James Frey, teen novelist?

New York Times posted an article stating that James Frey, author of A million little pieces and Bright shiny morning, with an unnamed New York Times best-selling author are working on a teen science fiction series.

via Bookshelves of Doom

posting by Lorraine

the best of science fiction and fantasy

the 2009 Locus Award winners include:

• Science fiction novel:  “Anathem” by Neal Stephenson
• Fantasy novel:  “Lavinia” by Ursula K. Le Guin
• First novel:  “Singularity’s Ring” by Paul Melko
• Young adult book:  “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman

for a complete list, check out the Locus site.

i do have to quibble with naming Kelly Link’s “Pretty Monsters” as the winner for best novella considering it’s a collection of short stories clocking in at 400 pages.  perhaps there is an alternate reality definition of novella…. * (see comments for clarification)

posting by marin

retribution

it seems that Alice Hoffman has somewhat misplaced fury at a Boston Globe review of her latest, “The Story Sisters.  Hoffman took to twitter to lash out, giving the reviewer’s email and phone number.  i’d hate to see Hoffman’s reaction when she’s really mad.

(via a convoluted facebook and tweet trail)

posting by marin

CoMa video: Mend it or Purge it?

Sorry for missing a video last week.  I just  ran out of time.

This week’s video is about 3 minutes and it’s a really, really crucial topic.  8 items were randomly picked out of the items waiting to be mended.  7 will be purged and 1 will be returned to the collection without mending.  Every item sent in for mending is examined by a selection librarian to determine if it should be mended.

Is an item a candidate for mending or purging?  Much, much less material is mended than you would think.

If an item meets the Purge criteria it should not be sent in for Mending.

Purge criteria based on conditions:

• Soiled or stained
• More than 1 torn page
• Markings on pages that cannot be easily removed
• Liquid damage
• Chewed cover or pages
• Odorifious
• Old and worn paperback (trade or mass market)
• Picture book with loose sewing
• Hardback with loose bindings or frayed edges
• Bent jackets or covers

to the week-end warriors

‘nother book give away, an ARC of Kellerman’s latest Decker and Lazarus novel, “Blindman’s Bluff.”  to the first Sno-Isle Libraries staff member to comment, it’s yours.  it currently has 52 holds and counting.

posting by marin

Are teens the best readers?

Joanne McNeil of tomorrowmuesum.com posted an essay: Why Teenagers Read Better Than You. 

There are several reasons why so many teenagers are passionate readers. A book is a pathway inside another person’s head. When you are young, you have few deep relationships, maybe no real emotional connections with others at all. You connect in the text. At that age, it is a revelation to see an author has the same dreams and insecurities as you do. Plus, there is a confidence and conviction to a fiction narrative’s voice. You are eager for someone to look up to, but certainly not your parents, not your teachers. A novel is an opportunity to really listen to another human being.

Paul Raven of futurismic.com  posted a response: Young Adult fiction: are we confusing marketing with markets?

via PW Children’s Bookshelf, June 25, 2009

posting by Lorraine

Neilsen Company reports on teens and media

The Nielsen Company published an in-depth report on how teenagers use media — the myths and realities of teen media trends.  They look at how teens use: TV, online and mobile video, Internet, mobile phones, games, movies, music and advertising. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype around teenagers.  The notion that teens are too busy texting and Twittering to be engaged with traditional media is exciting, but false.

This report will make you reconsider your preconceived notions about what teens are doing.

via PW Children’s Bookshelf, June 25, 2009

posting by Lorraine

a different take on the beach

which fictional character would you want to spend a day at the beach with?  The Washington Post asked that very question of a number of authors from Garrison Keillor to Diana Gabaldon.  one of my favorite quips is from Christopher Moore, mentioned earlier and known for his wacky sense of humor:

The Wife of Bath from Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales.” She’s got moxie, knows how to “swynke it, swynke it,” and she’s English, so you can watch her crisp in the afternoon sun.

honestly, i am really bad at this game and cannot think of a single character – you?

(via All about Romance)

posting by marin

breaking news Michael Jackson dead at 50

Michael Jackson died this afternoon at his California home after suffering a heart attack. Jackson was 50 years old.

The Huffington Post has the full story.

posting by jim

Weird books

I have decided to keep an eye out for strange and weird books published for children.  While doing some collection maintenance last week, I came across this book which jumped out at me:

Do you have any strange children’s books that you would like to share??

posting by Lorraine