Rakestraw Books

We’re heading for London tomorrow! Not in real life of course, but be there via a wonderful virtual event with novelist Clare Pooley. She will be discussing her bestselling novel, The Authenticity Project, with novelist Georgia Hunter (We Were the Lucky Ones) at 9:30 AM (PST). Please join us! Tickets available at the link in the profile. #shoprakestrawbooks #livelocallydanville #bookgroup #bookstagram #bookevent

Somehow, we’ve weathered and witnessed, A nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished. - Amanda Gorman... We are thrilled to be able accept your pre-orders for a beautiful gift edition of The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman. The book will be published on March 16, 2021 and will include a Foreword by Oprah Winfrey. Pre-order link is https://www.rakestrawbooks.com/book/9780593465271. #thehillweclimb #amandagorman #shoprakestrawbooks #inspiration

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, it is important to remember that even in dark times there are people who act courageously and selflessly. In his new book, Nicky and Vera, Peter Sís tells the story of Sir Nicholas Winton and Vera Gissing, one of the more than 600 children he saved. It’s a beautiful book and it’s appropriate for sharing even with young children. May his memory be for a blessing. #nickyandvera #picturebooks #neverforget

True solace is finding none, which is to say, it is everywhere. Gretel Ehrlich We are so excited for tomorrow’s special virtual event with the extraordinary Gretel Ehrlich. She will be joined in conversation by Mary Ellen Hannibal. Ticket link - http://rakestraw-ehrlich.eventbrite.com. #liveathome #unsolaced #gretelehrlich #shoprakestrawbooks #authors

Here's a quick newsletter to read on this rainy evening. We have some great author visits coming up as well as three new book groups to enjoy. Happy Reading!

The Transatlantic Book Club -- is newly founded by Antonia Squire of The Bookshop (Bridport, Dorset, UK) and Michael Barnard of Rakestraw Books (Danville, California, USA) in January 2021 -- meets monthly to discuss great books and to foster literary community. Both shops invite interested patrons to join this new group. We're going to enjoy some good conversation, read some great books, and meet new friends. In this time of shelter-in-place, we're going to make our world as readers as bit larger. It's going to be such fun! We will have two meetings in February -- one introductory on Saturday, 6 February 2021 at 9 AM (PST) and, then, our first book discussion on Saturday, 20 February 2021 at 9 AM (PST). Our first book will be The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Please call Rakestraw Books at (925) 837-7337 to register.

These final months of the year are crucial for Rakestraw Books - and other local businesses - under normal circumstances, and even more so given the many challenges of 2020. Our doors are open. Our shelves are stocked. This holiday we urge you to shop Rakestraw Books in-store, curbside, by phone, or online. With your support and patronage we will be here in 2021. #shoprakestrawbooks #welovebooks #stacksofbooks #dontboxoutbookstores #livelocallydanville

Honor and gratitude to all the men and women who have served this country.

We built a skyscraper of today’s many wonderful new books! #newreleasetuesday #welovebooks #stacksofbooks #shoprakestrawbooks #livelocallydanville

Create delicious and natural tonic water with this kit from Oaktown Spice Shop, which has all the spices and botanicals you need, plus a recipe for making a syrup that you can simply add to soda water and your liquor of choice. It's easy to make and better-tasting than any bottled tonic water. Call the shop at (925) 837-7337. #makermondays #souvenear #shoprakestrawbooks

5,203 Things To Do Instead of Looking at Your Phone pictured here in front of a bookcase of hundreds of things you might do instead of looking at your phone! #welovebooks #stacksofbooks #readabook #shoprakestrawbooks

Anthony Horowitz is back with a fiendishly clever and deliciously cozy new mystery! We are delighted to join us on 11/14/20 at 9:30 AM (PST) for a special Rakestraw Books Live at Home! visit with him. Ticket link: rakestraw-horowitz.eventbrite.com. Join us! #welovebooks #anthonyhorowitz #magpiemurders #moonflowermurders #shoprakestrawbooks

Some nifty new releases on this Election Day including signed copies of The Best of Me by David Sedaris. Come pick up a new book today and while you’re at it be sure to vote! #welovebooks #bestamericanshortstories #signedbooks #neilgaiman #davidsedaris #shoprakestrawbooks

Fall back into a great book! Recommending books is one of the best parts of being a bookseller. There’s nothing like putting a book you love into someone’s hands. What are you reading today? #welovebooks #stacksofbooks #livelocallydanville #shoprakestrawbooks #jessicafranciskane #minjinleepachinko #andyweir #levgrossman #lyssakayadams

The Lost Spells above all celebrates a sense of wonder, bearing witness to nature's power to amaze, console and bring joy. Written to be read aloud, painted in brushstrokes that call to the forest, field, riverbank and also to the heart, The Lost Spells summons back what is often lost from sight and care, teaching the names of everyday species, and inspiring its readers to attention, love and care. #welovebooks #stacksofbooks #thelostspells #livelocallydanville #shoprakestrawbooks

When I say it's you I like, I'm talking about that part of you that knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see or hear or touch. That deep part of you that allows you to stand for those things without which humankind cannot survive. Love that conquers hate, peace that rises triumphant over war, and justice that proves more powerful than greed. Fred Rogers

National Cat Day is today! Celebrate with a purrrrrr-fect new book. #welovebooks #stacksofbooks #cats #nationalcatday #livelocallydanville #shoprakestrawbooks

This morning’s emails are being answered from this lovely spot. #booksellervacation #welovebooks

The only thing newer than Finnegan - possibly the world’s cutest puppy - are the fine books out this week. Pick one up today. They’re puppy approved! #welovebooks #stacksofbooks #puppylove #livelocallydanville #shoprakestrawbooks #friedgreentomatoes

One of favorite books of the last several years Devotions: The Selected Poems is on Oprah’s just announced list That Books That Help Me Through. It’s an extraordinary collection: wise and deeply reassuring. It will help you through. Copies are in stock now. #welovebooks #stacksofbooks #maryoliver #oprahsbookclub #shoprakestrawbooks