by Alan Beatts
A few of us at the store were chatting about the phenomena of Steampunk recently and the conversation went in some interesting directions. Before getting into that however, I want to make something abundantly clear. When I refer to "Steampunk" I'm referring to the lifestyle or the fashion movement rather than to the sub-genre of fiction. Steampunk as fiction has been around for a much longer time than the current popular culture meme. We could argue for days about what the first steampunk novel was but both Infernal Devices by K. W. Jeter in 1987 and The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling are sure as hell steampunk novels. There was a bit of a hiatus in the 90s and early noughties but then the fiction genre came back. And it came back before the pop culture scene.
It is amusing to read comments from people who are really into the steampunk "scene" who rail against the idea that it is based in genre fiction. I've even seen some (quite upset) commentators insist that it's not fiction, it's their _lifestyle_. Which seems to me a bit self-absorbed and . . . well . . . dumb. It is as if they want to distinguish themselves from the people who dress up as Stormtroopers from Star Wars or characters from Star Trek.
To be fair, the steampunk lifestyle folks are very different from the average costumed science fiction fan. But not necessarily in a good way.
May 09, 2013
April Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1) Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger
2) Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal
3) Protector by C.J. Cherryh
4) Hydrogen Sonata by Iain M. Banks
5) Blood of Dragons by Robin Hobb
6) River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay
7) Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
8) You by Austin Grossman
9) The Twelve by Justin Cronin
10) Six-Gun Snow White by Catherynne M. Valente
Mass Market Paperbacks
1) Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
2) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
3) Midnight Blue Light Special by Seanan McGuire
4) Plague Nation by Dana Fredsti
5) Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
6) Soulless by Gail Carriger
7) Banner of the Damned by Sherwood Smith
8) Triggers by Robert J. Sawyer
9) Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
10) Plague Town by Dana Fredsti
Trade Paperbacks
1) The Apes of Wrath edited by Richard Klaw
2) World War Z by Max Brooks
3) Empty Space by M. John Harrison
4) Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal
5) Exiled Blade by John Courtenay Grimwood tie with Queen Victoria's Book of Spells edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling
1) Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger
2) Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal
3) Protector by C.J. Cherryh
4) Hydrogen Sonata by Iain M. Banks
5) Blood of Dragons by Robin Hobb
6) River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay
7) Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
8) You by Austin Grossman
9) The Twelve by Justin Cronin
10) Six-Gun Snow White by Catherynne M. Valente
Mass Market Paperbacks
1) Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
2) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
3) Midnight Blue Light Special by Seanan McGuire
4) Plague Nation by Dana Fredsti
5) Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
6) Soulless by Gail Carriger
7) Banner of the Damned by Sherwood Smith
8) Triggers by Robert J. Sawyer
9) Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
10) Plague Town by Dana Fredsti
Trade Paperbacks
1) The Apes of Wrath edited by Richard Klaw
2) World War Z by Max Brooks
3) Empty Space by M. John Harrison
4) Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal
5) Exiled Blade by John Courtenay Grimwood tie with Queen Victoria's Book of Spells edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling
April News Roundup
* 7x7 Magazine mentions Borderlands in their article "Seven Two-in-One Coffee Shops to Give Your Caffeine Routine a Jolt". Thanks, guys! <http://www.7x7.com/eat-drink/seven-two-one-coffee-shops-give-your-caffeine-routine-jolt>
* The winners of the Edgar Awards were just announced on May 2nd. Congratulations to the winners and to all of the nominees! <http://www.theedgars.com/nominees.html>
* West Virginia is considering a bill to make teaching science fiction in schools compulsory. Not only is this awesome, but it's NOT an article from "The Onion". <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/19/bill-compulsory-science-fiction-west-virginia>
* i09.com presents: Fun with Radium! <http://io9.com/seriously-scary-radioactive-consumer-products-from-the-498044380>
* It's time to retire "Boob Plate" Armor, argues Emily Asher-Perrin on Tor.com. Because it would kill you. http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/05/boob-plate-armor-would-kill-you?WT_mc.id=10897
* We're sorry to report the death of special effects pioneer (and wizard) Ray Harryhausen at age 92. <http://www.npr.org/2013/05/09/181947528/remembering-monster-maker-ray-harryhausen>
* Wow, just . . . wow. Check out the synopsis for this were-hedgehog paranormal romance. You read it right, a were-hedgehog. <http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hedging-his-bets-celia-kyle/1115084845?ean=2940016662312&isbn=2940016662312>
* The winners of the Edgar Awards were just announced on May 2nd. Congratulations to the winners and to all of the nominees! <http://www.theedgars.com/nominees.html>
* West Virginia is considering a bill to make teaching science fiction in schools compulsory. Not only is this awesome, but it's NOT an article from "The Onion". <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/19/bill-compulsory-science-fiction-west-virginia>
* i09.com presents: Fun with Radium! <http://io9.com/seriously-scary-radioactive-consumer-products-from-the-498044380>
* It's time to retire "Boob Plate" Armor, argues Emily Asher-Perrin on Tor.com. Because it would kill you. http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/05/boob-plate-armor-would-kill-you?WT_mc.id=10897
* We're sorry to report the death of special effects pioneer (and wizard) Ray Harryhausen at age 92. <http://www.npr.org/2013/05/09/181947528/remembering-monster-maker-ray-harryhausen>
* Wow, just . . . wow. Check out the synopsis for this were-hedgehog paranormal romance. You read it right, a were-hedgehog. <http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hedging-his-bets-celia-kyle/1115084845?ean=2940016662312&isbn=2940016662312>
May Upcoming Events
Valencia Corridor Sidewalk Sale Private Preview, Saturday, May 11th from 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Valencia Corridor Sidewalk Sale, Saturday, May 11th from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
SF in SF with authors Austin Grossman and Robin Sloan (in the Variety Preview Room at the Hobart Building, 582 Market Street, San Francisco), Saturday, May 11th at 7:00 pm
The Pub From Another World Preview, Sunday, May 12th at 3:00 pm
John Scalzi, THE HUMAN DIVISION (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99), Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 pm
SF in SF featuring Connie Willis and Gene Wolfe (in the Market Room at the Hilton San Jose, 300 Almaden Blvd. San Jose, CA 95110), Thursday, May 16th at 7:00 pm
Mass Autographing Session at the Nebula Awards, (in the Winchester Room at the Hilton San Jose, 300 Almaden Blvd. San Jose, CA), Friday, May 17th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Mary Robinette Kowal, WITHOUT A SUMMER (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99 ) and Susan Palwick, MENDING THE MOON (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99), Monday, May 20th at 7:00 pm
Annalee Newitz, SCATTER, ADAPT, AND REMEMBER: HOW HUMANS WILL SURVIVE A MASS EXTINCTION (Doubleday, Hardcover, $26.95), Saturday, June 1st at 3:00 pm
Lauren Beukes, THE SHINING GIRLS (Mullholland Books, Hardcover, $26.00), Friday, June 7th at 7:00 pm
Hannu Rajaniemi, THE FRACTAL PRINCE (Tor Books, Hardcover, $25.99), Friday, June 14th at 7:00 pm
Details after the break
Valencia Corridor Sidewalk Sale, Saturday, May 11th from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
SF in SF with authors Austin Grossman and Robin Sloan (in the Variety Preview Room at the Hobart Building, 582 Market Street, San Francisco), Saturday, May 11th at 7:00 pm
The Pub From Another World Preview, Sunday, May 12th at 3:00 pm
John Scalzi, THE HUMAN DIVISION (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99), Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 pm
SF in SF featuring Connie Willis and Gene Wolfe (in the Market Room at the Hilton San Jose, 300 Almaden Blvd. San Jose, CA 95110), Thursday, May 16th at 7:00 pm
Mass Autographing Session at the Nebula Awards, (in the Winchester Room at the Hilton San Jose, 300 Almaden Blvd. San Jose, CA), Friday, May 17th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Mary Robinette Kowal, WITHOUT A SUMMER (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99 ) and Susan Palwick, MENDING THE MOON (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99), Monday, May 20th at 7:00 pm
Annalee Newitz, SCATTER, ADAPT, AND REMEMBER: HOW HUMANS WILL SURVIVE A MASS EXTINCTION (Doubleday, Hardcover, $26.95), Saturday, June 1st at 3:00 pm
Lauren Beukes, THE SHINING GIRLS (Mullholland Books, Hardcover, $26.00), Friday, June 7th at 7:00 pm
Hannu Rajaniemi, THE FRACTAL PRINCE (Tor Books, Hardcover, $25.99), Friday, June 14th at 7:00 pm
Details after the break
April 19, 2013
Clearance Section and Sidewalk Sale
I mentioned previously that we had made part of the space for our mystery section by sorting through our horror and used paperback sections. As a result, we came across quite a few books that we either had more copies of than we needed or that had been sitting on our shelves for too long. Right now they are all in a clearance section at the right rear of the store and they're half-price. That discount will be increasing as we get closer to May 11th, which is the date of the big Valencia St. sidewalk sale. At noon on that day we're going to be putting all the clearance books out for _crazy_ low prices. But for now, come on by and take a look at what you can pick-up for a discount. And, I should point out, these are not "bad" books . . . well, some of them are . . . but many of them are books that, for whatever reason, just didn't sell quickly enough. There are quite a few titles from small presses like Ash-Tree, Delirium, Cemetery Dance and Subterranean as well as a huge assortment of SF and fantasy paperbacks.
Mysterious Borderlands
by Alan Beatts
Given some of my recent comments here and elsewhere, it will probably come as no surprise that we're opening a mystery section at Borderlands. What might be a surprise, however, is how fast we're doing it. As of today, we've got 144 feet of shelves set aside for hardcovers and large format paperbacks as well as 94 feet for small format (i.e. "mass market") paperbacks. That works out as room for, roughly, 1700 hardcovers and 1500 paperbacks.
Of course, the shelves aren't quite full yet but we've already got almost 1000 individual titles in stock and there are more coming in almost every day. By the end of the month, I expect to have more than 1500 on hand and the section will continue to grow from there. My goal is to have as good a selection of mysteries, thrillers, and similar titles as we do of SF and fantasy by the end of the summer.
Given some of my recent comments here and elsewhere, it will probably come as no surprise that we're opening a mystery section at Borderlands. What might be a surprise, however, is how fast we're doing it. As of today, we've got 144 feet of shelves set aside for hardcovers and large format paperbacks as well as 94 feet for small format (i.e. "mass market") paperbacks. That works out as room for, roughly, 1700 hardcovers and 1500 paperbacks.
Of course, the shelves aren't quite full yet but we've already got almost 1000 individual titles in stock and there are more coming in almost every day. By the end of the month, I expect to have more than 1500 on hand and the section will continue to grow from there. My goal is to have as good a selection of mysteries, thrillers, and similar titles as we do of SF and fantasy by the end of the summer.
March Bestsellers
Hardcovers
1. Memory of Light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
2. Fragments by Dan Wells
3. Shadow of Freedom by David Weber
4. Velveteen vs. the Junior Super Patriots by Seanan McGuire
5. Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger
6. Homeland by Cory Doctorow
7. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
8. Bloodfire Quest by Terry Brooks
9. Great North Road by Peter F. Hamilton
10. Gun Machine by Warren Ellis
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. Midnight Blue Light Special by Seanan McGuire
2. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
3. Existence by David Brin
4. The Golden Age of Death by Amber Benson
5. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
6. The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King
7. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
8. Secrets of the Fire Sea by Stephen Hunt
9. Feed by Mira Grant tied with Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
10. Slashback by Rob Thurman
Trade Paperbacks
1. Little Brother by Cory Doctorow tied with Partials by Dan Wells
2. Lunatic Fringe by Allison Moon
3. Hungry Ghost by Allison Moon
4. Wool by Hugh Howey
5. Nexus by Ramez Naam
1. Memory of Light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
2. Fragments by Dan Wells
3. Shadow of Freedom by David Weber
4. Velveteen vs. the Junior Super Patriots by Seanan McGuire
5. Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger
6. Homeland by Cory Doctorow
7. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
8. Bloodfire Quest by Terry Brooks
9. Great North Road by Peter F. Hamilton
10. Gun Machine by Warren Ellis
Mass Market Paperbacks
1. Midnight Blue Light Special by Seanan McGuire
2. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
3. Existence by David Brin
4. The Golden Age of Death by Amber Benson
5. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
6. The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King
7. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
8. Secrets of the Fire Sea by Stephen Hunt
9. Feed by Mira Grant tied with Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
10. Slashback by Rob Thurman
Trade Paperbacks
1. Little Brother by Cory Doctorow tied with Partials by Dan Wells
2. Lunatic Fringe by Allison Moon
3. Hungry Ghost by Allison Moon
4. Wool by Hugh Howey
5. Nexus by Ramez Naam
March News Roundup
* We're happy to announce that Borderlands Cafe will be hosting another free class from the University of the Commons. The topic this time is Zombie Apocalypse and the Utopian Tradition, which sounds completely fascinating. The class will meet each Thursday from 6:30 p m - 8:00 pm, beginning May 2nd, 2013 and ending June 20th. For more details, see http://www.uotc.org/wordpress/ .
* Thanks to Candi for pointing out this wonderful interview with the always-eloquent Ursula K. Le Guin from Berkeley's "California" Magazine: http://alumni.berkeley.edu/news/california-magazine/spring-2013-growing/song-herself. And, if you missed Ms. Le Guin's recent talk at the Townsend Center, you can watch it here: http://townsendcenter.berkeley.edu/media/ursula-k-le-guin-writer .
* GOBLINPROOFING ONE'S CHICKEN COOP wins Diagram Prize for Oddest Book Title of the Year: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/mar/22/diagram-prize-oddest-book-title-goblins
* Want to watch an alien being born? This giant, nearly-extinct "tree lobster" may be as close as you can get. (Squick warning for those sensitive to enormous bugs.) http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/02/24/147367644/six-legged-giant-finds-secret-hideaway-hides-for-80-years?sc=fb&cc=fp
* Wanted: volunteers for a one-way trip to Mars. Must be dependable, good in groups, uninterested in returning to Earth: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/03/16/mars-one-live-die-mars.html?cmp=rss
* LOST EVERYTHING by Brian Francis Slattery has won the 2013 Philip K. Dick Award. Special citation was given to LOVESTAR by Andri Snaer Magnason. For more details, see http://www.philipkdickaward.org/
* The cursed Roman ring that may have inspired Tolkien's One Ring is put on display: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/02/hobbit-tolkien-ring-exhibition
* Oooh! io9.com has published an exclusive full chapter from the (eagerly awaited) forthcoming REPUBLIC OF THIEVES by Scott Lynch: http://io9.com/an-exclusive-chapter-from-republic-of-thieves-by-lies-468507382
* Thanks, Amanda -- "Tiny Octopus-Like Microorganisms Named After Science Fiction Monsters": http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130403092702.htm
* I don't know exactly what to say about this. It's a recipe for "R’leh Easy Cthulhu Pot Pies": http://kitchenoverlord.com/2013/04/08/edible-art-cthulhu-pot-pies/
* Thanks to 7x7 SF for this really nice Borderlands mention in their article "Seven Two-in-One Coffee Shops to Give Your Caffeine Routine a Jolt": http://www.7x7.com/eat-drink/seven-two-one-coffee-shops-give-your-caffeine-routine-jolt
* We regret to report the death of author Basil Copper at the age of 89. http://www.locusmag.com/News/2013/04/basil-copper-1924-2013/
* We are tremendously sorry to re-post this bad news about one of our favorites, author Iain M.Banks: http://friends.banksophilia.com/
* Thanks to Candi for pointing out this wonderful interview with the always-eloquent Ursula K. Le Guin from Berkeley's "California" Magazine: http://alumni.berkeley.edu/news/california-magazine/spring-2013-growing/song-herself. And, if you missed Ms. Le Guin's recent talk at the Townsend Center, you can watch it here: http://townsendcenter.berkeley.edu/media/ursula-k-le-guin-writer .
* GOBLINPROOFING ONE'S CHICKEN COOP wins Diagram Prize for Oddest Book Title of the Year: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/mar/22/diagram-prize-oddest-book-title-goblins
* Want to watch an alien being born? This giant, nearly-extinct "tree lobster" may be as close as you can get. (Squick warning for those sensitive to enormous bugs.) http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/02/24/147367644/six-legged-giant-finds-secret-hideaway-hides-for-80-years?sc=fb&cc=fp
* Wanted: volunteers for a one-way trip to Mars. Must be dependable, good in groups, uninterested in returning to Earth: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/03/16/mars-one-live-die-mars.html?cmp=rss
* LOST EVERYTHING by Brian Francis Slattery has won the 2013 Philip K. Dick Award. Special citation was given to LOVESTAR by Andri Snaer Magnason. For more details, see http://www.philipkdickaward.org/
* The cursed Roman ring that may have inspired Tolkien's One Ring is put on display: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/02/hobbit-tolkien-ring-exhibition
* Oooh! io9.com has published an exclusive full chapter from the (eagerly awaited) forthcoming REPUBLIC OF THIEVES by Scott Lynch: http://io9.com/an-exclusive-chapter-from-republic-of-thieves-by-lies-468507382
* Thanks, Amanda -- "Tiny Octopus-Like Microorganisms Named After Science Fiction Monsters": http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130403092702.htm
* I don't know exactly what to say about this. It's a recipe for "R’leh Easy Cthulhu Pot Pies": http://kitchenoverlord.com/2013/04/08/edible-art-cthulhu-pot-pies/
* Thanks to 7x7 SF for this really nice Borderlands mention in their article "Seven Two-in-One Coffee Shops to Give Your Caffeine Routine a Jolt": http://www.7x7.com/eat-drink/seven-two-one-coffee-shops-give-your-caffeine-routine-jolt
* We regret to report the death of author Basil Copper at the age of 89. http://www.locusmag.com/News/2013/04/basil-copper-1924-2013/
* We are tremendously sorry to re-post this bad news about one of our favorites, author Iain M.Banks: http://friends.banksophilia.com/
April Upcoming Events
Dana Fredsti, PLAGUE NATION (Titan Books, Mass Market, $7.99) Saturday, April 20th at 3:00 pm
SF in SF featuring Rick Klaw and Mary Robinette Kowal, at the Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building, 582 Market Street, Saturday, April 20th at 7:00 pm
Rick Klaw and Pat Murphy, THE APES OF WRATH (Tachyon, Trade Paperback, $15.95) Sunday, April 21st at 3:00 pm
Mark Oshiro, MARK READS HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS (Mark Does Stuff, Trade Paperback, $15.00) Sunday, April 21st at 5:00 pm
Nova Albion Steampunk Convention at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, Friday April 26th - Sunday April 28th
Ian Tregillis, NECESSARY EVIL (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) Sunday, May 5th at 3:00 pm
Valencia Corridor Sidewalk Sale - Saturday, May 11th from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Pub From Another World Preview, Sunday, May 12th at 3:00 pm
John Scalzi, THE HUMAN DIVISION (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 pm
SF in SF featuring Connie Willis and Gene Wolfe, at the Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building, 582 Market Street, Thursday, May 16th at 7:00 pm
Mary Robinette Kowal, WITHOUT A SUMMER (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99 ) and Susan Palwick, MENDING THE MOON (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99) Monday, May 20th at 7:00 pm
SF in SF featuring Rick Klaw and Mary Robinette Kowal, at the Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building, 582 Market Street, Saturday, April 20th at 7:00 pm
Rick Klaw and Pat Murphy, THE APES OF WRATH (Tachyon, Trade Paperback, $15.95) Sunday, April 21st at 3:00 pm
Mark Oshiro, MARK READS HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS (Mark Does Stuff, Trade Paperback, $15.00) Sunday, April 21st at 5:00 pm
Nova Albion Steampunk Convention at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, Friday April 26th - Sunday April 28th
Ian Tregillis, NECESSARY EVIL (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) Sunday, May 5th at 3:00 pm
Valencia Corridor Sidewalk Sale - Saturday, May 11th from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Pub From Another World Preview, Sunday, May 12th at 3:00 pm
John Scalzi, THE HUMAN DIVISION (Tor, Hardcover, $25.99) Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 pm
SF in SF featuring Connie Willis and Gene Wolfe, at the Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building, 582 Market Street, Thursday, May 16th at 7:00 pm
Mary Robinette Kowal, WITHOUT A SUMMER (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99 ) and Susan Palwick, MENDING THE MOON (Tor, Hardcover, $24.99) Monday, May 20th at 7:00 pm
Event details after the break
March 28, 2013
Link from a Student
This is a bit unusual! A student from Ms. Ward's classroom in Indiana is working on a website information-sharing project. She used some links from Borderlands' site as a resource, so in exchange she gave us this link about Stephen King's work, which she thought might be of interest to our customers:
http://www.best-horror-movies.com/news?name=horror-legend-stephen-king-his-best-novels
Thanks to the student and Ms. Ward - we wish you success with your project!
http://www.best-horror-movies.com/news?name=horror-legend-stephen-king-his-best-novels
Thanks to the student and Ms. Ward - we wish you success with your project!
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