Ah, June. One of the great, transitional months. Spring becomes Summer. The wool coats get packed away. Everybody moves up a grade, except for the graduates, who get ready to move out. And we officially switch the central air from HEAT to COOL. Personally, I’ve been celebrating the new summer by dancing in my neighbor’s sprinklers every morning after she goes to work. Highly recommended. If that’s not your thing, this hot weather is also the perfect opportunity to hunker down in an air-conditioned bookstore and love you some books.

1. Cliché Police. For every masterful turn-of-phrase out there, there’s a tired fraud preying upon innocent readers. And how could we know better? We’re just wide-eyed book lovers, wishing to believe the best about the authors we love. That’s why we need fearless defenders like Rosecrans Baldwin watching our backs, letting us know when the simple mention of a distant, barking dog, is a red flag for unoriginality.

2. Law & Order: Book Victims Unit. Speaking of defenders of literature, cops in Boise, Idaho, have taken down a serious threat to the book community. For over a year, a 74-year-old woman was pouring condiments into Library book-drops. They finally caught her, red-handed, wielding a jar of mayonnaise with intent to dump. It’s a sick world.

3. Highbrow, Lowbrow, Allbrows. Peter Carey rails against an ever-stupider readership. Bryce Courtenay calls him a snob. Then the lady from Boise starts spraying everyone with mustard. Decide for yourself.

4. Better Addictions. The only draw for smoking cigarettes, as far as I can tell, is rolling the pack up in your shirt sleeve, like River Phoenix in Stand By Me. Now the London-based Tank has saved my street-cred with TankBooks. These little pocket novels (titles include Heart of Darkness, The Metamorphosis, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) are sized and packaged like packs of cigarettes. Now that’s an addiction I can get behind.

5. David v. Goliath. I understand the appeal of the iPad. It’s so slick. It’s so shiny. It’s so portable. And more and more, people are reading their books off of the iPad or other electronic faux-book devices. But in favor of convenience, what are we losing?

6. New News. I’ve plugged blackout poetry before, because it’s poetry that anyone can write … since you’re not actually WRITING anything. Genius. Uncomfortable with vandalizing a book? Just have at the newspaper.

7. Shakespearean Vernacular. One of the pitfalls of being an author, or any type of artist for that matter, might be the overwhelming feeling that you aren’t making a difference. You’re not digging wells or curing diseases. You’re hanging out inside your head all day. You’re a professional at assuming that people care about what goes on in your head all day. Wait! I have a point. But without authors, like Will Shakespeare, we’d be bereft of so many beautiful turns of phrase. Click. So go back to staring out the window, we need you.

8. The Lego Printer. I’m just going to let the video speak for itself.

June, I would say something witty about you, but you just gave me heat stroke.

-Susannah

May is a fantastic month. Not like cold February or boring September: it’s got spunk. The weather turns warm and the flowers bloom and the mosquitoes start breeding . . .  Here in America, we celebrate National Moving Month, Military Appreciation Month, Older Americans Month, Hamburger Month, and Zombie Awareness Month. I’ve rambled long enough. Here’s what was good in books this May.

1. Book Nerd Debates. It’s always a hoot to fill a room with English majors and say inflammatory things about Salinger and Lord Byron. My personal favorite? Did Shakespeare really write all those plays?! Here’s some ammo for your next wine and cheese party. Click.

2. Literature: The Gathering. BookExpo America was this month, drawing crowds of publishers, authors, librarians, booksellers, and faithful readers. Here’s a little insight on the party scene (let’s be honest, we all like free champagne). And a quote by our own Chuck Adams, about Jonathan Evison‘s upcoming novel West of Here, has been tweeted and retweeted: “I see a lot of good writers, but I don’t see a lot of good stories,” said Adams, who has been acquiring books since 1969. “I think this is the best that I’ve ever, ever worked on.”

3. Consumer Appreciation. I love seeing people out and about, just reading. You know–at a cafe, on a park bench, on the bus, sitting at the kitchen table while I hang in the tree outside his apartment building with my binoculars and some trail mix . . . it’s not my fault that good looking men like to read. See?

4. Working Backwards. We all know that many movies have their origins in books. But what if it was wayyy more than you thought? Somebody really creative made these: I Can Read Movies.

5. The Personal Library. I have a bookcase with all the shelves holding two rows of books and then little towers of books leaning against each side. I also stack books around my desk, next to the window, and under my bed.  But last night, I dreamed of this.

6. Operating Instructions. No one ever sits you down and teaches you to use a book. It’s just something you grow up knowing . . . like how to eat or how to punch your sister. It’s natural. But if you ever have any questions about the ways in which you’re operating your books, just consult these instructions.

7. Summer. It’s about time for summer, and we all know that means SUMMER READING! The perfect excuse to read the classics you missed or the guilty pleasure murder mystery you’ve been lusting after. Not only that, you’re allowed to get sand and lemonade in the pages. Don’t have a book yet? Get help.

8. Celebrations. Harper Lee’s beloved novel, To Kill a Mockingbird is turning fifty years old. Fifty! From California to New York to Alabama, book lovers are throwing parties, auctions and tours, and holding reenactments of the famous courtroom scene. I’m going to dress up like Boo Radley for a week–thank you, Lee, for a wonderful book.

Last chance to put up that maypole, for come Tuesday, it’s June.

-Susannah

1. Gearing Up. Admit it: half the fun of every hobby is getting the tricked-out gear. And just when you thought you had the latest in clippable LED book-illuminating technology–Check out this glowing nightlight/bookmark for your bedside table. You’ll never lose your place again.

2. Getting Caught. I’m a chronic book-carrier. The minute I leave the house without a book, I’ll inevitably get stuck in a half-mile line at the post office or a friend will arrive an hour late for a lunch date. Never, ever leave the house empty-handed. Because you also never know when you’ll see a perfect, unexpected reading spot and feel moved to settle in for a few minutes. The Caught Reading column on the Elle Lit Life blog interviews people who dare read in public, where everyone can see.

3. Speed. There’s nothing wrong with being a slow reader. Some of us are not so speedy. Some of us are just fine with that. But if you want to polish your reading game, this website will put you through the paces.

4. Reviews. Every reader is a critic. And sometimes, that’s the only perk to slogging through a truly terrible book. Whether your critique is positive or negative, it’s yours to give, and there are plenty of places on the internet where you can publish a book review. This guy just happens to be particularly amusing.

5. It’ll Change Your Life. We learn so much from books. Math books in grade school and cookbooks in college and gardening manuals when you buy your first house. But fiction teaches us about life–people and relationships–and these lessons are most dear in the years before we hit high school and critical, dissecting English courses. This article by Tim Kreider talks about the importance of reading in early adolescence and how a love of reading can change your life.

You know how when you talk about food for too long, or read your aunt’s copy of Taste of Home, you get really hungry? I just did that to myself with reading. Do not disturb.

-Susannah

1. Adaptations. I understand the general stigma of film adaptations of great books; I know I’ve certainly grumbled about my fair share of poorly executed films. But think about THIS: what a great compliment to your favorite authors when one of their books gets picked up for a film. And success at the box office can enable them to continue writing more books for you to enjoy. Take a look at these successful adaptations and support the books you love by going to see the movie.

2. Opening Lines. We all know I judge books by the cover, but that’s just the first line of defense. The second thing I check when choosing my next read? The first line. Authors beware.

3. Un-Blocking Writers. Working on that novel? Stuck? Discouraged? Feeling unoriginal? No worries, friend, just dial 911 and get a little insta-fix for your writer’s block.

4. One Last Poetry Plug. I know you know it was National Poetry Month this April, because we’ve spent the last 30 days beating you over the head with it, so I’ll just post on it one last time (promise): Read this NPR article in which Robert Hass discusses a famous work by one of America’s most beloved poets, Walt Whitman.

5. Crafty Shelves. Home decor for the book lover who wants everyone to know it. Book shelves for books made of books.

6. Not-for-Children Books. Children’s books? Great. Dark picture books for adults? Even better. CLICK.

7. Fighting the Power. Literally. Fighting the electronic trends in literature. Personally, I’m worried about the safety of bound books everywhere. Annalee Newitz breaks down The Google Book Settlement for us, pinpointing the five ways it’s going to change the future of reading. Read her article and educate yourself, and I’m going to go make some wristbands.

8. Words. No, really, a neon sign that says “Words”. I want it.

See you next year, April!

-Susannah

1. Book Snobs. I’m not ashamed to admit that I am a book snob. I like big words and ironic titles and covers that belong in MOMA. When people reference the latest teen fantasy craze, I pretend to be ignorant. Likewise afflicted? The Lit Life Blog on Elle.com has the tag line: “a blog for fiction junkies with great taste.” Perfect.

2. Quality Control. If you’re going to be a good book snob, then you must also surround yourself with strong, critical, literary-minded people. Jessa Crispin gives us a little lesson called “How to Screen Dates with Books.” It’s number 4 that can be a real deal-breaker.

3. Book Rights. You know that one book that you found, abandoned in a hotel room or a bus station, that you read to pass the time? And you loved that book and cherished that book and no one has ever heard of it? Well, now you can get on The Neglected Books Page and start advocating for the appreciation that your precious story-orphan deserves.

4. Title Freaks. It would be really great if there was some sort of annual prize for the most bizarre book titles…click.

5. Self-Help. 25% of adults reported reading zero books last year. Tragic. And if that statistic isn’t enough to scare you straight, then check out these 26 Major Advantages to Reading More Books! Turns out, reading saves you money and reduces stress and makes you a better conversationalist (and then the ladies/gentlemen will like you).

6. For Writers. This is a little shout-out to those of you who are doing the good work, writing the stories, engaging the minds and hearts of literature-lovers–this is for those of you who could paper the walls of your studio apartment with rejection slips. Chin up. We need you.

7. WORDBIRD. As a lit blogger, I spend a lot of time shamelessly stalking other lit bloggers. I want to share Wordbird with all of you. Madeleine is a young reader, writer, and critic who actually reviewed The Girl Who Fell From The Sky (see?) this month, which is why I started reading her blog. And now I can’t stop.

8. The Cover-Frame. I ended last month’s roundup with a ReadyMade link, and I think I’ll do the same this month, because these people just really love mutilating books for home decor. Here, they make an old book into a nifty picture frame!

March, you came in like a lion and…are…also…going out like a lion. Good job.

-Susannah

Ah, another month has come and gone, which means it’s time for March and Spring. So rejoice, Booklovers, unless you were born in a leap year, in which case I’m really sorry the world is skipping your birthday again.

1. Hot Covers. I have a confession to make. I judge books by their covers. Not so much in the metaphorical sense, but literally, when I’m in a bookstore, I will probably pick up the book with the prettiest outside. I’m sorry, it’s an illness. Likewise afflicted? Here are forty-five of the best book cover pin-ups–Enjoy.

2. BookBooth. Somerset, England is home to the smallest library in the world. Tucked into an old, red telephone booth, there are over 100 books, movies, and CDs. Locals can come and swap what they’ve read for what they want to read. And it’s soooo cute. Look.

3. Eat it, Gutenberg. You thought the printing press was revolutionary? Well, check this out. Yeah. The Espresso Book Machine prints pages at a rate of over 100 pages per minute and then binds the whole thing up for you, on the spot. You can be the first human to lay hands on the book you’re about to read. Something about this definitely appeals to my OCD side.

4. Kindle News. I understand the general concern over e-readers. You think you’ll lose the visceral experience of reading, you think it’s one step closer to letting the government put a chip in your brain. But, as one who travels a fair amount, I’m beginning to see the beauty in consolidating my seventeen books-to-read into one, lightweight reader. Need more incentive? The British Library has made 65,000 first editions of 19th century fiction available to Kindle users–for free!

5. Under Cover. What’s cooler than walking around with an antique, leather-bound volume under your arm? Oh, I don’t know, maybe that it’s actually concealing and protecting your MacBook! It’s really the best of both worlds. And you’ll look so smart! The BookBook by Twelve South. Get you one.

6. Morbid Curiosity. We love books. We love book accessories and news and innovations. But we also love the people who write the books that we so dote upon. Writers are strange, mysterious people, who take us to new places and introduce us to bizarre people. But sometimes, their truth is stranger than fiction (cue suspenseful music).

7.   A Fond Farewell. Speaking of dear authors, departed–in January we said goodbye to J.D. Salinger. What a wonderful author, who taught generations of young readers to love literature.

8.   Wallpages. Sometimes I wish I could curl up inside a book and just live there for a little while. Apparently, the folks over at ReadyMade magazine have a similar fantasy. Paper your walls with book pages! And then, if you’re ever trapped in your house for some reason, you won’t get bored.

Thanks for the thrills, February!

-Susannah

]]> http://www.algonquinbooksblog.com/2010/02/26/februarys-why-i-love-books-roundup/feed/ 2 http://www.algonquinbooksblog.com/2010/01/29/januarys-why-i-love-books-roundup/ http://www.algonquinbooksblog.com/2010/01/29/januarys-why-i-love-books-roundup/#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:13:14 +0000 admin http://www.algonquinbooksblog.com/?p=1390 This January I discovered 8 new reasons to fall in love with books, all over again.

1. Cooked Books. I have read books about famous cooks. I have referenced books while cooking. I saw Julie & Julia. This is different. Well Done is a book that appears empty…until you BAKE IT IN THE OVEN. I know. For book nerds by book nerds. Check it out.

2. Fan Fiction. Speaking of book nerds, this site, called The Ultra-Condensed Classic Books, breaks down the plots of all those arduous classics into something more manageable for us common people.

For example, The Great Gatsby:

Gatsby: Daisy, I made all this money for you, because I love you.

Daisy: I cannot reciprocate, because I represent the American Dream.

Gatsby: Now I must die, because I also represent the American Dream. (Gatsby DIES.)

Nick: I hate New Yorkers.

THE END

3. The Personal Shopper. I hate that feeling you get after finishing a truly amazing book. You mope and eat peanut butter and stare out the window like it’s raining (even though it’s not). But now those days are over! Just tell The Book Seer what you finished reading and he will divine what your next read should be. Brilliant! And so scientific, too!

4. Book Care. It’s important to respect your books. That said, check out this website that teaches you to hollow books so you can hide things in them! Your kids will never figure out where you put your chocolate stash…or your Will.

5. Hidden Treasure. Even if you choose not to deface your books, you can still hide things between the pages. The owners of Unnameable Books, in Brooklyn, have found a lot of crazy things over the years, stashed in used books. Read the article here.

6. Bomb Bookcases. Run out of room for all your books? So did this guy. Building a bookcase into your stairs is a stylish way of saying, “No. I won’t donate the books I don’t really need to The Salvation Army.” We book addicts need to stick together.

7. Book Exchange. When you do run out of room for new books, there’s this neat site called BookMooch where you can trade books you’ve read for books you’d like to read. I mean, I love the smell of a new book as much as the next guy, but this is a good way to read a lot of books on the cheap (also see: LIBRARY).

8. LIBRARIES! Libraries are magic. You get that free little piece of plastic and then a huge building full of books is suddenly at your disposal.  Check out these beautiful libraries and then go visit your own. It misses you.

Hope you had a happy and book-filled January!

-Susannah

I saw these Algonquin gems at a bookstore in Belize on my honeymoon!

Our offices close at 3 today and I’m looking forward to a jump-start on the New Year! We’ll see all of you in 2010!

Amazon’s top 100 from 2009.

This made me lol.

More alternative uses for newspaper.

I have :always: wanted a spiral staircase — and now I want this specific one!

What’s old is new again.

Holy, moly, I want this bookshelf for my future library room.

The coolest gift guide.

Personalize a new book. Or upcycle an old one — here’s a how-to!

Words become art. And book jackets become a gallery.

Make every book beautiful.

I may need this as I begin work on 2010 press releases.

-christina

A genius way to stash your books.

Hear from the designer behind the new Penguin Classics beauties.

Where Books Come to Life.

The Best Book Covers of 2009 (we made the list with Wicked Plants and Our Noise!)

Cool notebooks here. Kind of makes me want to go back to school, along with one of these.

Not your normal alphabet book.

Wish I hadn’t missed this.

Bookshelves made literal.

The book I can’t stop talking (or thinking) about.

On my Christmas list.

“Palin-Mania!“

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! See you in December!
-christina

]]> http://www.algonquinbooksblog.com/2009/11/30/november%e2%80%99s-why-i-love-books-roundup/feed/ 0 http://www.algonquinbooksblog.com/2009/10/30/octobers-why-i-love-books-roundup/ http://www.algonquinbooksblog.com/2009/10/30/octobers-why-i-love-books-roundup/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:26:33 +0000 admin http://www.algonquinbooksblog.com/?p=638

She's enjoying our Water for Elephants!

Every day, I wake up, go to work, and then I get to help make books. That’s a beautiful thing. And no matter how many years I’ve been doing it, I suspect I’ll still always have a twinge of excitement when I see one of our “babies” face out in my favorite bookstore or in the hands of an engrossed commuter. Books entertain, enrich, and educate. They beautify our shelves and dwell in our memories. So in honor of The Book, I give you my new  monthly roundup of quirky book tidbits!

Not your old-school ninth-grade book covers.

More book jackets of a different kind.

Introducing the Trapper Kindle!

The coolest DIY book project.

My new favorite book shelf.

Palin One. Palin Two.

Not exactly book-related, but SO gorgeous and intricate!

Quite a reading commitment.

Enter your best literary costume and win!

AMAZING sculptural book art here. And here.

A love story.

Happy Halloween everyone; see you in November!
-christina