What's Going on This Week at Boswell? November 28th-December 5th

We've had a few folks looking at The Vegan Cookie Connoisseur over the weekend so I'm hoping we'll have a decent turnout this afternoon at 2 PM. And yes, Kelly Peloza will be bringing samples.

We're quiet on Monday and Tuesday, the better for you to shop in peace. But at the JCC, the final event of the Jewish Book and Culture Fair is on Tuesday, November 30th, at 7 PM. The J is hosting Thanassis Cambinis, author of A Privilege to Die: Inside Hezbollah's Legions and Their Endless War Against Israel. Cambanis, who has contributed to the Boston Globe, The New York Times, Foreign Affairs and the Huffington Post, was the for several years the mideast bureau chief fo the Boston Globe, and currently is an adjunct professor at Columbia University and the New School. His premise is that Hezbollah is a much bigger threat to Israel than the more high-profile Hamas and Al Quaeda. The JCC is at 6255 North Santa Monica Boulevard. More about Cambanis on his combo blog/website.

If you saw any early notes about our event on Dececember 1st with Cynthia Kraack, it has been cancelled. Just in case, I'm letting you know again. That said, if you have family at St. John's on the Lake (heck, if you're at St. John's on the Lake), I'll be hosting a book fair there on Wednesday, December 1st, from 2-4 PM. If you're nosy like me, you probably want to see the floor plans for the new tower. Here they are.

Our Thursday, December 2nd with Ann Wertz Garvin, author of On Maggie's Watch, at 7 PM, is still 100% a go. Garvin teaches at UW Whitewater (not Parkside as I mentioned in the email newsletter--I confused her event with Jonathan Shailor's prison theater book talk, which is not until December 10th). Here's the writeup in the Journal Sentinel today.

Friday, December 3rd is our next holiday market. Saturday's first event was bustling. We heard wonderful feedback from our customers, and I expect the word of mouth to spread for market #2. It got crazy busy between 6 and 7 PM, so if you're planning to do some serious shopping, come early. It starts at 3 PM. And yes, B.J. (former Schwartz Shorewood bookseller) will be there selling jewelry. I'm glad to say that market #1 was the most successful event she's participated in to date.

On Saturday, December 4th, at 10 AM, we are providing space for Dasha Kelly's Still Waters writing workshop. This is one-on-one prep for the Scholastic Writing Awards. This is a free event but you must register. For more information, please visit the Still Waters Collective website.

At 2 PM on Saturday (also 12/4), we host our now semi-annual student readings from St. Robert's School. We had a number of customers sit in on the readings who didn't even know the kids last time. If you do know a family at St. Robert's, this is a great day to shop, as between 1 and 4 PM, a percentage of all designated* purchases go back to the school.

Sunday night (12/5) from 5 to 8 we have another shopping night, this time with long-time participator Maryland Avenue Montessori School. It's a pajama party, with refreshments, storytime, and the semi-annual student art exhibit. Yes, that evening, a percentage goes back to the school for designated purchases. It's wild.

I might be slightly late to the shindig, however, as we also have a booth at the Give Local, Buy Local Gift Fair, sponosored by Our Milwaukee, and held in conjunction with the Outpost Alternative Gift Fair. It's held between 12 and 4 PM at Lakefront Brewery. Who knew that Lakefront offer's the #4 brewery tour in America, as determined by Trip Advisor.

I'm tired already! But the good news is that you can pick and choose which things you attend. Hope to see you at something, and be sure to say hi.

*By designated, I mean you have to tell us. And this is instead of Boswell Benefits, though it's a larger percentage (10 instead of 5, and there's an even better option of you use the money raised to buy books from us).