Suprised by Sci Fi

I have never been an avid science fiction reader. When I was growing up, I read Ray Bradbury and all of the Dune books. But in my adult reading years, I very rarely turn to the science fiction genre.

So I approached The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis with a bit of skepticism. Two of my fellow librarians assured me that I would love it. But really, Sci Fi? Wasn’t that for those people who know about science and space and math? Of course, I absolutely loved it and was once again reminded to not judge a book by its cover, or its genre for that matter.

The Doomsday Book takes place in Oxford in the near future when time travel is possible, but not yet a perfect science. Kivrin a bright and adventurous young student wants to travel to the 14th century. James Dunworthy, her professor, is concerned that Kivrin is not completely prepared to travel to this period that has not yet been visited. He is further concerned that “slippage” during the actual time travel will put her in a time and place of danger. Kivrin is granted permission to undertake this adventure but minutes after she is sent off, the technician who facilitated her time travel falls ill with a mysterious virus.

The book switches between Oxford in 2054 and England in the Middle Ages. Nothing goes as expected as illness, quarantines, and miscommunications ensue. This book is filled with interesting characters, some humorous, some extremely annoying. The story flies along as you read faster to find out what happens to both Kivrin and Professor Dunworthy.

This is an older book, written in 1992. It is still available in paperback and at your local library. I encourage you to dip your toes into the science fiction genre with this great read!

Little Shop Around the Corner

Do you remember the movie "You've Got Mail"? For years, people have been coming into The Open Book and saying that it reminds them of that movie. I have always laughed and said that I hoped that I would not have to close my store because a big bookstore is coming into town. Well, it is not Barnes and Noble or Borders, but a new bookstore is coming to Westhampton Beach and it is backed by a former publisher (Jack McKeown of Perseus Book Group) with lots of contacts and resources not available to most.

Westhampton Beach has always been, in my experience, a town where the merchants do their best to support each other. We try not to carry competing lines because we want to offer our summer visitors a variety. Yes, we are in competition for the limited tourist dollar, but in general, we work together so that we all may stay in business and be successful.

We are a small village that at one time supported two bookstores. Things have changed in the bookselling business and in these days of big box stores and ebooks, it is difficult for any independent bookstore to survive. I am not ashamed to admit that I am nervous and feel that my business is being threatened.

I realize that anyone can open a bookstore. I do not have the monopoly on bookselling for the village of Westhampton Beach. I also realize that just because something is legal, it does not necessarily follow that it is right.

So I am asking those of you who have visited us over the years to keep buying your books at The Open Book. Please let people know that we still have the knowledge and enthusiasm about books that have always distinguished us. Please pass the word that we are just around the corner and have every intention of staying there for as long as we can.

As always, thanks for your kindness and support

What Happened to February?

Oh, it has been mad crazy lately (as one of the kids might say). The holidays flew by, a quick vacation and then it was time to move the store to 1 Glovers Lane. This is the second move for The Open Book and you would think that we would have learned some lessons the first time around. Well we did learn to move the shelves first and then the books. But the rest was just as chaotic as it could be...but in the nicest way.

On a snowy/sleety/rainy weekend over 45 of the most wonderful people in the world came to Westhampton to help us move. Boxes and books and toys and bags and Stuff were packed and moved. We ate pizza and quesidillas and drank tons of German Deli ice tea. We celebrated our first annual Bake-off and laughed alot. I continue to be grateful for all of the people who love the bookstore. I think I can safely say that The Open Book (and its owner) loves you right back.

So here is a picture of the new place and I promise to get back to blogging about books soon. Check my previous post for the updated list of my 2010 books.

Christmas on Main Street (a/k/a - Mrs. Claus is losing her voice and the elves have frostbite)

In this case, a few photos may actually be worth a thousand words:

HAPPY HOLIDAY AND A MERRY NEW YEAR!

Anticipation

I have an enviable life, surrounded by books and people that love them. Two such people are Helen Simonson and Justin Kramon. Helen has been a customer of The Open Book for years and Justin was my very first employee. Both of them have books coming out in the new year and I can't wait to sell them and "name drop" like crazy.

Helen's book is entitled Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. I just fell in love with Major Pettigrew. He is the type of old school English gentleman that is baffled by the direction the modern world has taken. His relationship with his family members and the villagers of Edgecombe St. Mary are so beautifully described that you feel you know each person. The lovely friendship that develops between Mrs. Ali and the Major is charming without being cloying. The reaction of the villagers who have known the Major for most of his life are interesting and sometimes maddening. The Major's inate goodness and Mrs. Ali's dry wit and quiet rebelliousness are heartwarming. I hated to see this book end.

Justin's book Finny is being published by Random House in July. It has been described as a Dickensian adventure, a love story and the coming of age tale of a very unusual young woman. I am so looking forward to reading this book. I will post a picture of the cover and more information soon.

There are so many things to look forward to in 2010. Anticipating all the wonderful books I will read and all the new people that will walk in the door makes me welcome the future. And of course, time spent with family and familiar friends is something I am grateful for daily. I wish you all happy holidays.

Reading and Writing

I have learned that it is much easier to read 100 books in a year than it is to write 50,000 words in a month. The Diary of an Invisible Woman hit about 4,000 words and then was lost in a storm of things to do and other excuses. Maybe next November I will try again. At the rate I am going, it will take ten years to write this thing.

On the bright side, I just finished reading my 97th book and am heading into the home stretch. I have enjoyed so many of the books I read this year and even loved a few. Since I cannot remember what I had for breakfast, it is especiallly nice to have the list to remind me of my reading.

Wishing everyone the happiest of Thanksgivings, filled with turkey and family and friends and, of course, a few stolen minutes to read a good book!

On Black Friday

don't forget to shop at your local stores!