Postmortal Spirit World Customer Review and Book Signing

Postmortal Spirit World is the result of a multi-year project by Mark Sheffield, a local San Jose CPA and personal friend for 35 years.  His love and enthusiasm for the gospel and doctrinal knowledge is infectious.  It has been interesting to watch the journey to bring this work to press.  He has published other small projects (What Would Jesus Do? and Read the Instructions to name a couple), but this has been a major undertaking resulting in the formation of Shiloh Press to publish and distribute this work as well as other projects and items.  Shiloh Press was formed as a non-profit with proceeds going to benefit charity.  Officers and authors do not take monetary compensation.  To read more about Shiloh Press and the other items they publish click here. 

It has been interesting to see customers' reactions to this book.  The title captures their attention as this is a subject of widespread interest to most folks.  We have had a customer buy the book and come back after reading it to buy copies for all his children.  Everyone who has read has been very positive.  Click here for a link to a scholarly review posted at the Association of Mormon Letters.  Just yesterday I was on the phone with Charlene who used to live locally but now lives in Mississippi.  She was calling to order another copy of Postmortal.  She had seen our email about the book and ordered it online.  She could not put it down when she started reading and was so impressed she has been telling her friends about it.  She lent her copy to a friend who after reading it wanted her own copy, so Charlene gave her that copy as a gift and was calling to order another one as she wanted to keep one as a reference.  She gave me her permission to share her comments as a customer review.

Charlene found the book well-written, self-explanatory and easy to understand.  She commented that "You don't have to be a scholar to understand it."  She liked the question and answer format and found many of the diagrams to be extremely informative and helpful.  She had no idea there was so much information from the scriptures and general authorities about this topic and found it fascinating and inspirational.  She has been a member of our church for over 30 years and had never heard about many of topics mentioned and explained in this book.  I think if there had been more time to chat she could have kept going giving me additional examples of exciting insights she had gained.

Saturday, November 19, 2011, Mark Sheffield will be at our store signing Postmortal Spirit World and other Shiloh Press titles between 1-3 pm.  If you can't make it but would like to have one of these books signed by the author, let us know and we will be happy to arrange with him to have them signed.  Click here to read more about the book on our website.

Guest Review for Jacob T. Marley

I have read Jacob T. Marley but haven't taken the time to write a review.  Here is one from Kay Curtiss which closely reflects my opinion.

Kay's Kritique:  A tradition I have is watching A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens every year.  My favorite is the one with George C. Scott as Scrooge - although I also really enjoy the 1951 version with Alastair Sim as old Ebenezer.  So when I saw this title coming out, I thought - "Yes I always wanted to know a little more about Jacob Marley!" and Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett did not disappoint.  The writing is very "Dickenish" -- and when looking at Marley's life with the aid of some "spirits", it caused me to pause and reflect on my own life . . . (click here to read the full review and summary of the book)

Surprise visit by author Bill Bennett, formerly of San Jose

Bill Bennett, the author of last year's The Christmas Gift, came by the store October 26 while he was in town for another event.  We were interested to find out he and his family used to live in San Jose, and he actually joined the church here 30 years ago.  He signed all our copies of his new book, Jacob T. Marley, and met some family friends who came by to chat. 

We learned that Bill had always wanted to write and quit his job at Franklin Covey a couple of years ago to pursue this dream.  He self-published The Christmas Gift  which did very well.  The film rights to the book have recently been sold.  Deseret Book is publishing his new book about Jacob Marley, Scrooge's old partner from A Christmas Carol,  and he is looking forward to a book tour before Christmas which will include several Dickens festivals.  Bill explained that he had always wondered about Jacob Marley and what happened to him, whether he ever get a chance to redeem himself after warning Ebeneezer Scrooge.  If you have ever wondered who Marley was, how he got to be the way he was, and what happened to him after he died that brought him back to warn Scrooge, this is the book for you.

Bill is already well into the process of writing his next book which will be an allegory about how difficult it is to explain something intangible (like faith) to someone who has never experienced it.  Below some photos of Bill in our store and with the family friends that came to visit.

Guest Book Review

Since I don't have enough time to read as I'd like, I'm including a guest review of a book I want to read soon.  I've read the first two Secret Sisters mysteries and enjoyed them.  

Here is a guest review from Kay Curtiss of Keepin' Up with LDS Bookstores.  Click here to read more about this book and the author on Kay's blog:

Kay's Kritique:  Ida Mae Babbit  (who has her own Facebook page) and her cohorts are at it again in another Secret Sister Mystery that take them to a Dude Ranch in Montana which Ida Mae's son, Keith, owns.  This crew will keep you laughing with their antics (especially Ida Mae's late night, flannel PJs, bare-back horse chase) as they solve the mystery of the sabotage of the Dude Ranch.   Tristi has created some fun, great characters and her descriptive writing keep you laughing throughout with the "visuals" she creates in your mind. Hang 'em High was a great escape for me on a rainy weekend when you just want to curl up with a good book - which I did!  This is definitely one you won't want to miss!

Ladies Night Report

Here are some photos of our Ladies Night festivities October 1, 2011.  We had refreshments, treasure hunts & sales plus lots of fun chatting and seeing friends.  One of the big hits of the evening was Dalene's cake bites made using recipes from 101 Gourmet Cake Bites by Wendy Paul--yummy!

Recent reads

While on a trip I was able to finish these two books which I have been wanting to read for a while.  Foggy with a Chance of Murder is from one of my favorite authors, G. G. Vandagriff.  Set on the foggy Southern California coast, the two main characters are dealing with issues of loss and betrayal while one of them becomes the target of terrorists.  A neighbor becomes a trusted confidant who shares his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I enjoyed the character development in this story.  The suspense part of the plot was not as much of the focus, and some of it was a little far-fetched but still enjoyable.  I would have liked to see more loose ends tied up at the end, but overall I found this a fun and inspiring read.

Garden Plot is by a new author to me, Kristen McKendry.  Set in Eastern Canada, the main character is also dealing with loss and betrayal while trying to keep her business, a high-end half-way house for those coming out of drug rehab, going and taking care of her daughter.  This process is complicated by finding the body of a resident in her garden.  The characters in this story were appealing and drew me into story.  The plot follows a more traditional mystery format complete with police detective and with elements of romance and a misunderstood visiting teacher. The main character used humor to keep herself sane which also kept me smiling. I enjoyed this book even more than Foggy.

17 Miracles, the summer sensation

I viewed 17 Miracles in a theater while in Utah for the LDS Booksellers convention a couple of weeks ago.  I had heard so much about it, including how after its release in June regional attendance for this movie in Utah was beating all the other summer blockbusters and how theaters in Utah, Idaho & Arizona kept adding more screens as the summer went on to handle the demand.  Word of mouth was obviously a strong factor, so I wanted to see what the buzz was about as we would have the movie on DVD & Blu-ray in the store on September 13, 2011.

I attended with my son & his wife, and we got there a little late and had to sit in the front as the theater was almost full.  We have heard a lot about the Willie & Martin handcart companies and their tragedies, and I was concerned that I might find the movie a little bit of a downer.  While the film pulled no punches and coming prepared with tissue is definitely advised, I found the movie an inspiring tear-jerker instead of depressing one.  The story focuses on the miracles that transpired during the handcart journey as told mostly through the viewpoint of Levi Savage who, while returning to Utah from a mission to Siam, met the company coming from England in New York and was recruited to be a captain as they desperately needed his pioneering experience.  He was opposed to starting so late in the season season but pledged to help all that he could.  All his fears came true, but the miracles that occurred along the way showed that the hand of the Lord was over the company.  I was most struck by the sacrifices that were made to help each other and by the expressions of gratitude amidst severe trials for the privilege of sacrificing to come to Zion.  We truly came to care about and admire these characters.  As far as the acting was concerned, all I can say is I wasn't noticing the acting as I became too involved in the story--usually a sign of excellent acting.  Below is a link to the trailer.

After the movie, we spent quite a while talking about it and googling George Paddley & Sarah Ann Franks to find out what happened later.  I can't share what we found out without being a spoiler, but I would be happy to share with anyone who has seen the movie the amazing "rest of the story."  I can definitely recommend this movie as worth seeing.  It is rated PG and is appropriate for probably age 10 & up.   Click here to go to our website & read more.  Prepurchases through September 12 benefit the BYU Management Society Silicon Valley chapter scholarship fund.

The Work, Nashville Tribute to the Missionaries Release Concert

While I was in Utah for the LDS Booksellers Convention the first week of August, I attended the release concert for the Nashville Tribute Band's newest album, The Work, A Nashville Tribute to the Missionaries, at the Sandy Amphitheater.  I'm not a real fan of country music in general but had come to enjoy Nashville Tribute's previous album honoring the pioneers (Trek).  There was the usual electric feel that comes with a live performance, but when they opened with "Children, Go Where I Send Thee," I was hooked.  Jason Deere was the announcer and shared many of the stories behind the songs.  There were many inspiring songs, many of which got the audience clapping, but the title song The Work made you want to clap and stomp your feet.  It was an amazing experience to feel the spirit in such circumstances.  

 

We experienced a thunderstorm downpour during three songs in the first half of the performance, but instead of dampening the enthusiasm, it seemed to energize the crowd as we watched the stage hands move the speakers under cover. Special guest performances at the concert (and on the CD) include David Osmond, The Jets and Billy Dean.  Michael McLean also come to help perform a song he co-wrote with Jason Deere.  Having seen these songs performed in person, I now appreciate them even more as I listen to the CD while driving around in the car.  

 

I actually got to meet some of these amazing performers at the convention before the concert, and they signed a CD for me.  The core band members are all successful LDS country music performers and/or songwriters.  Songwriter Jason Deere is the moving force behind their coming together to write and perform music honoring Joseph Smith, the pioneer and now missionary work.  Some other band members for The Work include Katherine Nelson, Due West, and Dan and Ben Truman and Ryan Innes.  This definitely was one of the highlights of my LDSBA convention experience.

Summer 2011 Fiction Extravaganza! All fiction at least 10% off

We are kicking off our summer sales season with a summer-long fiction sale--all fiction is now on sale for at least 10% off through September 3, 2011.  Some of our new fiction is on sale for even more.  Included is young adult and children's fiction as well as used and clearance fiction titles.  No minimum number of books is required to receive the discount.  Come look for entertaining stories of suspense, romance, history and inspiration as well as great young adult fiction/fantasy and children's titles for summer vacation relaxation.  Read and enjoy!

Spring and Mother's Day's Sales

Featured Mother's Day items on our website
Click here to see great ideas for women & mothers

Art & Decor Spring Sale
Just in time for Mother's Day, we are having our semiannual Art & Home Decor sale through May 7, 2011. All framed art is on sale 20% off regular price. Matted prints and plaques are 10% off. Hanging and tabletop decor is on sale 10% while Christus statues are 20% off. We are no longer able to include Willow Tree figurines in our sales but have several new pieces in stock.

If you have been thinking you would like some art or home decor you've seen in our store for yourself or someone else, now is the time to act! Pathways to Eternity, Sandra Rast's beautiful painting of the Oakland Temple, is available as a giclee in two different sizes. Much as we love having this and other beautiful art in the store, we would love to have them go to a good home.

Spring Clearance
We also have many deep discounts on selected clearance books, music & video, up to 72% off, while supplies last. Click here to see some of our clearance items.

Books & Things Catalog
If you have not received a Books & Things catalog, we have extras in the store while supplies last. There are many clearance items at huge savings available while supplies last. Also included are featured new releases, many of which are also on sale. Look on the back of your catalog for a 20% off coupon that can be redeemed in the store or by phone. The Books & Things sale prices are also available on our website, beehivebookstore.com

New Shelf Reliance partnershp

We are excited to now be able to offer the full range of Shelf Reliance THRIVE food storage, food rotations shelves and emergency preparedness products at the lowest prices available.

Click here to check out the various products and planning tools that can be used to upgrade, add to or start your families preparedness planning. Feel free to call us and ask questions. The current price list can be downloaded from the home page of our website, www.beehivebookstore.com, under the Thrive food image. We have samples in the store so you can see how tasty Thrive food is. We have had customers express the opinion that one would have to be pretty desperate to actually eat freeze-dried food. One taste of Thrive freeze-dried pineapple is all it takes to convince them otherwise. We also can now offer Thrive in the smaller pantry-size cans and pouches in addition to the standard #10 cans.

A great discounted price is now available through our store until April 17 on a complete 3-month food and water package for 2 adults for those who want to get a jump start on their storage. Premium freeze-dried strawberries in #10 cans are also on sale during April for those who order through our store.

Let us help you and your family get prepared!

Ladies Night April 2011

We enjoyed the fun and food at our Ladies Night event Saturday, April 2, 2011, after the afternoon session of conference. Our special Conference sale was also available between session 11 to 1, but during Ladies Night we had a treasure hunt, door prizes and food not to mention seeing and chatting with old and new friends. We're sorry we forgot to take photos to share!

Another Winning Beehive Video

Click here to view another winning "Beehive is Alive & Worth the Drive" video submitted by Amanda Pe'a. Video submissions are still being accepted for the remaining $100 gift certificate award. Click on "2011 Video Contest" at top of blog to view submission guidelines.

Thanks, Amanda!

Beehive Bookstore video award winner!

We're excited to announce the first submission to our Beehive Bookstore video contest from last year. Christine Velasco has won a $100 gift certificate for her video about her two favorite places in Beehive Bookstore. Click here to see her video. Video submissions are still being accepted for the two remaining $100 gift certificate awards. Click on "2011 Video Contest" at top of blog to view submission guidelines.

Congratulations and thanks, Christine!

New Biography for President Howard W. Hunter

We are excited to have just received copies of the new biography on President Howard W. Hunter, Howard W. Hunter, Man of Thought and Independence, Prophet of God, by Francis M. Gibbons. Elder Gibbons has made a lifelong study of the presidents of the Church and served for 16 years as secretary to the First Presidency as well as the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy. His love and respect for these men is evident in this biography of President Hunter whose path to becoming our prophet was unique among his peers.

January Reading

After recovering from the Christmas rush, I finally had more time to catch up a little on my reading. In no particular order here are some of the books that I read which I thoroughly enjoyed:

Undaunted by Gerald Lund
Smokescreen by Traci Abramson
The Water is Wide by Marianne Monson
Lucky Change by Susan Corpany

Books I am in the process of reading:
Divine Signatures by Gerald Lund
Return by Robert D. Hales

We have a lot of new books in which look interesting and intriguing--so much to read in so little time!