3/30/2006

Greetings, Readers!

   Book People of Moscow is checking in with some new book reviews, new events, and even some new DADA! We know you are very excited, Readers, and we have much to tell you. So, without further ado, I give you the first item -- a review of Joan Opyr's supurb new mystery novel, Idaho Code:

   "Joan Opyr's "Idaho Code," takes place in Cowslick Idaho, a cheery folksy place, where some people get by, others are up to no good, and everyone is looking for love in the imaginary landscape of America. Cowslick Idaho, where family therapy uses a shovel and a gun, is the site of this humorous first novel about lesbian love, the love that dared not say it's name and now can't shut up, according to the heroines of " Idaho Code."

   The novel is a mystery, with twists and turns and surprising plot developments. "Idaho Code" is not so much a 'whodunit', but a 'why dunit', as the why it was done moves this well written, delightful romp through the end of the line in the back of beyond town of Cowslick, which will give Lake Wobegon the nostalgic heart of where we'd like to live a run for the money as our imaginary home.

   Cowslick has its cliques, its incompetents, testy geezers, endearing eccentrics, and stumbling local officials who could learn from Barney Fife. Cowslick Idaho is every town in search for the truth. In Bil's case, the heroine of "Idaho Code," the search for truth is a personal search. For only in finding her own personal truth can she lead an authentic life which is a truthful life, true to who she is  and true to her love.

   Only a truthful heroine can untangle the tales the mortals of Cowslip Idaho weave amid religious fanatics and sexual persecution. When you buy "Idaho Code" here in the ultimate home of hope, the last best place, the American West, you stand with the angels."

   Moving on, we come to Nihilists on Parade! That's right, Readers, Nihilists, parading! April First is the 2nd of the month of Dada, that is to say that the Second of Dada occurs on April 1st. Nihilists will march alone or in groups at 5:30 AM and/or PM. Those who wish to participate should wear dull clothing. Blank placards are optional. Early morning Nihilists are free to parade at will. Evening Nihilists wil meet at 5:30pm at the Southwest corner of 5th and Adams, where they will disperse for coffee or drinks or Indian tacos or whatever.

   The Second Annual Pullman Stream Clean-Up is next month! The Environment needs your help, Readers. The clean up is designed to connect people in the community and to promote involvement in stream health and restoration, as well as building awareness of local water quality. The clean up is centered around Cougar Pride Days and the Adopt-A-Stream program. The event will take place in Pullman on April 1st from 9:00am - 1:00pm. Participants will gather at Spring Street Park near the skate park. If you need directions, go to http://www.pcei.org/sites.htm. Remember, Readers, not only will helping the PCEI with this event help further a good cause, but also that refreshments will be provided toward the end of the event! A win-win situation, Readers, if I do say so myself.

Concert news:

Andru Bemis in Concert
Acoustic, Americana, Bluegrass
Sunday, April 2, 7:00 pm
The Attic, 314 East Second Street, Moscow, ID
Cost: by donation
For more information call: 208-310-9139

   The Washington Idaho Symphony is giving a special concert for the last presentation of their 34th year - a performance to honor the Veterans of the United States military and their families. As a show of gratitude, all veterans and their immediate family members will be welcomed at the concert FREE of charge! The concert, also set to usher in the Spring, will consist in part of Schumann's Symphony #1 in B-flat Major (Spring) and Copland's Appalachian Spring, as well as Stravinsky's Suite #2. Performances are Saturday, April 1st (8:00pm at the Gladish Auditorium in Pullman) and Sunday, April 2nd (3:00pm at Clarkston High School).

   Robert Wrigley is doing a reading at WSU! This is good news for the poetry lovers among us, readers. Wrigley's excellent works, which include In the Bank of Beautiful Sins and Reign of Snakes, have long been held in high regard. Now you have the chance to see, for yourself, the man and his work! The reading will take place Wednesday, April 5th, at the Washington State University Fine Arts Auditorium, adjacent to the WSU Museum of Art, at 7:30pm. Books and refreshments will be available after the reading. For more information, please contact Andrea Mason at (509) 335 -6846 for more information.

   This seems like a good point to bring in our second book review, this time for Claire Davis' masterpiece, Season of the Snake:

  "Season of the Snake," set among the beauty of the Snake River and Hells Canyon, presents us with the shape of evil in daily life in the American mill town of Homegrown. This scary thriller is Claire Davis' second novel. "Season of the Snake" brings to the page in vivid writing the reality of sociopaths, the 4%, the one in twenty five people without morality.

   Snakes are a good metaphor for this novel. The loosening of skins, lives left behind, slithering along the bottom, and feeding off the weak. But unlike the snake, striking for fun, for a thrill and empowerment at another's expense. Do you ever know someone? Even someone you love? Can you fool all the people all the time? Does a normal appearance hide the worst crimes? These are just some of the questions Davis asks, while thoroughly scaring you with the answers.

   Some of the least darkest places in the "Season of the Snake" are the rattlesnake dens explored by the lead character on warm summer days along river beds unchanged in living lifetimes. Nor will you forget a car scene when you drive along mountain roads, high along deep rivers. Vivid, vivid, vivid. Perhaps, like the author, you should lock the doors, turn on all the lights, and don't sit in front of the window when you read "Season of the Snake." "

   Two new plays are coming to the Kenworthy, Readers. The last two plays of Sirius Idaho Theatre's second season, as a matter of fact - A Walk in the Woods, by Lee Blessing, and Collected Stories, by Donald Margulies. A Walk in the Woods follows the story of an American and a Russian, both arms negotiators for their respective countries, who take a walk together in the woods outside Geneva. Collected Stories is the tale of two women and their changing relationship, from mentor/protégée to loving friends to adversaries). A Walk in the Woods will play April 6th, 7th, and 8th at 7:30pm as well as a matinee at 2:00pm, also on April 8th. Collected Stories will play April 13th, 14th, and 15th and 7:30pm, with an additional matinee at 2:00pm on the 15th.

   The Washington State University Department of Anthropology's Anthropology Graduate Organization is hosting it's second annual visiting scholar. This year, they have Elizabeth C. Stone of the State University of New York, who will be giving a talk entitled "Pillaging the Past: Damage to Iraq's Past Through Wars, Embargo, and Occupation". The talk will take place Thursday, April 13th from 4:00 to 5:30pm at the WSU CUB Auditorium. For additional information, check out http://cub.wsu.edu/ago or call the Department of Anthropology at 335-3441.

   Readers, do you wish you belonged to a book group? Or, do you wish you belonged to MORE book groups? Well, I have good news for you! The Moscow Public Library is hosting an Evening Book Group, for Book Lovers! It meets at the Moscow Public Library on the 3rd Monday of each month, from 6:30-8:00pm. The next book to be discussed will be Collapse, by Jared Diamond, on April 17th. Next month's meeting will be on May 15th, and the group will discuss In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. June's meeting will be on the 19th and for that the group will read Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky. For more information contact Debra indexer40@yahoo.com or Chris chriss@latahlibrary.com

  Scavenger Hunt! Bike Rides! Free Food! Games and Prizes! Special Presentations! If these sound like your sort of thing, Readers, then I suggest that you check out the Paradise Path east-west connection Grand Opening Celebration! Saturday, April 22nd is Earth Day, and what better way to spend it than celebrating the opening of Paradise Path? The event will take place at Berman Creekside Park, just off of Styner, East of Hwy 95, from 12:00 noon until 3:00pm. For more information, give Roger Blanchard a call at 883-7098.

   And More Concert News!

Jason Webley in Concert
Internationally-recognized Seattle musician
Sunday, April 23, 7:00 pm
1912 Building (412 East Third St.) in Moscow, ID
Cost: $5
For more information call: 208-310-9139

Mark Turner, the author of Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest, will speak at the Idaho Native Plant Society, White Pine Chapter, on the topic of Wildflowers of the Columbia Plateau. The talk will take place April 26th at the University of Idaho, in the College of Natural Resources Building room 108, at 7:00pm. Turner, an exceptional photographer, has worked extensively for books and magazines both in gardens and a wide range of natural environments. He is a member of the Native Plant Societies of Washington and Oregon and has over 25 years of experience in the field.

   That's all for this week, Readers! Thanks for reading, and take care until next time!

-Book People of Moscow

Archive of Previous Issues