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I shine like tears in the April sun
Cyril Tourneur - English soldier, diplomat and dramatist (1575~1626)
Welcome to the April edition of The Bennington Bookshop Newsletter. This edition features local author Robert Sugarman and his new novel, Antibes 1950. There is updated information on Independent Bookstore Day, and a report on Oldcastle Theatre's production of The Belle of Amherst. We celebrate the one-year anniversary of our website with a 10% sale on books ordered online from our store. (All you need is the secret code - read on!) There are a couple of book reviews from Phil, and a review from Ashley Finkelstein. Congratulations, Ashley. There is also news of our upcoming events.
As always, thank you so much for your continued support of The Bennington Bookshop - your local independent bookstore.
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Antibes 1950
Local author Robert Sugarman celebrates the release of his latest book Antibes 1950 with a reading and book signing at the Bennington Free Library. Set in 1950, the novel recalls the time in post World War II France when the country was rebuilding and becoming a hub for the arts and attracting expatriate Americans. The Bookshop will have copies of Robert's book at the event.
Robert is the author of Circus for Everyone: Circus Learning Around the World and Performing Shakespeare: A Way to Learn. Robert also wrote Deadman's Float, a mystery introducing the character Henrietta Brown. He is currently working on his second Henrietta Brown mystery. Robert lives in Shaftsbury.
Here's a synopsis of Antibes 1950, adapted from the back of the book:
In 1950, three recent graduates from Syracuse University, Harvey, Evelyn and Genevieve arrive on the French Riviera just as the Korean War breaks out. Harvey and Evelyn are so enchanted with the beauty of Antibes, the beach at Juan-les-Pins, and the joyous paintings Picasso painted there a few years earlier, that they refuse requests to return home. Visiting a nightclub, the three meet Clari, a singer they had last heard at a club in Syracuse... The summer they spend together in Antibes is life-changing for all of them.
An Evening with Robert Sugarman: April 21st, 7pm, Bennington Free Library
Light refreshments served. This event is co-sponsored by the Bennington Free Library and The Bennington Bookshop.
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National Poetry Month
We have a special poetry display in honor of National Poetry Month. And to whet your appetite, here's the first verse of local poet Steve Haggerty's poem Cows in the Fog:
 As I drive the highway,
a thin veil of fog lingers
over the remaining patches
of this season's snow,
leaving white patterns
on beds of brown leaves,
like those on the backs of Guernsey cows.
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Independent Bookstore Day
 The second annual Independent Bookstore Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 30. The Bennington Bookshop will be celebrating with unique merchandise created specifically for Independent Bookstore Day, as well as lots of raffles and giveaways. We are also linking with other independent bookstores in Vermont to create a Vermont bookstore passport - an opportunity to visit Vermont's independent bookstores and win prizes. Make sure you get your passport stamped each time you visit one of the stores. And for the brave of heart, we are offering free temporary tattoos with a literary bent courtesy of Jack at Litographs.
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The Belle of Amherst
We attended an outstanding performance by Paula Mann as Emily Dickins on in The Belle Of Amherst at the Oldcastle Theatre on Friday, April 1st. Before the performance, local author Lea Newman signed copies of her book Emily Dickinson: "Virgin Recluse" and Rebel: 36 Poems, Their Backstories, Her Life. Lea was so impressed with Paula's performance that she arranged a special delivery of a signed copy of her book for Paula. We still have a few copies of the book if you would like one - no performance required.
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Online Sale
 Our website has been up and running for a year and, to celebrate, we are holding an online book sale - books ordered and purchased through our website will receive a 10% discount, subject to availability. Simply type in the coupon code - 10% - to save that amount on your purchase. This coupon is valid until April 30, 2016. Please feel free to share this offer with friends and family.
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Kim Wassick Mural
Local artist Kim Wassick spent two days creating this beautiful mural in the children's section of The Bookshop. We love it! Thanks so much, Kim. We are honored to showcase the work of such a talented local artist.
Getting lost in The Bookshop
Just when you thought you could find your way around The Bookshop, we decided to reorganize some of the displays! We have a new section dedicated to outdoor pursuits; this is the place to look for books on hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing and cycling. The new outdoor section is at the front of The Bookshop, next to the map section. For convenience, we have also moved the field guide and nature sections to be near the outdoor pursuits.
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Shelf Talkers
 The Guest Room
Chris Bohjalian
Reviewed by Phil
Richard Carter's safe suburban life - wife, daughter, house, career - is torn asunder when he hosts a bachelor party for his irresponsible brother. Before the party is over, there are two people dead and Richard is left battling to save his marriage, the respect of his daughter, and his job. Interspersed with Richard's story is the story of Alexandra, an Armenian sex slave closely guarded and chaperoned by the Russian mob. We learn how she was tricked into her role, trafficked, manipulated and controlled until... Ah, you'll have to read the book to find out!
 Raven Black
Ann Cleeves
Reviewed by Phil
Raven Black, set in the Shetlands, is the basis for the hit British TV series Shetland. A young girl is found dead near the home of a notorious recluse, Magnus Tait. Suspicion quickly falls on Magnus, who had been accused of involvement in the disappearance of another young girl many years before. As the story unfolds, we learn about the secrets of the islanders, their fears and prejudices, and what it is like to live in a small, isolated community where everybody knows everybody else. The first half of the novel is a little slow, but the second half more than makes up for that, keeping you guessing right until the very end.
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Student review
Each month, we ask local school students to submit reviews of the books they are reading. We select one of these for publication in the newsletter. The reviewer receives a $10 gift certificate for The Bennington Bookshop. This month's review is from Ashley Finkelstein. Congratulations, Ashley!
 Between
Jessica Warman
Reviewed by Ashley Finkelstein, Grade 10
I recommend Between to anyone who likes mystery or fiction genres. Between is by an amazing author Jessica Warman who has also written several other great novels. Between is about a girl named Elizabeth Valchar. Elizabeth wakes up after the night of her 18th birthday party, but she realizes something extremely peculiar had happened the night before that she didn’t remember. She later realizes that she is actually dead and she is a ghost in her body. She goes on an adventure in her ghost body to find out how she died. In the story, you get to travel with Jessica as she discovers things about her friends and family that she never knew before when she was alive. I like this book because there is lots of scenery and imagery, so you get to feel like you’re right there with Elizabeth trying to figure out what happened to her the night before she died. This book is an interesting story, and I definitely recommend it! Ashley Finkelstein
Submissions: The decision of The Bennington Bookshop in selecting which reviews to publish in the newsletter is final. Other entries may be published on The Bennington Bookshop website. The Bennington Bookshop reserves the right to edit entries as necessary. By submitting a review, reviewers agree to these terms. Please submit reviews to phil@benningtonbookshop.com
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Etcetera
- Independent Bookstore Day: The second annual Independent Bookstore Day will be held on Saturday, April 30th. We will have unique merchandise created specifically for Independent Bookstore Day, as well as lots of raffles and giveaways. Come along and celebrate your local independent bookstore: The Bennington Bookshop!
- Dorothy's List: Vermont Public Radio compiles a list of books and reviews suitable for children. You can find the list here. We are happy to order books from the list for you if we don't have them in stock. There is no extra charge for special orders.
- Best Sellers: We update the Bestseller list each week. You can find the latest list here: Best Sellers
- Looking for a book to read? Check out the Reviews and Recommendations page on our website.
- Shop hours:
Monday~Saturday: 9.00am~6.00pm
Sunday: Noon~4.oopm
- Ordering online: To order books online, simply visit our website (www.benningtonbookshop.com), enter the name of the book you wish to order in the "Look for Books" window (in the right-hand column on each page), then enter your address details and credit card information as prompted. There is a small charge for postage or, if you're a local, you can opt to pick up the book in the store. Please note: Books appearing in the on-line search are not necessarily in stock at The Bookshop. We may have to order them in, but can ship most books in 1~5 days. Please call us if you want to confirm immediate availability: 802 442 5059
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Coming up...
April 16th, 10am -
 Children's Story Hour with Chris Gingo.
The Bennington Bookshop
Chris reads from a selection of her favorite story books. Come along and join in the fun!
April 21st, 7pm
An Evening with Robert Sugarman
The Bennington Free Library
Robert reads from his recently released novel Antibes 1950.
This ecent is co-sponsored by the Bennington Free Library and The Bennington Bookshop.
April 30th -
Independent Bookstore Day
The Bennington Bookshop
Raffles. Unique merchandise. Come downtown and support your local independent bookstore - The Bennington Bookshop!
May 4th, 3.30pm -
 Author Event with Robin Brickman
The Bennington Free Library
Join us for an after-school workshop and book signing with local illustrator Robin Brickman.
To be confirmed:
 An evening with Eric Rickstad, author of The Silent Girls.
Note: For more information on these authors and events, as well as functions coming up later in the year, check out the Events page on our website.
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Store Hours
Monday~Saturday: 9.00am~6.00pm
Sunday: Noon~4.00pm
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