As They Say in Fiddler on the Roof: A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Of course, they do it with a Russian accent.  Regardless of that, I've got a bunch of stuff to tell you.  Here it is:

1.  The Metro, in its Best Of 2014 for Silicon Valley, has picked Village House of Books as "Best Place to Meet a Local Author."  Is that cool or what.  Here is their blurb:

Just when everyone's predicting the death of the bookstore, the bookstore is figuring out a new way of life. Indie bookstores have long been a third space where literary types gather, but now it seems that creating this kind of community is not only good for the people involved but necessary for stores' survival. The once endangered Kepler's Books in Menlo Park now operates under a hybrid model, one side selling books, the other side fostering literary community. The fledgling Village Books in Los Gatos has the same passion for community with local authors featured prominently among their wide book selection (augmented by a focus on custom orders), and tons of readings and events with local and nationally known authors. (SL)

2.  We are going to be starting a book club on Twitter.  Again I say, how cool is that. Because I get more clever with every passing day, the book club will be called (wait for it...) The Twitter Book Club, also known as TTBC.  In the next few days, we will have details on how you, too, can join.  And I have to thank my good friends, the Solomons, for coming up with the idea (Jeff) and for GREAT feedback (Jeff, Mike, and Steve - with some notable help from Joni).  

3.  Last night was our 4th VHOB Book Club meeting, but the 1st one in which the author called in from across the country (Kentucky).  Our book was Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, and the author is Beth Hoffman.  The 11 of us who were there really enjoyed Beth. Besides being an excellent author (her 2nd book, Looking for Me, comes out in paperback April 29 - it's also super), she's an outstanding human being.  She is so sincere and open, it makes you want to be sharing a meal with her.

4.  You all know (ad nauseum) that I've been standing out in front of Recycle Bookstore in Campbell on Sunday mornings for quite a few months now.  Well, starting this Saturday, I will be adding Village House of Books to my recommending stable of bookstores (can 2 be called a "stable).  I will be there (almost) every Saturday from 3-5.  I hope to see you there.  Saturdays in Los Gatos aren't quite as busy as Sunday mornings in downtown Campbell, due to the Farmers' Market there.  So come on by and say hello.

5.  On April 22, VHOB will be at Fisher Middle School to sell books for an event they're having.  Bradley Sachs will be there.  He is a psychologist, educator, consultant, and best-selling author.  We will be selling 3 of his books:

THE GOOD ENOUGH TEEN:  HOW TO RAISE ADOLESCENTS WITH LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE (DESPITE HOW IMPOSSIBLE THEY CAN BE)
THE GOOD ENOUGH CHILD:  HOW TO HAVE AN IMPERFECT FAMILY AND BE PERFECTLY SATISFIED
WHEN NO ONE UNDERSTANDS:  LETTERS TO A TEENAGER ON LIFE, LOSS, AND THE HARD ROAD TO ADULTHOOD

6.  Recycle Bookstore, in Campbell, has just posted a job opportunity.  Here is the ad, in case you know anybody:

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

                BOOKSELLER/CLERK WANTED

Recycle Bookstore is in need of a part-time clerk to perform a wide variety of tasks: shelving books, straightening sections, assisting customers, cataloguing books in our database for Internet sales, closing the store, light janitorial tasks.  The job will start sometime in late April or early May.

                                            JOB SPECIFICS

25 to 29 hours per week.  Weekends are a must.  Job starts at $10 per hour.  Main shift to be covered is a 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift on Sundays.

                                         QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a physically active person because this is a physical job.
• Must have a wide knowledge of books in general.  Ideally engaged in current events and an active reader.
• Must be flexible.  Schedule includes nights and weekends (though we work hard to give our employees days off that they need).
• Must have good typing skills.
• Must “own” their job with pride.  That is, a Recycle Bookstore employee cares deeply about the store and the people who work in it.
• Must work well in a chaotic environment.
• Must have great people skills.  Irredeemable introverts should not apply.
• Must be self-directed and take initiative.
• Must have a strong work ethic.  Slackers need not apply.
• Ideal candidate would have an excellent memory for authors, titles, etc.

                                                 APPLYING

To apply, please turn in a resume to the Campbell bookstore.