Harry Potter "Steamer Trunk" Book Set

A mysterious package has arrived at Bonnett's. It's markings indicate it belonged to Harry Potter, but the delivery label on top seems to indicate the trunk was intended for someone else. I wonder who?

The latch doesn't appear to be locked, but we wouldn't want to pry into Harry's business, would we? There might be a booby-trap or some protection of wizardry.




I do not wish to pry, but I should take a better look at this box. I'll just pick it up by it's sturdy rope handles and move it to a more well-lit spot.

Much better. But wait... the delivery label has a Hogwart's mark! This was sent from the school, but to whom?

How would a muggle like me return a package to Hogwart's? I don't know any owls to carry it back there; I haven't a Phoenix to fly it home; I don't know what to do...



I'll have to risk opening the crate. Maybe there will be a clue inside.

I'll carefully, very carefully, turn the latch... there. Now to raise the lid. Harry wouldn't mail anything dangerous to others, right? And, I'd very much like to figure out where this trunk belongs.

A-ha! It's a complete set of Harry Potter's stories! I feel silly for worrying so much. And what's this? A sheet of stickers for the case featuring many destinations in the Harry Potter adventures. Harry must have intended us to share his wonderous and magical tales with our customers.

All the Harry Potter books in one sturdy place! It's certainly a fine collector's item for any Harry Potter fan, young or old. I hope you'll visit us to learn more.

One such item available in-store for only $125.00 (originally priced at $195.00). The set is unread, sticker set complete/unused, and in as-new condition on the whole.

Bonnett's Book Store - 502 E 5th St, Dayton, OH - Mon-Sat, Noon-8pm - 937.228.1222

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is Walter Bonnett's 75th birthday. He found his way out of the material world just 11 months ago. Dad was responsible for helping us, and those around him, learn to appreciate literature, music, movies, art and other cultural aspects of life.

One of his favorite films was "The Wizard of Oz" and one of his favorite songs was "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". He shared his gracious appreciation of wonder with all those around him, all through his life, and throughout ours.

On the day of, and within the hour following his memorial service, while family gathered quietly, there was a small storm which produced a Rainbow. It was, in fact, a double rainbow for a time.

So, thanks, Dad. Thanks for All the Rainbows. And Happy Birthday. You are missed.

Something I didn't tell you...

Tuesday I wrote about popular things around the shop of late.

I mentioned a book seen in the movie "Apocalypse Now" that is said to have inspired T.S. Eliot to write "The Wasteland". The book in the movie was "From Ritual to Romance" and what I didn't tell you is that it's a study of Arthurian legend and religion. Today, in completely unrelated endeavors, I tripped over this article discussing some of the literary and historical aspects of one of the better known stories from the realm of King Arthur's Camelot, "Sir Gawain and The Green Knight."

IMPORTANT IDEAS AND CONCEPTS IN SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT
from the Masterworks of British Literature blog.

I was amazed to find this the day after making that other post. I couldn't help but share.

While I'm at it, I may as well mention that we've got a great selection of classic books about King Arthur, Merlin, Camelot, and the Knights of the Round Table, including expansions to those tales, and some wonderful re-imaginings. I'm not sure, but we might even have a movie or two... but, at the moment, not "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," so, I hope you'll enjoy this clip of the LEGO version. Good day.

Daytonology: Daytonology Two Year Anniversary

Daytonology: Daytonology Two Year Anniversary

Don't let the name fool you! Daytonology is about the region, not just the city. And don't waste time checking it out. The author, Jefferey, says he's gonna delete it. Not sure why it has to be deleted, but you best get over there and get yer knowledge on while you still can.

It's been one of my favorite sites during it's short life. I don't know why I haven't mentioned it here before now. Go. NOW! Before it's too late.

Popular items lately

Golden Globe Awards, NFL Playoffs, Winter Olympics and Academy Awards on deck. With all this competition in the air I'm in the mood to give out some awards of my own. No nominees, no runner-up, just callin' 'em like I see 'em.

• "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

'Gatsby' is on someone's assigned reading list, so, if you know someone who needs it, send them our way. There are plenty available. And remember, you can trade them in when you've finished! "The Great Gatsby" is our "Most Requested Title" book lately and our most requested title so far in 2010. Leave it to the classics to start the list.

• "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold

I knew it was popular, but I didn't know it had been made into a movie. I hear about it at home because my wife plans to read it, and I see it here at the store every day. Now the movie trailers are all over TV. Good thing though. I didn't know what the book was about until I saw the trailer. Looks like an interesting read. I love wordplay so the award for "Saturation Awareness" goes to "The Lovely Bones."

• T.S. Eliot gets the honor of "Most Requested Writer".

It all began with a request for a book seen behind Marlon Brando's character of Kurtz in "Apocalypse Now." We didn't know the title, but we knew it contained the word "Romance." After some searching we learned the book was "From Ritual to Romance" by Jessie L. Weston, and there, on IMDb, this book was said to have inspired T.S. Eliot to write "The Wasteland." Interesting. Shortly thereafter, and again today, customers came in looking specifically for T.S. Eliot.

Perhaps it's all this attention to T.S. Eliot that subliminally inspired me to pose Mr. T with our currently available copies of "The Great Gatsby." For what it's worth, there's a trailer out for a movie based on "The A-Team" which, even though I was never a huge fan of the show, looks like it's going to be really good. So, Honorable Mention goes to "The A-Team Move Trailer."

So many books become movies. So many TV shows spawn book series. I've touched on the subject in this blog before. Movies from comics and comics into books, and anime and manga. It's all connected and there's something of it all to be found at Bonnett's. Come take a look around and maybe you'll help give rise to the next set of "Bonnett's Awards." ;-)

MERRRRY CHRRRISTMAAAS! (Holiday Hours)

Closing early on Christmas Eve, at 5pm ET (Thursday)
Closed Christmas Day (Friday)
Back to regular hours on Saturday, Dec. 26 (Noon - 8pm, Mon-Sat)

Also, closing early New Year's Eve, at 5pm ET (Thursday)
Closed New Year's Day (Friday)
Back to normal on Saturday, Jan 2, 2010!

3-D Ocean Life (Really cool!)*

I grew up with ViewMasters and with them enjoyed discovering the wonders of 3-D imagery. I haven't seen "Avatar" yet, but the 3-D used in last year's "Monsters vs. Aliens" worked so well that it's not longer necessary to worry whether or not movie 3-D works.

This book presents 3-D using a mirror. I hadn't encountered this style before now, and it works GREAT!

It doesn't hurt that the photos inside are awesome in 3-D.

Available now at Bonnett's

*This post was pulled from my "draft" folder. I began the post with the images on 12/18/09, but just found it and added the text today (01/19/10), which is why this seemingly "old" post mentions the movie Avatar as past tense.

Calling all Santa Clauses, Elves, Reindeer, etc...

SANTA PUB CRAWL
and COSTUME CONTEST
Saturday 12/12/09, 6:00p-2:00a
WEAR A COSTUME for NO COVER CHARGE at the bars!

Benefiting the United States Marine Corp "Toys for Tots" program
and Montgomery County Children's Services

Bring a $10.00+ new toy (no wrapped gifts please) OR make a $10.00+ donation at Dublin Pub (6:00p-7:30p) or the The Trolley Stop (7:30p-8:30p) to join in. If you've dressed in the Holiday Spirit you can take part in the Costume Contest at Blind Bob's (8:30p-10:00p)

BTW, I'll have my camera handy if anyone wants to stop in at Bonnett's and have a picture taken on their way to the costume contest.

More info below this 2009 Santa Pub Crawl Preview courtesy of Dayton Access Television (DATV)

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If you're up to it, after the costume contest, your next stop is The Tumbleweed Connection [aka Tumbleweed or The 'Weed] (10:0p-11:00p). After that it's The Oregon Express (11:00p-Midnight) and for the die-hard it's on to George Newcom's Tavern [aka Newcom's] or Ned Pepper's Bar & Grill [aka Ned's] (Midnight-2:00a)

It doesn't matter if you're a Grinch, a Who from Whoville, Ebenezer Scrooge, a Christmas Spirit, Jack Skellington, Santa Claus, Oogie Boogie, Frosty the Snowman, Snow Miser, Heat Miser, Rudolf the Red-Nosed or any of dozens of Reindeer and Elves, this is gonna be a good time for all!

For more information on this and other Dayton events visit these official sites:
The Oregon Arts District website
The Downtown Dayton Partnership

Happy Thanksgiving!

We'll be closed for the holiday, but back to normal on Friday, that is; Monday-Saturday, Noon-8pm, closed Sundays.

If you have time on Friday, be sure to partake of the Dayton Holiday Festival from 4-9pm on Courthouse Square. The tree is set to light up at 7:45pm. It's a great opportunity for holiday fun photos! Stop and say hello on your way down.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend! :-)

A collection of Hauntfest 2009 photos now online

From 2009 Hauntfest

http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/2009Hauntfest?feat=directlink