November Events at Old Firehouse Books

Event: Open Book Club

Time: Sunday, November 1 at 1pm

Location: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St

Contact Information: 970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks@gmail.com

This month, we’ll be discussing The Likeness, a brilliant mystery. Ever wonder if you have a double? Irish detective Cassie Maddox finds that she does, after her likeness is murdered. The only way to find the killer is to go undercover as her double. Join our discussion as we try to unravel this dark-edged book’s twists and turns. The Likeness is 20% off at Old Firehouse Books this month.

Event: Untitled Book Club

Time: Monday, November 9 at 6:30 pm

Location: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St

Contact Information: 970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks@gmail.com

If you haven’t yet read Persepolis, now is the perfect time to pick up this stunning graphic novel. The book traces the Iranian revolution through the eyes of a young girl. The powerful images and wry humor of this work of art will make for a great discussion. Persepolis is 20% off at Old Firehouse Books this month.

Event: Strange Worlds Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Club

Time: Thursday, November 12 at 6 pm

Location: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St

Contact Information: 970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks@gmail.com

Oceans Eleven meets the Borgia family in The Lies of Locke Lamora, this month’s selection. Join us for a great discussion on all the con games, fight scenes, and ancient magic packed into the book. The Lies of Locke Lamora is 20% off at Old Firehouse Books this month.

Event: Book Signing with Cricket McRae and Patricia Stoltey

Time: Saturday, November 7 at noon

Location: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St

Contact Information: 970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks@gmail.com

Come and meet two local mystery writers as they sign their newest work. Whether you’re a mystery buff or a homecrafting enthusiast, you’ll be fascinated by these two talented ladies.

Event: Book Signing for Broken Links, Mended Lives

Time: Saturday, November 14 at noon

Location: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St

Contact Information: 970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks@gmail.com

Broken Links, Mended Lives is an anthology featuring the work of the Rokcy Mountain Fiction Writers, including Carol Berg and Mario Acevedo. Come meet the writers gathered to sign their work- you may be surprised at who will be here!

Books you can't put down

Have you ever found a book or book series even that you can't put down? That not only grabs your interest but also makes you invest something of yourself in it's characters? I fall prey to this easily, I often read and become so involved in a book I am literally living it out in my head. It's one reason I read so fast and so much- I have a hard time just reading a little bit out of a book, once I start I really have to finish it in order to return to my normal life! Otherwise I am walking around with a funny feeling like part of me is still in the book's world. Growing up my mom always told me to take some time after finishing a book or putting one down to be by myself. In other words, I was kinda cranky about coming back to reality and she didn't want to deal with it! I am not as bad as I used to be about it but I did want to share a couple of really good books and series that have captured me and let me live in their reality for a while. Because, who doesn't occasionally need to escape and go live in a book?

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Chronicles of Narnia (the whole series, even as an adult they will capture you)

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

The Shack by William P. Young

The Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau

Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris (currently in this series and it's fantastic!)

And I am a little embarassed to admit this but... Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyers (I couldn't put them down!)

I encourage everyone to read one of these books if you haven't already and see if I am right! Also, I would love to know what books you have read that capture you-feel free to leave a comment! Now go read some books!

Kara's Book Review...it's about time!

It's been a while since I posted anything on here. My main excuse is the start of school for me. Reading textbooks and doing homework in all my spare time doesn't leave a lot of room or even desire to read all that much. But when I do read I have concentrated on reading really enjoyable books. Whether they are memoirs or fiction I am looking for something to grab my attention and keep my interested. I guess I am looking for authors that are good enough that their books are true "escapes" from my reality!
One of my favorites that I have read is Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen. It's a memoir, and at first glance it doesn't seem like a light or easy book. It's the story of Rhoda's divorce and her "recovery". She ends up moving back in with her parents, who are Mennonites and live in a Mennonite community. I can't put my finger on why this book was so funny but I found myself laughing out loud so often I had to start reading it in private. You may have seen me around town, I would have been the girl doubled over laughing while reading... at one point I did have a waiter (I was reading during my lunch break) ask me if I was ok since it looked like I was crying! Rhoda's story is not necessarily funny itself but her way of handling it and looking at it and even writing about it will definitely make you laugh.
This book was just published and is worth picking up, come on in to the store and ask me about it or other books I recommend for a good laugh!

Through the Writing Glass!

A carnival? Celebrating reading and writing?

We're there!

No really, we will be. And we'll have books available for purchase at the event at a 10% discount!

Read more about the fun below:

Bas Bleu Theater opens its doors Saturday, October 24 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm to the youth of Northern Colorado with an afternoon of writing games, food and prizes, to celebrate new books from beloved authors. Book-loving kids 9-14 and their parents are invited to join Victoria Hanley, Todd Mitchell, Laura Resau and Teresa R. Funke for a carnival of reading and writing.

Each author is known to local school children not only for their award-winning books, but also for their energetic and educational school visits. Through the Writing Glass is the first time all four will come together to give readings and guide kids and parents alike through writing games.

Sponsored by Bas Bleu Theatre, Through the Writing Glass is part of the organization’s continued effort to support literacy, storytelling and local youth. Authors will sign copies upon request. The Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau is published by Delacort; V for Victory by Teresa R. Funke is published by Victory House Press; Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley is published by Egmont USA; The Secret to Lying by Todd Mitchell will be released by Candlewick in June, 2010.

No tickets are required; this is a free event!

Bas Bleu Theatre is located at 401 Pine St. in Old Town Fort Collins. For more information, please go to www.throughthewritingglass.com.

Well the snow has come early this year and you all know what that means!
It's time to curl up with a good book under your covers and ditch out on all your other obligations.
Some cold-weather reading I suggest:
The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night-Time by Mark Haddon


It's been a while since I've read this book but from what I remember, it's a compassionate, logical account of a kid with autism. Like, I said it's been a while but the book has stuck with me for years not and I have to suggest it. You'll love the characters and the story.

A series of fire and ice by George R. R. Martin
which starts with the book A Game of Thrones


I know I constantly rave about this series but I tore through it and it is very dear to me! Now would be a fabulous time to read it because "Winter is coming." Hahahaha
- oh, you don't get the reference? Read the books! Not only are they a killer series with rich characters and situations, but HBO is shooting the pilot to make it into a show. You can follow the fanfare HERE.

More cover thoughts

Those dark, mysterious, sexy paranormal covers just keep coming! You are meant to judge a book by its cover, and clearly editors think readers want leather, tattoos, and bad-ass babes. Here's a link to a cover montage in case you just can't get enough- have fun watching!

On the Kindle, Amazon, and monopsonies

Here's a post by a man who's much smarter than I am: Charles Stross. He writes speculative fiction which pushes both technical and economic boundaries, His latest blog post is on the Kindle coming to the UK and what it means for publishers and authors. He is less than flattering to Amazon. Check it out- your new word for the day is : monopsony!
I don't usually worry much about getting into the Amazon debate. However, a post by an author that I'm asking to do a signing with us (he may decline since we're still kinda small fry) discusses the problem of getting people to actually buy the book they want signed in the bookstore doing the signing. Read the third and fourth paragraphs under "The Tour" heading.
It never looks good when small bookstores complain about Amazon, Walmart, or any of the big boys. The fact is, we can't discount our books as steeply as they can. However, it's worth bearing in mind that these discounts come out of the pockets of authors and publishers, never mind booksellers. Walmart and Amazon can negotiate discounts of scale because of their buying power, and have publishers over a barrel. If they refuse to buy from a publisher because they don't like that publisher's terms, then no Amazon or Walmart for that publisher- can you imagine the lost sales? Little guys don't have that kind of negotiating power, and publishers have to make profits somewhere. Customers don't know what's going on with the discounts and vote with their pocketbooks, and why shouldn't they? I know my budget is tight right now.
We try to provide value for our customers. We discount books you order from us, book club books, bestsellers. We also provide a stellar staff who can give you great recommendations for gifts, a good Mexican place to try, or just chat with you about your last purchase and how much you loved it. Please remember us when you're shopping, and realize that we're doing our best to give you the most bang for your buck and the best deal we can.