Dan Simmons has a new book coming out The Abominable (October 22, 2013). I have to admit to being on the fence as to whether I want to read it (I loved, loved, loved The Terror, but Drood and the next left me meh). But this one sounds a little more in line with The Terror so I’ve been following along as it rolls out. Which is why I ran across this interview with Simmons by the folks at Publishers Weekly. It’s not long and worth a read, but the last answer struck a chord as Dan Simmons explains how he wants his readers to be with the flip of the last page:
“The real test for me is how the reader feels after he or she has finished one of my books. If readers have no questions to ask, no conversations they want to start, no strong feelings they wish to share, then I’ve failed. But overall, as at the end of a life well lived, there should be a sense of completeness—of having known triumph and sorrow—as well as having some questions still unanswered. That and some sense of sadness that the characters are no longer there to spend time with. Finishing a good book, I think, should feel a bit like saying goodbye to old friends.”
THAT’S exactly how I want to feel at the end of a book. I think The Abominable just secured a place on Mount TBR.
September 9th at 10:00 a.m. local-Hoover author Heather Jones Skaggs will be speaking at the Hoover Library. Her appearance is free and open to the public, though it is part of the Friends’ meeting. While her Bluff Park book was a great success, you may be able to get the scoop on her upcoming book (also by Arcadia) titled Early Hoover, which she is currently working on.
The meeting will be in Meeting Rooms A,B and C. You can call 205-444-7840 for more information.
There is a great thread, in the Books on the Nightstand group, over on Goodreads, where members are listing their favorite podcasts for bibliophiles and book lovers. Even if you’re not a member of GoodReads or prefer other sites (like LibraryThing!) this thread is worth checking out. There are quite a few podcasts mentioned that I’m going to have to check out at least once. Here is a list of the first five that I’m downloading now to see what they have to say:
Greater Boston Book Loft – sounds like this will be a nice shorter 10-15 minute podcast and includes author interviews.
Literary Disco – three friends who are self-professed booknerds
Authors on Tour – this podcast is produced by the good folks at Denver’s indie rockstar bookstore The Tattered Cover
KCRW’s Bookworm – a podcast about books and authors, based in L.A.
The Pelham Library hosts a used-book sale a few times a year. The next one kicks off on August 26th and runs through the end of September. I’ve only been once, but need to fix that as the prices are always good. Hardbacks will be $1 at this sale. All kids’ books and paperbacks will be 50 cents. You an follow the library on Twitter for updates or to ask questions.
Here’s a link to their “Location” page so you can find them. Happy book hunting! And let me know if you score anything good.
