Jared M.
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Science Fiction Fridays: Top twelve of 2012 Part 1 of 3
It’s the end of the year and that can only mean one thing: list season has begun! Here is the first in a three part series of the 12 best genre books I read that were published this year (or very late last year). Some of these may be familiar to readers of this column,… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Alternate holidays
I am a proud Grinch. I don’t enjoy anything about the holidays; not the lights, not the food, not the music and definitely not the cold weather. However, one thing I do love is a heartwarming science fiction tale, and it seems like even the most dour author can turn out a warm and fuzzy… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Graphic novels for giving
Graphic novels make the best gifts. I mean, who doesn’t love to feel like they are giving a truly great gift, and a gift that might actually have a deeper resonance with the receiver. Graphic novels are special because you can give the right graphic novel to almost anyone. People who self-identify as the “I don’t read”… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Bulletproof Fiction Part II
Here is part two of my suggestions for the growing number of authors who are writing stories with superheroes in more realist settings, or as I like to call it, bulletproof fiction! Check out Part I for more suggestions. The Ghosts of Manhattan by George Mann The Ghost is the haunted vigilante of an alternate history… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Five more favorites from our librarians
Surface Detail by Iain Banks Lededje finds herself in the middle of the dangerous machinations of the all-powerful Culture who turned its attention to solving the problem of death itself by creating a virtual afterlife. The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett After an eccentric scientist discovers an infinite number of alternate Earths only a “step”… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Friday: Bulletproof fiction Part I
I’ve written before about the joys of graphic novels and the great crossover appeal with science fiction and fantasy tropes. But what about that crossover working the other way? A growing number of authors are writing stories with superheroes in more realist settings, or as I like to call it, bulletproof fiction. This subgenre is… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: The future is now in Korea
With South Korean artist PSY’s song “Gangnam Style” transcending its viral video status to become a global music chart phenomenon, it’s impossible not to see the ascendence of K-pop. I find k-pop so fascinating it is the sound of the future. Glistening surfaces, immaculate sound construction and hyper-processed vocals make it sound like music conceived… Continue reading
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Sneak peek at the 2013 Global Reading Challenge
Today on Shelf Talk we are featuring a special booktalk preview of all of the titles for the 2013 Global Reading Challenge! So buckle your safety belt and get your eyes ready for a new year of awesome reads. Continue reading
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Your Next 5 Books: Essential non-fiction by local authors
In this column we regularly highlight a Your Next 5 Books submission that we find interesting, funny, unique, or useful to other readers. Submit Your Next 5 Books entry now, or stop by and see us in person, and maybe you could see your (anonymous) reading habits on Shelf Talk! Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: It’s the end of the world as we know it…
And I feel pretty freaked out! Here are three mid-apocalypse books that will make you as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chair. Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: A chill is in the air
You have asked for it, dear reader, and you shall have it! Below are three picks for the Halloween reads that will give you the most bang for your buck. Let these ghoulish delights work their black magic on you and enjoy! Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Fantasy with emotional bite
I’m gearing up for my Halloween reading frenzy by reading some fantasy novels that really tug at the heartstrings. Before I get to the blood and guts horror of my usual October reads, I thought it might be nice to share these three books you are sure to find moving, though not always in pleasant… Continue reading
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Your Next 5 Books: Voyages for the bus ride
In this column we regularly highlight a Your Next 5 Books submission that we find interesting, funny, unique, or useful to other readers. Submit Your Next 5 Books entry now, or stop by and see us in person, and maybe you could see your (anonymous) reading habits on Shelf Talk! Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Just for the thrill of it
Even though it is October, I don’t feel it’s quite time to unleash my lists of great horror science fiction and fantasy. But I’ve got a three great science fiction and fantasy thrillers that are sure to hit that reading sweet spot that always occurs (well, for me at least!) post-Labor Day but pre-Halloween. Make sure… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Finding love in the most unusual places
Who says that love is only in the air in springtime? I personally believe that there is nothing more romantic than fall; the leaves turning red, yellow and brown, while pumpkins begint to line doorways heralding in the greatest holiday of them all. These crisp mornings definitely put me in the mood for some romance… Continue reading
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Here there be dragons
We here at the Library are very excited to welcome host Rachel Hartman, who will be introducing her new fantasy novel Seraphina, Northeast Branch on September 22 at 6pm. Co-sponsored by University Bookstore, books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Get yourself pumped for this event by watching Seattle’s own Nancy Pearl… Continue reading
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Your Next 5: The author’s inner journey
In this column we regularly highlight a Your Next 5 Books submission that we find interesting, funny, unique, or useful to other readers. Submit Your Next 5 Books entry now, or stop by and see us in person, and maybe you could see your (anonymous) reading habits on Shelf Talk! Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: They are women, hear them roar
There must be something in the air, because I somehow ended up reading three books last week that all featured women kicking some serious butt. It was such a nice change of pace to have a several books with female protagonists who aren’t just emotionally or psychologically resilient, but physically strong as well. The balance… Continue reading