George Albon -
Diane & Jacob Anderson-Minshall -
Drew Banks -
Stephen Beachy -
Kevin Bentley -
Jonathan Bracker -
Timothy Critzer -
Andrew Demcak -
Stephen Elliott -
Michael Thomas Ford -
Daphne Gottlieb -
Eric Gower -
Andrew Sean Greer -
Daniel Handler -
Kimeron Hardin -
Kevin Killian -
Randall Mann -
Armistead Maupin -
Robert McDiarmid -
Jason McNamara -
Midori -
Toni Mirosevich -
Katia Noyes -
Alvin Orloff -
Georgia Payne -
Ian Phillips -
Jim Provenzano -
David Richo -
Strange de Jim -
Jocelyn Saidenberg -
Darieck Scott -
Kemble Scott -
Tonne Serah -
Simon Sheppard -
Aaron Shurin -
K.M. Soehlein -
Rafaelito Sy -
Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore -
Bruce Snider -
Maya Stein -
Michelle Tea -
Pam Tent -
Max Wolf Valerio -
Tim'm West -
Dan White -
Marvin K. White
Authors Who've Appeared Here:
Marc Acito -
Andrea Askowitz -
Ellis Avery -
Lance Bass -
Dodie Bellamy -
Steve Berman -
Dan Boyle -
David Boyer -
Sarah Brannen -
Allison Burnett -
Augusten Burroughs -
Hillary Carlip -
Miss Carol Channing -
Steven Church -
Kate Clinton -
Bernard Cooper -
Andrew DePrisco -
Joel Derfner -
Simon Doonan -
Mark Doty -
Jeffrey Epstein -
Drew Ferguson -
Fake Steve Jobs -
Jennifer Natalya Fink -
Hollis Gillespie -
Rigoberto Gonzalez -
Trebor Healey -
Scott Heim -
James Howe -
Martin Hyatt -
Fenton Johnson -
Mike Jones -
Antonia Juhasz -
Dhillon Khosla -
Mia Kirshner -
David Leavitt -
Robert Leleux -
Ali Liebegott -
Dr. William Lipsky -
Gregory Maguire -
Jeff Mann -
Blair Mastbaum -
Brini Maxwell -
Richard McCann -
Alistair McCartney -
Jeffrey McGowan -
Krist Novoselic -
David A. Price -
David Rakoff -
Christopher Rice -
John Elder Robison -
James St. James -
Alex Sanchez -
Dan Savage -
Darieck Scott -
David Sedaris -
Kevin Sessums -
Eddie Shapiro -
Bob Smith -
Frederick Smith -
Sarah Thyre -
Elliot Tiber -
Colm Toibin -
Mel White
Favorite Favorites:
Michael Chabon (Yiddish Policemen's Union) -
Michael Cunningham (The Hours) -
Katherine Dunn (Geek Love) -
Scott Heim (Mysterious Skin) -
Milan Kundera (Unbearable Lightness of Being) -
Josh Kilmer-Purcell (I Am Not Myself These Days) -
John Kennedy Toole (A Confederacy of Dunces)
Harry Potter at Books Inc.:
Thanks to everyone who made this evening such a great success!
What We're Reading
Adam
"In the Land of
Invented Languages"
by Arika Okrent
This linguist/author put so much research into her work, yet it reads like a carefree jaunt. If you are interested in languages and love to read then pick this up! Join Okrent on a journey into the world of Klingon exams and conventions as she schools you on the vibrant history (and now) of languages created for a purpose.
"Daughter of Kura"
by Debra Austin
A novel written in the tradition of Clan of the Cave Bear, Daughter of Kura transports the reader to an Africa of 500,000 years past. A land of matriarchal tribes and strong traditions set in a time of the 'birth' of religious ideals. Austin weaves a fascinating storyline with the strong female protagonist, Snap, and unravels ulterior motives behind the almost-impenetrable facade of ecclesiastic idealism. Entertaining and extremely interesting.
"Blueberries for Sal"
by Robert McCloskey
Originally published in 1948, this children's classic makes my tummy tingle every time I open it. The author/illustrator brings a Maine feel to the pages using only the color blue to animate Sal's environment. Feel like a kid again, or share this incredible book with a new generation. A wholesome story that I recommend for everyone.
Dark Elf Trilogy
(Homeland/Exile/Sojourn)
by R.A. Salvatore
Hardcore fantasy lovers can't go too long without hearing about the Forgotten Realms and Drizzt Do'Urden, the drow maverick. Like most fans of this series I appreciate it for many reasons, but ultimately because it is virtually impossible not to fall in love with the main character -- a pure-hearted dark elf raised amidst hate, murder and treachery.
Amadeus
"Swish: My Quest to Become
the Gayest Person Ever"
by Joel Derfner
Laugh out loud funny! No longer will I feel like I'm the only Queen with the secret desire to become a cheerleader.
"Pygmy"
by Chuck Palahniuk
Not for the faint of heart or the squeamish, but trust me it's sadistically good! Classic Palahniuk!!
"10,000 Dresses"
by Marcus Ewert
A great children's book that promotes diversity and open thinking. A wonderful addition to any kids library of picture books!
Bill
"Golden Dreams"
by Kevin Starr
The most recent volume of Kevin Starr's magisterial series on the history of California. Remarkably he began this project with the first installment "Americans and the California Dream" in 1973. Golden Dreams covers the period 1950-1963, and like all its predecessors is magnificently researched and presented. This book can be read as a stand alone history of the period. For the San Francisco audience there is a mesmerizing chapter on Herb Caen and his Baghdad by the Bay period of this city. Highly recommended!
The Nobel Prize for literature will be announced in the coming weeks, and although those who have won, and perhaps more importantly those who have been overlooked, can and has stirred up pointed conversation, here are three awardees that I think are really worth a good deal of reading time:
Naguib Mahfouz(1988), Egyptian and only winner who wrote in Arabic, presented us with wondrously nuanced portraits of life in the Arab world. His most widely known books are the three that comprise the Cairo Trilogy.
Halldor Laxness(1955), an Icelander whose milieu is that of isolated, floating little Iceland, remote and aloof from the larger world, claustrophobic and expansive in the same moment, quiet and witty all at once. Titles of his I particularly enjoyed: "The Fish Can Sing" and "Under The Glacier."
Finally, Saul Bellow(1976) wrote some big, sprawling novels, often centered in Chicago. "The Adventures of Augie March" is one of my favorite novels, ever!
"Life Ascending:
The 10 Great Inventions of Evolution"
Nick Lane
Wonderfully readable book on science's current take on how life originated and then adapted over the last 3 1/2 billion years. No creative design stuff here, just the facts, facts which are subject to change as the data changes, as ideas are challenged and often debunked.
Broken into chapters, each great hurdle that big "L" life has riffed on and refined, things like the rise of life from a chemical soup, to the appearance of warm blood, the importance of sex, sight and ultimately to the advent of consciousness itself, the ability of life to gaze upon itself.
Curious? The author, a noted British scientist, brings an infectious enthusiasm to the work, substantiates all his thoughts, without bogging the reader down with a crush of research data. He is thrilled by the adventure of discovery and I was too.
"Collector of Worlds"
by Iliya Troyanov
Attention lovers of historic fiction. Here's a dandy based on three travels of the 19th century British adventurer Richard Francis Burton. In fact, Burton's wife burned all his papers and memoirs at his death. The author of this novel ingeniously reassembles
the three episodes by gathering together the observations of a personal servant in India, fellow travellers from a journey through Egypt and Arabia, a slave from East Africa.
In truth Burton's exploits have been well documented as a part of the days of the British Empire, as dry facts. This novel, as only a novel can, animates the man and his uncanny ability to disappear into a foreign culture. Great good fun.
"Destiny Disrupted"
by Tamim Ansary
A history of the world, from an Islamic point of view. Told in an engaging, conversational manner. The perspective places the Islamic world sandwiched between the European (the West) and the Chinese (the East) worlds, or as the author explains the Middle World. Beginning with the meteoric rise of Islam in the time of the prophet in Arabia and stretching over 13 centuries of time, a significant portion of the book deals with the internal struggles within the Islam itself.
These inner conflicts, played out through the ebb and flow of time, region by region, color and shade the relationship Islam has had and continues to have with the larger world. And vice versa. For an American reader, I can recommend this book highly as a means to give yourself a background to understanding the world in which we live.
Brad
"Billy Twitter and his
Blue Whale Problem"
by Mac Barnett
Sweet book about responsibility (which also gives many facts about blue whales). This would make a good gift for children of all ages, especially those in the bay area as we have whales coming into the bay. The illustrations by Adam Rex make the entire experience delightful.
"Dark Entries"
by Ian Rankin
In Rankin's first graphic novel he uses the character of John Constantine, who will be familiar to those of you who are familiar with the Hellblazer novels, as his unorthodox protagonist. Constantine goes on a reality series called Dark Entries, a kind of haunted Big Brother. His job is to solve the mystery of why the house seems to be working on it's own apart from the "hauntings" of the producers. This will appeal to fans of graphic novels and reality shows, as well as anyone already familiar with the main character.
"The Strain"
by Guillermo Del Toro
and Chuck Hogan
The first in a trilogy by the director of Pan's Labyrinth and both Blades I and II treats vampirism as a disease passed from on recipient to the next. The addition of Mr. Hogan gives the entire thing a kind of CSI feeling as to medical accuracy. The initial set up is a bit slow but builds to a roller coaster ride of horror by the end.
The main characters are interesting particularly the "Van Helsing"-like character Abraham Setrakian, whose background story is extensively portrayed. The ending, of course, leaves you in suspense for the middle chapter to come. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
"B is for Beer"
by Tom Robbins
According to the cover of this book is a children's book for grown-ups and a grown-up book for children-both quotes a accurate but I think the first quote is more accurate. Told with Robbins's signature humor this book about a 5 year old (going on 6) Gracie gets a very valuable lesson (and a history class) about beer. Fully enjoyable, very quick read this had me grinning all the way through! Recommended highly for not only Robbins fans but also for beer lovers!
Calvin
"Little Bee"
by Chris Cleave
Little Bee is so beautifully written you will lose all sense of yourself and know (while reading) only the world of Little Bee as she tries to make a place for herself in the world she has found refuge in, Chris Cleave has created a voice so real you can not imagine that Little Bee is not a living person. As far as plot goes-you only need to know you must read this book and that it is a book that embodies all that literary fiction can be when it is at it's best.
Darrell
"No Plot? No Problem!
Novel Writing Kit"
by Chris Baty
I bought and used this kit a few years ago (there is also a book with the same title). While I didn’t end up with a 50,000-word novel (I made it to a little over 10,000), I did learn that the “secret” to writing a story or book or ANYTHING is to just sit down and WRITE! The kit contains useful charts and methods to help you out.
The wonderful approach is to simply concentrate on the NUMBER of words you write each day (counting is easy)! You can work on rewrites and edits AFTER you finish the project.
Remember: Nothing is both new and perfect at the same time (I didn’t say that, but forget who did). Also: In the writing process, the first draft is closer to the beginning than the ending (I did say that one). I am going to try again in November, the National Novel Writing Month.
JOIN ME!
Visit www.NaNoWriMo.org
for more information!
"How To Find The Work You Love"
by Laurence G. Boldt
I just moved back to San Francisco to start life over. Books Inc. is a great place to begin my journey (great city, great friends, and of course, great books)!
How To Find The Work you Love is an encouraging and inspiring guide that asks the important questions. Your answers will lead you toward finding that special vocation that will become a career, not just a job! It focuses on four areas of development: Integrity, Service, Enjoyment, and Excellence. I plan on using it in my search, you might want to also. Good luck in your efforts!
Fumi
"Travels with a Tangerine"
By Tim Mackintosh-Smith
The Tangerine of the title was a resident of Tangiers and
traveler-scholar in the 14th century, Ibn Battuta. Setting out for a
pilgrimage to Mecca at the age of 21, he returned almost 30 years later
after having traveled over most of the known Islamic world. In an era
before the existence of the airplane and motorized transport, he covered
more distance by camel and boat than his predecessor Marco Polo. Author
Tim Mackintosh-Smith, accompanied by Ibn Battuta's writings, traveled
eastward, covering one-third of IB's meandering itinerary, to discover
that modernization in urban areas was inevitable, yet many locales
unchanged since the 1300's. He promises us two more books in which he
will again take up the trail of Ibn Battuta.
"The Man Who Ate Everything"
by Jeffrey Steingarten
In the introduction the author confesses his food prejudices which included kimchee, anchovies, blue food, and desserts served in Indian restaurants. He then recounts his resolve to eat one detested food item
every day for six months in his quest to become the perfect omnivore.
After having reached that exalted state, he takes us on his food adventures which are international in scope. For example: He will compile a list of the alimentary properties of the sea creatures of Venice (pg. 292) with a comprehensive Italian dictionary at his side.
Everything edible, no matter how bizarre, is worthy of his attention.
Desperate to find the ingredients for the Smith Family White Fruitcake (p. 399), he rides a cab for most of the evening and considers buying 30 boxes of Jujyfruits and removing the licorice ones. To this book he
brings the tenacity of his lawyer's training, the obsession and curiosity inherent in his character, his delightful sense of humor, (he tells you which water makes you more receptive to sex, pg.65), and the
soul of a poet.
What other food writer would name his dog "Sky King"?
"Open Veins of Latin America"
Eduardo Galeano
Although published originally in 1971, this history of Latin America,
written by the Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano, still has contemporary
resonance. Many of the practices inflicting damage to the rivers and
forests of, say, Ecuador, and leaving them contaminated and unusable to
the indigenous people dependent on them have continued under United
States oil companies.
At first, as early as the 16th century, it was
Spain and Portugal in their greed for gold and silver that inflicted
environmental damage and sacrificed Indian lives in Potosi, Bolivia, and
Guanajuato, Mexico. Then the discovery of the ideal conditions for
sugar cane growing, and the eventual monoculture imposed by this crop in
the Caribbean and northern Brazil, not only encouraged the slave trade
but depleted eventually what was once rich soil.
If one has ever
wondered about the contrast in the development and destiny of the North
American countries and those "south of the border", this book is an
invaluable source in understanding the economic exploitation of Latin
America for its cheap labor and its coveted natural resources.
1) "Tao Te Ching/ Lao Tzu"
translation Ralph Alan Dale
2) "Tao Te Ching/Lao Tzu"
translation Stephen Mitchell $14.95
3) "Tao Te Ching/Lao Tzu"
translation Stephen Addiss, Stanley Lombardo
4) "Tao Teh Ching/ Lao Tzu"
translation John C.H. Wu
It is instructive to compare, in a minimal way, four versions of the Tao Te Ching, the ancient guide to living in harmony with the Tao. The first three are expanded editions. (1) is enhanced with explanatory commentary. (2) and (3), the most expensive, are embellished with illustrations and images, and are, in my opinion, the most beautiful of the group. (3), moreover, has the title of each brief "chapter" in Chinese characters and English pronunciation (shang shan jo sui for chapter 8) and is recommended by Gary Snyder, knowledgable in oriental languages.
(4), priced at $6.95, certainly the most economical version, seems like a bare-bones edition, less flowery in its translated literary style compared with the others; sometimes even clumsy. However, because it bears the original Chinese text facing the English translation by an author with a Chinese name, it is my choice. I realize this is a personal preference which exposes my prejudices. As a gift, I would probably choose one of the other editions of the Tao Te Ching.
"Empires of the Word:
A Language History of the World"
by Nicholas Ostler
This book charts the many means by which languages grow, evolve and
achieve prominence. Here is just one scenario: Through trade,
exploration and conquest, a civilization solidifies its power through
the establishment of its language. And even as it declines, it is
ironically language, carved on stone or engraved on parchment, that
preserves its history.
Gregory
"Ecology: A Pocket Guide"
by Ernest Callenbach
A scientific yet thorough introduction to the basic principles of Ecology. This meaningful guide is reader-friendly, making it easy for those unfamiliar with the technicality of scientific language. The book is organized in an alphabetical systematic way, covering ecological topics from air to zoos. Also, this inexpensive and pragmatic guide is a great gift for those interested in a biological understanding of the complexity of life.
"Weather of the
San Francisco Bay Region"
by Harold Gilliam
An excellent book that is part of the California Natural History Guides printed by the University of California Press. This book is divided by seasons, place, changes in climate and activities. A scientific yet accessible guide that entails pragmatic, meteorological wisdom for San Franciscans.
"Georgian Style and Design:
For Contemporary Living"
by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill
Have you ever wanted to experience the finest Georgian-style mansions but never had the time and/or the money? Do you need inspiration for your own home? Or, do you need a handsome coffee table book to impress a loved one or friends?
Well, if you answered yes to any of theses questions, then look no further than "Georgian Style and Design: For Contemporary Living" by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill. Through beautiful photographs of interior and exterior shots of Georgian-theme homes, Henrietta reveals the noble Georgian style. Also, Henrietta gives her own interpretation through insightful historical analysis of the Georgian architectural expression.
All-in-all, a highly enjoyable overview that will satisfy the hunger for architectural aficionados!
Edith Wharton's Italian Gardens
by Vivian Russell
Ever wanted to see the most lush and beautiful gardens of Italy and save few hard-earned dollars? Are you trying to emulate the botanic masterpieces of Lombardy, Siena, Florence, the Veneto or Rome? Or, are you fascinated by the ease and luxury of Edith Wharton's life? If so, then look no further than Vivian Russell's "Edith Wharton's Italian Gardens."
This book is beautifully photographed and captures the most exquisite garden designs of prominent Italian regions. It is perfect for guidance on gardening, giving you vivid details and explanations of each garden. And/or, it also works nicely sitting on a coffee table for guests visiting one's own private sanctuary.
Ken
"Causing a Scene"
by Charlie Todd
and Alex Scordelis
The people behind the infamous Grand Central Freeze and No Pants! Subway Ride bring you the inside scoop of some of their best and most outrageous pranks. I love these guys.
Known as "agents", these pranksters dream up fun, provocative (but never harmful) little scenarios and carry them out often on very large scales. Imagine dozens and dozens of extra blue polo-shirted and khaki'd "employees" suddenly appearing at a Best Buy. Or picture the same conversation (leading to argument) looping endlessly inside a Starbuck's. Even the accidentally spilled coffee keeps getting knocked over again and again.
Well, you get the idea - it's a lot of fun and includes helpful information on how to carry out your own "missions", if you are so inclined.
"Bat-Manga!"
by Chip Kidd
How cool is this? And who knew Batman was 'big in Japan'? Apparently uber-designer slash author Chip Kidd did, and he's collected it just for YOU. Accompanied by color plates showing related posters and Japanese toys, this book is a design wonder and should be a revelation to comic book collectors and Batman fans alike.
"Call Me By Your Name"
by Andre Aciman
An exquisitely written novel of passion and longing concerning unrequited love (or is it?) on behalf of a young man towards an older student staying at his family's home - "...somewhere in Italy in the mid-eighties." Many passages read almost as pure poetry and I dare you not to tear up at the most emotional of them. A staff favorite, well-loved by our book group and one of the best books I've read in a good long while.
Rick
"Alive in Necropolis"
Doug Dorst
I really enjoyed this book - despite the cheesy cover. It is sort of a 'coming-of-age' story with characters from all age groups realizing what really matters to them... Growing up, it seems, is a life long process.
Ok. So there are ghosts. But they are so cleverly employed in this story that it just doesn't make sense to call this a 'ghost story'. There are good ghosts being terrorized by bad ghosts and it takes a living cop (who is going through his own crap) to save them. This subplot compliments the main events so seamlessly that I forgot that I was reading about GHOSTS!?
Funny dialogue and lots of familiar San Francisco settings.
"Alive in Necropolis" is the current One City One Book pick for San Francisco. Share the experience with your friends and neighbors!
"Stone’s Fall"
by Iain Pears
Three narrators bring their perspective to the story of John Stone – his life, status as financial mogul,love affairs, and finally – how did he fall out of a window to his death? The shady financial dealings are quite topical and underscore how actions (public or private) despite their intent have their consequences.
Shocking conclusion with a dash of good humor and adventure thrown in to keep you guessing the whole way. Thoroughly enjoyable book – perfect summer read.
"Prophet Murders"
by Mehmet Somer
OK. So the narrator of this mystery series is sarcastic,
judgmental, and not just a little pissy. She (‘He’ – during the day) is also accomplished in computer security and martial arts.
Oh – she (he) also owns and manages a Tranny bar in Istanbul. And, I think I love her. This book is funny and such a quick read. You will just shake you head trying not to laugh out loud.
Seriously smart observations just underneath all the campy comments. Fun stuff. The first in a hopefully long series – "Kiss Murders" is out now.
Heroes
Anyone bold enough to put pen to paper.
Books Inc. in the Castro's Details
Status:
Single
Zodiac Sign:
Aquarius
Occupation:
Bookseller
Books Inc. in the Castro is wondering - is that you, Santa Claus? Posted at 9:59 PM Dec 16, 2009 view more
Hi! Just wanted to make sure all my friends know that my new erotic horror novel THE 13TH is now in stores everywhere! I hope you'll check out this debauched and demonic horror ride!
There's even a website devoted just to the book, with an interactive map of the places and characters at www.the13th-horror.com.
Edward Lee called THE 13TH "A double-barreled shotgun blast of macabre entertainment -- an expert amalgamation of grotesquerie, eroticism, mystery, and pitch-black occult horror that no fan of the genre can miss."
And Gary A. Braunbeck said, "John Everson's The 13th is the first out-and-out horror novel in a long while to actually scare the **** out of me while reading it. It's stylish, extremely well-written, filled with richly-drawn characterizations, and boasts a labyrinthine plot worthy of Umberto Eco. Trust me -- this one will fry your nerves and break your heart."
Stopping by to say Hello, Hope you
have a great week
We've been quite busy getting our businesses going, both KnM GraphiX and
creepshow mayhem's,
Moving is a bitch.
Check out some of our newly added work.
Hi! Just wanted to make sure all my friends know that my 2nd horror novel SACRIFICE is now in stores everywhere, including Amazon.com! I hope you'll check out this debauched and demonic horror ride! Here are a couple reviews it's gotten so far:
“SACRIFICE is a full frontal assault on your senses. It is a dark, brutal, bloody and terribly frightening book. Everson went deep into some dark abyss to bring this book to the light of day.... I highly recommend SACRIFICE.” —Famous Monsters of Filmland
“John Everson manages in SACRIFICE to dispense buckets of blood, provide edgy perversity, and walk the tenuous tightrope of horror and sex without falling: It’s rather an amazing feat.” –Hell Notes
Alexis and Ralph the Dragon...The # 1 Children's Book. of 2009 ...From first time Published Author....Barney Kowalski This NEWLY released children's book is an adorable story of a baby dragon left on a human couple's doorstep.Raised as a little boy ,Ralph doesn't know he's a Dragon until he meets other children.Befriended by a little girl "Alexis" ,they discover Acceptance ,and learn to celebrate their differences and how much they have in common.
Written in language for young children,Ralph has a tongue-in-cheek humor that the adult that reads to them will get a few chuckles .
I wrote this book ,Dawn Phillips did the eye-popping illustration and the publisher is publishamerica.Contact Publishamerica for your copy or ask your bookstore to carry it.
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
Thanks for the add! Please check out my page and also www.poetalicia.com to learn more about the nobel nominated founder of metadimensional poetry! You can also read poems written by this world acclaimed writer. Thanks so much!
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
You might enjoy watching some of my films (use the on screen controls to skip between them):
Hi! Just wanted to make sure all my friends know that my new erotic horror novel 
Online Now!
Hi! Just wanted to make sure all my friends know that my 2nd horror novel 
Victoria Theater
2961 16th Street
Mission District
San Francisco
Go to http://rollingmovie.com for more info.
