* Charlie Jane Anders (of Writers With Drinks, Other Magazine, and i09.com fame) has organized a San Francisco Bookstore and Chocolate Crawl for Sunday, February 26th! It starts at noon at Green Apple Books on Clement and ends at Modern Times Books on Florida Street, with stops in between at various book shops and purveyors of chocolate including Borderlands at 4:45 pm! Complete details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/200529393378320/
* The Custom Made Theatre Company, who are producing the stage play of Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother", have extended the play's run through the end of February. See it, if you haven't yet -- it's really extraordinary. http://www.custommade.org/tickets
* The deadlines for application to Clarion West are fast approaching. The upcoming session (June 17 to July 27) will be taught by Mary Rosenblum, Hiromi Goto, George R.R. Martin, Connie Willis, Kelly Link and Gavin Grant, and Chuck Palahniuk. For more information visit their website at http://www.clarionwest.org.
* Author Jim C. Hines recreates the poses from his (and other peoples') book covers & it is hilarious! Thanks, i09. http://io9.com/5875868/fantasy-author-recreates-fantasy-novel-cover-poses-with-hilarious-results
* Lots of genre novels, including GOOD OMENS by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, are among the list of 25 books selected to be given away during World Book Night. "Now in its second year, the event will take place on 23 April, marking both Unesco’s International Day Of The Book and Shakespeare’s birthday. Some 20,000 members of the public will be chosen to give away copies of their favourite title from the list, with one million books being distributed at venues including hostels, pubs and hospitals in a bid to boost reading." For complete details, and the rest of the list, which also features THE PLAYER OF GAMES by Iain M. Banks, MISERY by Stephen King, and LET THE RIGHT ONE IN by John Ajvde Lindqvist, see http://www.terrypratchett.co.uk/?p=974.
* Stephen Colbert interviews Maurice Sendak, who is deadpan perfection. Hilarity ensues. http://www.hulu.com/watch/322712/the-colbert-report-grim-colberty-tales-with-maurice-sendak-part-1 Part 2 follows. Sorry for the ads, which are un-skipable.
* We're sorry to report the death of author Christopher Samuel Youd, (who used the pseudonym John Christopher, among several others) at the age of 89. Youd was the prolific author of THE DEATH OF GRASS, The Tripod trilogy, and many others. You can find his obituary in the UK's Guardian newspaper here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/feb/06/john-christopher-samuel-youd
* Sadly, Dick Tufield, the voice of the "Lost in Space" robot, has also passed away at the age of 85. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dick-tufeld-voice-lost-space-284500
February 01, 2012
January Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1) Distrust That Particular Flavor by William Gibson
2) Nested Scrolls by Rudy Rucker
3) Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4) A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
5) A Path to Coldness of Heart by Glen Cook
6) 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
7) Reamde by Neal Stephenson
8) Seed by Rob Ziegler
9) Snuff by Terry Pratchett
10) Children of the Sky by Vernor Vinge
Paperbacks
1) A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
2) A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
3) A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
4) A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
5) House Name by Michelle West
6) The Fuller Memorandum by Charles Stross
7) Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan
8) A Hard Day's Knight by Simon R. Green
9) Up Against It by M. L. Locke
10) Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
Trade Paperbacks
1) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2) Among Others by Jo Walton
3) The Liminal People by Ayize Jama-Everett
4) Empire State by Adam Christopher
5) Blueprints of the Afterlife by Ryan Boudinot
1) Distrust That Particular Flavor by William Gibson
2) Nested Scrolls by Rudy Rucker
3) Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4) A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
5) A Path to Coldness of Heart by Glen Cook
6) 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
7) Reamde by Neal Stephenson
8) Seed by Rob Ziegler
9) Snuff by Terry Pratchett
10) Children of the Sky by Vernor Vinge
Paperbacks
1) A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
2) A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
3) A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
4) A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
5) House Name by Michelle West
6) The Fuller Memorandum by Charles Stross
7) Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan
8) A Hard Day's Knight by Simon R. Green
9) Up Against It by M. L. Locke
10) Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
Trade Paperbacks
1) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2) Among Others by Jo Walton
3) The Liminal People by Ayize Jama-Everett
4) Empire State by Adam Christopher
5) Blueprints of the Afterlife by Ryan Boudinot
Overheard at the Store
This is a feature that appears periodically, usually as we attend conventions and overhear things. However, sometimes we overhear amusing tidbits even when we're not attending a convention:
"She described it in terms that I would have been much happier had she never described it in."
"Sometimes, being chewed on by a hyena is Nature's way of telling you to take a break."
"I don't care how cute he is, I don't want to [deleted] someone who wipes out species! Not okay."
"What do you mean, 'Which one?'?! Exactly how many new lesbian werewolf novels ARE there?"
"She described it in terms that I would have been much happier had she never described it in."
"Sometimes, being chewed on by a hyena is Nature's way of telling you to take a break."
"I don't care how cute he is, I don't want to [deleted] someone who wipes out species! Not okay."
"What do you mean, 'Which one?'?! Exactly how many new lesbian werewolf novels ARE there?"
January 01, 2012
January News Roundup
* Own a piece of Borderlands' history! Over ten years ago, as we were planning on moving from our original Hayes Valley location to the Mission, Alan designed a new style of bookshelf for the store. Examples of the final design are all over the store but, before the design was finalized, there was one prototype. For years we have used that prototype to house our oversized art books and HP Lovecraft section, but it's time to move it along and replace it. Rather than sell it, we want to give it to one of our customers so . . . if you're interested in a nice shelf and a piece of history, drop us an email saying so. We'll pick the winner one week from today. One warning though, it's _tall_ . . . very tall. Slightly over 8 feet in height, it will not fit under the ceiling of most houses built later than 1950. So please do grab a tape measure before emailing us. Pictures and complete dimensions can be found here <http://www.borderlands-books.com/furniturepages/furniture.html>.
At that same page, you'll find pictures and details of a display case we're passing along. Honestly, I expect that this one will have to go on CraigsList but I wanted to offer it to our customers (at a reduced price) first. One warning goes with this one as well -- it is probably the heaviest single piece of furniture I've ever had to move. You will need a truck and probably three other people to load it and unload it. And I wouldn't even want to think about moving it up a flight of stairs. If I list it on Craig's it'll be $50 but I'm happy to sell it to a customer for half that. Let us know if you're interested.
* Jonathan Knapp from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts wanted to let everyone know about an upcoming screening of "The House by the Cemetery" from Lucio Fulci. Here are the details: "'The House by the Cemetery" by Lucio Fulci, Jan 27, 2012, at 10:00pm & Jan 28, 2012, at 10:00pm UNCUT GRINDHOUSE RARITY! One of the best films by one of the greatest Italian exploitation directors, this is the “old dark house” genre by way of the grindhouse. In typical Fulci fashion, the movie sidesteps logic, instead reveling in gore and a truly haunting atmosphere. We are presenting a specially imported, fully uncut European 35mm print, dubbed in English and -- just to up the weirdness ante -- with Danish subtitles. Bring a phrasebook, and a barf bag. (1981, 86 min, 35mm) Admission: $8 general • $6 YBCA members, students, seniors Location: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (701 Mission St., San Francisco) For more information: <http://www.ybca.org/house-cemetery>
* The Custom Made Theatre Company (the fine folks who are staging Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother") are offering a special deal for our customers! Sunday, January 29th at 7:00 pm, Borderlands customers can see the show "Little Brother" for $20 per ticket, and the director and cast will be staying after the show for a Q&A! Tickets can be purchased at http://www.custommade.org/tickets, and the discount code is M1k3y. There is no service fee. Tickets are picked up at will-call starting at 45 minutes before showtime, general admission seating begins 30 minutes before.
More info on the show at <http://custommade.org/little-brother>. We hope you'll join us there -- many of the Borderlands staff will be attending!
* Borderlands Cafe now has a Twitter feed to keep you apprised of cafe happenings, things we overhear, and occasional specials! Follow us @borderlandscafe. Also, it's kind of silly, but we're really pleased to have exceeded 5000 followers for the store's Twitter feed, @borderlands_sf.
* Thanks, io9: I'm not sure how I got along before I knew about the "Alien vs. Predator" Chess Board! <http://io9.com/5874206/this-alien-versus-predator-chessboard-was-built-for-chessboxing?tag=tabletop-games>
At that same page, you'll find pictures and details of a display case we're passing along. Honestly, I expect that this one will have to go on CraigsList but I wanted to offer it to our customers (at a reduced price) first. One warning goes with this one as well -- it is probably the heaviest single piece of furniture I've ever had to move. You will need a truck and probably three other people to load it and unload it. And I wouldn't even want to think about moving it up a flight of stairs. If I list it on Craig's it'll be $50 but I'm happy to sell it to a customer for half that. Let us know if you're interested.
* Jonathan Knapp from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts wanted to let everyone know about an upcoming screening of "The House by the Cemetery" from Lucio Fulci. Here are the details: "'The House by the Cemetery" by Lucio Fulci, Jan 27, 2012, at 10:00pm & Jan 28, 2012, at 10:00pm UNCUT GRINDHOUSE RARITY! One of the best films by one of the greatest Italian exploitation directors, this is the “old dark house” genre by way of the grindhouse. In typical Fulci fashion, the movie sidesteps logic, instead reveling in gore and a truly haunting atmosphere. We are presenting a specially imported, fully uncut European 35mm print, dubbed in English and -- just to up the weirdness ante -- with Danish subtitles. Bring a phrasebook, and a barf bag. (1981, 86 min, 35mm) Admission: $8 general • $6 YBCA members, students, seniors Location: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (701 Mission St., San Francisco) For more information: <http://www.ybca.org/house-cemetery>
* The Custom Made Theatre Company (the fine folks who are staging Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother") are offering a special deal for our customers! Sunday, January 29th at 7:00 pm, Borderlands customers can see the show "Little Brother" for $20 per ticket, and the director and cast will be staying after the show for a Q&A! Tickets can be purchased at http://www.custommade.org/tickets, and the discount code is M1k3y. There is no service fee. Tickets are picked up at will-call starting at 45 minutes before showtime, general admission seating begins 30 minutes before.
More info on the show at <http://custommade.org/little-brother>. We hope you'll join us there -- many of the Borderlands staff will be attending!
* Borderlands Cafe now has a Twitter feed to keep you apprised of cafe happenings, things we overhear, and occasional specials! Follow us @borderlandscafe. Also, it's kind of silly, but we're really pleased to have exceeded 5000 followers for the store's Twitter feed, @borderlands_sf.
* Thanks, io9: I'm not sure how I got along before I knew about the "Alien vs. Predator" Chess Board! <http://io9.com/5874206/this-alien-versus-predator-chessboard-was-built-for-chessboxing?tag=tabletop-games>
December Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1) Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
2) Reamde by Neal Stephenson
3) Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
4)1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
5) Ready Player One by Earnest Cline
6) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
7) Seed by Rob Ziegler
8)11/22/63 by Stephen King
9) Rule 34 by Charles Stross
10) Inheritance by Christopher Paolini tie with
Zone One by Colson Whitehead
Paperbacks
1) Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
2) Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
3) Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
4) Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
5) Feed by Mira Grant
6) Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews
7) Equations of Life by Simon Morden
8) Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan
9) Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie
10) Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch
Trade Paperbacks
1) Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
2) Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
3) Faith by John Love
4) Unpossible and Other Stories by Daryl Gregory
5) Empire State by Adam Christopher
1) Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
2) Reamde by Neal Stephenson
3) Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
4)1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
5) Ready Player One by Earnest Cline
6) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
7) Seed by Rob Ziegler
8)11/22/63 by Stephen King
9) Rule 34 by Charles Stross
10) Inheritance by Christopher Paolini tie with
Zone One by Colson Whitehead
Paperbacks
1) Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
2) Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
3) Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
4) Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
5) Feed by Mira Grant
6) Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews
7) Equations of Life by Simon Morden
8) Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan
9) Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie
10) Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch
Trade Paperbacks
1) Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
2) Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
3) Faith by John Love
4) Unpossible and Other Stories by Daryl Gregory
5) Empire State by Adam Christopher
What Happens When the Showrooms Go Away?
by Alan Beatts
In the aftermath of the holiday shopping season the consumer trends have turned out to be pretty much what anyone would have expected, other than people seeming to be willing to spend more money that was expected. Barnes and Nobel, along with many independent booksellers, had a nice boost in sales due to Borders Books closing. Even more stuff was bought on-line. A little bit of a surprise was Amazon's offer to pay customers up to $5 to go into a local store, scan an item, walk out, and buy the same item on Amazon (a move that was decried by even some of the biggest tech and Amazon fans http://gawker.com/5865612/amazon-launches-christmas-attack-on-local-shops).
That recent offer from Amazon got me thinking about where that phenomenon (i.e. consumers shopping at physical stores and then buying online) might take us. The obvious conclusion is that eventually the physical stores will vanish since they won't make enough sales to stay open. But what happens then?
Obviously, people will have to get used to buying things without being able to take a look at them first, which is actually fine for most sort of product but may be troubling for people shopping for things like furniture, clothing, and so forth. But even then, simple, friendly, no-questions-asked return policies will reassure consumers enough that it shouldn't be a big hurdle for on-line merchants.
In the aftermath of the holiday shopping season the consumer trends have turned out to be pretty much what anyone would have expected, other than people seeming to be willing to spend more money that was expected. Barnes and Nobel, along with many independent booksellers, had a nice boost in sales due to Borders Books closing. Even more stuff was bought on-line. A little bit of a surprise was Amazon's offer to pay customers up to $5 to go into a local store, scan an item, walk out, and buy the same item on Amazon (a move that was decried by even some of the biggest tech and Amazon fans http://gawker.com/5865612/amazon-launches-christmas-attack-on-local-shops).
That recent offer from Amazon got me thinking about where that phenomenon (i.e. consumers shopping at physical stores and then buying online) might take us. The obvious conclusion is that eventually the physical stores will vanish since they won't make enough sales to stay open. But what happens then?
Obviously, people will have to get used to buying things without being able to take a look at them first, which is actually fine for most sort of product but may be troubling for people shopping for things like furniture, clothing, and so forth. But even then, simple, friendly, no-questions-asked return policies will reassure consumers enough that it shouldn't be a big hurdle for on-line merchants.
December 01, 2011
December News Roundup
* We are so sorry to report the death of beloved author Anne McCaffrey at age 85. The Guardian UK's obituary is here: <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/nov/23/anne-mccaffrey-obituary> .
"That's what writing is all about, after all, making others see what you have put down on the page and believing that it does, or could, exist and you want to go there." - Anne McCaffrey
* Big thanks to author Peter David, who, of obvious necessity, has penned "The Fan / Pro Bill of Rights," detailing the rights and responsibilities of fans and professionals at conventions and in other public settings. Yes, a lot of this stuff should be common sense. . .but "common sense" so often isn't. <http://www.peterdavid.net/index.php/2011/11/28/the-fanpro-bill-of-rights/>
* Unfortunately, owner Greg Ketter will close the brick and mortar store of venerable DreamHaven Books of Minneapolis in January, 2012. We are very, very sorry to lose the physical locus of this institution, but Greg says their mail-order business will continue. <http://www.dreamhavenbooks.com/>
* A fundraising auction is underway to assist author and editor Terri Windling, who is in financial need. There are signed books, original art prints and many, many other items available. Details here: <http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/>
* Thanks to employee Naamen, Dave, and the many other customers who pointed us towards "The Call of Cthulhu" if presented by Dr. Seuss: <http://io9.com/5847879/what-if-dr-seuss-wrote-the-call-of-cthulhu>
* Amazon takes aim at local shops. "Amazon.com announced it will pay customers up to $5 to go into a local store, scan an item, walk out, and buy the same item on Amazon." Further comment is really unnecessary. <http://gawker.com/5865612/amazon-launches-christmas-attack-on-local-shops>
* Our neighbors, Lost Weekend Video are engaging in a fundraising effort to allow them to put in a screening room at their shop. Like bookstores, video rental establishment have had a hard time staying open in the face of changes driven by the internet. And, like bookstores, they provide social contact and expert reccomendations that are lacking on the internet. But Lost Weekend isn't giving up and, again like bookstores, they're getting imaginative and coming up with clever ideas to keep going. We at Borderlands salute and support their efforts. For more information, check out <http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lostweekendvideo/the-cinecave-at-lost-weekend-video>.
"That's what writing is all about, after all, making others see what you have put down on the page and believing that it does, or could, exist and you want to go there." - Anne McCaffrey
* Big thanks to author Peter David, who, of obvious necessity, has penned "The Fan / Pro Bill of Rights," detailing the rights and responsibilities of fans and professionals at conventions and in other public settings. Yes, a lot of this stuff should be common sense. . .but "common sense" so often isn't. <http://www.peterdavid.net/index.php/2011/11/28/the-fanpro-bill-of-rights/>
* Unfortunately, owner Greg Ketter will close the brick and mortar store of venerable DreamHaven Books of Minneapolis in January, 2012. We are very, very sorry to lose the physical locus of this institution, but Greg says their mail-order business will continue. <http://www.dreamhavenbooks.com/>
* A fundraising auction is underway to assist author and editor Terri Windling, who is in financial need. There are signed books, original art prints and many, many other items available. Details here: <http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/>
* Thanks to employee Naamen, Dave, and the many other customers who pointed us towards "The Call of Cthulhu" if presented by Dr. Seuss: <http://io9.com/5847879/what-if-dr-seuss-wrote-the-call-of-cthulhu>
* Amazon takes aim at local shops. "Amazon.com announced it will pay customers up to $5 to go into a local store, scan an item, walk out, and buy the same item on Amazon." Further comment is really unnecessary. <http://gawker.com/5865612/amazon-launches-christmas-attack-on-local-shops>
* Our neighbors, Lost Weekend Video are engaging in a fundraising effort to allow them to put in a screening room at their shop. Like bookstores, video rental establishment have had a hard time staying open in the face of changes driven by the internet. And, like bookstores, they provide social contact and expert reccomendations that are lacking on the internet. But Lost Weekend isn't giving up and, again like bookstores, they're getting imaginative and coming up with clever ideas to keep going. We at Borderlands salute and support their efforts. For more information, check out <http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lostweekendvideo/the-cinecave-at-lost-weekend-video>.
Current Reading
by Alan Beatts
It's been a long time since I've had a chance to write about what got me into this business to start with. But, my time is a bit less crazy now and I've been lucky enough to have a great run of reading. All of the last four books I've read were excellent and so I thought I'd share them with you.
It's been a long time since I've had a chance to write about what got me into this business to start with. But, my time is a bit less crazy now and I've been lucky enough to have a great run of reading. All of the last four books I've read were excellent and so I thought I'd share them with you.
November Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1) 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
2) Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
3) Aloha From Hell by Richard Kadrey
4) Reamde by Neal Stephenson
5) Snuff by Terry Pratchett
6) Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
7) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
8) The Departure by Neal Asher
9) Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
10) Children of the Sky by Vernor Vinge
Paperbacks
1) A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
2) A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
3) Feed by Mira Grant
4) A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
5) A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
6) The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
7) Solaris Rising edited by Ian Whates
8) One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire
9) Deadline by Mira Grant
10) Servant of the Underworld by Aliette de Bodard
Trade Paperbacks
1) Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: The Most Dangerous Game by Zach Wiener
2) Narbonic: The Perfect Collection by Shaenon Garrity
3) Tales From the House Band edited by Deborah Grabien
4) Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: Save Yourself, Mammal! by Zach Weiner
5) After the Apocalypse: Stories by Maureen McHugh
1) 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
2) Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
3) Aloha From Hell by Richard Kadrey
4) Reamde by Neal Stephenson
5) Snuff by Terry Pratchett
6) Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
7) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
8) The Departure by Neal Asher
9) Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
10) Children of the Sky by Vernor Vinge
Paperbacks
1) A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
2) A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
3) Feed by Mira Grant
4) A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
5) A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
6) The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
7) Solaris Rising edited by Ian Whates
8) One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire
9) Deadline by Mira Grant
10) Servant of the Underworld by Aliette de Bodard
Trade Paperbacks
1) Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: The Most Dangerous Game by Zach Wiener
2) Narbonic: The Perfect Collection by Shaenon Garrity
3) Tales From the House Band edited by Deborah Grabien
4) Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: Save Yourself, Mammal! by Zach Weiner
5) After the Apocalypse: Stories by Maureen McHugh
The 2011 Gift Guide plus Editor Indulgence
Wow, December already. I've heard there's a good reason that time seems to accelerate as you get older; it's said that since each progressive year is a smaller fraction of your life overall, of course each one seems shorter than the preceding. Great, it's logical. Unfortunately it's still really frustrating and a little scary to feel the time fly by. I suppose it's just more incentive to enjoy each moment! And things are really picking up around here -- look for lots of positive changes in the bookstore and the cafe coming very soon.
I refuse to get all sappy, but the holidays are a good time to reflect on all of the gifts that we've already been given, and the best of those aren't physical objects. I am so grateful for having what I consider to be the very best job in the world, and for all of the wonderful friends and family I've found here at Borderlands, among the staff and the customers. Especially in these days of faceless online transactions and galavanting chain-retail conformity, I treasure the individuality, the personality, and the energy of every one that makes this store special. Thank you all so much for being an integral part of creating and maintaining this community. None of us take it for granted.
Meanwhile, to assist you in this joyful season of present-presentation, we offer our usual Holiday Gift Guide. And although we've got thousands of awesome new and shiny options, and some very pricey collectibles, books don't have to be expensive to be beloved. A used paperback copy of your favorite book from childhood can mean more than the fanciest signed first edition.
As always, if the options below don't tickle your fancy, we're happy to make customized recommendations for the even the most difficult people on your list. (Customized recommendations of _gifts_, that is. I really can't help with your difficult Uncle Philip who keeps bringing his imaginary Lego friends to your holiday meals.)
Classics, that will work for almost anyone:
GOOD OMENS by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (Harper, Trade Paperback, $14.99 and Harper, Mass Market, $7.99) - The funniest book about Armageddon ever penned.
THE PRINCESS BRIDE by William Goldman (Harcourt, Hardcover, $25.00 or Harvest, Mass Market, $8.95) - The ultimate tale of true love, high adventure and Rodents of Unusual Size.
DUNE by Frank Herbert (Ace, Hardcover, $29.95 and Ace, Mass Market, $9.99) - Considered one of SF's all-time masterpieces.
Unexpected Treasures:
Don't know what to get the "Song of Ice and Fire" fan, since they've read all 5 books ten times already? John Picacio's stunning 2012 "A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar" (Random House, Wall Calendar, $17.00) is my pick: I was completely blown away by his gorgeous, incredibly skilled, lush, detailed representations of all of my favorite characters, many of whom looked EXACTLY like that in my head.
Two webcomics become paper! NARBONIC: THE PERFECT COLLECTION by Shaenon Garrity (Cous Cous Collective, Set of two paperbacks, $30.00) and SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST CEREAL: THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME (Breadpig, Trade Paperback, $18.00) are both tailor-made for the special geek in your life. We have a few signed copies left of each, too!
For the science fiction fan:
SOFT APOCALYPSE by WIll McIntosh (Nightshade, Trade Paperback, $14.99) - I'll be surprised if this novel doesn't pick up a slew of awards next year.
THE QUANTUM THIEF by Hannu Rajaniemi (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99) - Mind-blowing new SF from a Finnish writer who keeps having to deny the rumor that he's Charles Stross writing under a pen name. (He's NOT, really!)
REAMDE by Neal Stephenson (William Morrow, Hardcover, $35.00) - Okay, it's not really science fiction, but it's still a fantastic, funny thriller.
CHILDREN OF THE SKY by Vernor Vinge (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) - Sequel to the classic FIRE UPON THE DEEP.
SEED by Rob Ziegler (Nightshade Books, Hardcover, $24.99) - Jeremy says "It's amazing! It's like THE WINDUP GIRL with more explosions and less rape." Ahem. That's quite a recommendation!
Deeply Weird and Wonderful Things:
UNPOSSIBLE by Daryl Gregory (Fairwood Press, Trade Paperback, $16.99) - Brilliant, heart-rending, and sincerely messed up, in the best possible way. My very favorite short story collection of last year, from the author of PANDEMONIUM, which I also highly recommend. While we're talking short story collections, I'd also like to call your attention to the magical SLEIGHT OF HAND by Peter S. Beagle (Tachyon Publications, Trade Paperback, $14.95) and the grim and exceptional AFTER THE APOCALYPSE: STORIES by Maureen McHugh (Small Beer Press, Trade Paperback, $16.00). (AFTER THE APOCALYPSE was one of Publishers Weekly's Top 10 Best of the Year.)
THE SILENT LAND by Graham Joyce (Doubleday, Hardcover, $23.95) - Graham Joyce is one of those authors who is frequently described as a "cult favorite". I urge you all to join the cult of Graham Joyce, either with this haunting and dark page-turner about a couple trapped by an avalanche who emerges to discover a. . .wholly. . . silent. . .world, or my other favorite of his, HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH DEMONS, a quirky masterpiece about a philanthropic book forger and the demons who may or may not actually be talking to him.
MORBID CURIOSITY CURES THE BLUES edited by Loren Rhoads (Scribner, Trade Paperback, $14.99) - A mind-blowing compendium of some of the best from the early (long unavailable) issues of the San Francisco-based 'zine "Morbid Curiosity," featuring true, first-person accounts of the unpleasant, unwise and unsavory. Sometimes funny, sometimes devastating.
MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN by Ransom Riggs (Quirk, Hardcover, $17.99) - Sweet and touching and creepy novel lavishly illustrated with bizarre vintage photographs. It's quite hard to describe but it was a great, super-fast read and I'm very excited about it. It's young-adult appropriate, by the way.
Non-Concilatory Fantasy:
BEST SERVED COLD by Joe Abercrombie (Orbit, Mass Market, $7.99) - George R.R. Martin's gritty, bloody fantasy meets a Sergio Leone revenge Western.
The Malazan Books of the Fallen by Steven Erikson - We've been ranting about Steven Erikson (and the world's co-creator, Ian Cameron Esslemont) for years and years now, but all 10 books of Erikson's first cycle are complete now. The most complex fantasy series I've ever seen. We can't say enough good things about these books.
THE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINGDOMS trilogy by N. K. Jemisin - The first book in this trilogy was nominated for both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. A really impressive new voice!
THE COLD COMMANDS by Richard Morgan (Del Rey, Hardcover, $26.00) - I am pretty much perpetually in awe of Richard Morgan. This is the follow-up to THE STEEL REMAINS.
Steampunk, Biopunk, Urban Fantasy and Other Good Stuff That's Hard to Catagorize:
MIDNIGHT RIOT by Ben Aaronovitch (Ballantine, Mass Market, $7.99) - Experiencing withdrawal from Mike Carey's sardonic, impressive Felix Castor books? Here's your methadone!
FEED (Orbit, Mass Market, $9.99) and DEADLINE by Mira Grant (Orbit, Mass Market, $9.99) - It's not really about the zombies accidently created by the well-intentioned bioterrorists; it's about the bloggers following the would-be Republican presidential candidate on the campaign trail. So. Much. Fun!
SHELF LIFE: FANTASTIC STORIES SET IN BOOKSTORES edited by Greg Ketter (DreamHaven, Hardcover, $25.00) - Such an incredible collection, and not just for the obvious reasons. Introduction by Neil Gaiman, and stories from everyone and their aunt, including Ramsey Campbell, Charles De Lint, Marianne de Pierres, Harlan Ellison, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Gene Wolfe, MANY others! This book came out 6 years ago and it's overdue for a renaissance.
FIREBIRDS (Firebird, Trade Paperback, $9.99) FIREBIRDS RISING (Firebird, Trade Paperback, $9.99) and FIREBIRDS SOARING (Firebird, Hardcover, $19.99) edited by Sharyn November - Fantastic original stories by writers from Penguin's Firebird imprint. Some of my favorite anthologies; there's not a bad story in the bunch.
GANYMEDE by Cherie Priest (Tor, Trade Paperback, $14.99) - This novel of Priest's Clockwork Century world is set in New Orleans and stands alone just fine. My favorite thing about it is how small and focused the story is, and that's not a slight. It's so rare to find a book where the stakes are not The End of the World As We Know It, but more concentrated and more human. Sure, success or failure in this novel may impact history, but the real story is about the people at its heart.
THE PANAMA LAUGH by Thomas Roche (Nightshade, Trade Paperback, $14.99) - It's a darkly funny noir-crime zombie novel. How does it get better?
Very Popular Stuff:
The HUNGER GAMES trilogy by Suzanne Collins - Soon to be a trilogy of major motion pictures. Expect TWILIGHT-level fan reactions, I think.
11/22/63 by Stephen King - Alan really likes the new Stephen King, which he called "a straight-ahead science fiction book -- it's a basic time travel novel with King's typically addictive pacing".
THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morganstern (Doubleday, Hardcover, $26.95) - I'm skeptical that a novel this good can be a debut. Maybe the author's been writing for years in some other dimension?
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Knopf, Hardcover, $30.50) - One of those rare New York Times Bestsellers that really deserves it. My only complaint is the (admittedly lovely) onion-skin dust jacket is so fragile.
READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline (Random House, Hardcover, $24.00) - We even have a few copies with bookplates signed by the author!
THE STRAIN, THE FALL and THE NIGHT ETERNAL by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan - A vampiric virus wipes out most of humankind and plucky survivors battle for the future of humanity. Yes, you've read it before but it's still very entertaining.
Of course we have a whole store full of additional just-the-perfect things: pretty imported wooden boxes, calendars of every description from The Art of Heavy Metal to The Mutter Museum to Dr. Seuss, attractive journals for the writer in your life, Edward Gorey puzzles and so much more. We also have gift certificates in any amount, or gift credits that your friends and family can use long-distance. You can also pop in to the cafe next door for a perfect mocha, a spiced apple cider, or a fancy peppermint hot cocoa if you need a quick pick-me-up or a break from the chill!
Happy holidays, best wishes for 2012, and warm regards from all of us at Borderlands to you and your families, whatever you conceive them to be.
I refuse to get all sappy, but the holidays are a good time to reflect on all of the gifts that we've already been given, and the best of those aren't physical objects. I am so grateful for having what I consider to be the very best job in the world, and for all of the wonderful friends and family I've found here at Borderlands, among the staff and the customers. Especially in these days of faceless online transactions and galavanting chain-retail conformity, I treasure the individuality, the personality, and the energy of every one that makes this store special. Thank you all so much for being an integral part of creating and maintaining this community. None of us take it for granted.
Meanwhile, to assist you in this joyful season of present-presentation, we offer our usual Holiday Gift Guide. And although we've got thousands of awesome new and shiny options, and some very pricey collectibles, books don't have to be expensive to be beloved. A used paperback copy of your favorite book from childhood can mean more than the fanciest signed first edition.
As always, if the options below don't tickle your fancy, we're happy to make customized recommendations for the even the most difficult people on your list. (Customized recommendations of _gifts_, that is. I really can't help with your difficult Uncle Philip who keeps bringing his imaginary Lego friends to your holiday meals.)
Classics, that will work for almost anyone:
GOOD OMENS by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (Harper, Trade Paperback, $14.99 and Harper, Mass Market, $7.99) - The funniest book about Armageddon ever penned.
THE PRINCESS BRIDE by William Goldman (Harcourt, Hardcover, $25.00 or Harvest, Mass Market, $8.95) - The ultimate tale of true love, high adventure and Rodents of Unusual Size.
DUNE by Frank Herbert (Ace, Hardcover, $29.95 and Ace, Mass Market, $9.99) - Considered one of SF's all-time masterpieces.
Unexpected Treasures:
Don't know what to get the "Song of Ice and Fire" fan, since they've read all 5 books ten times already? John Picacio's stunning 2012 "A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar" (Random House, Wall Calendar, $17.00) is my pick: I was completely blown away by his gorgeous, incredibly skilled, lush, detailed representations of all of my favorite characters, many of whom looked EXACTLY like that in my head.
Two webcomics become paper! NARBONIC: THE PERFECT COLLECTION by Shaenon Garrity (Cous Cous Collective, Set of two paperbacks, $30.00) and SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST CEREAL: THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME (Breadpig, Trade Paperback, $18.00) are both tailor-made for the special geek in your life. We have a few signed copies left of each, too!
For the science fiction fan:
SOFT APOCALYPSE by WIll McIntosh (Nightshade, Trade Paperback, $14.99) - I'll be surprised if this novel doesn't pick up a slew of awards next year.
THE QUANTUM THIEF by Hannu Rajaniemi (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99) - Mind-blowing new SF from a Finnish writer who keeps having to deny the rumor that he's Charles Stross writing under a pen name. (He's NOT, really!)
REAMDE by Neal Stephenson (William Morrow, Hardcover, $35.00) - Okay, it's not really science fiction, but it's still a fantastic, funny thriller.
CHILDREN OF THE SKY by Vernor Vinge (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) - Sequel to the classic FIRE UPON THE DEEP.
SEED by Rob Ziegler (Nightshade Books, Hardcover, $24.99) - Jeremy says "It's amazing! It's like THE WINDUP GIRL with more explosions and less rape." Ahem. That's quite a recommendation!
Deeply Weird and Wonderful Things:
UNPOSSIBLE by Daryl Gregory (Fairwood Press, Trade Paperback, $16.99) - Brilliant, heart-rending, and sincerely messed up, in the best possible way. My very favorite short story collection of last year, from the author of PANDEMONIUM, which I also highly recommend. While we're talking short story collections, I'd also like to call your attention to the magical SLEIGHT OF HAND by Peter S. Beagle (Tachyon Publications, Trade Paperback, $14.95) and the grim and exceptional AFTER THE APOCALYPSE: STORIES by Maureen McHugh (Small Beer Press, Trade Paperback, $16.00). (AFTER THE APOCALYPSE was one of Publishers Weekly's Top 10 Best of the Year.)
THE SILENT LAND by Graham Joyce (Doubleday, Hardcover, $23.95) - Graham Joyce is one of those authors who is frequently described as a "cult favorite". I urge you all to join the cult of Graham Joyce, either with this haunting and dark page-turner about a couple trapped by an avalanche who emerges to discover a. . .wholly. . . silent. . .world, or my other favorite of his, HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH DEMONS, a quirky masterpiece about a philanthropic book forger and the demons who may or may not actually be talking to him.
MORBID CURIOSITY CURES THE BLUES edited by Loren Rhoads (Scribner, Trade Paperback, $14.99) - A mind-blowing compendium of some of the best from the early (long unavailable) issues of the San Francisco-based 'zine "Morbid Curiosity," featuring true, first-person accounts of the unpleasant, unwise and unsavory. Sometimes funny, sometimes devastating.
MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN by Ransom Riggs (Quirk, Hardcover, $17.99) - Sweet and touching and creepy novel lavishly illustrated with bizarre vintage photographs. It's quite hard to describe but it was a great, super-fast read and I'm very excited about it. It's young-adult appropriate, by the way.
Non-Concilatory Fantasy:
BEST SERVED COLD by Joe Abercrombie (Orbit, Mass Market, $7.99) - George R.R. Martin's gritty, bloody fantasy meets a Sergio Leone revenge Western.
The Malazan Books of the Fallen by Steven Erikson - We've been ranting about Steven Erikson (and the world's co-creator, Ian Cameron Esslemont) for years and years now, but all 10 books of Erikson's first cycle are complete now. The most complex fantasy series I've ever seen. We can't say enough good things about these books.
THE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINGDOMS trilogy by N. K. Jemisin - The first book in this trilogy was nominated for both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. A really impressive new voice!
THE COLD COMMANDS by Richard Morgan (Del Rey, Hardcover, $26.00) - I am pretty much perpetually in awe of Richard Morgan. This is the follow-up to THE STEEL REMAINS.
Steampunk, Biopunk, Urban Fantasy and Other Good Stuff That's Hard to Catagorize:
MIDNIGHT RIOT by Ben Aaronovitch (Ballantine, Mass Market, $7.99) - Experiencing withdrawal from Mike Carey's sardonic, impressive Felix Castor books? Here's your methadone!
FEED (Orbit, Mass Market, $9.99) and DEADLINE by Mira Grant (Orbit, Mass Market, $9.99) - It's not really about the zombies accidently created by the well-intentioned bioterrorists; it's about the bloggers following the would-be Republican presidential candidate on the campaign trail. So. Much. Fun!
SHELF LIFE: FANTASTIC STORIES SET IN BOOKSTORES edited by Greg Ketter (DreamHaven, Hardcover, $25.00) - Such an incredible collection, and not just for the obvious reasons. Introduction by Neil Gaiman, and stories from everyone and their aunt, including Ramsey Campbell, Charles De Lint, Marianne de Pierres, Harlan Ellison, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Gene Wolfe, MANY others! This book came out 6 years ago and it's overdue for a renaissance.
FIREBIRDS (Firebird, Trade Paperback, $9.99) FIREBIRDS RISING (Firebird, Trade Paperback, $9.99) and FIREBIRDS SOARING (Firebird, Hardcover, $19.99) edited by Sharyn November - Fantastic original stories by writers from Penguin's Firebird imprint. Some of my favorite anthologies; there's not a bad story in the bunch.
GANYMEDE by Cherie Priest (Tor, Trade Paperback, $14.99) - This novel of Priest's Clockwork Century world is set in New Orleans and stands alone just fine. My favorite thing about it is how small and focused the story is, and that's not a slight. It's so rare to find a book where the stakes are not The End of the World As We Know It, but more concentrated and more human. Sure, success or failure in this novel may impact history, but the real story is about the people at its heart.
THE PANAMA LAUGH by Thomas Roche (Nightshade, Trade Paperback, $14.99) - It's a darkly funny noir-crime zombie novel. How does it get better?
Very Popular Stuff:
The HUNGER GAMES trilogy by Suzanne Collins - Soon to be a trilogy of major motion pictures. Expect TWILIGHT-level fan reactions, I think.
11/22/63 by Stephen King - Alan really likes the new Stephen King, which he called "a straight-ahead science fiction book -- it's a basic time travel novel with King's typically addictive pacing".
THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morganstern (Doubleday, Hardcover, $26.95) - I'm skeptical that a novel this good can be a debut. Maybe the author's been writing for years in some other dimension?
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Knopf, Hardcover, $30.50) - One of those rare New York Times Bestsellers that really deserves it. My only complaint is the (admittedly lovely) onion-skin dust jacket is so fragile.
READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline (Random House, Hardcover, $24.00) - We even have a few copies with bookplates signed by the author!
THE STRAIN, THE FALL and THE NIGHT ETERNAL by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan - A vampiric virus wipes out most of humankind and plucky survivors battle for the future of humanity. Yes, you've read it before but it's still very entertaining.
Of course we have a whole store full of additional just-the-perfect things: pretty imported wooden boxes, calendars of every description from The Art of Heavy Metal to The Mutter Museum to Dr. Seuss, attractive journals for the writer in your life, Edward Gorey puzzles and so much more. We also have gift certificates in any amount, or gift credits that your friends and family can use long-distance. You can also pop in to the cafe next door for a perfect mocha, a spiced apple cider, or a fancy peppermint hot cocoa if you need a quick pick-me-up or a break from the chill!
Happy holidays, best wishes for 2012, and warm regards from all of us at Borderlands to you and your families, whatever you conceive them to be.
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