tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37846662148536955882024-03-05T09:33:15.216-05:00BookrastinationA book blog about books, pop culture and more. Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-45150958761347443252017-07-11T09:00:00.000-04:002017-07-11T09:00:13.586-04:00DEAR CYBORGS by Eugene Lim, a little review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxNMqxS-OXAoEW0l16J1_f8KmMdNbxZuO-aAHiwFDLthrSvz9llVt3NSH0KytkbaFxJ3Z7T8G_3SIK49-zj5e660_IhgL-0ZiS3_TpZVGVGPSdBQgYnyBgI-Olf_Zb-AVSdNlvdGBsj8/s1600/dear+cyborgs_jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxNMqxS-OXAoEW0l16J1_f8KmMdNbxZuO-aAHiwFDLthrSvz9llVt3NSH0KytkbaFxJ3Z7T8G_3SIK49-zj5e660_IhgL-0ZiS3_TpZVGVGPSdBQgYnyBgI-Olf_Zb-AVSdNlvdGBsj8/s320/dear+cyborgs_jacket.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had read a great little article on LitHub.com about this new
novel from <a href="http://www.eugenelim.com/">Eugene Lim</a> and went to seek it out. Soon after I had acquired
it from a wonderful bookstore in the West Village, I read in the
Astoria Bookshop newsletter that the author was going to be there just a
few days later, as he is a Queens resident like myself. Small world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sadly
I was not able to make the reading/appearance but enjoyed the novel, a
short but lofty story that is both a touching story of two Asian
American friends but also a book peppered with social commentary,
societal observations and the importance of protest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The
author says a lot in this sparse novel, every word bearing importance. His approach jumps around in time and even introduces toward the end, a
"book within the book" that may or may not be the key to seeing the
future and a key to time travel. Anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with any 'book within' be it a novel, film or television series, so that was a nice treat. (<i>The Philosophy of Time Travel</i>, anyone?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There
were several times while reading that made me stop and think, about
life, about our world and how we go about living. Sometimes the story
left me wanting more or slightly frustrated, and aren't those all of the
things a good book is supposed to do anyway?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've made a mental note to remember Eugene Lim and seek out his future work, which I think will be worth the trip. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And he lives in Queens, so you know he's alright.</span></div>
Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-81845717498632373862016-07-06T08:15:00.000-04:002016-07-06T08:15:06.723-04:00Life in the Lower Levels... THE COURIER by Gerald Brandt<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t8GSCOB0qHHvDNpWqZaYfCcGzEA9waBDZFUzMIkcZLjTkgQwH1yTxm8zIg_00eTN2SjHL9yiKRZy3aRPh8WcDw9XJwKrWmAByAlP-XeiSOySCsQQx5mFqvLxIWLGQSXYNqbOnR_pavw/s640/blogger-image-1536015857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t8GSCOB0qHHvDNpWqZaYfCcGzEA9waBDZFUzMIkcZLjTkgQwH1yTxm8zIg_00eTN2SjHL9yiKRZy3aRPh8WcDw9XJwKrWmAByAlP-XeiSOySCsQQx5mFqvLxIWLGQSXYNqbOnR_pavw/s320/blogger-image-1536015857.jpg" width="218" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jump on a motorbike with courier Kris Ballard in San Angeles, the multi-leveled California super-city of tomorrow where massive corporations control the upper levels and rule with an iron fist, pushing the poor down and far from the open sky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kris is a low level messenger that picks up a dubious end-of-shift delivery that puts her right in the middle of a murder-in-progress, making her wish she never picked up that package in the first place. Then she is in for the fight of her life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Set in an imaginative world where most people at the lower levels don't get to see sun or the night sky, THE COURIER is action-packed and moves in high gear. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A welcome addition to the cyberpunk tradition; filled with tech-cities and ruthless corporations built within a complex multi-leveled super-city, Brandt kept me enthralled until the very last page. I'd like to see more from him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">End game.</span></div>
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-62056852686183079892016-05-18T08:00:00.000-04:002016-05-18T08:00:00.202-04:00THE REGIONAL OFFICE IS UNDER ATTACK! by Manuel Gonzales<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjkGLjjjDK1MRAkFw9LHEgyyOv11kfmRnCh8iZaQ1BHhWaRdtospYCtiJSO_7vB9pb9E3Smb4wni0BuPEie5tYhqUjI01K3HWZy9a1yha1SBD3L9BYon4T4o-Bf6HjNLLZY7b_fIyU48/s1600/regional+office_jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjkGLjjjDK1MRAkFw9LHEgyyOv11kfmRnCh8iZaQ1BHhWaRdtospYCtiJSO_7vB9pb9E3Smb4wni0BuPEie5tYhqUjI01K3HWZy9a1yha1SBD3L9BYon4T4o-Bf6HjNLLZY7b_fIyU48/s320/regional+office_jacket.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Author Manuel Gonzales takes you way underground, to a top secret location, where a clandestine group of enhanced assassin-warrior women guard the world against evil. This book tells the tale of the day that this Regional Office, as its called, comes under attack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Told in an mixture of flashback, snippets of the attack, and through sections of a report prepared analyzing the theories behind said attack, REGIONAL OFFICE keeps the pace moving as the back story is filled in and smashes toward the conclusion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First we meet Rose, a member of the team attacking the Regional Office. We then meet the Regional Office's defending point-of-view character, Sarah, as the gapes are filled in on how they got to their respective places in the conflict as well as blow-by-blow accounts of their part in the assault on the office.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gonzales' witty dialogue, keen use of flashback and grasp of female angst is both charming, well done and fun to read. I dare you to not like his playful writing style, weaving in pop culture references as he goes. There is also a wonderful section about midway through the book, an "interlude" which fills in even more gaps in the tale of the assault on the Regional Office, adding even more layers of complexity to the story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was hooked, taken with this tale of female assassins trained for top secret missions, oracles brought on board to help detect global threats, intriguing shifts of perspective, questionable kidnappings; all of which had me constantly wondering just who is good and who is evil. Who am I rooting for? The book is a worthy gamble, an exciting adventure to take to get to the very end and see how it all plays out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Also it reminded me of a favorite novel from 2006, Austin Grossman's SOON I WILL BE
INVINCIBLE, which was the tale of an evil genius bent on world domination and a superhero team and the internal dynamics of that group. (If you haven't read that, also seek it out, it's terrific). I mean this as a fine compliment, as both works are intricately woven, humorous and well done.
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Also what both books have in common are spectacular titles. I plan to post a follow up to this review with my top five favorite titles (soon, I promise).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think THE REGIONAL OFFICE IS UNDER ATTACK! is a worthy read, a fun adventure which would make a spectacular film. I sense this is a one-off type of novel but I would certainly read more in this world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And I totally want a badass, mechanical arm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: The above title is published by Riverhead, an imprint of Penguin Random House. I work at DK, also an imprint at Penguin Random House. There I said it. I was not asked to write this review. I had heard about this book and sought out a copy. This is my personal blog, sometimes I talk about books from work, sometimes I talk about books from across the publishing industry. I only write about books I think are worth talking about.</span></div>
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-14167601755489464642016-03-21T08:00:00.000-04:002016-03-21T08:00:07.165-04:00A D&D Giveaway from @theFranconian archives<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every now and then even a bookish fellow like myself needs to make room on my shelves. And where I still have many of my original Dungeons & Dragons manuals and modules, I also still have some samples that had been sent to me while an acquiring editor at the ol' SFBC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This set of three: <i>Monster Manual</i>, <i>Players Handbook</i> and <i>Dungeon Master's Guide</i>, all version 3.5 have been sitting on my shelves for a number of years, untouched, if not a bit dusty. They are in excellent condition and I was planning to sell them but thought it would make for a better giveaway, or 3 giveaways, for any gamer who might have been looking for the 3.5 editions to add to their reference library.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9phAcAsyHdFZxofX0dj5D8NcNFW_tJ2gVAb0nGdA4NMqO66fxxSs8W7sCO5emxF4qAbt3ceAEmEZMyxJqwGgeOIDIFHk8wokQklTf0SuvrMOkZfBkcIqmkPOvdRWTnypkrDt-vGoQLc/s640/blogger-image--431984644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9phAcAsyHdFZxofX0dj5D8NcNFW_tJ2gVAb0nGdA4NMqO66fxxSs8W7sCO5emxF4qAbt3ceAEmEZMyxJqwGgeOIDIFHk8wokQklTf0SuvrMOkZfBkcIqmkPOvdRWTnypkrDt-vGoQLc/s640/blogger-image--431984644.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The rules are simple, in the comments section simply retell a brief D&</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">D encounter, adventure or battle, or simply share an image of a miniature that you painted, with a little background about it. Its that simple. Have fun with it. Only open to U.S. Residents. I'll choose 1 to 3 winners that are my favorite to be announced April 20th, wherein there I will contact said winner[s] for mailing information.</span></div>
Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-43632880981904985702016-02-02T15:06:00.000-05:002016-02-02T15:06:31.806-05:00Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys on-sale today!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On-sale today is the amazing story of courage and survival, SALT TO THE SEA by <a href="http://rutasepetys.com/">Ruta Sepetys</a>. At Penguin Random House, where I work, my colleagues on the sales teams across the company selected this new release from <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilomelBooks?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author">Philomel</a> as our #TitleWave, a book we were all super excited to share with the world.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi_HM374s_GS6wDdbmJUYpVmrnzNn3JDJobUOMz6w4DMGRJuZvOl5FpeS60ZF6V1XT7QXyEOMQJhaAfjNLl4vOAL4IbjDtd50ioxm8jrimZ_VTtebYmOVVs1JZq8J4ifpodwtkuKnO64/s1600/salt+of+the+sea_jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi_HM374s_GS6wDdbmJUYpVmrnzNn3JDJobUOMz6w4DMGRJuZvOl5FpeS60ZF6V1XT7QXyEOMQJhaAfjNLl4vOAL4IbjDtd50ioxm8jrimZ_VTtebYmOVVs1JZq8J4ifpodwtkuKnO64/s320/salt+of+the+sea_jacket.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The novel is set in 1945 and was inspired by one of the greatest tragedies in naval history. It follows four teenagers as they desperately try to escape the harsh theater of war. It is a great read for both young or old, especially if you're looking for an incredible story of survival in the closing days of World War II.</span></div>
Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-20517392615959703092016-01-04T07:59:00.001-05:002016-01-04T19:28:10.721-05:002016 is here and the reading carries on.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dT3UfkudwmpGlhSpMaX_7vryxYcflpwBvaCfMAOPwPGds7TPkxfkk2-X-Fx1nSQ0vn5_nfYdPvLXqZzw56zxQKesiMS_EFPa1uyQ0jHC75z7vYoe2A3wUSL3hJ71q3ivsj8jjk2xU_A/s1600/IMG_4258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dT3UfkudwmpGlhSpMaX_7vryxYcflpwBvaCfMAOPwPGds7TPkxfkk2-X-Fx1nSQ0vn5_nfYdPvLXqZzw56zxQKesiMS_EFPa1uyQ0jHC75z7vYoe2A3wUSL3hJ71q3ivsj8jjk2xU_A/s320/IMG_4258.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First post of 2016, as as I commute into work for the first time in almost two weeks, I'm getting back in the groove and have a trusty book nearby. I had started reading William Gibson's NEUROMANCER (I know, finally) in December, but hadn't finished and after a week plus of vegging out, I'm on the bus and back in the thick of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Only half way through and amazed that this book was written in 1984. It is clear that NEUROMANCER influenced an entire genre within science fiction and I'm humbled as I glide through the story. Sure my eleven year old self would not have likely picked this up when first published, it would have been way over my head, but it also somehow elluded me while I was working at the SFBC like so many other master works. Although I like to look at it as every new year presents the opportunity to read something old as well as find new works to enjoy. So here is to 2016, may it be filled with great reading adventures in this world and beyond.</span></div>
Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-5898270027195436472015-10-12T08:00:00.000-04:002015-10-12T08:00:04.601-04:00I've finished A LITTLE LIFE and it was quite a journey<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After picking it up, putting it down for a while, then picking it up again; I've finally finished A LITTLE LIFE by Hanya Yanagihara. It may be the saddest, most beautiful novel I've ever read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At work (I work at Penguin Random House, specifically for DK), my colleagues in the sales department starting talking about this book, about how it spoke to them, it moved them, and how sad it was--and my curiosity was peaked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a substantial novel, the hardcover coming in just over 700 pages. I started reading it, but due to my habit of picking up more than one book at the same time, it sat for a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Back in May of 2015, I got the opportunity to meet the author as she was in the Random House midtown office, where a small group of us got the chance to discuss the novel with the author and her editor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They spoke like an old married couple, arguing about everything from the cover choice, which Hanya advocated for, even if it was a topic of strong opposing points of view. It is an photo by photographer Peter Hujar, entitled <i>The Orgasmic Man</i>, and the close-up, the squinting of pleasure or is it pain? It is definitely a conversation starter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I had the chance to talk with the author briefly as she signed a copy for me, I told her how excited I was to read it, and mentioned our enthusiasm across the sales department. She was gracious, and echoed the sentiment on the title page, "Dear Jay, Thank you so much for your support. I so appreciate it," along with her signature. She was very inspiring. Also, I follow her on <a href="https://instagram.com/alittlelifebook/">instagram</a> where she posts great photos with accompanying text.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />But it wound up taking a train ride down to Baltimore earlier this month that allowed me the time to finally sit with the novel and plow through it and get emotionally attached in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a colleague recently asked me why, why would I want to read something so sad I tried to explain, paraphrasing here. Sometimes the journey is something you can't turn away from. As sad as it can be, you get attached to the characters, in this case: JB, Malcolm, Willem and of course, Jude. You follow the four friends over the years and want to see them get through it, want to see how it all turns out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a tough one, but well worth the trip and investment, the characters will stay with me for some time.</span></div>
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-64974316609360134352015-08-26T08:00:00.000-04:002015-08-26T08:00:02.810-04:00"Out there, past them trees..." A short review of CALIFORNIA by Edan Lepucki <div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VjOkv_WpjsBNo4RI7SuAJApR7SUYZAHgOsX11CSW4CTg29Moccuz7VGtxFmJlc7Q1nUh4p7gcpqvKOnsZ3hkNGIjInuaQf31wVeciIUVBWGQn5KoWu0px1eAts5tXxkCeoF4AYpwqxk/s1600/california_book+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VjOkv_WpjsBNo4RI7SuAJApR7SUYZAHgOsX11CSW4CTg29Moccuz7VGtxFmJlc7Q1nUh4p7gcpqvKOnsZ3hkNGIjInuaQf31wVeciIUVBWGQn5KoWu0px1eAts5tXxkCeoF4AYpwqxk/s320/california_book+jacket.jpg" width="206" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A subtle tale of life in the post-apocalyptic; in <i>California </i>by Edan <a href="http://www.edanlepucki.com/">Lepucki</a>, a couple survives in isolation in the wilds of a broken world, fearful of what remains of civilization just beyond their reach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then the novel shifts as Cal and Frida discover then attempt to become part of a community called The Land, which is somehow connected to their lives before the fall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The novel is about the strength of a marriage at the edge of the world, the twisted bonds of family and the question of what one must do to survive and somehow retain some civility.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I marvel that this is a first novel, the author clearly had worked her way through revisions, honing her skills to create a beautiful and enthralling read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 21.9999923706055px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was something wonderful about the pacing of the novel, it really fit well with the story, discovering bits of backstory and what was really going on in The Land. I really enjoyed it.</span></span></div>
Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-32407259231595561202015-04-22T08:00:00.000-04:002015-04-22T08:00:00.875-04:00Game of Thrones, Season 5 product showcase: Get Your Drink On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieqn4RtBl__0TSI56GIARQujWRmyLvGBGpwC3OB2-zfTKIQwGVooQDCmYzEjE6P-kJnVwVuKSmI44qpKJLxzfO-AW5i7pJA3wSEc7Ey_ClCt-g4C60XsQsfQDjnLAjMTM0-tvFAj78Rc/s1600/IMG_2920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieqn4RtBl__0TSI56GIARQujWRmyLvGBGpwC3OB2-zfTKIQwGVooQDCmYzEjE6P-kJnVwVuKSmI44qpKJLxzfO-AW5i7pJA3wSEc7Ey_ClCt-g4C60XsQsfQDjnLAjMTM0-tvFAj78Rc/s1600/IMG_2920.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In my continued attempt to cover cool products related to HBO's GAME OF THRONES adaptation of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, let's act civilized and have a drink. And if you're a fan, there are some very cool products available now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also, as shown here, available from Calhoun Sportswear, are the house banners from GoT, so you can show your Stark or Baratheon, or other affiliation. Many of the popular houses are available. The banners run 30 by 50 inches, and have three grommet holes so you can hang wherever you please.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When at the HBO headquarters on April 13, for the product review, there were many cool items on display. Here are a few related to Dornish wines, and the like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And on to the drinks accouterments table, where featured were various glasses, steins, coasters and wine stoppers. See detailed photos below, there are so many great gift ideas for your banner-men. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FLD_cBu-9alt6LEk8SigYqMsS-eLfJ6Z4a82CmpTNcLplUFQP4lM5-D7D1_aYx7FeLn_uaO1DdHWpNFNgbOylVv145ysuWFrK7HzuMaZQukoV1zAUEO66NbeCCr4WTVo9i0_Bw1hPss/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FLD_cBu-9alt6LEk8SigYqMsS-eLfJ6Z4a82CmpTNcLplUFQP4lM5-D7D1_aYx7FeLn_uaO1DdHWpNFNgbOylVv145ysuWFrK7HzuMaZQukoV1zAUEO66NbeCCr4WTVo9i0_Bw1hPss/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The table display of most, if not all of the "barware" which included mugs, pint glasses, coasters and other collectables for those with the drinking appetites of King Robert, or perhaps Tyrion.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d0j1nyW6iiVD2QhONTTeR6SsZxXuqKNZX4RQ4B3C_LiGZK81tkjZcmLNDsOFk1e5xPyiPiujFOPaHOTeT2uEg1HT5MvAxhm3N6t47RTZVp2u9KbwHZtr0k9fJt4YhMRxfyOLALBy2jI/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d0j1nyW6iiVD2QhONTTeR6SsZxXuqKNZX4RQ4B3C_LiGZK81tkjZcmLNDsOFk1e5xPyiPiujFOPaHOTeT2uEg1HT5MvAxhm3N6t47RTZVp2u9KbwHZtr0k9fJt4YhMRxfyOLALBy2jI/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A coaster set from Dark Horse features the bold house sigils, a crowd pleaser for Sunday night GoT viewings. They add a hint of color and affiliation to any gathering with drinks. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not pictured are wax seal coasters available from Think Geek, inspired by the gratuitous wax stamping which runs rampant on the show. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaZGL8cN60ODVBGWK1nmuIO40rqW2BCKp4J4QwPOapY2T4Dmy-CJ4Hom3iKYoFnoDSzQLpY6VigS_G9PethfxS1iioaniBS6OilNROgml5eabxiWrzOUTfPYFb54eTyRRO0RuAnWYOwQ/s1600/IMG_2940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaZGL8cN60ODVBGWK1nmuIO40rqW2BCKp4J4QwPOapY2T4Dmy-CJ4Hom3iKYoFnoDSzQLpY6VigS_G9PethfxS1iioaniBS6OilNROgml5eabxiWrzOUTfPYFb54eTyRRO0RuAnWYOwQ/s1600/IMG_2940.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The large stein mugs with sigil and house slogans are a favorite, whether you decide to actually drink out of them, or use them to hold the pens on your desk. They are a statement piece, even the Greyjoys get their moment, although I am particular to House Baratheon. They do have the best slogan of all the families. They just do.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-CcSvQ1NXRo_GMg-CJft46StCLzR6K0y_NBbjY6WAi8q-ecky5PfQ5I5AGp4LByQqHdsLCgRt_DapjsnnqHM7cDTT0LLENss_RPu_0dyxQffKjMWa1rxc205F76mgiCIjwwBouAfToE/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-CcSvQ1NXRo_GMg-CJft46StCLzR6K0y_NBbjY6WAi8q-ecky5PfQ5I5AGp4LByQqHdsLCgRt_DapjsnnqHM7cDTT0LLENss_RPu_0dyxQffKjMWa1rxc205F76mgiCIjwwBouAfToE/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wouldn't have put the House Lannister pint glass front and center, but perhaps this is Casterly Rock we're looking at here. Anyway, a good pint glass or set of them goes a long way.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJTmticiXmYmcUpZMIt40DNJPSROME3xEmHlWaKqTndzkCMkYhLEKnIM-GJY8qiVj-wS1RsPJ788QpLm66H_bYDtaWsMSo0wxLlTsUKy8RiFrvWX3za-bdGPfpBlDRX_Oqyu8_fV7pfk/s1600/IMG_2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJTmticiXmYmcUpZMIt40DNJPSROME3xEmHlWaKqTndzkCMkYhLEKnIM-GJY8qiVj-wS1RsPJ788QpLm66H_bYDtaWsMSo0wxLlTsUKy8RiFrvWX3za-bdGPfpBlDRX_Oqyu8_fV7pfk/s1600/IMG_2942.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And last but not least, and perhaps the best photo I took that day, are the Dragon Egg wine stoppers from Olga Ganoudis. The eggs reflect the very ones given to Daenerys on her wedding day, and go a long way in stopping your wine from spoiling.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There you have it, more next time on jewelry, I think. I will check through my remaining photos, and see what we have next. Then after all of this, I'll get back to the books. And maybe a notebook feature as well.</span>Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-76254402613645376972015-04-16T08:00:00.000-04:002015-04-16T08:00:01.595-04:00Game of Thrones Season 5 Product Showcase, part 1: Upcoming Game of Thrones Monopoly Set<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Greetings to all fans of HBO's amazing GAME OF THRONES series, meticulously adapted from the spectacular book series by George R.R. Martin. After tuning in to the first new episode on Sunday, I know that fans around the globe just can't get enough of Westeros and the amazing action that takes place there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As a blogger who talks about books and popular culture, I was thrilled when I was invited to the HBO offices in midtown Manhattan to see the collection of upcoming licensed products tied to the HBO series, and they had many of the current and coming soon products on display. I plan to post a few times to focus on each of the product categories, but felt the premiere post should feature the new GoT Monopoly set which will be coming next month, in May, and which looks amazing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />All products are or will be available the online HBO shop in the US (store.hbo.com) and EU (hboshopeu.com), and the HBO shop in NYC on 6th Avenue & 42nd Street, and at retail outlets around the world. Get them while you can.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are a few product pictures of the upcoming Game of Thrones Monopoly set coming in May 2015. There are some very cool game pieces, which I've tried to get a few close ups of, see pictures below.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more in the following days. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-knYStHGeSUICFErPt19otXlhhhyB7RpZRWu9kBRKaLr0N0rj_XDMH-jPmIZ7QDBQ27PxGu6EeuYw8NYi-nS3gNuDqdl950lw9q76VSFvvWdeKjbk4L38GlGGOV8O3DbqtQDzviwC9Ds/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-knYStHGeSUICFErPt19otXlhhhyB7RpZRWu9kBRKaLr0N0rj_XDMH-jPmIZ7QDBQ27PxGu6EeuYw8NYi-nS3gNuDqdl950lw9q76VSFvvWdeKjbk4L38GlGGOV8O3DbqtQDzviwC9Ds/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The complete Game of Thrones Monopoly board with other gaming products lined up on the left and back. It looks like a very cool set.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyps3gGPJLDgD5xUwWIQi8y85gJU5wV9TK7dl0aMWix8QM7W6eVPAdAHgIuVpVRZMLc8gtD7uD2sGepO49nNEhyACFT1UUDWad9lp0NSO90cPGwa3HK4K4WDmadJy5v0GBa3-_dkPeLYI/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyps3gGPJLDgD5xUwWIQi8y85gJU5wV9TK7dl0aMWix8QM7W6eVPAdAHgIuVpVRZMLc8gtD7uD2sGepO49nNEhyACFT1UUDWad9lp0NSO90cPGwa3HK4K4WDmadJy5v0GBa3-_dkPeLYI/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A close-up of the game board reveals map details, some of the space details, such as Luxury Tax's aptly named, "Master of Coin" and hot (although dangerous) property "The Iron Throne"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEp6SpUAHQ11FsPwU6D6-Lgdf-rAGvEXcm7N4LkbEfOFOEaF37_qhgXRXTwR5rBWBJROcxdGy6k3FN-XH9s4ttFlo-1VXtUsLkU6A5wxCla5JibWwlOKv8G05R0Y6VKmH6loN8WtiJbY/s1600/IMG_2928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEp6SpUAHQ11FsPwU6D6-Lgdf-rAGvEXcm7N4LkbEfOFOEaF37_qhgXRXTwR5rBWBJROcxdGy6k3FN-XH9s4ttFlo-1VXtUsLkU6A5wxCla5JibWwlOKv8G05R0Y6VKmH6loN8WtiJbY/s1600/IMG_2928.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In this second close-up photo shows the star of the game pieces, the Stark direwolf game piece. There's also a raven, an Iron Throne, a Dragon Egg, a crown and the last figure I can't quite make out but could be Dany or another character.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more posts about other items at the showcase, such as GoT jewelry, home decor, house pennants, adult beverage items and more.<br /><br />Jay of House Baratheon</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Ours is the Fury</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: Although this blog is personal and all books selected and all topics are my own choice and reflect my personal opinions, I must mention that in my day job, I work at DK Publishing, and imprint of Penguin Random House, which also happens to be the parent company which publishes GRRM's books.</span></span></span>Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-12194342168931101072015-04-13T08:00:00.000-04:002015-04-13T08:00:07.937-04:00Hitting neutral in the tail of a commet...INTERSTELLAR<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67EUP3BnmpxR5v4KXrDmr7_VR1oz_uRJaGv7HUKAJqKAvpj26w-CId5YBZUCVZZYeo5m_-Hf2NnQ8N678_k02XjzFZSYJdssJZznUx_sfZ5J8551m4UlYSQYYUhj_auhNh3sx93Emrw8/s1600/interstellar-3840x2160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67EUP3BnmpxR5v4KXrDmr7_VR1oz_uRJaGv7HUKAJqKAvpj26w-CId5YBZUCVZZYeo5m_-Hf2NnQ8N678_k02XjzFZSYJdssJZznUx_sfZ5J8551m4UlYSQYYUhj_auhNh3sx93Emrw8/s1600/interstellar-3840x2160.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally rented <i>INTERSTELLAR </i>on Saturday night, and wow... just wow. The intense science of it: the relativity, time loops, hibernation sleep, the singularities, all of it is swirling in my head as if I was thrust into a black hole, floating aimlessly into the unknown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The film opened up so many possibilities, so many questions, and again I was very impressed by Christopher Nolan. The man makes a heck of a film. I do love a movie or book that you can't stop talking about after finishing it. My wife and I have talked more about science in the past few days than we have in some time. I can't seem to get it out of my head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It felt very apt that <i>INTERSTELLAR </i>was the next thing I posted about after finishing reading <i>THE MARTIAN</i> last month. There have been very strong space travel books and films of late, and I'm currently really into reading about this stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the coming weeks I look forward to posting about Ernest Cline's upcoming second novel, wonderfully titled, <i>ARMADA</i>. I'll just mention it now, with a detailed post coming soon, but what a ride it is... there is so much to say about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I leave you with this promotional poster for <i>INTERSTELLAR</i>, watching as an astronaut floats toward a black hole in the warping planet-scape, a surreal visual that I just love. Right up there with the space art I talked about recently when reviewing <i>THE ART OF SPACE </i>by Ron Miller<i> </i>a while back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Go boldly...</span><br />
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-74864423153290248532015-03-13T08:00:00.000-04:002015-03-13T08:00:00.877-04:00What a Strange Trip: THE MARTIAN by Andy Weir <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I finished reading <a href="http://www.andyweirauthor.com/"><i>The Martian</i> by Andy Weir</a> today, and man, what a terrific novel. I know I'm a little late to jump on this bandwagon, but sometimes such is my lot in life. As my brother once said, I may show up late, but I show up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back to <i>The Martian</i>. I had picked up this book at some point last year when people at work had been talking it up, and I read the opening chapter and was very impressed. What happened next, a side effect of my past-life of being a book club acquiring editor: I soon after picked up another book, then another. I do this a lot, I start new books before finishing others. Sacrilege to purists, I know. It's a feeling that I need to read some of a lot of books instead of all of a few of them. It's a symptom of those many years with manuscripts and advance reader copies from various publishers stacked on my desk. Even though I've moved on in my publishing career, old habits...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Recently while out with some sf/f publishing friends, <i>The Martian</i> came up again in conversation. I went back to it and I'm so glad I did. I immediately fell right back into the plight of Mark Watney: abandoned on Mars, calculating each step of whether or not he can survive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not looking to give anything away, but the book is filled with twists and turns, insane surprises and high a level of dramatic tension that keep you flipping the pages. I will say I was enthralled, totally enveloped in the science of it all, the calculations, the fine line between survival and death, and the isolation Mark felt. It was a gripping novel that I can't stop talking about and I highly recommend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also, I can't wait to see Ridley Scott's film adaptation which will be releasing around Thanksgiving time this year. That will be epic and something to look forward to as we approach the end of the year.<br /><br />So you see, sometimes you can go back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[This last line added for a friend, he'll know what I mean. Let's see if he's following along...]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-80360006085992102062015-01-22T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-22T08:00:04.429-05:0012 MONKEYS, episode 1 on Syfy and the Art of Adaptation<div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">I caught the first episode of the Syfy channel new series debut, 12 MONKEYS. The pilot episode evoked the ghost of the 1995 film, </span><em style="border: 0px; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Twelve Monkeys</em><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">, on which the series is based. I was intrigued, especially being that the film is one of my favorites of the 90s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">Packed with details, little things from the original film, like the scrambled phone message, the archaic yet futuristic time machine not fully explained, and the cabal of future scientists that emerge underground to lead the charge to take the planet back. It was nice to see little details, many of them a clear nod to the film, the series' inspiration, which I thought was handled well. The acting was very good, a nice debut with strong numbers from what I've read.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva,sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">Also in promotion for this new series I read that Syfy planned to use the film as a jumping off point and plans to digress, which I'm okay with, depending on how it goes. Some adaptations such as <i>Under the Dome</i> and <i>The Walking Dead</i> have diverged from the the source material a great deal and have been incredibly successful. </span></div>
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Some people don't like remakes or new adaptations and the like. I don't mind the idea if it is done right, or as long as it is done with a flair different enough yet reverent to the original. I like to think of a new generation, younger fans coming to the material, then searching out all that came before. It may bring them to the Terry Gilliam film, and the films that inspired him, as well as the books that have inspired all of this. If it brings more people to read science fiction, then it's a win in my book.</div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva,sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">Admittedly, I have still not seen the French film, <em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">La Jetee</em>, which is the inspiration of the original film, but I will enlist Netflix to remedy that. And maybe have another post. Up until this point I haven't written about television and film much, but that might change. Especially if <i>12 Monkeys</i> continues to impress.<br /><br />Thought I'd end with one image of Bruce Willis from the film, a favorite shot of that very steampunk-y surface research suit made by the scientists. Stay tuned. </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;">Mon....key.</span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-48898413100847134872014-11-26T13:00:00.000-05:002014-11-26T13:00:03.489-05:00Comics That Rock: SING NO EVIL by JP Ahonen & KP Alare<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This comic book (or graphic novel, if you prefer) is a collection that mixes art, music and fantasy into a story of a bunch of friends trying to make it to the next level as a band. And it takes place in Finland...cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A story of pure rock angst, <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/Books/Sing_No_Evil-9781419713590.html">SING NO EVIL</a> follows the band, Perkeros, and their frontman, Aksel, on a quest to tame the rock n' roll beast. Can he control and become a conduit for the wild music he hears in his head.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jpahonen.com/">JP Ahonen</a> and KP Alare create an intoxicating comic about a band in search of that elusive sound that will bring them to the next level. It is also about the struggle to be a creative artist and struggle with job, school, relationships, etc. There is a lot of humor woven in, and a love of metal. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.9999942779541px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you're into comics and music, and want to experience both blended together in a mystical tale of searching for that perfect song, you'll want to pick up SING NO EVIL. The tale is told from the perspective of the bandmates, specifically lead crooner, Aksel, as he struggles to harness the musical visions he hears within.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">I got a chance to meet JP Ahonen at an event at the Abrams office right before NY Comic Con in October, and he was cool, humble and a hell of a nice guy. I received a copy of SING NO EVIL that night, and was immediately drawn in by the terrific title as well as Ahonen's beautiful and fun art style. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">He somehow manages to capture the surreal experience of attending a live show: encompassed by a wall of blearing sound, struggling among the heated, claustrophobic crowd, and letting the music just sweep you away. To be able to do this in a comic, is an accomplishment in my book. And this book would make a great gift for someone interested in music, especially if that person likes heavy rock. The following image is just one example of the chaotic harmony that is experiencing live music and it's just spot on. </span></span></div>
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-18398408645914434692014-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-18T08:26:01.444-05:00The Art of Space by Ron Miller PLUS a giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">Do you remember the first science fiction book</span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">cover art that really struck you? Can you recall a stylized film or television show that hooked you on science fiction? Maybe it was a comic book cover from the Silver Age. I recall Star Wars having something to do with it for me as a little boy. I was hooked at the pure imagination of it. Other worlds, magnificent spaceships, aliens; all of it drew me in.</span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">I was recently sent by the good folks at the Zenith Press, a copy of <i><b><a href="http://www.qbookshop.com/products/214437/9780760346563/The-Art-of-Space.html">The Art of Space: The History of Space Art, From the Earliest Visions to the Graphics of the Modern Era</a></b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">from award-winning artist and best-selling author Ron Miller, </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;"><b style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><i style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></i></b><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">and it </span>is a collection that is out of this world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">Miller covers each era of space art, and how it was developed at the time with the resources, knowledge and vision of the artists of the day. He covers individual artists and movements from the decades, and brings to life over 350 incredible illustrations with informative discussion and background on each.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The book includes some of Miller's own incredible work such as Upsilon Andromedae [above] as part of section 2: Stars and Galaxies. Also covered are Planets & Moons, Spaceships & Space Stations, Space Colonies & Cities and lastly...Aliens. It is an inspiring collection, and offers a lot of history of space-themed art, and would make a great gift for any fan of space age artwork or fan of science fiction in general.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And Zenith Press send me a second copy TO GIVE AWAY to one lucky reader of my blog. All you have to do to be eligible is write in the comments section a favorite or memorable book cover or piece of SF art that hooked you. I will select a winner at random from the comments and contact you via email (or ask you to email me) so that I can send off the book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*This contest will end November 30th, I'll pick a winner December 1st and make contact. Thanks for following along and now get back to whatever book you were reading.</span><br />
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<br />Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-51525984667709754962014-09-09T13:05:00.000-04:002014-09-09T13:05:00.141-04:00Release day: STATION ELEVEN by Emily St. John Mandel #Station11<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">STATION ELEVEN by Emily St. John Mandel</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This book isn't only about Shakespeare. Or the apocalypse. Or fortune and fame. Or celebrity. Or the value of friendship. Or the meaning of family. Or secrets. Or shared pasts. Or nostalgia. Or an uncertain future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This book is not about survival. Or murder. Or loosing everyone you've ever loved. It is not about mad men. Or false communities. Or false prophets. Or going down the wrong path. Or disappearing forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is not about performance art. Or facade. Or art for art's sake. Or art for personal pleasure. It is not about theater. Or about music. Or a last plane ride. Or that last cup of coffee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is not about comic books. Or science fictional escape. It is not about fathers and sons. Or brothers and sisters.<br /><br />It is not about a stranger trying to save a man's life. It is not about those who survive letting the past go. And this book is not about remembering it as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is about all of those things, and more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I really feel Station Eleven has something for everyone. It is a special book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[Disclaimer: This book is published by Knopf, an imprint of Penguin Random House. I work for DK, also an imprint of Penguin Random House. I was not coerced into writing this review. The opinions expressed in this blog are my own. I do work for the company who publishes this book, but I write about it here because it is terrific and you should read it, and not because I had to. That is all. I made the font size of the disclaimer smaller, because, isn't it always?]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-1514515517466915082014-07-22T08:15:00.000-04:002014-07-22T08:15:00.024-04:00Upcoming Comics Collaboration: Mike Allred and Warren Ellis on The Spirit of Bacardi<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every now and then a pretty amazing sounding comics collaboration comes around and when I heard about this new project from Bacardi Rum (yes, that is a new comic book coming from the makers of Bacardi rum), well I just had to share it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bacardi assembled the dynamic team of legendary comics scribe, Warren Ellis, and Madman creator, Mike Allred, to collaborate and tell the story of the Bacardi family, through the plight of Emilio Bacardi, the revolutionary figure from the Bacardi family history.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Everything Warren Ellis writes is worth a gander as he's up there in that league of amazing talents that warrant a look whenever he puts pen to paper, or clicks at the keyboard, as that's the way it generally goes these days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I received these terrific promotional photos, and Bacardi has a teaser trailer featuring some behind the scenes/interview type bits about the collaboration with the two wacky (and beloved) creators on their site. And here's the coolest part -- <i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.5px; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 24.000001907348633px;">The Spirit of BACARDÍ </span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 24.000001907348633px; text-align: center;">will be available to download from <a href="http://bacardi.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">BACARDI.COM</a> on August 6<sup>th. </sup></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24.000001907348633px;">That is a nice piece of promotion, and I am very much looking forward to reading what two of my favorite comics creators come up with based on the extraordinary life of Emilio Bacardi. If this photo of Senior Allred at his drafting table isn't enough to whet your appetite, I don't know what'll do it. I'm intrigued...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out the reference photo of Emilio Bacardi to Mike's left, underneath the plexiglass of his working desk. I read in an interview years ago that Mike likes to cover his desk with inspirational images as seen here, and work right on top of the plexiglass, letting the images below drive him in whatever project he's working on. Pretty cool if you ask me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 24.000001907348633px; text-align: center;">Now listen, I'll be the first to admit I've been known to be partial to a bit of the rum myself, so there's that (okay, I said it). I also happen to think as a publishing professional and lifelong lover of comics that when a company reaches out to tell their company/family story in an interesting way, WITH COMICS, and they reach out to two respected creators such as this, this looks to be a project worth my time. I hope to find out more soon and will report back, or check it out yourselves.<br /><br />Disclaimer: I have NOT been paid or bribed with promises of endless supplies of rum to write this post (I just really like Mike Allred and Warren Ellis & comics) but I would not turn away an unexpected supply of the good stuff should it be delivered to my doorstep. Carry on.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 24.000001907348633px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-53550824054616008172014-07-19T14:54:00.000-04:002014-07-19T14:54:14.488-04:00Books and sunshine on my mind: THIS ONE SUMMER by Julian and Mariko Tamaki<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes books find their way to me in funny ways. Call it serendipity. I look for books everywhere and try to read new and different things although there never seems to be enough time. As I was leaving work on a summer Friday, on a shelf where people place extra books you can take, I saw a copy of <a href="http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/uncategorized/the-tamaki-cousins-make-their-indelible-mark/">THIS ONE SUMMER</a> and picked up this graphic novel to take home. It reminded me of summers spent at the Jersey Shore as a kid, and I wanted to follow the story of Rose and Windy, remembering what it was like to <i>almost </i>be a teen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I got home a few hours later, I opened the Sunday <i>New York Times</i> book review section, I saw a wonderful review praising the book. I was glad I picked it up and I can't wait to continue reading it. Just have to finish one or two things first, but I thought it was worth mentioning.</span></div>
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-13760188282302904732014-05-08T08:00:00.000-04:002014-05-08T08:00:00.953-04:00A Long Time Coming, reading Y THE LAST MAN volume by volume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last weekend I was looking through my collection of comics trade paperbacks on my shelves, some of which I've read and others I have not, and I happened upon a series which I always intended to read and just never got around to it. Until now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, with great excitement I cracked open volume 1 of <i>Y the Last Man</i> just a few days ago and jumped right in. I've a few holes in my collection and was able to purchase volume 3 digitally, and borrow volume 5 from a friend. I'll likely buy these so that I have the whole trade paperback collection in print for the library.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is just a few days later, and I'm midway through volume 5, and enjoying the series very much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thought I should just report in, with that reading update. And if you're like me and haven't read this great series yet. It's not too late.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-1900388700307485142014-04-25T08:00:00.000-04:002014-04-25T10:08:31.670-04:00And the Party Rages On<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A psychedelic cocktail of scenes and images from books and film come to mind when thinking about how to explain <i style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Afterparty</i> by <a href="http://darylgregory.com/">Daryl Gregory</a>. When I was contacted and asked if I'd read and review this novel, I had to admit, I was intrigued. Maybe I pictured Morpheus giving me a choice, but this time with the yellow pill featured on the book jacket. Maybe. Either way, down the rabbit hole I was going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">First thing that came to mind while reading was SF master, Philip K Dick and for me, his work,</span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"> </span><i style="border: 0px none; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A Scanner Darkly</i>,<span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"> one of the clear inspirations. Clearly PKD was whispering in the author's ear late into the night.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Gregory's novel we are jettisoned into the near future after the Smart Drug revolution, where any school kid with a chem-jet and access to the net can download and print designer drugs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">As you can imagine, this revolutionizes things and when a new, god-like drug known as Numinous leads a street kid to addiction and suicide, it gets personal for one Lyda Rose, especially because she was one of the original scientists who designed the drug.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Troubled by the guilt of loosing those close to her while fighting her own addictions, Lyda sets off on a journey across the country to track down the new source of this mind-altering drug and stop the spread and the pseudo-religious following that continues to </span><span style="line-height: 22.857135772705078px;">flourish</span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">. "Finding god" becomes a phrase used too often in this novel, and the author does a good job of exploring exactly what it means to find religion under the auspices of mind-altering designer drugs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you're looking for a wild ride across country in pursuit of a hot but dangerous drug, a trek only Hunter S. Thompson could appreciate, then this is the book for you. </span></div>
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-51755006375241716682014-03-11T08:30:00.000-04:002014-03-11T08:30:00.399-04:00RedDevil 4 by Eric C. Leuthardt<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Imagine it. A time right ahead of where we are right now. The not so distant future where neurotransmitters are implanted in everyone's brain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh wait, it's not that far-fetched because we already have technology like this and well beyond its infancy. We are aware that tomorrow can easily become today. That much we know, things like Google Glass, microprocessors and need I say the threat of a real Skynet? (Stay off the grid, man.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Real life neurosurgeon and biomedical engineer, Eric C. Leuthardt, has taken much of his knowledge from his incredible day job and mixed it into a dynamic story about what can go drastically wrong in the near future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In <a href="http://home.reddevil4.com/">REDDEVIL 4</a>, we follow Dr. Hagan Maerici, who spends his days—and most nights—in his lab, working on his near breakthrough with artificial intelligence. Not only is his job on the line, as his boss constantly hounds him for results, but it is not playing out well at home, mostly because he's never there. His wife's patience is drawing thin. And just when you think this combined stress might be too much for him, it gets much worse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />A string of grizzly murders, all connected to prominent citizens, baffles the police. Two detectives, Krantz and Goldwin, are assigned the case, which takes them to Maerici, and due to his research he comes up with a theory about the suspects' neural implants. And down the rabbit hole they go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I was asked to read and review this book, I was too intrigued to let it slip by. It sounded pretty good and look at that jacket. It's terrific and terrifying in the most subtle way. The digital image seems even more layered than even the printed edition and mimics the artificial intelligence interface the doctor interacts with in the story. So yes, in full disclosure, I was asked to read this novel and participate in a blog tour, and I regret nothing.<br /><br />And yes, in all honestly, this novel being written by a neurosurgeon did have a couple of moments of "medical speak" that called for a few befuddled moments and re-reads. There were more than a few times when the good Doctor Maerici had to explain to other characters just exactly what he was talking about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But... with that came a level of medical expertise not often seen in novels of this ilk. And this reality-infused high level of knowledge made the story scarier, made it more real. Well, because it is. Scary when you think about it. Made for quite the interesting read if I do say so myself. I won't say anymore about it, go find out for yourself. Or perish.</span></div>
</div>
Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-86464857029651392682014-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-17T08:00:02.061-05:00The Flight of the Silvers by Daniel Price and Why Me?<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Imagine the end of the world. And
in this version of </span><i style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The End</i><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">, for reasons unknown to you, a powerful
sphere that surrounds you somehow magically protects you, while at the same
time allowing you to see the world around you enveloped in an otherworldly
bright light and be destroyed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crazy, right?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even crazier, perhaps, imagine
then waking up in a place similar to where you were when this all went down,
but somehow even though the world looks the same, its also different. You
wonder if you dreamed it all. Then you start to notice little things that
aren't right or the same, and as you wonder if you are in fact going crazy, you
begin to figure out you're not in the same place you had been when the protective
sphere shielded you. This place is different and you don't know why until the
differences of this world slowly make it clear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMK554IuI3Dap21qBNKAY48hRXj-zR7Qb_-D2Za0EO4KB7cfEEBD_NS6Fzeoc4fuL_Ut9CmUNN1GGmb7w1tae3EZ6acQwdCXfF_8rZTjiOBYnxXpDr7x_2e_Ou0AN2Hjibz1duqnOJ8E/s1600/flight+of+silvers+long+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMK554IuI3Dap21qBNKAY48hRXj-zR7Qb_-D2Za0EO4KB7cfEEBD_NS6Fzeoc4fuL_Ut9CmUNN1GGmb7w1tae3EZ6acQwdCXfF_8rZTjiOBYnxXpDr7x_2e_Ou0AN2Hjibz1duqnOJ8E/s1600/flight+of+silvers+long+jacket.jpg" height="273" width="640" /></a><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;">The Flight of the Silvers</span></i><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"> by <a href="http://danielprice.info/index.shtml">Daniel Price</a> starts off with a strange occurrence
happening on the highway. Two siblings witness an unexplained disaster while
they interact with a mysterious visitor that hearkens of a future event of
impossible-to-comprehend relevance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then we jump several years ahead
and meet those two sisters again—along with four other strangers—and witness
through their eyes the foretold cataclysmic event and reawakening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why? Where am I? What happened?
These are some of the questions the "six" wrestle with as they're
"brought in" by s group of scientists promising to explain the
differences of this reality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Flight of the Silvers</span></span></i><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> is an
intriguing novel occurring in a parallel universe where incredible things
happen, people have extraordinary abilities, and a few survivors from our world
have to discover why they were chosen to go there. To find out why, pick up a
copy.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">[Disclosure: this post also appeared on <a href="http://vorpalizer.com/">Vorpalizer</a>, the official blog of the <a href="http://www.sfbc.com//">SFBC</a>, where I am a guest blogger, and a former Editor. Second disclosure: the above title is published by <a href="http://blueriderpress.tumblr.com/">Blue Rider Press</a>, an imprint of Penguin Random House, where I happen to work for another imprint, DK. My decision to post about this book was not specifically work related, except that it involves books, which is my work.]</span></span></div>
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-40724873625375604182014-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-06T08:00:09.002-05:00SPACEHAWK by Basil Wolverton, a brilliant & otherworldly collection from Fantagraphics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4Y7bADsdliuFMHZ2V3YznUzVpfnqnvHbCDGU4zZ9ZSStg8X108ldLe4wQntAfo1IaiVKk1D0YlKteZ8uTIT_XkYpzHX28hv1JMS_0cMOhjUvIlXy8xPMxDUGCRgALT1gjIcbEdLNm3M/s1600/Spacehawk+collection+jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4Y7bADsdliuFMHZ2V3YznUzVpfnqnvHbCDGU4zZ9ZSStg8X108ldLe4wQntAfo1IaiVKk1D0YlKteZ8uTIT_XkYpzHX28hv1JMS_0cMOhjUvIlXy8xPMxDUGCRgALT1gjIcbEdLNm3M/s400/Spacehawk+collection+jacket.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I picked up this collection last year from Fantagraphics, and honestly, it is stunning. The colors and lines of Basil Wolverton's work -- on the cover alone -- are terrific. Once you dip into the pages and it is like exploring psychedelic space ways and far out locations. His spacecraft and machinations are creative and harken back to a time of science fiction comics that laid the ground work for so much that has come in later years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.fantagraphics.com/browse-shop/spacehawk-pre-order-5.html">Fantagraphics collection</a>, is massively oversize, I'm talking "artist edition" type size, and as much as I love to see all the detail and colors in this big size, it is somewhat unwieldy. After all, if I put every "coffee table book" I own on my actual coffee table, well that table would be stacked.<br /><br />I would have personally enjoyed this book in a somewhat smaller "large" format, if that makes any sense. I'm not sure what the perfect size would have been but something a bit more handy. Something larger than normal comic book size, but not quite this big (actual dimensions of the book are over 9 x 12, with a neat flexi-paperback cover.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wolverton's <i>Spacehawk</i> i</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">s not as well known as his later work in MAD Magazine, but he was trying to break into syndicated comic strips back in the 1930s and 40s at the same time that Buck Rogers, and soon after, Flash Gordon made debuts. His timing wasn't as lucky, but he was eventually published and his legacy lives on, preserved in this prestige format collection. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later on, in the 40s, when editors forced his hero to come back to Earth to fight the Axis of Evil in World War II, Wolverton feared his strip would loose its strength and surely enough it was cancelled. I learned all of this from the introduction, written by <a href="http://wolvertoon.com/">Monte Wolverton</a>, Basil's son, an accomplished editor, illustrator and writer himself.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KAi-JwD8INylaW82vu0TN0QEWxm-id3UboV8QXMXNUmKSQBbgtGm-jYW0GV7p8WZmn0u0JwGQjSzmPuWu1POgz2P3YFcugIyK9N7Xvzjd6Xgzq3L6HFjxizbXMzFmt2dK9yH-h0qJpk/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KAi-JwD8INylaW82vu0TN0QEWxm-id3UboV8QXMXNUmKSQBbgtGm-jYW0GV7p8WZmn0u0JwGQjSzmPuWu1POgz2P3YFcugIyK9N7Xvzjd6Xgzq3L6HFjxizbXMzFmt2dK9yH-h0qJpk/s400/IMG_0977.jpg" width="300" /></a>Monte speaks with reverence of his father's work, and understandably so, as each lead-in illustration was masterfully crafted as depicted in my attempts to capture in photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Within the pages in each battle the 'hero from the void,' battles evil villains, obliterates aliens bent on destruction and travels to the far reaches of space in his spacecraft. He mercilessly handles out justice and is an unflawed heroic icon, clearly a product of the era, as Wolverton's son reflects in the Introduction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This collection would make a wonderful gift for any fan of early sci-fi comics and science fiction. It is also available as a digital comic via the Comixology app (I downloaded the preview there, which led me to purchase the print edition.) Either way, it is a win.<br /><br />Go get lost in space.</span>
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</span>Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-3630484083204016112014-01-03T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-03T08:00:00.308-05:00Found Object: Rocks and Minerals, a Golden Press book from 1957<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found this Golden Nature Guide while running jewelry related errands with my wife in New Jersey a while back. I thought it was a neat little piece of publishing history. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I immediately liked this miniature reference book, especially the jacket with the rock hammer, which reminded me of "The Shawshank Redemption," and if you've seen that great film, you'll know exactly why.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also loved seeing the $1.25 retail price, a clear reflection of its publication year, 1957, when it was produced in the USA by Western Publishing Company, Inc., published by the Golden Press. For a little history on Golden Press, click <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Press">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Filled with charming illustrations such as this one of a prospecting couple exploring subterranean rock structures, <i>Rocks and Minerals,</i> a Golden Nature Guide, was not just a flat reference book but more a piece of cultural history and reflected the era it was published. Within the small paperback, all 160 pages included great photos, classic illustration work and well researched information. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps it is the fact that I work at DK which helps me appreciate the history of well done reference books these days.<br /><br />Also, it could just be the rock hammer.</span></div>
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Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784666214853695588.post-49004288374599129212013-12-20T08:00:00.000-05:002013-12-20T08:38:00.358-05:00This Charming Man: A Neil Gaiman sighting and signing...from last year.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I finished reading a book recently, <i>The Ocean at the End of the Lane</i>, a terrific book, yes, but that part will have to wait.<br><br>Firstly, I wanted to talk a bit about the author, this book's author. <i>This</i> Charming Man. Isn't that the name of a Smiths song? Neil Gaiman is a charming man, there is no denying that. One doesn't have to go far on the internet to find praise from scores of fans of both his fantasy and some of the highest regarded comics ever written.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At a past New York Comic Con I've attended a Neil Gaiman event, not the first time I've seen him speak, he is wonderful listen to, a natural storyteller, pulling you into his world effortlessly with his charming accent (there it is again).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We waited in line as it was listed that the first 500 people in line would receive a book. What we didn't know was that as we were waiting, Neil was feverishly scribbling his signature away, on not one, but two books, so that each of the first 500 would leave with two signed copies. While we waited in line, we noticed a door to one of the back rooms was open, and low and behold, there he was, feverishly signing books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This photograph was taken by my wife, Fotini, from that line as we waited. There's Neil at a table scribbling his signature so that us huddled masses could leave each with two signed new books.<br><br>A gentleman, that one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love the woman racing by out-of-focus on the right side of the photo, it's almost ghost-like, which seemed appropriate being in line waiting to hear Neil speak about fantastical stuff, his writing, both really.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This little snippet of a post is a lead-in to a longer follow-up post, which I hope to have up soon, where I aim to discuss my thoughts on <i>The Ocean at the End of the Lane</i>, where I first heard Neil speak about the book at this very panel at New York Comic Con. Maybe I'll talk more about the panel too. I've got notes somewhere.</span></div>
Jayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06602814624055715320noreply@blogger.com0