Serendipity Bookstore Blog

I am starting to plan my event for the last week in September for Banned Books week. A read-a-thon is in the works and possibly coordinating something with the schools. Not quite sure yet what exactly, though. I do know, however, that I do not need any other person telling me what I should read or what my children should be reading. Since this still is the United States of America, I have the right to read whatever book I want and to let my kids read whatever book I feel is OK for them to read. As a nation, we are becoming more and more accustomed to letting the government and others in authority tell us what to eat, how to act, what to study, what to wear..you get the point. Even though some of the books I wouldn’t let my kids read because of the mature content, even for a young adult book, I would never in a million years tell someone else not to read it. When it comes to kids, parents have the last say, not a group of “concerned citizens”. When it comes to adults, only an individual has the right to say what they want to read.

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How do you pick a book for a book club-one that everybody will like? When I choose a book, I do so with a little trepidation because I think if they don’t like this one, they may not come back next month. Most people are open to new experiences so will forgive you a bad choice a few times. I love sci fi/fantasy, but are those the right choices for a book club? Just how open would someone be to a new genre? I have tried to stay away from romance and sci fi/fantasy, but my choice for October is going to be “Something Wicked This Way Comes.” A Ray Bradbury classic that throws in just a little sci fi and some horror. I figured it would be a good choice because it is also a classic. My main criteria for choosing a book is what kind of discussion would it start. You want a book that is fun to talk about. So far, I have chosen two books that got a mixed reception. “The Robber Bride” was not received well at all….too much description and too long to get to the point. And “In the Woods” left most of us hanging because the end did not tie up the mystery. Still, the discussion was good because we had fun talking about the things we didn’t like about the stories. What books would you choose for a book club?

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Ron Paul has started a “campaign for Liberty” since his failed bid for the White House. Part of the campaign is creating a strong grassroots  organization to help get out the word and to build momentum. One of their ideas is to have bookstores hold Ron Paul book clubs. I am seriously thinking of doing this. I am a Paul supporter and became very excited during the primary season when I found out how many other Paul supporters are in the hill country area. Also, I am so fed up with our government; they are controlled by those with money and power, not by us as they should be in a republic, and I don’t know what I can do about it. I can vote, of course, but it just doesn’t seem to be enough anymore when the candidates you have to choose from are already bought and paid for. So, this idea came along and I thought I might jump at it. Its either this or start a revolution with protests and marches. What do you think? Would you be open to a book club that centers around the belief in liberty and independence?

http://www.campaignforliberty.com/

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Well, tonight is the release party and I am excited! The books haven’t arrived yet, they won’t be in until the afternoon, so til then, I am going to be anxious. What will I do if they don’t make it!!! I have made a Pin the Tail on the Werewolf game. Did a good job if I say so myself! I’m thinking that I am going to serve a red velvet cake and blood red punch tonight also. I think that goes with the vampire theme pretty well, don’t you? Tomorrow is Hootapalooza. The news says it is going to 105 degrees!!! Of course, but this is central Texas so we could have a last minute thunderstorm (one can only hope). I think I have it all under control, but last minute surprises are what makes things exciting. What could be more serendipitous than a last minute snafu that turns out to be the best thing that could have happened? Unless it the UPS truck not making the delivery because it broke down!

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Have you ever started a series and then couldn’t start a new series until you finished all the published books in the series you were reading? (Does that sound convoluted?) That happened with each of these characters’ stories. Odd Thomas, a story about a fry cook who can see the dead and helps them find their way “to the other side”, is an average likeable fellow who always finds himself in situations that require great courage and the ability to do or say what needs to be done whether or not he looks a fool. I am currently reading Odd Hours, the fourth book in this series and am enjoying it, but Koontz seems to have lost a little of the rhythm that he had in the first three. In other words, I’m not reading through it as fast because it’s not quite as good as the first three. I just finished Fearless Fourteen, Janet Evanovich’s latest addition to her Stephanie Plum saga. In this book, as in the last several, Stephanie finds herself in the middle of serious business but finds herself distracted by unusual sometimes hilarious characters that somehow end up helping in the end, not to mention Joe Morelli and Ranger, the mysterious bounty hunter. I read through this book fast, mainly because it contained the usual banter between the characters, so that I could get to the end. I wanted to see if she chose Joe for good. Alas, I am going to have to wait for number 15. I like these books, but the last few have felt like the same story, but with different details. Then there is Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan, a witch who is also a bounty hunter. Rachel seems similar to Stephanie in that she is surrounded by hunky men, although they are not always human, and has two partners, a pixie and a living vamp, who aide her in her missions. Lots of verbal sparring and hot sex and interesting characters later, we get to book 6. However, unlike the first two series, this book kept pace with the others and actually brought in new characters and ideas. I hope there will be a 7th. So, after all this rambling, what am I getting at? I love series because once I get attached to a character or characters I like to continue a relationship with them. And, as in real life, sometimes you are surprised by what happens and, at times, disappointed, but you can’t wait to see what happens next.

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Stephenie Meyer’s 4th book in her Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, is fixin to be released August 2nd. In preparation, I am going to have a release party. During this release party, I thought that we could debate whether Bella, the main character and love interest, should indeed become a vampire and spend all eternity with her beloved Edward, or, should she stay human and marry her best friend Jacob, the werewolf. Of course there are downsides to either relationship. If she chooses Edward, then she has to be with him for ETERNITY and who’s to say that after 500 years, or even 50 years, they don’t tire of each other. And then there is always the drinking blood thing (yuck!) and possibly being damned to Hell if she does die. With Jacob, she risks his anger. If he can’t control his anger, he could turn wolfy and maul her leaving her scarred for life or dead. Also, he is extrememly hot and once Bella reaches her older years, being near him, even sleeping in the same bed, would be torture (women over the age of 40 know what I’m talking about). So what’s a young teenage girl to do? I am hoping Meyers comes up with a surprise ending nobody even considered. That would be great. But as for our debate, wouldn’t it be nice if she could have the best of both worlds?

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Have you ever wondered which book you should pick up and read? As you stand there in the bookstore, looking over the many titles on the shelves, wondering would this one be good or what about this one, decide to try something totally new and different from your usual fare. I am an avid scifi/fantasy fan and have gotten many people started on my favorite series because they took a chance and trusted my judgement. For example, for a woman who enjoys “supernatural” romance, but has tired of the current titles, I introduce her to Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan in her fantasy series that begins with “Dead Witch Walking.” Or, for a guy who likes to read historical fiction, I’ll point out George R.R. Martin’s A Song of ice and Fire series that begins with “A Game of Thrones.” Not only do they get to experience a genre they might otherwise have overlooked, they have bought a great read. What are some of your favorite books and what would you recommend?

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We’re happy to announce our new website and blog. Updating the blog and keeping everyone informed will be easier than ever. Please leave a comment on what you think about the changes.

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