Ok, so I know it’s my February pick, but the books are in NOW and I just can’t wait! So, with no further interruptions, here it is: The Girl with Glass Feet, by Ali Shaw.

As someone who never grew out of fairytales, books like Shaw’s debut novel are a true pleasure. Meet Midas Crook, photographer and recluse extraordinaire, and Ida Maclaird, who is slowly but surely turning into glass. In the remote landscape of St. Hauda’s Land — a place so realistically portrayed you’ll forget it doesn’t exist in real life — stranger things can (and do) happen.

I knew from the beginning that I would love the story, but I had no idea how much I’d come to love the characters. It’s an ensemble cast beautifully rendered, each with surprising dimensions and hidden quirks. I hate to use the much-repeated “I laughed, I cried,” but I really did (ok, I didn’t ACTUALLY cry, but I almost did, and I absolutely laughed out loud). Midas’s young and spunky friend Denver and the pompous and blustering Carl Maulsen, whose strange relationship with both Ida and Midas drives the story in new directions, are two of the stand-out minor characters that still bump around in my head.

I was caught by the simplicity of Shaw’s style, as well. The novel is descriptive, full of small details and gorgeous panoramas, but his prose never becomes flowery or ornate.

For anyone who loves to meet new characters, is open to the stranger and more delicate sides of life, or just loves a good yarn. Let me know what you think!

As those of you know who read my weekly newsletter, I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions. I make gentle “suggestions” to myself. That way I don’t feel like I’ve ever failed! It’s just a suggestion…nice and easy.

So I’m going to suggest that I write a blog at least once a month and I’m really going to try and stick to it! Here it goes…

2009 brought extraordinary clarity to my life. I settled into a sort of new way of being. My Ayurvedic routines, cooking, clearing out and getting used to my weight loss all offered me great satisfaction.  A period of calmness and space. I didn’t know what would fill up the space, but I cleared out and got used to it. Sort of a wait and see but be happy here and now kind of thing.

The recession had me look at the shop in a new way. After five years in business that was a good thing. I hired an extraordinary manager, Jenn Northington, to help me put into action all sorts of new ideas (and to offer new ideas!), and I took a good, hard look at what people want and how I can best serve the community.

It took quite a bit for me to hand over the keys, so to speak. Like giving up the baby to a nanny. But by letting go I opened up so many new pathways. It’s the loosening of the grip. Once the fist is open, so many new things can fall into your hands and that’s exactly what happened.

So that’s what’s happening now. New ideas are flowing and you will soon see a new and improved breathe books! We are more carefully curating the books we buy in order to bring you the very best. We will be delving more deeply into the subjects that you love to read – books on alternative health and healing modalities, yoga, meditation, Buddhism, nutrition and Ayurveda. We are also adding carefully chosen fiction and poetry books – books we love and can’t wait to share with you!

You will also notice more gifts items in the shop as well as more tools to help you with your practices. You’ll find more yoga-related items, Ayurvedic remedies, natural and organic body-care products, essential oils, Flower therapies and more. We’ll also have more seating (!) and coffee and tea! Oh – and wi-fi as well.

We are so excited to introduce these changes and improvements to breathe books. I look forward to hearing your feedback and would love to hear what you want to see out of your bookstore.

Come by to visit soon!

much love,

susan

Just found this on YouTube, and wanted to share it with you all. Probably some of you were there!

Part 1 of a 7 part video series:

I recently started writing a column for Shelf Awareness, a book-industry newsletter, and I thought I’d share it with you all. I’ve talked with a couple of you about e-books and e-readers in the store, and it’s a conversation I’d love to have with anyone and everyone who is interested! Let me say right now that selling e-books is something we’re working on here at breathe, and as soon as we have it all figured out, you’ll be the first to know.

The Nitty Gritty E-Reader

Shelf Awareness welcomes Jenn Northington, general manager at breathe books, Baltimore, Md., who will write a regular column about her e-reader experiences. Here’s the first installment:

I’ve been a bookseller for five years, four of those at the independents Changing Hands, the King’s English and, currently, breathe books, and I’d like to remain a bookseller for the next 50. This requires, of course, that there still be bookstores 50 years from now–an uncertain future I am heavily invested in. Simultaneously, I am excited about the possibilities that I see digital publishing bringing to booksellers and bookstores (physical ones, I should note). While I’ve expressed this enthusiasm at two panels for the ABA this year (BEA and NAIBA), I’ve also heard (and sometimes agreed with) the, shall we say, less enthusiastic views.

Because digital publishing is still developing, most of the reviews, articles, blogs, etc., are commentary or speculation, feature lists or (frequently) wish-lists. This has made me wonder: What is it like to own and use an e-reader? How does e-reading compare with reading, something I’ve been enjoying for practically my entire life? With help from Shelf Awareness, I decided to join the ranks of the estimated five million e-reader consumers. My goal is to uncover and report on all the nitty gritty details of e-reading that get lost in the pro and con rhetoric.

My aim is not to put digital publishing on a pedestal nor to grind it into the dust. Rather I hope to give booksellers a platform of hard knowledge about e-readers that will enable us to talk to our customers thoughtfully and accurately, without judgment.

The first order of business was to pick my weapon of choice. Lord knows, there are umpteen million e-readers. However, I tend to ignore reviews in favor of my “poke it before you buy it” policy–if a piece of software or hardware doesn’t do what I want or expect it to do, I move right along (unless I am absolutely forced to use it for some reason). This puts 90% of e-readers out of the running; the only ones you can try before you buy are the Sony Touch and Pocket Editions, and Barnes & Noble’s nook. (The Kindle was out of the running automatically because–need I say it?–if it doesn’t support the ePub format, it doesn’t support independent bookstores. Plus, you can’t get your hands on it without purchasing it.) The time I spent at Best Buy and B&N was fascinating, and not at all what I expected. I encourage every bookseller to do the same–even 20 minutes playing with an e-reader is an investment in your job, in your ability to talk knowledgeably to customers about books in all their many forms.

I spent about an hour at Best Buy playing with the Sony floor models, and was shockingly underwhelmed. For second-generation devices, I found the Sony Readers disappointing at best.

The Pocket Edition is attractively small and very basic. It does the minimum of what you’d expect an e-reader to do: it holds books and turns pages (and when I say turns pages, I mean that the screen goes gray and wiggly for a second. This was true for all the e-readers I played with). The buttons are pretty obvious, and work as you’d expect them to (which is actually something of a feat, in this day and age), and aren’t in obnoxious locations. For $200 though (did I mention I’m cheap?), I expect a little more function.

The Touch Edition was especially disappointing, since I had read reviews that got me excited. Yes, it has a touch screen, which means fewer buttons, which in theory is a good thing. It also has a stylus. You can write with it, right on the screen, and highlight passages–which is pretty neat. However, I soon found that the controls are less than precise. I’d try to highlight something and get the auto-dictionary instead–the stylus would select a word and up would pop the definition. This was fun at first, but ended up being more annoying than anything, because it happened at the drop of a hat. You can also make notes, annotate, bookmark and play certain types of audio files. But even with all that function, the experience was so bland and clunky that I reconsidered this column. If you went by the Sony models, you’d think that e-readers had a very long way to go before they were worth it.

The nook, to my immense surprise, rekindled my faith. At first sight, it’s much better-looking than either of the Sony editions. The reading screen is somehow crisper (they could be exactly the same, but the nook’s looked better, I swear), and the navigation screen (a separate touch-screen beneath the reading screen) is functional and beautiful. It takes a little getting used to, since you want to poke both the reading and nav screens, but only one of them will respond to touch. Once I got going, though, the more I wanted it. Bookmark a page? Yes. Highlight a paragraph? Yes. Dictionary? Yes (in theory–the actual definitions weren’t uploaded on the floor model). Play music? Yes. Get more books? Absolutely; it can connect to a wireless hotspot–which, I should note, neither the cheaper Sony Pocket or the more expensive Touch can do. All of these other features may be standard, but the actual user experience was engaging and easy, miles away from the blah feel of Sony. Many reviewers have commented on the slow page turning, which was, initially, very slow indeed, but a minute or so after the book was loaded, the lag matched the Sony models. And because the nook is running the Android operating system, you’ll be able to upgrade the software and download apps, similar to the iPod Touch. Which means your nook will be only sort-of obsolete in three months. Add to that an interchangeable battery (which no one else has), and you’ve sold me.

I spent some time speculating with the sales guy (if you’re in the Johns Hopkins B&N, tell Michael that Jenn says hi!) about why the nook felt so much better than the Sony models. His theory is that it’s because book people are behind the nook, and I have to wonder if he’s right. Sony’s had a lot of time to get this stuff right, and just ends up looking… behind. The nook, on the first go-round, is very impressive–at least for the 40 minutes I played with it in the store.

One thing I found odd: none of these e-readers has a light (as far as I could tell). I assume this is because e-Ink is, by definition, not backlit. Basically, you’re trading reading in bed for reading in direct sunlight. I do more of the former than the latter, so this disappoints me to no end. Apparently B&N already has special nook lights for you to buy. Which should go nicely with your Kate Spade cover… (you think I’m kidding? Visit nook.com).

Here’s the kicker: because of the high demand for e-readers, the only one available immediately (when I went looking; things may have changed in the past week) was the Sony Pocket. So I’ll be waiting until February for my nook to arrive. But not to worry! The next of the installment of the Nitty Gritty: what to do while you’re waiting for your e-reader.

~ Jenn

Jenn raves about China Mieville and THE CITY & THE CITY to Unshelved.com’s Gene Ambaum! (from last year’s Book Expo America conference)

The book industry is changing rapidly, as many of you have noticed, and one of the most talked-about changes is the switch from print to digital books. What you may not know is that here at breathe, we’re not only thinking about it, we’re actively taking steps to be a part of this shift!

Some of you have already confessed to having Kindles — and no, we’re not mad at  you! Although we do wish you had a Sony Reader instead (see below for why). We also know that the books you read on your Kindle or other e-reader are books that you might not have bought from breathe anyway (although don’t forget, we can order just about anything!). In fact, most  of the New Age, spirituality, and other esoteric titles we carry are not available in digital format, or even at most bookstores. We are proud to be able to provide books that help you continue on your practice and journey, and will continue to do so! But as more and more books are published in digital format, and as more and more of you switch to reading e-books, we want you to know that we’d love to talk to you about what you’re reading, how you’re reading it, and why.

There are a lot of things still being ironed out with digital books, not least of which is which device to pick! The Kindle is probably the most well-known, but also the most harmful to independent bookstores. Unlike other e-readers, a Kindle will only allow you to read books purchased from Amazon.com. On the other hand, devices like the Sony Reader will let you read any compatible e-book — and many bookstores can now sell you these e-books on their websites! Check out the wonderful Powell’s Books website for not only e-books, but a list of readers they work with.

Just recently, digital publishing took a major step forward with the adoption of the ePub format. What it boils down to is that publishers and manufacturers have established the ePub format as a baseline for e-books, a format that all digital readers can access, except for those, like Amazon, that choose to create their own proprietary format, and lock out any other format. Many devices can also read PDFs, but again — proprietary devices like the Kindle may not allow you to read those, either. A list of devices that work with ePub and PDF digital books is available here, on Adobe’s website.

This issue, which e-readers will let you read which e-books, is an important one for independent bookstores. As more players get into the game (Barnes & Noble just recently announced their own device, the Nook) and as the holidays approach, we hope that before you buy, you’ll add one more question to your list of considerations (Which should you buy? What does it cost?): Who will you be able to support?

Right now, breathe books is thinking about all of the ways we hope to adapt to the changes in publishing and the economy — selling books (and e-books) online is one of the things on our list. But most of all, we want to make sure that we stay in touch with you, the way we have for the past five years. What are you reading? How are you reading it? Why? And most of all, how can we help you get it?

Happy reading (e- or otherwise),

Jenn
shopgirl

New books are published all the time, but this fall is a banner year. There are probably at least adozen books that booksellers across the country are excited about (including us!) but for now, here are three in particular that you won’t want to miss!

The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver, is my top pick for the month of November. Reminiscent of her fantastic previous novel, The Poisonwood Bible, Lacuna is a dense and beautiful novel revolving around the artistic and political scene in Mexico that encompassed Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Lev Trotsky. A gripping, absorbing read, highly recommended!

Margaret Atwood has written a companion piece to Oryx & Crake, The Year of the Flood. It takes characters who lurk in the shadows of Oryx & Crake and brings them to light, filling out the story of the end of the world as we knew it and the start of the new one. A must-read for fans of Atwood, as well as fans of dystopias and apocalyptic fiction.

And, in an interesting twist, novelist Jonathan Safran Foer (author of Everything Is Illuminated) has written a nonfiction book on parenthood, vegetarianism, and the food industry, Eating Animals! Check out this great review from Shelf Awareness for more details.

All the books are here in the store — stop on by and take a look!

~ Jenn, shopgirl

Recently I felt some fear around a certain situation. I didn’t know it was fear, of course. Only later did I realize that. But while the emotion was sorting itself out I found myself engaging in an isolating manner. I craved being alone and didn’t want anyone to intrude in my pity party.

When I became fed up with myself I finally journaled about it and lo and behold I saw what I had done. Instead of allowing myself to be one with the situation, I retreated and created separation. I tricked myself into thinking that we are all really separate from each other. Oh that old wall comes up and along with, it old behaviors. Fascinating.

But than I remembered that we are all one. And no amount of separation from the source can really hide that. As soon as I realized what I had done, the emotions and the story dropped and I was one again with all. Separation only causes fear and uncertainty. Diving deep into the source dispels fear and anxiety and encourages love. It was amazing.

I clearly saw how the act was separating me and if I dropped the limiting behavior, I would again find myself in harmony and balance, one again with source and present with all those around me. I’m so happy I came back. It was a short diversion, but in the past could have lasted for months. Now it was only weeks. It was only me tricking myself. Silly me. It’s all here. It’s all one.

Lake Titicaca

Back from Peru. We arrived home Friday night – at least I think we did. Some part of me is still floating above Lake Titicaca. While we were visiting this magical lake, we met with the hotel and tour company owner Jorge Luis Delgado. Jorge is also the author of the book The Andean Awakening.

Jorge and our guide and Shaman, Amaru Li, are very old friends. Amaru asked Jorge to meet with us, so he joined our group as we sat outside in the brilliant Andean sun on the shores of Lake Titicaca. His hotel, the Taypikala Puno, is designed so that you can see the lake from practically every angle. (I was able to just roll over in bed at 5:30 in the morning and watch the sun rise over the lake. Spectacular.)

So, meeting with Jorge…he told us the most incredible stories about Lake Titicaca and it’s energetic connections to the other planetary ley lines and high vibrational centers on our planet. He also told us about supposed tunnels under the lake which connect to other portals. He spoke about our “space brothers” and their visits to the lake and the region. Jorge spoke with such clarity and integrity. He is a great Shaman and teacher and it was an honor to spend time with him.

Jorge is hosting a gathering of masters and teachers at the Taypikala Puno on February 14, 2010. I woke up the day after our talk and went down to the front desk and made my reservations for February. I don’t want to miss this.

This trip to Peru was profound. It seems like it’s taken me to another level, another state of awareness. This heightened state began in earnest in February 2007 when I went to Glastonbury, Avebury and Stonehenge to prepare for the trip I would take with a group in July of that year. Since then I’ve been on some incredible trajectory which has included visiting India for the second time, and my deep immersion into Ayurveda. I’ve traveled some of the most powerful ley lines on the planet, spent time in crop circles, and ventured into the depths of my own being. Somehow it’s all lining up in an astonishing way.

I know this is a lot to share, but I want you to know what traveling the world’s energy lines and chakra sites can do to you. Just be open to the possibilities and receive, receive, receive. I have a favorite line from the Borg…resistance in futile.

Receive.

see photos from the trip at: www.facebook.com/susan.l.weis.

Our day at Machu Picchu ended with a train ride to Ollantaytambo and a bus ride to Cusco. But on the way we had what Melissa described as a Bollywood moment –when a normal scene suddenly erupts into song and dance and just as quickly all goes back to normal again.

While on the train — and chatting with some lovely people who work in Antarctica “on the ice” — suddenly the lights came up and a man dressed as a Peruvian clown, carrying a stuffed baby llama, began dancing down the isle, tickling or maybe threatening people with the llama! After his dance we were treated to an alpaca fashion show! Two of the train attendants took turns strolling down the isle in beautiful alpaca wool clothes, to the sounds of Abba and others. It was alternatively hysterical and delightful! A totally unexpected experience.

What was even more fun was watching a parallel universe unfold as the same show (with different models but the same clothes) was unfolding at exactly the same time in the car in front of ours. It was so bizarre! Then just a quickly it was over…clothes folded and brought down the isle for sale and then back to normal, as we had not just witnessed a fashion show on the train from Aguas Calliente to Ollantaytambo.

So today, Sunday, we are spending a free day exploring Cusco before flying to Puno tomorrow morning. Then we will spend three days at the worlds highest lake, Lake Titicaca.

We have all been so taken by the stars in the Southern Hemisphere that I cannot even begin to imagine the star show we will receive at Lake Titicaca.  Everything here is so beautiful and experiences are heightened by the subtle and not so subtle energies running through this country.

More soon…(forgive typos! typing on a spnish keyboard…can{t find all the signs and symbols!)