All posts by trav

At the heart of it all, I’m a fan. A fan of books and bookstores. A fan of fiction and non-fiction. A fan of authors and publishers. And most of all I’m a fan of great conversations sparked by books. All that to say - I really need more bookshelves.
Book Talk, On the TV

Beacon 23 Now Streaming on MGM+

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Hugh Howey’s Beacon 23 debuted on the streaming service MGM+ earlier last week. I really enjoyed the short book the TV series is based on, but it sounds like the reception of the new series has been mixed. You can watch the trailer on YouTube.

The cast looks great and stars Stephan James and Lena Heady. Sounds like they’ve already filmed two seasons. To be honest, I had never heard of MGM+, but I guess this is why you do a high-production series like this – to bring attention to your app/service.

Anyway, Beacon 23 follows the story of an outer space-based lighthouse keeper who takes on a ‘shipwrecked’ traveler. The book is a fast read and has all of Hugh Howey’s signature sci-fi goodness. The reviews have been mixed but trending up. From the few I’ve run across, it sounds like if science fiction is your jam, then you’re going to really enjoy this. I’m one of those that absolutely enjoyed the Silo series on Apple TV (but the books really were better), so I feel like I’ll enjoy Beacon 23 as well.

Cover designed by M.S. Corley

I know that none of this is breaking news, but a buddy just returned my copy of Beacon 23, and it reminded me to look for the show.

Book Sale, Hoover, library

Hoover Library Book Sale 2023

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There is a great book sale kicking off in Hoover, AL. It runs through the whole weekend. It’s the quarterly Hoover Library Book Sale held by the Friends of the Hoover Library.

While not as big as it was (they have sales quarterly instead of annually), this used book sale is always worth it.

The shopping kicks off today at 9am and has already been featured on many of the morning news shows here around Birmingham. The sale runs 9am-5:30pm Friday, 10am-5:30pm Saturday and 1pm to 4:30pm on Sunday.

The bag sales are really fun (and a great bargain) at the Hoover Library Book Sales. Don’t get me wrong – some of the books are well-loved well-read used library books you’d expect. What collectors might call “a reading copy”, but some of the books are donations from folks around the area. All for the same price!

I’m still kind of bummed that the Friends closed their bookshop that was in the Hoover Library. I mean I get why… but still… it was always a fun visit.

I’m always pleased to see some of the donated books and the condition and subject matter. If these donated book are any indication, we must have some really cool and interesting folks around Hoover. Though it’s hard to get to know someone when everyone is throwing elbows trying to grab what they can from the $1 hardback tables… it’s a lot of fun!

The weather looks perfect for the weekend as well. If you’re in the area it may be worth swinging by the Hoover Library Book Sale

Book Talk, Upcoming Titles

Heather Cox Richardson Has a New Book Coming Out

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Heather Cox Richardson is an amazing writer and she has just announced her new book Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America. The book is due in stores sometime in September 26, 2023. Here is the cover (I love the sunrise glow coming up from the bottom):

Heather Cox Democracy Awakening
ISBN 9780593652961

I first stumbled upon Heather Cox Richardson’s writing back in 2020 when I read How the South Won the Civil War. Which I found fascinating. Her premise is insightful, the research was well done and the writing even better. It was the kind of book that makes you see the impact of historical decisions playing out in the day-today news and happenings all around you. It’s also the kind of book that leaves you with questions as you may not see eye-to-eye with her, but man is the conversation worth having. There is no downside to reading whatever Heather Cox Heather Cox Richardson writes.

Which is why I signed up for her newsletter, back in 2020, just after reading that book. Turns out most folks know her through her newsletter and online writing and discover her books later. Who knew?

Her new book Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America is just 250 pages broken into 30 chapters. As she tells it: “…it tries to explain how we got to this political moment…and how we get out.” Sounds like another worthwhile and thoughtful read – whether you agree with her or not.

Alabama, Events

Bookstock Festival, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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The second annual Bookstock Festival occurs this Saturday, May 20th, at the New Heights Community Resource Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The event is hosted by The Literacy Council of West Alabama and is FREE!

The Bookstock Festival kicks off at 10 am and will close at 2 pm. So it’s a narrow window if you can get there. The folks from the University of Alabama Books Arts Program will be leading a book construction session starting at 10:30 am-12:30 pm.

There is also a painting project where folks can paint Little Library boxes.
There will be author readings, information tables for local area book clubs as well as sign-ups for tutoring help, plus scavenger hunts, photo booths, and more!

It’s free to get in, and lunch is free too!

Fingers crossed that the weather is good and the turnout is even better. Seeing how book-related events can unite communities and help improve things is fun.

For more information, you can contact The Literacy Council of West Alabama.