Best of Books, Bayou Grill combining to offer special Southern dinner for debut of 'Go Set a Watchman'!

      To celebrate the debut of "Go Set a Watchman," Best of Books is teaming up with next-door neighbor Bayou Grill to offer a special Southern dinner based on food in author Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird."
      The dinner, which will include entertainment, readings and a trivia contest, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at Bayou, 1315 E. Danforth in Edmond's Kickingbird Square Shopping Center.
      "Go Set a Watchman" is considered a prequel sequel to the Pulitzer Prize-winning "To Kill a Mockingbird," which was published 55 years ago in 1960. "Watchman" has already set records for preorders, publisher HarperCollins reports. Best of Books has nearly 50 preordered already.
       On July 14, "Watchman" will be released to the public for the first time, so BOB and Bayou are combining to offer the dinner and entertainment for the evening.
        The three-course dinner will include an appetizer, choice of entrees with a side salad and one side, cornbread, rolls or hushpuppies, beverages and a dessert of praline pecan pound cake. The menu was prepared by owner/head chef Thais Goodwin. Thais chose the menu based on foods that Harper Lee referenced to in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Best of Books employee Shelbee King found the foods in a special research paper prepared by William Christy for the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans.

         

        "The book includes more than 50 references to food – many that are symbols of the American South," Christy wrote. "... These foods help set the tone of the novel and establish a mood and place. Harper Lee created scenes in which the presence of food and meals make important points and moves the plot forward."
 

 

       Besides the dinner, there will be entertainment headlined by Philip West, playing his guitar and harmonica, a trivia contest with prizes, and readings from "Watchman."
       The cost for the dinner and a copy of the first edition of "Watchman" is $60. Those not wanting the book can pay $30 each for the dinner.
        Seating and books are very limited, so Best of Books is asking you to call ahead as soon as possible for reservations. You can call 340-9202 to reserve your spot or spots or go to Best of Books website to order a dinner with a book or a dinner without a book.
         Here is the complete menu and listing for the evening:

BEST OF BOOKS AND THE BAYOU GRILL PRESENT:

 

'TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD/GO SET A WATCHMAN' SOUTHERN DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT

6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 14

Bayou Grill & Bakery, 1315 E. Danforth in Edmond's Kickingbird Square Shopping Center

 

MENU

 

Appetizer

Sardine Dip w/crackers

Or

Green Fried Tomatoes

 

Entrees 

(Choice of one; served with side salad)

Fried Chicken (White or dark -- 3 pieces)

Grill or Blackened Chicken Breast

Pork Chops -- Grilled, Blackened or Fried (2 center cut)

U.S. Caught Catfished -- Grilled, Blackened or Fried

 

Sides

(Choice of one)

Southern Collard Greens

Mac & Cheese

Baked Sweet Potato

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Coleslaw

Sweet Corn

French Fries

Fried Okra

Red Beans & Rice.

 

Breads

Cornbread, rolls or hushpuppies

 

Dessert

Praline Pecan Pound Cake

    

Beverages

Sweet/unsweetened team, lemonade or Coca-Cola soft drinks

 

            

Evening includes entertainment headlined by Philip West, trivia contest with prizes, and readings from "Go Set a Watchman."

 

Cost: $60, includes complete dinner and first-edition of "Go Set a Watchman." (Each additional dinner without a book will be $30 each. Other food, beverages, drinks not on the menu are extra. Tips also not included in cost.)

 

July 9 declared as Tammi Sauer Day in Edmond! Join BOB in celebrating Tammi's special day/new book

    

Tammi Sauer

         July 9, 2015, will be Tammi Sauer's special day in Edmond. Actually, it will be Tammi Sauer Day!
         Edmond Mayor Charles Lamb and the Edmond City Council have declared that the Thursday in July will be named in honor of the Edmond children's author. She is being honored for her work as an author that is garnering national attention and for keeping her business in Edmond with Best of Books. The official proclamation was read at this week's city council meeting.
          During Tammi Sauer Day in Edmond, Tammi will be at Best of Books to sign and talk about her new Disney-Hyperion book Ginny Louise and the School Showdown from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9. She is tentatively scheduled to receive her proclamation at 5:20 p.m. and speak at 5:30.
            Tammi is planning some fun crafts and even a photo booth at her event. Best of Books will offer refreshments at the reception honoring her. She also will be available to sign her new book

                                                                                                                 as well as other of her books that are in stock.
    
           The proclamation declares a day for Tammi for several reasons:

      -- She has become known nationwide for her work as a children’s author. She is launching Ginny Louise and the School Showdown this month and has two other books that will be published this year with major publishers: Roar! (Simon & Schuster) and Your Alien (Sterling).

      --  She has published or sold 23 children’s books to major publishers, including Bloomsbury, Disney-Hyperion, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Simon & Schuster and Sterling. She’s already signed contracts for more children’s books in the future. She also has visited hundreds of schools and spoken at conferences across the nation. One book, “The Twelve Days of Christmas in Oklahoma,” was a bestseller in the state for several weeks. Her books also appear regularly on the OKLAHOMA BESTSELLERS list.

       -- She is dedicated as an Edmond resident to keep her business in the city. She has worked with Best of Books in Edmond to provide her books to schools across the state and region.

            In making the request, BOB President Joe Hight wrote: "We think Tammi is special and deserving of a day named in her honor."

            "We are greatly appreciative of Mayor Lamb, the City Council and Todd Hildabrand, staff assistant to the city council and city manager, for their support in this effort to honor Tammi," Hight said. "We hope Edmond residents and those who know Tammi outside of the city will come to congratulate this special children's author on July 9. It should be fun for young and those who are slightly older."

            The public is invited to celebrate Tammi's special day, actually her day in Edmond, when she comes to Best of Books starting at 5 p.m. July 9.

             You can read more about Tammi by going to her website at www.tammisauer.com.

 

Top authors to appear in July's Red Earth MFA Literary Readings; Best of Books providing books

     

   Best of Books will again be participating in The Red Earth MFA Literary Readings, with the next ones July 12 and July 15 in Oklahoma City.
   The readings will be from known authors who teach in the program at Oklahoma City University or are visiting writers who are part of it.
    Both of the readings will be at The Paramount, Sheridan and Lee downtown.
     The first one will be the "Visiting Writers' Reading" at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 12. It will feature authors poet Jim Daniels and fiction writer Luke Goebel.
       Then at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, six authors will be featured in the "Faculty Reading," including several well-known to Oklahoma. Those will be Allison Amend, Lou Berney, Kat Meads, Oklahoma Poet Laureate Benjamin Myers, poet Timothy Bradford and Brad McLelland.
        Best of Books will be supplying the books that you can purchase and then have the authors sign before or after their readings.
         Both Literary Readings are free and open to the public.
       

'Thrifty Thursdays,' 'Saturday Specials' now part of weekly summertime fun at Best of Books

           Best of Books kicked off the official start of summer with "Thrifty Thursdays" and "Saturday Specials"
           Through June and all of July, BOB will offer specials on certain categories of books. And on July 25, BOB is planning a big toy sale: offering one regularly priced toy for 25 percent off with the remainder of regularly priced toys being 20 percent off.

            "Thrifty Thursdays" will offer 15-percent discount specials on one or more categories of books each week. Those remaining are Garden & Hobby, Travel, Business, Paperback, Nonfiction and History. Each week offers a different special.
         



                Then on "Saturday Specials," there will be a 10-percent discount on categories of children's books until the big toy sale on July 25. The remaining categories are Board Books, Picture Books, and Children's Chapter Books.

        



            This is part of Best of Books' summer activities and specials. Recently, BOB announced a new Story Time at 2 p.m. Wednesdays to go along with the regular Story Time at 11 a.m. Saturdays and a full week of activities starting July 20. You can read more by going to Summertime of Children's Fun.
             Besides those, The BOBs, our teen book club, have already met with Young Adult authors  Jenny Martin (Tracked) and Debra Dockter (Deadly Design). They will meet again to discuss the book Sylo on Tuesday, July 7. All children 12 and older are invited to participate, and you never know when there will be door prizes. For more details, go to The BOBs.

Historical significance of Jerry Burgan, the 'tribal storyteller' of folk music, and We Five found in book; reception at 4 p.m. at Best of Books, concert at 7 p.m.

                

We Five’s historical significance in rock 'n’ roll becomes clear in Jerry Burgan’s book “Wounds to Bind: A Memoir of the Folk-Rock Revolution.”

 

                  And you will have two chances to meet Jerry Burgan, co-founder of the group, his wife and singer Debbie Burgan, and bassist Thowlow Chan, or hear the We Five alums during “The Burgans & Chan Songs & Stories Concert.” One is free, and the concert will cost you only $20 each. A limited supply of collector hard-bound editions of “Wounds to Bind” also will be available for sale at both events.

                 Here are the events:

n  4 to 5 p.m. TODAY at Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth in Edmond’s Kickingbird Square Shopping Center: A special reception for Jerry Burgan and his book. The reception is free and open to the public. Debbie Burgan and Tholow Chan are also expected to attend.

                                                       7 to 9 p.m. TODAY at the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. 5^th Street, Edmond: “The Burgans & Chan Songs & Stories Concert” featuring Jerry Burgan, Debbie Burgan and Tholow Chan. Cost: $20 per ticket.

 

                  This is only the second time that Jerry Burgan has performed in Oklahoma, according to a story by Leilah Naifeh in Saturday’s edition of The Oklahoman. The other time was 50 years ago in 1965 when We Five came to the state with The Righteous Brothers. At the same time, the band’s hit song “You Were on My Mind” was climbing to near the top of the Billboard charts.

                   The historical significance of the band is also shown in the book:

1.       It was one of the first bands, if not the first, to have a lead woman singer.

2.       It was one of the first groups to be integrated with an African-American drummer.

3.       It started as a folk group and blended sounds to become one of the first folk-rock groups.

                  Jerry Burgan and We Five played a key role in the early history of rock ‘n’ roll; his book about his days with We Five includes names such as The Rolling Stones, Dylan, Streisand, Zappa, Van Halen, Seeger, Ronstadt, Peter, Paul and Mary, Lennon, Lightfoot, Redding, The Doors, Eagles, Kingston Trio, Everly Brothers, Righteous Brothers, Mammas and Pappas, Bonos, Beach Boys and many more. His group performed on “Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars” with The Byrds, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Bo Diddley and The Duchess.

                    You still have time to buy tickets for “The Burgans & Chan Songs & Stories Concert.” They can be purchased by ordering online at www.bestofbooksok.com, reserved by calling 340-9202 or by purchasing them when the doors open at 6 p.m. The two-hour concert will begin at 7 p.m. TODAY in UCO Jazz Lab. Hideaway Pizza will be providing the food and drink.

                     And, even if you can’t attend the concert, you can meet We Five co-founder Jerry Burgan. Best of Books will be the host of a reception for Jerry and his book “Wounds to Bind: A Memoir of the Folk-Rock Revolution” from 4 to 5 p.m. TODAY at Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth in Edmond’s Kickingbird Square Shopping Center.

                     Best of Books will have a limited supply of “Wounds to Bind,” too. Best of Books is offering the book at both events for only $30; it retails new at $50 or $45 on Amazon or used $32. It's sure to become a collector's item with Jerry's signature.

                     A paragraph written in the Oklahoma Gazette by Greg Horton perfectly sums up Jerry Burgan and his book:

                      

 

                        "Burgan runs through lists of folk musicians and their relationships to each other and the music like a tribal storyteller. He is an oral archivist, which is what folk music has always tried to do: chronicle the human experience from the perspective of common folk.”

Best of Books 'honored' to be Readers' Choice Award finalist. And one more thing, please: VOTE FOR BOB

 Vote for BOB

                          Best of Books is among the bookstores that have made the finalist list for The Oklahoman's Readers' Choice Awards. Five finalists in Oklahoma have been selected by Oklahoman readers for this list. Voting continues until Monday, June 22.
                           You only have a few days to: Vote for BOB
                           "We are honored to be on this great list of bookstores in Readers' Choice," said Joe Hight, president of Best of Books.
                           We'd be honored again if you decide to: Vote for BOB.
                            It's easy to vote in the Readers' Choice Awards. For the "Bookstores" category, you can find the finalists by clicking on the online link at http://www.oklahoman.com/readerschoice/shopping-a-d and scrolling down until you find the list. You can vote online for any of the finalists at oklahoman.com/readerschoice or mail your print ballot to Readers' Choice, The Oklahoman, P.O. Box 25611, Oklahoma City, OK.
                             You are allowed to vote online every hour, if you want.
                             Vote early and often for BOB.
                              Best of Books has recently been voted as a favorite bookstore by readers of the Edmond Sun and Edmond Life & Leisure. It and Full Circle Bookstore Oklahoma City are the only independent local bookstores on the Readers' Choice finalist list.
                               Vote local. Vote independent. And vote for BOB.
                             

 Best of Books has placed posters of the distinction on its windows.

                               Joe said he greatly appreciates those who voted Best of Books in order for it to make the finalist list.
                               "We're thankful for the recognition from our customers. It shows their support for what we're doing here," Joe said. "We also appreciate how they've embraced our branding of Best of Books as BOB the Bookstore, too."
                                Vote for BOB, please.
                              
                   
                              
                        

Tammi Sauer's new Disney book among nearly 30 new releases TODAY at Best of Books!

 

  

 Tammi Sauer's Ginny Louise and the School Showdown is among the nearly 30 new releases that are available beginning today at Best of Books.

      Here is the description of Tammi's new book by publisher Disney-Hyperion: "Ginny Louise stands up to bullying by the Truman Elementary Troublemakers and wins them over with her unwavering cheerfulness."  

      

 Tammi has agreed to do a signing of her new book at BOB on July 9. Look for more details soon on this special event and Tammi's latest children's book.

    Here are the 27 releases today as provided by BOB staff member Andrea Pflughoft:

 

Biography:
-- Romanoff Sisters by Rappaport
-- Stick in the Head by Apatow
-- Getting Real by Carlson

Children's arts and music:
-- How Jellyroll Morton Invented Jazz by Winter

Children's baby preschool:
-- The Loud Book by Underwood

Children's classics:
-- Your Golden Charlie Brown by Schultz

Children's Early Readers:
-- Buster the Very Shy Dog by Becktold
-- Buster Very Shy Dog Finds a Kitten by Becktold
-- Big Dog and Little Dog by Pilkey
-- Big Dog and Little Dog Going for a Walk by Pilkey
-- A Pig a Fox in a Box by Fenske
-- Francis Dances by Iacolina
-- Backyard Chickens by Read

Children's juvenile chapter:
-- Thicker Than Water by Hale
-- Becca & the Prisoners Cross #2 by Abbott
-- Serpents Curse Caponia's Legacy by Abbott

Classics:
-- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Children's picture hardback:
-- I Yam a Donkey by Bell
-- Daddy's Back to School Shopping Adventure by Sitomer
-- Ready for School Murphy by Murphy Jenny Louise

-- Ginny Louise and the School Showdown by Sauer
-- Little Miss Big Sis by Rosenthal
-- Who Wants Broccoli by Jones

Children's reference:
-- Minecraft Unlikely Tale of Markus by Goldberg
-- Lego Ninjago Master of Spinjitzu
-- Lego Friends Adventure Guide by Saunders
-- Dressed to Frill: Sew Zoey #12 by Taylor

Featured writers at 'An Afternoon with Oklahoma Authors' offer tips on writing

           Write from the heart. Don't be dismayed by rejections. Discover your voice.
           These are tips offered by William Bernhardt, Ron J. Jackson Jr. and Cheri Fuller, the featured authors during "An Afternoon with Oklahoma Authors" from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Best of Books. They have written at least 75 books, as well as many other shorter stories.
             You will have a chance to talk to the featured authors as well as the other six authors who will be featured during the quarterly event. They also will be signing their books, which will be offered for sale at the event.
            All three have taught writing in their career, with William writing books on the subject and Cheri co-founding a special conference for beginning writers.
             Here are their tips that are written in their own words by each of the authors:
            

William Bernhardt
1) Write every day.
2) Write for the audience, not for yourself.
3) Write from the heart.

Cheri Fuller
     When you get rejections, don’t be dismayed. And don’t take rejection personally. Allow yourself a few hours of disappointment. Then get back to the computer and do what you need to do to revise your story or book and get it back there. In order to succeed, you’ve got to see REJECTION as REDIRECTION, which means you just haven’t gotten the right article or book to the right editor at the right time! Persevere, keep learning your craft, and you will!
     When I was writing my first books, I learned some of my best knowledge and made my best connections at writer’s conferences. Nothing can replace that face-to-face contact and learning from real, working writers, editors and agents!
    So with two other writers, I founded an OKC Writer’s Conference, Write Well Sell Well, and we’re having our 3rd annual this year at the Crossings Community Center, helping new writers get equipped to get their voice out there, whether they are writing fiction, nonfiction, memoir, or screenplays.
     I always share with writers that perseverance and determination is so important if you want to be a working writer! I love what an author said about this, “Never quit. I don’t care if you’re living in Central Park in your little sister’s Hello Kitty pup tent with her three cats. Never quit. Get yourself some emotional security and if publishers tell you that your manuscript is awful, take notes!”

Ron J. Jackson Jr. 
    Discover your own voice as a storyteller by reading, reading, reading, and writing, writing, writing. Write about something you are passionate about. Truth is in the heart. Believe in yourself. The route to the summit will be littered with rejections.

New activity week, Storytime added to Best of Books' summer of fun for children and their love of reading!

          
      

Best of Books is offering special summertime activities for children ages 4 and up during July.

     And, BOB is adding a special Storytime during the week.

     All are part of Best of Books' continuing outreach to children that will encourage their love of reading, especially during the summer when they are out of school. The BOBs, a Teen Book Club, was also added recently for those 12 and up, and will meet five times during the summer at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

     As for the younger children, BOB continues to offer Storytime at 11 a.m. Saturdays with readings and activity conducted by our Master Storytellers or a special guest, usually a children's author. During the summer, BOB is adding a Storytime at 2 p.m. every Wednesday until school begins again in August.

      Then from July 20-24, Best of Books will offer a special activity from 2 to 3 p.m. every day.

    

  The activities include the popular Dustin who will return with his favorite animals from Kickingbird Pets. Other activities will include science experiments, miniature gardens, tie-dye fun, and a special Yankee Picnic with Master Storyteller Victoria Nelson.

       Here is the schedule for the week from 2 to 3 p.m. July 20-24:

   

      -- Monday, July 20: Animal Fun with Dustin from Kickingbird Pets

      -- Tuesday, July 21: Science experiments with Mad Scientist Elena

      -- Wednesday, July 22: Miniature Gardens with Monica Arndt

      -- Thursday, July 23: Easy Tie-Dye Fun with Shelbee (Please bring small white canvas item, shoes are great and only $5 at Walmart!)

      -- Friday, July 24: Yankee Picnic with Victoria Nelson

       Sweet treats will be offered every day. 

    (And, BOB may offer door prizes like was offered during our fun Spring Break Week!)

 

 

LaDonna Kramer Meinders joins Saturday's 'An Afternoon with Oklahoma Authors' at Best of Books!

 

      LaDonna Kramer Meinders has joined the line-up for Best of Books' "An Afternoon with Oklahoma Authors" on Saturday.
       She will read from from her book "What Would You Do If A Kangaroo ..."  at our 11 a.m. Storytime and then will be available to sign her book from noon to 2 p.m. with the other eight authors who are attending. "What Would You Do If A Kangaroo ..." is a collection of her children's poems and published by the Oklahoma Heritage Association.
       LaDonna has published three other books: "Leaves in the Wind" about growing up in rural Oklahoma; "Angel Hugs," a book of devotional readings; and "Angel Hugs for Cancer Patients," a book of encouraging meditations for persons suffering from cancer.
        She grew up on a farm overlooking the Cimarron River in Kingfisher County, and attended school in the small town of Loyal, formerly named Kiel by the German immigrants who lived there.
      She attended Oklahoma City University where she studied piano with Dr. Clarence Burg, wrote for the campus newspaper, and was named Homecoming Queen for the OCU Chiefs basketball team. During college, she also earned the titles of Oklahoma Maid of Cotton and Miss Oklahoma.
      She returned to Kingfisher with her husband William J. Gooden and raised her four children: Mark, Lori, John and Joe. She was the organist at the First Christian Church for more than 20 years. In 1976, she and piano duo partner Ellen Jayne Wheeler performed at the Kennedy Center during America's Bicentennial Celebration.
      In the early '80s, she return to OCU as alumni director. She met and then married Herman Meinders in 1986.
       On Saturday, she will join William Bernhardt, Cheri Fuller, Ron J. Jackson Jr. and five other authors who will be signing their books from noon to 2 p.m. Go to bestofbooksok.com for the complete details.
       

Best of Books announces the release of 62 titles TODAY -- thanks to Andrea!

      
           Best of Books is releasing 62 new titles today.
           BOB employee Andrea Pflughoft has created the list so you can see what's new and available for you. Call us or stop by if you want any of the books.
            Now, thanks to Andrea, here they are:

Audio:
-- Monogram Murders by Christy

Biography:
-- Waiting to be Heard by Knox
-- Quiet Man by Sununu
-- John Quincy Adams/American visionary by Kaplan
-- In My Skin by Greiner

Business:
-- Factory Man by Macy

Children's activity:
-- Paper Ninja by Stark

Children's biography:
-- Who was Woodrow Wilson by Frith
-- Hidden girl by Hall
-- Women who broke rules: Dolly Madison by Krull
-- Women who broke rules: Judy Blume by Krull
-- Women who broke rules: Sonia Sotomayor by Krull
-- Women who broke rules: Sacajawea by Krull
-- Hitler's last days by Bill O'Reilly

Children's baby preschool:
-- Dada by Jimmy Fallon

Children's easy reader:
-- Splish Splash Zoon Borns by Bleiman

Children's juvenile chapter:
-- Hunters of Chaos by Velazquez
-- Land of Stories #3 Grimm Warning by Cofer
-- Star Wars Rebels Battle to the End by Kogge

Children's picture hardback:
-- Ninja Bunny by Olson
-- Duncan the Story Dragon by Driscoll
-- Float by Miyares
-- Eeny Meany Miney Mo and Flo by Molk
-- Putting the Monkeys to Bed by Choldenk

Children series:
-- George Brown Class Clown Royal Pain by krulik

Children's science:
-- Hurricane Watch by Stewart

Children's young adult:
-- Alive by Baker
-- Road Rash by Parsons
-- Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Oaks
-- Last Year's Mistake by ciocca
-- Education of Ivy Blake by airgood

Entertainment:
-- The coloring book by Colin Quinn

Fiction general hardback:
-- Breaking Point by Bass
-- Language Arts by Kallose
-- All the Single Ladies by Frank
-- Sunken Cathedral by Walbert
-- Second Life by Watson
-- Invasion of the Tearling by Johansen
-- Blueprints by Delinsky
-- Truth According to Us by Barrows
-- I saw a man by Shears

Fiction general paperback:
-- Only a Promise by Balogh
-- Juliet's Nurse by Leveen
-- Accidents of Marriage by Meyers
-- To dwell in darkness by Crombie
-- Monogram Murders by Agatha Christie
-- Saving Grace by Green
-- Nantucket sisters by Thayer
-- Girl is a half formed thing by McBride
-- Magicians Land by Grossman

Science fiction/fantasy:
-- Dead Ice by Hamilton
-- World War Moo by Logan
-- Darkling Child Defenders of Shana by Brooks

Inspiration:
-- Preaching by Keller
-- We Make the Road by Walking by McLaren
Nature/pet:
-- The Owl Who Liked Sitting on Caesar by Windrow

Poetry:
-- When you are old by Yeats

Psychology:
-- Do Less Get More by Wasmund
-- I know how she does it by Vanderka

Science:
-- Strange Case of the Rickety Kossack by Patterson
-- A Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons by Kean

Travel:
-- Oregon by Fodors

Coincidence causes fiddling great Byron Berline (who plans to attend OK concert) to record with We Five

              

 Byron Berline, who will be among those attending "The Burgans & Chan Songs & Stories Concert" on June 18, has memories of once playing with We Five when he wasn't even planning to do it.

       Berline, one of the world's premiere fiddle players, paused for a few moments to talk with Best of Books while running his Fiddle Shop and Music Hall in downtown Guthrie.

       While a potential customer tested fiddles in the background, Berline remembered what happened on April 23, 1970. It is also mentioned in his book "Byron Berline: A Fiddler's Diary."

        The date was five years after We Five had recorded its huge hit "You Were on My Mind."

 Jerry Burgan is co-founder of We Five and will be in concert with We Five alums lead singer Debbie Burgan, Jerry's wife, and bassist Tholow Chan at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at the UCO Jazz Lab.

         Berline remembers accompanying banjo player Doug Dillard to a recording studio where We Five was recording a new album "Catch the Wind." Dillard played for one song "Never Going Back." However, when it came time for the group to record "Milk Cow Blues," Dillard suggested Berline should play the fiddle for the song. Berline went into the studio to play and thought he was just playing for the producer and not recording.

          According to the book, Berline felt comfortable with the song and said, "I like the song and I'm ready to record." The producer replied, "No, we were rolling and that's it."

          "They had already recorded the fiddle track," Berline wrote in the book. "One take and they were happy with it. Sometimes session work came in the most unusual ways."

          Berline thanked Jerry Burgan for "jogging my memory" for the book. He will be able to see Burgan again in Edmond on June 18.

           (You can buy tickets by clicking on Best of Books' website or calling 340-9202. THOSE BUYING TICKETS ONLINE CAN USE THEIR EMAIL CONFIRMATION TO GAIN ENTRANCE TO THE CONCERT.)

 

The BOBs starting Teen Book Club at BOB; YA authors to speak to group first two weeks

             Just call them The BOBs.
             That's the name Best of Books' new Teen Book Club has decided to call itself this summer.
             The club will be hearing from YA authors and discussing YA books during programs at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays during five weeks this summer.
              They also will be doing a special service project in collecting good used and new children's books to give away to those who need them. A box will be placed at BOB's entrance.
              Giveaways are also planned during the events on June 9, June 16, July 7, July 21 and Aug. 4.
              Teens 12 and older are invited to attend the events.
              Here are the plans thus far:
              -- 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9: Heard from Author Jenny Martin of Dallas about her book  Tracked. Four attendees received door prizes, too.
              -- 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16: Author Debra Docker will be discussing her book Deadly Design.
              -- 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 7: Co-leader Daxon Harmon will lead the discussion of Sylo.
              -- 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21: Andrea Pflughoft will lead a discussion of Incredible Journey.
              -- 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4: Co-leader Charlie Warren will lead the discussion on Stargirl.
              All book club members receive 15 percent discounts on their books, too!
              For more information about The BOBs, call BOB at 340-9202 or email us at bestofbooks@sbcglobal.net.
              

            

You are invited: BOB's third 'An Afternoon with Oklahoma Authors" planned for Saturday, June 13

       

 William Bernhardt and Cheri Fuller have written more than 70 books. Ron Jackson Jr. is considered an expert on the Alamo.

       The three Oklahoma authors will be among at least eight featured during Best of Books' third quarterly “An Afternoon with Oklahoma Authors” from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13. You are invited to the signing as well as have the opportunity to talk to the authors individually.

       Two-time Oklahoma Book Award winner Bernhardt has written more than 30 books and most recently published “The Black Sentry.” Berhardt is the only person to have won the Southern Writers Gold Medal Award, the Royden B. Davis Distinguished Author Award and the H. Louise Cobb Distinguished Author Award.

Fuller has written more than 40 books. She has been featured as a keynote of parenting conferences and has been a frequent guest on "Focus on the Family," "FamilyLife Today," and other national radio and TV programs. Her most recent books are “What a Girl Needs from Her Mom” and “What a Son Needs from His Mom.”

Jackson's third book “Joe, the Slave Who Became an Alamo Legend,” published by the University of Oklahoma Press, was co-authored by Lee Spencer White, an independent researcher, preservationist, and consultant for the History Channel, Dearg Films, and the BBC. Its foreword was written by singer-songwriter Phil Collins. Jackson is a former award-winning staff writer for The Oklahoman.

Other featured authors at the event will include Duane Cummings, “The Sensational Salesman/A Second Chance Story: Providing a Simple Path to Improving Your Relationships, Career, and Life;” Dr. Brad Robison and Margaret Hoge, “If the Fence Could Talk”; Arlie Isley,  “A Lens on America: Arlie’s Journey Across 50 States”; and Meredith Shafer, “My Pink Champagne Life.”

Joe Hight, president of Best of Books, said the previous two events were successful and shows how much Oklahoma’s literary talent is appreciated in this state.

“The store was packed for our last event in early March, even though a snowstorm postponed it one week. I was amazed,” Hight said. “We are thrilled to have the level of talent for this third one. Each author brings a different type of work and perspective to the event.”

Hight said more authors may be attend the event.

For more information, call Best of Books at 340-9202 or go to www.bestofbooksok.com.