Germaine Greer had her doubts in 1984. Here is a review from the New York Times. Interesting to consider with the benefit of thirty years more history and declining birth rates in the developing world too. $9.
Oh the places you will go
The back yard is starting to look like it should. Come sit about, earthlings!
Did I mention we have WiFi and delicious filter coffee?
Photo credits: Hazel Phillips (mostly)
If I could turn back time
Can changing the way you think make you younger? Yes. Get the skinny for $18.
Who are we really
David Slack's 2005 review of the state of the nation and the direction of travel. Still a lively read at $12.
One from the vaults, filed under curious
Pressing questions answered for $12.
Alternative states
Ann Patchett writes "a provocative novel of morality and miracles, science and sacrifice set in the Amazon rainforest". A beautiful hardback copy in as new condition for $22.
Pride Parade day: this Saturday
Hooray for Pride Parade, this Saturday, February 25.
Come take a wander around the shelves or enjoy a seat in the backyard out of the bustle. With filter coffee and ginger cake from 10am, unifying DJ beats from mid afternoon, and secondhand book specials all day.
Ponsonby Road is closed to cars from 4pm. A perfect opportunity for bicycling or to demonstrate your skateboarding skillz. Mention you came by bike or skateboard and get 10 per cent off.
Timetable
10am Bookstore opens
4pm Ponsonby Road closed to cars
5:30pm Parade entertainment starts
7:30pm Parade starts (from Western Park end)
Good advice for everyone. Plus cash.
Found on the bottom step when I closed up this afternoon.
Caffeinated
Come be a delicious coffee guinea pig, and then loll around out back. Don't worry. We have umbrellas.
For Bruce Chatwin fans
Previously unpublished photos and notebooks from his travels. A steal for $18.
Now with added piano
Before and after pics. Come play a tune!
Also, we are going to start broadcasting short concerts from the store on Friday lunchtimes modelled on the amazing Tiny Desk concerts. The first one is pencilled for Friday March 3 at 1pm. If you know any (compact!) bands or artists who are looking for some quirky exposure, hook us up.
Reasons to stay put
"It is always good to discover new excuses to stay at home", says Peter Mayle. Get some for yourself for $12.
Chirpy
In case you are not worried enough. A history of biological warfare. $14
Crossing the wall
Richard Grant takes a trip into the "lawless heart of Mexico". Home to bad hombres, no doubt. "Nothing in moderation" is the basic motto of life there, he says.
The Guardian likes it. Yours for $8.
Columbia
Shelved under travel/adventure, but perhaps more of "i should not be alive" story. Two young British guys decide to walk across the Darien gap (against all advice), get kidnapped for ransom by a para-military group (surprising no one), and then survive nine months in the jungle. $12
Rockabilly
A biography of Jimmy Bowen, a musician, producer and record-company guy in the US in the 1960s and 70s. Yours for $16. One of 300 or so music books we have on the shelves.
Trying to understand America?
Perhaps following Brad Herzog as he visits small American towns with evocative names (Wisdom, Faith, Freedom, Harmony, Love, Justice, Glory, Friendship, Truth or Consequences) might help. $12.
Rita Angus
A brief biography, a study of her self-portraits, and a couple of dozen reproductions of her famous works. Yours for $30.
A neat little book, says the Herald.
Not the bee's knees
Advice on how not to write. $12
Hanging down
Hooray for new signs. (Delicious filter coffee is coming soon)
