Turn the geek dial up to eleven! I just read an old-ish post about the best order in which to watch all six Star Wars movies, the "Machete Order". The author, Rod Hilton, deserves huge geek credit for the amount of thought he put into it but he deserves even more credit for being so right.
So very right. He explains it better than I could so I urge you to check out the entire post but the key point is -- don't watch episode one at all. And the absolute best part about that in my book is, by doing so, you can almost completely avoid the horrid, horrid, offensive and hateful . . . Jar Jar Binks. I don't think that there is a fictional character that I loath more than that lame-ass, floppy eared, poor excuse for a sophant.
Plus you also avoid the interminable land-speeder race and any significant reference to midichlorians (critters which, in one short scene, demoted the Force from the mystical, barely understood foundation of the universe to something a bit like a yeast infection).
I am full of awe and now I want to go home and watch the whole thing (minus episode 1, of course).
May 09, 2012
May 07, 2012
Playing Solitaire and Hunger Games amidst a Mirage of Infernal Shards
People are always curious about what we on the staff are reading. As of today, here's what's next to our beds and in our bags.
Claud Reich, Clerk --
The Forge of Christendom: The End of Days and the Epic Rise of the West by Tom Holland
Infernal Devices by K.W. Jeter
Siesta and the Midnight Sun: How Our Bodies Experience Time by Jessa Gamble
The Mirage by Matt Ruff
Jude Feldman, General Manager --
"Jude just finished re-reading the incredibly entertaining THE CROWN JEWELS and HOUSE OF SHARDS by Walter John Williams. Unfortunately they're out of print, but very worth tracking down if you like lovable rogues, or appreciated THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA."
Na'amen Tilahun, Clerk --
"I'm in the midst of four books right now, because I'm a jumper
- Matt Ruff - Mirage
Alternate world. Set in the United Arab States. This world's version
of Wikipedia is my favorite thing about the book so far.
- Jack Campbell - The Lost Fleet: Dauntless
Military-SF. A tired man trying to live up to a legend he wants
nothing to do with - less about stunning battle wins and glory, more
about survival and doing what's necessary.
- Chris Colfer - The Land of Stories
Middle-Grade Fantasy. Interesting elements of fairytale revision, with
Snow White confronting her "evil" stepmother regarding her motives,
if not completely original in its protagonists or set-up.
- Kelley Eskridge - Solitaire
Social SF. The tech is less important than the people involved. A look
at truth, expectations and psychological trauma."
Alan Beatts, Owner --
"Finally getting to THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins (booksellers are almost always behind the times or ahead of them). I like it and it looks like the film did a good and faithful job of adapting the book. But, like any book-to-movie situation, the book is richer in almost every respect.
Also, I just finished NOCTURNAL by Scott Sigler and I thought it was outstanding. His best work yet. I'm a sucker for San Francisco as a location and monsters as a topic, but beyond that, the plot is pretty complex and it took me quite awhile to figure out what was going on -- which I _love_."
Heather Cornish, Mail Order Manager --
Just finishing up A CLASH OF KINGS and about to start A STORM OF SWORDS, both by George R.R. Martin.
Cary Heater, Clerk --
Rereading THE NIGHT WATCH by Terry Pratchett as well as working on San Francisco Noir edited by Peter Maravelis.
Claud Reich, Clerk --
The Forge of Christendom: The End of Days and the Epic Rise of the West by Tom Holland
Infernal Devices by K.W. Jeter
Siesta and the Midnight Sun: How Our Bodies Experience Time by Jessa Gamble
The Mirage by Matt Ruff
Jude Feldman, General Manager --
"Jude just finished re-reading the incredibly entertaining THE CROWN JEWELS and HOUSE OF SHARDS by Walter John Williams. Unfortunately they're out of print, but very worth tracking down if you like lovable rogues, or appreciated THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA."
Na'amen Tilahun, Clerk --
"I'm in the midst of four books right now, because I'm a jumper
- Matt Ruff - Mirage
Alternate world. Set in the United Arab States. This world's version
of Wikipedia is my favorite thing about the book so far.
- Jack Campbell - The Lost Fleet: Dauntless
Military-SF. A tired man trying to live up to a legend he wants
nothing to do with - less about stunning battle wins and glory, more
about survival and doing what's necessary.
- Chris Colfer - The Land of Stories
Middle-Grade Fantasy. Interesting elements of fairytale revision, with
Snow White confronting her "evil" stepmother regarding her motives,
if not completely original in its protagonists or set-up.
- Kelley Eskridge - Solitaire
Social SF. The tech is less important than the people involved. A look
at truth, expectations and psychological trauma."
Alan Beatts, Owner --
"Finally getting to THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins (booksellers are almost always behind the times or ahead of them). I like it and it looks like the film did a good and faithful job of adapting the book. But, like any book-to-movie situation, the book is richer in almost every respect.
Also, I just finished NOCTURNAL by Scott Sigler and I thought it was outstanding. His best work yet. I'm a sucker for San Francisco as a location and monsters as a topic, but beyond that, the plot is pretty complex and it took me quite awhile to figure out what was going on -- which I _love_."
Heather Cornish, Mail Order Manager --
Just finishing up A CLASH OF KINGS and about to start A STORM OF SWORDS, both by George R.R. Martin.
Cary Heater, Clerk --
Rereading THE NIGHT WATCH by Terry Pratchett as well as working on San Francisco Noir edited by Peter Maravelis.
May 06, 2012
May Upcoming Events
Walter Mosley, THE GIFT OF FIRE / ON THE HEAD OF A PIN (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99) - Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 pm
Borderlands Books and Cafe Rummage Sale - Saturday, May 12th and Sunday, May 13th from Noon to 8:00 pm.
Andrew Dugas, Steven Meloan, Ransom Stephens - Techno-Spirituality Triple Author Event - May 19th at 3:00 pm
SF in SF at the Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Buildng, 582 Market Strret, with authors Marie Brennan, Erin Hoffman and Ysabeau Wilce - Saturday, May 19th at 7:00 pm
Mary Robinette Kowal, GLAMOUR IN GLASS (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99) - Saturday, June 2nd at 3:00 pm
Cassie Alexander, NIGHTSHIFTED (St. Martin's, Mass Market, $7.99) - Saturday, June 9th at 3:00 pm
Details after the break
Borderlands Books and Cafe Rummage Sale - Saturday, May 12th and Sunday, May 13th from Noon to 8:00 pm.
Andrew Dugas, Steven Meloan, Ransom Stephens - Techno-Spirituality Triple Author Event - May 19th at 3:00 pm
SF in SF at the Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Buildng, 582 Market Strret, with authors Marie Brennan, Erin Hoffman and Ysabeau Wilce - Saturday, May 19th at 7:00 pm
Mary Robinette Kowal, GLAMOUR IN GLASS (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99) - Saturday, June 2nd at 3:00 pm
Cassie Alexander, NIGHTSHIFTED (St. Martin's, Mass Market, $7.99) - Saturday, June 9th at 3:00 pm
Details after the break
April Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. Nocturnal by Scott Sigler
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore
5. Hide Me Among the Graves by Tim Powers
6. The Road to Danger by David Drake
7. Angels of Vengeance by John Birmingham
8. The Croning by Laird Barron
9. The Mirage by Matt Ruff
10. Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
2. Timeless by Gail Carriger
3. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
4. Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
5. Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi
6. Plague Town by Dana Fredsti
7. Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
8. Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
9. WWW: Wonder by Roget J. Sawyer
10. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
Trade Paperbacks
1. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Black Opera by Mary Gentle
3. Through the Valley of the Nest of Spiders by Samuel Delany
4. Faith by John Love tie with Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
5. Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
1. Nocturnal by Scott Sigler
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore
5. Hide Me Among the Graves by Tim Powers
6. The Road to Danger by David Drake
7. Angels of Vengeance by John Birmingham
8. The Croning by Laird Barron
9. The Mirage by Matt Ruff
10. Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
2. Timeless by Gail Carriger
3. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
4. Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
5. Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi
6. Plague Town by Dana Fredsti
7. Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
8. Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
9. WWW: Wonder by Roget J. Sawyer
10. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
Trade Paperbacks
1. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Black Opera by Mary Gentle
3. Through the Valley of the Nest of Spiders by Samuel Delany
4. Faith by John Love tie with Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
5. Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
Three Observations Concerning the DOJ Suit Against Apple
by Alan Beatts
At the beginning of last month the United States Department of Justice announced that it was bringing suit against five of the six major U.S. publishers as well as Apple for violating anti-trust regulations, specifically prohibitions on collusion and price-fixing as described in Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The complaint brought by the DOJ in essence says that Apple and five publishers (Macmillan, Penguin, Hachette, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster) conspired to force adoption of the agency model for sales of ebooks on the retail industry with the aim and effect of raising prices for consumers and reducing competition. Under the agency model, which was adopted by all five of these publishers over a period of six weeks in early 2010, the publishers set prices and the retailers (Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, et al) cannot offer the book at a lower price.
I've been following the discussion about the suit since the news broke and it is interesting that the general tenor of the response has not been particularly in favor of the suit. Specifically, there are a few things that seem to be generally acknowledged by most of the commentators, regardless of industry affiliation or political stripe.
At the beginning of last month the United States Department of Justice announced that it was bringing suit against five of the six major U.S. publishers as well as Apple for violating anti-trust regulations, specifically prohibitions on collusion and price-fixing as described in Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The complaint brought by the DOJ in essence says that Apple and five publishers (Macmillan, Penguin, Hachette, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster) conspired to force adoption of the agency model for sales of ebooks on the retail industry with the aim and effect of raising prices for consumers and reducing competition. Under the agency model, which was adopted by all five of these publishers over a period of six weeks in early 2010, the publishers set prices and the retailers (Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, et al) cannot offer the book at a lower price.
I've been following the discussion about the suit since the news broke and it is interesting that the general tenor of the response has not been particularly in favor of the suit. Specifically, there are a few things that seem to be generally acknowledged by most of the commentators, regardless of industry affiliation or political stripe.
May News Roundup
* Tor / Forge e-book titles will go DRM-free in July, 2012. Which means that you can make as many copies as you like and read the books on any device: http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/04/torforge-e-book-titles-to-go-drm-free
* As a science fiction and fantasy fan and bookseller, I am the first to admit that I am enormous geek, and I love geeks, and am delighted to be surrounded by them all the time. But this level of geekery makes me simply gasp in awe: http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelnoer/2012/04/23/how-much-is-a-dragon-worth-revisited/
* Borderlands has some signed copies of Paolo Bacigalupi's new novel THE DROWNED CITIES available. Reserve one now, they're going fast!
* The Locus Awards are being held June 15th - 16th, 2012 in Seattle. "Tickets for the SF Awards Weekend are $40 and include all Locus events -- including readings, a kickoff meet-and-greet, panels with leading authors, an autograph session, the lunch banquet, and the annual Hawai'ian shirt contest judged by the fabulous Connie Willis, who will MC the ceremony and present the Locus Awards -- all followed by the Clarion West Party on Saturday night honoring Clarion West supporters, awards weekend ticket holders, and special guests. The events are held across the street from the Seattle Center, home to the SF Hall of Fame and the Experience Music Project, with excellent access to the light rail and trolley systems. In addition, non-profit literary organization NW Media Arts is sponsoring special Awards Weekend writers workshops with James Patrick Kelly and Connie Willis at the nearby Richard Hugo House. Additional fees apply." Find detailed information here: http://locusmag.com/Magazine/2012LocusAwardsAd.html
* Oh, wow. Microsoft is teaming up with Barnes and Noble to compete with Amazon and Apple in the ebook market wars. Things are bound to get even more interesting: http://www.macrumors.com/2012/04/30/microsoft-invests-300-million-in-nook-to-take-on-amazon-and-apple-in-e-book-market/
* Baen Books is looking for beta testers. From editor Jim Minz: "Beta testers for what, you may ask? For PLANET BAEN, of course. This is a web-based, Facebook-integrated game that not only is a fun way to waste time, but actually earns you FREE EBOOKS simply by playing. (Note: you do NOT have to be signed up on Facebook to play, but if you are, it's easier for folks to give you gifts, etc). It's actually pretty simple, sort of like a very basic cross between Farmville and Civilization (but waaaay more basic), where you create a colony and then guide that colony to grow and succeed. The better the colony does, the more free ebooks you'll earn. We're giving away a free ebook to anyone who just signs up to beta test, and the more you help with testing, the more ebooks you'll earn. <https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10151566755520271> or <http://www.planetbaen.net/>
(this second link will change to <http://www.planetbaen.com/> once we launch on June 15)."
* We're sorry to report the death of actor Johnathan Frid, who played Barnabas Collins on the original "Dark Shadows". I wonder if he got to see an advance of the new movie, and, if so, what he thought? <http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-jonathan-frid-20120420,0,5560319.story>
* We're quite saddened to hear about the untimely death of author and editor K.D. Wentworth. <http://www.tulsaworld.com/ourlives/article.aspx?subjectid=58&articleid=20120422_11_A21_ULNSah213780>
* As a science fiction and fantasy fan and bookseller, I am the first to admit that I am enormous geek, and I love geeks, and am delighted to be surrounded by them all the time. But this level of geekery makes me simply gasp in awe: http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelnoer/2012/04/23/how-much-is-a-dragon-worth-revisited/
* Borderlands has some signed copies of Paolo Bacigalupi's new novel THE DROWNED CITIES available. Reserve one now, they're going fast!
* The Locus Awards are being held June 15th - 16th, 2012 in Seattle. "Tickets for the SF Awards Weekend are $40 and include all Locus events -- including readings, a kickoff meet-and-greet, panels with leading authors, an autograph session, the lunch banquet, and the annual Hawai'ian shirt contest judged by the fabulous Connie Willis, who will MC the ceremony and present the Locus Awards -- all followed by the Clarion West Party on Saturday night honoring Clarion West supporters, awards weekend ticket holders, and special guests. The events are held across the street from the Seattle Center, home to the SF Hall of Fame and the Experience Music Project, with excellent access to the light rail and trolley systems. In addition, non-profit literary organization NW Media Arts is sponsoring special Awards Weekend writers workshops with James Patrick Kelly and Connie Willis at the nearby Richard Hugo House. Additional fees apply." Find detailed information here: http://locusmag.com/Magazine/2012LocusAwardsAd.html
* Oh, wow. Microsoft is teaming up with Barnes and Noble to compete with Amazon and Apple in the ebook market wars. Things are bound to get even more interesting: http://www.macrumors.com/2012/04/30/microsoft-invests-300-million-in-nook-to-take-on-amazon-and-apple-in-e-book-market/
* Baen Books is looking for beta testers. From editor Jim Minz: "Beta testers for what, you may ask? For PLANET BAEN, of course. This is a web-based, Facebook-integrated game that not only is a fun way to waste time, but actually earns you FREE EBOOKS simply by playing. (Note: you do NOT have to be signed up on Facebook to play, but if you are, it's easier for folks to give you gifts, etc). It's actually pretty simple, sort of like a very basic cross between Farmville and Civilization (but waaaay more basic), where you create a colony and then guide that colony to grow and succeed. The better the colony does, the more free ebooks you'll earn. We're giving away a free ebook to anyone who just signs up to beta test, and the more you help with testing, the more ebooks you'll earn. <https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10151566755520271> or <http://www.planetbaen.net/>
(this second link will change to <http://www.planetbaen.com/> once we launch on June 15)."
* We're sorry to report the death of actor Johnathan Frid, who played Barnabas Collins on the original "Dark Shadows". I wonder if he got to see an advance of the new movie, and, if so, what he thought? <http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-jonathan-frid-20120420,0,5560319.story>
* We're quite saddened to hear about the untimely death of author and editor K.D. Wentworth. <http://www.tulsaworld.com/ourlives/article.aspx?subjectid=58&articleid=20120422_11_A21_ULNSah213780>
April 06, 2012
April Upcoming Events
SF in SF Urban Fantasy Panel with Steve Boyett and Bruce McAllister - Saturday, April 21st at 7:00 pm
Dana Fredsti, PLAGUE TOWN (Titan Books, Mass Market, $7.99) - Sunday, April 22nd at 3:00 pm
Christopher Farnsworth, RED, WHITE AND BLOOD (Putnam, Hardcover, $25.95) - Saturday, April 28th at 3:00 pm
Jack Campbell, THE LOST FLEET: BEYOND THE FRONTIER: INVINCIBLE (Ace, Hardcover, $26.95) - Friday, May 4th at 7:00 pm
Terry Bisson, ANY DAY NOW (Overlook, Hardcover, $24.95) - Saturday, May 5th at 5:00 pm
Walter Mosley, THE GIFT OF FIRE / ON THE HEAD OF A PIN (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99) - Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 pm
Borderlands Books and Cafe Rummage Sale - May 12th and 13th from Noon to 8:00 pm.
Event details after the break
Dana Fredsti, PLAGUE TOWN (Titan Books, Mass Market, $7.99) - Sunday, April 22nd at 3:00 pm
Christopher Farnsworth, RED, WHITE AND BLOOD (Putnam, Hardcover, $25.95) - Saturday, April 28th at 3:00 pm
Jack Campbell, THE LOST FLEET: BEYOND THE FRONTIER: INVINCIBLE (Ace, Hardcover, $26.95) - Friday, May 4th at 7:00 pm
Terry Bisson, ANY DAY NOW (Overlook, Hardcover, $24.95) - Saturday, May 5th at 5:00 pm
Walter Mosley, THE GIFT OF FIRE / ON THE HEAD OF A PIN (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99) - Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 pm
Borderlands Books and Cafe Rummage Sale - May 12th and 13th from Noon to 8:00 pm.
Event details after the break
March Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. The Mirage by Matt Ruff
4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
5. Arctic Rising by Tobias Buckell
6. Rising Thunder by David Weber
7. Intruder by C.J. Cherryh
8. Distrust That Particular Flavor by William Gibson
9. Crucible of Gold by Naomi Novik
10. Intrusion by Ken Macleod
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. Timeless by Gail Carriger
2. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
3. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
4. Westward Weird edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Kerrie Hughes
5. A Clash of KIngs by George R.R. Martin
6. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
7. A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
8. Feed by Mira Grant
9. Soulless by Gail Carriger
10. Doubletake by Rob Thurman
Trade Paperbacks
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. The Pillars of Hercules by David Constantine
3. Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
4. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
5. The Drowning Girl by Caitlin R. Kiernan
1. A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. The Mirage by Matt Ruff
4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
5. Arctic Rising by Tobias Buckell
6. Rising Thunder by David Weber
7. Intruder by C.J. Cherryh
8. Distrust That Particular Flavor by William Gibson
9. Crucible of Gold by Naomi Novik
10. Intrusion by Ken Macleod
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. Timeless by Gail Carriger
2. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
3. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
4. Westward Weird edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Kerrie Hughes
5. A Clash of KIngs by George R.R. Martin
6. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
7. A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
8. Feed by Mira Grant
9. Soulless by Gail Carriger
10. Doubletake by Rob Thurman
Trade Paperbacks
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. The Pillars of Hercules by David Constantine
3. Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
4. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
5. The Drowning Girl by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Another Future for Bookstores
by Alan Beatts
If you've read this column much over the past few years, you know that my outlook for bookstores in the long term isn't very optimistic. I think that the combination of internet sales and ebooks is going to result in most bookstores closing (although I'm not sure how soon that will happen). I figure that a few smaller stores will stay open by gearing their business towards truly rare antiquarian material along with small press, high quality new books.
However, during a conversation with a fellow bookseller a few weeks ago, I realized that there was another possible future for some bookstores.
If you've read this column much over the past few years, you know that my outlook for bookstores in the long term isn't very optimistic. I think that the combination of internet sales and ebooks is going to result in most bookstores closing (although I'm not sure how soon that will happen). I figure that a few smaller stores will stay open by gearing their business towards truly rare antiquarian material along with small press, high quality new books.
However, during a conversation with a fellow bookseller a few weeks ago, I realized that there was another possible future for some bookstores.
April News Roundup
* The Locus Science Fiction Foundation is running a Kickstarter donation campaign to fund the storage, archiving, and digitization of their huge collection of over 60 years of science fiction and fantasy ephemera, including photographs of everyone who is (or was) anyone in the field over the past five decades. Their goal is to make the contents of the entire collection searchable and viewable online. This is a very worthy cause that deserves the support of anyone who cares about the history of our field. You can make a donation at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2040521099/locus-photo-and-ephemera-archive-project .
* Borderlands gets a mention in this charming Globe and Mail article called "Bookworming By the Bay": http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/destinations/travel-other-destinations/bookworming-by-the-bay/article2376933/ .
* Jack Vance is Alive and Well and ONLINE!!!
John Vance, Jack's son, would like you all to know about the fabulous website http://www.jackvance.com Spatterlight Press is up and live, and filled with photos, information and news about Grandmaster Jack Vance and his wonderful worlds of science fiction and fantasy. Not only can you learn all about this wonderful science fiction writer, but Jack's books are available as ebooks, downloadable from the site, directly benefiting the author! With photo albums of Jack, Norma, and the family, Jack in his prime, and commentary from family and friends, this is a wonderful resource for fans of Jack and his books alike. More is being added - it launched in mid-March - so bookmark the site to visit and see what gets added to the shop and photo albums. You can also "like" Spatterlight Press on Facebook, and keep up to date with ebook releases via Twitter, at https://twitter.com/#!/SpatterlightPrs
* Thanks to Rina Weisman from SF in SF, who pointed out another Borderlands name-check (in an article about the unfortunately for-sale Balderdash Books,) from Seattle's free weekly paper "The Stranger". They called us "superb": http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/03/15/balderdash-books-is-for-sale
* I don't know how we missed this over a year ago: "Mental Floss" Magazine presents 12 great bookstore cats including our own late, beloved Ripley: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/78757
* Congratulations to Andrea Hairston, whose novel REDWOOD AND WILDFIRE won the 2011 James Tiptree, Jr. Award. Complete details at http://tiptree.org/
* For those of you who collect Philip K. Dick books, the titles published by Vintage will be going out of print, and there will be new editions with an entirely new cover design being published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. We still have most of the Vintage editions if you want to complete that collection now.
* i09.com offers "10 Great Fantasy Series to Read While You're Waiting for the Next George R.R. Martin Book" http://io9.com/5876715/10-great-fantasy-series-to-read-while-youre-waiting-for-george-rr-martins-next-book?tag=gameofthrones . We're happy to make additional suggestions once you need 'em.
* The nominees for the 2012 Arthur C. Clarke Award have been announced: http://www.clarkeaward.com/ . And then author Christopher Priest called the list "dreadful" in The Guardian, and called for the judges to resign: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/mar/29/arthur-c-clarke-award-christopher-priest?newsfeed=true . (My favorite part is where Priest says that Charles Stross writes like "an internet puppy," and now Stross wants that blurb on his next novel, _and_ you can also buy the t-shirt! http://www.zazzle.co.uk/internet_puppy_t_shirt_tshirt-235730813931635704 )
* Entertainment Weekly is running a "Game of Thrones" contest. Entrants can win a trip to Comic-Con 2012 with admission the panel, "Game of Thrones" DVDs, or copies of the books . https://usscpromotions.com/entertainmentweekly gameofthrones_ultimate_experience/
* I think it's pretty cool that THE HUNGER GAMES books (and movie) are inspiring teens to try archery: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/hunger-games-fans-filling-lanes-queens-archery-ranges-article-1.1052892
* FREE magazines: One of our long-time customers, Roger Miller, has 40 complete, consecutive years (1968 - 2008, plus random issues from the last 4 years,) of Analog Science Fiction Magazine to give away to someone local (San Francisco / Bay Area). He just wants them to go to a good home, and you must pick them up. If you're interested, email Jude at jfeldman@borderlands-books.com and I'll put you in touch with Roger.
* Borderlands gets a mention in this charming Globe and Mail article called "Bookworming By the Bay": http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/destinations/travel-other-destinations/bookworming-by-the-bay/article2376933/ .
* Jack Vance is Alive and Well and ONLINE!!!
John Vance, Jack's son, would like you all to know about the fabulous website http://www.jackvance.com Spatterlight Press is up and live, and filled with photos, information and news about Grandmaster Jack Vance and his wonderful worlds of science fiction and fantasy. Not only can you learn all about this wonderful science fiction writer, but Jack's books are available as ebooks, downloadable from the site, directly benefiting the author! With photo albums of Jack, Norma, and the family, Jack in his prime, and commentary from family and friends, this is a wonderful resource for fans of Jack and his books alike. More is being added - it launched in mid-March - so bookmark the site to visit and see what gets added to the shop and photo albums. You can also "like" Spatterlight Press on Facebook, and keep up to date with ebook releases via Twitter, at https://twitter.com/#!/SpatterlightPrs
* Thanks to Rina Weisman from SF in SF, who pointed out another Borderlands name-check (in an article about the unfortunately for-sale Balderdash Books,) from Seattle's free weekly paper "The Stranger". They called us "superb": http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/03/15/balderdash-books-is-for-sale
* I don't know how we missed this over a year ago: "Mental Floss" Magazine presents 12 great bookstore cats including our own late, beloved Ripley: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/78757
* Congratulations to Andrea Hairston, whose novel REDWOOD AND WILDFIRE won the 2011 James Tiptree, Jr. Award. Complete details at http://tiptree.org/
* For those of you who collect Philip K. Dick books, the titles published by Vintage will be going out of print, and there will be new editions with an entirely new cover design being published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. We still have most of the Vintage editions if you want to complete that collection now.
* i09.com offers "10 Great Fantasy Series to Read While You're Waiting for the Next George R.R. Martin Book" http://io9.com/5876715/10-great-fantasy-series-to-read-while-youre-waiting-for-george-rr-martins-next-book?tag=gameofthrones . We're happy to make additional suggestions once you need 'em.
* The nominees for the 2012 Arthur C. Clarke Award have been announced: http://www.clarkeaward.com/ . And then author Christopher Priest called the list "dreadful" in The Guardian, and called for the judges to resign: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/mar/29/arthur-c-clarke-award-christopher-priest?newsfeed=true . (My favorite part is where Priest says that Charles Stross writes like "an internet puppy," and now Stross wants that blurb on his next novel, _and_ you can also buy the t-shirt! http://www.zazzle.co.uk/internet_puppy_t_shirt_tshirt-235730813931635704 )
* Entertainment Weekly is running a "Game of Thrones" contest. Entrants can win a trip to Comic-Con 2012 with admission the panel, "Game of Thrones" DVDs, or copies of the books . https://usscpromotions.com/entertainmentweekly gameofthrones_ultimate_experience/
* I think it's pretty cool that THE HUNGER GAMES books (and movie) are inspiring teens to try archery: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/hunger-games-fans-filling-lanes-queens-archery-ranges-article-1.1052892
* FREE magazines: One of our long-time customers, Roger Miller, has 40 complete, consecutive years (1968 - 2008, plus random issues from the last 4 years,) of Analog Science Fiction Magazine to give away to someone local (San Francisco / Bay Area). He just wants them to go to a good home, and you must pick them up. If you're interested, email Jude at jfeldman@borderlands-books.com and I'll put you in touch with Roger.
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