Vroman’s Summer Author and Music Series is back! What better way to combine your love for literature and music than with THE EDGE's Summer Author and Music Series featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming authors out there, including Paula Yoo (Good Enough), Robin Benway (Audrey, Wait!) and more, each paired with sizzling musical performances by local bands like The Listing Ship, My Name is Guy, and more!
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 4PM PAULA YOO And THE LISTING SHIP
Author Paula Yoo (Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story) presents her new novel, Good Enough, a funny-yet-poignant novel about Patti Yoon, a high achieving high school senior struggling between her Korean immigrant parents’ demanding expectations and her growing desire to shape her own future… not to mention pursuing her first crush on a cute guy in her homeroom. Paula will be joined local band The Listing Ship.
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 4 PM HIPSTER BOOK CLUB & RED PONY CLOCK
Yennie Cheung and Kyle Olson present and discuss the latest issue of their popular online magazine, the Hipster Book Club. We will have available for purchase some of their recommended summer favorites! Hipster Book Club
After Yennie and Kyle’s talk the band Red Pony Clock will perform.
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 4 PM MIKE THE POET & DANNY P.
Los Angeles-based writer/spoken word poet, Mike the Poet presents his collection I Am Alive in Los Angeles, a free fall through the labyrinth that is Los Angeles. Danny P. will kick this evening off with some samplings from his new honest & raw (not yet published) collection of poetry.
Musical guest is TBA
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 4 PM ROBIN BENWAY & MYNAMEISGUY! Robin Benway is back at Vroman’s with her debut novel, Audrey, Wait!. Audrey Cutler, after dumping her self-involved musician boyfriend, is suddenly shotgunned into fame when her ex’s song “Audrey, Wait” becomes an international sensation!
Enjoy live music after the reading from musical guest, local band, Mynameisguy!
UPCOMING EVENTS AT VROMAN'S BOOKSTORE
The events listed below are scheduled for Vroman's main store located at 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 unless otherwise indicated. Can't make an event? Be sure to check out our complete events calendar. Call us (626.449.5320), and well do our best to get a book signed for you!
Ethan Canin discusses and signs America America Friday, July 25, 7 pm
From Ethan Canin, bestselling author of The Palace Thief, comes a stunning novel, set in a small town during the Nixon era, about America and family, politics and tragedy, and the impact of fate on a young man's life. Corey Sifter, the son of working-class parents, becomes a yard boy on the grand estate of the powerful Metarey family. Taken in by the family's patriarch, Corey soon finds himself in the midst of a complex tangle in which loyalty, politics, and gratitude conflict with morality and love.
Author of three #1 New York Times bestsellers, Vincent Bugliosi has written what promises to be one of the most explosive, powerful and important books in many years, an unprecedented look at the monumental crime behind the Iraq War. Bugliosi presents a tight legal case against President Bush as being criminally responsible for the deaths of more than 4,000 American soldiers in Iraq..
In his new memoir, veteran actor Ernest Borgnine chronicles his life starting with his humble beginnings as the son of Italian immigrants and going straight through his 50-year career in film. Meet this screen legend at Vroman's Bookstore as he signs copies of his no holds barred autobiography! This is a signing only. Check back for more information.
In this powerful, provocative collection of 4 plays that fearlessly explore the face of modern genocide, Felde, an award-winning playwright & public radio journalist, has contributed A Patch of Earth, a moving story about a reluctant soldier in the Bosnian War. Filled with issues of justice, it will challenge audience members to turn the questions toward themselves and really take time to reflect.
Adam Davies discusses and signs Mine All Mine Tuesday, August 12, 7 pm
In this intensively-researched, flawlessly-executed art heist story, Davies (Goodbye, Lemon & The Frog King) visits Otto Starks, a highly-trained, very specialized security guard - a “pulse” - as his reputation has started a downward spiral. The only happiness in his life is his girlfriend, an art history professor, who, right before his impending proposal, runs away. Upon further investigation, he finds that not everything may be as it seems, and that he might have to break the very law he's sworn to uphold for so many years.
Daniel Silva discusses and signs Moscow Rules Wednesday, August 13, 7 pm
Silva, one of the world's finest writers of int'l intrigue & espionage, leads Gabriel Allon to the streets of a “new” Moscow where he's pitted against Ivan Kharkov, a former KGB colonel turned arms dealer. Unless Allon can stop him, Kharkov will deliver Russia's most sophisticated weapon into the hands of al-Qaeda where the repercussions are fatal: the world will witness the deadliest terror attacks since 9/11.
David Ebershoff discusses and signs The 19th Wife Thursday, August 14, 6:30 pm
In his ambitious, inventive, magnificent new novel, Ebershoff applies his talent for sweeping plots, psychological delicacy, and historical evocation to questions of faith and love. What is it like to be a man's 19th wife? What inner life do you have, and how does it feel to share your spouse with umpteen others? What version of “faith” leads people into these situations, what doubts might they have along the way, and is it really their faith in God that keeps them there?
Gustav Niebuhr discusses and signs Beyond Tolerance Thursday, August 14, 7 pm
At All Saints Church (132 N Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA)
The U.S. is the most religiously diverse nation in the world, and Niebuhr, a former NY Times religion reporter, traces the roots of religious freedom in America along with the setbacks and triumphs along the way. Focusing on the way people build ties between groups, he looks at why this movement is a particularly American endeavor and how it can save us all.
* This is a ticketed event. A free ticket is available with purchase of Beyond Tolerance.
* Tickets without the purchase of a book will be available at Vroman’s main store before the event for $5.00.
Pam Kietzman & Andrea Olguin discuss and sign Carefree Gourmet Sunday, August 17, 4 pm
Kietzman and Olguin have teamed up to create Carefree Gourmet, their guide to making party planning more approachable and affordable. They will talk about their book, demonstrate a few simple recipes & share some tips & tricks for entertaining.
Dean Karnazes discusses and signs 50/50 Monday, August 18, 7 pm
Known as the “Ultramarathon Man,” Karnazes has shattered the bounds of mental & physical toughness countless times before, and now in his newest book, he talks of his own personal best record: completing 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states. He also includes insider secrets for building endurance, including tips on training, diet, and getting into the psychological mode for pulling off the seemingly impossible.
Sandra Tsing Loh discusses and signs Mother on Fire Tuesday, August 19, 7 pm
At All Saints Church (132 N Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA)
Loh, a humorist & radio commentator, was living an idyllic life until her oldest daughter reached kindergarten age and was “doomed” to attend public school. This event sparked her “year of fire” as she frantically tried to find a reasonably-priced private school, got fired from her radio gig, and finally kicked her therapist to the curb. Her transformation from manic mom to community activist with a sense of humor as well as a heart is inspiring, illuminating and gut-bustingly funny.
* This is a ticketed event.
* A free ticket is available with purchase of Mother on Fire. Tickets without the purchase of a book will be available at Vroman’s main store before the event for $5.00.
David Carr discusses and signs Night of the Gun Tuesday, August 19, 7 pm
Through extensive interviews with figures from his past, journalist Carr chronicles his journey from crack house regular to regular columnist for the New York Times. This truly unique memoir draws not only on Carr’s memories, but also on an exhaustive two-year investigation in which Carr interviewed dozens of people on camera and extensively researched medical and criminal records, fact-checking his memory against the existing evidence. The result is a completely true tale of redemption that is absolutely gripping.
While researching his first book on the Pixies, Frank came across the name Peter Ivers as the composer of the song from David Lynch's Eraserhead, one that came to be the most popular cover played by the Pixies for a decade. What followed was a 3-year investigation into his life and the unearthing of the lost story of Ivers, the host of New Wave Theatre and perhaps the biggest star you've never heard of.
Dirk Wittenborn discusses and signs Pharmakon Friday, August 22, 7 pm
In Pharmakon, novelist and screenwriter Dirk Wittenborn tells the story of the Friedrich family. William Friedrich is an ambitious psychology professor at Yale in the early 1950s when he stumbles upon a potential wonder drug that promises happiness. One of his test subjects is a bright but troubled freshman named Casper. When the experiment goes terribly awry and Casper murders Friedrich's research partner, Friedrich and his young family flee the ensuing chaos for the anonymity of a sleepy New Jersey town.
Debra Ginsberg discusses and signs The Grift Wednesday, August 27, 7 pm
Ginsberg, author of Waiting: The True Confessions of a Waitress, returns to fiction with this novel about con artists, fortunetellers, and love. Marina Marks has been on the grift as a “psychic” since she was a child, forced into the business by a junkie mother who was always desperate for her next fix. Marina’s gift is the ability to gain the trust of her clients and subtly raise her fees as they become more attached to her and her readings. But when Marina moves to Southern California, she makes a startling discovery: she suddenly has the ability truly to see the future. Everyone purchasing a book at the event will have her name entered in a drawing to win a free astrological reading by Ms. Ginsberg herself!
Vroman's "Art on the Stairwell" Series
Curated by Laura Payne
Daniel Garcia: A Photographer's Paradise
July 23 - August 24
..
I was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Alhambra. Growing up I was always intrigued by the outdoors. I loved going on our family’s yearly camping trip and loved the drives to Texas. On long drives I would stair out at the landscapes with all the colors and textures of hills and mountains, forests and skies. My father always had his Olympus 35mm with the “huge” lens and would catch us doing the most amazing things with incredible backdrops of Yosemite in the wintertime or Calaveras in the summer.
I would say that the admiration I had for the scenery I was exposed to coupled with the memories the pictures provided always kept me wanting to capture the beauty of what I was seeing so that I would be able to look at it later and share it with others. As I made my way through school I decided to broaden the “scenery” and travel as much as possible. The amazing views and wonders the world has to offer are limitless and I want to see them all! I had seen them in books or films and decided to see some for myself.
So far I have only traveled to 6 countries and have seen things and captured things far beyond what I would ever have imagined. I have much more to see and much more to photograph. I was fortunate enough to find someone who shares the same feelings about seeing the world and capturing as much of it as possible in my wonderful wife, Jennifer. Together we have successfully made our travels memorable through the photographs we have taken. Along with the things we have photographed we have learned a wealth of information about the history of the places we have been, and that always makes a picture that much more memorable.
A recent camera upgrade was necessary when a trip to Amsterdam was arranged. After hearing about the Keukenhof, from a close friend who had visited it a few years back, I was determined to visit and see this “paradise” for myself. In April of 2008 my wife and I decided to take a small trip to see the one time royal garden turned public attraction. The Keukenhof did not disappoint. Located in Amsterdam, with 10 billion flower bulbs, which makes up about 70% of the world production, this was no small garden. We found wonderful varieties of flowers we mostly see at our flower shops! The Lily, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Iris, Crocus, Orchids, the Fritillaria Imperialis, and the star of the whole show, the Tulip.
My wife’s favorite flower, and now maybe mine, the tulip, was displayed in a variety of colors and arrangements making every picture explode with vivid color and detail of which I feel we only partially captured when compared to the actual beauty of the flower. The Keukenhof was truly a photographer’s paradise and one of the most unforgettable places we have visited and photographed.
- Daniel Garcia..
If you're interested in purchasing pieces or would like to inquire about possibly showing at a future exhibit, please contact our Art on the Stairwell curator, Laura Payne. (626) 449-5320
Music
SIGNED STOCK All books - both signed and unsigned - are available for purchase and shipment anywhere in the world. To find out about any titles you're interested in, please call us at (626) 449-5320 or visit our website at www.vromansbookstore.com.
Check out our selection today...these won't be around for long!
Vroman's has a limited number of signed copies of Sedaris' latest hilarious collection of essays. This is the perfect gift for anybody who likes laughing (which ought to be everybody, I think). Get a copy at Vroman's today!
The book that has most been sought after by collectors. This story of a Dutch banker adrift in NYC after the 9/11 attacks is breathtakingly beautiful. Don't miss out on getting a rare signed FIRST EDITION of this breakthrough novel.
Jonathan discovers a half dozen naked women floating in canisters of fluid underneath the yogurt shop where he works. Yes, you read that sentence correctly. As he struggles to free the women from their comatose state, he runs up against his own limitations as a man. This bizarre book is a meditation on freedom, extinction, imprisonment, and the objectification of women. Eminently readable, very funny, and quite profound, Girl Factory is among the most innovative and thought-provoking novels of the year.
Books
We've got a huge, diverse selection of fiction, ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, travel, science, history, POP CULTURE, health, OCCULT/PARANORMAL, and any other genre of books you could possibly want! Can't decide what you want? How about a recommendation... Vroman's Recommends
The Baum Plan for Financial Independence by John Kessel "Many of these stories take place on the moon in a colony governed by women who keep men as sex toys and carefree companions. These stories, often blending science fiction with “straight” fiction, flip gender roles and play with reader expectations in wonderful ways. From the realistic to the utterly ridiculous, each of Kessel’s stories conjures a world unto itself, populated by unique and compelling characters. Highly recommended for any adventurous reader. "
Recommended by Patrick Zeroville by Steve Erickson
"My favorite read of 2007, hands down, and a "best of" pick by the LA Times and Bookworm's Michael Silverblatt. It's a classic Hollywood novel without the cloying cliches; it's a study in narrative construct--both verbal & visual varieties--with nary an ounce of pedantic pretense; its protagonist is a sociopath with none of the violent scare and all the quirky charm. Whether you're a lover of film, a lover of contemporary fiction, or a lover of Los Angeles, you'll love this book."
About me: Vroman's Bookstore was founded in 1894 and is Southern California's oldest & largest independent bookstore. We have signings throughout the year (200-300 annually) and have hosted authors like David Sedaris, Nick Hornby, Bret Easton Ellis, Al Franken, Joan Didion, Margaret Cho, Anne Rice, Salman Rushdie, Walter Mosley, Neil Gaiman, Gregory Maguire and more!
We've got 3 store locations to serve you better:
Vroman's Main Store
695 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 449-5320
HOURS --> M-Th: 9-9, F-S: 9-10, Su: 10-9
Vroman's Hastings Ranch
3729 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 351-0828
HOURS --> M-Th: 9-9, F-S: 9-10, Su: 10-9
Vroman's Fine Writing, Gifts & Stationery
667 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-1834
HOURS --> M-Th: 9-9, F-S: 9-10, Su: 10-9
Check out our website at www.vromansbookstore.com
or call us at (626) 449-5320 for more information on any upcoming signings.
.. Check out the Vroman's blog! Keep up with all the latest news at http://vromansbookstore.blogspot.com/
Vroman's now has FREE WI-FI SERVICE for all customers at our Main Store (695 E. Colorado Blvd.)! If you've got a laptop with a wi-fi connection, feel free to wander in and set up shop; we've got chairs throughout the entire store.
If you're a self-published author who'd like your book to be carried here at Vroman's, please click on the link below and follow the Consignment instructions.
CONSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
Thank you for adding me! My comics for teens by Hyperion:"Biker Girl"and"Rock and Roll Love" are available now. This September my new comic "Detective Jermain vol1" will be out too. I hope you can check them out.
To the nice folks at Vromans Bookstore: Thank you for bringing me on board! I’ll send you a postcard in early August with ordering info from my publisher, Leisure books. I hope you’ll consider getting a few copies. It’s a mass market paperback. Should you carry my book, thank you for the opportunity. Independent booksellers are the best! Kind regards, Andy
Thrilled to have you as a friend! It's one of my dreams to sign my books at your store some day....keep up the great and important work. What would we do without you??
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 4PM PAULA YOO And THE LISTING SHIP
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 4 PM HIPSTER BOOK CLUB & RED PONY CLOCK
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 4 PM MIKE THE POET & DANNY P.
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 4 PM ROBIN BENWAY & MYNAMEISGUY!
Check out the Vroman's blog! Keep up with all the latest news at 
