDEAS…

Infinity Scarves – The “it” accessory trend for fall/winter. A scarf in one continues loop, it can be worn in several different ways: around the neck, in a double loop over the head or as a shrug.

Cinda b. Handbags & Totes, Travel Bags, Accessories – Fast becoming the “must have” line of handbags, these lightweight, durable, colorful, stain and water resistant bags are both beautiful and functional. It’s a gift that hints at the promise of travel and adventure—in style. From $19.00 – $139.00

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Alex & Ani – Designed to adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit, this unique line of jewelry is meant to uplift and inspire all who wear it. Expect to find all the latest from Alex & Ani this holiday season, including an expanded selection of Charmed Arms letters, symbols, birthstones, Words are Powerful , as well as the hottest in trend pieces from the Arabian Nights, Euphoria, True Holiday, Expandable Love and Vintage Sixty-Six collections. From $21.00

Cork Pops – Cork Pops wine bottle opener is the fastest, easiest way to open a bottle of wine. Just insert into the wine cork and push. Up pops the cork! The perfect gift for a wine buff or gadget-lover. $20.00

Votivo Candles – A luxurious line of candles with unique, pleasing fragrances and distinctive packaging. Votivo’s signature holiday candles in fragrances including: “Christmas Sage,” “Clementine & Clove,” “Winter Cranberry” and “Red Currant,” make the perfect “holiday hostess” gift. From $14.00 – $30.00

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Stonewall Kitchen – From Apple Cranberry Relish to Chocolate Peppermint Bark, nothing says “holiday” quite like the gourmet products from Stonewall Kitchen. Ask for our signature “tea towel” wrap for a gift that is festive, functional and delicious! From $3.50 – $17.95

For more gift book selections, pick up a copy of our 2011 Holiday Gift Catalog, with dozens of holiday book suggestions hand-picked by our booksellers. Available now at Barrington Books!

Enjoy 20% off bestsellers and complimentary holiday gift wrapping!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Barrington Books and The Studio Holiday Gift Ideas, Very Merry Gift List

Holiday Shopping Just Got A Little Easier!

November 11, 2011 By adenise Leave a Comment

At Barrington Books and The Studio, we think holiday shopping should be FUN… not stressful.

So we’ve made it easier for you find just the right gift for everyone on your list.

Introducing our exclusive BOOKS • TOYS • GIFTS LIST. Create a customized “wish list” for yourself, or a child, and take the guesswork out of gift-buying. Make it easy for others to find and keep track of what she’s reading… what toys are his favorites… or which linens would look perfect on your dining room table.

Just choose your favorites — and we’ll do the rest… right down to tying the pretty bow on the package. Stop in and create your customized BOOKS • TOYS • GIFTS LIST today!

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Barrington Books Presents: Chris Matthews on Saturday, December 3, 2011

November 2, 2011 By adenise Leave a Comment

Barrington Books is proud to present best-selling author and host of MSNBC’s Hardball, Chris Matthews, for a reception and signing of his new book, “Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero,” on Saturday, December 3, at 1 pm.

Priority signing will be given to customers who order the book in advance. Orders can be placed by calling the store at 401-245-7925, or online at barringtonbooks.com. All guests waiting to have their book signed are invited to enjoy an exclusive reception held in the Barrington Books event space adjacent to the store.

From the Publisher

A new portrait of John F. Kennedy based on interviews with those who knew him best, by Chris Matthews, best-selling Kennedy expert and host of Hardball. By following the journey of Jack Kennedy’s life from his school days to the White House, through war and illness and his greatest triumphs, Chris Matthews brings us much closer to the man Jack Kennedy really was.

We know so much about President John F. Kennedy, yet even his wife Jacqueline described him as “that elusive man.” To MSNBC Hardball host Chris Matthews, Kennedy has long been both an avatar and a puzzle, a beacon and a conundrum. “Whenever I spot the name in print, I stop to read. Anytime I’ve ever met a person who knew him—someone who was there with JFK in real time—I crave hearing their first-person narrative.”

For years, Matthews has been collecting those stories. In Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, the best-selling author and Kennedy expert has woven those firsthand encounters with JFK into an epic story, telling the tale of how Kennedy grew from a child of privilege into a war hero and finally President of the United States, all the while coping with a life-threatening disease.

In searching for Jack Kennedy my own way,” Matthews writes, “I found a fighting prince never free from pain, never far from trouble, never accepting the world he found, never wanting to be his father’s son. He was a far greater hero than he ever wished us to know.”

Reviews

“It’s hard for a book to be loving, affectionate and honest, but Chris Matthews has done it. He captures JFK’s virtues and flaws, his appreciation of heroism, his essential independence, his coolness at the core. Full of drama, infused with the joy of politics and battle, Jack Kennedy is an insightful piece of work and a great time! ”

–Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal

Click here to order Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero and reserve your ticket to the season’s biggest book signing event!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Chris Matthews Book Signing, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero

Barrington Books’ Annual Children’s Books Authors & Illustrators Event is on Saturday, October 29th!

October 24, 2011 By adenise Leave a Comment

It’s a lovely tradition! Right before Halloween each year, Barrington Books gathers regional picture book, middle grade and young adult authors & illustrators for a festive day of book signings, crafts, costumes, treats and stories.

This year, the line up is terrific with many favorites returning and several new authors joining the fun!

Event Schedule

10 am-12pm

Jamie Michalak – Joe and Sparky, Superstars! Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels

Alison Paul – The Crow; Sunday Love

12-2 pm

Anika & Christopher Denise – Bella and Stella Come Home; Pigs Love Potatoes

RW & Zoë Alley – There’s A Princess In The Palace; There’s A Wolf At The Door

Willa Perlman – Goodnight, World; Pocket Kisses

* Spooky Story Hour will begin at 1 pm – costumes encouraged!

2-4 pm

Pamela Lowell – Returnable Girl; Spotting for Nellie

Liz McGrath – The Ghouls Come Haunting One by One

Sarah L. Thomson – Mercy: The Last New England Vampire; Dragon’s Egg; The Dragon’s Son; Pirates, Ho! Three Cups of Tea (Young Reader’s Edition)

Jamie Michalak is a children’s book author and editor. She has written more than fifteen books, including Joe and Sparky, Superstars! Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels, Fairy Goodnight Kisses, Fairy Tea Party, Larry and Rita, and the upcoming So You Want to Catch a Bigfoot! (Candlewick Press, 2011). Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz, was named a Kirkus Best Children’s Book of the Year, Chicago Public Library Best Children’s Book of the Year, and Junior Library Guild Selection. When not writing or editing, she can often be found playing with her two boys—marching in parades, walking planks, or singing back-up in their pots-and-pans band. Jamie was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and grew up in the same neighborhood that Dr. Seuss once lived in. She now resides in Barrington, Rhode Island with her husband and sons. For more on Ms. Michalak, visit www.jamiemichalak.com.

Alison Paul was born on a Halloween morning. (Her parents still wonder whether she was a trick or a treat.) She grew up in sunny California and lived a comfortable snow-free existence until moving to New England. Alison attended the Rhode Island School of Design where she wrote her first book, The Crow, A Not So Scary Story (Houghton Mifflin). When she finished illustrating that one, she thought, “Hey maybe I should try to write another book.” And so she did. Her second book, Sunday Love, (Houghton Mifflin) is in stores now. For more about Alison, visit www.alisonpaulart.com.

Christopher and Anika Denise are the husband-and-wife team behind the picture books Bella and Stella Come Home and Pigs Love Potatoes, as well as the upcoming The Best Part of Middle (Philomel, 2013). They live in Barrington, Rhode Island with their three young daughters. In addition to working on his wife’s books, Chris has collaborated with best-selling authors Brian Jacques, Jane Yolen, Phyllis Root, J. Patrick Lewis and others. He also works as a visual development artist and character designer for animated films. Anika Denise is a writer and frequent guest speaker at schools and libraries throughout New England. To learn more about the Denises visit www.anikadenise.com and www.christopherdenise.com.

RW and Zoë Alley live in Barrington, Rhode Island with their children, Cassandra and Max. RW Alley is the acclaimed illustrator of the Paddington series as well as more than a hundred other wonderful books for children, including the book by his wife, author Zoë Alley, There’s A Princess In The Palace, a follow up to the couple’s first collaboration: There’s A Wolf At The Door. To learn more about the Alleys visit www.rwalley.com.

Willa Perlman is the author of two children’s books, Pocket Kisses, and Goodnight, World, which were published respectively in 2011 by Beach Lane/ Simon & Schuster. Her interest in publishing books for children has evolved from a 20+ year career in book publishing and intellectual property development including the titles of president of Hasbro Properties Group, at Hasbro, Inc; president of Golden Books Publishing Group; president & publisher of Simon & Schuster Children’s Books Division; and vice president, editorial director of “Willa Perlman Books,” an imprint of the HarperCollins Children’s Division. Willa started her publishing career at Harcourt Brace Jovanovich where she held senior level positions in trade book marketing, publicity and advertising and launched the children’s trade imprint, “Gulliver Books.” Visit Willa’s publisher’s page at http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Willa-Perlman/67347445.

Pamella Lowell is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in counseling adolescents and their families in Barrington, Rhode Island. Ms. Lowell began writing about ten years ago, and has published poems, essays, and a self-help book for parents. Returnable Girl her first novel, (Marshall Cavendish, 2006) has won numerous awards, including 2008 Young Adult Choices from the International Reading Association. Spotting for Nellie was released in 2010. She has also won awards on behalf of her work with children who are adopted or in foster care, and is a consultant for Adoption Rhode Island. She welcomes comments from readers and can be reached at www.pamelalowell.com.

Liz McGrath grew up in very rural Montville, Connecticut, the fourth of six children (all 12-18 months apart!). Drawing and coloring became great ways to escape the chaos and find privacy. Liz graduated from Boston’s Chamberlayne with an Associate of Arts degree. Liz, her husband Tim, and their two daughters, Caleigh and Maeve, live in New England where they continue to create various artworks. Liz has illustrated two children’s books: Even More/Todavía más– a bilingual publication and The Ghouls Come Haunting One By One (written by Tom McDermott.) For more about Ms. McGrath’s illustration work visit http://www.lizmcgrathillustrations.com.

Sarah L. Thomson has published more than twenty-five books for young readers. Her young adult titles include Dragon’s Egg (Junior Literary Guild Premier Selection and Maine Lupine Award winner, 2007), The Dragon’s Son, which Booklist called “a spellbinding tale of love, intrigue, and betrayal,” The Manny (“worthy of Jane Austen,” according to the Washington Post), The Secret of the Rose, and The Young Reader’s Edition of Three Cups of Tea (a New York Times bestseller). Her newest novel: Mercy, The Last New England Vampire released on October 11, 2011. A former children’s book editor for HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, she now lives and writes in Portland, Maine. For more information on Ms. Thomson visit http://home.earthlink.net/~slthomson.

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