Michael Barnard

Rakestraw Books

409 Railroad Avenue
Danville, Ca 94526
United States

925-837-7337; rakestraw_booksyahoo.com

Web site: http://www.rakestrawbooks.com

Events URL: http://www.rakestrawbooks.com/up…

This bookstore is an IndieBound member.

Added by: CMJ3rd. Contacted: Not contacted.

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Description: Welcome to Rakestraw Books (est. April 1973), a beautiful, well-stocked independent bookshop located in Danville, California; well-known for our selection, our book-loving staff, and our great events.

Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2005.

"Rakestraw Books is a gem: small, perfect, and the more you peer into it, endlessly deep. The love of good books animates and inspires the place; the staff is passionate and smart -- every visit offers equal measures of entertainment and instruction. And Michael Barnard may just be the best bookseller in the Bay Area -- which, given the competition, is high praise indeed." --- Michael Chabon

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Upcoming events

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Past events

An Evening with Martha Sherrill & Akita Rescue (March 19 at 7:00pm)

Martha Sherrill reads from Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain.

Morie Sawataishi has lived a life that is radically unconventional by any standards but particularly unthinkable in ultra-modern and strictly conformist Japan. His life story is a testament to what in today's world is starting to seem a dying virtue -- the virtue of living out a full life dedicated to ... (more)something other than the accumulation of wealth; of making sacrifices in order to devote one's life completely to a worthy cause or idea, whatever that may be. For Morie, it was dogs. Martha Sherrill tells Morie's remarkable story in Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain -- a rare look at life in the wilds of Japan's snow country and an inspiring tale of how one man's consuming passion for the Japanese Akita dog saved the breed from extinction. During World War II, Akitas, the magnificent and intensely loyal Japanese hunting dogs, were donated to help the war effort, eaten, or used to make fur vests for the military. Once plentiful and revered in Japan as a symbol of loyalty and pride, by the time Mori returned from fighting in the war the breed was nearly gone. Not fully understanding drove him, Morie impulsively buys an Akita puppy and broke the law by keeping the dog hidden in a shed on his property. The survival of the breed became Morie's passion and life. He passed up promotions, bigger houses, and prestigious engineering jobs in Tokyo. Instead, he devoted himself to the dogs and raises a family with Kitako -- a sheltered urban sophisticate -- in Japan’s remote snow country. Due in part to Morie's perseverance, the Akita breed strengthens and becomes widely popular, sometimes selling for millions of yen. Yet Morie won’t sell his own spectacular dogs. He preferred, then and now, to give them away. Morie carved out a unique and rich life for himself and his family in what many consider a forbidding place -- one that is driven by Morie’s devotion to the land, his dogs, and to a more profound way of living. He and Kitako remain in the traditional Japanese cottage they designed together more than half a century ago -- with its red overhanging roof, earthen walls, tatami-mat floors, and no central heating -- while Morie continues to raise and train the rugged Akita dogs that have come to symbolize his life. Blending archival research, on-the-ground reportage, and captivating storytelling, Sherrill transports readers to a part of Japan that few of us know and introduces us to many fascinating characters, human and canine. In particular, Sherrill tells the story of Morie's distinctive and soulful path, providing a profound look at what it is to be an individualist in a culture that reveres conformity -- and what it means to live life in one's own way. We are delighted to welcome Martha Sherrill to Rakestraw Books on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 at 7:00 PM to share this inspiring and powerful book. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds will benefit Akita Club of America's Rescue Fund.

Added by Rakestraw.

An Evening with Thomas Cahill & CalShakes (April 1 at 6:00pm)

Thomas Cahill discusses Mysteries of the Middle Ages.

Thomas Cahill, one of the most widely-read and critically acclaimed historians, is back with the fifth volume in his mega-bestselling "Hinges of History" series and begins his exploration of the modern western world (volumes 1-4 having dealt with the ancients) in an era that never fails to fascinate: ... (more)the Middle Ages. Knights and castles. Lords and ladies. Vassals and bishops. All anyone has to do is peruse the local book or toy store, attend one of the many medieval festivals that take place each year throughout the United States, visit Disneyland, or even just check out all of the princesses and Friar Tucks at Halloween to see that Europe in the high Middle Ages (1100 – 1347 A.D.) looms large in our collective imagination. But why is this time period so endlessly enthralling to us? Is our understanding of it historically correct? Who are the most significant figures and what are the most enduring legacies of the Middle Ages -- and what do they mean for Western society and the world at large today? Historian Thomas Cahill answers these questions and more in Mysteries of the Middle Ages, the fifth volume in his "Hinges of History" series. The series, which began with How the Irish Saved Civilization, retells the history of the Western world as the story of the great gift-givers. So often history is seen through the lens of catastrophe and war, a valid enough view. But equally important is the view that Thomas Cahill so ably illuminates: history as a narrative of grace. In his inimitable books, Cahill brings to life the little-known stories of individuals who, in giving the world gifts such as individuality, orientation to the future, reason, art, mercy, and courage, had pivotal impacts on history and contributed immensely to Western culture and the evolution of Western sensibility. As Lady Antonia Frasier has remarked, “Once you read a Thomas Cahill book, you’ll never look at the world in quite the same way again.” We are excited to be working with the California Shakespeare Theater to present this magical evening. Two actors - Ron Campbell and Nancy Carlin - from Cal Shakes will be presenting a scene from Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband, one of the upcoming season's plays. Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone will be here to talk a bit about the upcoming season and the work that Cal Shakes does in the community. If you've never had a chance to hear Jonathan speak, you're in for a treat; he is so articulate and so passionate about the theater and its mission. We will be raffling off tickets for one of the plays. Additionally, since it's a party, we will be serving wine and hors d'ouevres starting at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $15 -- proceeds will benefit the Cal Shakes School Residencies. Through the School Residencies program, Cal Shakes brings Teaching Artists into the schools to teach with the aim of developing students' creative and academic minds and voices. We are so excited about this wonderful evening -- a great writer, a wonderful book, a classic play, and one of the best cultural arts organizations in the Bay Area. Please plan on joining us on Tuesday, 1 April 2008 at 6:00 PM. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us at (925) 837-7337.

Added by Rakestraw.

David Sheff & Nic Sheff in Conversation (April 3 at 09:45am)

David Sheff, Nic Sheff reads from Beautiful Boy & Tweak.

David Sheff’s story is a first: a teenager's addiction from the parent's point of view -- a real-time chronicle of the shocking descent into substance abuse and the gradual emergence into hope. Before meth, Sheff's son Nic was a varsity athlete, honor student, and award-winning journalist. After meth, ... (more)he was a trembling wraith who stole money from his eight-year-old brother and lived on the streets. At its heart Beautiful Boy is an amazingly honest and exquisitely written account of a family's torturous journey through addiction. It raises questions that reflect the fears of every parent: Where does one's responsibility to a loved one end? How -- and when -- should a parent know whether his or her child is substance abusing? And how does a family recover from the wounds afflicted by addiction and get on with their lives? David Sheff has written a powerful and moving family portrait that will resonate soundly with all readers and is sure to become a classic. Nic Sheff was drunk for the first time at age eleven. In the years that followed, he would regularly smoke pot, do cocaine and Ecstasy, and develop addictions to crystal meth and heroin. Even so, he felt like he would always be able to quit and put his life together whenever he needed to. It took a violent relapse one summer in California to convince him otherwise. In a voice that is raw and honest, Nic has written Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines. Hespares no detail in telling us the compelling, heartbreaking, and true story of his relapse and the road to recovery. As we watch Nic plunge the mental and physical depths of drug addiction, he paints a picture for us of a person at odds with his past, with his family, with his substances, and with himself. It's a harrowing portrait -- but not one without hope. Few books have garnered as much attention this season as these two. As harrowing as they are to read, I think both are important contributions not only to growing library of memoirs, but also to the literature of addiction. We are happy to invite you to a conversation-style talk and signing with David Sheff and Nic Sheff on Thursday, 3 April 2008 at 9:45 AM. This special event will take place at the Athenian School here in Danville. In order to attend, you MUST call the shop to make reservations. If you'd like more information or are ready to make a reservation, call us at (925) 837-7337.

Event location: The Athenian School (reservations essential).

Event webpage

Added by Rakestraw.

Jane Smiley reads & signs (April 23 at 7:00pm)

Jane Smiley reads from Ten days in the hills.

Jane Smiley Reads & Signs on Wed., 23 April at 7 PM In the aftermath of the 2003 Academy Awards, Max and Elena -- he's an Oscar-winning writer/director -- open their Hollywood Hills home to a group of friends and neighbors, industry insiders and hangers-on, eager to escape the outside world and dissect ... (more)the latest news, gossip, and secrets of the business. Over the next ten days, old lovers collide, new relationships form, and sparks fly, all with Smiley's signature sparkling wit and characterization. With its breathtaking passion and sexy irreverence, Ten Days in the Hills is a glowing addition to the work of one of our most beloved novelists. If you've loved Smiley's earlier books -- the Pulitzer Prize-winning A Thousand Acres or Moo! -- you have to read Ten Days in the Hills. Both Julie and I think that Ten Days in the Hills is great fun -- witty, smart, and a great book for discussion. It is our great honor to invite you to a rare Bay Area event: an evening's reading and signing with Jane Smiley on Wednesday, 23 April 2008 at 7 PM. Tickets are $5.25 and advance purchase is strongly suggested as tickets will sell out early. Ticket proceeds will benefit the general circulating collection of the Danville Library. It is our tradition here at Rakestraw Books to produce fine limited edition broadsides to commemorate the visits of Pulitzer Prize-winners. The broadside for this evening -- showcasing a quotation from Ten Days in the Hills -- will be designed and printed by a fine letterpress printer. Please make plans to join us for this special evening. For more information, or to order a signed copy of Ten Days in the Hills, please call us at (925) 837-7337.

Added by karenb.

Adam Mansbach (April 29 at 7:00pm)

Adam Mansbach reads from The End of the Jews.

Adam Mansbach's latest novel, The End of the Jews, was published in March 2008 by Spiegel & Grau/Doubleday. An ambitious and affecting family drama and a sweeping tour of race, religion, art and identity in 20th century America, The End of the Jews features grandfather-and-grandson graffiti bombing missions, ... (more)a Czech girl passing for black in America, relatives betraying each other through novels, stoned Bar Mitzvah DJs forcing people to dance the hora to Eric B & Rakim's microphone fiend, swaggering Jewish geniuses remaking postwar American culture, and much more. Mansbach is the founding editor of the pioneering '90s hip hop journal Elementary, and a former Artistic Consultant to Columbia University's Center for Jazz Studies. His work has appeared in The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle Magazine, The New York Times, Vibe, JazzTimes, Wax Poetics, San Francisco Bay Guardian, Guilt & Pleasure, Poets & Writers, Total Chaos: The Art and Aesthetics of Hip Hop (Basic Civitas, 2007), The Best Music Writing (Da Capo, 2004), and elsewhere. He also writes a weekly political column for NewsOne.com. A dynamic public speaker whose lectures combine elements of spoken-word, hip hop, comedy, and traditional scholarship to address the complexities of identity, hip hop, history, literature, and popular culture, Mansbach has spoken on college campuses across the country. He teaches writing at the San Francisco Art Institute. We are excited to welcome Adam Mansbach to Rakestraw Books on Tuesday, 29 April 2008 at 7:00 PM to read from and sign The End of the Jews. Please give us a call at (925) 837-7337 if you have any questions.

Added by Rakestraw.

Barbara Walters Signs Her Memoir (May 16 at 6:00pm)

Barbara Walters signs Audition: A Memoir.

At last Barbara Walters, the most important woman in the history of television journalism gives us that "whole package," in her inspiring and riveting memoir, AUDITION. After more than forty years of interviewing heads of state, world leaders, movie stars, criminals, murderers, inspirational figures, ... (more)and celebrities of all kinds, Barbara Walters has turned her gift for examination onto herself to reveal the forces that shaped her extraordinary life. Barbara Walters's perception of the world was formed at a very early age. Her father, Lou Walters, was the owner and creative mind behind the legendary Latin Quarter nightclub, and it was his risk-taking lifestyle that gave Barbara her first taste of glamour. It also made her aware of the ups and downs, the insecurities, and even the tragedies that can occur when someone is willing to take great risks, for Lou Walters didn't just make several fortunes -- he also lost them. Barbara learned early about the damage that such an existence can do to relationships -- between husband and wife as well as between parent and child. Through her roller-coaster ride of a childhood, Barbara had a close companion, her mentally challenged sister, Jackie. True, Jackie taught her younger sister much about patience and compassion, but Barbara also writes honestly about the resentment she often felt having a sister who was so "different" and the guilt that still haunts her. All of this -- the financial responsibility for her family, the fear, the love -- played a large part in the choices she made as she grew up: the friendships she developed, the relationships she had, the marriages she tried to make work. Ultimately, thanks to her drive, combined with a decent amount of luck, she began a career in television. And what a career it has been! Against great odds, Barbara has made it to the top of a male-dominated industry. She was the first woman cohost of the "Today" show, the first female network news coanchor, the host and producer of countless top-rated Specials, the star of "20/20," and the creator and cohost of "The View." She has not just interviewed the world's most fascinating figures, she has become a part of their world. These are just a few of the names that play a key role in Barbara's life, career, and book: Yasir Arafat, Warren Beatty, Menachem Begin, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Roy Cohn, the Dalai Lama, Princess Diana, Katharine Hepburn, King Hussein, Angelina Jolie, Henry Kissinger, Monica Lewinsky, Richard Nixon, Rosie O’Donnell, Christopher Reeve, Anwar Sadat, John Wayne . . . the list goes on and on. Barbara Walters has spent a lifetime auditioning: for her bosses at the TV networks, for millions of viewers, for the most famous people in the world, and even for her own daughter, with whom she has had a difficult but ultimately quite wonderful and moving relationship. This memoir, AUDITION, in some ways, is her final audition, as she fully opens up both her private and public lives. In doing so, she has given us a story that is heartbreaking and honest, surprising and fun, sometimes startling, and always fascinating. As a ticket holder, you will be able to meet Barbara Walters and have your copy of AUDITION signed. Please note: this a meet-and-greet and book signing only; there is no formal presentation. All copies of AUDITION by Barbara Walters signed must be purchased from Rakestraw Books. Proof of purchase will be required. The book, AUDITION by Barbara Walters, goes on sale at Rakestraw Books on Tuesday, 6 May 2008. Tickets for this special event are $3 plus a copy of the book. Buy your ticket and reserve your copy of AUDITION today! Call Rakestraw Books at (925) 837-7337 to order tickets or for more information.

Event webpage

Added by Rakestraw.

Ursula Le Guin in conversation with Karen Joy Fowler (June 23 at 7:00pm)

Ursula Le Guin discusses Lavinia.

Who: Ursula K. LeGuin and Karen Joy Fowler What: In conversation and signing their new novels, Lavinia and Wit's End When: Monday, 23 June 2008 at 7:00 PM How much: $6 -- all proceeds benefit the collection of the Danville Library. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Why you ... (more)should care: Ursula K. LeGuin's contributions to fantasty and science fiction literature -- from The Left Hand of Darkness to A Wizard of Earthsea -- are classics, respected and loved all over the world. In this rare Bay Area appearance, she will be joined in conversation by Karen Joy Fowler, the author of the much-loved bestseller The Jane Austen Book Club. As talented, thoughtful, and interesting as both these writers are, I think this will be among the most enjoyable and memorable events we will ever host here at Rakestraw Books.

Event webpage

Interested: Rakestraw Added by Rakestraw.

Ann Patchett (August 5 at 7:00pm)

Ann Patchett reads from Run.

Why you should care: A book group favorite here at Rakestraw Books for years, Ann Patchett writes books that are consistently interesting, well-written, and completely enjoyable. And, best of all, each one's different and special. Run, just out in paperback, is one of her best. It's a treat to invite ... (more)you to this special event. Make your reservation today.

Event webpage

Added by Rakestraw.

Dinner with a celebrated chef in a secluded private garden (August 15 at 7:00pm)

Joyce Goldstein discusses Mediterranean Fresh.

Who: Joyce Goldstein What: Talking about and signing her new book, Mediterranean Fresh: A Compendium of One-Plate Salad Meals and Mix-and-Match Dressings When: Friday, 15 August 2008 at 7 PM How much: $22.50 -- We're serving dinner! Reservations are essential Where: A private garden in Danville. ... (more)Location available to paid attendees only. Why you should care: Joyce Goldstein has been a legend in the Bay Area food scene for twenty-five years and this fabulous new cookbook makes it clear why she is so loved. Beautifully illustrated and carefully explained, this one will have you running to the Farmers' Market for marvelous ingredients then home to cook more simply (and yet more deliciously) than you can imagine. Bonus: We're serving dinner in one of Danville's loveliest private gardens and, trust me, our dinners are pretty special. Make your reservation today!

Event location: Private garden in Danville. Exact location made available to paid attendees only.

Event webpage

Added by Rakestraw.

A luncheon with the author (August 22 at 12:00pm)

Annie Barrows discusses The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society.

Who: Annie Barrows What: Reading and signing her new novel, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society When: Friday, 22 August 2008 at Noon How much: $15 -- We're serving lunch! Reservations are essential. Why you should care: Annie Barrows is just about the nicest person I met in ... (more)the fall of 2007. She's smart, funny, and incredibly talented. So, when my Random House sales rep gave me an advance of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I took it home that night to read. I think I stayed up 'til 3 AM to finish it. What an absolutely delicious novel. No book we can sell you this month will make you happier to be a reader. This is one you will one to share with the readers you love. Trust us. Bonus: We're serving lunch with Annie. You'll love it.

Event webpage

Added by Rakestraw.

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Want to buy your books at a terrific independent bookstore? Want personalized recommendations, comfortable browsing, and a place to sit and read? Try Rakestraw in Danville.

March 13 by CMJ3rd

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