Kepler's Books — Local services in Menlo Park

J. Michael Straczynski Thursday, March 28, 2024

J. Michael Straczynski has left an indelible mark on television, film, and literature, captivating audiences with his unparalleled ability to craft intricate narratives and explore the depths of the human experience. From groundbreaking television series like Babylon 5 to iconic comic book runs such as Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, and Thor, Straczynski has proven time and again that he can seamlessly navigate between different mediums, each time captivating the hearts and minds of fans.

In his latest title, The Glass Box, Straczynski takes the reader on a mesmerizing journey inspired by pressing contemporary issues, including our right to protest and the threats designed to undermine that right. Told with drama and heart, The Glass Box is a moving story that features a colorful and often eccentric cast of characters readers will fall in love with.

We will also be celebrating what has been dubbed “the most significant and controversial SF book” of its generation, Harlan Ellison’s Dangerous Visions. This groundbreaking collection launched an entire sub-genre: New Wave science fiction. Straczynski has brought this publication back to life, and has included stories by some of today’s most celebrated SF writers.

With the help of generous donors from our community, we have partnered with the Ravenswood School District for 7 years, bringing award-winning authors to each of the district’s public school campuses to share great stories and spark a love of reading. Over 15,000 students have participated in the program and we have donated over 5,000 books to the schools’ libraries, classrooms and children.

In 2020, with schools closed to in-person learning, we re-envisioned our program so we could continue to support the students and nurture their passion for reading and writing. We wanted to create a program that would connect all the students across the district through the shared experience of reading a book and sharing their reactions collaboratively through their writing.

Through this innovative program, every Ravenswood student, 1,800 students in all, were able to hear from one of our favorite award-winning authors through original videos we produced with introductions to the author’s books, frequently asked questions and writing tips. Every student then received a copy of the book along with a companion journal to use for their own writing.

The youngest readers explored Hiro’s Hats through a read aloud video and drawing demonstration with author Elisa Klevin. The 3rd-5th graders read Katherine Applegate’s The One And Only Ivan and 6-8th graders read Lisa McMann’s The Unwanteds. We were so grateful for the opportunity to continue to let Ravenswood students know that we care about them and value...

Kepler’s Books in Palo Alto/Menlo Park truly stands out as a beloved institution—its staff is warm and knowledgeable, and the shelves thoughtfully curated. While living many years in the Bay Area during graduate school, and for work, my wife and I made it our Friday-night ritual to browse the selection and soak in the great atmosphere.

Kepler’s hosts an incredible lineup of author events throughout the year, featuring well-known authors like Andy Weir (The Martian) and Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers).

Kepler’s is incomparable—the perfect blend of community, culture, and literary charm. I really miss it after moving away from...

I really enjoyed dropping in here when I visited from Pittsburgh. Even now I stay on their mailing list because their events are often hybrid so I can join in from across the country! Their staff are well versed in what’s going on in the book world and it’s reflected in their great selection of reads (worth paying a 3% surcharge to offset the cost of living in such an expensive area of our country). Definitely check out their middle grade and YA sections if that applies to you or anyone you might buy books for, because it’s fantastic. I picked up enough books that they kindly shipped them back to Pittsburgh for me! Will definitely visit again when I’m...