Another new thing in A New Thing

I hate to admit that bookstores, as we’ve known them in this past century or two, are a thing of the past.   But the high rate of failed bookstores in  the past several years tells the truth.  Big stores, little stores, new ones, old faithful ones – from London, England to Clarksville, Tennessee – have closed their doors in the past 10 years.

To stay open bookstores have to make many adjustments.  One of the things we are adding to the books in our store is musical accessories and some instruments.  We’ve always had music and art because we love it and it is important for culture and education.  But now we want our place to be a destination, not only to hear good music, but to buy guitar strings, cords, drumsticks, etc.   So stop by and scout out our musical additions and let us know what you’d like to see and buy here.

BlueGrass Night

After the BigBadFlood ordeal many of us have gone through, we are finally getting back to doing some live music nights.   Join us June 26th, this Saturday night, as James Formica leads the blue grass time – bring your instrument and join in !!

Snacks, soft drinks, coffee and tea on hand – only $1.00 each.  And of course the bookstore is open!

Classical Guitar Concert

Stop by Friday at 7pm to hear Robert Embershire play some Spanish music by Granados and Albeniz, a Bach piece. a prelude by Brazillian composer Villa-Lobos, some Flamenco music, and more.

Free, of course. Tips welcome to Robert.  We’ll have our Dollar Drinks – coffee, tea, cokes, juice.

Come sit and sip or just browse the store to some very pleasurable live music.

Discount books (and CDs) in Cheatham County

Did you know that more than half of the books in my store – yes, in the NEW section – are now discounted.  I’ve started walking through the shelves and putting little stickers (saying SALE) on most books that have been sitting on the shelf awhile.   And whenever I can purchase a good deal, I pass it on to my customers.

Many great and helpful Christian Living books are reduced from 10 -55%.  If you like art, the amazing book on Akiane is discounted 25%. Are you interested in science, especially the hotly debated Creation/Intelligent Design/Evolution issues?  Many thoughtful books are discounted. Good deals on reference and studies.  and much  Fiction (by many beloved authors) is reduced.

Many of the music cds are now on sale – 15 – 75% off -  Third day, relient K, ginny owens, chris tomlin, mary mary, dino, phil driscoll, the crabb family and all southern gospel done before 2010, praise & worship, instrumental – come and look!  or call me – 792-9651

Two books that discuss the vampire craze

Touched by a Vampire, by Beth Felker Jones, takes a detailed look at Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight books and the movie to discover the themes and subtle  twists on what is good and true.    Discussing the Power of Desire, Dangerous Romance, Abstinence & Sex, Marriage & Children,  the author shares discernment necessary for understanding the current rage with these stories.  The questions at the end of each chapter are meant to be talked about with others. (There’s also a  real-think-about discussion guide at the end of this book that goes through each of the Twilight books.)  I appreciate the way Beth (this author, also pastor’s wife and mother) emphasis that human nature and evil cannot change by our vigorous moral effort, but only by His Grace.  Her helpful introduction of Augustine’s ideas of “love of use” and true “love of enjoyment” remind me of C.S. Lewis’s talk of Need-Love and Gift-Love.

The next book is Escaping the Vampire by Kimberly Powers.  The subtitle, “Desperate for the Immortal Hero,” reveals her approach.  This book is warmly written to girls to help them find the eternal love story they seek. Kimberly Powers helps  girls to see the scenes between Bella & Edward and other characters in the light of Scripture. The short reflective “breathe” questions and thoughts at the end of each chapter lead young women to talk to and know their real heart’s Desire.

Black History Month

Scroll down to last year’s post to read my review on a favorite true account, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.  It’s his own (very moving) story of his life as a slave and journey toward and accomplishments after freedom.

There’s several biographies in the store of George Washington Carver.  Read at least one!  I read an old library copy to my kids years ago that  impressed us with the recipes he created using peanuts to make just about everything.

Up  from Slavery -  Booker T. Washington -  these are just three of the many 19th – 20th century inspirational people that every American should read.

New Year’s Resolutions? with Donald Miller

Just having read Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years,  I see the idea that new resolves must fit in the story to work, to make sense.   See your life as a story – a story involves a character who wants something and is willing to overcome conflict to get it.  So put what you want – your resolve -  within that narrative and, as Donald Miller says,  imagine – and write it down – the conflict you will encounter and the possible climatic scene that forces change.   I guess this is preparation for the real thing.

And while we’re seeing our life and its daily events as a story – stories are more memorable that just facts, right? – we all need to see our lives within The Greater Story.  This gives the real meaning because The Story is Real and True – the Real Truth.

This may sound simplistic.  But that’s what is so attractive about Donald Miller’s writing:  he speaks honestly and simply.  As he develops (within the context of a story) his fairly simple thoughts, with humor in great and small experiences, they just somehow turn profound.  I thoroughly recommend A Million Miles and his Blue Like Jazz.

book signing saturday the 19th

Come in and meet Micheal Harley, author of THE RAPTURE: What The Bible Really Says.  After studying the Bible, Harley has come to another  interpretation of the End Times than  is popularly believed by many fundamentalist Christians.

In keeping with the (Stone Bridge) mission of building many kinds of bridges, including between various Christian groups, Harley has been invited to share his learning, sell his book and listen to and respond to other views.  Come with true Christian charity – We all can learn so much from each other!

Same Kind of Different As Me

This true story was so easy to see, to become involved with, as I read alternating chapters, each told by two very different people, who eventually met and found they were not so different after all.

One man, Denver, tells his heart-wrenching story of his beginnings in mid-20th century in rural Louisiana and his life as a sharecropper.  The other man, Ron,  meets a  young college girl in Texas and eventually becomes an international art dealer.  The lives of Ron and his wife, Debbie, and Denver come together in a Ft. Worth homeless shelter.

This book goes a little deeper and a little further than simply feeling good about spending a day serving food at a  shelter.  The insight and true Christian love that is in this story has affected so many readers and it soon will be coming out as a movie for all to see.

Go to www.samekindofffdifferentasme.com for more info.   Come buy one from me – as well as the sequel,  What Difference Do It Make? (sept. 2009)

New Book by RUDI LONDON * Book signing

November 21, 2009, from 11 am to 1pm, Pleasant View resident and author, Rudi London, will sign his new fiction work, THE OPERATOR IS CALLING,  at Stone Bridge Books & Gifts, inside A New Thing!    Be sure and check out the info about his amazing book on his amazing site  www.rudilondon.com.   He’s good at making you wonder where fact turns to fiction – this book is a very modern day adventure that keeps you turning the pages – faster and faster!

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