"That Which You Manifest is Before You."
—Enzo
If you don't recognize that sentence, then perhaps you haven't read Garth Stein's new book, The Art of Racing in the Rain - YET.

But that shouldn't stop you from coming by ABFAS on August 23rd to meet the author and getting your own signed copy! Garth Stein's last book, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets won a 2006 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Award and was a Book Sense Pick in both hardcover and paperback. Now, his latest is poised to take the world by storm!

There will be two chances to meet the author during the day and we've got a exceptional day planned for a exceptional book! Check out the times below!

"...one of those stories that may earn its place next to Richard Bach's 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull,' Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist,' and Yann Martel's 'Life of Pi'..." — The Portland Oregonian

"The Art of Racing in the Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and—most especially—the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach to us about being human. I loved this book." — Sara Gruen, author of "Water for Elephants"

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

First, come by ABFAS between the hours of 1:00pm and 3:00pm to meet Garth Stein and pick up your own signed copy of this wonderful book.

The Wenatchee Valley Humane Society will be there too, giving you the chance to meet and maybe even adopt your own Enzo! There are so many wonderful dogs needing good homes - maybe you'll find the one for you... (One that's ready to watch, observe and become a man in his next life?)

Then, top off the evening with Garth Stein from 7:00-8:00pm at d'Vinery, Eagle Creek Winery's tasting room at 617-4A Front Street for A Taste of Wine and Words. This is your chance for relaxed conversation with an exciting author over light hors d'oeuvres as well as the opportunity to taste some of the region's finest wine. Garth will even share a reading from The Art of Racing in the Rain!

Tickets are only $5.00 for this event or $7.50 for a couple.
(Should you choose to purchase a bottle of Eagle Creek Wine during the evening, you'll receive $2.00 of your ticket price back towards your purchase.)

Please RSVP at info@abookforallseasons.com or call 509-548-1451 if you plan to come to the evening event at d'Vinery. Space will be limited.

We're excited to have Garth Stein visit ABFAS and we know it will be an enjoyable and memorable day. We hope you'll make plans to join us!

Hear about The Art Of Racing In The Rain, straight from Enzo!

Buy a Signed Copy of The Art of Racing in the Rain - $23.95

On Monday afternoon, September 1st, from 1:00-3:00 pm, ABFAS is pleased to welcome Ken Waldman back to Leavenworth.

"Ultimately, every path has difficulties, and though we'd like to think differently, we're here temporarily, doing what we do. I find the work challenging, fun, and there are so many different aspects to the job that for now anyway I'm still free to do what I want-whether it means roaming the country, or locking myself in to type, or plotting some guerrilla-like promotional campaign that I can quickly effect-when I want. And whenever I do seriously doubt what I'm doing, it seems I get an invitation to appear somewhere wonderful, or someone writes to say I've made a difference in their life."
Ken Waldman

Ken Waldman has toured throughout North America as Alaska's Fiddling Poet since 1995 and after six poetry collections and seven CDs, Ken's new book, "Are You Famous? - Touring America with Alaska's Fiddling Poet" is his first book of prose. Part memoir, part travel notes, and part artist how-to, this book is being called a Blue Highways for 2009.

"Ken's story is all our stories, collected and distilled by a roving poet/musician possessed of a clear eye and a big heart. Waldman is clearly in the tradition of Walt Whitman, Woody Guthrie, John Steinbeck, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Ken Kesey."
Jim Clark, Author of Handiwork and Notions: A Jim Clark Miscellany, Jordan Professor of Southern Literature and Writer in Residence, Barton College, Wilson NC.

"A great read. For those who've wondered what it's like to live a life on the road in pursuit of one's passion, here's your book. Those who already know what it's like can point and say, 'It's like this.' From the harrowing plane crash in Alaska all the way to the appearance at Kennedy Center stage, we feel like we're there."
Jeff Talmadge, CoraZong Records recording artist and internationally touring singer/songwriter

We have a great time when Ken's around and we hope you make plans to join us! In the meantime, you can go to Ken Waldman's website by clicking below. While you're there, take the time to watch his performance at the Kennedy Center! http://www.kenwaldman.com

Buy a Signed Copy of Are You Famous? - $15.00

Saturday, September 27th, from 1:00-3:00 pm, the author of this hilarious romp, A Broad Abroad in Thailand: An Expat's Misadventures in the Land of Smiles, will be stopping in at ABFAS to say hello, to chat for a bit, and to sign copies along the way!

Who ever knew that a challenging relocation to a foreign land could be so entertaining!

A Broad Abroad in Thailand follows the adventures of this newlywed expat as she tries to settle into her new home and a life full of challenges she could not have foreseen.

• First Place in the National Indie Excellence 2008 Book Awards for Autobiography/Memoir;
• Finalist in Humor;
• Silver in ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award for Humor.

From the eastern squat toilets to the auto accident on the deadly Sukhumvit Highway that nearly took her life, her troubles begin early and keep coming. The final insult is bladder surgery performed by an inscrutable Thai doctor who decides to restore her virginity and an intolerant nurse who is after her with a vengeance—and an enema tube. As if that's not enough to slow down even the most determined of women, she has to deal with her husband's insatiable testosterone level-a textbook case of sexual fixation. Interwoven throughout the fabric of her day-to-day life is an undercurrent of absolute control and jealousy perpetrated by a most unlikely source: the boss' wife, Mrs. Anorexia, who manipulates the wives of the employees with her need to govern every aspect of their lives—from shopping, to entertainment, to friends. In the end, it's her unflagging sense of humor that sees her through all obstacles: from the first pitfalls and pratfalls in her new land, through times of seemingly insurmountable problems.

"...Dodie Cross' memoir is an unbelievably wild anecdotal ride. Her wit, wisdom and writing style belong to the Erma Bombeck school of humor. This broad will have you laughing until you cry-all the while wishing you were in Thailand with her." — Clair Vath — Armchair Interviews

"Dodie Cross has combined a great sense of humor with an equally keen eye focussed on the unique experiences of living in another country. It's a testament to her stamina that she managed to keep the former while dealing with the latter." — Gordon Kirkland, Author, Syndicated Columnist & Entertainer

Visit Dodie on the Web! http://dodiecross.com

Buy a SIGNED copy of A Broad Abroad in Thailand for $15.00