Book Ends August Book Notes:

Art in August, Winchester’s 5th annual celebration of art and artists, is in full swing at Book Ends. The store windows feature the work of Winchester artist Donna Rhae Marder. Also on display inside are quilts by Winchester artist Ruth B. McDowell as well as many of her books on quilting, including When Quilters Gather, Piecing: Expanding the Basics, Pieced Vegetablesand Pieced Flowers. Also look for Winchester authors on art and architecture. Miles Unger’s The Watercolors of Winslow Homer and Maureen Meister's H.H. Richardson, the Architect, His Peers, and Their Era , can be found on our display table.

Great Women Masters of Art, by Jordi Vigue, profiles 84 of the greatest women masters of painting, artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, and Judy Chicago. This beautifully illustrated and informative book covers every significant movement in art.

From the Phaidon Colour Library of artists we have a selection of books including Vermeer , Chagall and Dali . These very affordable oversized paperbacks are informative as well as beautiful.

The new book of photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson The Man, The Image and the world, is a stunning retrospective that includes a significant number of his previously unpublished work.

From portraits to biographies is not a big step and there are some fat and wonderful new books to savor. The new biography of Benjamin Franklin an American Life by Walter Isaacson is called “splendid” by David McCullough of John Adams fame. Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., calls Franklin “the most modern of the Founding Fathers.” Sounds like a must-read to us.

If you ever wanted to know more about interesting people like Sandra Day O’Connor, Roone Arledge, Jacques Pepin or Pat Conroy, their life stories are worth your attention: Pepin will engage you and Conroy’s story will break your heart. They are here on our shelves waiting for your rapt attention. Another life story worthy of your time, The Road To Home, is an autobiography by Vartan Gregorian, former head of the New York Public Library and ex- president of Brown University. His story of leaving a tiny mountain village in Iran to surmount nearly impossible odds makes for compelling reading .

Robert Caro’s two-volume study of Lyndon Johnson Master of the Senate from his birth to his election to the United States Senate is now in paperback. Though these books might look daunting, the force of the subject and the author’s writing make them “page turners.”

We’d like to remind you that beautiful artwork can also be found in the children’s room. We have editions of Treasure Island and the Last of the Mohican ; both illustrated by renowned artist N.C.Wyeth (born in Needham, MA). Zachary’s Ball , and T’was the Night Before Christmasfeature striking black and white illustrations by Winchester native Matt Tavares.

Our children’s books are a feast for the eye as well as the ear.

As a last reminder … don’t forget Winchester’s summer reading lists and town- wide read. All these books are in stock. Please visit the store, order by phone (721 5933), or order online by simply visiting our web site: www.bookendswinchester.com

Home delivery is available in Winchester with prepaid orders .

Warm summer thoughts (sometimes hot and muggy) from Judy, Beverly, Dede, Pat, Dick, Paula, Marilyn, Gretchen, Greg, Jason, Taylor, Cassandra, Peggy, Judy D., Christina, and Isabel.

Book Ends July Book Notes:

Thank you, thank you, and thank you. It was magic! What memories we made Friday evening (6/21/03). Hog wart's time 12:03 party time for Harry Potter and the Order of the phoenix in they came rushing the doors, Parents, Grandparents children, witches… no infants or pets.. Lines formed, people chatted, kids took over the store. It was magic, both literally (we had a young magician Josh Star performed his tricks to a captivated audience) and figuratively . Everyone was smiling, (the booksellers took a mandatory nap at about 7pm) staff arrived at 10:30 Friday evening to get things ready, separate the pre ordered books from the regular books, roll back the card racks and braced ourselves for the bewitching hour. Harry Potter Midnight party was a huge success. Well over 200 adults and children attended (even a few witches). What a delight to see such enthusiasm for a book. As booksellers we have never seen a stronger response to a series of books. The author seems to have captured the hearts and imagination of people of all ages. Some parents reluctantly began the series just to see what the hoopla was all about. Many found if they stuck it out through the first chapter they were hooked. Others were grabbed right from the beginning. Whatever peoples' experience has been, there is no doubt that it is the series to be reading. Imagine the memories these books have created for so many of us. Years from now when these children have children of their own, there is no doubt that they will look back at the evening when they went out in the pitch of dark, midnight, to buy Harry Potter.

SUMMER READING IDEAS…

This is the time we give ourselves permission to read something just for fun. No deadlines, no discussions, just pleasure. Whether you are on the plane, on the beach or in the bathtub, we hope you will enjoy reading some of our re-comendations. We are lucky to have so many terrific authors living here in New England. Linda Greenlaw's "Lobster Chronicles" now in paperback will transport you to her small Maine island. Winchester's own Mark Costello's "The Bif If" will keep you turning the pages to follow two women who are Secret Service agents. (This book was a finalist for the National Book Award). Arlington's Chris Castellani's "A Kiss for Maddalena" brings you to a small Italian village during World War II. Elinor Lipman, whom Alex Beam called "The Belle of Northampton" in his recent Boston Globe column is being called the "new Jane Austen" by reviewers of her sparkling new novel "The Pursuit of Alice Thrift" . Philip Craig's wonderful mysteries set on Martha's Vineyard are snapped up by those who spend time on vineyard or just wish they did. His new "Beautiful Place to Die", has just been published. Dan Brown, who grew up as a faculty brat at Exeter, has a New York Times bestseller in "The Davinci Code".

We almost can't keep Jeanne Ray's books in stock. Her first, "Julie and Romeo" is a hilarious love story set in Somerville. She followed that with "Step-Ball Change", a funny and warm tale of two sisters. Her latest "Eat Cake", a romantic confection, is just out in hardcover, but many people just won't be able to wait to read more by this breezy and talented writer.

A novel that many of us read and loved is Diana AbuJaber's "Crescent". Supremely romantic, it is set in California and tells of strong family ties, love and loneliness of exile from the Mid-East. Her writing about food and cooking is such that it will make you hungry!

Jacquelyn Mitchard has a new book, much lighter in tone and subject than her earlier novels. "Twelve Times Blessed" set on the Cape, is pure indulgence.

Alexander Mcall Smith's "the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency" continues to be a phenomenon. We have copies of all four of his novels in the series, and Gretchen here at Book Ends, a tough critic, calls his new hardcover "The Kalahari Typing School for Men", the best of the bunch.

What a great season for books, lastly please consider Tony Hillerman's "The Sinister Pig", and Sephen L. Carter's big hit finally in paperback "The Emperor of Ocean Park.

Happy Summer Reading to all. Judy, Beverly, Pat, Paula, Dede, Dick, Gretchen, Gregg, Tia, Cassandra, Jason ,Taylor, Marilyn, Isabelle.

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Book Ends June Book Notes:

Dear Readers: June is always an exciting month at Book Ends. Between Father's Day, June 15th, and all the scheduled graduation parties, what better place to stop by and see what's new. Of course summer's most exciting arrival, Big Party Harry Potter 's Order of the Phoenix with an on sale date of Saturday June 21. We will once again host this Harry Potter big event, by reopening the store Friday evening, June 20 from 11-12:30. Be sure to wake Dad or Mom up to bring you by (this way they can pretend they are buying the book for you, and after they tuck you back into bed they can sneak a look).

With all this going on, it's a good thing we're getting a helping hand from our many student reviewers who have read current and forthcoming titles from our children's and young adult sections. These reviews may be found in our June newsletter, or checking our website. Listed on our website you will also find the

We have all the books listed and you will find it easy to order on line, or stop by the store where all the titles are stocked.

Tom Stanton is back by popular demand and will be signing copies of his new baseball book, The Road to Cooperstown (Tuesday, June 17, 7-8 p.m.).

In this new book, The Road to Cooperstown: A Father, Two Sons, and the Journey of a Lifetime, Tom discusses every baseball fan's dream of visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame. This true story, populated with colorful characters, would make a wonderful gift for a Dad .You can pick up a copy in time for Father's Day, and stop by on the 17th to have it signed by the author.

Speaking of baseball there is another new book, Long Ball, by Tom Adelman.

This story of the epochal summer of 1975 opens with the dramatic preseason showdown between owners and players that catalyzed free agency and then tells the tale of the star-studded season that followed and the heart-stopping series itself.

David Halberstam's The Teammates about the life long friendship between Dom DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky, Bobby Doerr and Ted Williams is a natural for the Red Sox fans. Golfers will enjoy Who's Your Caddy, a brand new book by famed Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly.

Perhaps you'd like something to show dad- or that grad- that they mean the world to you. Earth from Above 365 Days, by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, shows Earth in a revealing, eye-popping photographic view rarely ever seen, with 365 photos, one for each day of the year.

That special teacher would enjoy a copy of The Quotable Teacher, a collection of warm, wise, and witty quotes, by Randy Howe.

Two Mysteries " The Repo, by Bill Edison (set in Charlestown) and A Vineyard Killing by Philip R. Craig (set on Martha's Vineyard) will keep you on the edge of your beach chair, while the water laps at your toes (when Summer actually arrives, that is). We think any graduate would enjoy a copy of Po Bronson's What Should I Do With My Life? the True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question. (03755071493) This best-selling author traveled the world in search of people who had found meaningful answers to this greatest of all questions.

Look for our Summer Reading newsletter due out end of the month or visit www..bookendswinchester.com

Your friends at Book Ends

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Book Ends May Book Notes:

Dear Readers: It is never too early to think about Father's Day. What he wants most is a hug from you, but a present is always welcome and a book is the perfect present. (And easy to wrap – or we’ll wrap it for you.)

Below are listed some wonderfully absorbing new novels to preview. “A Kiss from Maddalena” by Christopher Castellani (on right see photo of his author event at our store ). “Crescent” by Diana Abu-Jaber. For Dads who enjoy mysteries, Dennis Lehanane’s new “Shutter Island” is a tour de force.

New paperbacks include the Booker Prize winner “ Life of Pi” by Yann Martell and National Book Award finalist “The Big If” by Mark Costello. Mark grew up in Winchester, and his parents live here still.

Guides to birding, fishing, and gardening are always welcome. “Container Gardening for all Seasons” offers colorful, practical ideas for shade, sun, conservatories, and even neglected, weedy gardens.

For the cooks, Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa Family Style” is chock full of easy meals that make everyone feel like family. Lastly, a charming gift for brides past and present, “Cooking for Mr. Latte” by Amanda Hesser, combines the tale of a food-lovers courtship with toothsome recipes.

Our children’s room offers some particularly appropriate gifts for mom. In “Only You” by the beloved Rosemary Wells, the little bear relates all the many things he does with his mom. In “Baby Love” a beautiful edition of Mary Cassatt’s paintings of mother and child, published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, you will find a book with an irresistible rhyme that baby will love to hear again and again.

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Book Ends April Book Notes:

Dear Readers: Welcome to our first edition of Book Ends Read. In the coming months we hope to share with you all the wonderful books we have come to love and the way in which these authors capture us. Through their words we are reached in so many ways. We are surprised and delighted, we are frightened and rescued, touched by their music and moved by their heart. We marvel at their ability to tell a story, expand our knowledge, and entertain us. They see us in ways no else can. We portray ourselves in public one way and yet authors see who we really are.

This month of April we will be featuring poets. Imagine, poetry! We thought poetry was for others; we didn't necessarily get it. But then again, we are taught, or led to see what words can really say. Poets use words so succinctly, and yes, poetically! How can they speak directly to that place we thought no one else traversed? Billy Collins certainly talks to us…read his book Sailing Alone Around the Room…..check out page 164…. What do you think? Would your 21 year old hear Billy's music?

How about the Children's poetry book… The Sun in Me.I was delighted, I'll bet your child will be too.

Join us in our open mike poetry night being held here at the store on April 29, Marilyn will recite and Judy too, might you? Our recent author event with Naamah McHarg was a wonderful success. Naamah shared with us her memories of Winchester of the past and we were delighted to see members of the Winchester Historical Society as well as friends & family of Naamah & patrons of Book Ends.

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