Lit by Mary Karr

Lit by Mary Karr

I haven't read The Liars Club or any of Karr's other books, but I had heard some good things about this one. Plus, I'm not that big of a nonfiction reader (the only biography I've ever read is Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton). Either way, I gave Karr's book a try.

As Amazon puts it, "Lit follows the self-professed blackbelt sinner's descent into the inferno of alcoholism and madness--and to her astonishing resurrection."

And it has to be said that Karr is a good writer - but you have to kind of be in the mood for her style. She doesn't use any quotation makrs - her story is written more like a stream of conciousness - and reads like a novel. It's not a quick read, though, and personally I didn't like it because I couldn't connect with it - on any level. And I didn't feel that Karr provided any great insight into the lives of alcoholics that we haven't already seen from other movies or books. That being said, it's worth a read if you're in the mood for it, but be warned - it can drag on in a couple of places. (I'd suggest a place somewhere in the middle of your to-read list)

News-wise

Festivity-wise, we're inviting everyone to our Holiday Party on Sunday, December 13th from 11-3. Food-wise, we'll have massive cheese trays (MCTs) and other special treats. Also keep your eye out for special holiday sales on gift items. We're prepared to suggest a book for any type of person who exists in your family (or "the whole catastrophe"). Here's a few examples of our favorite holiday books and the people who'd love to read them.

Creative types? Try WHAT IT IS by Lynda Barry, an inspiring collection of painting, collage and text.



THE SCRIBBLE BOOK by Herve Tullet is excellent for younger imaginations. Tullet's freewheeling sketches are meant to provoke children to elaborate and decorate what's on the page.



Historical fiction fans? If they're true history lovers, pick up WOLF HALL by Hilary Mantel, who describes the often written about Henry VIII in a truly original way. She won the Booker Prize for this novel.



Foodies? We've got a takeout menu organizer, a selection of cooking memoirs, and this season's most-anticipated cookbook, MOMOFUKU. Also check out our newly-expanded used cookbook section. For a limited time, these cookbooks are on sale: hardcovers cost $5.95, and paperbacks just $3.49! YUM!

Wellington Square Bookshop also specializes in rare and collectible books, and we have an astonishing collection of signed first edition treasures. Ask to peruse the rare book room or take a look at our contemporary collectibles in the back area of the store.

And remember-- we can order any book for you-- new or used! New books arrive in the shop every couple of days.

Upcoming Events!

A lot is happening this December. Here's a list of events to look forward to!

Philly Liars Club Event
Saturday, December 5th from 12-2pm
Start off your holiday season with this free Saturday afternoon party at Wellington Square Bookshop in Exton, PA! There will be free munchies, Truth or Lie Trivia games, and prizes including signed books and bookbags. Browse at this uber-cool bookshop and hang out with the following Philly Liar's Club members:

Bram Stoker Award-Winner Jonathan Maberry (PATIENT ZERO, St. Martin's)
Fantasy author Gregory Frost (SHADOWBRIDGE and LORD TOPHET, Del Rey/Random House)
Young adult author Marie Lamba (WHAT I MEANT..., Random House)
Debut crime novelist Dennis Tafoya (DOPE THIEF, St. Martin's)
novelist Kelly Simmons (Standing Still, Washington Square Press/Simon and Schuster)
Historical author Keith Strunk (Prallsville Mills and Stockton, Arcadia Publishing Images of America Series)
Mystery author Merry Jones (The Borrowed and Blue Murders, Minotaur Books)
Mystery author Jon McGoran who writes as D.H. Dublin (Freezer Burn, Berkley Books)
Social media marketing consultant, writer and lecturer Don Lafferty

Never been to Wellington Square Bookshop before? Then you are truly missing something, including a beautiful setting (fountain, tin ceilings, antique bookshelves), a wonderful coffee bar, a fun and smart staff, and an exceptional selection of new and rare books. Come to the bash on December 5th to check things out, meet a ton of zany authors, and to show that you support independent bookstores everywhere!

It's gonna be a blast...honest!

Holiday Party
Sunday, December 13th from 11am-3pm

Been meaning to check out our shop?
Want to meet other book lovers in the area?
Searching for some special holiday offers on new, best-selling, or eclectic titles?
Or do you just want to browse our shelves with a drink in your hand?

Come to our open house, held in partnership with the neighboring Wellington condominium, and discover Chester County's newest independent bookstore!

Wellington Square Book Club
Wednesday, December 16th at 2pm or
Thursday, December 17th at 7pm

Join us whenever your schedule permits. This month, both meetings are discussing two books about single motherhood: read either "Sweeping Up Glass" by Carolyn Wall or "Look Again" by Lisa Scottoline. We'll be selling both titles at 20% off!

Meet the Author: Cynthia Goch
Saturday, December 19th 11am-2pm
Cynthia Goch's cookbook, "Mama Mia Cucina," combines delicious recipes with touching and heartfelt family stories. She'll be here to talk sign books, and serve up sample dishes!

Acoustic Open Mic
Friday, January 15th 6-9pm
Grab your guitar and perform at our acoustic open mic event! Performers are also welcome to dazzle us with non-musical acts, so feel free to recite a favorite poem or your original work.



E-mail us at info[at]wellingtonsquarebooks.com or call at (610) 458-1144 for more info about any of these events.

You can also contact us if you'd like us to order a book you're interested in or to schedule a time for your bookclub to meet in our beautiful shop. We'll provide complimentary coffee and cookies!