Christmas is just around the corner! Up until this moment I have been running like crazy trying to keep up with my mostly busy life and get all my school stuff done for the year. It's been wild and I haven't even thought of gifts yet. Until now that is...( I just finished my last class!)
Never fear procrastinators! There is still time! Even to special order a book! We can special order a book and have it in by Christmas if you place your order by December 16th. We also sell gifts certificates in the store and we can increment them for as much (or if you are a student like me! or as little...) as you want. Gift certificates make excellent gifts for that hard to shop for someone or that person in your life that has read everything!
Our staff here at the bookstore excels in giving recommendations and helping you find a book for that special someone. Each of us is well read and we all have different tastes and ideas so ask around! We are here to assist you.
We also have a holiday catalog that you can pick up and any book out of it is 20% off when you use the coupon on the back! Check out our display shelves with all the awesome books from the catalog just as you walk in the door.
Here at Old Firehouse Books we are prepared for the holidays-even if you aren't! Stop in, talk to the staff, check out our displays and get that shopping list out of the way! We can't wait to see you!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
HOLY COW
It's cold!
If you must leave the house today, come into Old Firehouse Books to stock up because it's only going to get colder.
Monday, December 7, 2009
"I'm the one thing you can't kill...I am hope."
That quote is from the book I'll be reviewing: Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire) by Brandon Sanderson.
This book is a truly awe-inspiring fantasy epic. Its setting is a wholly original world with a mix of Gothic and Victorian influences, some Kung Fu/Matrix-style battle scenes, very believable (and almost worldly possible) systems of "magic", and very relevant philosophies/morals peppered in, resulting in it becoming my #1 favorite sci-fi/fantasy novel.
The story takes place in "The Central Dominance" of "The Final Empire", which is ruled by "The Lord Ruler" who is supposedly immortal, and a sliver of God. The first twist is that the oppressive, tyrant Lord Ruler was the "Epic Hero" who saved the world from an intangible, destructive, evil force. He obviously, however, used his power for evil as he currently dominates all the land, and along with his nobility enslaves the "lesser" race of people, known as "Skaa". Sanderson's story begins with a mysterious living legend named "Kelsier". He survived a death sentence from the Lord Ruler, and now is out to seek revenge, and a changed world for the Skaa, by putting together a crew of the best Skaa outlaws and overthrowing the Final Empire. A task regarded by most as utterly impossible.
The leading lady of this book is "Vin": a 16-year-old, scrawny, timid Skaa thief who is rescued by Kelsier and made part of his crew. They soon realize, however, that she possesses the same intrinsic abilities as Kelsier, so he begins training her in the powers of a "Mistborn".
The primary system of "magic" is called "Allomancy", and it has to do with ingesting flakes/beads of pure metals (pewter, tin, steel, iron, copper, etc.) and then "burning" them-using up their energy for the powers they grant. The most noticeable & powerful power of allomancy is the ability to push/pull metal objects. So they carry around bags of coins, and throw them on the ground in order to push themselves off of the coins and essentially "fly" around the city.
Honestly, I saw very few problems with the story, and those that I did observe were so minute that others might not even see them. Overall this book is almost perfect! It has well-crafted characters, well-written dialogue, well-thought-out plots, scams and intrigue, amazing battles and plenty of jaw-dropping twists to leave the reader feeling as though they're a part of the story and good friends with the characters. I personally found myself very attached, and caring greatly when things happened to them. All in all, this book is AWESOME!
There are two more books in the "Mistborn Series", and Brandon has stated that he would really like to write an offshoot of the Mistborn series set in more modern times. I would recommend this book/series to anyone who enjoyed "The Lies of Locke Lamora" by Scott Lynch. While definitely not as gritty, graphic and vulgar, they do have some things in common. If you're looking for a very original world, with characters you can feel and plots you certainly won't expect, then this book is for you!
This book is a truly awe-inspiring fantasy epic. Its setting is a wholly original world with a mix of Gothic and Victorian influences, some Kung Fu/Matrix-style battle scenes, very believable (and almost worldly possible) systems of "magic", and very relevant philosophies/morals peppered in, resulting in it becoming my #1 favorite sci-fi/fantasy novel.
The story takes place in "The Central Dominance" of "The Final Empire", which is ruled by "The Lord Ruler" who is supposedly immortal, and a sliver of God. The first twist is that the oppressive, tyrant Lord Ruler was the "Epic Hero" who saved the world from an intangible, destructive, evil force. He obviously, however, used his power for evil as he currently dominates all the land, and along with his nobility enslaves the "lesser" race of people, known as "Skaa". Sanderson's story begins with a mysterious living legend named "Kelsier". He survived a death sentence from the Lord Ruler, and now is out to seek revenge, and a changed world for the Skaa, by putting together a crew of the best Skaa outlaws and overthrowing the Final Empire. A task regarded by most as utterly impossible.
The leading lady of this book is "Vin": a 16-year-old, scrawny, timid Skaa thief who is rescued by Kelsier and made part of his crew. They soon realize, however, that she possesses the same intrinsic abilities as Kelsier, so he begins training her in the powers of a "Mistborn".
The primary system of "magic" is called "Allomancy", and it has to do with ingesting flakes/beads of pure metals (pewter, tin, steel, iron, copper, etc.) and then "burning" them-using up their energy for the powers they grant. The most noticeable & powerful power of allomancy is the ability to push/pull metal objects. So they carry around bags of coins, and throw them on the ground in order to push themselves off of the coins and essentially "fly" around the city.
Honestly, I saw very few problems with the story, and those that I did observe were so minute that others might not even see them. Overall this book is almost perfect! It has well-crafted characters, well-written dialogue, well-thought-out plots, scams and intrigue, amazing battles and plenty of jaw-dropping twists to leave the reader feeling as though they're a part of the story and good friends with the characters. I personally found myself very attached, and caring greatly when things happened to them. All in all, this book is AWESOME!
There are two more books in the "Mistborn Series", and Brandon has stated that he would really like to write an offshoot of the Mistborn series set in more modern times. I would recommend this book/series to anyone who enjoyed "The Lies of Locke Lamora" by Scott Lynch. While definitely not as gritty, graphic and vulgar, they do have some things in common. If you're looking for a very original world, with characters you can feel and plots you certainly won't expect, then this book is for you!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Our Revised Graphic Novel Section
Maybe you've been to The Book Rack or Old Firehouse Books and looked through the graphic novel section with a broken heart.
Well, comic fans, cry no more! We are upping our anti, filling our shelves, and supplying you with all your alternative literature needs!
From Batman to Sandman, The Book of Genesis to Jesus vs. Vampires, we can find something you'll enjoy.
We even have some classics-turned-graphic!
From Pride and Prejudice to Crime and Punishment, you can get your classic literature in a picture book.
So Come on Down to Old Firehouse Books and read more comix!
Monday, November 23, 2009
December events at your favorite bookstore!
OLD FIREHOUSE BOOKS EVENTS
EVENT: Book Signing with Bryan White
Time: December 5, 12pm to 8pm
Location: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St.
Contact Information: 970-484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com
Join us in exploring Bryan White’s fascinating and beautiful 3-D photography. During the day, he will have special viewers set up that show the science behind the photos. Pictures of the Aurora Borealis will come to life in his slide shows that take place at 6pm and 7pm.
EVENT: Open Book Club
Time: December 6, 1pm
Location: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St.
Contact Information: 970-484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com
This month we’ll be discussing the bestseller Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Called “At once a strikingly original thriller and a vivisection of Sweden's dirty not-so-little secrets”, this book has been topping the charts for over a year. Come find out why everybody’s talking about it!
EVENT: Strange Worlds Science Fiction Book Club
Time: December 10, 6pm
Location: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St.
Contact Information: 970-484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com
As December’s days get shorter, escape with a fantasy novel about sun-drenched Spain during the days of the Reconquista. This month, we’ll be discussing The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay, one of the most lyrical writers of fantasy today.
EVENT: Untitled Book Club
Time: December 14, 6:30 pm
Location: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St.
Contact Information: 970-484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com
Join us for a discussion of Chuck Klosterman’s Killing Yourself to Live, which expands on an article he wrote for Spin about driving cross-country to visit several of America's most famous rock and roll death sites.Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Books for kids (of all ages!)
I hear from people that it's often hard to find books to give kids or to get kids interested in reading. I have so many recommendations it's hard for me to know where to start! And as with most recommendations there are a lot of variables to fill in to really give a good title that fits well (age, reading level, boy or girl, interests?...etc.) but I wanted to post a few good titles that are across the board great reads for kids. My passion is to see people love reading and if you can get a kid to love it they will grow up reading everything and learning lots (see myself for an example!).
The following is a personal list of fantastic books to give kids, read with your kids or read by yourself!
Teen Reads
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Maximum Ride by James Patterson(J. Patterson wrote this for his son, he said he couldn't get him to love reading anything so he wrote a book that he knew his son would love!)
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Comet's Curse by Dom Testa (Denver radio host that is working hard to get kids excited about reading!)
Books for Pre-Teens
Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg (and anything else by this author, my personal favorite from my childhood!)
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Engalls Wilder (you cannot go wrong with this book series, it is fun and interesting and full of history all in one!)
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Early Readers
Guardians of Ga'hoole by Kathryn Lasky
Harry's Mad by Dick King-Smith (Again, anything by this author!!! He wrote Babe the Magnificent Pig as well and he is just a great young reader author!)
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor
This is just a tip of the "great books for kids, pre-teens, and teens" iceberg. There are so many more I would bore you to death typing them all out here...Come on in to the store, browse the kids sections and ask for advice! We love finding good fits for each reader, whether you are young or old, buying for yourself or someone else, boy or girl we want you (or them) to be reading books you will love (or at least really enjoy!).
The following is a personal list of fantastic books to give kids, read with your kids or read by yourself!
Teen Reads
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Maximum Ride by James Patterson(J. Patterson wrote this for his son, he said he couldn't get him to love reading anything so he wrote a book that he knew his son would love!)
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Comet's Curse by Dom Testa (Denver radio host that is working hard to get kids excited about reading!)
Books for Pre-Teens
Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg (and anything else by this author, my personal favorite from my childhood!)
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Engalls Wilder (you cannot go wrong with this book series, it is fun and interesting and full of history all in one!)
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Early Readers
Guardians of Ga'hoole by Kathryn Lasky
Harry's Mad by Dick King-Smith (Again, anything by this author!!! He wrote Babe the Magnificent Pig as well and he is just a great young reader author!)
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor
This is just a tip of the "great books for kids, pre-teens, and teens" iceberg. There are so many more I would bore you to death typing them all out here...Come on in to the store, browse the kids sections and ask for advice! We love finding good fits for each reader, whether you are young or old, buying for yourself or someone else, boy or girl we want you (or them) to be reading books you will love (or at least really enjoy!).
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Our Mob-Free Guarantee
Black Friday is coming! This means major discounts at chain stores, and unfortunate crushing mobs. Wal-Mart is trying to keep last year's events from repeating themselves by staying open all night on Thanksgiving instead. And what better way to celebrate this holiday than shopping at your local retail giant? Forget pumpkin pie, forget enjoying the company of loved ones, Thanksgiving night is time to SHOP!
Or... How about this year, instead of joining in on the Wal-Mart mob, you come to Old Firehouse Books instead? We may not be able to offer the mega-discounts that Wal-Mart provides, and we close down for Thanksgiving, but we do give 20% on anything in our Winter Catalogue (find this at our store or check the Coloradoan!) along with other deals on various items. On top of this you'll be helping to keep Fort Collins unique and saving your local economy, plus we offer a mob-free guarantee!
To read more about the Wal-Mart fiasco, see the links below. If ravenous mobs don't convince you to shop local, I don't know what will.
http://news.holidash.com/2008/11/30/walmart-employee-trampled-to-death-crowd-keeps-shopping/
http://news.holidash.com/2009/11/11/walmart-moves-black-friday-to-thursday/?icid=main|main|dl7|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.holidash.com%2F2009%2F11%2F11%2Fwalmart-moves-black-friday-to-thursday%2F
Or... How about this year, instead of joining in on the Wal-Mart mob, you come to Old Firehouse Books instead? We may not be able to offer the mega-discounts that Wal-Mart provides, and we close down for Thanksgiving, but we do give 20% on anything in our Winter Catalogue (find this at our store or check the Coloradoan!) along with other deals on various items. On top of this you'll be helping to keep Fort Collins unique and saving your local economy, plus we offer a mob-free guarantee!
To read more about the Wal-Mart fiasco, see the links below. If ravenous mobs don't convince you to shop local, I don't know what will.
http://news.holidash.com/2008/11/30/walmart-employee-trampled-to-death-crowd-keeps-shopping/
http://news.holidash.com/2009/11/11/walmart-moves-black-friday-to-thursday/?icid=main|main|dl7|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.holidash.com%2F2009%2F11%2F11%2Fwalmart-moves-black-friday-to-thursday%2F
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
