About 13 and half years ago, Vertigo Books hosted Barack Obama at our old location near Dupont Circle for his memoir. We were the DC stop on a modest book tour. It was August of 1995, and you know, DC in August is not a stand-out month for events. You can find street parking near Dupont Circle the town is so empty. We tried to push the event date to September, but no go.

It was, shall we say, an intimate gathering. I’d read the book and liked it, thought it a strong debut and told folks so. We discussed community organizing (I’d moved to DC to work for ACORN) and books to fill the time while a small group of regulars filtered in. As we spoke, Barack Obama listened with his now famous detachment, listening and appraising. He read fairly well–for a debut author–there were a few questions, books were signed and he was out the door. No escort as I recall.

In the DC area, we sometimes take the great diversity of voices in our daily lives for granted. Our store has always hoped to engage all American voices, but like many we thought the real change would come with our children’s generation. That’s why Monday’s book event is a special pleasure: it is an opportunity for young children and their parents to participate in the Day of Service, albeit in a small way.

In February we’ll continue the conversation with journalists and authors Ta-Nehisi Coates and Gwen Ifill.

Postscript-Vertigo has also hosted the Inaugural Poet, professor and critic Elizabeth Alexander (as well as her mother, historian Adele Logan Alexander). Elizabeth has been active for years with Cave Canem and they will be hosting an event Monday night for other Cave Canem poets.

If you have not yet done so, please place your order for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Vertigo Books by calling the store at 301-779-9300. You may now prepay; we strongly encourage prepayment to speed the line. You’ll save 20% off the list price of $34.99, that’s $27.99. Please do not wait to order: we want to accommodate all our regular customers.
Due to limited space, only Vertigo purchasers can be admitted.

Jen has moved to more northern climes, but kindly left us a list of her faves.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman The immigrant stories of Gods, this book got me through September 11.
White Teeth by Zadie Smith I was late to work because I stayed up till 3 a.m. to read this book.
Instance of the Fingerpost/Dream of Scipio by Iain Pears I know two books, one number. First book: I ignored my family for a week for this book, and I like my family; second book: it was my favorite book of the year the year it came out.
Trickster Makes this World by Lewis Hyde I’m a Gemini with ADD, it makes sense to keep right with the tricksters of the world. Bonus, he explains the mysteries of your socks going missing in the wash.
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth Yes, it is fourteen hundred pages long, but it might be the reason I’m going to India this summer.
The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson I took a summer to tackle these three, but it was worth it. Great fun.
Orchid Fever: A Horticultural Tale of Love, Lust, and Lunacy by Eric Hansen Warning: you’ll swat whoever is sitting next to you while you chortle over this one.
Proust I’ve got the volumes. Someday I’ll finish them.
For younger readers:
Raising Dragons by Jerdine Nolen "There are some things you just know."
Trickster’s Choice by Tamora Pierce Okay, anything by Tamora Pierce, she writes feminist Pez (mind candy).

The Old African by Julius Lester
A beautiful, mystical tale of an African shaman who won’t allow himself or his people to succumb to slavery in America. Although he is a slave, he remains free and strong in spirit and mind, helping those around him to survive and eventually escape the bonds of a harsh master. Illustrated gorgeously with museum quality paintings by Jerry Pinkney, this is an edition that older children will cherish now and into their adult years.  In other words, it’s a keeper. 19.99

Batter Up Wombat by Helen Lester
Cute story about the new kid "outsider" who becomes an "insider." The Australian wombat joins an oft defeated baseball team and all learn a valuable lesson on appreciating each other’s differences and strengths. As usual, Lynn Munsinger bats one out of the park with her amazing and hilarious illustrations. 16.00

A Life Like Mine:
How Children Live Around The World
A wonderful, informative book about different cultures and the lives of kids around the globe. Beautiful photography and format appeals to both children and parents. A donation goes to UNICEF for every copy sold. A great way to emphasize to children of all ages the beauty of diversity and the facts that not all are equally lucky. A thoughtful addition to all the holiday gifts and toys. 12.99