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Manil Suri
Sunday, 2 March at 12:30 PM

Following his spectacular debut, The Death of Vishnu, Manil Suri returns with a mesmerizing story of modern India, richly layered with themes from Hindu mythology. The Age of Shiva is at once a powerful story of a country in turmoil and an extraordinary portrait of maternal love.

Meera's unforgettable story, embodying Shiva as a symbol of religious upheaval, places The Age of Shiva among the most compelling novels to emerge from contemporary India. We are delighted to welcome Manil Suri back to Rakestraw Books on Sunday, 2 March 2008 at 12:30 PM. Please join us to meet this remarkable writer.

It is a pleasure to welcome Barbara Joosse back to Rakestraw Books as we celebrate the publication of Grandma Calls Me Beautiful on Tuesday, 4 March 2008 at 10 AM. Please note that this event takes place at a local school, let us know if you'd like to attend.

When a six-year old boy thinks like a grown man, they call him a child prodigy. But what's the best way to describe a grown man who thinks like a six-year old boy? That's the problem Alan Katz's wife faces every time she has to introduce him.

Alan Katz will be visiting a couple of local schools at events sponsored by the bookstore on Thursday, 6 March 2008. Give us a call at (925) 837-7337 if you'd like more information. And, until then, stay silly!

Blending archival research, on-the-ground reportage, and captivating storytelling, Sherrill transports readers to a part of Japan that few of us know and introduces us to many fascinating characters, human and canine. In particular, Sherrill tells the story of Morie's distinctive and soulful path, providing a profound look at what it is to be an individualist in a culture that reveres conformity -- and what it means to live life in one's own way.

We are delighted to welcome Martha Sherrill to Rakestraw Books on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 at 7:00 PM to share this inspiring and powerful book. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds will benefit Akita Club of America's Rescue Fund.

Thomas Cahill, one of the most widely-read and critically acclaimed historians, is back with the fifth volume in his mega-bestselling "Hinges of History" series and begins his exploration of the modern western world (volumes 1-4 having dealt with the ancients) in an era that never fails to fascinate: the Middle Ages.

We are excited to be working with the California Shakespeare Theater to present this magical evening. Two actors from Cal Shakes will be presenting a scene from Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband, one of the upcoming season's plays. Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone will be here to talk a bit about the upcoming season and the work that Cal Shakes does in the community. If you've never had a chance to hear Jonathan speak, you're in for a treat; he is so articulate and so passionate about the theater and its mission. We will be raffling off tickets for one of the plays. Additionally, since it's a party, we will be serving wine and hors d'ouevres starting at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $10 -- proceeds will benefit the Cal Shakes School Residencies. Through the School Residencies program, Cal Shakes brings Teaching Artists into the schools to teach with the aim of developing students' creative and academic minds and voices.

We are so thrilled about this wonderful evening -- a great writer, a wonderful book, a classic play, and one of the best cultural arts organizations in the Bay Area. Please plan on joining us on Tuesday, 1 April 2008 at 6:00 PM. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us at (925) 837-7337.