Orinda Books

Your community bookstore in Village Square

Come in and relax - there's plenty of comfortable seating inside. Browse our 14,000+ titles and don't hesitate to ask our well-read and knowledgeable staff to help with recommendations for all ages and tastes. If we don't have a book in store, we can advise on the speedy fulfillment of any special order, often available within 2 days. Our author readings and book signings attract people from all over the Bay Area, and our twice annual ceramics and painting exhibitions featuring work by Orinda and Moraga artists, Gerry Wallace and Paul Kratter, have become sell-out hits. We also display paintings for sale by local artists and change these monthly.

However if it is just a friendly cat you need, Ginger is here daily...at your, but always her, convenience. We look forward to seeing you soon.

* * * * *

SCHOOL'S OUT

School is out, but that doesn't mean the books have all been shut -- in fact, the outgoing fifth graders at Sleepy Hollow School are hoping that their favorite titles will help Orinda Books' customers when choosing books for their kids during the long summer vacation and during down time between camps, swim teams, and soccer practices.

And to help promote their choices, Orinda Books is thrilled to have on display a stunning quilt with a book theme, loaned to us by our loyal and regular customer (and Sleepy Hollow mom) Anna Tague, and painstakingly designed and made by another frequent buyer and Sleepy Hollow mom, Ginny Ross. The quilt was made as a fundraiser for the Sleepy Hollow annual auction and is illustrated with pictures of the fifth grade and their book choices.

Quilt on loan from Anna Tague
Designed and made by Ginny Ross

Come in to see the beautiful workmanship and take a look at all their suggested titles . . . there are many old favorites and new releases too. As a bonus, Orinda Books is offering 5% off all titles on the list during the month of June and July. Just mention the book quilt for your discount.

Book Group Corner

Each season brings us a treasure trove of books. Here are some of our new favorites.

City of Thieves
by Benioff, David
In a city cut off from all supplies, and suffering unbelievable deprivation, two young men embark on a hunt to find the impossible. A search that takes them through the dire lawlessness of Leningrad and the devastated surrounding countryside creates an unlikely bond between Lev, an earnest, lust-filled teenager and Kolya, an endearing lothario with the gifts of a conman. Set within the monumental events of history, City of Thieves is an intimate coming-of-age tale with an utterly contemporary feel for how boys become men. David Benioff engages the reader right away, viscerally, with his descriptions of people living and dying during the seige of Leningrad. I found myself cringing, squirming, even groaning out loud. While his vivid portrayals are graphic, the relationship between Lev and Koyla rings true. The violence they witness is foreground, though, to their friendship. World War II, the German soldiers, and the people of Leningrad are all too lingering, but Lev and Kolya are welcome to stay. Recommended by Janet Boreta

Strengthening a Vibrant Local Economy