January/February 2017 Vol. XVIII, No. 1 Nancy Dreher, Editor

THE FRONT LINE The year 2016 was, needless to say, an interesting one at The Book Stall. When we think back over the past 12 months, it is with a focus on the books we loved. We spent December talking amongst ourselves about what we’d each choose as our “favorite” book of the year. Inside, you’ll see what we came up with. This was an unusual year in that many of us wanted to pick the same book. To break that many-sided tie, we decided to name A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles as our staff choice of 2016. Traditionally, the start of a new year is a time to make resolutions, and we’ve compiled a list of titles to recommend, whether your goal is to get healthy, get organized, or be inspired. The Book Stall will be getting organized too. We’ll be closed on Monday, January 23 as we take inventory. We are also adjusting our hours somewhat, and during the week will be closing at 7 pm Monday–Thursday (6 pm on Friday). Evening events in the store will start at 6:30 pm unless otherwise indicated. January and February bring some great authors to The Book Stall and to some of our library and club partners. We are always adding more events, so check out our website (thebookstall.com) for the latest information. We’re thrilled to be hosting YA superstar author Veronica Roth (Divergent trilogy) at Central School in Glencoe on Wednesday, January 18 at 7 pm. Call The Book Stall to reserve a seat and a signed copy of her new book, Carve the Mark. The wonderful writer Christine Sneed will be at the store in conversation with Renee Rosen about Christine’s latest short story collection, The Virginity of Famous Men on Tuesday, January 24 at 6:30 pm. This will be an evening of great conversation and mediocre (but free!) wine. The Union League Club has a terrific Winter/Spring schedule starting off with CEO Sallie Krawcheck for a luncheon on Tuesday, January 31 for her new book Own It: The Power of Women at Work. Dog training guru Cesar Millan will be with us on Monday, February 13 for two events—a luncheon at the ULC as well as at the Glencoe Public Library at 7 pm for his new book Cesar Millan’s Lessons from the Pack: Stories of the Dogs Who Changed My Life. The Family Action Network (FAN) starts its 2017 programming season with Colson Whitehead, who will talk about his National Book Award-winning novel The Underground Railroad on Monday, February 27 at Evanston Township High School at 7 pm. Renee Rosen, one of our favorite authors and a great friend, is doing us the honor of hosting the launch of her new book, Windy City Blues, about the iconic Chess Records on Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30 pm, here at the store. We’ll have music, drinks, and a great presentation. The winter months are a perfect time to cuddle up in front of the fire with a good book, and there is no shortage of titles to choose from. For a great mystery, I loved Dry, an atmospheric page-turning debut set in a small town in Australia, by Jane Harper, and The Patriots by Sana Krasikov, a sweeping epic about those idealists who traveled in Russia in search of utopia in the ‘30s (out January 24). My daughters Katie (19) and Lexy (15) and I all loved The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, a re-telling of a Russian fairy tale (out January 17). Another favorite: Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney, a charming story about an older retired ad exec who recalls her life as she walks the length of Manhattan one New Year’s Eve (out January 17). As I write this, Nicky (18) is, in fact, curled up by the fire reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Finally, my husband Roger was excited to read the next installment of James S. A. Corey’s space opera Babylon’s Ashes. We continue to be grateful for the community support for The Book Stall. We had a great year, thanks to our loyal customers, and are looking forward to a wonderful 2017. Hope to see you in the store soon!

CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11 6:30 pm at the store LISA SMITH Girl Walks Out of a Bar: A Memoir New York writer and lawyer—and Northwestern grad—Lisa Smith talks about her memoir, a darkly comic and honest story about her formative years as a bright young lawyer at a prestigious New York firm, her decade of alcohol and drug abuse, divorce, and her road to recovery. SATURDAY, JAN. 14 2 pm, Storytime at the store PATRICK McBRIARTY City Railways Go Above and Below Chicago-based author McBriarty joins us for a storytime featuring his newest transportation-themed picture book, this time turning his attention to city railways. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18 10:30 am, Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel RON BALSON Karolina’s Twins Chicago attorney and writer Balson, author of the bestseller Once We Were Brothers, speaks about his new novel, based on true events. It is the story of a Holocaust survivor, a woman living a comfortable life in Chicago, who embarks on a quest to return to Poland and fulfill a promise to a childhood friend. 7 pm, Central School, Glencoe 620 Greenwood Ave. (auditorium entrance on Grove St.) VERONICA ROTH Carve the Mark We’ll celebrate the release of Ms. Roth’s new science fiction-fantasy novel, her first since her Divergent trilogy. She will be on-stage in conversation with Sarah Enni of the podcast First Draft. Audience members will be able to ask questions. All books sold will be autographed, but 100 lucky fans will win an exclusive backstage pass to meet Veronica, take a photo, and get their book personalized. Please call us at 847 446-8880 to reserve a seat and a copy of Carve the Mark. For important additional details, please check our website or Facebook events page. continued on page 6

Book Stall Staffers Pick Their Favorites of 2016

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STEPHANIE HOCHSCHILD When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi opens as brilliant neuroscientist Kalanithi reviews a lung scan indicating Stage IV cancer. As a doctor, he has seen many such scans, but this one shows his own lung and forecasts a tragically premature death. Having studied for 10 years to achieve expertise in his field, Kalanithi is keenly aware of the arc of his demise, and he confronts his end bravely and philosophically. As he battles his diagnosis, Kalanithi continues to work as a physician, even as he himself—now a patient with a child and a wife—ponders his fate. Kalanithi’s book is an unsentimental but moving meditation on mortality and what it means to live life to the fullest. That such a brilliant life was cut short is truly heartbreaking, but we can only be grateful that Kalanithi left such an eloquent record of his thoughts. AIMEE ANDERSON Twain & Stanley Enter Paradise is the final work of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Oscar Hijuelos, author of The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love, who passed away this year. This remarkable work of historical fiction chronicles the friendship of Mark Twain and famous explorer Henry Stanley, who met in 1860 while working as journalists on a Mississippi river steamship. Although they went for years without seeing each other, they communicated through letters and remained friends until Stanley’s death in 1904. They often discussed, and not always agreed, on issues such as slavery, religion, the afterlife and the blessings and curses of being wellknown figures of their day. Considerable time is spent focusing on Stanley’s life as the world’s most notable African explorer and associate of King Leopold of Belgium. There is also the complicated relationship between Twain and Stanley’s wife, the portrait artist Dorothy Tenant. Although there is no indication of an extramarital affair, their friendship ran very deep. KATHLEEN CRAWFORD A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny. As a fan of Louise Penny, I absolutely loved the twelfth and latest in the mystery series involving former Chief of Homicide for the Surete du Quebec, Armand Gamache, and his friends and neighbors. This story begins in a snowstorm as the friends sort through old papers stuffed behind bistro walls a century ago and unearthed during a recent renovation. The papers lead the group to discover much more about themselves and their village’s rich history. The uninitiated reader should know that Penny’s stories are not your typical suspense novels, nor are they “cozy” mysteries. They are profound stories with rich characters experiencing hardships, loss, betrayal, and often grief. But, always—always—they are filled with friendship and hope. Penny’s latest, which ends in springtime at a baptism, is her finest, offering ever-evolving characters who continue to grow and come to a new acceptance—not just of life and the living, but what might have been. CHERYL DEFRANCESCHI The View From the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman is a lovely collection of essays with something to interest everyone. Gaiman touches on bookstores (yay!), libraries, music, art,

imagination and so much more. The essays are whip-smart but accessible and imbued with his wit. I admit it—I’m a smitten fan-girl when it comes to Gaiman, but this collection is truly a gem. He writes so infectiously of his love for reading and how the authors he loves have shaped his reading and writing life. There’s a beautiful elegiac piece on Lou Reed, some sci-fi musings, and so much more in these 60 essays. Poring over this book gave me so much joy and so many things to ponder. It brought to light the reasons why I love reading so much. This book was a gift. NANCY DREHER Two of my favorite books of 2016 were doorstoppers—The Nix by Nathan Hill and Jonathan Safran Foer’s Here I Am (640 and 592 pages respectively)—but my very favorite was a small gem, Mothering Sunday by the great British author Graham Swift. Given the day off on English Mother’s Day, orphan and housemaid Jane Fairchild has no mother to visit. She is summoned to the family estate of her lover, who has the home to himself for a few hours before a luncheon date with his fiancé. The developments of that Mothering Sunday include a shocking surprise, and the hours and then decades that follow open up a fascinating life. A servant girl eventually becomes a famous writer who believes in “being true to the fact…that many things in life—oh so many more than we think—can never be explained at all.” KARA GAGLIARDI A tie: Before the Fall by Noah Hawley. If you want a book that takes you out of your everyday and is a page-turner that’s a treat to read, I recommend this one. A private plane goes down off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. There are survivors. There are heroics. The book’s title refers to what happened before the accident that could have caused the crash. Was it an act of terrorism? On the plane is the president of a 24-hour news network who gets death threats with regularity. Another passenger is a partner at a big-four Wall Street firm, under investigation by the Treasury Department and about to be arrested. Coincidence? Add to that a passenger who renders paintings about disasters and their survivors. Of course, the person responsible is not who you think it is. I liked this book so much I read two others by Hawley, the television screenwriter for the hit series “Fargo” and “Bones.” Thumbs up for his earlier work The Good Father. The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore is part legal drama, part historical fiction. The setting is New York City, 1880. Edison has invented the light bulb, or has he? He is suing Westinghouse for patent infringement. Paul Cravath, a 20-something protégé, is hired as counsel for Westinghouse. Did Edison invent “the” light bulb or “a” light bulb? Add to the mix a beautiful stage ingénue, who hides Tesla, the genius inventor, after Paul discovers he has an axe to grind against Edison. A dangerous fire, intrigue, and invention—this book has a lot going for it!

JON GRAND Also a tie! Spain in Our Hearts: Americans in the Spanish Civil War, 1936-1939 by Adam Hochschild. The Spanish Civil War was constant front-page news as it unfolded. Yet it is almost totally forgotten today, overshadowed by World War II. For many young, idealistic American men and women, the conflict was a classic confrontation between Democracy and Facism, good and evil. But the reality was far different. It was a brutal conflict that targeted military and civilian targets indiscriminately. The stories of these Americans are both inspiring and tragic—with loss of life and loss of innocence. American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant by Ronald C. White. Every so often, a biography comes along that is so compelling that you cannot put it down. Grant’s story, as most of us know it, is of a failed businessman, a general with little concern for human life, a president touched by scandal, and an alcoholic. Much of that story is false, and the truth is far more interesting. White’s portrait is of a man of superb military ability, deep humility, and limited ambition. His views on slavery, state’s rights, and reconstruction evolved over time and reflect his intellectual growth. His policies on Native Americans were protective and respectful. This is a magnificent biography that restores Grant to his proper place in both military and presidential history. MELANIE HAUCK The Hidden Life of Trees—What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben is a German bestseller translated into English this fall. It became one of my favorite books this year partially because of when I read it. Wohlleben, a German forester, describes trees as social beings that communicate with each other through interconnecting roots and a fungal network known as the “Wood Wide Web.” Based on scientific research and his own experience, Wohlleben describes how trees thrive when they live in close communities. Here trees tend their young, care for their sick “friends” by sharing nutrients, and warn each other of danger like insects and drought. This communication helps trees create a protective ecosystem so they can grow old. Wohlleben’s stories are amazing, enchanting, and a welcome antidote for the recent contentious political election and the divisions it revealed. ANN KEIL A three-way tie! Lab Girl is a beautifully written book by Hope Jahren, a geo-biologist. It interweaves insights into her life as a research scientist with fascinating and informative aspects of the lives of plants and trees. Her travels and studies with her long-time collaborator, lab-partner and best friend Bill add to the humor and great appeal of her book. How to Be a Tudor by Ruth Goodman is a “dawn-todusk guide” to 16th century British life. To fully immerse herself in that time period, the author lives on a replicated Tudor farm (the BBC did a series on this). I loved the details on the bathing habits, cuisine, and education of each of the social classes. The chapter on clothing, which includes instructions on how to make and wear an Elizabethan lace ruff collar, was my favorite!

Mary Roach is a science writer whose informative, thought-provoking books also happen to be hysterically funny. Grunt, her latest effort, covers the science of humans at war. Chapters range from how to withstand the heat in the desert while carrying a 95-pound pack, sleep deprivation on submarines, a history of stink bombs, and the best repellent for sharks. Since Mary interviews the experts in the field and frequently volunteers to be a test subject herself, her conclusions are particularly insightful. BEA KELLY Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly is based on the true story of three women. Caroline Ferriday is a New York socialite who worked tirelessly on the behalf of those who found themselves trapped in the milieu of World War II. The other two are Polish-born sisters who were prisoners at Ravensbruck, Hitler’s only major concentration camp exclusively for women. The majority of the population were political prisoners and 74 Polish prisoners known as “The Rabbits,” who underwent experimental surgeries in order to provide doctors information they needed to treat German soldiers wounded in battle. This is a beautifully crafted novel, seamlessly interweaving the lives of the three women. It is a testimony to the power of the human spirit in overcoming insurmountable odds in the face of evil, and in the end, it reveals the power of unsung women to change history in their quest for love, freedom, and second chances. ROBERT McDONALD Float by Anne Carson is a poetry collection unlike any you’ve seen. Twenty-two poems/pieces, each in their own booklet, are gathered together in a box resembling a book cover. You can read the work in any order—fan them out like a deck of cards, pull a piece out at random, read them in the exact way they were arranged in the box. There’s no right or wrong way to appreciate Carson’s eclectic range of interests, ranging from jazz to classics, from the world of Gertrude Stein to her own relationships with family. Whether it’s a tongue-in-cheek skit, or a heartbreaking ode, the poems are unmistakably Carson’s, replete with her skill, love of words, and far-ranging knowledge and curiosity. I can’t phrase things better than Elle, which said: “If you’re ready to restart your capacity for cosmic delight, vernacular hijinks, and intellectual pizzazz, let inimitable poet, translator, and classicist Anne Carson be your guide.” KATHY RILEY Behold The Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue. Jende Jonga arrives in New York from Cameroon with his wife and 6-year-old son to pursue the American Dream. Clark Edwards, an executive at Lehman Brothers, has achieved this dream. When Jonga is hired as Edwards’ personal chauffeur, their families become interdependent. With the collapse of Lehman Brothers, their marriages and lifestyles begin to unravel. Mbue writes in a clear, engaging way that draws the reader into feeling connected to the main characters. From the cockroach-infected Harlem apartment to the mansion in the Hamptons, Mbue’s descriptions make you feel as if you have been there. Deftly exploring the complications of immigration, marriage and race, this novel is great!

Book Stall Staffers Pick Their Favorites of 2016 continued

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CHARLOTTE ROBERSTON The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead is a harrowing story of pre-Civil War slave life and a powerful allegory of race relations. Like her mother Mabel before her, young slave girl Cora runs away from a cotton plantation in Georgia, where the brutal treatment of slaves is a daily occurrence. Cora is haunted by Mabel’s disappearance; she has never been found nor has she contacted her daughter. Cora makes her own escape and finds herself on the Underground Railroad, which in Whitehead’s imagined south is an actual railroad, running on tracks through deep tunnels under the earth. Throughout her journey north, Cora lives between terror and hope. She is obsessively pursued by the same slave catcher who was unable to capture her mother and faces cruel and fantastical encounters with racism’s many faces at every stop on the railroad. This inventive tale is a powerful reminder of our shared history in America. LIZ ROGATZ The Nix by Nathan Hill. This is an epic novel about a man whose mother abandoned him as a child and who is forced to re-enter her life when she is caught on camera throwing stones at a controversial political candidate. The motherless boy who we follow through part of his childhood and into adulthood has been given an advance on a novel based on a short story he wrote long ago and has since had writer’s block. When his publisher calls on him to repay the advance or write a tell-all about his mother, he leaves our main character backed against a wall. I cannot say enough good things about this debut novel. It is incredibly smart, current, witty, lively and well-paced. It is not a small undertaking at 640 pages, but it is so worthwhile. When I read an interview with the author I was somewhat relieved to learn that it took him 12 years to write this book. The Nix has so many rich details, and the language is at times laugh-out-loud funny and other times heartbreaking; it is a work from a truly gifted writer. Bonus: When Nathan Hill came to the store this fall, he was funny, self-deprecating, and open about his process and his struggles creating the book. It was a very engaging afternoon, and he was also incredibly tall and handsome.... GORDON SCHREIBER Full disclosure: I’m a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, so my book of the year, his memoir Born to Run, was an easy pick. The main focus of the book is his early years growing up in Freehold, New Jersey, the family dynamics that shaped him, and how intensely and purposefully he honed his craft in order to build and sustain a long career. The book is short on details of writing and recording, which can be forgiven for someone who has done just about everything in a nearly 50-year career in music. He also respectfully leaves out any dirt about the E Street Band and those close to him, instead choosing to focus on his own struggles with depression and relationships. Written in a conversational style that makes you feel like Bruce is sitting across from you telling you his story, Born to Run is a great read for hard-core and casual fans alike.

TODD SUMMAR Mr. Splitfoot by Samantha Hunt is a hidden gem amongst the onslaught of excellent fiction releases of 2016, and it deserves a second look. At times funny, sad, and strange, the story follows Cora, a young woman with a dead-end job who suddenly finds herself pregnant. One day, she is visited by her long-lost aunt Ruth. Cora remembers Ruth as a vibrant, funny teenager, but now Ruth is haggard and mute. Ruth wordlessly convinces Cora to join her on a road trip. Where they’re going and why is uncertain, but that’s good enough for Cora, who longs for escape. Their journey is interwoven with Ruth’s backstory. We learn that, as a teenager, Ruth lived in a home for orphans run by a religious fanatic, and that she and her friend Nat ran a side business pretending to be spiritualist mediums. But Nat may or may not have been the real thing! Mr. Splifoot is part ghost story, part love story, and a full testament to the power of redemption, even in the oddest of circumstances. Pulitzer Prize finalist Kelly Link said, “If I could long-distance mesmerize you, dear reader, into picking up this book and buying it and reading it at once, believe me: I would.” I have the same message for Book Stall customers! MIKE WYSOCK Graeme Macrae Burnett’s second novel, His Bloody Project, made the short list for the Man Booker award for good reason; it is a seemingly conventional story turned inside out—a historical murder mystery solved at the outset, exploring the inner lives of characters more carefully than plotting a tale. Told through a series of “found” documents, the novel describes a grisly triple murder committed in a small crofting community on the Scottish highlands of the 19th century. Burnett centers this multi-faceted work upon the possibly dubious confession of young Roderick Macrae. What compels Roddy to kill? Revenge? An explosion of rage after years of abuse and bullying? An innate evil? Roddy recounts in detail the travails his family faced in the years leading up to his shocking moment of self-actualization. In addition to this “manuscript,” Burnett furnishes witness reports, trial coverage, a glossary and a chapter from an early work of criminology. All texts are, of course, works of fiction, and yet in Burnett’s hands they combine to create a dark world that is all too real. Complicated by multiple points of view and unreliable narration, this book becomes less a crime novel and more a novel about the motivation to commit crime. This is a dark story with carefully drawn characters, sure to entertain as much as it haunts the reader. OUR ALL-STAFF FAVORITE A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles immediately immerses the reader in an era of charm and refinement—at least within the confines of one elegant hotel. In 1922 Russia, Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov is sentenced to life-long house arrest in the Metropol hotel in Moscow, across the street from the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Ballet. Forbidden to venture out, the Count explores the hotel’s hidden nooks and crannies, dines in the Metropol’s distinguished restaurants, and develops deep and lasting relationships with members of the staff and a choice few of the guests. In a 30-year span, Rostov adapts, makes new choices, and evolves into a true gentleman of purpose. Wholly entertaining, enchanting, and endearing.

Children’s Staff Share Their Favorite Books of 2016

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BETSY BALYEAT A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir. Ms.Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes, published in 2015, was an immediate success and was the first fantasy novel that completely captivated me. Then, in August of 2016 came the sequel, A Torch Against the Night, an epic unputdownable sequel. Readers are thrust into a rich high-fantasy world inspired by ancient Rome. Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a young soldier, have fled the city of Serra and are undertaking a perilous journey through the heart of the empire. Laia is determined to break into the empire’s most secure and dangerous prison to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars’ survival. Elias, even though from the ruling tribe, is determined to help her succeed. Epic fantasy and my pick of the year for young adult books. Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo. The year 2016 was a banner year for middle grade fiction, but as soon as I read Raymie Nightingale I began to think Newbery awards. This is a poignant, funny, and triumphant tale of a determined 10-year-old girl and her friends trying to right the ship that is their lives. Raymie’s father has run off with a dental hygienist, which leaves Raymie fatherless, which is why Raymie makes her plan! She is going to learn to twirl a baton and then she is going to win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition and her father will approve and he will return to the family. All seems possible until Raymie meets the two other contestants, Louisiana and Beverly, who already know how to twirl. Baton-twirling aside, this is a story of three girls and the hurts they all carry. If ever there was a perfect story about growing up, this is it. The Thank You Book by Mo Willems. While this may not be a traditional picture book but more of a first reader, I could not let the year end without a nod to Elephant and Piggie and The Thank You Book. This is the last of a beloved series and it is us, faithful readers and booksellers, who should be saying thank you to the author and our favorite characters who have made us smile for so long. KARI PATCH They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel. I loved this deceptively simple picture book. It is, simply, the story of a cat out for a walk in the world. But it is so much more than that. It’s also a strong contender for next year’s Caldecott Medal. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill. This lovely, involved tale of magic has stuck with me for months. The characters are well drawn. The setting is detailed. But most of all, the plot is woven together seamlessly. What starts in despair slowly works its way toward the light, with wellearned payoffs along the way. Great for fantasy lovers of all ages. AMY TROGDON The Storybook Knight by Helen and Thomas Docherty. Young Leo the knight is a reader, not a fighter. When his parents

send him off to fight the dragon, he is worried. He packs lots of sandwiches and, of course, books. Along his way to meet the dragon, he finds several other beasts who are ready to fight. Would they be willing to listen to a story instead? Told in rhyming verse with humorous, colorful illustrations, this is a picture book to read again and again. Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk. Growing up amidst the turmoil of two world wars, Annabel lives a quiet life in her small, rural, Pennsylvania town—until the day Betty Glengarry arrives in her school. Mean and manipulative, Betty bullies Annabel, her brothers, and a reclusive World War I veteran named Toby. As the story dramatically unfolds, Annabel learns the importance of resilience, compassion, and truth. The themes of bigotry and prejudice remind one of To Kill a Mockingbird. Engaging and beautifully written middle grade fiction. LAUREL SYMONDS A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young. I may have squealed on first read of this delightful and hilarious picture book. It’s a classic story of coming to love someone for who they are and not what you hope they might be. In this case, a girl named Lucy replies to a newspaper ad selling unicorns, yet when Sparkle arrives, he is less than magnificent and magical. Lucy eventually learns that, despite Sparkle’s flaws, he is rather sweet and will make a good pet. The exuberant art, glitter, and general girliness will charm many young readers. Pax by Sara Pennypacker and Jon Klassen. This moving middle grade fiction book has stuck with me since I read it nearly a year ago. The story of a boy and his pet fox who get separated in the war-torn countryside, it’s a heartbreaking and ultimately life-affirming tale of friendship, loss, and hope. In a unique device, it is told in alternating points of view of the boy and the fox. Jon Klassen’s gorgeous illustrations enhance the story. And don’t just take my word for it: Pax has received four starred reviews, been on the New York Times bestseller list, the National Book Award longlist, and I’m sure it will be a Newbery Medal contender. The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon. The smart and poignant second young adult novel from Nicola Yoon far surpasses her enjoyable and bestselling first one, Everything, Everything, by diving deep into the human experience. It follows the interwoven lives of two New York City teens and the wider world in the scope of barely 12 hours. Natasha is a girl who believes in science and facts; she is also fighting against her family’s deportation to Jamaica. Daniel has always lived up to his Korean family’s expectations, but he wants to be a poet instead of pre-med. Their hopeful, yet bittersweetly realistic star-crossed romance illustrates the interconnectedness of our existence. Six starred reviews, a New York Times bestseller, and a National Book Award finalist.

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THURSDAY, JAN. 19 6:30 pm at the store WILLIAM HAZELGROVE Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson Mr. Hazelgrove’s new book is a vivid portrait of the woman who took over the day-to-day responsibilities of the presidency when her husband Woodrow Wilson suffered a paralyzing stroke in the fall of 1919. SUNDAY, JAN. 22 2 pm at the store TERRY LASKIN AND MARGE STEINER The Light Gap—God’s Amazing Presence: Our Journey to Understand Life Through Light and Near-Death The authors are sisters touched by tragedy. Terry experienced a near-death experience in a car accident, and Marge’s 19-yearold daughter met death in London while on a college trip. Their intertwined stories include both tragedy and the miraculous. MONDAY, JAN. 23 The Book Stall is closed for inventory, but note this out-of-store event: 7 pm, North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan Rd., Glencoe. Register at www.ushmm.org. PETER HAYES Why? Explaining the Holocaust In his new book, Northwestern University history and German professor Hayes mines Holocaust literature in English and German to weave together stories that explore the origins of one of the most tragic events in human history. TUESDAY, JAN. 24 6:30 pm at the store

CHRISTINE SNEED The Virginity of Famous Men Award-winning Chicago author Sneed sits down for a conversation with Renee Rosen about her newest book, a perceptive collection featuring protagonists attempting to make peace with the choices—both personal and professional—they have made. Refreshments will be served, and we’ll have a raffle with great prizes. SUNDAY, JAN. 29

2 pm, Special Book Discussion group at the store TAAL HASAK-LOWY Ms. Hasak-Lowy, executive director of the Chicago office of American Jewish World Service, returns to the store to lead a book discussion of The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat. TUESDAY, JAN. 31

11:30 am, Luncheon, The Union League Club SALLIE KRAWCHECK Own It: The Power of Women at Work Ms. Krawcheck, former executive at Citigroup and Merrill Lynch and now head of Ellevest, a digital investment platform for women, speaks about her new book, described as a playbook for a new era of feminism, offering women a new set of rules for professional success.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

4:30 pm, Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. KEVIN HENKES Egg Beloved children’s author/illustrator Henkes presents his 50th book, a graphic novel for preschoolers about four eggs, a big surprise, and an unlikely friendship. THURSDAY, FEB. 2

7 pm, Highland Park Library, 494 Laurel JEREMY McCARTER Hamilton: The Revolution Another opportunity to meet the co-author of the book about the musical. SUNDAY, FEB. 5

1 pm at the store B.T. GOTTFRIED, The Nerdy and the Dirty GRETCHEN McNEIL, I’m Not Your Manic Pixie Dream Girl Join us to meet these two exciting young adult authors! WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

10:30 am, Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel LISA NAPOLI Ray & Joan: The Man Who Made the McDonald’s Fortune and the Woman Who Gave It All Away Veteran reporter Napoli discusses the passionate and tumultuous relationship between fast-food magnate Ray Kroc and his third wife, Joan, a liberal and brash Midwesterner. THURSDAY, FEB. 9

6:30 pm at the store NAN ALEXANDER DOYAL Dig Where You Are: How One Person’s Effort Can Save a Life, Empower a Community, and Create Meaningful Change in the World Ms. Doyal recounts the stories of people around the world who have solved problems in creative and sustainable ways. SATURDAY, FEB. 11

10 am at the store YOUNG ADULT EDUCATOR DAY Teachers and librarians working with students in grades 6-12 should plan on joining us for book talks, prizes, and special guests. Call us at 847 446-8880 to reserve your spot. 2:30 pm at the store ALEXANDRA SOLOMON Loving Bravely: Twenty Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want Solomon, a clinical assistant professor of psychology at Northwestern University, offers lessons that will help people explore and commit to their own emotional and psychological well-being so they can be ready, resilient, and confident in love. SUNDAY, FEB. 12

1 – 3 pm at the store

SMALL PRESS EXPO Join a store full of authors ready to talk about their work. Go from station to station to meet writers, including Michelle Foote, Steve Nemerovski, Joe Rulli, Lynn Sanders, Patricia Steinback, and Marcus Zuckerman. Refreshments will be served!

MONDAY, FEB. 13

11:30 am, Luncheon, The Union League Club 7 pm, Glencoe Public Library, 320 Park Ave. CESAR MILLAN Lessons from the Pack: Stories of the Dogs Who Changed My Life An early Valentine for dog lovers! Bestselling author and Nat Geo Wild reality TV star Millan makes two appearances to talk about his new book, drawing on his decades of experience to reveal the many ways that dogs and people can enrich each other’s lives. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

12 noon, Luncheon, University Club of Chicago ALLISON PATAKI Sisi: Empress on Her Own Bestselling author Pataki talks about her extensively researched historical novel about Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary, known to her people as the fairy queen but a far more complex person beneath the surface. THURSDAY, FEB. 16

4:30 pm at the store STEVE ANTONY, I’ll Wait, Mr. Panda Mr. Antony, the popular author/illustrator of the bestselling manners book Please, Mr. Panda makes a rare U.S. appearance with his new picture book. SUNDAY, FEB. 19

2 pm at the store

RICHARD SOBEL Citizenship as Foundation of Rights: Meaning for America Political scientist Sobel, a visiting scholar at the Buffett Institute at Northwestern University, explores the nature and meaning of American citizenship. SATURDAY, FEB. 25

3 pm Storytime at the store PATRICIA MURPHY Mama, Look! Author Murphy reads her beautifully illustrated picture book that introduces little ones to the natural world around them. MONDAY, FEB. 27

7 pm, A FAN Program Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave. COLSON WHITEHEAD The Underground Railroad This Family Action Network (FAN) program features the winner of the 2016 National Book Award. His novel, chronicling a young slave’s adventures as she makes a desperate bid for freedom in the antebellum South, is one of the most-lauded books of 2016. TUESDAY, FEB. 28

6:30 pm, Book release party at the store RENEE ROSEN, Windy City Blues We’re delighted to host the launch party for this exciting new novel set in the world of the legendary blues label, Chess Records. Its protagonist, Leeba Groski, is a Jewish music lover and talented pianist who takes a job at the new record company and comes into her own as a songwriter and friend to the label’s storied artists. Refreshments and a music raffle will be part of the fun. For reservations for events at downtown clubs, please call The Book Stall at 847 446-8880. Please check our website www.thebookstall.com and visit us on Facebook for the latest news and updates on events at The Book Stall.

A New Year, A New You GENERAL INSPIRATION

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday ($25) Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth ($28) Together Is Better: A Little Book of Inspiration by Simon Sinek ($22) The Book Of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by His Holiness the Dailai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Adams ($26) It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond by Julia Cameron ($17) The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life that Matters by Emily Esfahani-Smith ($28, out Jan. 10, 2017) Design Your Life: Creating Success Through Personal Style by Rachel Roy ($26.99) DIET AND HEALTH

Whole30 Cookbook: 150 Delicious and Totally Compliant Recipes to Help You Succeed with the Whole30 and Beyond by Melissa Hartwig ($30) Eat Complete: The 21 Nutrients That Fuel Brainpower, Boost Weight Loss, and Transform Your Health by Drew Ramsey, MD ($26.99) 100 Days of Real Food Fast & Fabulous : The Easy and Delicious Way to Cut Out Processed Food by Lisa Leake ($29.99) The 22-Day Revolution Cookbook: The Ultimate Resource for Unleashing the Life-Changing Health Benefits of a PlantBased Diet by Marco Borges, Foreword by Ryan Seacrest ($32.50) The Eat Fat, Get Thin Cookbook by Mark Hyman, MD ($30) The Power of When: Discover Your Chronotype – And The Best Time to Eat Lunch, Ask for a Raise and Have Sex, Write a Novel, Take Your Meds, and More by Michael Breus Phd ($28) Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang ($27.50) GET ORGANIZED

Chez Moi: Decorating Your Home and Living Like a Parisienne by Sarah Lavoine ($24.95) Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives by Tim Harford ($28) The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify (Updated and Revised) by Francine Jay ($16.95) Never Too Busy to Cure Clutter: Simplify Your Life One Minute at a Time (More Than 365 Tips to Make Room for What’s Truly Important) by Erin Rooney Doland ($15.99) FINANCE AND CAREER

Pogue’s Basics: Money—Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) by David Pogue ($19.99) What Color is Your Parachute 2017: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard Bolles ($19.99) Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett ($24.95) How to Win an Argument: An Ancient Guide to the Art of Persuasion by Cicero ($16.95) Smarter, Faster, Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg ($28)

PRESORTED STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE

PA I D

MULTICOPY CORP

811 Elm Street Winnetka, Illinois 60093 Monday - Thursday 9:30 am to 7 pm Friday 9:30 am to 6 pm Saturday 9:30 am to 5 pm Sunday 11 am to 5 pm Telephone: (847) 446-8880 1-800-678-2242 Fax: (847) 446-2894 www.thebookstall.com email: [email protected]

Book Discussion Groups at The Book Stall Wednesday, January 18 at 9:30 am The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman. Led by Nancy Buehler Wednesday, January 25 at 9:30 am The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. Led by Judy Levin Evening Book Discussion Wednesday, January 25 at 6:30 pm Commonwealth by Ann Patchett. Led by Alice Moody Wednesday, February 15 at 9:30 am The Sellout by Paul Beatty. Led by Elise Barack There is a $5 charge to participate in book discussion groups, fully redeemable for merchandise in the store.

JANUARY WED. 11 6:30 pm at the store LISA SMITH Girl Walks Out of a Bar SAT.

14 2 pm, Storytime at the store PATRICK McBRIARTY City Railways Go Above and Below

WED. 18 9:30 am, Book Discussion at the store The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman Led by Nancy Buehler 10:30 am, Highland Park Public Library RON BALSON, Karolina’s Twins 7 pm, Central School, Glencoe VERONICA ROTH Carve the Mark THUR. 19 6:30 pm at the store WILLIAM HAZELGROVE Madam President SUN.

22 2 pm at the store TERRY LASKIN, MARGE STEINER The Light Gap

WED. 25 6:30 pm, Evening Book Discussion at the store Commonwealth by Ann Patchett Led by Alice Moody SUN.

29 2 pm at the store Book Discussion Group The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat Led by Taal Hasak-Lowy

TUES. 31 11:30 am, Luncheon, Union League Club SALLIE KRAWCHECK Own It FEBRUARY WED. 1

4:30 pm, Evanston Public Library KEVIN HENKES Egg

THUR. 2

7 pm, Highland Park Public Library JEREMY McCARTER Hamilton: The Revolution

SUN.

1 pm at the store B.T. GOTTFRIED The Nerdy and the Dirty GRETCHEN McNEIL I’m Not Your Manic Pixie Dream Girl

5

MON. 23 The Book Stall is closed for inventory 7 pm, North Shore Congregation Israel PETER HAYES, Why? TUES. 24 6:30 pm at the store CHRISTINE SNEED The Virginity of Famous Men WED. 25 9:30 am, Book Discussion at the store The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen Led by Judy Levin

WED. 8

10:30 am, Highland Park Public Library LISA NAPOLI Ray & Joan

THUR. 9

6:30 pm at the store NAN ALEXANDER DOYAL Dig Where You Are

SAT.

11 10 am at the store Young Adult Educator Day 2:30 pm at the store ALEXANDRA SOLOMON Loving Bravely

SUN.

12 1-3 pm at the store, Small Press Expo

MON. 13 11:30 am, Luncheon, Union League Club 7 pm, Glencoe Public Library CESAR MILLAN Lessons from the Pack WED. 15 9:30 am, Book Discussion at the store The Sellout by Paul Beatty Led by Elise Barack 12 noon, Luncheon, University Club ALLISON PATAKI Sisi: Empress on Her Own THUR. 16 4:30 pm at the store STEVE ANTONY, I’ll Wait, Mr. Panda SUN.

19 2 pm at the store RICHARD SOBEL Citizenship as Foundation of Rights

SAT.

25 3 pm, Storytime at the store PATRICIA MURPHY Mama, Look!

MON. 27 7 pm, FAN, Evanston Township High School COLSON WHITEHEAD The Underground Railroad TUES. 28 6:30 pm, Book release party at the store RENEE ROSEN Windy City Blues