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.

Jef Holbrook is Shooting from the Literary Angle

    If you've been watching R.J. Decker, the new TV series based on Carl Hiaasen's "Double Whammy," you may have noticed a familiar face. Eagle Eye Book Shop's very own Jef Holbrook appears as Gary, a supposedly mild mannered florist who has found himself wrapped up in PI Decker's murder investigation. We'd be proud of Jef regardless, but that fact that he's starring in a book adaptation makes the whole occasion extra sweet. 

    This isn't the first time Jef has worked on an adaptation, though. From appearances in the Will Trent Series, to a role in the film adaptation of Lyle Lyle Crocodile, to lending his vocal talents to audio versions of Scientific Digest & kids books such as "I Need a New Butt," Jef his left his mark on plenty of different productions. He's so prolific, in fact, that he doesn't even bother letting his coworkers know when he comes across a book he's worked with anymore, because then he wouldn't have time to do anything else!

    Working at a bookstore does have its benefits for Jef, as he does a lot of research to prepare for roles. Whether he's looking for an original text, trying to delve deeper into a time period, or just reviewing some of his favorite acting books, Jef can usually find something on our shelves to help with his process. In our interview, he did emphasize that the script has the final say on what's happening in a scene, but he also noted that his research helps to bring new color to a role.

    If you'd like to see the full catalog of Jef's roles, or check out any of his bevy of side projects, please feel free to check out the links below. And if you're looking to get something autographed, go ahead and print out this lovely picture of him!

https://jefholbrook.com/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3762401/

https://www.youtube.com/jefholbrooktv

Love Y'all Returns

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, but it won't be the only love fest in Atlanta that weekend. The Love Y'all Book Festival is back and better than ever! The romance book festival will be returning to Downtown Decatur for the third year in a row from Friday, February 13th through Sunday the 15th.

 The festival is back with all the usual bells and whistles: author talks & signings, plenty of vendors, and unique Experiences that you can participate in with authors. But the people running Love Y'all have learned from the past festivals and are using that knowledge to take this year to the next level. I can hear you asking, "What exactly is this next level going to look like?" Well, dear reader, I sat down with Preet Singh, Eagle Eye Bookseller & Love Y'all co-founder to get the inside scoop.

 One of the most significant changes this year is an increase in involvement from publishers. You'll be able to see this in the form of publisher booths, but they have also been providing more support behind the scenes. This support (along with an increase in ticket price) means that there's more stuff in the VIP bag this year. A purchase of a VIP ticket will bring with it five books, a shirt, a free experience, and more! The selection of books will also be greater, because there are more authors coming to Love Y'all than ever, including some from Germany, India, and Canada, as well as throughout the United States.

This year, Love Y'all is also trying to highlight more of Decatur's vibrant bookstore community. Besides the various bookstores that will be selling at the festival, a special Book Shop Tour will take attendees to a number of other shops, including Little Shop of Stories and Atlanta Vintage books.

If this sounds like something that's up your alley, or if you're interested in finding out more about Love Y'all and the authors that will be there, you can check out their website at loveyallfest.com. 

 Check out our Love Y'all authors here.