One of the things people appreciate about books, bookstores and libraries is that they provide a reprieve from the day’s news.
Mostly.
Although I can barely recall the tense, five-week election recount in 2000 as the country waited in limbo to find out whether George W. Bush or Al Gore would be the next president, I do distinctly remember this: In an effort to distract myself from staring at a screen – I was so ahead of my time – I went to Mitchell Books, a now-departed mystery bookstore in Pasadena, to paw through the boxes of vintage crime, detective fiction and thrillers.
And while there, I found a copy of Edwin Lanham’s “Politics Is Murder,” which seemed, you know, totally appropriate to the moment.
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So imagine my surprise this week to again find books that were speaking to our current newscycle, including Martin Page’s Louvre-theft novel “The Man Who Stole the Mona Lisa” and for all the L.A. sports fans, “Bleeding Dodger Blue,” which is pretty much what most of what most of us are feeling as the Dodgers careened from an iconic 18-inning victory on Oct. 27 to losing the next two games. (Read my colleagues Mirjam Swanson, Jim Alexander, Jeff Fletcher and Bill Plunkett for more Dodgers coverage and great photos.)
There’s a game tonight – will I watch or avoid the screen and read a book? I’ll compromise: I’ll read during the endlessly repeating pharmaceutical commercials that add an hour or two to each game. (Could TV ads have their own side effects? Probably not, but should you find yourself bleeding Dodger blue, please consult a physician.)
Finally, here’s a bit of news I gleaned while writing this: Mitchell Books operates out of Hemet these days, and you can find it on Facebook or abe.com.
Red Hen Press celebrates its independence
There was another kind of fundraiser last weekend, as Red Hen Press hosted its 31st anniversary benefit at Grand Venue in Los Angeles.
Supporters of the publisher mixed with authors and others for cocktails, appetizers and a five-course meal, and speakers included Lara Ehrlich, Adela Najarro and Elise Paschen. The auction sparked bidding on river rafting adventures, author retreats and a private Publishing Pie Party (with wine) hosted by Red Hen’s founders Kate Gale and Mark E. Cull.
I got to talk with Altadena Poet Laureate Lester Graves Lennon, “Weetzie Bat” and “House of Hearts” novelist Francesca Lia Block and West Hollywood’s inaugural Poet Laureate Steven Reigns, among others.
And maybe my favorite part? There were so many books.
To donate or find out more, go to the Red Hen Press website.