Vromans Bookstore Blog

The Book Department manager, Alfonso, has some great art books to recommend for last-minute holiday gifts (or, really, for any time of year):

If you did not realize, the Holidays are almost over and you need to get your gifts together for the ones you love or don’t. Having the privilege of working in this beautiful bookstore, I get to see a plethora of books that come in and have slowly, but not that slowly, depleted my bank account in order to satisfy my compulsion of buying Art books.

If you need a little help finding the right Art book, then here are some suggestions:

The Art Museum by Phaidon
I begin with the biggest and best gift of all. Having access to a museums catalog on your electronic device DOES NOT compare to owning this beautiful coffee table book. The mother of all art books this fall is the Art Museum by Phaidon Press. This is a must have for the serious art collector or connoisseur at a value price of $200.00. I will be expecting this sometime in the near future.

Van Gogh: The Life by Stephen Naifeh and Gregory White Smith
Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most recognizable artists in the world and is the personification of the struggling artist who lives a turbulent life. This is one of the most extensive biographies on the artist that has been released. This book belongs on your bookshelf.

101 Things to Learn in Art School by Kit White
This is a quick reference guide for anyone that would like to know a little more about art. It’s small and compact with great drawn illustrations of famous works of art. 101 Things to Learn in Art School is a good stocking stuffer for the art lover in your life.

Caravaggio by Andrew Graham-Dixon
This is another great biography for the art lover in your family. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was one of the greatest artists of the Baroque period. Caravaggio was known for his many bar fights, chiaroscuro religious paintings, and early death. Graham-Dixon has done a remarkable job researching criminal records and documents to shed new light on one of the masters of Italian art.

Just My Type by Simon Garfield
What is your favorite font? According, to Just Type, Helvetica is one of the most widely used fonts in the world. This is a must have for anyone who loves design. This is one of the best reviewed books of the year.

I hope that these are helpful suggestions for those of you who love art or know someone who loves art. Stop by our store to see the rest of our collection of Art, Architecture, and Photography books.

- Alfonso

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Vroman’s president Allison has a quick note for some of our favorite neighbors…

A shout out to two of our indie neighbors: Jacob Maarse Florists (655 E Green St, 626-449-0246) and Monopole Wine (21 S El Molino Ave, 626-577-9463). When you’re finished shopping at Vroman’s, stop by the lovely Jacob Maarse Florists, less than a block away, to pick up a centerpiece for your table, flowers for a hostess gift, or some holiday décor. JMF has been around since 1966. Their arrangements will take your breath away, and a walk through their beautiful shop will bring you a peaceful moment in the midst of the holiday frenzy. And between Vroman’s and Jacob Maarse is a newer Pasadena treasure, this one only a year old: Monopole is our new favorite wine shop. They have great recommendations for holiday meal pairings, or affordable gifts. Peter, one of the owners, taught a class at Vroman’s and he’s incredibly knowledgeable and a really interesting guy. The space is lovely, and there’s a wine bar in the back so you can sit and relax after a hard day of holiday shopping.

We appreciate you keeping your dollars in the Pasadena community by supporting Vroman’s and all of our indie neighbors this holiday season.

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Today’s guest post comes from Nicole White, a former Vroman’s children’s department bookseller and current Penguin Young Readers Rep. She will be at Vroman’s Hasting Ranch on Thursday, December 22 at 6pm to discuss her holiday picks.

When I think about what is great about independent bookstores, I think about all of the wonderful conversations and connections that are made there.  I think of the five years I spent in the Children’s Department at Vroman’s and the many, many people who came in looking to make just that connection for themselves or more often, someone special in their lives: a student, a grandchild, a whole classroom or a new baby.  It was the most satisfying part of my day to make such a pairing and hear back on occasion that it was a good one.  It’s like introducing someone to an old friend and the satisfaction that comes from seeing them hit it off.

I loved to introduce young readers to Cinder Edna and her sensible approach to getting to the ball: the bus!  And Emma Kate and her (possibly) imaginary best friend – involving a pachyderm in calico, was among my favorite for sharing in a lap.  And while we’re talking about imaginary friends, have you ever met Ted: the fun-loving, trouble-making pink oversized bunny-like creature who shows up to wreak good natured havoc with a boy and his harried and too-busy-for-fun-and-games father?  I love that guy!

And I bet you know Grandma Dowdel…the lyin’, cheatin’ gun-totin’ granny who is the star of Richard Peck’s Newbery honored A Long Way from Chicago and their equally entertaining follow-ups.  I will never forget Moose Flanagan who made his way into my heart as the kid growing up on Alcatraz in its heyday who just wanted to play baseball, but was always stuck looking after his special needs sister in Al Capone Does my Shirts.

Remember Pudge and the Colonel, the sharp-tongued boarding school roommates whose connection to the intriguing and self-destructive Alaska Young marked a turning point in their lives?  And I will never forget the moon-trotting, media-absorbed Titus whose futuristic world opened so many eyes to science fiction and dystopia.  Oh, the friends and memories we make in a good book!  There are those old favorites and so many new ones too!  I have a whole host I’d love to share with you!  Come on out and let’s have a chat.  I’ll introduce you to some friends I know.

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Aracely works at Vroman’s Fine Writing, Gifts and Stationery. She’s been working here on and off for four years! Here are 25 things you don’t know about her:

1. The creator of the chocolate croissant is my hero! NOM NOM NOM
2. I belong to a motley crew of animals – 3 dogs and a feline.
3. My favorite color is green, but I wear blue an awful lot.
4. I graduated from UCLA… go Bruins!
5. Never been to Europe – but have been all over Central and South America.
6. I’ve visited almost every state… fave? Louisiana!
7. Long time friends still approach me with “Oh, my god – you have freckles?!?”
8. I have freckles… and people with freckles are brilliant!
9. I’m a writer.
10. Out of college I prepared for the LSAT, scored well, and then followed my heart.
11. My four year old nephew inspires me!!
12. Homelessness is the one thing I’d like to see addressed in my lifetime.
13. I’m a Capricorn… and in the east – a rabbit!
14. As a child I wanted more than anything to be an astronaut. I miss Pluto!
15. Random acts of kindness make me cry… with joy!
16. I believe in inner peace.
17. I love hats!
18. I strongly believe we are all kids at heart.
19. I love Mexican food and Mexican beer!
20. I learned to swim two years ago!
21. I’m a trail runner! Yeah!
22. I own a small fortune in pens!
23. I hope to move to Chicago and eventually retire in Colorado!
24. I believe friendship can save a life!
25. My basset hound’s face reminds me that the universe has a sense of humor!

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It appears my blog post from yesterday was a bit premature. We just received signed copies  of two more titles that make perfect gifts, and I couldn’t not mention them:

Then Again by Diane Keaton, Signed Copy
More than the autobiography of a legendary actress, Then Again is a book about a very American family with very American dreams. Diane will remind you of yourself, and her bonds with her family will remind you of your own relationships with those you love the most. Perfect for any fan of Diane Keaton, or any woman that is important to you.

Then Again is available at the main Vroman’s location (695 E. Colorado), online, or by phone or e-mail. Just make sure to specify that you want a signed copy.

The Fifty Year Sword by Mark Danielewski, Signed Copy
Fans of Mark Danielewski’s House of Leaves, Only Revolutions, and The Whalestoe Letters rejoice! While you’re waiting for Danielewski’s much-anticipated serial novel The Familiar, due out in 2014, we have a treat for you: signed copies of Danielewski’s The Fifty Year Sword! This extraordinary novella from 2005 is yet to be published in the U.S. and hasn’t been available in U.S. bookstores, but we have copies and they’re signed, and if you’re not familiar with this book, it’s beautiful. Illustrated with drawings by Peter van Sambeek, this is essentially a ghost story, but one clearly of Danielewski’s unique imagination and lyrical prose. It makes a great gift for Danielewski fans, House of Leaves fans, graphic novel fans, fans of ghost stories, and people who know a great book when they see it. Treat yourself or make someone else very, very happy.

The Fifty Year Sword is available only at Vroman’s Main Store Book Information desk. It is not available online, or by phone or e-mail.

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If not… let Vroman’s help!

First, we have a featured book from Amber. It’s one of her favorites, and we have plenty in stock. It makes a GREAT gift for fans of Motley Crue and rock music in general:

The Dirt (The Anniversary Edition): Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band by Motley Crue
Ladies and gentlemen, it has arrived! It was 30 years ago that infamous 80’s rock band Motley Crue first formed together and in honor of this milestone they’ve released this special anniversary edition of The Dirt. This has to be one of the most notoriously sick and twisted rock biographies out there. Each chapter alternates between the four band members (and those closest to them) depicting a life of fame, metal and debauchery. It’s not all fun and games though, a life style like this catches up to people and no one gets out without some serious penitence. Any rock/metal/80’s fan will love it. It is a MUST for any Motley Crue fans and this special hardbound version is a perfect holiday gift. (I know it’s what I’m asking for this year!)

- Amber

If that doesn’t complete your list, try this: Vroman’s Hastings Ranch just added one last event for December. It’s the perfect way to sort out last-minute gifts for those people you just can’t figure out what to buy for.

Gift Picks with Nicole
Thursday, December 22, 6pm
This event takes place at our Vroman’s Hastings Ranch location, at 3729 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. Call them at (626) 351-0828 with questions.
Having trouble finding the perfect gift? Want to know about some exciting new titles? Join us as we welcome one of our favorite publisher representatives, Nicole from Penguin House! Nicole will discuss and show off some amazing titles, focusing mainly on kid’s and young adult books (although you will be able to find books for all ages at this great free event). All of her picks are sure to be  stars of the season!

We hope you’ll stop in before the holidays are over, and remember to shop local. If every family in Los Angeles spends just $100 at a local business like Vroman’s this holiday season, we can put a staggering $281,662,324 back in to our community. Happy holidays!

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Jen works at the main Vroman’s location in the Children’s Department. She’s been working here for a little over a year! Here are 25 things you don’t know about her:

1. I LOVE FRUIT.
2. Someday I want to travel the world and all 50 states.
3. I want to go to Thailand just to ride an elephant
4. I’m afraid of fish… and won’t eat them.
5. I LOVE DISNEY (I’ve been to both Disney D23 Expos and had a pass the last 3 years).
6. I’m really bad at math.
7. I love Mexican and Italian food.
8. My favorite color is yellow… like the sun.
9. I love to doodle.
10. I like to go on adventures.
11. I have 4 brothers and no sisters and am the middle child.
12. I can play flute and was in marching band all 4 years of High School.
13. I was on swim team
14. I just turned 20
15. True kid at heart.
16. To this day I am still afraid to be alone in the dark.
17. My favorite movie is Gladiator.
18. I’m shy at first but when I get to know you I’m really social.
19. I love Vroman’s and each and every department
20. I go to Citrus College and am planning to get my AA and then transfer to Cal State Fullerton.
21. Markers are my thing.
22. I was in my church choir from 7^th grade to 12^th grade.
23. The Little Mermaid and Hercules are my favorite Disney movies.
24. Reading and shopping are my favorite pastimes.
25. I LOVE TO DRESS UP AND WEAR DRESSES.

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Just a quick update to this post from almost a month ago: We did sell enough copies of Death and the Penguin and/or Penguin Lost by Andrey Kurkov to adopt an Emperor Penguin! We have decided to name him Adam Clark after Adam Clark Vroman, the original Mr. Vroman. We still have time, though. The contest doesn’t end until December 31st, and we are already on our way to Penguin #2! What would you name the second Vroman’s penguin?

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