The 20th Edition of the Decatur Book Festival

The Decatur Book Festival is returning for its 21st year, and that means it's time to celebrate. The Festival is taking place across 11 different stages, and will be featuring best-selling authors like Brian Goldstone, who is giving the keynote address on Friday the 2nd, Tomi Adeyemi, Tayari Jones, and many more. Eagle Eye will also be returning to the festival as a vendor this year! You'll be able to catch us on the lawn of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, where we'll be peddling all sorts of books and other bookish goodies.

Speaking of the First Baptist Church, we will be the designated bookseller's for all of the talks happening within it on Saturday, October 3rd. This includes both the Sanctuary and Carreker Hall, and between the two stages there's sure to be an author or two you'll want to hear from.

The Sanctuary at First Baptist is one of the largest venues at the festival, and throughout the day it will be host to interesting authors writing across all sorts of genres. Tomi Adeyemi will be kicking things off on Saturday with a discussion of her new novel, The Siren. After her, Arthur Sze, the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate, will take the stage. He will be discussing poetry in translation, as well as his book, Transient Worlds. Next on the docket are Kristen Kobes Du Mez and Robert P. Jones, who will be discussing the state of Christianity in America. Kristen's new book, Live Laugh Love, examines the current culture of white Christian femininity, while Robert's book, Backslide, inspects how Christianity has played a role in rising anti-Democratic sentiments. Chai Pani's Meherwan Irani will be spicing things up in the sanctuary afterwards with his new cookbook, No. 1 BEST INDIAN COOKBOOK IN THE WORLD! He'll be giving the inside scoop on some of his recipes, while also giving insights into grocery shopping & other techniques you can take home with you. Closing out the Sanctuary is award-winning, best-selling author Tayari Jones, whose new book Kin has been a block-buster success this summer. 

That alone was a bit of a doozy, but there will be even more authors speaking down in Carreker Hall through the day. Traditionally, the book festival has used that space for its cooking demonstrations, but this year it will be home to authors who write genre fiction. From mysteries to romance to horror and everything in between, there's sure to be a panel for whatever flavor of fiction you prefer. Tara Goedjen, Meredith Lavender, and Kendall Shores will be opening the day with a thrilling discussion about... thrillers! Madeline Martin will be up next to discuss her book, A Time of Witches. This multi-generational tale of witches in Georgia mixes fantasy and history, but you'll have to come on down to see just how it does so. The magic continues with the next two authors, Bel Banta and Nghi Vo, at their Courts, Ballrooms, and Bloodshed panel. Their titles, The Court of Venus and The Scarlett Ball, both deal with the political machinations of magical hierarchical organizations and the beautiful facades they hide behind. Things will take a scary turn afterwards, as Mary Berman & Sarah Langan take the stage to talk horror. Their titles deal with modern femininity, and the horror than can pervade the expectations society places on women. 

The next two authors, Natalia Hernandez and M.K. Lobb, will keep you on the edge of your seat, but you can rest assured knowing there will be a happy ending in their Adventure Romances'. Natalia's The Lost Guardian takes us on an archeological expedition, while M.K.'s The Dark in Her Veins follows a hit-woman whose time may be running out, but both feature enterprising women who are in for more than they've bargained for, both professionally and romantically. Finally, Emma R. Alban and Katie Jung will be closing out the proceedings in Carreker with ghost romances. Both authors' books feature ghosts in romantic leads, so this panel should definitely bring you back to life after a long day at the Book Festival!

That covers all of the authors we'll be selling books for at the Decatur Book Festival this year. It's set to be a long day, but we look forward to seeing you all there! If you aren't able to make it down on Saturday, be sure to stop by the store for signed copies of all of the aforementioned titles. We may have some of their other books signed too! 

For the full schedule of events, click here.

Banned Books Week: Let Freedom Read

Who’s to Say What You Should and Shouldn’t Read? With Banned Books Week October 4 - 10, we’re talking about banned books!  

The official theme for the week is Let Books Be. Protect the freedom to read. The focus is on “highlighting the freedom to seek and express ideas, and bring national attention to the harms of censorship” in support of librarians, teachers, writers, and booksellers.

How many banned books have you read? According to the American Library Association, some of the most challenged books include titles such as Sold by Patricia McCormick, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, and many others. Some banned classic titles include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, 1984 by George Orwell, and more. In addition to the books listed here, Eagle Eye Book Shop also has some banned book merchandise as well. 

Some of the reasons books may be banned stem from recurring themes such as LGBTQIA, sexual content, social and political themes, profanity, worldview objections, and more. 

Why is it important to fight against the banning of books? The fight against the banning of books protects intellectual freedom, upholds our constitutional rights, and ensures that everyone has open access to diverse ideas and history.

Local Banned Books Week events include the following:

East Atlanta Library Banned Book Club is holding a “Choose Your Own Adventure” event at 6 p.m. on October 6. Participants will choose and read any challenged book and then will gather with local readers for a community-led discussion.

Virginia Highland Church Banned Book Club has structured meetings where participants discuss and analyze literature that has faced opposition or censorship.

And you can also join Georgia Advocacy and Activism Groups such as the ACLU of Georgia and the Georgia Coalition Against Classroom Censorship to make a difference when it comes to the banning and censorship of books. 

Banned Books Week is organized by the American Library Association, Pen America, The Banned Books Week Coalition and other partners like Unite Against Book Bans. For more information, visit bannedbooksweek.org.

Are the Classics Unconditionally Good?

    Despite being one of the largest genres of books, or maybe because of this, the Classics have very little in common. While genres like Romance and Sci-Fi/Fantasy are also pretty loosely related, they've still got certain common themes, settings, and tropes that bind them together. Fiction is the only other section that can compare in its lack of cohesion, but when you go to browse the shelves of a fiction section you already know it'll be a grab bag. When you're browsing the classics, though, there's the expectation that no matter what you pick up you're in for some sort of Great Literary Experience. I mean, they're the classics for a reason, right?

     When I was vacationing abroad last year, I had to put this theory to the test. I had finished the book I packed and was looking for something to read when I found myself in a used books market. Being in he Netherlands, most of the books were in Dutch, but there was one stall with a bunch of Penguin Classics in English. While there were plenty of titles I was familiar with, there were even more titles that were new to me. And so, standing in front of all these classics, I picked one of these I was unfamiliar with based on everyone's favorite metric for judging a book: it's cover. 

    I left the market with a copy of Evelyn Waugh's "Unconditional Surrender," a slim paperback with a lovely line art illustration of a soldier on a beach. I had skimmed the back of the book & it seemed interesting enough, though I did not read closely enough to realize that the book was the third installment of a trilogy. With limited reading material on hand I had no choice but to read the book anyways, and I'm glad I did because the book was quite lovely.

    The entire Sword of Honour trilogy follows Guy Crouchback, a soldier in the British Army during World War II who has enlisted with the hopes of finding purpose in the fight against the Nazis. By the time we get to the events of "Unconditional Surrender," Guy has lost the idealism that led him to join up in the first place. On top of that his aging body can't keep up with the demands of the front lines, so Guy is forced to take up a desk job. There are a number of other plot threads in the mix, from issues with Guy's father to a will-they-won't-they sort of relationship. Despite not having the context of the first two books, I still found these to be interesting plot threads with compelling, multi-faceted characters, though I couldn't help but feeling like I would've appreciated everything even more had I read the full book. "Unconditional Surrender" is also a satirical novel, and goes about skewering the bureaucratic realities of war with great wit and humor. 

    This is just one example of a time when picking a Classic at random paid of, but I can think of other examples too. Whether I branched out and read something from an author I'd never heard of or found a more obscure title from a familiar face, it's rare that I walk away from a "Classic" feeling less than rewarded for my time. I guess there really is a reason why we've chosen to preserve some of these texts for thousands of years after all.

It's Time to Revisit the Classics

Perhaps many of us were introduced to classic books and stories at an early age. Parents often start by reading traditional picture books to their young children, including titles such as Goodnight Moon and favorites such as Dr. Seuss books, the Winnie-the-Pooh collection, and more. Then it’s on to middle grade readers and titles such as E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, Anne of Green Gables, and more.

It’s generally during the high school years when most of us are introduced to the novels considered as classics for assigned and required reading. Students get their first taste of classic novels such as J. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and many others. But perhaps there’s something about being a high school student and required reading that can take all the fun out of the sheer pleasure of reading a story - especially a classic novel that may seem old and antiquated to a high school student, unless of course you’re Rory Gilmore and then that’s a completely different story altogether. Things haven’t changed much. As students go back to the classroom, they’re looking for their required reading - The Classics. 

Once an adult and post school years, the classics are no longer required reading. But that doesn’t mean that these gems aren’t being read. In fact, according to the New York Public Library’s website, The 10 Most Borrowed Books of All Time at the New York Public Library include classics such as The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, George Orwell’s 1984, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury top the list. And classic novels are considered classic for a reason. 

Just what makes a novel a classic? You might think it’s because it’s written by a particular author, or because it was written a long time ago. Or perhaps it’s because it’s a story that covers certain subject matter. But according to publishing giant, Pan Macmillan, in a blog post entitled, What Makes a Classic?, by Harriett Sanders, a classic novel is described as a book that has stood the test of time because it’s so good. Sanders further states a classic novel has “a gripping story that’s expertly crafted and brilliantly expressed.”

Lately the classics have gained popularity even finding their way to both the big and small screens. Blockbusters such as Homer’s The Odyssey, and Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, along with television shows such as the upcoming adaptation of Steinbeck’s East of Eden, and the Public Broadcasting Station’s adaptation of Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo, and more, have gained both readers and viewing audiences alike for their timeless stories, themes, and mass appeal. 

With my own goal to read more classics, I recently picked up Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. It was interesting giving the reader insight into the way mental health was viewed and treated years ago when the book was written compared to how mental health is viewed and treated today. The next classic on my list is John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. I hope to read it before the Netflix seven-episode miniseries begins streaming October 1.

How many classics have you read for leisure and fun or to expand your knowledge since your days as a student? When you’re ready to dive into your next classic novel, Eagle Eye Book Shop has a robust selection of both Children’s Classics and Classic Novels for your next read. And while we know our customers have an eagle eye for good books, our knowledgeable booksellers are here to help you find the particular version or translation of the classic novel you’re looking for. 

Gardening doesn't have to be a fool's errand

    With proper planning, gardening doesn't have to be a fool's errand. And Eagle Eye is here to help!

    Starting a garden can be an overwhelming task, whether you’re planning your first season or have some experience under your belt. Beyond choosing which plants you want to grow, you must also consider garden placement, sunlight, potential landscaping changes, and rainfall accumulation. 

    Not to mention, using the internet as a research tool can lead to an overload of often conflicting information, especially if you turn to unregulated forums like Reddit.  

    Luckily for you, Eagle Eye has a wide array of gardening books and even a few members of staff who can point you in the right direction to get your garden going. With a little research and a can-do attitude, gardening can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby.

    If you’re interested in environmental stewardship, our staff’s top recommendation is Native Plants of the Southeast by Larry Mellichamp, a former professor of botany at UNC Charlotte. This beautiful, full-color guide to hundreds of southeastern native plants can help you determine which plants will thrive in your yard. It’s a wonderful addition to your home library, or even a gift for the native plant enthusiast in your life. 

      A popular type of garden is the classic vegetable garden. Eagle Eye is fully stocked on Joe Lamp'l's The Vegetable Gardening Book, a seed to harvest guide on organic vegetable gardening. This comprehensive volume covers everything from soil and mulch to pest control -- very handy come late summer when the invasive Joro spider makes a reappearance.

    Even if you're an established gardener, Eagle Eye may have a book which appeals to a burgeoning interest -- perhaps raising chickens? If so, take a peek at An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Backyard Chickens by Jenna Woginrich. Regulations on raising fowl vary between municipalities, so be sure to check your local ordinances before making an impulse run to the Feed & Seed.

    If poultry is of no interest to you, perhaps you could look into keeping an apiary -- a word first used in 1654 to describe a bee yard. Local ordinances apply to beekeeping as well, so be sure to do your research. Or, check out Pollinator Gardening for the South by Danesha Seth Carley and Anne M. Spafford to learn all about nurturing bee habitats without donning a bee suit.

    Not everyone has access to outdoor space, whether a backyard or a community garden. For the housebound plant lovers, the wonderful world of houseplants awaits within the pages of House Planted, a guide to styling your indoor space with plants by Lisa Muñoz.

    If you've got more of a black thumb, you could give succulents a try, or some windowsill herbs -- both notoriously challenging to kill. Or start easy with The Unkillables, Jo Lambell's guide to 40 houseplants which just might survive no matter the level of neglect.

    Perhaps you're the type who's more interested in the function of plants over their cultivation. Why not check out Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide or Eat the Weeds: A Forager's Guide by Deane Jordan.

    These are only a few gardening options. The beauty of a garden is that it can be anything you imagine, whether ornamental perennial, tropical exotic, or a plain old rock garden. No matter which level of gardening, herbalism, or foraging you're at, Eagle Eye has a book for you. It's never too late to plant a seed and watch what grows. Before you head in, send your local 4-H agriculture agent an email to inquire about soil testing, and consider signing up for a home composting service to turn your garbage into black gold because remember -- all successful gardens sprout from healthy soil!

    

Bonnie's Birthday Bash

On April 21st, Eagle Eye's very own Bonnie Ann, the Book Shop Dog, turned 7 years old! Everyone's favorite bookish Miniature Poodle has made it one more rotation around the sun.

To celebrate, Bonnie sported her birthday bandana around the store before going out for a Puppy Sundae at Bruster's to cap off her birthday festivities. She also received a good deal of belly rubs from other staff throughout the day. I spoke with Doug and Diana Robinson to get more of an idea about how Bonnie has impacted their lives, outside of being too darn cute.

Much like the little white dog depicted in the Fool Tarot, Bonnie works as a grounding force by keeping the Robinsons from running too wild and helping them to maintain their routines. Within the store, she also helps to keep them aware of when another dog enters the store by going a little crazy in the back.

While she isn't the biggest fan of other dogs, Bonnie is quite fond of people. If you ever see her in the store be sure to say hi, and if you'd like to see her feel free to ask at the front. If she's working that day, we may be able to bring her out to greet you!

Finally, here are some fun facts about Bonnie. She is named after the famous pirate Anne Bonny, for the black patch over her eye. She is also very smart, though she hasn't quite gotten the hang of reading yet. Despite this fact, she does have a favorite book, which is "How to Be a Pirate."

Lucky Find

Whenever I start looking at a shelf in a used bookstore, I always feel a little overwhelmed. Being faced with so many titles, many of which I've probably never heard of, can be pretty daunting. But once that initial flicker of anxiety has passed, something else takes root. I think of all the books I've taken a chance on and that have rewarded me for doing so, and the thrill of the hunt sets in. It's something like a gambler's high, because, ultimately, when I go shopping for books I'm really just hoping to get lucky.

There are a couple of main ways luck can manifest at a used bookstore. One of them, as I alluded to earlier, is when you find a hidden gem. Part of what makes used bookstores special is that you can find books from authors & publishers that have fallen into relative obscurity, or maybe you'll find a title you've never heard of from an author you adore. Hidden gems are the kind of books that reward you for really taking your time and looking at every title on the shelf, but they aren't the only gems you'll find at a used bookstore.

Part of the draw of shopping used, at least for me, is that you can save a little bit of money, especially as the prices of new books have been steadily increasing. It always feels great, and a little lucky, to find a hot new title at a used price, doubly so if the hold list at the library is getting close to the triple digits. For anyone curious, we'll usually start getting used copies of title about nine months after the publication, but people have been known to trade things in much sooner. Coincidentally, paperback editions of books also release about nine months after the initial publication. 

Getting a good deal on a great book is always pretty lucky, but sometimes the real cherry on top is hiding within the pages (and I'm not talking about the words). People leave all sorts of things in their books, from photos to receipts to old plane tickets, and I always get a kick out of finding these glimpses into the book's past. I always love finding book marks, too, especially if they've come from another bookstore somewhere far away.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when comes to lucky things happening in the bookstore. Besides finding something good on the shelves, there are usually some pretty nice people in the aisles who are probably just as excited about books as you are. Sometimes they've even got a cute dog with them! So keep your eyes peeled, because after you've found your next great read you may even be able to find someone to discuss it with.