by Jude Feldman
I was delighted to see that most retailers this year actually waited until Thanksgiving was over before putting out their holiday decorations (or worse, turning up the holiday music)! Last year, I swear, it seemed like a bunch of stores were moving in Christmas lights, menorahs, and New Year's noisemakers on July 5th, so I appreciate the restraint this time 'round. However, winter is well and truly here now, and I'm personally thrilled that the gift-giving season has arrived, because there are just so many absolutely wonderful books to brighten the days of your friends and family.
We here present our usual Opinionated (and Digression-Filled) Gift Guide to help you out. However, if you don't see something appropriate here, we're always happy to make custom suggestions for you or anyone in your life. We'll even wrap 'em for you! (A special note to those of you purchasing presents: we're glad to gift wrap upon request, although our typical caveats apply: first, if we're busy, you may have to wait a bit to have things wrapped, and, second, some staff members are MUCH better than others at it. It is possible that your package may resemble a brightly wrapped Lovecraft-ian, batrachian, rugose, Thing of No Human Shape. For some customers, this is not a problem . . ."better than I can do!," they say. However, if you are concerned about our, ahem, abilities, we're also happy to just hand you the gift wrap, scissors and tape.)
Now, onward!
Let's start with a huge selection of signed books. We're quite spoiled with all the marvelous local authors who have dropped by to sign their work recently, and we currently have signed books from Charlie Jane Anders, S.G. Browne, Gail Carriger, Richard Kadrey, Ellen Klages, Nick Mamatas, Seanan McGuire (no longer local, but still in our hearts and willing to sign books on the tailgate of the store's truck in a random parking lot in San Lorenzo in a giant rush, which surely looked like the world's strangest drug deal), Christopher Moore, Annalee Newitz, and many, many more! Also, Marie Brennan and Becky Chambers be around in the next week or so, so feel free to request personalized copies -- we'll make it happen if we possibly can.
December 05, 2017
Upcoming Events
Sisters in Crime / Mystery Writers of America Northern California Holiday Party, Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 pm
Writers With Drinks (at the Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco) with authors Becky Chambers, Alyssa Cole, David D. Levine, Dean Rader, Lauren Sanders and Danna Staaf, Saturday, December 9th at 6:30 pm
SF in SF (at the American Bookbinders' Museum, 355 Clementina St. San Francisco) with authors Ben Loory and Ken Scholes, Sunday, December 10th at 6:30 pm
Steve Ryfle, ISHIRO HONDA: A LIFE IN FILM, FROM GODZILLA TO KUROSAWA (Wesleyan, Hardcover, $32.95) Saturday, January 6th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Seanan McGuire, BENEATH THE SUGAR SKY (Tor.com, Hardcover, $17.99) Thursday, January 11th at 6:00 pm
Kate Elliott presents "Do Not Be Satisfied With Stories: Narrative Structure and Expectations" Friday, January 12th at 6:00 pm
Special Announcements
Help with Our New Building
As you're probably aware, we've just bought a 1902 building on Haight Street that will be the permanent home for Borderlands. The place needs a fair amount of work and we're happy to accept help doing the work, if you'd like to give it. You'll be working with a pretty fine group of people and you'll have a chance to learn a bunch about how buildings are put together and restored. If that sounds interesting, please drop Alan a line at abeatts@borderlands-books.com or you can just reply to this email.
There's another sort of help we're looking for as well. And, if you're a long-time SF resident, you might have what we need. Alan and Zach (our historian) are looking for pictures of the south side of Haight Street between Masonic and Central. The older the better but even shots from as short a time as five years ago would be very welcome. We're putting together a history of the building and finding photographs has been surprisingly difficult. If you've got something, please let Alan know.
Limited Edition 20th Anniversary Hoodie
We unveiled the special Borderlands Books 20th anniversary hoodie last month at our party, and we still have some left for sale. They feature a lovely silk-screened design courtesy of sponsor Michelle Rapp, and will only be available for a limited time. We're happy to ship them world-wide or you can stop by the shop to pick one up. If you'd like one shipped, please call the shop during business hours toll-free at 888 893-4008 or you can email us to make arrangements. The hoodies are $55 each, plus any shipping charges, and they are sized from small to XXXL. One note about sizing -- they are quite a trim fit, and so you might want to go a size larger than usual unless you like your clothing snug.
Check out Alan modeling one here - https://borderlands-books.blogspot.com/2017/12/20th-anniversary-hoodie.html (There's also a bonus picture of a Sponsor wearing one of the first ones sold, positioned to dominate our fair city).
As you're probably aware, we've just bought a 1902 building on Haight Street that will be the permanent home for Borderlands. The place needs a fair amount of work and we're happy to accept help doing the work, if you'd like to give it. You'll be working with a pretty fine group of people and you'll have a chance to learn a bunch about how buildings are put together and restored. If that sounds interesting, please drop Alan a line at abeatts@borderlands-books.com or you can just reply to this email.
There's another sort of help we're looking for as well. And, if you're a long-time SF resident, you might have what we need. Alan and Zach (our historian) are looking for pictures of the south side of Haight Street between Masonic and Central. The older the better but even shots from as short a time as five years ago would be very welcome. We're putting together a history of the building and finding photographs has been surprisingly difficult. If you've got something, please let Alan know.
Limited Edition 20th Anniversary Hoodie
We unveiled the special Borderlands Books 20th anniversary hoodie last month at our party, and we still have some left for sale. They feature a lovely silk-screened design courtesy of sponsor Michelle Rapp, and will only be available for a limited time. We're happy to ship them world-wide or you can stop by the shop to pick one up. If you'd like one shipped, please call the shop during business hours toll-free at 888 893-4008 or you can email us to make arrangements. The hoodies are $55 each, plus any shipping charges, and they are sized from small to XXXL. One note about sizing -- they are quite a trim fit, and so you might want to go a size larger than usual unless you like your clothing snug.
Check out Alan modeling one here - https://borderlands-books.blogspot.com/2017/12/20th-anniversary-hoodie.html (There's also a bonus picture of a Sponsor wearing one of the first ones sold, positioned to dominate our fair city).
Building News
by Alan Beatts
Well, there's a lot in this month's newsletter, so I'm going to keep this short. Don't worry though, I'll have much more news and information about our new building in the next newsletter. But, here's the quick version. The previous owner and occupant of the retail space has packed all his stuff and is out. I've met both of the residential tenants, and they both seem like lovely people. I've also met most of the neighbors, and they're equally nice.
So now we're really digging into getting the work done. Weekend before last we removed the decades of ivy from the backyard and cleaned it up. Turns out that, under a foot of leaves, mulch and dirt, there's a concrete pad that covers most of the yard. One of our next outside jobs is going to be breaking that out and hauling it away. Once that's done, we can start the hardscape (probably dry-laid brick), and then get working on the planters and plantings. Our gardener and designer, Melinda Rose <http://botanikagardens.com/index.html>, and I will be working on the layout over the next few weeks.
Inside, it's demolition time. Last weekend we took out the ill-advised acoustical ceiling and much of the drop ceiling as well. There's still a bit more to go, but most of the "bones" of the building are visible, and they look pretty good. Beams are oversized by current standards, a full 2" thick, and old-growth, clear fir. There don't seem to be any notable problems other than some fire damage in the stairway area (probably dating to 1973). I still need to open up the walls in a couple of places to see what's there, but the building looks to be as solid as I thought it was.
I met with our architect, Kevin Short <https://kjs-arch.com>, today and he agrees with me that the place looks really good. I'm still "learning" the building -- figuring out what was done, why and when (with a great deal of help from our historian, Zachary Harper). I'm sure that there'll be some surprises as we go along (because there always are) but I don't think that there are going to be any bad ones.
The question that I'm asked the most is when we'll be moving. Obviously we're not doing that until we've got all the work done at the place. Since some of my plans include things like an ADA accessible restroom, refinishing the floors, and building all new bookshelves, the construction isn't going to be a fast process. So, at this point, there are too many variables to make even an educated guess at how long the process will take. That said, I'm hoping for a May opening but, please, don't hold me to that.
In closing, I want to thank all the people who have helped out with the work so far. They are, in no particular order: Melinda, Eloise, Garrett, Jane, Laura, Claud, Russ, Colleen, Marie, Jay, Carl, April, Kestrel, Starling, Zach, Dave, Elizabeth, Emily, Ramon and, last but far from least, Salem and Jude. Without their generous, cheerful, and profoundly aggressive help, I would still be standing in the middle of the backyard, knee deep in ivy, and cursing nature.
-- Alan Beatts
Well, there's a lot in this month's newsletter, so I'm going to keep this short. Don't worry though, I'll have much more news and information about our new building in the next newsletter. But, here's the quick version. The previous owner and occupant of the retail space has packed all his stuff and is out. I've met both of the residential tenants, and they both seem like lovely people. I've also met most of the neighbors, and they're equally nice.
So now we're really digging into getting the work done. Weekend before last we removed the decades of ivy from the backyard and cleaned it up. Turns out that, under a foot of leaves, mulch and dirt, there's a concrete pad that covers most of the yard. One of our next outside jobs is going to be breaking that out and hauling it away. Once that's done, we can start the hardscape (probably dry-laid brick), and then get working on the planters and plantings. Our gardener and designer, Melinda Rose <http://botanikagardens.com/index.html>, and I will be working on the layout over the next few weeks.
Inside, it's demolition time. Last weekend we took out the ill-advised acoustical ceiling and much of the drop ceiling as well. There's still a bit more to go, but most of the "bones" of the building are visible, and they look pretty good. Beams are oversized by current standards, a full 2" thick, and old-growth, clear fir. There don't seem to be any notable problems other than some fire damage in the stairway area (probably dating to 1973). I still need to open up the walls in a couple of places to see what's there, but the building looks to be as solid as I thought it was.
I met with our architect, Kevin Short <https://kjs-arch.com>, today and he agrees with me that the place looks really good. I'm still "learning" the building -- figuring out what was done, why and when (with a great deal of help from our historian, Zachary Harper). I'm sure that there'll be some surprises as we go along (because there always are) but I don't think that there are going to be any bad ones.
The question that I'm asked the most is when we'll be moving. Obviously we're not doing that until we've got all the work done at the place. Since some of my plans include things like an ADA accessible restroom, refinishing the floors, and building all new bookshelves, the construction isn't going to be a fast process. So, at this point, there are too many variables to make even an educated guess at how long the process will take. That said, I'm hoping for a May opening but, please, don't hold me to that.
In closing, I want to thank all the people who have helped out with the work so far. They are, in no particular order: Melinda, Eloise, Garrett, Jane, Laura, Claud, Russ, Colleen, Marie, Jay, Carl, April, Kestrel, Starling, Zach, Dave, Elizabeth, Emily, Ramon and, last but far from least, Salem and Jude. Without their generous, cheerful, and profoundly aggressive help, I would still be standing in the middle of the backyard, knee deep in ivy, and cursing nature.
-- Alan Beatts
November Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
2. Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson
3. Artemis by Andy Weir
4. Arcanum Unbounded by Brandon Sanderson
5. La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
6. Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
7. Six Months, Three Days, Five Others by Charlie Jane Anders
8. Name of the Wind Tenth Anniversary Edition by Patrick Rothfuss
9. Provenance by Ann Leckie
10. Strange Weather by Joe Hill
Trade Paperbacks
1. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
2. All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
3. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, translated by Ken Liu
4. Romancing the Werewolf by Gail Carriger
5. The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
6. The Overneath by Peter S. Beagle
7. Tales of Falling and Flying by Ben Loory
8. Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey
9. Passing Strange by Ellen Klages
10. An Excess Male by Maggie Shen King
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. The Wrong Stars by Tim Pratt
2. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
3. Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
4. Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
5. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
6. Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
7. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
8. Who Fears Death? by Nnedi Okorafor
9. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
10. Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn
1. Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
2. Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson
3. Artemis by Andy Weir
4. Arcanum Unbounded by Brandon Sanderson
5. La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
6. Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
7. Six Months, Three Days, Five Others by Charlie Jane Anders
8. Name of the Wind Tenth Anniversary Edition by Patrick Rothfuss
9. Provenance by Ann Leckie
10. Strange Weather by Joe Hill
Trade Paperbacks
1. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
2. All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
3. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, translated by Ken Liu
4. Romancing the Werewolf by Gail Carriger
5. The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
6. The Overneath by Peter S. Beagle
7. Tales of Falling and Flying by Ben Loory
8. Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey
9. Passing Strange by Ellen Klages
10. An Excess Male by Maggie Shen King
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. The Wrong Stars by Tim Pratt
2. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
3. Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
4. Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
5. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
6. Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
7. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
8. Who Fears Death? by Nnedi Okorafor
9. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
10. Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn
December News
*Overheard in the Store:
"If I never hear the phrase 'Cyber Monday' again, it will be way too soon."
"I have body piercings older than most of the cafe employees!"
"Okay, gluten-free, artisanal strippers, then."
*Overheard at Writers With Drinks:
"Our motto for 2018 is going to be 'Aftercare, Hydration, and Lots of Cuddles!'"
"I don't know which version of the Bible you prefer-- I like the Queen James version."
* We're sorry to hear of the death of wonderful author Julian May, who wrote well over 200 books. She's best known among SF/F fans for her two series "Saga of the Plioscene Era" and "Galatic Milieu", as well as co-writing the first Trillium novel with authors Marion Zimmer Bradley and Andre Norton. https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/julian-may-who-weaved-worlds-in-sci-fi-fantasy-novels-dead-at-86/
* This article about the idea of robot rights is great. There's no real conclusion, but there is a lot of food for thought about human rights and the potential abuse of created beings. https://daily.jstor.org/do-we-have-moral-obligations-to-robots/
"If I never hear the phrase 'Cyber Monday' again, it will be way too soon."
"I have body piercings older than most of the cafe employees!"
"Okay, gluten-free, artisanal strippers, then."
*Overheard at Writers With Drinks:
"Our motto for 2018 is going to be 'Aftercare, Hydration, and Lots of Cuddles!'"
"I don't know which version of the Bible you prefer-- I like the Queen James version."
* We're sorry to hear of the death of wonderful author Julian May, who wrote well over 200 books. She's best known among SF/F fans for her two series "Saga of the Plioscene Era" and "Galatic Milieu", as well as co-writing the first Trillium novel with authors Marion Zimmer Bradley and Andre Norton. https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/julian-may-who-weaved-worlds-in-sci-fi-fantasy-novels-dead-at-86/
* This article about the idea of robot rights is great. There's no real conclusion, but there is a lot of food for thought about human rights and the potential abuse of created beings. https://daily.jstor.org/do-we-have-moral-obligations-to-robots/
20th Anniversary Hoodie
We unveiled the special Borderlands Books 20th anniversary hoodie last month at our party, and we still have some left for sale. They feature a lovely silk-screened design courtesy of sponsor Michelle Rapp, and will only be available for a limited time.
We're happy to ship them world-wide or you can stop by the shop to pick one up. If you'd like one shipped, please call the shop during business hours toll-free at 888 893-4008 or you can email us to make arrangements. The hoodies are $55 each, plus any shipping charges, and they are sized from small to XXXL. One note about sizing -- they are quite a trim fit, and so you might want to go a size larger than usual unless you like your clothing snug.
The best model we could find
(everybody else had the day off)
Borderlands Books, finally
prepared for urban domination
(after 20 years of practice)
November 13, 2017
So, You Bought a Building. Now What?
by Alan Beatts
You've probably heard the news already but, in case you missed the last couple of emails -- We managed to buy the building we were looking at on Haight Street! This is a pretty huge accomplishment and I want to thank everyone who made it possible -- Borderlands' staff, our sponsors, all our customers who have supported us for 20 years, Dan Marshall and Lance Fulford (our realtors), and, most of all, the 49 people who lent the money that made it a reality. I'm more excited about where we're going to take Borderlands than I've been since I signed the lease for the cafe more than ten years ago.
The payment has been transferred already and escrow will close on the purchase on Tuesday, which will complete the transfer of ownership. After that, the fun really starts. But, it's going to be a slow start at first. The previous owner of the building is also the owner of Recycled Records, the tenant in the retail space on the ground floor. He's retiring, and is going to be packing up his inventory and shutting down his shop over the next couple of days. Per the terms of the purchase contract, he has 15 days to leave the place "broom clean". Until he's out, there isn't much work that can start (though, there are a few things I can get started on while he's still there -- basement and backyard clean up, specifically).
Once he's out, we'll be doing a bit of demolition. The ceiling is on its last legs, and so we'll strip that down to the joists (those are the big pieces of framing that hold up the floors above). We'll also pull up the old carpeting so that I can get a good look at the existing flooring. Once that is done, we'll really be able to see what we've got to work with, as well as letting our structural engineer and architect take a look. That part is very important since it will affect the next big job -- a soft-story retrofit.
You've probably heard the news already but, in case you missed the last couple of emails -- We managed to buy the building we were looking at on Haight Street! This is a pretty huge accomplishment and I want to thank everyone who made it possible -- Borderlands' staff, our sponsors, all our customers who have supported us for 20 years, Dan Marshall and Lance Fulford (our realtors), and, most of all, the 49 people who lent the money that made it a reality. I'm more excited about where we're going to take Borderlands than I've been since I signed the lease for the cafe more than ten years ago.
The payment has been transferred already and escrow will close on the purchase on Tuesday, which will complete the transfer of ownership. After that, the fun really starts. But, it's going to be a slow start at first. The previous owner of the building is also the owner of Recycled Records, the tenant in the retail space on the ground floor. He's retiring, and is going to be packing up his inventory and shutting down his shop over the next couple of days. Per the terms of the purchase contract, he has 15 days to leave the place "broom clean". Until he's out, there isn't much work that can start (though, there are a few things I can get started on while he's still there -- basement and backyard clean up, specifically).
Once he's out, we'll be doing a bit of demolition. The ceiling is on its last legs, and so we'll strip that down to the joists (those are the big pieces of framing that hold up the floors above). We'll also pull up the old carpeting so that I can get a good look at the existing flooring. Once that is done, we'll really be able to see what we've got to work with, as well as letting our structural engineer and architect take a look. That part is very important since it will affect the next big job -- a soft-story retrofit.
Upcoming Events
Brandon Sanderson, OATHBRINGER (Tor, Hardcover, $34.99), Wednesday, November 15th at 6:00 pm
Meet Our New Building, Thursday, November 16th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm (at 1377 Haight Street at Masonic)
Borderlands 20th Anniversary Party, Saturday, November 18th, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
SF in SF with authors Annalee Newitz and Robin Sloan (at the American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina Street, San Francisco), Sunday, November 19th at 6:30 pm
Sisters in Crime / Mystery Writers of America Northern California Holiday Party, Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 pm
Meet Our New Building, Thursday, November 16th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm (at 1377 Haight Street at Masonic)
Borderlands 20th Anniversary Party, Saturday, November 18th, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
SF in SF with authors Annalee Newitz and Robin Sloan (at the American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina Street, San Francisco), Sunday, November 19th at 6:30 pm
Sisters in Crime / Mystery Writers of America Northern California Holiday Party, Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 pm
October Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1) La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
2) Plague of Giants by Kevin Hearne
3) Mistress of All Evil by Serena Valentino
4) Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
5) 199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die by Loren Rhoads
6) Machine Learning by Hugh Howey
7) Provenance by Ann Leckie
8) Vallista by Steven Brust
9) It Devours! by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor
10) Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
Trade Paperbacks
1) Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
2) All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
3) Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu edited by Ken Liu
4) Damn Fine Story by Chuck Wendig
5) Updraft by Fran Wilde
6) Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
7) Passing Strange by Ellen Klages
8) Machine Learning by Hugh Howey
9) Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
10) Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey
Paperbacks
1) Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
2) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
3) Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
4) Excession by Iain M. Banks
5) Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn
6) Uploaded by Ferrett Steinmetz
7) Blade Runner (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?) by Philip K. Dick
8) The Gunslinger by Stephen King
9) Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
10) Old Man's War by John Scalzi
1) La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
2) Plague of Giants by Kevin Hearne
3) Mistress of All Evil by Serena Valentino
4) Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
5) 199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die by Loren Rhoads
6) Machine Learning by Hugh Howey
7) Provenance by Ann Leckie
8) Vallista by Steven Brust
9) It Devours! by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor
10) Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
Trade Paperbacks
1) Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
2) All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
3) Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu edited by Ken Liu
4) Damn Fine Story by Chuck Wendig
5) Updraft by Fran Wilde
6) Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
7) Passing Strange by Ellen Klages
8) Machine Learning by Hugh Howey
9) Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
10) Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey
Paperbacks
1) Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
2) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
3) Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
4) Excession by Iain M. Banks
5) Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn
6) Uploaded by Ferrett Steinmetz
7) Blade Runner (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?) by Philip K. Dick
8) The Gunslinger by Stephen King
9) Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
10) Old Man's War by John Scalzi
November News
* Overheard in the Store:
"You're kidding! I got all dressed up, and NO ONE'S going to notice, because there's a three-drink minimum!"
"After this, ice cream first? Or chai?" #ValenciaStreetProblems
* Someone has mapped the most read book in each of the fifty states, and some of these choices . . . .
https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/11/1/16585432/most-popular-books-50-states-map
* Do you like San Francisco? Do you like Jello? Why not combine them! http://mymodernmet.com/stunning-models-of-san/
* Nick Mamatas' noted writing workshop, "Fabulist Fiction" begins November 4th, and they're accepting late signups. From the organizers: "Exciting plots and larger-than-life characters are the cornerstones of popular fiction and the emphasis of this course. In this course, we’ll workshop your short stories and novel chapters, explore the history of the genres, perform writing and idea-generating exercises, and discuss the magazines and publishers looking for your sort of fiction. Classes will run on Saturdays from November 4th through December 16th from 2 - 5 PM at 25 Taylor Street in San Francisco." https://sfwriting.institute/fabulist-fiction-fall2017/
* Horror is bleeding into science fiction and fantasy, says PW. Although some would argue there has always been a very close relationship between the two. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/75016-horror-bleeds-into-speculative-fiction-science-fiction-and-fantasy-2017-2018.html
"You're kidding! I got all dressed up, and NO ONE'S going to notice, because there's a three-drink minimum!"
"After this, ice cream first? Or chai?" #ValenciaStreetProblems
* Someone has mapped the most read book in each of the fifty states, and some of these choices . . . .
https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/11/1/16585432/most-popular-books-50-states-map
* Do you like San Francisco? Do you like Jello? Why not combine them! http://mymodernmet.com/stunning-models-of-san/
* Nick Mamatas' noted writing workshop, "Fabulist Fiction" begins November 4th, and they're accepting late signups. From the organizers: "Exciting plots and larger-than-life characters are the cornerstones of popular fiction and the emphasis of this course. In this course, we’ll workshop your short stories and novel chapters, explore the history of the genres, perform writing and idea-generating exercises, and discuss the magazines and publishers looking for your sort of fiction. Classes will run on Saturdays from November 4th through December 16th from 2 - 5 PM at 25 Taylor Street in San Francisco." https://sfwriting.institute/fabulist-fiction-fall2017/
* Horror is bleeding into science fiction and fantasy, says PW. Although some would argue there has always been a very close relationship between the two. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/75016-horror-bleeds-into-speculative-fiction-science-fiction-and-fantasy-2017-2018.html
October 31, 2017
Haight Street Update
We did it!
At around noon today, we had enough funds in the bank to pay for our building on Haight St. I cannot tell you how happy and excited I am about this. It truly is a dream come true.
More than that though -- we've shown our city, our field, and the world what is possible. A few days ago I was talking with one of our lenders in the office. He thanked me for changing the way that people look at the world and expanding what people believe is possible. I was surprised and kind of embarrassed by the sentiment. I'm not some big deal mover-and-shaker; I'm just a guy who likes to sell books.
But then I thought about it a bit and pointed out to him that I didn't do that. Our sponsors and lenders did. My part was suggesting that the world could be different and that something kind of crazy might be possible. Our sponsors, and the folks who lent us money, and those that supported us in a hundred other ways, too -- they're the people who changed how people can look at the world and they expanded the idea of what is possible. And I would expect no less from lovers of speculative and fantastic literature.
I'll have much more news over the coming months but, for now, I wanted to let everyone know what we accomplished. Thanks to all the people who made a dream come true and showed just how powerful a like-minded, reasonable group of people can be.
In the next few newsletters I'll give more news about what our plans are moving forward. As it stands, the sale closes on November 15. Bruce, the owner of the building and the record store, is retiring, which is why the building is for sale in the first place. He has two weeks after the sale closes to shut down his shop (although I'll give him more time if he needs it). After that, I'll be doing some work on the place and then looking for a short term tenant (since I've three years left on my Valencia St. lease). I hope to find someone who would like to start a retail business but who is hesitant to commit to a three or five year lease. If I don't find someone by the time the work on the building is done, I'll be moving the bookstore there and sub-letting the space on Valencia.
The cafe will stay in its current location regardless of when we move the store. The lease there has quite a few more years to run and, under Z'ev and Maddy's management, it requires almost no effort on my part to operate, so why mess with a good thing?
There are all sort of decisions still to be made about how the transition is going to proceed, but I'll keep you all up to date in the usual newsletters. Regardless of what happens, we won't be leaving Valencia Street before the new year.
Warmest Regards,
Alan
PS There is one other group that deserves credit for what we've done -- the staff at the Bookstore and Cafe. They are so good at what they do that I hardly had to think about work for the past 18 days. Further, they are the people who truly give shape to Borderlands. I'd just be a lonely guy in a tiny bookshop without them.
PPS For your amusement, here are two links to the news stories written thus far.
https://missionlocal.org/2017/10/success-borderlands-will-buy-haight-st-building-thanks-to-its-fans/
http://hoodline.com/2017/10/borderland-books-raises-1-9m-to-buy-recycled-records-building
At around noon today, we had enough funds in the bank to pay for our building on Haight St. I cannot tell you how happy and excited I am about this. It truly is a dream come true.
More than that though -- we've shown our city, our field, and the world what is possible. A few days ago I was talking with one of our lenders in the office. He thanked me for changing the way that people look at the world and expanding what people believe is possible. I was surprised and kind of embarrassed by the sentiment. I'm not some big deal mover-and-shaker; I'm just a guy who likes to sell books.
But then I thought about it a bit and pointed out to him that I didn't do that. Our sponsors and lenders did. My part was suggesting that the world could be different and that something kind of crazy might be possible. Our sponsors, and the folks who lent us money, and those that supported us in a hundred other ways, too -- they're the people who changed how people can look at the world and they expanded the idea of what is possible. And I would expect no less from lovers of speculative and fantastic literature.
I'll have much more news over the coming months but, for now, I wanted to let everyone know what we accomplished. Thanks to all the people who made a dream come true and showed just how powerful a like-minded, reasonable group of people can be.
In the next few newsletters I'll give more news about what our plans are moving forward. As it stands, the sale closes on November 15. Bruce, the owner of the building and the record store, is retiring, which is why the building is for sale in the first place. He has two weeks after the sale closes to shut down his shop (although I'll give him more time if he needs it). After that, I'll be doing some work on the place and then looking for a short term tenant (since I've three years left on my Valencia St. lease). I hope to find someone who would like to start a retail business but who is hesitant to commit to a three or five year lease. If I don't find someone by the time the work on the building is done, I'll be moving the bookstore there and sub-letting the space on Valencia.
The cafe will stay in its current location regardless of when we move the store. The lease there has quite a few more years to run and, under Z'ev and Maddy's management, it requires almost no effort on my part to operate, so why mess with a good thing?
There are all sort of decisions still to be made about how the transition is going to proceed, but I'll keep you all up to date in the usual newsletters. Regardless of what happens, we won't be leaving Valencia Street before the new year.
Warmest Regards,
Alan
PS There is one other group that deserves credit for what we've done -- the staff at the Bookstore and Cafe. They are so good at what they do that I hardly had to think about work for the past 18 days. Further, they are the people who truly give shape to Borderlands. I'd just be a lonely guy in a tiny bookshop without them.
PPS For your amusement, here are two links to the news stories written thus far.
https://missionlocal.org/2017/10/success-borderlands-will-buy-haight-st-building-thanks-to-its-fans/
http://hoodline.com/2017/10/borderland-books-raises-1-9m-to-buy-recycled-records-building
October 21, 2017
News About Haight Street #1
Hi Everyone,
Just a quick update on how the process of buying the building on Haight Street is going.
Fundraising is going alright. We've secured $825,000 in loans so far and there are several more in progress. On the other hand, we have 11 days left to raise the remaining $1,075,000 that we need. So, I'm hopeful, but it's still touch and go. If you've been thinking about offering a loan, now would be a good time to get in touch with me at abeatts@borderlands-books.com.
Our inspections are scheduled for this Monday and that will give me a good idea exactly what condition the building is in and what sort of repairs we might need to do once the deal goes through. To my experienced but layman's eye, the building seems quite solid, but I'm not an expert (which is why I'm hiring some).
We've started a company separate from the bookstore to own and operate the building. Thanks to a very fine (and fast) lawyer, we got the D. D. Harriman Limited Liability Company up and running in less than three days. Even if the deal doesn't go through, that company will be useful when we do manage to buy a building.
We've been in the news a couple of times since this started. Mission Local did a nice piece - https://missionlocal.org/2017/10/saved-by-sponsorships-borderlands-books-now-aims-to-buy-a-building/ - as did Hoodline - http://hoodline.com/2017/10/borderlands-books-moves-to-buy-recycled-records-building. The Hoodline article has a lovely picture of our shop and a picture of Recycled Records as well. If you're interested in seeing some other pics, you can check out http://borderlands-sponsors.blogspot.com/p/building-pictures.html.
Just a quick update on how the process of buying the building on Haight Street is going.
Fundraising is going alright. We've secured $825,000 in loans so far and there are several more in progress. On the other hand, we have 11 days left to raise the remaining $1,075,000 that we need. So, I'm hopeful, but it's still touch and go. If you've been thinking about offering a loan, now would be a good time to get in touch with me at abeatts@borderlands-books.com.
Our inspections are scheduled for this Monday and that will give me a good idea exactly what condition the building is in and what sort of repairs we might need to do once the deal goes through. To my experienced but layman's eye, the building seems quite solid, but I'm not an expert (which is why I'm hiring some).
We've started a company separate from the bookstore to own and operate the building. Thanks to a very fine (and fast) lawyer, we got the D. D. Harriman Limited Liability Company up and running in less than three days. Even if the deal doesn't go through, that company will be useful when we do manage to buy a building.
We've been in the news a couple of times since this started. Mission Local did a nice piece - https://missionlocal.org/2017/10/saved-by-sponsorships-borderlands-books-now-aims-to-buy-a-building/ - as did Hoodline - http://hoodline.com/2017/10/borderlands-books-moves-to-buy-recycled-records-building. The Hoodline article has a lovely picture of our shop and a picture of Recycled Records as well. If you're interested in seeing some other pics, you can check out http://borderlands-sponsors.blogspot.com/p/building-pictures.html.
October 13, 2017
Borderlands to Buy Building
by Alan Beatts
It's been quite a while since I've written something for this newsletter, but something is going on at Borderlands that is so big, so exciting, and (to be honest) so scary that I wanted to tell you about it.
This week I made an offer on a building that is meant to be a permanent home for Borderlands. On Wednesday that offer was accepted by the seller. This is a huge event in the lifetime of the store.
The building is a three-story Victorian built in 1902. There are two flats upstairs and a retail space on the ground floor. There is also a backyard and a full basement. It's located just a bit east of Masonic Ave. It's a little bit smaller that our current spot but, by putting the office and storage in the basement and being smarter with the layout, I think we can fit all our current stock and more. Sadly, there is no room to accommodate the cafe. (Please note -- that does not mean I'm planning on closing the cafe.)
It's been quite a while since I've written something for this newsletter, but something is going on at Borderlands that is so big, so exciting, and (to be honest) so scary that I wanted to tell you about it.
This week I made an offer on a building that is meant to be a permanent home for Borderlands. On Wednesday that offer was accepted by the seller. This is a huge event in the lifetime of the store.
The building is a three-story Victorian built in 1902. There are two flats upstairs and a retail space on the ground floor. There is also a backyard and a full basement. It's located just a bit east of Masonic Ave. It's a little bit smaller that our current spot but, by putting the office and storage in the basement and being smarter with the layout, I think we can fit all our current stock and more. Sadly, there is no room to accommodate the cafe. (Please note -- that does not mean I'm planning on closing the cafe.)
Upcoming Events
Litquake LitCrawl Phase 2 (Borderlands Books) with authors Sarah Gailey, Sarah Kuhn, Loren Rhoads, and Carter Scholz, Saturday, October 14th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Litquake LitCrawl Phase 3 (Borderlands Cafe) with authors Robyn Bennis, Dana Fredsti, Ayize Jama-Everett, and Ellen Klages, Saturday, October 14th from 8:00 - 9:00 pm
Editors Nick Mamatas and Molly Tanzer with guests Jim Nisbet, Tim Pratt, and Dominica Phetteplace, MIXED UP: COCKTAIL RECIPES (AND FLASH FICTION) FOR THE DISCERNING DRINKER (AND READER) (Skyhorse, Hardcover, $14.99) Sunday, October 15th at 3:00 pm
Kevin Hearne (A PLAGUE OF GIANTS), Chuck Wendig (DAMN FINE STORY: MASTERING THE TOOLS OF A POWERFUL NARRATIVE), Fran Wilde (HORIZON) Panel, Tuesday, October 17th at 6:00 pm
Hugh Howey, MACHINE LEARNING (John Joseph Adams, Hardcover, $28.00 and Trade Paperback $15.99) Thursday, October 19th at 6:00 pm
Writers With Drinks (at the Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco) with authors Chris Brown, Thomas Centolella, Celeste Chan, Shawna Kenney, Devorah Major, and Margaret Rhee, Saturday October 21st at 6:30 pm
Michael Blumlein, "The Body As Story" presentation, Sunday, October 29th at 3:00 pm
SF in SF Women in Horror event with authors Dana Fredsti, Erika Mailman, and Loren Rhoads (at the American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina Street, San Francisco), Sunday, October 29th at 6:30 pm
Stories and Songs with Greg Roensch, Friday, November 10th at 7:00 pm
CANCELLED - Kate Elliott presents "Do Not Be Satisfied With Stories: Narrative Structure and Expectations"
Writers With Drinks (at the Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco) with authors Stephen Elliott, Ben Loory, Annalee Newitz, and Maggie Shen King, Saturday, November 11th at 6:30 pm
Tim Pratt, THE WRONG STARS (Angry Robot, Mass Market, $7.99), Sunday, November 12th at 3:00 pm
Brandon Sanderson, OATHBRINGER (Tor, Hardcover, $34.99), Wednesday, November 15th at 6:00 pm
Borderlands 20th Anniversary Party, Saturday, November 18th, 10 am to 6 pm
SF in SF with authors Annalee Newitz and Robin Sloan (at the American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina Street, San Francisco), Sunday, November 19th at 6:30 pm
Sisters in Crime / Mystery Writers of America Northern California Holiday Party, Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 pm
Litquake LitCrawl Phase 3 (Borderlands Cafe) with authors Robyn Bennis, Dana Fredsti, Ayize Jama-Everett, and Ellen Klages, Saturday, October 14th from 8:00 - 9:00 pm
Editors Nick Mamatas and Molly Tanzer with guests Jim Nisbet, Tim Pratt, and Dominica Phetteplace, MIXED UP: COCKTAIL RECIPES (AND FLASH FICTION) FOR THE DISCERNING DRINKER (AND READER) (Skyhorse, Hardcover, $14.99) Sunday, October 15th at 3:00 pm
Kevin Hearne (A PLAGUE OF GIANTS), Chuck Wendig (DAMN FINE STORY: MASTERING THE TOOLS OF A POWERFUL NARRATIVE), Fran Wilde (HORIZON) Panel, Tuesday, October 17th at 6:00 pm
Hugh Howey, MACHINE LEARNING (John Joseph Adams, Hardcover, $28.00 and Trade Paperback $15.99) Thursday, October 19th at 6:00 pm
Writers With Drinks (at the Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco) with authors Chris Brown, Thomas Centolella, Celeste Chan, Shawna Kenney, Devorah Major, and Margaret Rhee, Saturday October 21st at 6:30 pm
Michael Blumlein, "The Body As Story" presentation, Sunday, October 29th at 3:00 pm
SF in SF Women in Horror event with authors Dana Fredsti, Erika Mailman, and Loren Rhoads (at the American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina Street, San Francisco), Sunday, October 29th at 6:30 pm
Stories and Songs with Greg Roensch, Friday, November 10th at 7:00 pm
CANCELLED - Kate Elliott presents "Do Not Be Satisfied With Stories: Narrative Structure and Expectations"
Writers With Drinks (at the Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco) with authors Stephen Elliott, Ben Loory, Annalee Newitz, and Maggie Shen King, Saturday, November 11th at 6:30 pm
Tim Pratt, THE WRONG STARS (Angry Robot, Mass Market, $7.99), Sunday, November 12th at 3:00 pm
Brandon Sanderson, OATHBRINGER (Tor, Hardcover, $34.99), Wednesday, November 15th at 6:00 pm
Borderlands 20th Anniversary Party, Saturday, November 18th, 10 am to 6 pm
SF in SF with authors Annalee Newitz and Robin Sloan (at the American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina Street, San Francisco), Sunday, November 19th at 6:30 pm
Sisters in Crime / Mystery Writers of America Northern California Holiday Party, Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 pm
September Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1) Provenance by Ann Leckie
2) The Brightest Fell by Seanan McGuire
3) Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
4) Paradox Bound by Peter Clines
5) In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan
6) Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
7) Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory
8) Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
9) Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi
10) Null States by Malka Older
Trade Paperbacks
1) Taste of Marrow by Sarah Gailey
2) The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
3) Ruin of Angels by Max Gladstone
4) River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
5) All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
6) The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
7) The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
8) Noumenon by Marina J. Lostetter
9) Passing Strange by Ellen Klages
10) It by Stephen King
Mass Market Paperbacks
1) The Uploaded by Ferrett Steinmetz
2) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
3) Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
4) Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
5) Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
6) Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn
7) The Gunslinger by Stephen King
8) American Gods by Neil Gaiman
9) The Rise of Io by Wesley Chu
10) Immortal Architects by Paige Orwin
1) Provenance by Ann Leckie
2) The Brightest Fell by Seanan McGuire
3) Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
4) Paradox Bound by Peter Clines
5) In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan
6) Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
7) Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory
8) Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
9) Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi
10) Null States by Malka Older
Trade Paperbacks
1) Taste of Marrow by Sarah Gailey
2) The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
3) Ruin of Angels by Max Gladstone
4) River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
5) All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
6) The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
7) The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
8) Noumenon by Marina J. Lostetter
9) Passing Strange by Ellen Klages
10) It by Stephen King
Mass Market Paperbacks
1) The Uploaded by Ferrett Steinmetz
2) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
3) Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
4) Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
5) Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
6) Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn
7) The Gunslinger by Stephen King
8) American Gods by Neil Gaiman
9) The Rise of Io by Wesley Chu
10) Immortal Architects by Paige Orwin
October News
* Overheard in the Store:
"I told him, 'This tastes really carcinogenic,' and he got SO offended!"
* Overheard at the Con: (Thanks to a great anonymous sponsor for all these great "overheards" from DragonCon)
"I mess with people, but I do it stoically."
"Please take your tail out of my cleavage."
"What do you mean, Stephen King doesn't come to DragonCon?"
"No honey, you can't go to the football game dressed as a White Walker."
"This has totally ruined my trip - I just found out the people I most wanted to see here are dead."
"The eight cups of coffee I have at breakfast are essential to getting me through the day here."
"I'm sorry, but I just get so tired of being doofusy all the time, ya know?"
"Can I pet your snake? OH MY GOD IT'S A REAL SNAKE!!!!" <runs away screaming>
(Woman to her husband, very definitively): "Oh yes, some panda porn is definitely coming home with us!"
"I've just been called "ma'am" by Darth Vader."
"Walk in back of me, damn it - your sword keeps hitting me in the boobs."
"I'm buying this book for my wife - she doesn't know I'm here with my girlfriend, but she'll forgive me for the signed book."
* Some good news, for a change: Governor Brown has signed AB228, which amends California's dreadful, cumbersome, intrusive, ineffectual, & unenforceable autographed-collectibles law. The new law specifically excludes signed books (among other categories of items,) and is focused, as originally intended, on sports and entertainment memorabilia. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB228
"I told him, 'This tastes really carcinogenic,' and he got SO offended!"
* Overheard at the Con: (Thanks to a great anonymous sponsor for all these great "overheards" from DragonCon)
"I mess with people, but I do it stoically."
"Please take your tail out of my cleavage."
"What do you mean, Stephen King doesn't come to DragonCon?"
"No honey, you can't go to the football game dressed as a White Walker."
"This has totally ruined my trip - I just found out the people I most wanted to see here are dead."
"The eight cups of coffee I have at breakfast are essential to getting me through the day here."
"I'm sorry, but I just get so tired of being doofusy all the time, ya know?"
"Can I pet your snake? OH MY GOD IT'S A REAL SNAKE!!!!" <runs away screaming>
(Woman to her husband, very definitively): "Oh yes, some panda porn is definitely coming home with us!"
"I've just been called "ma'am" by Darth Vader."
"Walk in back of me, damn it - your sword keeps hitting me in the boobs."
"I'm buying this book for my wife - she doesn't know I'm here with my girlfriend, but she'll forgive me for the signed book."
* Some good news, for a change: Governor Brown has signed AB228, which amends California's dreadful, cumbersome, intrusive, ineffectual, & unenforceable autographed-collectibles law. The new law specifically excludes signed books (among other categories of items,) and is focused, as originally intended, on sports and entertainment memorabilia. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB228
September 05, 2017
Upcoming Events
Sarah Gailey, THE TASTE OF MARROW (Tor.com, Trade Paperback, $14.99), and Seanan McGuire, THE BRIGHTEST FELL (DAW, Hardcover, $26.00) Saturday, September 9th at 5:00 pm
Writers With Drinks (at the Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco) with authors Natasha Dennerstein, Juba Kalamka, Meredith May, Alvin Orloff, and Daniel H. Wilson, Saturday September 9th at 6:30 pm
SF in SF (at the American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina, San Francisco) with authors Becca Gomez Farrell and Early Gregory, hosted by Terry Bisson, Sunday, September 10th at 6:30 pm
Max Gladstone, THE RUIN OF ANGELS (Tor.com, Trade Paperback, $24.99) Saturday, September 16th at 3:00 pm
IT: The Book, The Miniseries, The Movie Panel Discussion with Meg Elison, Marc Kate, Jeremy Lassen, and Chad Lott, Sunday, September 17th at 3:00 pm
Ferrett Steinmetz, THE UPLOADED (Angry Robot, Mass Market, $7.99) Saturday, September 23rd at 3:00 pm
Peter Clines, PARADOX BOUND (Crown, Hardcover, $26.00) Tuesday, September 26th at 6:00 pm
Mishell Baker, PHANTOM PAINS (Saga, Trade Paperback, $15.99) Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 pm
Ann Leckie, PROVENANCE (Orbit, Hardcover, $26.00) Friday, September 29th at 6:00 pm
Annalee Newitz, AUTONOMOUS (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) Saturday, September 30th at 3:00 pm
Loren Rhoads, 199 CEMETERIES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE (Black Dog & Leventhal, Hardcover, $27.99) Saturday, October 7th at 3:00 pm
Serena Valentino, MISTRESS OF ALL EVIL (Disney, Hardcover, $17.99) Saturday, October 7th at 6:00 pm
Litquake LitCrawl Phase 2 (Borderlands Books) with authors Sarah Gailey, Sarah Kuhn, Loren Rhoads, and Carter Scholz, Saturday, October 14th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Litquake LitCrawl Phase 3 (Borderlands Cafe) with authors Robyn Bennis, Dana Fredsti, Ayize Jama-Everett, and Ellen Klages, Saturday, October 14th from 8:00 - 9:00 pm
Editors Nick Mamatas and Molly Tanzer with guests Jim Nisbet, Tim Pratt, and Dominica Phetteplace, MIXED UP: COCKTAIL RECIPES (AND FLASH FICTION) FOR THE DISCERNING DRINKER (AND READER) (Skyhorse, Hardcover, $14.99) Sunday, October 15th at 3:00 pm
Kevin Hearne (A PLAGUE OF GIANTS), Chuck Wendig (DAMN FINE STORY: MASTERING THE TOOLS OF A POWERFUL NARRATIVE), Fran Wilde (HORIZON) Panel, Tuesday, October 17th at 6:00 pm
Hugh Howey, MACHINE LEARNING (John Joseph Adams, Hardcover, $28.00 and Trade Paperback $15.99) Thursday, October 19th at 6:00 pm
Writers With Drinks (at the Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco) with authors Natasha Dennerstein, Juba Kalamka, Meredith May, Alvin Orloff, and Daniel H. Wilson, Saturday September 9th at 6:30 pm
SF in SF (at the American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina, San Francisco) with authors Becca Gomez Farrell and Early Gregory, hosted by Terry Bisson, Sunday, September 10th at 6:30 pm
Max Gladstone, THE RUIN OF ANGELS (Tor.com, Trade Paperback, $24.99) Saturday, September 16th at 3:00 pm
IT: The Book, The Miniseries, The Movie Panel Discussion with Meg Elison, Marc Kate, Jeremy Lassen, and Chad Lott, Sunday, September 17th at 3:00 pm
Ferrett Steinmetz, THE UPLOADED (Angry Robot, Mass Market, $7.99) Saturday, September 23rd at 3:00 pm
Peter Clines, PARADOX BOUND (Crown, Hardcover, $26.00) Tuesday, September 26th at 6:00 pm
Mishell Baker, PHANTOM PAINS (Saga, Trade Paperback, $15.99) Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 pm
Ann Leckie, PROVENANCE (Orbit, Hardcover, $26.00) Friday, September 29th at 6:00 pm
Annalee Newitz, AUTONOMOUS (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) Saturday, September 30th at 3:00 pm
Loren Rhoads, 199 CEMETERIES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE (Black Dog & Leventhal, Hardcover, $27.99) Saturday, October 7th at 3:00 pm
Serena Valentino, MISTRESS OF ALL EVIL (Disney, Hardcover, $17.99) Saturday, October 7th at 6:00 pm
Litquake LitCrawl Phase 2 (Borderlands Books) with authors Sarah Gailey, Sarah Kuhn, Loren Rhoads, and Carter Scholz, Saturday, October 14th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Litquake LitCrawl Phase 3 (Borderlands Cafe) with authors Robyn Bennis, Dana Fredsti, Ayize Jama-Everett, and Ellen Klages, Saturday, October 14th from 8:00 - 9:00 pm
Editors Nick Mamatas and Molly Tanzer with guests Jim Nisbet, Tim Pratt, and Dominica Phetteplace, MIXED UP: COCKTAIL RECIPES (AND FLASH FICTION) FOR THE DISCERNING DRINKER (AND READER) (Skyhorse, Hardcover, $14.99) Sunday, October 15th at 3:00 pm
Kevin Hearne (A PLAGUE OF GIANTS), Chuck Wendig (DAMN FINE STORY: MASTERING THE TOOLS OF A POWERFUL NARRATIVE), Fran Wilde (HORIZON) Panel, Tuesday, October 17th at 6:00 pm
Hugh Howey, MACHINE LEARNING (John Joseph Adams, Hardcover, $28.00 and Trade Paperback $15.99) Thursday, October 19th at 6:00 pm
August Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore
2. Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory
3. The Delirium Brief by Charles Stross
4. Kill Society by Richard Kadrey
5. Shattered Minds by Laura Lam
6. Gork the Teenage Dragon by Gabe Hudson
7. The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey
8. Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
9. Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
10. Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilson
Trade Paperbacks
1. Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
2. All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
3. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
4. Lamb by Christopher Moore
5. Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
6. Noumenon by Marina J. Lostetter
7. Passing Strange by Ellen Klages
8. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
9. Dark Forest by Cixin Liu
10. Heroine Worship by Sarah Kuhn
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
2. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
3. Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
4. The Gunslinger by Stephen King
5. Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn
6. Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
7. Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
8. Night Without Stars by Peter F. Hamilton
9. Feedback by Mira Grant
10. United States of Japan by Peter Tieryas
1. The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore
2. Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory
3. The Delirium Brief by Charles Stross
4. Kill Society by Richard Kadrey
5. Shattered Minds by Laura Lam
6. Gork the Teenage Dragon by Gabe Hudson
7. The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey
8. Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
9. Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
10. Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilson
Trade Paperbacks
1. Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
2. All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
3. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
4. Lamb by Christopher Moore
5. Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
6. Noumenon by Marina J. Lostetter
7. Passing Strange by Ellen Klages
8. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
9. Dark Forest by Cixin Liu
10. Heroine Worship by Sarah Kuhn
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
2. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
3. Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
4. The Gunslinger by Stephen King
5. Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn
6. Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
7. Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
8. Night Without Stars by Peter F. Hamilton
9. Feedback by Mira Grant
10. United States of Japan by Peter Tieryas
September News
* One of our customers has a question, and we're hoping y'all can help! He says: "I'm looking for science fiction (novels, preferably) which use physics as their central premise. Best is nuts & bolts SF of the Campbell variety which explain physics concepts in a fictional context; Mission of Gravity would be a good example. These books will be posted on The Tech Challenge website <https://www.thetech.org/thetechchallenge>, included in our list of student resources. Fiction's a great gateway for kids who seemingly have no interest in science or engineering. Here's the challenge: we're not interested in astrophysics, nuclear physics, quantum physics or relativity. We're looking for books that touch on gravity or the laws of motion - pretty strictly Newtonian or classical. Our program's for 4-12 graders, so books appealing to any age group are fine. I'll scan everything for "inappropriate" content, so people can suggest anything and I'll just remove any later Heinlein or Pohl from the list." Do you have any suggestions that will help? Please email them to office@borderlands-books.com, and we'll pass them on!
* Frances Glessner Lee's "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death" will be on display at the Smithsonian! (Jude absolutely loves the book of the Nutshell Studies. . . you can check it out on her "Recommended" shelf.) https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dollhouse-death-scenes-are-being-refurbished-for-smithsonian-exhibit/2017/08/26/d7d6cec4-89be-11e7-961d-2f373b3977ee_story.html
* "How Great Science Fiction Works" -- a college-level course for science fiction fans from Gary K. Wolfe: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/reviews/how-great-science-fiction-works/
* Frances Glessner Lee's "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death" will be on display at the Smithsonian! (Jude absolutely loves the book of the Nutshell Studies. . . you can check it out on her "Recommended" shelf.) https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dollhouse-death-scenes-are-being-refurbished-for-smithsonian-exhibit/2017/08/26/d7d6cec4-89be-11e7-961d-2f373b3977ee_story.html
* "How Great Science Fiction Works" -- a college-level course for science fiction fans from Gary K. Wolfe: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/reviews/how-great-science-fiction-works/
August 08, 2017
Upcoming Events
Laura Lam, SHATTERED MINDS (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) on Sunday, August 20th at 3:00pm
Laura Blackwell, Rebecca Gomez Farrell, WINGS UNSEEN, and Megan E. O'Keefe on Sunday, August 27th at 3:00pm
Sarah Gailey, THE TASTE OF MARROW, and Seanan McGuire, THE BRIGHTEST FELL on Saturday, September 9th at 5:00pm
Max Gladstone, THE RUIN OF ANGELS on Saturday, September 16th at 3:00pm
IT: The Book, The Miniseries, and the Movie Panel Discussion on Sunday, September 17th at 3:00 pm
And, coming up in the Fall, we're happy to welcome Peter Clines, Kevin Hearne, Chuck Wendig, Fran Wilde, Ann Leckie, Annalee Newitz, Brandon Sanderson, and many, many others!
Laura Blackwell, Rebecca Gomez Farrell, WINGS UNSEEN, and Megan E. O'Keefe on Sunday, August 27th at 3:00pm
Sarah Gailey, THE TASTE OF MARROW, and Seanan McGuire, THE BRIGHTEST FELL on Saturday, September 9th at 5:00pm
Max Gladstone, THE RUIN OF ANGELS on Saturday, September 16th at 3:00pm
IT: The Book, The Miniseries, and the Movie Panel Discussion on Sunday, September 17th at 3:00 pm
And, coming up in the Fall, we're happy to welcome Peter Clines, Kevin Hearne, Chuck Wendig, Fran Wilde, Ann Leckie, Annalee Newitz, Brandon Sanderson, and many, many others!
July Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. THE DELIRIUM BRIEF by Charles Stross
2. THE WITCHWOOD CROWN by Tad Williams
3. THE RISE AND FALL OF D.O.D.O by Nicole Galland and Neal Stephenson
4. DOWN AMONG THE STICKS AND BONES by Seanan McGuire
5. ARABELLA AND THE BATTLE OF VENUS by David D. Levine
6. SPOONBENDERS by Daryl Gregory
7. NEW YORK 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
8. FATA MORGANA by Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney
9. KANGAROO TOO by Curtis C. Chen
10. MEDDLING KIDS by Edgar Cantero
Trade Paperbacks
1. SUMAGE SOLUTION by G.L. Carriger
2. THE PUNCH ESCROW by Tal M. Klein
3. ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders
4. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
5. HEROINE WORSHIP by Sarah Kuhn
6. RIVER OF TEETH by Sarah Gailey
7. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
8. TROPIC OF KANSAS by Christopher Brown
9. THE PREY OF GODS by Nicky Drayden
10. THE RAVEN STRATAGEM by Yoon Ha Lee
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. HEROINE COMPLEX by Sarah Kuhn
2. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
3. NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
4. RED MARS by Kim Stanley Robinson
5. AMERICAN GODS by Neil Gaiman
6. ARABELLA OF MARS by David D. Levine
7. AN OATH OF DOGS by Wendy Wagner
8. INVASIVE by Chuck Wendig
9. UNITED STATES OF JAPAN by Peter Tieryas
10. RISE by Mira Grant
1. THE DELIRIUM BRIEF by Charles Stross
2. THE WITCHWOOD CROWN by Tad Williams
3. THE RISE AND FALL OF D.O.D.O by Nicole Galland and Neal Stephenson
4. DOWN AMONG THE STICKS AND BONES by Seanan McGuire
5. ARABELLA AND THE BATTLE OF VENUS by David D. Levine
6. SPOONBENDERS by Daryl Gregory
7. NEW YORK 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
8. FATA MORGANA by Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney
9. KANGAROO TOO by Curtis C. Chen
10. MEDDLING KIDS by Edgar Cantero
Trade Paperbacks
1. SUMAGE SOLUTION by G.L. Carriger
2. THE PUNCH ESCROW by Tal M. Klein
3. ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders
4. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
5. HEROINE WORSHIP by Sarah Kuhn
6. RIVER OF TEETH by Sarah Gailey
7. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
8. TROPIC OF KANSAS by Christopher Brown
9. THE PREY OF GODS by Nicky Drayden
10. THE RAVEN STRATAGEM by Yoon Ha Lee
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. HEROINE COMPLEX by Sarah Kuhn
2. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
3. NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
4. RED MARS by Kim Stanley Robinson
5. AMERICAN GODS by Neil Gaiman
6. ARABELLA OF MARS by David D. Levine
7. AN OATH OF DOGS by Wendy Wagner
8. INVASIVE by Chuck Wendig
9. UNITED STATES OF JAPAN by Peter Tieryas
10. RISE by Mira Grant
July 17, 2017
Upcoming Events
David D. Levine, ARABELLA AND THE BATTLE OF VENUS (Tor Books, Hardcover, $25.99) on Saturday, July 22nd at 3:00pm
Christopher Brown, TROPIC OF KANSAS (Harper Voyager, Trade Paperback, $15.99), in conversation with Michael Blumlein on Sunday, July 23rd at 3:00pm
Tal Klein, THE PUNCH ESCROW (Geek & Sundry, Trade Paperback, $14.99) on Tuesday, July 25th at 6:30pm
Laura Lam, SHATTERED MINDS (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) on Sunday, August 20th at 3:00pm
And, coming up in the Fall, we're happy to welcome Max Gladstone, Seanan McGuire, Ann Leckie, Annalee Newitz, and many, many others!
Christopher Brown, TROPIC OF KANSAS (Harper Voyager, Trade Paperback, $15.99), in conversation with Michael Blumlein on Sunday, July 23rd at 3:00pm
Tal Klein, THE PUNCH ESCROW (Geek & Sundry, Trade Paperback, $14.99) on Tuesday, July 25th at 6:30pm
Laura Lam, SHATTERED MINDS (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) on Sunday, August 20th at 3:00pm
And, coming up in the Fall, we're happy to welcome Max Gladstone, Seanan McGuire, Ann Leckie, Annalee Newitz, and many, many others!
June Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. RISE AND FALL OF D.O.D.O by Nicole Galland and Neal Stephenson
2. THE KILL SOCIETY by Richard Kadrey
3. DOWN AMONG THE STICKS AND BONES by Seanan McGuire
4. THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE by John Scalzi
5. FATA MORGANA by Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney
6. SPOONBENDERS by Daryl Gregory
7. WALKAWAY by Cory Doctorow
8. CHASING SHADOWS edited by David Brin
9. THE BERLIN PROJECT by Gregory Benford
10. SOLERI by Michael Johnston
Trade Paperbacks
1. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans by Ken Liu
2. ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders
3. THE RAVEN STRATAGEM by Yoon Ha Lee
4. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
5. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
6. TOO LIKE THE LIGHTNING by Ada Palmer
7. WICKED WONDERS by Ellen Klages
8. PREY OF GODS by Nicky Drayden
9. I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER by Dan Wells
10. RIVER OF TEETH by Sarah Gailey
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
2. AMERICAN GODS by Neil Gaiman
3. RED MARS by Kim Stanley Robinson
4. LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS by Ursula K. Le Guin
5. OLD MAN’S WAR by John Scalzi
6. INVASIVE by Chuck Wendig
7. ESCAPOLOGY by Ren Warom
8. THE THOUSAND NAMES by Django Wexler
9. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
10. TO SAY NOTHING OF THE DOG by Connie Willis
1. RISE AND FALL OF D.O.D.O by Nicole Galland and Neal Stephenson
2. THE KILL SOCIETY by Richard Kadrey
3. DOWN AMONG THE STICKS AND BONES by Seanan McGuire
4. THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE by John Scalzi
5. FATA MORGANA by Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney
6. SPOONBENDERS by Daryl Gregory
7. WALKAWAY by Cory Doctorow
8. CHASING SHADOWS edited by David Brin
9. THE BERLIN PROJECT by Gregory Benford
10. SOLERI by Michael Johnston
Trade Paperbacks
1. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans by Ken Liu
2. ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders
3. THE RAVEN STRATAGEM by Yoon Ha Lee
4. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
5. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
6. TOO LIKE THE LIGHTNING by Ada Palmer
7. WICKED WONDERS by Ellen Klages
8. PREY OF GODS by Nicky Drayden
9. I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER by Dan Wells
10. RIVER OF TEETH by Sarah Gailey
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
2. AMERICAN GODS by Neil Gaiman
3. RED MARS by Kim Stanley Robinson
4. LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS by Ursula K. Le Guin
5. OLD MAN’S WAR by John Scalzi
6. INVASIVE by Chuck Wendig
7. ESCAPOLOGY by Ren Warom
8. THE THOUSAND NAMES by Django Wexler
9. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
10. TO SAY NOTHING OF THE DOG by Connie Willis
July News
* Overheard in the Store:
"My perspective is skewed... I thought Cormac McCarthy's THE ROAD was about a father & son taking a trip to the beach."
"[I thought], when the Universe gives you ice cream, you'd _better_ get a spoon."
"That's not so great, honey -- did your mom _really_ call you a 'buzz kill'?"
* We are so sad to hear that after 41 years, the legendary bookstore Dark Carnival in Berkeley will be closing soon. Please go by and buy a book or two or ten and give the store a grand send-off. http://www.berkeleyside.com/2017/06/12/41-years-berkeley-sci-fi-bookstore-dark-carnival-closing/
* AB228 (amendment to California's dreadful autograph law AB1570 -- see http://eurekabooksellers.com/california-just-made-it-harder-to-sell-your-signed-books-and-art/ for background on the law) still faces two more committees; however some positive changes have been made to the amendment. The language now includes "This bill would instead define 'autographed collectible' to mean an autographed sports or entertainment media item, as specified, sold or offered for sale in or from this state by a dealer to a consumer for $50 or more, bearing the actual signature of a person signed by that individual's own hand that increases the sale value of the item over that of a comparable item without the actual signature. The bill would exclude, among other items, works of fine art, signed books, furniture, and certain decorative objects, from the definition of an autographed collectible." Therefore, if the amendment is adopted, booksellers and others whom this law was never intended to include would _actually_ be excluded from it. The full text of the amendment can be found here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB228
* Are you into "Magic: The Gathering"? Want to play with other Borderlands customers and friendly, like-minded weirdos? Come hang out with the Bay Area Lady Planeswalker Society (informally known here as "Magic for Not-the-Usual-Suspects") at Borderlands Cafe, every first and third Saturday of the month, from 5 pm - 9 pm! They welcome fresh faces. However, since we've a private sponsor rental on Saturday, July 15th, the next "Magic: The Gathering"-Gathering will be Saturday, August 5th. We hope you'll attend!
"My perspective is skewed... I thought Cormac McCarthy's THE ROAD was about a father & son taking a trip to the beach."
"[I thought], when the Universe gives you ice cream, you'd _better_ get a spoon."
"That's not so great, honey -- did your mom _really_ call you a 'buzz kill'?"
* We are so sad to hear that after 41 years, the legendary bookstore Dark Carnival in Berkeley will be closing soon. Please go by and buy a book or two or ten and give the store a grand send-off. http://www.berkeleyside.com/2017/06/12/41-years-berkeley-sci-fi-bookstore-dark-carnival-closing/
* AB228 (amendment to California's dreadful autograph law AB1570 -- see http://eurekabooksellers.com/california-just-made-it-harder-to-sell-your-signed-books-and-art/ for background on the law) still faces two more committees; however some positive changes have been made to the amendment. The language now includes "This bill would instead define 'autographed collectible' to mean an autographed sports or entertainment media item, as specified, sold or offered for sale in or from this state by a dealer to a consumer for $50 or more, bearing the actual signature of a person signed by that individual's own hand that increases the sale value of the item over that of a comparable item without the actual signature. The bill would exclude, among other items, works of fine art, signed books, furniture, and certain decorative objects, from the definition of an autographed collectible." Therefore, if the amendment is adopted, booksellers and others whom this law was never intended to include would _actually_ be excluded from it. The full text of the amendment can be found here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB228
* Are you into "Magic: The Gathering"? Want to play with other Borderlands customers and friendly, like-minded weirdos? Come hang out with the Bay Area Lady Planeswalker Society (informally known here as "Magic for Not-the-Usual-Suspects") at Borderlands Cafe, every first and third Saturday of the month, from 5 pm - 9 pm! They welcome fresh faces. However, since we've a private sponsor rental on Saturday, July 15th, the next "Magic: The Gathering"-Gathering will be Saturday, August 5th. We hope you'll attend!
June 08, 2017
Upcoming Events
Carrie Patel, Adam Rakunas, and Tex Thompson Roundtable Discussion, "All Good Things. . .?" on Saturday, June 10th at 1:00pm
Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney, FATA MORGANA (Blackstone Publishing, Hardcover, $26.99) on Saturday, June 10th at 3:00pm
Writers With Drinks with authors Denise Benavides, Robyn Bennis, Christina DiEdoardo, Glen David Gold, and Mark Oshiro at the Make Out Room on Saturday, June 10th at 7:30pm
Richard Kadrey, THE KILL SOCIETY (Harper Voyager, Hardcover, $25.99) and Ellen Klages, WICKED WONDERS (Tachyon Publications, Trade Paperback, $15.95) on Sunday, June 11th at 3:00pm
Dan Wells, NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99; Trade Paperback, $14.99) on Sunday, June 11th at 5:00pm
SF in SF with authors Steve Boyett & Ken Mitchroney at The American Bookbinders Museum on Sunday, June 11th at 6:30pm
Michael Johnston, SOLERI (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99) on Tuesday, June 13th at 5:00pm
Daryl Gregory, SPOONBENDERS (Knopf, Hardcover, $26.95) on Wednesday, June 28th at 6:00pm
Tad Williams, THE WITCHWOOD CROWN (DAW, Hardcover, $30.00) on Saturday, July 1st at 3:00pm
S.B. Divya, RUNTIME (Tor.com Trade Paperback, $11.99) on Thursday, July 6th at 7:00pm
Dana Fredsti, SPAWN OF LILITH (Titan, Trade Paperback, $14.95) on Saturday, July 8th at 3:00pm
Sarah Kuhn, HEROINE WORSHIP (DAW, Trade Paperback, $15.00) on Sunday, July 9th at 3:00pm
SF in SF with authors Curtis Chen & Megan O'Keefe at The American Bookbinders Museum on Sunday, July 9th at 6:30pm
G.L. Carriger, THE SUMAGE SOLUTION on Saturday, July 15th at 3:00pm
Casey Karp, THE RAGTIME TRAVELER on Sunday, July 16th at 3:00 pm
David D. Levine, ARABELLA AND THE BATTLE OF VENUS on Saturday, July 22nd at 3:00pm
Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney, FATA MORGANA (Blackstone Publishing, Hardcover, $26.99) on Saturday, June 10th at 3:00pm
Writers With Drinks with authors Denise Benavides, Robyn Bennis, Christina DiEdoardo, Glen David Gold, and Mark Oshiro at the Make Out Room on Saturday, June 10th at 7:30pm
Richard Kadrey, THE KILL SOCIETY (Harper Voyager, Hardcover, $25.99) and Ellen Klages, WICKED WONDERS (Tachyon Publications, Trade Paperback, $15.95) on Sunday, June 11th at 3:00pm
Dan Wells, NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99; Trade Paperback, $14.99) on Sunday, June 11th at 5:00pm
SF in SF with authors Steve Boyett & Ken Mitchroney at The American Bookbinders Museum on Sunday, June 11th at 6:30pm
Michael Johnston, SOLERI (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99) on Tuesday, June 13th at 5:00pm
Daryl Gregory, SPOONBENDERS (Knopf, Hardcover, $26.95) on Wednesday, June 28th at 6:00pm
Tad Williams, THE WITCHWOOD CROWN (DAW, Hardcover, $30.00) on Saturday, July 1st at 3:00pm
S.B. Divya, RUNTIME (Tor.com Trade Paperback, $11.99) on Thursday, July 6th at 7:00pm
Dana Fredsti, SPAWN OF LILITH (Titan, Trade Paperback, $14.95) on Saturday, July 8th at 3:00pm
Sarah Kuhn, HEROINE WORSHIP (DAW, Trade Paperback, $15.00) on Sunday, July 9th at 3:00pm
SF in SF with authors Curtis Chen & Megan O'Keefe at The American Bookbinders Museum on Sunday, July 9th at 6:30pm
G.L. Carriger, THE SUMAGE SOLUTION on Saturday, July 15th at 3:00pm
Casey Karp, THE RAGTIME TRAVELER on Sunday, July 16th at 3:00 pm
David D. Levine, ARABELLA AND THE BATTLE OF VENUS on Saturday, July 22nd at 3:00pm
May Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. THE GUNS ABOVE by Robyn Bennis
2. NEW YORK 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
3. WALKAWAY by Cory Doctorow
4. THE BOY ON THE BRIDGE by M.R. Carey
5. THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE by John Scalzi
6. BORNE by Jeff VanderMeer
7. NORSE MYTHOLOGY by Neil Gaiman
8. WITHIN THE SANCTUARY OF WINGS by Marie Brennan
9. IN CALABRIA by Peter S. Beagle
10. THE DISPATCHER by John Scalzi
Trade Paperbacks
1. RIVER OF TEETH by Sarah Gailey
2. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
3. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
4. ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders
5. WICKED WONDERS by Ellen Klages
6. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
7. TOO LIKE THE LIGHTNING by Ada Palmer
8. A CLOSED AND COMMON ORBIT by Becky Chambers
9. STILETTO by Daniel O’Malley
10. THE SHADOW OF WHAT WAS LOST by James Islington
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. INHERIT THE FLAME by Megan E. O’Keefe
2. NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
3. WISE MAN'S FEAR by Patrick Rothfuss
4. RED MARS by Kim Stanley Robinson
5. TO SAY NOTHING OF THE DOG by Connie Willis
6. LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS by Ursula K. LeGuin
7. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
8. BLOOD IN THE WATER by Taylor Anderson
9. DUNE by Frank Herbert
10. MAGIC FOR NOTHING by Seanan McGuire
1. THE GUNS ABOVE by Robyn Bennis
2. NEW YORK 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
3. WALKAWAY by Cory Doctorow
4. THE BOY ON THE BRIDGE by M.R. Carey
5. THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE by John Scalzi
6. BORNE by Jeff VanderMeer
7. NORSE MYTHOLOGY by Neil Gaiman
8. WITHIN THE SANCTUARY OF WINGS by Marie Brennan
9. IN CALABRIA by Peter S. Beagle
10. THE DISPATCHER by John Scalzi
Trade Paperbacks
1. RIVER OF TEETH by Sarah Gailey
2. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
3. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
4. ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders
5. WICKED WONDERS by Ellen Klages
6. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
7. TOO LIKE THE LIGHTNING by Ada Palmer
8. A CLOSED AND COMMON ORBIT by Becky Chambers
9. STILETTO by Daniel O’Malley
10. THE SHADOW OF WHAT WAS LOST by James Islington
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. INHERIT THE FLAME by Megan E. O’Keefe
2. NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
3. WISE MAN'S FEAR by Patrick Rothfuss
4. RED MARS by Kim Stanley Robinson
5. TO SAY NOTHING OF THE DOG by Connie Willis
6. LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS by Ursula K. LeGuin
7. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
8. BLOOD IN THE WATER by Taylor Anderson
9. DUNE by Frank Herbert
10. MAGIC FOR NOTHING by Seanan McGuire
June News
*Overheard in the Store:
"Q: ‘Why are you laughing?'
A: 'I never thought I'd ever need to put 'grab squishy hippos' on my to-do list.'"
"Thanks [for the Mothers' Day wishes], but the cats are NOT my children. They're just utterly adorable parasites I let live with me."
* R.I.P. multi-genre author Marie Jakober, a former activist who won multiple awards for her novels. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/calgaryherald/obituary.aspx?pid=184775056
* Bustle provides us with 9 science fiction books about space travel so we can pretend we're no longer on earth! https://www.bustle.com/p/9-new-science-fiction-books-about-space-travel-that-are-out-of-this-world-59652
* This list of the 15 Best SF/F Noir Films has taught us two things: we have some films to watch, and SOMEONE needs to take up the mantle for Fantasy Noir, 'cause it definitely needs a champion: http://io9.gizmodo.com/the-15-best-science-fiction-and-fantasy-noir-films-1795109834
* Redfin mapped out the future of certain cities according to SF films, and it makes for a horrifyingly interesting next few centuries! https://www.themarysue.com/science-fiction-future-cities/
"Q: ‘Why are you laughing?'
A: 'I never thought I'd ever need to put 'grab squishy hippos' on my to-do list.'"
"Thanks [for the Mothers' Day wishes], but the cats are NOT my children. They're just utterly adorable parasites I let live with me."
* R.I.P. multi-genre author Marie Jakober, a former activist who won multiple awards for her novels. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/calgaryherald/obituary.aspx?pid=184775056
* Bustle provides us with 9 science fiction books about space travel so we can pretend we're no longer on earth! https://www.bustle.com/p/9-new-science-fiction-books-about-space-travel-that-are-out-of-this-world-59652
* This list of the 15 Best SF/F Noir Films has taught us two things: we have some films to watch, and SOMEONE needs to take up the mantle for Fantasy Noir, 'cause it definitely needs a champion: http://io9.gizmodo.com/the-15-best-science-fiction-and-fantasy-noir-films-1795109834
* Redfin mapped out the future of certain cities according to SF films, and it makes for a horrifyingly interesting next few centuries! https://www.themarysue.com/science-fiction-future-cities/
May 09, 2017
Upcoming Events
Sarah Gailey, RIVER OF TEETH (Tor.com, Trade Paperback, $14.99) on Friday, May 19th at 6:00pm
David Brin, THE INSISTENCE OF VISION (Story Plant, Trade Paperback, $13.95) on Friday, June 2nd at 6:00pm
Gregory Benford, THE BERLIN PROJECT (Saga Press, Hardcover, $26.99) on Sunday, June 4th at 5:00pm
Carrie Patel, Adam Rakunas, and Tex Thompson Roundtable Discussion, "All Good Things. . .?" on Saturday, June 10th at 1:00pm
Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney, FATA MORGANA (Blackstone Publishing, Hardcover, $26.99) on Saturday, June 10th at 3:00pm
Richard Kadrey, THE KILL SOCIETY (Harper Voyager, Hardcover, $25.99) and Ellen Klages, WICKED WONDERS (Tachyon Publications, Trade Paperback, $15.95) on Sunday, June 11th at 3:00pm
Dan Wells, NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99; Trade Paperback, $14.99), and screening of "I Am Not a Serial Killer," on Sunday, June 11th at 5:00pm
SF in SF with authors Steve Boyett & Ken Mitchroney at The American Bookbinders Museum (355 Clementina, San Francisco) on Sunday, June 11th at 6:30pm
Michael Johnston, SOLERI (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99) on Tuesday, June 13th at 6:00pm
Daryl Gregory, SPOONBENDERS (Knopf, Hardcover, $26.95) on Wednesday, June 28th at 6:00pm
Tad Williams, THE WITCHWOOD CROWN (DAW, Hardcover, $30.00) on Saturday, July 1st at 3:00pm
Dana Fredsti, SPAWN OF LILITH (Titan, Mass Market, $7.99) on Saturday, July 8th at 3:00pm
Sarah Kuhn, HEROINE WORSHIP (DAW, Trade Paperback, $15.00) on Sunday, July 9th at 3:00pm
David Brin, THE INSISTENCE OF VISION (Story Plant, Trade Paperback, $13.95) on Friday, June 2nd at 6:00pm
Gregory Benford, THE BERLIN PROJECT (Saga Press, Hardcover, $26.99) on Sunday, June 4th at 5:00pm
Carrie Patel, Adam Rakunas, and Tex Thompson Roundtable Discussion, "All Good Things. . .?" on Saturday, June 10th at 1:00pm
Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney, FATA MORGANA (Blackstone Publishing, Hardcover, $26.99) on Saturday, June 10th at 3:00pm
Richard Kadrey, THE KILL SOCIETY (Harper Voyager, Hardcover, $25.99) and Ellen Klages, WICKED WONDERS (Tachyon Publications, Trade Paperback, $15.95) on Sunday, June 11th at 3:00pm
Dan Wells, NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99; Trade Paperback, $14.99), and screening of "I Am Not a Serial Killer," on Sunday, June 11th at 5:00pm
SF in SF with authors Steve Boyett & Ken Mitchroney at The American Bookbinders Museum (355 Clementina, San Francisco) on Sunday, June 11th at 6:30pm
Michael Johnston, SOLERI (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99) on Tuesday, June 13th at 6:00pm
Daryl Gregory, SPOONBENDERS (Knopf, Hardcover, $26.95) on Wednesday, June 28th at 6:00pm
Tad Williams, THE WITCHWOOD CROWN (DAW, Hardcover, $30.00) on Saturday, July 1st at 3:00pm
Dana Fredsti, SPAWN OF LILITH (Titan, Mass Market, $7.99) on Saturday, July 8th at 3:00pm
Sarah Kuhn, HEROINE WORSHIP (DAW, Trade Paperback, $15.00) on Sunday, July 9th at 3:00pm
April Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE by John Scalzi
2. WALKAWAY by Cory Doctorow
3. WITHIN THE SANCTUARY OF WINGS by Marie Brennan
4. NORSE MYTHOLOGY by Neil Gaiman
5. NEW YORK 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
6. SEVEN SURRENDERS by Ada Palmer
7. 1636: MISSION TO THE MUGHALS by Eric Flint & Griffin Barber
8. BORNE by Jeff VanderMeer
9. IN CALABRIA by Peter S. Beagle
10. THE WRONG DEAD GUY by Richard Kadrey
Trade Paperbacks
1. NINEFOX GAMBIT by Yoon Ha Lee
2. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
3. A CLOSED AND COMMON ORBIT by Becky Chambers
4. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
5. ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders
6. THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY by Genevieve Cogman
7. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
8. THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES by Ken Liu
9. FELLSIDE by M.R. Carey
10. TOO LIKE THE LIGHTNING by Ada Palmer
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
2. OLD MAN'S WAR by John Scalzi
3. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
4. THE HANGING TREE by Ben Aaronovitch
5. RED MARS by Kim Stanley Robinson
6. BOUND by Benedict Jacka
7. MAGIC FOR NOTHING by Seanan McGuire
8. PIRATE FREEDOM by Gene Wolfe
9. IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE by Sinclair Lewis
10. IT by Stephen King
1. THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE by John Scalzi
2. WALKAWAY by Cory Doctorow
3. WITHIN THE SANCTUARY OF WINGS by Marie Brennan
4. NORSE MYTHOLOGY by Neil Gaiman
5. NEW YORK 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
6. SEVEN SURRENDERS by Ada Palmer
7. 1636: MISSION TO THE MUGHALS by Eric Flint & Griffin Barber
8. BORNE by Jeff VanderMeer
9. IN CALABRIA by Peter S. Beagle
10. THE WRONG DEAD GUY by Richard Kadrey
Trade Paperbacks
1. NINEFOX GAMBIT by Yoon Ha Lee
2. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
3. A CLOSED AND COMMON ORBIT by Becky Chambers
4. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
5. ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders
6. THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY by Genevieve Cogman
7. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
8. THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES by Ken Liu
9. FELLSIDE by M.R. Carey
10. TOO LIKE THE LIGHTNING by Ada Palmer
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
2. OLD MAN'S WAR by John Scalzi
3. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
4. THE HANGING TREE by Ben Aaronovitch
5. RED MARS by Kim Stanley Robinson
6. BOUND by Benedict Jacka
7. MAGIC FOR NOTHING by Seanan McGuire
8. PIRATE FREEDOM by Gene Wolfe
9. IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE by Sinclair Lewis
10. IT by Stephen King
May News
* Overheard in the Store:
"Dude, my truck was totally covered in cherry blossoms this morning, so I was like Giant Robot Mecha Flower Man driving to work!"
"I'm sorry, my co-worker is sometimes prone to responding in interpretive dance; it can be . . . distracting."
* Borderlands Books mourns the loss of author, editor, and longtime friend Grania Davis. http://www.locusmag.com/News/2017/05/grania-davis-1943-2017/ . You can see a photo of Grania with Jack Vance at Borderlands from 2005 here: http://tachyonpub.tumblr.com/post/147604822108/happy-belated-birthday-to-the-amazing-grania-davis
* Would you like to see our own bookseller Scott in a whole new light? Scott's acting in an uproarious comedy at New Conservatory Theatre, called "Sordid Lives"! We do hope you'll make time to attend the show; it runs from May 12th - June 11th, 2017. Tickets range from $20 - $35, and more details are here: http://www.nctcsf.org/shows/2016-17-Season/Sordid-Lives .
* Has it been nine years since TWILIGHT author Stephanie Meyer wrote her science fiction novel "for people who don’t like sci-fi" THE HOST already? Wow, time flies when you try to deliberately forget something. If we have to remember, so do you. A look back - http://io9.gizmodo.com/remembering-the-host-a-scifi-book-that-barely-wanted-t-1794986069
"Dude, my truck was totally covered in cherry blossoms this morning, so I was like Giant Robot Mecha Flower Man driving to work!"
"I'm sorry, my co-worker is sometimes prone to responding in interpretive dance; it can be . . . distracting."
* Borderlands Books mourns the loss of author, editor, and longtime friend Grania Davis. http://www.locusmag.com/News/2017/05/grania-davis-1943-2017/ . You can see a photo of Grania with Jack Vance at Borderlands from 2005 here: http://tachyonpub.tumblr.com/post/147604822108/happy-belated-birthday-to-the-amazing-grania-davis
* Would you like to see our own bookseller Scott in a whole new light? Scott's acting in an uproarious comedy at New Conservatory Theatre, called "Sordid Lives"! We do hope you'll make time to attend the show; it runs from May 12th - June 11th, 2017. Tickets range from $20 - $35, and more details are here: http://www.nctcsf.org/shows/2016-17-Season/Sordid-Lives .
* Has it been nine years since TWILIGHT author Stephanie Meyer wrote her science fiction novel "for people who don’t like sci-fi" THE HOST already? Wow, time flies when you try to deliberately forget something. If we have to remember, so do you. A look back - http://io9.gizmodo.com/remembering-the-host-a-scifi-book-that-barely-wanted-t-1794986069
April 10, 2017
Upcoming Events
Yoon Ha Lee, NINEFOX GAMBIT (Solaris, Trade Paperback, $9.99) on Saturday, April 15th at 3:00pm
SF in SF with authors Jewelle Gomez, Pat Murphy, and Madeleine Robins at The American Bookbinders Museum on Sunday, April 23rd at 6:30pm
Cory Doctorow, WALKAWAY (Tor Books, Hardcover, $26.99) and John Scalzi, THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE, (Tor Books, Hardcover, $25.99) on Thursday, April 27th at 6:00pm
Marie Brennan, WITHIN THE SANCTUARY OF WINGS (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99) on Saturday, April 29th at 3:00pm
Airships Triumph event with Robyn Bennis, THE GUNS ABOVE (Tor Books, Hardcover, $25.99) and Megan E. O'Keefe, INHERIT THE FLAME (Angry Robot, Mass Market, $7.19) on Saturday, May 6th at 3:00pm
SF in SF with authors Robyn Bennis, Ellen Klages, and David Levine at The American Bookbinders Museum on Sunday, May 7th at 6:30pm
Sarah Gailey, RIVER OF TEETH (Tor.Com, Trade Paperback, $14.99) on Friday, May 19th at 6:00pm
Coming up shortly, events with Richard Kadrey, Sarah Kuhn, Daryl Gregory, and many others!
SF in SF with authors Jewelle Gomez, Pat Murphy, and Madeleine Robins at The American Bookbinders Museum on Sunday, April 23rd at 6:30pm
Cory Doctorow, WALKAWAY (Tor Books, Hardcover, $26.99) and John Scalzi, THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE, (Tor Books, Hardcover, $25.99) on Thursday, April 27th at 6:00pm
Marie Brennan, WITHIN THE SANCTUARY OF WINGS (Tor Books, Hardcover, $27.99) on Saturday, April 29th at 3:00pm
Airships Triumph event with Robyn Bennis, THE GUNS ABOVE (Tor Books, Hardcover, $25.99) and Megan E. O'Keefe, INHERIT THE FLAME (Angry Robot, Mass Market, $7.19) on Saturday, May 6th at 3:00pm
SF in SF with authors Robyn Bennis, Ellen Klages, and David Levine at The American Bookbinders Museum on Sunday, May 7th at 6:30pm
Sarah Gailey, RIVER OF TEETH (Tor.Com, Trade Paperback, $14.99) on Friday, May 19th at 6:00pm
Coming up shortly, events with Richard Kadrey, Sarah Kuhn, Daryl Gregory, and many others!
March Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. NORSE MYTHOLOGY by Neil Gaiman
2. NEW YORK 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
3. THE SKILL OF OUR HANDS by Steven Brust and Skyler White
4. THE WRONG DEAD GUY by Richard Kadrey
5. IN CALABRIA by Peter S. Beagle
6. RUSTY PUPPY by Joe R. Landsdale
7. SEVEN SURRENDERS by Ada Palmer
8. THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE by John Scalzi
9. INFINITY ENGINE by Neal Asher
10. THE EVIL WIZARD SMALLBONE by Delia Sherman
Trade Paperbacks
1. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
2. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
3. PHANTOM PAINS by Mishell Baker
4. DUSK OR DARK OR DAWN OR DAY by Seanan McGuire
5. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
6. A CLOSED AND COMMON ORBIT by Becky Chambers
7. THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES by Ken Liu
8. STORIES OF YOUR LIFE AND OTHERS by Ted Chiang
9. FELLSIDE by M.R. Carey
10. THE ERSTWHILE by B. Catling
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. MAGIC FOR NOTHING by Seanan McGuire
2. THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
3. THE HANGING TREE by Ben Aaronovitch
4. IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE by Sinclair Lewis
5. ONCE BROKEN FAITH by Seanan McGuire
6. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
7. THE ISLANDERS by Christopher Priest
8. DAY FOUR by Sarah Lotz
9. HUNGER MAKES THE WOLF by Alex Wells
10. END OF WATCH by Stephen King
1. NORSE MYTHOLOGY by Neil Gaiman
2. NEW YORK 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson
3. THE SKILL OF OUR HANDS by Steven Brust and Skyler White
4. THE WRONG DEAD GUY by Richard Kadrey
5. IN CALABRIA by Peter S. Beagle
6. RUSTY PUPPY by Joe R. Landsdale
7. SEVEN SURRENDERS by Ada Palmer
8. THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE by John Scalzi
9. INFINITY ENGINE by Neal Asher
10. THE EVIL WIZARD SMALLBONE by Delia Sherman
Trade Paperbacks
1. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
2. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
3. PHANTOM PAINS by Mishell Baker
4. DUSK OR DARK OR DAWN OR DAY by Seanan McGuire
5. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
6. A CLOSED AND COMMON ORBIT by Becky Chambers
7. THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES by Ken Liu
8. STORIES OF YOUR LIFE AND OTHERS by Ted Chiang
9. FELLSIDE by M.R. Carey
10. THE ERSTWHILE by B. Catling
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. MAGIC FOR NOTHING by Seanan McGuire
2. THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
3. THE HANGING TREE by Ben Aaronovitch
4. IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE by Sinclair Lewis
5. ONCE BROKEN FAITH by Seanan McGuire
6. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
7. THE ISLANDERS by Christopher Priest
8. DAY FOUR by Sarah Lotz
9. HUNGER MAKES THE WOLF by Alex Wells
10. END OF WATCH by Stephen King
April News
* Overheard in the Store:
"The Mayo Clinic? I just couldn't trust any clinic named after a condiment."
"No, please --- go ahead and shoutsplain Purim to the room. Sexy."
* The Editor-in-Chief of Strange Horizons has stepped down and will be staying on as a consulting editor. http://strangehorizons.com/non-fiction/azimuth/editorials/moving-on/
* Astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgrenhas been chosen as Toastmaster for this year's Nebulas. http://www.locusmag.com/News/2017/03/dr-lindgren-named-nebula-awards-toastmaster/
* The SFPA has voted to change their name from Science Fiction Poetry Association to Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association, while keeping their acronym the same. Voter breakdown here: https://specpo.wordpress.com/2017/03/21/sfpa-gets-a-new-name/
* Borderlands is saddened by the passing of Bernie Wrightson. The television show "The Walking Dead" dedicated their series finale to his memory. http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-walking-dead/news/a825139/walking-dead-finale-season-7-dedicated-bernie-wrightson/
"The Mayo Clinic? I just couldn't trust any clinic named after a condiment."
"No, please --- go ahead and shoutsplain Purim to the room. Sexy."
* The Editor-in-Chief of Strange Horizons has stepped down and will be staying on as a consulting editor. http://strangehorizons.com/non-fiction/azimuth/editorials/moving-on/
* Astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgrenhas been chosen as Toastmaster for this year's Nebulas. http://www.locusmag.com/News/2017/03/dr-lindgren-named-nebula-awards-toastmaster/
* The SFPA has voted to change their name from Science Fiction Poetry Association to Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association, while keeping their acronym the same. Voter breakdown here: https://specpo.wordpress.com/2017/03/21/sfpa-gets-a-new-name/
* Borderlands is saddened by the passing of Bernie Wrightson. The television show "The Walking Dead" dedicated their series finale to his memory. http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-walking-dead/news/a825139/walking-dead-finale-season-7-dedicated-bernie-wrightson/
March 06, 2017
Upcoming Events
Coffee With a Cop at Borderlands Cafe, Wednesday, March 8th at 6:30pm
Kim Stanley Robinson, NEW YORK 2140 (Orbit, Hardcover, $28) on Wednesday, March 15th at 6:00pm
Erika Lewis, GAME OF SHADOWS (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) and Veronica Rossi, RIDERS (Tor Teen, Hardcover, $17.99) on Saturday, March 18th at 1:00pm
Richard Kadrey, THE WRONG DEAD GUY (Harper Voyager, Hardcover, $24.99) on Saturday, March 18th at 3:00pm
SF in SF with author Peter S. Beagle at the American Bookbinders Museum (355 Clementina) on Saturday, March 18th at 6:30pm
Steven Brust and Skylar White, THE SKILL OF OUR HANDS (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) on Sunday, March 19th at 3:00pm
Mishell Baker PHANTOM PAINS (Saga Press, Hardcover, $29.99; Trade Paperback, $15.99) and Seanan McGuire, MAGIC FOR NOTHING (DAW, Mass Market, $7.99) & the Circus! on Saturday, March 25th at 5:00pm
Drop-by signing with Ilana C. Myer, LAST SONG BEFORE NIGHT (Tor, Hardcover, $26.99) on Thursday, April 6th at 6:00pm
Griffin Barber, 1636: MISSION TO THE MUGHALS (Baen, Hardcover, $25.00) on Saturday, April 8th at 3:00pm
Writers With Drinks at the Make Out Room (3225 22nd St) with authors Peter S. Beagle, Hari Kunzru, Ilana C. Myer and Shelley Wong on Saturday, April 8th at 7:30pm
Yoon Ha Lee, NINEFOX GAMBIT (Solaris, Trade Paperback, $9.99) on Saturday, April 15th at 3:00pm
And coming up in the Spring, we'll be delighted to host Cory Doctorow and John Scalzi, Marie Brennan, and many, many others!
Kim Stanley Robinson, NEW YORK 2140 (Orbit, Hardcover, $28) on Wednesday, March 15th at 6:00pm
Erika Lewis, GAME OF SHADOWS (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) and Veronica Rossi, RIDERS (Tor Teen, Hardcover, $17.99) on Saturday, March 18th at 1:00pm
Richard Kadrey, THE WRONG DEAD GUY (Harper Voyager, Hardcover, $24.99) on Saturday, March 18th at 3:00pm
SF in SF with author Peter S. Beagle at the American Bookbinders Museum (355 Clementina) on Saturday, March 18th at 6:30pm
Steven Brust and Skylar White, THE SKILL OF OUR HANDS (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) on Sunday, March 19th at 3:00pm
Mishell Baker PHANTOM PAINS (Saga Press, Hardcover, $29.99; Trade Paperback, $15.99) and Seanan McGuire, MAGIC FOR NOTHING (DAW, Mass Market, $7.99) & the Circus! on Saturday, March 25th at 5:00pm
Drop-by signing with Ilana C. Myer, LAST SONG BEFORE NIGHT (Tor, Hardcover, $26.99) on Thursday, April 6th at 6:00pm
Griffin Barber, 1636: MISSION TO THE MUGHALS (Baen, Hardcover, $25.00) on Saturday, April 8th at 3:00pm
Writers With Drinks at the Make Out Room (3225 22nd St) with authors Peter S. Beagle, Hari Kunzru, Ilana C. Myer and Shelley Wong on Saturday, April 8th at 7:30pm
Yoon Ha Lee, NINEFOX GAMBIT (Solaris, Trade Paperback, $9.99) on Saturday, April 15th at 3:00pm
And coming up in the Spring, we'll be delighted to host Cory Doctorow and John Scalzi, Marie Brennan, and many, many others!
February Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. NORSE MYTHOLOGY by Neil Gaiman
2. IN CALABRIA by Peter S. Beagle
3. INVISIBLE PLANETS edited by Ken Liu
4. A CONJURING OF LIGHT by V.E. Schwab
5. THE STARS ARE LEGION by Kameron Hurley
6. KINDRED: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL by Octavia Butler and John Jennings
7. PIRATE UTOPIA by Bruce Sterling
8. UNIVERSAL HARVESTER by John Darnielle
9. MIRANDA AND CALIBAN by Jacqueline Carey
10. CHASING SHADOWS: VISIONS OF OUR COMING TRANSPARENT WORLD by David Brin
Trade Paperbacks
1. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
2. THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES by Ken Liu
3. STORIES OF YOUR LIFE AND OTHERS by Ted Chiang
4. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
5. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
6. BINTI: HOME by Nnedi Okorafor
7. THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY by Genevieve Cogman
8. WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE by Joseph Fink
9. DUSK OR DARK OR DAWN OR DAY by Seanan McGuire
10. THE BOOK OF ETTA by Meg Elison
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. THE HANGING TREE by Ben Aaronovitch
2. THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
3. AURORA by Kim Stanley Robinson
4. THE DISPOSSESSED by Ursula K. Le Guin
5. IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE by Sinclair Lewis
6. FIRE TOUCHED by Patricia Briggs
7. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
8. KUSHIEL'S DART by Jacqueline Carey
9. SHADOWS OF SELF by Brandon Sanderson
10. THE SEVERED STREETS by Paul Cornell
1. NORSE MYTHOLOGY by Neil Gaiman
2. IN CALABRIA by Peter S. Beagle
3. INVISIBLE PLANETS edited by Ken Liu
4. A CONJURING OF LIGHT by V.E. Schwab
5. THE STARS ARE LEGION by Kameron Hurley
6. KINDRED: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL by Octavia Butler and John Jennings
7. PIRATE UTOPIA by Bruce Sterling
8. UNIVERSAL HARVESTER by John Darnielle
9. MIRANDA AND CALIBAN by Jacqueline Carey
10. CHASING SHADOWS: VISIONS OF OUR COMING TRANSPARENT WORLD by David Brin
Trade Paperbacks
1. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, trans. by Ken Liu
2. THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES by Ken Liu
3. STORIES OF YOUR LIFE AND OTHERS by Ted Chiang
4. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
5. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
6. BINTI: HOME by Nnedi Okorafor
7. THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY by Genevieve Cogman
8. WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE by Joseph Fink
9. DUSK OR DARK OR DAWN OR DAY by Seanan McGuire
10. THE BOOK OF ETTA by Meg Elison
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. THE HANGING TREE by Ben Aaronovitch
2. THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
3. AURORA by Kim Stanley Robinson
4. THE DISPOSSESSED by Ursula K. Le Guin
5. IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE by Sinclair Lewis
6. FIRE TOUCHED by Patricia Briggs
7. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
8. KUSHIEL'S DART by Jacqueline Carey
9. SHADOWS OF SELF by Brandon Sanderson
10. THE SEVERED STREETS by Paul Cornell
March News
* Overheard in the Store:
"I think I've been looking at too many catalogs. I just read 'The Four Tendencies' as 'The Four Tentacles'."
"[Actor] Jim Carrey is a skin suit filled to the brim with sentient weasels."
"I have the VERY best conversations about alcohol here!"
"There are lots worse curses to have, but she writes them SO SLOWLY, and I read them SO FAST!"
"It was not a consensual sing-along."
* If you love cats and "Star Trek", then this is the book for you . . . or it will kill your soul. Either way it's worth a look! http://nerdist.com/star-treks-original-crew-recast-as-cats-in-new-illustrated-book/
* Cory Doctorow's novel LITTLE BROTHER was pulled from a Florida high school reading list "following . . . concerns from the school's principal over its questioning of authority and its 'lauding' of hacker culture." Cory and his publisher, Tor, responded in the best way possible: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jun/10/cory-doctorow-novel-pulled-school-reading-questioning-authority
* Ursula K. LeGuin and Junot Diaz were among the authors recently voted into the prestigious American Academy of Arts & Letters. http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Ursula-K-Le-Guin-Ann-Patchett-voted-into-arts-10962614.php
* Philip Pullman announces new trilogy with ties to the His Dark Materials trilogy. Lyra will return in the first and second volumes of this new trilogy, entitled The Book of Dust. First Lyra will appear as a baby in the first book and then in the second one, ten years after the conclusion of His Dark Materials. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/feb/15/philip-pullman-unveils-epic-fantasy-trilogy-the-book-of-dust
"I think I've been looking at too many catalogs. I just read 'The Four Tendencies' as 'The Four Tentacles'."
"[Actor] Jim Carrey is a skin suit filled to the brim with sentient weasels."
"I have the VERY best conversations about alcohol here!"
"There are lots worse curses to have, but she writes them SO SLOWLY, and I read them SO FAST!"
"It was not a consensual sing-along."
* If you love cats and "Star Trek", then this is the book for you . . . or it will kill your soul. Either way it's worth a look! http://nerdist.com/star-treks-original-crew-recast-as-cats-in-new-illustrated-book/
* Cory Doctorow's novel LITTLE BROTHER was pulled from a Florida high school reading list "following . . . concerns from the school's principal over its questioning of authority and its 'lauding' of hacker culture." Cory and his publisher, Tor, responded in the best way possible: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jun/10/cory-doctorow-novel-pulled-school-reading-questioning-authority
* Ursula K. LeGuin and Junot Diaz were among the authors recently voted into the prestigious American Academy of Arts & Letters. http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Ursula-K-Le-Guin-Ann-Patchett-voted-into-arts-10962614.php
* Philip Pullman announces new trilogy with ties to the His Dark Materials trilogy. Lyra will return in the first and second volumes of this new trilogy, entitled The Book of Dust. First Lyra will appear as a baby in the first book and then in the second one, ten years after the conclusion of His Dark Materials. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/feb/15/philip-pullman-unveils-epic-fantasy-trilogy-the-book-of-dust
February 04, 2017
Sponsorship Success (and other news)
by Alan Beatts
Once again, we've made our minimum goal for sponsors. So, we'll be staying open throughout 2017. If you're not familiar with our Sponsorship Program and how it is critical for the continued operation of Borderlands Books, you can find information about it here - http://borderlands-sponsors.blogspot.com/p/why-sponsorships.html .
I want to personally thank all our 2017 sponsors for allowing us to continue to do what we love -- run a fine shop and put great books in the hands of readers. If you're not a sponsor or if you haven't renewed your sponsorship yet, you're welcome to do so anytime this year. There are some nice benefits <http://borderlands-sponsors.blogspot.com/p/sponsor-benefits-and-privilidges.html> to being a sponsor and, each sponsor who supports us over the minimum gets us one step closer to our long-term goal of buying a building before our current lease expires in 2021. You can sign up on-line <https://borderlands-books.com/buysponsorship17.html>, in person at the store, by phone with a credit card (toll free 888 893-4008), or with a check by physical mail. We sincerely appreciate everyone's support.
That said, I'm going to jump to a mostly unrelated topic.
Once again, we've made our minimum goal for sponsors. So, we'll be staying open throughout 2017. If you're not familiar with our Sponsorship Program and how it is critical for the continued operation of Borderlands Books, you can find information about it here - http://borderlands-sponsors.blogspot.com/p/why-sponsorships.html .
I want to personally thank all our 2017 sponsors for allowing us to continue to do what we love -- run a fine shop and put great books in the hands of readers. If you're not a sponsor or if you haven't renewed your sponsorship yet, you're welcome to do so anytime this year. There are some nice benefits <http://borderlands-sponsors.blogspot.com/p/sponsor-benefits-and-privilidges.html> to being a sponsor and, each sponsor who supports us over the minimum gets us one step closer to our long-term goal of buying a building before our current lease expires in 2021. You can sign up on-line <https://borderlands-books.com/buysponsorship17.html>, in person at the store, by phone with a credit card (toll free 888 893-4008), or with a check by physical mail. We sincerely appreciate everyone's support.
That said, I'm going to jump to a mostly unrelated topic.
Upcoming Events
Women in Horror event with Rena Mason, Lisa Morton, & Loren Rhoads on Sunday, February 5th at 3:00pm
Coffee with a Cop at Borderlands on Tuesday, February 7th at 9:00am
GENUS LOCI: TALES OF THE SPIRIT OF PLACE (Ragnarok Publications, Trade Paperback, $18.95) event with Jason Daniel Batt, Chaz Brenchley, Sunil Patel, Vivienne Pustell, z.m. quynh, and Carrie Ratajski on Saturday, February 18th at 2:00pm
Meg Pontecorvo, MURDER IN THE GENERATIVE KITCHEN (World Weaver Press, Mass Market, $9.99) on Sunday, February 19th at 2:00pm
Meg Elison, THE BOOK OF ETTA (47North, Trade Paperback, $14.95) on Saturday, February 25th at 3:00pm
Joe Lansdale, RUSTY PUPPY (Mulholland Books, Hardcover, $26) on Saturday, March 4th at 2:00pm
Erika Lewis, GAME OF SHADOWS (Tor Books, Hardcover, $25.99) and Veronica Rossi, SEEKER (Tor Teen, Hardcover, $17.99) on Saturday, March 18th at 1:00pm
Richard Kadrey, THE WRONG DEAD GUY (Harper Voyager, Hardcover, $24.99) on Saturday, March 18th at 3:00pm
Coffee with a Cop at Borderlands on Tuesday, February 7th at 9:00am
GENUS LOCI: TALES OF THE SPIRIT OF PLACE (Ragnarok Publications, Trade Paperback, $18.95) event with Jason Daniel Batt, Chaz Brenchley, Sunil Patel, Vivienne Pustell, z.m. quynh, and Carrie Ratajski on Saturday, February 18th at 2:00pm
Meg Pontecorvo, MURDER IN THE GENERATIVE KITCHEN (World Weaver Press, Mass Market, $9.99) on Sunday, February 19th at 2:00pm
Meg Elison, THE BOOK OF ETTA (47North, Trade Paperback, $14.95) on Saturday, February 25th at 3:00pm
Joe Lansdale, RUSTY PUPPY (Mulholland Books, Hardcover, $26) on Saturday, March 4th at 2:00pm
Erika Lewis, GAME OF SHADOWS (Tor Books, Hardcover, $25.99) and Veronica Rossi, SEEKER (Tor Teen, Hardcover, $17.99) on Saturday, March 18th at 1:00pm
Richard Kadrey, THE WRONG DEAD GUY (Harper Voyager, Hardcover, $24.99) on Saturday, March 18th at 3:00pm
January Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. KINDRED: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL by Octavia Butler and John Jennings
2. BABYLON’S ASHES by James S.A. Corey
3. EMPIRE GAMES by Charles Stross
4. MINIATURES: THE VERY SHORT FICTION OF JOHN SCALZI by John Scalzi
5. INVISIBLE PLANETS edited by Ken Liu
6. PIRATE UTOPIA by Bruce Sterling
7. THE COLD EYE by Laura Anne Gilman
8. REJECTED PRINCESSES by Jason Porath
9. LOVECRAFT COUNTRY by Matt Ruff
10. EVERFAIR by Nisi Shawl
Trade Paperbacks
1. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, translated by Ken Liu
2. STORIES OF YOUR LIFE AND OTHERS by Ted Chiang
3. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
4. THE TRAITOR BARU CORMORANT by Seth Dickinson
5. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
6. THE BURNING PAGE by Genevieve Cogman
7. THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY by Genevieve Cogman
8. THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES by Ken Liu
9. PRIVILEGE OF THE SWORD by Ellen Kushner
10. A BLADE OF BLACK STEEL by Alex Marshall
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. THE HANGING TREE by Ben Aaronovitch
2. AURORA by Kim Stanley Robinson
3. AMERICAN GODS: TENTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION by Neil Gaiman
4. DISSIDENCE by Ken MacLeod
5. THE BLOCKADE by Jean Johnson
6. THE END OF ALL THINGS by John Scalzi
7. INSURGENCE by Ken MacLeod
8. BATTLE HILL BOLERO by Daniel Jose Older
9. THE CONCLAVE OF SHADOWS by Alyc Helms
10. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
1. KINDRED: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL by Octavia Butler and John Jennings
2. BABYLON’S ASHES by James S.A. Corey
3. EMPIRE GAMES by Charles Stross
4. MINIATURES: THE VERY SHORT FICTION OF JOHN SCALZI by John Scalzi
5. INVISIBLE PLANETS edited by Ken Liu
6. PIRATE UTOPIA by Bruce Sterling
7. THE COLD EYE by Laura Anne Gilman
8. REJECTED PRINCESSES by Jason Porath
9. LOVECRAFT COUNTRY by Matt Ruff
10. EVERFAIR by Nisi Shawl
Trade Paperbacks
1. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu, translated by Ken Liu
2. STORIES OF YOUR LIFE AND OTHERS by Ted Chiang
3. PASSING STRANGE by Ellen Klages
4. THE TRAITOR BARU CORMORANT by Seth Dickinson
5. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
6. THE BURNING PAGE by Genevieve Cogman
7. THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY by Genevieve Cogman
8. THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES by Ken Liu
9. PRIVILEGE OF THE SWORD by Ellen Kushner
10. A BLADE OF BLACK STEEL by Alex Marshall
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. THE HANGING TREE by Ben Aaronovitch
2. AURORA by Kim Stanley Robinson
3. AMERICAN GODS: TENTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION by Neil Gaiman
4. DISSIDENCE by Ken MacLeod
5. THE BLOCKADE by Jean Johnson
6. THE END OF ALL THINGS by John Scalzi
7. INSURGENCE by Ken MacLeod
8. BATTLE HILL BOLERO by Daniel Jose Older
9. THE CONCLAVE OF SHADOWS by Alyc Helms
10. THE GUNSLINGER by Stephen King
February News
* R.I.P. William Peter Blatty, who had a long and varied career in literature, film and newspapers. His most successful creation was the novel The Exorcist. http://www.avclub.com/article/rip-william-peter-blatty-author-exorcist-248396
* We're also sorry to report the passing of actor John Hurt. Here, i09.com presents clips from some of his most memorable genre roles: http://io9.gizmodo.com/john-hurts-8-most-memorable-scifi-and-fantasy-movie-rol-1791735959
* Efforts to revise or repeal California's terrible autograph law AB5170 have resulted in AB228, a revised piece of legislation that is due to be voted on as soon as February 26th, 2017. It's not how we would have re-written it, but it does have the positive effects of exempting most regular bookstores and booksellers from the law. You can read the text of it here: https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB228/2017 . We'll keep you posted if it passes!
* Unfortunately, local San Francisco bookstore Adobe Books was broken into for the second time this year: https://missionlocal.org/2017/01/thieves-at-adobe-books-take-the-cash-and-leave-the-books/
* We're also sorry to report the passing of actor John Hurt. Here, i09.com presents clips from some of his most memorable genre roles: http://io9.gizmodo.com/john-hurts-8-most-memorable-scifi-and-fantasy-movie-rol-1791735959
* Efforts to revise or repeal California's terrible autograph law AB5170 have resulted in AB228, a revised piece of legislation that is due to be voted on as soon as February 26th, 2017. It's not how we would have re-written it, but it does have the positive effects of exempting most regular bookstores and booksellers from the law. You can read the text of it here: https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB228/2017 . We'll keep you posted if it passes!
* Unfortunately, local San Francisco bookstore Adobe Books was broken into for the second time this year: https://missionlocal.org/2017/01/thieves-at-adobe-books-take-the-cash-and-leave-the-books/
January 12, 2017
Sponsorships for 2017
by Alan Beatts
At the beginning of 2015 Borderlands was getting ready to close. San Francisco voters had passed an increase in the minimum wage that was going to end the financial viability of the store, probably by the middle of July that year. If not at that point, then the second increase scheduled for July of this year was certainly going to do the job. Although I and the rest of the staff strongly support minimum wage laws in general and we suspected that San Francisco's local increase would be generally positive for the city as a whole, we were trapped by the idiosyncrasy of the book business. Unlike most products, books have a price printed on them. That makes the usual business solution of increasing prices to cover higher expenses impossible for us. Rather than ride the business down into the grave, I and the rest of the staff decided it was better to close quickly, at the time of our choosing and at the top of our game.
Our customers were very much opposed to this and, out of their comments & suggestions and in consultation with the staff, we decided to try an experiment. We would ask that a minimum of 300 people sponsor the store for $100 each. If that many people were willing, it would offset the added expense of the wage increases that were scheduled to raise the wage to $15 per hour by the middle of next year. Since that increased expense would be on-going, a basic assumption was that the sponsorship would need to recur each year.
We outlined a few benefits that we could offer sponsors at little or no cost to the business, and then announced the program. It was an almost immediate success and, last year, we succeeded again. And now, the new year has rolled around and we once again need sponsors. 2015 ended with 844 sponsors. In 2016 the count was 679. Of course, a drop from year one to year two was expected. When closing seemed imminent, people were impassioned and enthusiastic to support us (and I'm grateful to every one of them) but, a year later, some of those people were bound to conclude that they'd made their contribution and it was time to move on to other worthy causes.
What I'm hoping is that we can match the number from last year, or at least come close to it. That will be a sign that what we've created is sustainable over the long term. If the numbers continue to drop, the long-term prognosis won't be known until the numbers stop dropping (or, we'll know when we fail to meet 300 and close).
At the beginning of 2015 Borderlands was getting ready to close. San Francisco voters had passed an increase in the minimum wage that was going to end the financial viability of the store, probably by the middle of July that year. If not at that point, then the second increase scheduled for July of this year was certainly going to do the job. Although I and the rest of the staff strongly support minimum wage laws in general and we suspected that San Francisco's local increase would be generally positive for the city as a whole, we were trapped by the idiosyncrasy of the book business. Unlike most products, books have a price printed on them. That makes the usual business solution of increasing prices to cover higher expenses impossible for us. Rather than ride the business down into the grave, I and the rest of the staff decided it was better to close quickly, at the time of our choosing and at the top of our game.
Our customers were very much opposed to this and, out of their comments & suggestions and in consultation with the staff, we decided to try an experiment. We would ask that a minimum of 300 people sponsor the store for $100 each. If that many people were willing, it would offset the added expense of the wage increases that were scheduled to raise the wage to $15 per hour by the middle of next year. Since that increased expense would be on-going, a basic assumption was that the sponsorship would need to recur each year.
We outlined a few benefits that we could offer sponsors at little or no cost to the business, and then announced the program. It was an almost immediate success and, last year, we succeeded again. And now, the new year has rolled around and we once again need sponsors. 2015 ended with 844 sponsors. In 2016 the count was 679. Of course, a drop from year one to year two was expected. When closing seemed imminent, people were impassioned and enthusiastic to support us (and I'm grateful to every one of them) but, a year later, some of those people were bound to conclude that they'd made their contribution and it was time to move on to other worthy causes.
What I'm hoping is that we can match the number from last year, or at least come close to it. That will be a sign that what we've created is sustainable over the long term. If the numbers continue to drop, the long-term prognosis won't be known until the numbers stop dropping (or, we'll know when we fail to meet 300 and close).
Upcoming Events
Shaenon Garrity, SKIN HORSE VOL. 6 (Trade Paperback, $14.00) Release Party on Saturday, January 14th at 3:00pm
Writers With Drinks with authors Jeff Chang, Jennifer Dronsky, Antonio Garcia-Martinez, Aya de Leon, and Wendy C. Ortiz at The Make Out Room on Saturday, January 14 at 6:30pm
Black Comix Arts Festival at the San Francisco Public Library on Sunday, January 15th starting at 12:00 pm
Alex Lamb, ROBOTEER (Trade Paperback, Gollancz, $13.99) on Saturday, January 21st at 3:00pm
Laura Anne Gilman, THE COLD EYE (Hardcover, Saga Press, $27.99) on Sunday, January 22nd at 3:00pm
SF in SF with authors Cecelia Holland and Kim Stanley Robinson at The American Bookbinders Museum on Sunday, January 22nd at 6:30pm
Ellen Klages, PASSING STRANGE (Trade Paperback, Tor.com, $14.99) on Saturday, January 28th at 3:00pm
Laurel Anne Hill, THE ENGINE WOMAN'S LIGHT on Saturday, February 4th at 3:00pm
Women in Horror event with Rena Mason, Lisa Morton, Kate Jonez, & Loren Rhoads on Sunday, February 5th at 3:00pm
Coming up later this year, we're thrilled to welcome Meg Elison, Erike Lewis and Veronica Rossi, Joe R. Lansdale, Cory Doctorow and John Scalzi, and many, many other excellent writers!
December Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. BABYLON'S ASHES by James S.A. Corey
2. ARCANUM UNBOUNDED by Brandon Sanderson
3. REJECTED PRINCESSES by Jason Porath
4. MISTBORN (Leatherbound Special Edition) by Brandon Sanderson
5. PIRATE UTOPIA by Bruce Sterling
6. INVISIBLE PLANETS edited by Ken Liu
7. FANTASTIC BEAST AND WHERE TO FIND THEM By J.K. Rowling,
8. ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders
9. CROSSTALK by Connie Willis
10. DEATH'S END by Cixin Liu
Trade Paperbacks
1. THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Cixin Liu
2. LEVIATHAN WAKES by James S.A. Corey
3. STORIES OF YOUR LIFE AND OTHERS by Ted Chiang
4. THE FIFTH SEASON by N.K. Jemisin
5. THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES by Ken Liu
6. THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey
7. NORMAL by Warren Ellis
8. THE TRAITOR BARU CORMORANT by Seth Dickinson
9. THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY by Genevieve Cogman
10. JUST ONE DAMNED THING AFTER ANOTHER by Jodi Taylor
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
2. GOOD OMENS by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
3. THE WISE MAN'S FEAR by Patrick Rothfuss
4. LEAGUE OF DRAGONS by Naomi Novik
5. DISSIDENCE by Ken MacLeod
6. AMERICAN GODS: TENTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION by Neil Gaiman
7. AURORA by Kim Stanley Robinson
8. NIGHT'S MASTER by Tanith Lee
9. INSURGENCE by Ken MacLeod
10. MISTBORN by Brandon Sanderson
January News
* Despite any number of people (including the author of the law, who failed to be re-elected in November, and an ill-informed commenter on our blog), saying, in essence; "Oh, don't worry about it -- it's not meant to affect books", California's AB1570 autograph law is being taken seriously by publishers. Easton Press, publisher of lovely, leather-bound editions of classics, is no longer shipping signed copies of Neil Gaiman's OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE to California. So, yeah, it's a really stupid law - http://eurekabooksellers.com/repeal-californias-autograph-law-ab1570/.
* Overheard in the store:
"I wish the cyberpunk dystopia that we actually live in had more ninjas and day-glo colors."
* Rest in peace, dear Carrie Fisher. Actress. Writer. Feminist. Icon. Jedi. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/arts/carrie-fisher-a-princess-a-rebel-and-a-brave-comic-voice.html
* Overheard in the store:
"I wish the cyberpunk dystopia that we actually live in had more ninjas and day-glo colors."
* Rest in peace, dear Carrie Fisher. Actress. Writer. Feminist. Icon. Jedi. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/arts/carrie-fisher-a-princess-a-rebel-and-a-brave-comic-voice.html