November 2020... What we're doing and what we're reading!
Tis the season to be grateful… and to gear up for the holidays. A holiday season that will be unlike any other in our lifetime.
Despite all the challenges we have faced this year, from a global pandemic to raging wild fires, despite all the disruption to our lives and the threats to our physical and economic well-being, I’m hopeful that there is much for which we can be thankful. Just look at where we live. It’s stunningly beautiful; we have access to the great outdoors and the natural wonders of our environs. Perhaps we have a renewed, more profound understanding of the value of family and friends, of social justice and what’s really important in life. One can only hope.
Meanwhile, let’s be real. It hasn’t been easy. Certainly not for a newly launched business. A bookstore no less. That being said, we are eternally grateful for the support our community has provided through good times and bad. We may not be flourishing like some online retailers we know, but we are alive and kicking. We are well. Thanks to our local residents.
So, it is with great gratitude, that we wish you a joyful season of Thanksgiving. We are doing all we can to make your holiday shopping season safe, convenient and pleasurable, and to ensure everyone is well-read. We look forward to being there for you whether it’s remotely or in person.
One way you can help sustain us is through our community supported bookstore program. By opening a CSB account with us – or adding money to your existing account –you provide us with valuable working capital to help make ends meet during this dramatic economic downturn.
For more information CSB program
The American Booksellers Association (ABA) has launched the “Boxed Out” campaign in support of independent bookstores nationwide. I hope you will take it to heart.
Many businesses will be lost due to the pandemic, and while COVID may be the cause of death, Amazon was the pre-existing condition. At least one independent bookstore has closed every week since the COVID-19 crisis began. The impact and “costs” of convenience shopping online may be irreparable.
Where you shop now will determine where you can shop in the future. Let’s not lose Main Street America. It’s time for a conversation about consumer choices. We need to support our local independent businesses now more than ever before.
I understand and respect the dynamics of capitalism, but I also believe in building, not undermining, community. Our mission is to help build community one book at a time, one event at a time.
You also need to remember that buying from a locally owned business generates three times as much economic benefit for the local region compared to shopping at a big-box chain. On average 28% of revenue from an indie bookstore recirculates into the local economy, compared to the 4% that Amazon recirculates.
I won’t even go into the impacts of packaging and transportation associated with online retail or carbon footprints.
Each of us can help shape the retail future of our community. Be mindful of where you spend your holiday shopping dollars. I think you would agree that a world with far fewer cafes, bars and independent shops would be a considerably duller place.
We are open
SEVEN DAYS A WEEK
Monday- Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday Noon – 6pm
Fulfilling special orders via phone 415.887.9967 or email staff@sausalitobooksbythebay.com
FREE Local Home Delivery – right to your doorstep
FREE Shipping Anywhere in the U.S
TAKE-OUT – order books, jigsaw puzzles, or gifts for PICK UP CURBSIDE
FREE DOWNTOWN PARKING!
Personal Shoppers at Your Beck & Call
Let us help you with your holiday shopping list! We’re scheduling private appointments during, before and after hours where we can help curate books and gifts for everyone on your list. Always COVID-careful.
Email for an appointment and
send us your list: staff@suasalitobooksbythebay.com
Our New Front Porch Patio
Welcome to our new patio for the reading, resting, chatting, sipping, snacking, pleasure of our patrons. As weather permits we will be staging COVID-Careful, limited capacity gatherings, including our Story Time for toddlers. The space is available to reserve for small gatherings – special events, celebrations and parties.
For more information and to reserve: staff@sausalitobooksbythebay.com
Upcoming Events
Unless otherwise indicated all events are public and there is no charge to attend.
November 18 – 5pm
Author Event
The Happy Hour Virtual Event Series
In conversation with a formidable forum of authors: Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale); Jill Barnett (Sentimental Journey),
Ciji Ware (Landing by Moonlight) and
Kim Cates (The Gold in Broken Places) discussing “Women in War – the resilience, fortitude and bravery of women in WWII.”
November 26
Happy Thanksgiving
We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, but open early "9am" all holiday weekend with complimentary coffee in the morning and hot mulled wine in the afternoon.
Don’t forget, we have FREE parking in front of the store in the Sausalito Yacht Harbor parking lot on the the other side of the kiosk.
December 17 – 4:30pm
Virtual Author Event
Join us for a book launch celebration with local children’s picture book authors
Alex Giardano & Michael Genhart.
Their two new books are “music to the ears” –
THE GOOD SONG by Alex Giardano is inspired by "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and "What A Wonderful World".
ACCORDIONLY: ABUELO & OPA MAKE
MUSIC by Michael Genhart is a charming story about cultures and families coming together through music.
December 12 – 6pm
Sausalito Annual
Lighted Boat Parade
While this will be a COVID-careful event with all pandemic protocols in place, it will take place this year and we will be open late that Saturday night to accommodate after hour shoppers.
Every Thursday – 11am
Story Time
with Tracy Tandy
We just launched this wonderful program for toddlers featuring local author, raconteur, and musician Tracy Tandy. So much fun!
Reserve your space by emailing staff@sausalitobooksbythebay.com
What's New
Just in time for the Holidays!
2021 Calendars – wall, desk & pocket as well as 2021 Tide Charts
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Boxed holiday cards, gift bags & wrap
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Beautiful Addison Ross frames
from London
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Crystal votives and vases
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Creature Comforts –
dog and cat dishes & treats
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Pam Henry’s signature Christmas Cookies, Chocolates & Spiced Pecans
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Silk Road Tea Gift Boxes
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Furry Friends
What We're Reading
Good Omens
by Niel Gaiman and Terry Pratchet
A cult classic of the fantasy genre, and a great introduction to the work of two brilliant authors. The story follows a demon and an angel who live on Earth in the guise of humans and are on surprisingly good terms with one another. The world is gearing up for Armageddon, but they both really enjoy Earth and they've sunk a lot of time into it, so the two of them conspire to prevent the end of the world. This book is hugely fun to read.
Matthew K.
Spirits of San Francisco:
Voyages Through the Unknown City
by Gary Kamiya & Paul Madonna
Author Gary Kamiya follows up his bestselling Cool Gray City of Love (one of the three best books about SF in my estimation) collaborating with longtime SF Chron illustrator, Paul Madonna, to pen another love song to "Baghdad by the Bay." Though I have lived here for more than three-and-a-half decades, my adopted home still holds surprises for me.
Jeff B.
Plain Bad Heroines
by Emily Danforth
We all need a break from the headlines, and this book is providing just that for me. In part historical story, gothic tale and Hollywood, social media fame satire, this dual track tale tells the story (maybe) of mysterious deaths of teenage girls at the elite all-girl Brookhants school at the turn of the 20th century and the Hollywood (maybe) elite making the book into a movie. A surefire book to make you laugh.
Angela K.
This Time Next Year We’ll be Laughing
by Jacqueline Winspear
A deeply personal memoir by the bestselling author of the Maisie Dobbs series, this heartfelt portrayal of her childhood in the English countryside and the impact of WWII on her working class family, also provides insights into her artistic inspiration. Jacqueline Winspear fans will find her writing and the story she tells just as captivating as her famous mystery series.
Cheryl P.
Memorial
by Bryan Washington
Benson and Mike are two young guys who live together in Houston. Mike is a Japanese American chef at a Mexican restaurant; Benson is a black day care teacher. Their world gets turned upside down testing the limits of love, family, anger and grief. Washington – the author of the highly acclaimed Lot – writes with uncommon depth and a wry humor in a raw but refreshing style. I’m not sure it matters, but for the record, I am an older, straight, white woman and I loved this writing and the universal messages about love and trust.
Cheryl P.
Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa
by Marilyn Chase
Whether it is through my own ignorance, or the cultural denial of women as creators, I have lived here for decades completely unaware of Ruth Asawa, and her aesthetic contributions to the city I inhabit. I feel humbled every time I pick up a fascinating, beautiful, and long-overdue tribute to a postwar artist as important as any of the men whose names we can all reel off.
Jeff B.
Sorrow
by Tiffanie DeBartolo
This local author has scored another home run with this touching tale of self-discovery, courage and redemption. Joe Harper is a smart, talented musician, but an all-around loser on many fronts, but maybe it’s not too late to follow his heart. The novel is mostly set in our own backyard which is always fun. We will be hosting a celebration for the publication of this new novel in January so stay tuned for details.
Cheryl P.
Muffled
by Jennifer Gennari
This middle grade book will be an inspiration for many young readers who also feel “different”. It is also a lesson in understanding and compassion. Amelia is a fifth grader with a severe sensitivity to sound, therefore her purple earmuffs. Not surprisingly, many of her classmates are cruel and teasing. (Kids!) Ironically, learning to play the trombone – which makes a lot of noise – helps her overcome her struggle.
Cheryl P.
Great Holiday Gift Books
The Best of Me
by David Sedaris
David Sedaris has been making us laugh for 25 years. This collection of his favorite essays will be a gift of welcomed diversion for either yourself or a loved one. Whether shopping for rare taxidermy or spitting a lozenge into a fellow traveler’s lap, this book is certain to bring smiles and giggles. My particular favorite holiday story is included in this collection – and no, it is not his famous essay about being a Macy’s elf.
Angela K.
Arabian Nights
translated by Richard F. Burton
It's true, these are beautiful stories. The Arabian Nights really capture the imagination, and many of them carry a strong theme of ignorance overcome. Now is a good time to get acquainted with these classic tales, from "Ali Baba" to the lesser known installments like "The Talking Bird the Singing Tree and the Waters of Gold". This book is an uplifting escape for adults and prime bedtime-story material for younger readers..
What it’s Like to be a Bird
by David Allen Sibley
From flying to nesting, eating and singing… what birds are doing and why! This book is well worth it for the fabulous illustrations alone by the renown David Sibley. Did you know, that a 6 lb. heron can swallow a one-pound fish. Whole. That’s like a 100 lb. person swallowing a 17-lb. fish. Whole. A great gift book for the ornithologist in your life. Or yourself!
What it’s Like to be a Bird
by David Allen Sibley
From flying to nesting, eating and singing… what birds are doing and why! This book is well worth it for the fabulous illustrations alone by the renown David Sibley. Did you know, that a 6 lb. heron can swallow a one-pound fish. Whole. That’s like a 100 lb. person swallowing a 17-lb. fish. Whole. A great gift book for the ornithologist in your life. Or yourself!
Flavor
by Ottolenghi
This beautiful new cookbook by this culinary icon is a delicious collection of plant-based recipes – vegetarian (not vegan). Some savory selections to whet your appetite: Lime & Coconut Potato Gratin / Chilled Avocado Soup with crunchy garlic oil / Saffron Tagliatelle with ricotta & crispy chipotle shallots/Spicy Mushroom Lasagna. A great gift for the chef on your holiday list.
The Best Little Bookshop On The Bay!
Wishing everyone health and wellness!
“Words are things, and a small drop of ink…
that make thousands, perhaps millions think.”