Staff Picks - 2013 Holiday



The Independent Voices of Northshire Bookstore Fall/Winter 2013/14 Northshire Bookstore Manchester Center, Vermont 4869 Main St. 802.362.2200 ▶800.437.3700 Fax 802-362-1233 Saratoga Springs, New York 424 Broadway 518.682.4200 ▶855.339.5990 The Independent is produced by the Northshire Bookstore Press Corps. All prices are based on current publishers' information and are subject to change. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause. Co-Owners: Chris, Barbara & Ed Morrow Co-Editors: Louise Jones, Kim Potter, Heather Bellanca Children's Book Editor: Jessica Wood Design: Heather Bellanca Photos: Heather Bellanca Contributors: Jennifer Armstrong, Martha Cornwell, Sarah Donner, Alden Graves, Stan Hynds, Louise Jones, Whitney Kaaz, Sarah Knight, Chris Linendoll, Marika McCoola, Paige Mushaw, Bonnie Naumann, Maeve Noonan, Amy Palmer, Ben Parker, Krysta Piccoli, Nancy Scheemaker, Jeanette Sessions, Tara Swahlan, Frances Tobia, Jessica Wood, Debbi Wraga = autographed books The letters "pb" indicate a title is in paperback; all others are hardcover. Printed on 100% Recycled Paper	Happy Holidays! from the Morrow family and all the staff of Northshire Bookstore. As you probably know, we have expanded our fold this year with the addition of a new store in Saratoga Springs, NY. We feel fortunate to have joined such a caring, interesting and arts oriented community. The Saratoga store has also helped us re-appreciate the "mothership" in Manchester, as it has come to be known. We are confident the two stores will enrich and complement each other and that there will be a good balance of author events between them. Opening a second store in this day and age is risky on many levels, but we are more committed than ever to the value of the printed word, to helping foster the love of reading in children and to creating uplifting environments for people to discover ideas, information and entertainment. If you share these goals, please support us as you shop for gifts this holiday season. Books make great presents! And, of course, we offer many unique gifts and a whole world of fun goodies for kids as well. Also, we hope you will participate in our Book Angel Program, which gets books into the hands of youngsters who are not fortunate enough to get them for the holidays. Just ask a bookseller about this when you are in the store – it is easy, fun and much appreciated. Wishing you the best for the holidays, Chris Morrow, Co-owner CMorrow@northshire.com Publish Independently with the Shires Press You've written a book, now what? Shires Press at Northshire Bookstore is here to help you independently publish your book. We offer a variety of publishing packages depending on your distribution goals. We can provide perfect bound or hardcover books with color covers and either color or black and white interior pages. Just as our focus in the bookstore is on customer service, we bring the same dedication to our printing services. To learn more about the Shires Press visit www.northshire.com or email dwraga@northshire.com • Debbi Wraga
Cover Illustration My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Days of Christmas by Scott McKowen (all ages). The illustrations that grace our cover and adorn the page numbers are from this lovely clothbound book. The inspiration for this volume comes from the illustrator's mother who silkscreened her own cards every holiday season. While a few liberties have been taken this fresh approach is at once thoughtful and humorous. • Jessica Wood


Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli, illustrated by Peskimo (board book, ages 1-3). Peer through cutout letterforms and try to guess the word that begins with that letter, then turn the page to reveal a scene! This board book is a fun guessing game for young readers and a great gift for design-savvy babies! • Marika McCoola	A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara (board book, ages 1-3). How amaz ing! There are not enough books for young kids that encourage them to engage actively with the world, or teach them that they can make a difference. Explore the alphabet through excitement and actions, then spot a cat on every page. • Krysta Piccoli	A Moose That Says Moo by Jennifer Hamburg, illustrated by Sue Truesdell (ages 2-4). What would be different about the animals in your own zoo? Book-reading sharks and bears that drive cars are just a few silly things in this rollicking new picture book. Sue Truesdell's illustrations are a perfect fit! • Whitney Kaaz

TouchThinkLearn: Colors and TouchThinkLearn:Opposites by Xavier Deneux(board books, ages 2-5).Deneux's books are not your average board books. These highquality and beautiful books are wonderful for the curious toddler.Each page fits snugly into the next and are full of fun shapes and vibrant colors. • Krysta Piccoli
The Bear's Song by Benjamin Chaud (ages 2-5). When Little Bear spots a bee, he follows it to find honey. Papa Bear follows his cub through all sorts of places in this delightful picture book. Readers will laugh as they pour over each detailed illustration, looking for the little bear and bee hidden in each scene. • Marika McCoola		Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin (ages 3-5). This new bedtime picture book features old-fashioned illustrations on midnight blue background, with whimsical animals that transport sleeping children to different makebelieve lands. • Fran Tobia


Once Upon a Northern Night by Jean E. Pendziwol, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (ages 4-7). A poetic celebration of the wonders of a cold winter's night. While a child sleeps in his warm bed, the animals look for food and frost settles gently on the windowpane. Gorgeous illustrations convey the simple, stark feelings of a snowy night. • Whitney Kaaz	The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert, photographs by Per Breiehagen (ages 3-6). A beautiful Nordic Christmas tale with breathtaking photographs of the author's daughter. Anja wants to become one of Santa's elves. With the help of a menagerie of friends, she finds her way to the North Pole. A new holiday classic in the tradition of The Polar Express.• Martha Cornwell	Santa Claus and The Three Bears by Maria Modugno, illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer (ages 3-6). The three bears return from their Christmas Eve stroll to find their pudding eaten, their chairs broken, their beds slept in - and the intruder is still there! With a red jacket and a fluffy beard, could it be Santa? • Martha Cornwell


How to Hide a Lion by Helen Stephens (ages 4-8). An adorable, tender story about friendship and loyalty that will soon become a favorite picture book among young readers. • Fran Tobia	Walk This World by Jenny Broom, illustrated by Lotta Nieminen (ages 4-7). This composite of global cultures celebrates the similarities and differences between people around the world. Travel to a new country on every page, each with new surprises: peek through windows, open doors and delve underground by opening the many flaps on every spread. • Jessica Wood
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown (ages 4-7). Mr. Tiger is bored with being so proper all the time, so he decides to let his wild side out. Will his overly proper friends accept him? A fun story about the joys of marching to the beat of your own drum and maybe setting a few trends along the way. • Krysta Piccoli	Sophie Scott Goes South by Alison Lester (ages 6-9). Sophie Scott is headed to Antarctica with her captain father. Along the way, she records the sights, sounds and events in her diary, mixing narrative with illustrations and photographs. A detailed record of a life-changing journey, this picture book will transport readers of all ages. • Marika McCoola
Come Back Moon by David Kherdian, illustrated by Nonny Hogrogrian (ages 3-7). A lovely tale of a very bright moon and the bear who decides to steal it because he cannot sleep in its fullness and brightness. However, the other animals miss the moon and the lovely glow that helps them navigate the night. • Jessica Wood	The Silver Button by Bob Graham (ages 4-7). This entire book takes place in a single moment as a child adds a silver button to a drawing, her brother takes his first step, their mother plays a note from a penny whistle. Graham illustrates the magic of a moment with grace, kindness and an element of simplicity. • Jessica Wood
Mouse House Tales by Susan Pearson illustrated by Amanda Shepherd (ages 5-8). The perfect introduction to chapter books for young readers, with the perfect mix of text and lovely illustrations for those who want to graduate from picture books but still enjoy illustrations to help the story along. Mouse is a most charming and welcoming character. • Jessica Wood	The Fort that Jack Built by Boni Ashburn, illustrated by Brett Helquist (ages 3 & up). An exuberant tale of young Jack and his trials maintaining the fort built with borrowed items. With his trusty dog, Jack forges a castle that is disassembled by his family - all but grandma who is more than willing to share. • Jessica Wood

Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska illustrated by Daniel Mizielinska (ages 5 & up). A lavish, visual feast for everyone! Places of historical and cultural interest, eminent personalities, iconic animals and plants, borders, cities, rivers and peaks from every region on the planet. I highly recommend this absorbing volume; you'll spend many hours discovering the world we live in. • Jessica Wood	The Animal Book by Steve Jenkins (ages 8 & up). This visual encyclopedia of life on Earth is a wonder of a volume, starting with a comprehensive Tree of Life, then launching into each classification with exquisite photographs and simple text. The perfect book for a child to get lost in on a snowy day. • Jessica Wood
The Greatest Dinosaur Ever by Brenda Z. Guiberson, illustrated by Gennady Spirin (ages 3 & up). This is an excellent first dinosaur book filled with fascinating facts and spectacular illustrations that will inspire young readers to choose their own favorite dinosaurs! • Jessica Wood	How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language by Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman, DVM. (ages 8-12). This easy-to-read guide fits in any dog-lover's stocking. Learn about the "Scared Wag" - tail high and stiff, just the end wagging - and more. National Geographic's format has lovely color photos to accompany each quick narrative. • Bonnie Winchester
Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal (ages 5-8). Follow the lifespan of some amazing animals and learn what makes them unique. Packed with facts about the incredible feats that animals accomplish in their lifetimes - in one lifetime a rattlesnake will add 40 beads to its rattle! • Whitney Kaaz	Locomotive by Brian Floca (ages 6-9). Like the rails that cut across the country, Locomotive transcends audiences. Elementary learners love looking at the pictures. Sixth graders will flip for the historical details. Science and history teachers will scoop up the accurate and readable details. Artists adore watercolor illustrations for perspective and period lettering. Parents like the proven entertainment. • Bonnie Winchester


Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell (ages 8-12). Sophie's guardian, who finds her floating in a cello case, tells her never to ignore a possibility. When the welfare agency threatens to take her, Sophie ventures to Paris to find her birth mother. She befriends the Rooftoppers and wild escapades ensue while she evades the French police. • Martha Cornwell	Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by KG Campbell (ages 8-12). A run-in with a vacuum cleaner grants Ulysses the squirrel powers of super-strength, flight and poetry. Flora witnesses Ulysses' transformation and vows to help him fight evil. DiCamillo shows the value inherent in all people, and all genres, with one quirky book. • Marika McCoola	Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things: Mister Max 1 by Cynthia Voigt (ages 8-12). Until Max can discover what happened to his missing parents he decides to become Mister Max the Solutioneer, helping people solve the trickiest of problems. Raised by actors, he easily fits into any disguise. Book One of what promises to be an exciting series. • Krysta Piccoli
Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young (ages 8-12). Who knew running out of milk could be so adventurous??? What took you so long? asked the children. In the time it takes father to run to the corner store for some milk, aliens invade, pirates swashbuckle and volcanoes erupt! • Whitney Kaaz	The Abominables by Eva Ibbotson (ages 8-12). Transporting five not-at-all-abominable snowmen to a stately home in England is classic Ibbotson. In this, her last novel (she died in 2010) the beloved author gives us a family of gentle Yetis with Mt. Everest-sized personalities. If Ibbotson is new to you, think Roald Dahl - but sweeter. • Jennifer Armstrong	Zubel Saucy Girls ($37.99). We think these sassy gals will appeal even to girls moving beyond dolls.100% organic, beautifully hand-crafted, knit figures. Made in the USA.
Animation Studio. Punch-out props, fold-out stage sets & animation devices – everything you need to create stop-motion pictures with your cell phone or digital camera.	Pom Pom Maker (ages 8 & up). A fun craft kit with form & colorful, fluffy yarn provided to learn to make pom poms.


Man Made Boy by Jon Skovron (ages 13 & up). Boy isn't your typical teen; his parents, The Monster and Bride, want him to live with those Frankensteins. He runs away and meets the granddaughters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, who teach him what it means to be a human and a monster. Hilarious, but some mature themes and language. • Jeanette Sessions	Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund (ages 13 & up). This companion to Darkness Shows the Stars explores a different part of Peterfreund's masterfully created world. Persis Blake has two identities: Albian socialite and Wild Poppy - a mysterious figure who rescues Galatean victims of genetic manipulation. Scarlet Pimpernel-inspired, this unputdownable novel is equal parts sci-fi, dystopia and sweeping epic.• Paige Mushaw
Tandem: The Many-Worlds Trilogy, Book 1 by Anna Jarzab (ages 12 & up). Sasha Lawson wants to go on an epic adventure, like those in her favorite books - until her longtime crush takes her to the prom, and Sasha wakes up in a parallel world. An entirely original concept, this will surely hook fans of dazzling science fiction stories. • Paige Mushaw	Jane, the Fox & Me by Fanny Britt, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (ages 10-14). Bullied at school, Helene escapes into Jane Eyre. On a camping trip, as things seem to be getting worse, Helene spots a fox - and a friend. A beautifully illustrated graphic novel of bullying and how to find a way through it. • Marika McCoola

Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die: Downhill Experts Share the World's Greatest Destinations by Chris Santella. East coast, Rockies, Alps, Andes and then some. This book provides expert tips to the best trails and backcountry to be skied and ridden. Spectacular photos.• Stan Hynds	Caffe Lena: Inside America's Legendary Folk Music Coffeehouse by Jocelyn Arem. An important historical and visual record of the legendary Saratoga coffeehouse and musical stage. From its 1960 inception to the present, Caffe Lena has hosted most of the great folk musicians of our time. Amazing photos galore. • Stan Hynds
Lonely Planet's Beautiful World. Travel to the world's most majestic places with beautiful photographs of wind-sculptured icebergs in Antarctica, wildlife on the move, volcanic eruptions, icecapped mountains and other natural wonders of the world. A great gift for everyone from adventurers to armchair travelers and even yourself. • Sarah Knight	A Lifetime of Vermont People by Peter Miller. Miller's exquisite photos are well known from his previous books about rural Vermonters. His latest includes more than 200 photographs shot during his 60 years as a photographer profiling 60 residents of the Green Mountain State. • Stan Hynds
All the Time in the World: A Book of Hours by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins. In the Middle Ages readings were done at certain times of day. With more than 75 eclectic entries, here is a modern version, describing such practices as incense sniffing in 15th century Japan to our interest in flaming desserts. Entertaining and delightful. • Sarah Knight	802 Baseball Cap (Green & pink, $16.99, available in Manchester store only). Can you imagine a hipper area code?! Really make a statement & choose the pink version.


One Good Dish by David Tanis. James Beard nominee and Alice Waters associate, Tanis makes beautiful cookbooks. His latest offers 100 recipes showcasing his unique version of comfort food. From a chapter called "Bread Makes a Meal" (ham and Gruyere bread pudding) to a chapter on cast iron skillet cooking, this is a book that stirs cravings. • Stan Hynds	Elizabeth David on Vegetables by Elizabeth David. Elizabeth David revolutionized British cooking with her writings on Mediterranean food. Collected here, for the first time, are all of her vegetable recipes. Includes essays, anecdotes and full color photography. • Stan Hynds	The Art of Simple Food II: Recipes, Flavor, and Inspiration from the New Kitchen Garden by Alice Waters. Chez Panisse founder Alice Waters follows up her now-classic The Art of Simple Food with a new cookbook centering on her "plant-forward way of cooking." Seasonality, sourcing and good ingredients are highlighted in this new collection of flavorful, nourishing recipes. • Stan Hynds
Pasta Modern: New and Inspired Recipes from Italy by Francine Segan. The newest, hippest pasta dishes from Italian food bloggers, home cooks and fancy pasta makers. The 100 recipes have easy to follow directions, ranging from simple and elegant to complex, with recipes for vegans and vegetarians too. Beautifully photographed. • Sarah Knight	The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert by Richard Betts. It is, in fact, what it is. Be brave. Get it. (Get two - one for yourself, one to give.) Be braver. Take it into the wine aisle. A master sommelier, Betts (not the guitarist), is legit. • Stan Hynds	Books as Art T-Shirts ($38.99). Litographs creates art from the books you've read & loved. Posters, t-shirts & tote bags are all created entirely from the text of classic books by artists from all over the world. From a distance, the artwork illustrates a theme, character or setting from each book. Move closer & the text becomes fully legible.
Fieldstone Food Slab (various sizes $50-$65). Impressive serving platters do justice to wonderful artisanal cheeses. Harvested from the earth's surface on small New England farms.	Round or Square Boiled Wool Coasters ($5.99). Ecofriendly and superabsorbent besides bringing splashes of intense color to the party. Mix & match colors & shapes for more fun.	Bobo's Mountain Sugar (1/2 pt–qt. $9.99–$25.98). AKA Vermont maple syrup (Grade A, dark amber) collected & bottled in the mountains of Vermont with labels signed & dated by the bottlers, including Northshire's own Chris Morrow & family.


Doctor Who: The Vault: Treasures from the First 50 Years by Marcus Hearn. Calling all Whovians – come explore 50 years of material starting with the pre-production notes from 1963 up through the current season; interviews, photos and sketches. • Ben Parker	Dead Set by Richard Kadrey. What would you give to see a dead loved one? A tooth? A blood drop? Zoe desperately misses her father and will do anything to be sure his soul is at rest. She is a heroine to gnaw our nails to the quick over. From the author of the Sandman Slim series. • Sarah Donner
Twenty-First Century Science Fiction edited by David G. Hartwell and Patrick Nielsen Hayden. A great way to sample work from the newer generation of SF authors, those that came to prominence after 2000. This anthology collects 34 stories from 2003 to 2011. • Ben Parker	The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch. Finally, after six years, the third volume of the Gentleman Bastards. We find Locke near death and forced into running one of his infamous scams to court favor with the Bondsmagi for a possible cure. Be sure to read The Lies of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies, too. • Ben Parker


Superman: A Celebration of 75 Years. The perfect gift to help celebrate Superman's 75th Anniversary. A collection of stories spanning 1938 to 2012 from a variety of authors and artists - Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Grant Morrison to Alex Ross. • Ben Parker	Pogo Vol. 3: Evidence to the Contrary by Walt Kelly. Fantagraphics continues their beautiful collections of Walt Kelly's Pogo. This volume contains all the daily strips for 1953-1954, includes all 104 Sunday strips in color and introduces Simple J. Malarkey. • Ben Parker	RASL by Jeff Smith. After waking up in a world that's notquite- right, RASL takes readers on a thrill-ride art heist through multiple dimensions. Although an almost complete departure from Smith's previous series, and not quite as family friendly as earlier books, RASL cements Smith's place among the top of the list in independent comics. • Chris Linendoll

The Prince of Risk by Christopher Reich. New York hedge fund manager Bobby Astor discovers a sinister plot to attack the United States from two directions. Our financial system is about to be demolished while New York is attacked by a group of mercenaries. Astor investigates and what he finds makes an entertaining read. • Sarah Knight	Just One Evil Act by Elizabeth George. This long, complex novel of passion and betrayal sends Scotland Yard's DI Thomas Lynley and later, DS Barbara Havers to Italy searching for a kidnapped child, daughter of Havers' neighbor Taymullah Azhar. Naturally, Havers disregards all protocol. George creates some vivd new characters, British and Italian, in a thoroughly enjoyable mystery. • Louise Jones	Three Can Keep a Secret by Archer Mayor. Tropical Storm Irene tears through Mayor's 24th mystery, as Joe Gunther's team chases after an escaped mental patient, investigates a retirement home murder and discovers an empty coffin excavated by the storm – the solutions complicated by old family secrets and past crimes. Another winner from Mayor. • Louise Jones
Critical Mass by Sara Paretsky. V. I. Warshawski, the intrepid Chicago private detective, traces a missing woman for a friend but encounters danger when the case resurrects old animosities from the early development of atomic weapons in the US and Nazi Germany. Intriguing characters populate a complex story and threaten V. I. and those she loves. • Louise Jones	Tatiana: An Arkady Renko Novel by Martin Cruz Smith. Renko sees a connection between the death of investigative reporter Tatiana Petrovna and the death of a rich mob figure. Did Tatiana jump or was she thrown off of her balcony? As he investigates, Renko finds the new Russia is just as corrupt as the old Russia. • Sarah Knight	POETRY Aimless Love: New and Selected Poems by Billy Collins. Dip into this marvelous collection and, no matter what your frame of mind, you'll find a poem to revive, amuse, challenge, delight – written plainly, thoughtfully, with stunning imagination. Fifty new poems and favorites from four previous collections by our two-time Poet Laureate. • Louise Jones

Confronting the Classics: Traditions, Adventures and Innovations by Mary Beard. An enlightening and entertaining look at the sacred, sanctified and often sanctimonious Halls Of The Classics. I truly enjoyed the research and the readability of this book, but what was wonderful was the wry humor. Yes! The Classics and their study are still valid. • Maeve Noonan	Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories from History without the Fairy-Tale Endings by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie. It's not all fairytales when you're a princess. You've heard some of their stories, some you've not, but you'll be amused, shocked and enlightened by them. These women, who history mostly or conveniently forgot, rocked the boat, and therefore, they rock! • Sarah Donner	Heretics and Heroes: How Renaissance Artists and Reformation Priests Created Our World by Thomas Cahill. The sixth volume in Cahill's Hinges of History series shows how remarkable changes in art, religion, science and politics transformed Western Europe. Erudite yet eminently readable, witty yet thoroughly researched. By the author of How the Irish Saved Civilization. • Louise Jones
The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Roosevelt used his "bully pulpit" to initiate the Progressive Era with the help of the "muckraking" press. But his friend Taft compromised it all when he succeeded Teddy. Another outstanding examination of a critical time in US history by a superior historian. • Louise Jones	Dallas 1963 by Bill Minutaglio and Steven L. Davis. A devastating portrait of the city where JFK was murdered - bastion of right wing extremism and paranoia nurtured and enflamed by the richest man in America; an unstable, vengeful former general; and the publisher of the city's largest newspaper. A traumatic, tragic event recreated in harrowing detail. • Alden Graves	Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin by Jill Lepore. A woman only known through her correspondence with brother Benjamin, Jane Franklin was poorly educated but smart and opinionated. Her letters and memorabilia, some newly discovered, show a rich side of 18th century America little documented, in this fascinating book by a masterful historian. • Louise Jones
The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 by Margaret MacMillan. A rich, engrossing narrative portrayal of Europe 1900-1914: the tangled relationships, both familial and ideological, among those who sought peace and the warmongers, the changing alliances and the slow-moving inevitability of WWI. Magnificent. • Louise Jones	The Girl Who Sang to the Buffalo: A Child, an Elder, and a Light from the Ancient Sky by Kent Nerburn. This compelling mystery reveals the fate of a Lakota girl with mystical connection to animals who disappeared from an Indian boarding school. A gentle, profound, insightful exposure to the magical lifeways and spiritual world of the Lakota. • Nancy Scheemaker	CALENDARS Just a sampling of the variety of inspired calendars for every taste & interest. Functional art in the form of wall, desk, page-a-day, Vermont Life & engagement calendars.
Lonely Planet A Fork In the Road by James Oseland. A celebration of food by 34 writers and chefs recalling favorite meals and the people they dined with. Featuring such authors as Madhur Jaffrey and Frances Mayes, this book is about eating everything - from a feast at an Indian wedding to a Twinkie. • Sarah Knight	This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett. The accomplished novelist and memoirist offers glimpses into her life and the circuitous route by which she became a writer. Patchett examines her commitments, from childhood to the present: to the hard work and joy of her craft, family, friendships and books. An emotionally resonant portrait. • Amy Palmer
Buddha Snow Globe. Contemplate the snow-like sparkles settling around a peaceful gold or crystal Buddha encased in an orb of glass.	Qing Gardens Vase 3D Puzzle. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has created this 160 piece jigsaw puzzle that includes a stand & inner cup for use as a vase once assembled. Plastic. 9 7/8'' high when assembled.	Little Birds ($18.99 ea., available in Manchester store only). Henrietta Glass hand sculpts these sweet treasures from molten glass.

	The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan. This epic novel, set during the end of the Ching dynasty and the early 20th century, traverses the powerful, often devastating relationship between Violet Minturn, half Chinese and half American, and her American mother. Tan evokes 40 years of Chinese and American culture and history with vital characters, colorful locales. • Louise Jones
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. A brilliant debut novel. When a genetics professor on the Asperger's spectrum launches the Wife Project, he creates a test to find the perfect mate. But what he finds is not what he expected. This is a quirky, sweet and utterly enjoyable novel of a truly contemporary romance. • Marika McCoola	We Are Water by Wally Lamb. Artist Annie Oh astounds her family when she leaves her psychologist husband and three children after a 27- year marriage for another woman, a wealthy, influential New York art dealer. Their impending wedding is the catalyst for revealing layers of generational trauma and for the family to move toward hope and healing. • Amy Palmer
Quiet Dell by Jayne Anne Phillips. Phillips' astonishing imagination and lyrical writing infuse this novel with an other-worldliness, despite its subject: the facts surrounding the 1931 trial of a serial killer who preyed on widows. The singular fictional characters, lovely and independent in life and death, will haunt you well after the last page. • Louise Jones	The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Theo is tragically left an orphan when his mother dies in an accident. The reader is consumed by his choices as he attempts to live his life without a reliable role model and forced to evaluate the consequences of that fateful day. Riveting with exquisite detail, this is a different kind of page-turner. • Tara Swahlan
Longbourn by Jo Baker. A vivid reimagining of Pride and Prejudice with brilliant characters that complement the original and dramatic descriptions of life during the Regency. Mrs. Bennet focuses on marriages for her daughters while Mrs. Hill keeps Longbourn running. When a new manservant arrives, a love story begins; the servants' quarters will never be the same. • Martha Cornwell	The Last Man Standing by Davide Longo. With Italy torn by violence, a writer attempts to reach safety in France with his daughter and her half-brother, but they fall victim to a vicious cult and its psychopathic leader. Interludes of emotional potency alternate with nightmarish visions of the future in this remarkably powerful work by a noted Italian author. • Alden Graves

Wonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of Fiddler on the Roof by Alisa Solomon. The origins, evolution and triumph of the musical play, this is a fascinating chronicle of the long metamorphosis from Sholem Aleichem's endearing stories to a work of uplifting theatrical art, both born out of suffering and continual displacement. • Alden Graves	The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell. It was a shameless exercise in self indulgence by a man whose incompetence was boundless. Of course, it became a cult movie favorite. Sestero, one of the actors, offers a unique perspective on the film's wacky evolution. • Alden Graves
Making Masterpiece: 25 Years Behind the Scenes at Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! on PBS by Rebecca Eaton. Eaton, who has been head of Masterpiece Theater for more than 25 years, reveals personal and behind-the-scenes anecdotes and interviews many of the writers, directors, producers and other contributors to the classic program. A must for PBS fans. • Stan Hynds	Eminent Hipsters by Donald Fagen. The enigmatic co-founder of the band Steely Dan writes about childhood influences (science fiction books, late-night radio), college, jazz and R&B. Part memoir, part criticism and, somehow not surprisingly, not much Steely Dan. A trippy read. • Stan Hynds

Quartet ($29.98 dvd). Dustin Hoffman directed this irresistible (the only word for it) film about the residents of a retirement home for musicians and singers. Another priceless performance by Maggie Smith, matched by Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, Billy Connelly and Michael Gambon. Testimony to the catharsis of forgiveness and the refusal to surrender to the years. • Alden Graves	What Maisie Knew ($29.98 combo pack blu ray & dvd). A six year-old becomes the ping-pong ball in a bitterly fought match between her self-absorbed parents. A beautifully acted contemporary adaptation of the Henry James novel, with never a false or mawkishly sentimental note; the powerful emotion it evokes in the viewer is honestly earned. • Alden Graves
100% Cashmere Scarves ($32.99). Made in Scotland where there's a long tradition for finding warmth. A wonderfully indulgent gift for yourself or another ~ in a varied collection of warm colorways. NOTE Stop in the Manchester store to browse through scarves in all kinds of fabrics, colors & weights.	‛Tis the Season! Check off all your holiday decoration needs ~ from candles to Christmas crackers, greeting cards to gift cards, ribbon, wrap, bags & tags & a tree decked with a myriad of festive & fun ornaments ~ at both stores.
BOOK ANGEL PROGRAM Give the gift of reading to hundreds of Manchester area children. Each year local schools provide the Bookstore with a list of first names, ages and interests of children who might benefit from the gift of a new book. We hang paper angels on our Book Angel Tree in the Vermont store relaying this information. You may select one or more angels and purchase a book, or books, suited to each child. Or simply make a monetary Book Angel donation. We wrap and deliver the books to the schools before the holidays. Northshire Bookstore donates one book for every five given by customers.
Gift Cards are perfect for hard-to-shop-for people on your list. There's no expiration date & the card can be used online, too.