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ABOUT THE STORE : NEWSLETTER

DISPATCHES FROM THE BORDER

Events and News from Borderlands Books

April, 2007

Chapter One - Event Information, News, and Special Features

Borderlands and Variety Children's Charity present "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "The Thing" at the Variety Preview Room, 582 Market Street at 2nd Street, Thursday, April 12th at 7:00 pm (Yes, it really is *Thursday*, April 12th!)

Robert Balmanno, SEPTEMBER SNOW (Regent), Saturday, April 14th from  12:00 - 2:00 pm

Scott Sigler, ANCESTOR (Dragon Moon Press), Saturday, April 21st at 1:00 pm

Ray Garton, NIGHT LIFE (Leisure), Saturday, April 21st at 3:00 pm

John Scalzi, THE LAST COLONY (Tor), Thursday, April 26th at 7:00 pm

Ellen Klages, PORTABLE CHILDHOODS (Tachyon), Saturday, April 28th at 3:00 pm

Holly Black, IRONSIDE (Margaret K. McElderry), and Cassandra Clare, CITY OF BONES (Margaret K. McElderry), Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 pm

Borderlands and Variety Children's Charity present "The Host" and "Lake Placid" at the Variety Preview Room, 582 Market Street at 2nd Street, Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 pm (Yes, the first movie conflicts with the Holly Black/Cassandra Clare event, but only a little.  You don't really have to make a choice here, just come to the movies after the signing!)

THE JAMES TIPTREE AWARD ANTHOLOGY VOL. 3 (Tachyon), with readers to be announced, Saturday, May 12th at 3:00 pm

Katharine Kerr, THE SPIRIT STONE (DAW) Saturday, May 19th at 3:00 pm

Susan Palwick, THE FATE OF MICE (Tachyon), Saturday, May 19th at 5:00 pm

Esther Friesner, TEMPING FATE  (Puffin) and NOBODY'S PRINCESS (Random House), Thursday, May 24th at 7:00 pm

Carol Berg, FLESH AND SPIRIT (Roc), Saturday, June 2nd at 3:00 pm

Borderlands, Variety Children's Charity, and the Gay Geeks' Group present "The Hunger" and "Galaxy Quest" at the Variety Preview Room, 582 Market Street at 2nd Street, Thursday, June 14th at 7:00 pm

Jacqueline Carey, KUSHIEL'S JUSTICE (Warner), Saturday, June 23rd at 3:00 pm

(for more information check the end of this section)

Coming up in the summer, we'll host Kage Baker, Mike Carey, Ellen Kushner and Delia Sherman, a special midnight Harry Potter cookies-and-milk party, and much much more, so stay tuned!

News

*Author John Scalzi has decided to run for the presidency of The Science Fiction Writers of America.  For more info check out  <http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/authors/suddenly_scifi_has_a_leadership_debate_55217.asp>

*The 2007 Hugo nominees have been announced.   Below are the nominees for best novel.  For a complete list of the nominees, see <http://www.nippon2007.us/hugo_nominees.php>

- Eifelheim  Michael Flynn (Tor)
- His Majesty's Dragon  Naomi Novik  (Del Rey)
- Glasshouse  Charles Stross  (Ace)
- Rainbows End  Vernor Vinge  (Tor)
- Blindsight  Peter Watts  (Tor)

*The finalists for the Lambda Literary Award have been announced.  See <http://www.lambdaliterary.org/awards/current_finalists.html> for more information -

Lambda Finalists for SCI-FI/FANTASY/HORROR

-Carnival by Elizabeth Bear (Bantam Spectra)
-Mordred, Bastard Son by Douglas Clegg (Alyson)
-A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day (Iris Print)
-Izzy and Eve by Neal Drinnan (Green Candy Press)
-Spin Control by Chris Moriarty (Bantam Spectra)

*Read Cory Doctorow's comments on the subject of reading on computers screens at Locus Online.  He _says_ we like it.  <http://www.locusmag.com/Features/2007/03/cory-doctorow-you-do-like-reading-off.html>

*Borderlands has some very cool cover blow-ups (big posters of book covers) to give away, and we want you to have them!  We have one each of the following: Kim Harrison's FOR A FEW DEMONS MORE, Christopher Moore's YOU SUCK, (one large, one small), Vicki Pettersson's SCENT OF SHADOWS, David Weber's OFF ARMAGEDDON REEF, Joe Hill's HEART-SHAPED BOX and Christopher Moore's A DIRTY JOB.  Please send an email to office(at)borderlands-books.com with your poster preference -- one poster to a customer, and first request for each one gets each one.  (Multiple requests are okay, but each customer will only get one poster.)

*Science Fiction in San Francisco lives!  This reading and discussion series, formerly held on an irregular basis at New College of California, has been reborn, and will now be held at the Variety Preview Room, 582 Market Street!  The series begins May 16th, and features Cory Doctorow and Rudy Rucker, so don't miss it!

*Borderlands will be having an overstock sale Saturday, May 5th.  May 8th, 2007 will mark 6 years in our Valencia Street location, and this is also the first of many events we'll be hosting this year to celebrate the larger, 10th Anniversary of the store this year.  Many titles, including some small press, will be marked way, way down.   This sale is also open to mail order customers.  Email office(at)borderlands-books.com after April 25th for a list of the titles that will be included in the sale.

* Lastly, for your edification and horror, the Parade of Unfortunate Star Wars Costumes! <http://www.capnwacky.com/sw/sw03.html>  Oh, my eyes! 

From The Office

Two months ago I made some comments in this column about holiday sales at Borders Books and Barnes & Noble.  Two readers wrote very thoughtful emails to me regarding what I'd said.  I've been meaning to address their thoughts here for the past two months but for one reason and another I haven't had the chance. 

However, first a brief recap is probably in order -- I noted in the January issue that sales at both Borders and B&N were down compared to last year and I went on to note that our sales were up.  I was obviously pleased by this news because both companies engage in business practices that I think are distasteful (though to be fair, B&N is a worse offender than Borders).  Another reason for my pleasure was the way that those two companies have provided the economic pressure that has driven may non-chain stores out of business.  In retrospect I can see that my tone was a bit gloating, despite my attempt to make it otherwise.

In response one reader, who had been a partner at a bookshop that had to close, wrote -

". . . I sadly went to work as a manager at Barnes & Noble.  It's true B&N is like the evil empire, they are the Starbucks of Bookstores.  But still it is a living, and albeit sometimes a stressful and scablike one . . . it is a living.

I am really happy that you are doing well, I mail order books from you often and keep up on what's going on with your store . . . .  But it sort of hurts to see the gloating of the misfortune of others.  Sadly  hours are getting cut and we are having to let great booksellers go.  Would you hire them?  Most indie bookstore owners see fit to punish  ex B&N employees as if they were scabs, when they look for new jobs.  It's unfair.  We have to work too, and alot of us are store owners who lost our business'.  Again I congratulate you on how great you are doing . . . but you never know who's out there buying your merchandise and reading your newsletter.  I must say, it stung quite a bit."

Upon reading this, I felt terrible.  In the first place, I really didn't mean to be critical of the people who work at Borders and B&N.  Many of them are passionate, talented booksellers who bring as much to the "business of words" as anyone at an independent store.  I'm certainly not happy at the prospect of anyone losing their job, especially when losing that job could mean that they would no longer be able to be a bookseller.  And, considering how hard it is for an independent store to co-exist in the same community as a chain store, a chain store closure might well mean that there would be no jobs in that community for bookselling.  And worse, no bookstore in that community at all.

I was also shocked that any store owner would treat a prospective employee badly because they had worked for B&N in the past.  That seems the height of foolishness, since one of the things that can be said for stores like B&N is that they are a much more demanding work environment than many other bookstores.  My experience is that the staff at chain stores are expected to work faster, harder and for less pay than the staff at independent shops.  And I say that as (gasp) a former assistant manager for Crown Books, the cruel father of cut-throat chain bookselling.  Who in their right mind would dismiss out of hand a potential employee who really knew how to work under pressure?

So, I'm a little bit ashamed that I got so wrapped up in the us-versus-them mentality that I didn't consider how my words might seem to someone standing on the other side of that silly little fence.  And for that I'm very sorry.

I'm very grateful to the person who wrote me about that article.  When all's said and done (and after a deal of thought), I still do hope that Borders and Barnes & Noble continue to lose sales.  I know that they're not going to vanish (at least not suddenly) and I'm unhappy that their financial troubles, if they worsen, will cause lost jobs for booksellers and create communities that lack a real bookstore.  But, as long as they exist, the shadow that they cast will prevent many independent stores from opening.

It's like a forest.  The larger trees reach a point where they block the light and stop smaller trees from growing.  If nothing changes, the whole forest suffers because there's no new growth.  Every once in a while there'll be a storm or a fire that clears out some of the old growth and gives the saplings a chance.  The storm or fire is terrible and causes destruction, but it has to happen or else the forest stagnates.

The bookselling world is dominated by some very large trees right now and they've been squeezing out the smaller growth for a long time.  I wouldn't want to see the whole forest burn but I think it's past time for a bit of a storm to clear out the deadwood and knock over a few of those old trees.  I just hope that it's a storm and not a fire.  It may be that there's so much deadwood in this forest that the whole thing could burn.  And that would be terrible indeed.

I suppose, in a perfect world, I hope that the chains will close stores.  And I hope that new, independent stores will open in the vacuum left by those closures -- stores that will not only provide jobs for the former staff of the chain stores but also give their former managers and staff a chance to open their own stores.  It might be difficult at the start but I believe that the final result would be a more diverse and vibrant bookselling landscape.

Best,
Alan

Origin of the Bookstore, Part the Sixth

For the next seven months we'll be doing a special feature each month in honor of Borderlands' upcoming 10th Anniversary (November 3rd, 2007). We'll share some stories about what Borderlands is and how it got that way.

Off-Site Bookselling, or "Are You a Band?"

Borderlands has done (and continues to do) many off-site events, including our well-loved Movie Nights at the Variety Preview Room, the Sonoma County Book Fair in Santa Rosa, and the World Science Fiction Convention in Glasgow two years ago, just to name a few.  This installment of "Origin" focuses on a few aspects of what it is like to create a miniature version of the store, someplace else entirely.

When the staff travels to a convention or other off-site event that involves airplane transport, we frequently pack the books that we will be selling in large gray trunks.  Think of a heavy-duty plastic version of a surplus Army trunk and you've got the idea.  Years and years ago, Alan painstakingly modified these trunks with foam and cardboard padding, to make anything packed inside one neigh on indestructible, even in the hands of baggage handlers.  An amusing side effect of traveling with these "road cases" is that the traveling staff is continually and repeatedly mistaken for a band.  In airports from Seattle to Wisconsin to Kansas City, perfect strangers have approached us and asked "What band are you in?!"  Several of these people flatly refused to believe that we were booksellers, and what a surreal situation that was: Them: "C'mon, just tell me!" Us: "We're actually booksellers.  There are books in these trunks." Them: "No, seriously -- I won't tell anyone if you want it kept secret!  What is the name of the band?"  Us: "No, really, we run a bookstore!  None of us plays an instrument at all."  Them: "Aw, I wouldn'ta told anyone.  You SUCK!"  Us: <helpless shrugs>.

Another entertaining aspect of selling books outside the store is the lengths that Alan and the staff will go to to make our booth or table inviting and reminiscent of the store.  Alan and Roger Range, a very dedicated friend of Borderlands, once spent two hours frantically constructing bookshelves with boards, hammer and nails *in the parking lot* of a hotel in Maryland for the Borderlands booth at the Horrorfind Convention.   We schlepped four Oriental carpets all the way to Anaheim for the 2006 World Science Fiction Convention.  So far we've braved misplaced boxes (Scotland: "I'm sorry, sir, I just don't understand how 32 boxes of books could go missing.  We'll keep looking."), inclement weather (San Francisco: it pattered rain on our cardboard boxes, store banner and cash register all the way to WonderCon this year), and other peoples' near-death experiences (driving to Tempe, AZ for the 2004 World Fantasy Convention, in some of the worst rain we'd ever seen, a car spun out directly in front of our truck.  The car crossed all four lanes of traffic, spinning the whole time, crashed into the guard rail and came to rest.  It was only through some seriously fancy driving that we didn't crash, as well.  Alan was a paramedic, and I have had First Responder training, so we screeched to a halt and ran to help the driver, terribly certain that he or she would be badly injured.  Thankfully and miraculously, the driver was totally unharmed.  The funny postscript to that rather harrowing story is that, since it was raining so heavily, Alan and I were drenched and literally dripping wet after we'd finished waiting on the side of the freeway for the police to arrive.  We pulled off the road into a shopping center looking for a place to buy towels, but it was too late at night.  We ended up buying two bundles of kitchen rags (the only thing we could find) at a supermarket, and trying ineffectually to dry ourselves with the handkerchief-sized rags outside the market.  We were looking like drowned rats and laughing hysterically from the adrenaline and the absurdity.  The passers-by were giving us wide berth indeed.)

But I have digressed, yet again.  My whole point in this is that Borderlands seeks, as best we can, to give the folks who meet us outside of the store an impression of what the store is like, in the hopes they will come visit us in San Francisco.  I like to think we do a pretty good job, and the miniature versions of the store we recreate are much like the actual store: clean, nicely furnished, well-stocked, and staffed entirely by employees who are knowledgeable, helpful and lovable, but of dubious sanity. 

And to all of you who have asked, no -- it is final -- we're not bringing Ripley to any off-site events.  It would end badly.

-Jude Feldman

Top Sellers At Borderlands

Hardcovers
1. YOU SUCK! - A LOVE STORY by Christopher Moore
2. FOR A FEW DEMONS MORE by Kim Harrison
3. SHADOWPLAY by Tad Williams
4. HEART-SHAPED BOX by Joe Hill
5. COMMAND DECISION by Elizabeth Moon
6. UN LUN DUN by China Mieville
7. THE TERROR by Dan Simmons
8. LORD OF THE SILENT KINGDOM by Glen Cook
9. SIXTY DAYS AND COUNTING by Kim Stanley Robinson
10. MATHEMATICIANS IN LOVE by Rudy Rucker

Mass Market Paperbacks
1. THE SCENT OF SHADOWS by Vicki Pettersson
2. ALTERED CARBON by Richard Morgan
3. PATTERN RECOGNITION by William Gibson tied with THE SCAR by China Mieville
4. THE CITY, NOT LONG AFTER by Pat Murphy
5. ACCELERANDO by Charles Stross
6. WAR OF THE FLOWERS by Tad Williams
7. OLYMPOS by Dan Simmons
8. SWORDSPOINT by Ellen Kushner
9.  LEGENDS 2: DRAGON, SWORD AND KING edited by Robert Silverberg
10. OLD MAN'S WAR by John Scalzi

Trade Paperbacks
1. SNAKE AGENT by Liz Williams
2. BEST SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY OF THE YEAR edited by Johnathan Strahan (Night Shade Books) tied with X-RATED BLOODSUCKERS by Mario Acevedo
3. NIGHTWATCH by Sergei Lukyanenko
4. OVERCLOCKED by Cory Doctorow
5. A DIRTY JOB by Christopher Moore tied with HARDWIRED by Walter John Williams

Notes From a DVD Geek

I've got something for everyone this month.  Science fiction, horror, zombies . . . A-list Oscar-winning films . . .Direct-to-video . . .Austrian cult films . . . Giant monsters . . . You name it, I'm covering it. 

The big title of the month is the Academy-Award winning science fiction dystopia, "Children of Men".  This one was simply awesome.  I was impressed by the remarkable performances, gritty near-future world view, and the wry and insightfully "science fictional" look at government oppression and revolutionary movements -- all carefully shepherded by the sure hand of its director, Alfonso Cuaron.  Cuaron previously brought us "Y Tu Mama Tambien," and the third Harry Potter movie, but this film catapults him into the realm of the most exciting young directors around.  If you haven't seen this one yet, you are in for a treat.

Speaking of exciting young filmmakers on the fringe of science fiction, Darron Arronofski's time traveling science fiction mess/masterpiece "The Fountain" won't be out on DVD until May, but as a warm-up, his first two films, "Pi" and "Requiem for a Dream" are getting a double feature DVD release this month, so if you haven't added them to your collection yet, now is your chance.

Also on the fringes of science fiction is  Japan's giant monster genre, and this month brings us two lovingly restored Godzilla sequels. . ."Godzilla Raids Again"(1955) and "Godzilla Vs. Mothra" (1964).  The first of these features both the US and Japanese versions of this film, just like last year's original Godzilla release, and both of these films are being presented with classy packaging that matches the original's release, and are a must-have for any self respecting "Kaiju" fan.

On the horror side of the fence, March brings a veritable cornucopia of Bava.  The Italian master of horror gets a five disk box set from Anchor Bay, collecting together their earlier releases in one place.  This is a cost-effective way to get two of his best films "Black Sunday" and "Black Sabbath," along with three of his lesser-known films -- "The Girl Who Knew Too Much," "Knives of the Avenger," and "Kill Baby Kill".

Sticking with horror for a moment, I wanted to point out that someone has bought the rights to the "Return of the Living Dead" franchise, and last year they (theoretically, I never saw them) released 2 sequels theatrically.  These franchise entries are now available on DVD.  "Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis," and "Return of the Living Dead:  Rave to the Grave" [Now *that* is a wretched title! -Ed.].  I can't vouch for the quality of these films . . . but if you want to see some pretty fun-looking zombie trailers, be sure to check out <http://www.returnofthelivingdead4and5.com>.

And for those of you who need some K-horror, be sure to check out Tartan Asia Extreme's latest Korean release, "Cinderella".  It's packaged up to be a gory shock-fest, but at its heart, it is a family drama focusing on the inevitable conflict between a mother and a daughter, and has a nice take on obsession with "beauty" and self-image.

This month also sees two important DVD releases in the horror genre.  First, there is the one remaining 1970's horror franchise that hasn't yet suffered from a Hollywood remake.  I hate to jinx it by mentioning that it hasn't had a remake. . . .But, after being out of print for a long time, THE BALL IS BACK!  That's right.  Dwarves in robes. . .the tall man. . . and the flying killer silver ball. . ."Phantasm" is back on DVD this month, in an anamorphic widescreen disk with 5.1 DTS surround, and audio commentary by the writer and director.

Also back in print is "Re-Animator," directed by Stuart Gordon, starring Jeffrey Combs.  This one is also a must-own for anybody who values their Lovecraft-talking-head-zombie-exploitation flicks.  But what really makes the movie is the very funny score that is perpetually riffing off of the "Psycho" score. 

Finally, I wanted to focus on the films of an Austrian director who has been compared to Hitchcock and De Palma, but whose work isn't terribly well known in the US.  Believe me, you'll be shocked and amazed by the unflinching films of Michael Haneke.  His films "Funny Games" (1998) and "Benny's Video" (1998), grapples with the nature of violence and graphic imagery, and participatory culpability.  These are tense thrillers that push the viewer far beyond a viewer's comfort zone, and seem to be as much a dare as a movie-going experience.  And these films preceded the current glut of "torture-chic" films, such as "Saw," "High Tension," "Wolf Creek," et al., which often seem to be going for the same effect.

That's it for now.  Be sure to drop me a note and tell me what your favorite "Kaiju" (Giant Monster) movie is.  I'm planning a Double feature for the Variety film screening series.  :)

-Jeremy Lassen
jlassen@borderlands-books.com

Book Club Info

The Gay Men's Book Club will meet on Sunday, May 13th at 5 pm to discuss TO SAY NOTHING OF THE DOG by Connie Willis.  The book for June is NATURAL HISTORY by Justina Robson.  Please contact the group leader, Christopher Rodriguez, at cobalt555(at)earthlink.net, for more information.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club will meet on Sunday, April 15th at 6 pm to discuss PATTERN RECOGNITION by William Gibson. The book for May is MARKET FORCES by Richard Morgan.  Please contact Jude at jfeldman(at)borderlands-books.com for more information.

Upcoming Event Details

Borderlands and Variety Children's Charity present "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (Directed by Philip Kaufman, 1978, 115 mins.) and "The Thing"  (Directed by John Carpenter, 1982, 109 mins.) at the Variety Preview Room, 582 Market Street at 2nd Street, Thursday, April 12th at 7:00 pm (Yes, it really is *Thursday*, April 12th!) - A double feature that reminds you to trust no one (and that not all remakes are wretched!)! The screenings will take place at Variety's Preview Room, located in The Hobart Building, 582 Market Street @ Montgomery, San Francisco.  Doors open at 6:30 pm and the first movie starts at 7:00 pm.  There will be short intermissions between the films.  Seating is limited and seats are available on a first-come, first seated basis, so arrive early!  Refreshments will be available for purchase, and your purchase benefits Variety Children's Charity of Northern California, a non-profit organization that supports children in local communities who are dealing with poverty, neglect, violence, and physical disabilities.  For more information about upcoming movies, write movies(at)borderlands-books.com.  For more information on Variety Children's Charity, see their web site at <http://www.varietync.org/> or write sffilmvariety(at)yahoo.com.

Robert Balmanno, SEPTEMBER SNOW (Regent Press, Trade Paperback, $15.95), Saturday, April 14th from  12:00 - 2:00 pm -  "Global warming and climate change have been rife for decades.  Gaia, a new religion originally devoted to preserving the earth, has been perverted.  A draconian regime controls everything, even the weather.  September, a woman of intellect and physical prowess, leads a rebellion.  She seeks to save the planet from a corrupt system so the healing process of earth can begin.  A futuristic dystopian story where mankind and physical life of the living planet are on collision course."  Stop by for an informal chat with author Robert Balmanno and hear about his frighteningly plausible new novel.

Scott Sigler, ANCESTOR (Dragon Moon Press, Trade Paperback, $19.95), Saturday, April 21st at 1:00 pm - Podcasting pioneer Scott Sigler writes taut, scary novels.  Join us to hear him read from his newest science fiction-horror-thriller ANCESTOR!  This new novel tells the story of scientists on a remote island in Lake Superior struggling "to solve the problem of xenotransplantation -- using animal tissue to replace failing human organs.  Funded by the biotech firm Genada, Dr. Claus Rhumkorrf seeks to recreate the ancestor of all mammals.  By getting back to the root of our creation, Rhumkorrf hopes to create an animal with human internal organs.  Rhumkorrf discovers the ancestor, but it is not the small, harmless creature he envisions.  His genius gives birth to a fast-growing evil that nature eradicated 250 million years ago -- an evil now on the loose, and very, very hungry."

Ray Garton, NIGHT LIFE (Leisure, Mass Market, $7.99), Saturday, April 21st at 3:00 pm - Don't miss this opportunity to meet Ray Garton when he stops by the store to promote this sequel to the cult classic LIVE GIRLS.  Vampires in the suburbs and Garton's trademark brand of violence. This event, you are cautioned, is not for the faint of heart! 

John Scalzi, THE LAST COLONY (Tor, Hardcover, $23.95), Thursday, April 26th at 7:00 pm - We're so pleased that the awesome John Scalzi will be reading here!  His newest novel, THE LAST COLONY, is a follow-up to OLD MAN'S WAR and THE GHOST BRIGADES: "Retired from his fighting days, John Perry is now village ombudsman for a human colony on distant Huckleberry.  With his wife, former Special Forces warrior Jane Sagan, he farms several acres, adjudicates local disputes, and enjoys watching his adopted daughter grow up.  That is, until his and Jane's past reaches out to bring them back into the game--as leaders of a new human colony, to be peopled by settlers from all the major human worlds, for a deep political purpose that will put Perry and Sagan back in the thick of interstellar politics, betrayal, and war."

Ellen Klages, PORTABLE CHILDHOODS (Tachyon, Trade Paperback, $14.95), Saturday, April 28th at 3:00 pm - We were blown away by Ellen Klages' debut novel THE GREEN GLASS SEA, and we're glad to have her back presenting her new short story collection PORTABLE CHILDHOODS.  "Mysticism, heroism, cruelty, and compassion thread through these multifaceted tales—which range from the origins of the Manhattan Project to a culinary object-lesson, from 1950s corruption to a slight glitch in Creation. . . these stories are timeless and delightful, chilling and beautiful."  And Cary says: "Wow!  Time travelling lesbians, the best ice cream ever, feral librarians, and the origins of beetles explained.  PORTABLE CHILDHOODS is one of the best story collections I've ever read.  Totally magic."

Holly Black, IRONSIDE (Margaret K. McElderry, Hardcover, $16.95), and Cassandra Clare, CITY OF BONES (Margaret K. McElderry, Hardcover, $17.95), Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 pm - Borderlands is glad to host Holly Black, author of the staff favorite TITHE, who returns with another novel set in her immensely enjoyable faerie-infused reality, and Cassandra Clare, whose new book Kirkus Reviews calls  "lush and fun," and says "the story's sensual flavor comes from the wealth of detail: demons with facial piercings, diners serving locusts and honey, and pretty gay warlocks."  Join us to meet these two edgy and fun YA authors!

Borderlands and Variety Children's Charity present "The Host" and "Lake Placid" at the Variety Preview Room, 582 Market Street at 2nd Street, Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 pm (Yes, the first movie conflicts with the Holly Black/Cassandra Clare event, but only a little.  You don't really have to make a choice here, just come to the movies after the signing!)

THE JAMES TIPTREE AWARD ANTHOLOGY VOL. 3 (Tachyon, Trade Paperback, $14.95), with readers to be announced, Saturday, May 12th at 3:00 pm - More details to come.

Katharine Kerr, THE SPIRIT STONE (DAW, Hardcover, $24.95) Saturday, May 19th at 3:00 pm -  Borderlands is pleased to welcome Katharine Kerr back to the store!  "'A dagger laid against our throat.'  So Prince Dar of the Westlands calls Zakh Gral, a new fortress built by the Horsekin, the ancient enemies of his people.  To help him destroy this threat, the elven prince has called upon his allies: the dwarven folk of the northern mountains and the human men of Deverry to the east.  Their leaders know that if the Westlands fall to the Horsekin, their own throats will feel that dagger next.  Joining them are two powerful dragons, who have their own bitter reasons to hate the Horsekin.  But the fanatical Horsekin believe that they have the most powerful ally of all: a new goddess.  Alshandra's priestesses have announced that she has given the Horsekin the lands belonging to the prince -- and that his people must be utterly destroyed.  Rooted in Celtic mythology and intricately interweaving human and elven history over several hundred years, Katharine Kerr's dazzling saga tells of ancient enmities and undying friendships experienced through many lives.  Epic fantasy on a truly grand scale."

Susan Palwick, THE FATE OF MICE (Tachyon, Trade Paperback, $14.95), Saturday, May 19th at 5:00 pm - " Gathering together the most outstanding short stories of Susan Palwick's twenty-year literary career, THE FATE OF MICE is a powerful collection from an extraordinary fantasist.  These unflinching tales, including three original pieces, consider a woman born with her heart exposed and the heartless killer who protects her; a wolf who is willingly ensnared by a devious academic; a businessman resurrected to play at politics; and an ingenious mouse dreaming beyond the laboratory."  Join us to meet this fascinating author!

Esther Friesner, TEMPING FATE (Puffin, Trade Paperback, $6.99) and NOBODY'S PRINCESS (Random House, Hardcover, $16.99), Thursday, May 24th at 7:00 pm - More details to come.

Carol Berg, FLESH AND SPIRIT (Roc), Saturday, June 2nd at 3:00 pm - More details to come.

Borderlands, Variety Children's Charity, and the Gay Geeks' Group present "The Hunger" and "Galaxy Quest" at the Variety Preview Room, 582 Market Street at 2nd Street, Thursday, June 14th at 7:00 pm

Jacqueline Carey, KUSHIEL'S JUSTICE (Warner), Saturday, June 23rd at 3:00 pm - More details to come. 

Borderlands event policy - all events are free of charge.  You are welcome to bring copies of an author's books purchased elsewhere to be autographed (but we do appreciate it if you purchase something while at the event).  For most events you are welcome to bring as many books as you wish for autographs.  If you are unable to attend the event we will be happy to have a copy of the author's books signed or inscribed for you.  We can then either hold it until you can come in to pick it up or we can ship it to you.  Just give us a call or drop us an email.  If you live out of town, you can also ship us books from your collection to be signed.  Call or email for details.

Chapter Two - Book Listings

Small Press Features

Science Fiction and Fantasy:

Imagineer, The by Gregory Ashe  (Humdrumming, $14.75, Trade Paperback)

Passage at Arms by Glen Cook  (Night Shade Books, $14.95, Trade Paperback)

Tangerinephant by Kevin Dole 2  (Afterbirth Books, $10.95, Trade Paperback)

Girl Genius Omnibus Edition 1 by Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio (Airship Entertainment, $14.95, Trade Paperback) - Contains Girl Genius vol. 1-3

In the Country of Tattooed Men and Other Cyphers by Gary Kilworth  (Humdrumming, $24.99, Trade Paperback)

Portable Childhoods by Ellen Klages  (Tachyon, $14.95, Trade Paperback)

Fate of Mice, The by Susan Palwick  (Tachyon, $14.95, Trade Paperback)

Toady by Mark Morris  (Humdrumming, $31.99, Trade Paperback)

Chemical Gardens by Gina Ranalli  (Afterbirth Books, $12.95, Trade Paperback)

Flavors Of My Genius by Robert Reed  (PS Publishing, $18.00, Trade Paperback, limited to 500 signed and numbered copies, and Hardcover, $45.00, limited to 300 signed and numbered copies) - Introduction by James Patrick Kelly.

Not Quite One of the Boys by Vincent Sarkowski  (Afterbirth Books, $13.95, Trade Paperback)

Kafka’s Uncle and Other Strange Tales by Bruce Taylor  (Afterbirth Books, $16.95, Trade Paperback)

Things Will Never Be The Same: Selected Short Fiction, 1980 - 2005 by Howard Waldrop  (Old Earth Books, $15.00, Trade Paperback)

Julian - A Christmas Story by Robert Charles Wilson  (PS Publishing, $18.00, Hardcover with illustrated boards, limited to 500 signed and numbered copies, and $45.00, Hardcover with dustjacket, limited to 300 signed and numbered copies) - Introduction by Robert J. Sawyer. Signed by Robert Charles Wilson.

Agatha Heterodyne and the Beetleburg Clank - Girl Genius vol. 1 by Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio (Airship Entertainment, $10.00, Oversized Softcover) - Some material in this collection was first published in the Girl Genius comic book issues 1-3

Agatha Heterodyne and the Airship City - Girl Genius vol. 2 by Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio (Airship Entertainment, $19.95, Oversized Softcover) - Some material in this collection was first published in the Girl Genius comic book issues 4-6

Agatha Heterodyne and the Monster Engine - Girl Genius vol. 3 by Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio (Airship Entertainment, $20.95, Oversized Softcover) - Most material in this collection was first published in the Girl Genius comic book issues 7-10

Agatha Heterodyne and the Circus of Dreams - Girl Genius vol. 4 by Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio (Airship Entertainment, $20.95, Oversized Softcover) - Much of the material in this collection was first published in the Girl Genius comic book issues 7-10

Agatha Heterodyne and the Clockwork Princess - Girl Genius vol. 5 by Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio (Airship Entertainment, $19.95, Oversized Softcover) - Much of the material in this collection was first published in the Girl Genius comic book issues 7-10

Buck Godot - Zap Gun for Hire vol. 1 by Phil Foglio  (Airship Entertainment, $14.95, Oversized Softcover)

Pibgorn: The Girl in the Coffee Cup by Brooke McEldowney  (Pib Press, $15.99, Oversized Softcover)

Horror:

Deadbeat: Makes You Stronger by Guy Adams  (Humdrumming, $13.86, Trade Paperback)

More Than This by Guy Adams  (Humdrumming, $14.75, Trade Paperback)

Dead Sea by Tim Curran  (Elder Signs Press, $19.95, Trade Paperback, and $45.00 Hardcover, limited to 75 signed and numbered copies)

Nightfall by David Goodis  (Millipede Press, $14.00, Trade Paperback, and $40.00, Hardcover)

Street of No Return by David Goodis  (Millipede Press, $14.00, Trade Paperback, and $40.00, Hardcover)

Pocket Full of Loose Razorblades by John Edward Lawson  (Afterbirth Books, $12.95, Trade Paperback)

Marblehead by Richard A. Lupoff  (Ramble House, $27.95, Trade Paperback, and $42.00, Hardcover)

Suicide Girls in the Afterlife by Gina Ranalli  (Afterbirth Books, $8.95, Trade Paperback)

London Revenant by Conrad Williams  (Night Shade Books, $14.95, Trade Paperback)

Spaces Between the Lines, The by Peter Crowther  (Subterranean, $40.00, Hardcover) - One of 750 signed and numbered limited edition copies.

Sacrifice by John Everson  (Delirium Books, $50.00, Hardcover) - One of 250 signed and numbered limited edition copies.

Untcigahunk: Stories and Myths of the Little Brothers by Rick Hautala  (Delirium Books, $50.00, Hardcover) - One of 200 signed and numbered limited edition copies. Book #2 of Delirium’s Dark Essentials Series vol. 4

Ghoul by Brian Keene  (Delirium Books, $50.00, Hardcover) - One of 500 signed and numbered limited edition copies.

Wicked, The by James Newman  (Necessary Evil Press, $45.00, Hardcover) - One of 350 signed and numbered limited edition copies.

Sinister Mr. Corps, The by Jeff Stramd  (Delirium Books, $50.00, Hardcover) - One of 250 signed and numbered limited edition copies

Universal Holmes, The by Richard A. Lupoff  (Ramble House, $17.95, Trade Paperback, and $34.95, Hardcover)

Secret of the Sangraal and Other Writings, The by Arthur Machen  (Tartarus, $65.00, Hardcover) - With an introduction by R.B. Russell 

New and Notable

Science Fiction and Fantasy:

Sight, The by David Clement-Davies  (Firebird, $7.99, Mass Market)

Mister Boots by Carol Emshwiller  (Firebird, $6.99, Mass Market)

Dark Companion by Andre Norton  (Baen, $7.99, Mass Market) - Publishers Note: DARK COMPANION has previously appeared as DARK PIPER and DREAD COMPANION.

Into the Looking Glass by John Ringo  (Baen, $7.99, Mass Market)

Weapon, The by Michael Z. Williamson  (Baen, $7.99, Mass Market)

To Outlive Eternity and Other Stories by Poul Anderson  (Baen, $14.00, Trade Paperback)

Company by Max Barry  (Doubleday, $13.95, Trade Paperback)

Serpent and the Rose, The - War of the Rose vol. 1 by Kathleen Bryan  (Tor, $14.95, Trade Paperback)

Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies  (Firebird, $8.99, Trade Paperback)

Alchemist’s Apprentice, The by Dave Duncan  (Ace, $14.00, Trade Paperback)

Secret City, The by Carol Emshwiller  (Tachyon, $14.95, Trade Paperback)

Unreasoning Mask, The by Philip Jose Farmer  (Overlook, $13.95, Trade Paperback)

Borderkind, The by Christopher Golden  (Bantam Spectra, $12.00, Trade Paperback)

Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson  (Harper, $6.99, Trade Paperback)

Dawn by Tim Lebbon  (Bantam Spectra, $12.00, Trade Paperback)

Cygnet by Patricia A. McKillip  (Ace, $15.00, Trade Paperback) - Contains THE SORCERESS AND THE CYGNET and THE CYGNET AND THE FIREBIRD

Last Witchfinder, The by James Morrow  (Harper Perennial, $15.95, Trade Paperback)

Nebula Awards Showcase 2007 by Mike Resnick, ed.  (Roc, $15.95, Trade Paperback) - Stories by Joe Haldeman, Kelly Link, Nancy Kress and others

Gradisil by Adam Roberts  (Pyr, $15.00, Trade Paperback)

Keeping it Real - Quantum Gravity vol. 1 by Justina Robson  (Pyr, $15.00, Trade Paperback)

Dreaming the Hound - Boudica Quartet vol. 3 by Manda Scott  (Bantam Spectra, $14.00, Trade Paperback)

Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year vol. 1 by Jonathan Strahan, ed.  (Night Shade Books, $19.95, Trade Paperback) - Stories by Neil Gaiman, Cory Doctorow, Connie Willis and others.

Horrific Sufferings Of The Mind-Reading Monster Hercules Barefoot: His Wonderful Love and His Terrible Hatred, The by Carl-Johan Vallgren  (Harper Perennial, $13.95, Trade Paperback)

Psion by Joan D. Vinge  (Tor, $15.95, Trade Paperback) - 25th Anniversary Edition

Russian Amerika by Stoney Compton  (Baen, $24.00, Hardcover)

Silver Ship and the Sea, The by Brenda Cooper  (Tor, $25.95, Hardcover)

Into a Dark Realm - Darkwar Saga vol. 2 by Raymond E. Feist  (Eos, $25.95, Hardcover)

Softwire: Virus on Orbis, The by PJ Haarsma  (Candlewick Press, $15.99, Hardcover)

Future Weapons of War by Joe Haldeman, ed. and Martin H. Greenberg, ed. (Baen, $24.00, Hardcover) - Stories by Kristine Kathryn Rusch, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., Brian Stableford and others.

Game, The by Diana Wynne Jones  (Firebird, $11.99, Hardcover)

Fortune’s Fool - Five Hundred Kingdoms vol. 3 by Mercedes Lackey  (Luna, $24.95, Hardcover)

Wolf’s Blood - Firekeeper vol. 6 by Jane Lindskold  (Tor, $27.95, Hardcover)

True Talents by David Lubar  (Starscape, $17.95, Hardcover) - Sequel to Hidden Talents

Quest for the Trilogy: A Rover Novel by Mel Odom  (Tor, $25.95, Hardcover)

Antagonist: A novel of the Childe Cycle by Gordon R. Dickson and David W. Wixon (Tor, $27.95, Hardcover)

Yellow Eyes - Legacy of the Alldenata vol. 6 by John Ringo and Tom Kratman (Baen, $26.00, Hardcover) - Posleen War series.

Sixty Days and Counting by Kim Stanley Robinson  (Bantam, $25.00, Hardcover)

Farseed by Pamela Sargent  (Tor, $17.95, Hardcover) - Sequel to Earthseed

Hell Hath No Fury by David Weber and Linda Evans (Baen, $26.00, Hardcover) - Includes free CD.

Sword of the Deceiver - Isavalta vol. 4 by Sarah Zettel  (Tor, $27.95, Hardcover)

Elk’s Run by Joshua Hale Fialkov and Noel Tuazon (Villard, $19.95, Oversized Softcover)

New York Review of Science Fiction Number 223 Vol. 19, No.7 by Kevin J. Maroney, ed. and David G. Hartwell, ed. (Dragon Press, $4.00, Oversized Softcover)

February 2007 Locus Magazine - Issue 553 vol. 58, no. 2 by Charles M. Brown, ed.  (Locus, $6.95, Other Softcover) - 2006 Year in Review, Locus recommended reading list, interview with John Barnes.

March 2007 Locus Magazine - Issue 554 vol. 58, no. 2 by Charles M. Brown, ed.  (Locus, $6.95, Other Softcover) - Tim Powers, Ellen Klages, and forthcoming books through December 2007

Horror:

Tempting Evil by Keri Arthur  (Dell, $6.99, Mass Market)

Dangerous Games by Keri Arthur  (Dell, $6.99, Mass Market)

Night Life by Ray Garton  (Leisure, $7.99, Mass Market)

Taken, The by Sarah Pinborough  (Leisure, $6.99, Mass Market)

Demon’s Delight by MaryJanice Davidson and Emma Holly (Berkley, $14.00, Trade Paperback) - Also by Vickie Taylor and Catherine Spangler

Dirty Job, A by Christopher Moore  (Harper, $13.95, Trade Paperback)

Dracula’s Guest and Other Weird Stories by Bram Stoker  (Penguin, $15.00, Trade Paperback)

Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill  (William Morrow, $24.95, Hardcover) - Fifth printing.  Signed by Joe Hill.

Lost Echoes by Joe R. Lansdale  (Subterranean, $60.00, Hardcover)

Dreadful Skin by Cherie Priest  (Subterranean, $25.00, Hardcover) - Deluxe hardcover. Signed by author.

Scavenger by David Morrell  (Perseus, $24.95, Hardcover)

Non-Fiction and Other Titles:

Breakfast in the Ruins by Barry N. Malzberg  (Baen, $14.00, Trade Paperback) - A much-expanded version of THE ENGINES OF THE NIGHT.

New and Notable DVDs

Samurai Gun: Complete Collection directed by Kazuhito Kikuchi  (ADV films, $45.99, DVD) - Anime. TV show. All 13 Episodes

Grenadier: The Beautiful Warrior: The Complete Series directed by Hiroshi Koujina  (Anime Works, $34.95, DVD) - Anime.  TV show.  All 12 episodes.

Mirrormask directed by Dave McKean  (Sony, $19.94, DVD)

Prestige, The directed by Christopher Nolan  (Touchstone, $29.99, DVD) - Based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Priest.

Somerday’s Dreamers 2: Power of Love directed by Masami Shimoda  (Pioneer, $29.98, DVD)

Somerday’s Dreamers 3: Precious Feelings directed by Masami Shimoda  (Pioneer, $29.98, DVD)

Lunacy directed by Jan Svankmajer  (Zietgeist, $29.99, DVD)

Doctor Who: The Complete First Series directed by BBC Television  (BBC Video, $99.98, DVD)

Masters of Horror - Pelts directed by Dario Argento  (Anchor Bay, $14.98, DVD) - 2nd Season.

Shock directed by Mario Bava  (Blue Underground, $14.95, DVD)

City of the Living Dead directed by Lucio Fulci  (Blue Underground, $14.95, DVD)

Manitou, The directed by William Girdler  (Anchor Bay, $14.98, DVD)

The Kadokawa Horror Collection: Inagumai, Shikoku, Shadow of the Wraith, Isola directed by Masato Harada  (Ronin Entertainment, $29.98, DVD) - Four movies in one.

The Last Unicorn 25th Anniversary Edition directed by Arthur Rankin Jr.  (Lionsgate, $13.99, DVD)

Featured Upcoming Titles

(These titles have not arrived yet.  You may pre-order any of these books by calling or emailing us.  Prices may be subject to change.  Of course, we have many more titles arriving each week . . . call or email us if you're curious about a particular upcoming title not listed here.)

WIZARDS: MAGICAL TALES FROM THE MASTERS OF MODERN FANTASY edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois (Berkley hardcover, $25.00) - Original stories by Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix, Mary Rosenblum, Kage Baker, Eoin Colfer, Jane Yolen, Tad Williams, Patricia A. McKillip, Elizabeth Hand, Andy Duncan, Peter S. Beagle, Nancy Kress, Jeffrey Ford, Tanith Lee, Terry Bisson, Terry Dowling, Gene Wolfe, and Orson Scott Card.

THIRTEEN by Richard K. Morgan (Del Rey Hardcover, $24.95, due June 26th, 2007) - Titled BLACK MAN in the UK, we're anxoiusly anticipating Morgan's newest science fiction masterpiece.

HILLDIGGERS by Neal Asher (Tor UK Hardcover, July 6th, 2007) - " During a war between two planets in the same solar system - each occupied by adapted humans - what is thought to be a cosmic superstring is discovered.  After being cut, this object collapses into four cylindrical pieces, each about the size of a tube train.  Each is densely packed with either alien technology or some kind of life.  They are placed for safety in three ozark cylinders of a massively secure space station.  There a female research scientist subsequently falls pregnant, and gives birth to quads.  Then she commits suicide - but why?  By the end of the war one of the contesting planets has been devastated by the hilldiggers - giant space dreadnoughts employing weapons capable of creating mountain ranges.  The quads have meanwhile grown up and are assuming positions of power in the post-war society.  One of them will eventually gain control of the awesome hilldiggers. . ."

This newsletter is distributed monthly free of charge and may be distributed without charge so long all the following information is included.

Dispatches from the Border
Editor - Jude Feldman
Assistant Editor - Alan Beatts
Contributor - Jeremy M. Lassen

All contents unless otherwise noted are the property of

Borderlands Books
866 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA  94110
415-824-8203
http://www.borderlands-books.com

Comments and suggestions should be directed to editor@borderlands-books.com

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