The title of today’s post was an actual quote from someone working at Uncle Hugo’s yesterday. And the scary thing? I only buy a fraction of the paranormals I read at Uncle Hugo’s. I check out most from the library, buy some at the library “withdrawn” store, and win quite a few, too. (Um, I might’ve won a couple more books yesterday. Whoops.)
Jen’s having a contest – look at the picture, try not to shriek, answer the poll, then leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win some pretty stitchmarkers. Contest closes 8 pm EDT, April 16.
You probably know I’m a big fan of bookstands. Here’s some info on how to make one yourself – the inspiration in this case was for an ebook reader, but I think you could adapt this to more traditional books. For ebook readers, I would suggest that you add something so that the reader doesn’t slip from side to side. For my beloved ReadUpon, I’m going to use a bit of rubbery shelf liner.
Looking for book information? ISDNdb.com looks very handy indeed.
Now that Barnes & Noble has acquired Fictionwise, there are rumors about a B&N ebook reader. Whatever happens with that, I’ll remain a proponent of ebook readers (like the EZ Reader) that focus on reading a wide variety of formats.
Sure, it’s a darn attractive bookcase, but it really doesn’t look like an efficient use of space to me. Now, these Tetris bookcases are another story…
Have a bike trainer or exercise bike without a book holder? Add one yourself.
Beware the dreaded vampire kitteh!
Hee hee – go Powell’s! Take advantage of the #powellswin special, which is 20% of any order over $20 if you use the #powellswin code before 11:59 pm PDT, April 16.
You’ll notice that my reading update looks a bit different today. Instead of using Amazon for my book links, I’ve started using IndieBound. By doing this, I’m able to support indie bookstores and to reduce, in my own tiny way, dependence on a megalithic bookseller. I got this idea from Dear Author and the Smart Bitches, whose explanations are far more eloquent than my own (yup, more fallout from #amazonfail). (Please note that if there isn’t cover art, the book was not available via IndieBound. Ebooks will be linked from BooksOnBoard if possible.)
Reading Update
Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches Guide To Romance Novels by Sarah Wendell & Candy Tan. Written with humor, irreverence, and an obvious love for the wide wild world of romance novels, this book is hellagood snarky delight. Ranging from serious to silly and back again, the Smart Bitches reveal (pun intended) and revel in the genre’s excesses. It was a damn fun read, with enough insightful critical bits to keep things interesting. Plus there are coloring pages! A Choose-Your-Own-Ending Romance with paranormal, Regency, pirate, and contemporary paths! Mad-Libs! Controversy! And even a board game!
The Druid Made Me Do It by Natale Stenzel. Doesn’t it just figure – that hot one-night stand (who vanished in the middle of the night without a word) from vacation eight years ago turns out to be a puca and the local Druid leader puts you in charge of his reformation… (Hello! You aren’t even a Druid.)
Real Vamps Don’t Drink O-Neg by Tawny Taylor. So-so paranormal romance featuring vampires and lamiae. Very, very steamy stuff. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The Darkest Fire (Lords of the Underworld) by Gena Showalter. ebook short. Prequel to the Lords of the Underworld series. Interesting background information, but definitely not as smooth as the actual series.
The Darkest Night and 
The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, Books 1-2) by Gena Showalter. These are really absorbing and well-written books about immortal warriors who were forced to house all the evils that escaped Pandora’s box (such as Death, Pain, Violence, etc).
Shadow Touch (Dirk & Steele, Book 2) by Marjorie M. Liu. Skipped this one earlier because I had trouble finding it. Continues to be a recommended series about the paranormal detective agency of Dirk & Steele.
“So you think he’s really cute, Mom?” -Mayhem
“Let’s see if he passes my snuggle test.” -Mayhem
“I’m sorry to break it to you, Mom, but he’s just not furry enough.” -Mayhem
Thanks for the info about IndieBound; looks good!
Cats are still good judges of character, even if their beauty standards differ.
Mayhem’s a hoot! I try to mix it up by linking to Powell’s sometimes.
Ooo, Uncle Edgar has mystery books! My kind of place…
Mayhem, I’m sure once he got a look at you, he’d be smitten.
I think your occasional foray into the mystery, and romance genre’s will keep your brain securely in your head.
Aww.. well its good that he’s not May’s type otherwise you might have a fight on your hands!
I am LMAO at the wiki entry for Puca!
Thanks again!
I hope the clerk was smiling when s/he said that!
Honestly. You can rot your brain on paranormal romances without commentary from the peanut gallery, right? ;o)
Chris- what was that? My brain seems to have fallen out….
Hooray for linking through IndieBound! I’ve had a little “ad” for them on my blog for a few months, myself. π
Did you tell the salesperson that you are going to read paranormals until your brain falls out, grows legs, and writes its own romance? Then it will be signing books at Uncle Hugo’s.
Γ’β¬ΕAre you going to read just paranormals until your brain falls out?Γ’β¬Β
I BEG your pardon? I hope you smacked him/her upside the head.
How rude!
Indiebound looks like a very useful link, thanks.
may, he might be cute, but he totally doesn’t know how to use a litter box
I think the paranormal things is really funny. I can see people asking me the same thing about young adult lit, so it doesn’t bother me (not as much as the people who watch more than 3 hours of television a night).
“skeptical paranormal researcher”, huh? sounds good!
I LOVE the pyramid bookcase and wish like crazy that I had a giant wall to put it on, because I too, have, uh, ‘some’ books from the library withdrawn store(s). We could also stash the vampire kitteh casket underneath.
I love the pyramid bookcase, but I’m pretty sure M won’t be very keen. He’s much more into hardwoods with crown moldings.
I like the IndieBound, although there are good arguments for having both types of bookstore.
If the guy on the book cover were wearing “eau de catnip,” I’m sure May would be smitten.
Snuggle test! hehhehheh
Yes but is he drool worthy??
Oliver is sitting beside me on the couch (with both arms wrapped tightly around one of my arms, making it difficult to type) and when he saw your avitar in the corner he said, “Mummy, who is that up there with the two black kitties?”
And I said, “That’s my friend Chris.” π
I LOVE the pic of May giving the book a snuggle test.
OMG, I just read your comment over on Jen’s blog about the water glass and am completely squeeged out. *FLAIL*
I first saw one at my friend’s house several years back – we’d never seen one before in our lives and were just completely freaked out with ALL THE LEGS. He took a Starfire short sword out and chopped it in half. Those who know Starfire Swords will be amused that we “hoped it wouldn’t void the warranty,” lol…
I completely love that last picture of Chaos and May and the caption, too!! I have to love Uncle Hugo’s through you π
I really want that Tetris furniture now.
(Are you on Twitter, then?)
LOL at the Uncle Hugo’s comment! I like those Tetris shelves a lot.
Love the Mayhem snuggle test.
Poor May looks so disappointed at His Chesty-ness’ insufficient fur quotient.
“…until your brain falls out?” Mushy-mushy.
He’s not “furry enough?” LOL, you’re the best!
I’m a total supporter of the library!!
Yea May – I think I’d take the abs on The Druid Made Me Do It guy – but still not furry….
After my experience with amazon lately, I’ll join you with IndieBound.
Mayhem’s last photo is hysterical…those eyes!
(((hugs)))
in answer to the question in your post tile, errr, ummm…. ahem… YES