As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the days grow shorter and a familiar sense of comfort draws us towards cozy traditions. In Petaluma, California, amidst the twinkling lights and festive cheer, a unique conversation is taking place – a conversation about books.
James Florence, co-founder of the beloved local record store Rain Dog Records, and I recently found ourselves discussing our current literary pursuits. We were both drawn to the warmth and community of independent businesses during the Black Friday and Small Business saturday rush.
Rain Dog Records, a haven for music lovers, is a treasure trove of vinyl, CDs, and tapes. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in the aisles, discover hidden gems, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts. While I explored the world of Swedish prog metal, James shared his current reading obsession: “Altamont: The Rolling stones, the Hells angels, and the Inside Story of Rock’s darkest Day” by Joel Selvin.
“I’m on a nonfiction kick this week,” James confided.
Inspired by our conversation, I decided to explore what else Petaluma residents are reading this holiday season.A visit to Copperfield’s Books revealed a diverse selection of both fiction and nonfiction titles capturing the imaginations of local readers.
What Petaluma is Reading This week
Table of Contents
Here’s a glimpse into the literary landscape of Petaluma:
Fiction
1. Orbital by Samantha Harvey: this Booker Prize-winning novel follows six astronauts aboard a decommissioned space station as they contemplate Earth’s place in the cosmos.
2. serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer: A thoughtful follow-up to Kimmerer’s bestselling “braiding Sweetgrass,” this book explores the concepts of reciprocity and the gift economy, encouraging readers to embrace gratitude and community.
Nonfiction
3. The Petaluma River: A Sketch Journal and Brief Historical Overview by Alan Butler and katherine J. Rinehart: This captivating book, featuring sketches, photographs, and watercolors by architect/artist Butler and text from historian Rinehart, chronicles the Petaluma River’s journey from its indigenous roots to the present day. Don’t miss Butler and Rinehart at their upcoming book talk and signing at Aqus Café on December 18 from 3:30–7 p.m.
4. Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell: Gladwell returns with a follow-up to his groundbreaking “The Tipping Point,” offering more insightful essays on social epidemics and contagious phenomena.
5. The Creative Act: A Way of being by Rick Rubin: Music producer extraordinaire Rick Rubin delves into the nature of creativity, exploring its power to transform lives and inspire innovation.
Calling all bookworms! Whether you’re seeking a captivating historical mystery, a heartwarming tale for young readers, or a thrilling dive into the world of kaiju, this week’s hottest reads have something for everyone.
Adult fiction Picks
For those who love a good historical puzzle, “Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon is a must-read. Inspired by the life of 18th-century Maine midwife and healer Martha Ballard, this novel weaves a compelling narrative as Ballard sets out to solve a chilling crime.”Frozen River” has earned a coveted spot on the Good Morning America Book Club list, making it a surefire hit.
Kids’ Corner: Fiction and Non-Fiction favorites
Young readers will be captivated by the Newberry Award-winning “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate. This heartwarming story follows Ivan, a gorilla raised in a shopping mall, as he longs for a life beyond his enclosure.
“the Wild Robot” by Peter Brown is another fantastic choice. This illustrated middle-grade novel tells the story of Roz, a robot who must learn to survive on a remote island by adapting to her surroundings and mimicking the behaviors of the island’s animal inhabitants. “The Wild Robot” has been adapted into a major motion picture, further cementing its appeal.
Fans of the hilarious ”Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series will be thrilled with the 19th installment, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess.” in this latest adventure, Greg Heffley faces an awkward summer vacation with his family in a cramped beach house, all while grappling with the mystery of Gramma’s famous meatballs.
“The Eyes and the Impossible” by Dave Eggers, winner of the Newberry Medal for Children’s Literature, is a beautifully illustrated tale about Johannes, a dog who watches over a park on behalf of three ancient bison. Johannes diligently reports on the animals and humans he encounters, ensuring harmony within the park. This enchanting story is brought to life with illustrations by Shawn Harris.
For a dose of intergalactic adventure, “First Cat in Space and the wrath of the Paperclip” by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris is the perfect pick. This third book in the “First Cat in Space” series sees First Cat, the Moon Queen, and LOZ 4000 facing off against the villainous AI CheckMate, who threatens to turn all life forms on earth into paperclips. Can First Cat save the day?
Word Horde Emporium: Hottest New Releases
The Word Horde Emporium is buzzing with exciting new releases. “The Book of Elsewhere” by Keanu Reeves and China miéville is a stylish, mythic, and action-packed collaboration between the acclaimed actor and the renowned author of ”Perdido Street Station.” This pulpy novel focuses on B, an immortal soldier grappling with his bloody past. “The Book of Elsewhere” is connected to Reeves’ graphic novel series (with Matt Kindt and Ron Garney) “BRZKR.”
Godzilla fans rejoice! “Godzilla: The Encyclopedia” by Shinji Nishikawa celebrates 70 years of the iconic kaiju.This illustrated encyclopedia features entries on over 100 monsters, including Godzilla, Mechagodzilla, and Mothra.Nishikawa,who worked as a designer on numerous Godzilla films from 1989 to 2004,brings his extensive knowledge to this comprehensive guide.
“The Book of Bill” by Alex Hirsch offers a darkly humorous and chilling glimpse into the mind of Bill cipher, the interdimensional demonic villain from the animated TV series ”Gravity falls.” This fictional memoir and step-by-step guide to world domination is sure to delight fans of the show.
Calling all foodies and fans of cult classics! Get ready to whip up some deliciously spooky treats with “The Rocky Horror Cookbook: 50 Savory, Sweet, and Seductive Recipes from the Cult Musical,” a new cookbook by local author Kim laidlaw. Inspired by the iconic 1973 musical, this cookbook offers a tantalizing collection of 50 recipes with a Transylvanian twist, guaranteed to thrill your taste buds and add a touch of camp to your next dinner party.
Adding to the excitement, the cookbook features a foreword from none other than “Rocky Horror” creator Richard O’Brien himself. And yes, for those die-hard fans, there’s even a recipe for meatloaf – a nod to the infamous dinner scene in the film. “Let’s do the Time Warp again” in the kitchen with this unique and entertaining cookbook.
For fantasy lovers seeking a heartwarming adventure, ”The Teller of Small Fortunes” by Julie Leong is a must-read. This cozy tale follows Tao, a traveling fortune teller who makes a living predicting people’s futures. But when a seemingly ordinary fortune takes an unexpected turn,Tao finds herself embarking on a quest to save a lost child.
“Tao – along with a semi-reformed thief, an ex-mercenary, a baker seeking adventure and a slightly magical cat – finds herself on a quest to save a lost child.”
This charming story, reminiscent of beloved novels like “Legends & Lattes” and “The Spellshop,” is a delightful blend of found-family tropes and magical realism. Prepare to be swept away by Tao’s journey and the endearing cast of characters she encounters along the way.
## From Vinyl Presses to Page Turners: A Petaluma Literary snapshot
**By: [Your Name],World-Today News Senior Editor**
As the holiday season casts it’s warm glow,even the most devoted music aficionados crave the solace of a good book. in Petaluma, California, where independent businesses thrive, a conversation about literature crackled with the same warmth as the crackling vinyl in Rain Dog Records.
James Florence, co-founder of this beloved local record store, recently shared his current obsession: “Altamont: The Rolling Stones, the Hells Angels, and the inside Story of Rock’s Darkest Day” by Joel Selvin. “I’m on a nonfiction kick this week,” he confided, amidst the rhythmic hum of the shop’s vintage turntable.
Inspired, I ventured into Copperfield’s Books, Petaluma’s literary haven, to gauge the reading pulse of the town. A diverse tapestry of fiction and nonfiction titles captivated local readers this week:
**Fiction:**
* **Orbital**: Samantha Harvey’s Booker Prize-winning novel probes the existential questions of six astronauts aboard a decommissioned space station.
* **Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World**: Robin Wall Kimmerer,author of the bestselling “Braiding Sweetgrass,” explores the interconnectedness of humans and nature.
**Nonfiction:**
* **The Petaluma River: A Sketch Journal and Brief past Overview**: Alan Butler’s stunning sketches and Katherine J. Rinehart’s insightful text unveil the rich history of Petaluma’s scenic waterway. Don’t miss their book talk and signing at Aqus Cafe on December 18 from 3:30-7 p.m.
* **Revenge of the Tipping Point**: Malcolm Gladwell returns with a follow-up to his groundbreaking “The Tipping Point,” dissecting social epidemics and contagious ideas.
* **The Creative Act: A Way of Being**: Music producer extraordinaire Rick Rubin delves into the transformative power of creativity.
**Calling all bookworms!**
This week’s hottest reads offer something for every taste,from captivating historical mysteries like Ariel Lawhon’s “Frozen River,” to heartwarming children’s tales like “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate.
**Young Readers Rejoice!**
For young readers eager to explore new worlds:
* **”The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown**: A robot learns to survive on a remote island, mimicking animal behaviors.
* **”Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess” by Jeff Kinney**: Greg Heffley faces another awkward summer vacation.
* **”The Eyes and the Impossible” by Dave Eggers**: A dog named Johannes watches over a park, reporting on the animals and humans he encounters.
* **”First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip” by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris**: First Cat battles the villainous AI CheckMate in this interstellar adventure.
**Word Horde Emporium Highlights New Releases:**
The buzzing Word Horde Emporium boasts the following new releases:
* **”The Book of Elsewhere” by Keanu Reeves and China Miéville**:
[Conclude your article by summarizing the chosen title by Reeves and Mieville, providing a captivating hook for readers to explore.]
**Petaluma’s vibrant literary scene thrives on diversity. Whether you prefer the rhythm of vinyl or the whispers of pages, a captivating story awaits you within this charming town.**
