Odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
- How to Support an Author’s New Book: 11 Ideas For You — Some great advice for those who like to help out those who bring us such pleasure. Saw a lot of writer’s pass this along this week, and I can see why.
- Dear Media, Let me help you write that article on YA literature — A YA Librarian attempts to set a few facts straight about YA books. Good for readers (particularly those skeptical of YA) as well as media-types.
- The Case of the Aging Sleuths and the Dying Detectives — Max Allan Collins talks about the various ways that mystery authors have dealt with their protagonist’s aging. Nice little survey that speaks to the mystery geek in me
- First Page Perfection — I haven’t read the same books that James Crossley talks about here, but I fully understand the phenomenon he talks about. I expect most readers do.
- What’s in a Pen Name? — title says it all
- Five Fascinating Facts about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle — In honor of the 155th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s birth, here’s, well, 5 facts.
- The Tufa Talk — nice little chat about a book I really enjoyed from the author and audio book narrator. (thanks, @SkyboatMedia for the head’s up on this)
- ‘Cheap Shot’ Brings Sports To Spenser Revival — will hopefully get my review of the new Spenser up next week, Spoiler: Loved it. This is a nice look at the book and Atkins.
- Patrick Rothfuss Reviews Butcher’s Skin Game — a rave review from Rothfuss is a joy to read, this is no exception. I don’t need anything to make me want to read Skin Game, but I’ll take it.
- This Week’s New Releases I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
- The Severed Streets by Paul Cornell — I’ve been really looking forward to this follow-up to the dark Urban Fantasy/Police Procedural London Falling
- Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary by J.R.R. Tolkien — Tolkien’s take on the classic, 88 years after he finished it. Who wouldn’t want to read this? Here’s a bit more on it.
- Dangerous Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl — Honestly, I could live without returning to the Beautiful Creatures world. Still, Link and Ridley? Tempting . . . .
- Temporary Hauntings by Craig Shaw Gardner — it’s been ages since I read a Craig Shaw Gardner book, but he’s always been a sure-fire pleaser. The Temporary Magic series looks fun.
- V is for Villain by Peter Moore (not Sue Grafton, really.) — Looks to be a fun YA super-hero thing. /li>
