Sunday, April 24, 2016

Ray's Reviews: Book Cover Designs by Matthew Goodman


        “Book Cover Designs” by Matthew Goodman (Schiffer, $34.99) is a thick, heavy, oversize paperback that’s full of gorgeous photographs.



        These striking images of colorful artwork used for hardback and paperback book covers are fascinating and intriguing from the perspective of a reader, book collector or graphic designer.

        If you feel like you really want to judge a book by its cover – this is a great place to start. Many of the vivid, carefully crafted designs do exactly what they are supposed to do – get your attention, whether now or on the bookshelf when you’re browsing in a book store.

        This well-researched volume includes artwork on a wide variety of subjects including fiction and non-fiction, although there’s relatively little science fiction artwork.

        There are more than 500 images from over 50 different designers, arranged in groupings alphabetically – by the designer’s first names. This can be a little frustrating to the average reader, who may be looking for artwork by a particular designer but might not remember their first name.

        Each grouping includes an image of the designer and a very brief description of their techniques or methodology.

        These one-page introductions to the designer are printed in very small type using quite light ink, making it difficult to read – in stark contrast to the bright colorful graphic cover designs.  Book and photo credits are in even smaller, lighter type!

        Here’s a partial description of David High’s designer’s approach, which is very similar to many others: “…My process is pretty much the same for every book. Read as much of the manuscript as is available and initially do what I think is best for the book, using the ideas that come while reading. Go over notes from client/editor/author and second-guess everything. Do a “gazillion” alternatives. Rest. Look at everything fresh and try to edit down. Procrastinate. Panic. Do some frantic-last minute- down-to-the-wire solutions…”

        This is a book full of memorable and sometimes disturbing, knockout graphics, offering a highly creative view of contemporary book design.

        There are many bright images of books that you’re likely to have never seen – by unfamiliar authors. There are also cover designs for writers like Albert Camus or Jack Kerouac – designed to appeal to a new generation of readers.

        The author’s website is www.publishingdesigner.com.


        Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed books regularly since 1987.




Find this book and other great titles
at the Curious Book Shop, an independent 
book shop in East Lansing, founded in 1969.

Curious Book Shop
307 East Grand River Avenue
East Lansing, Michigan
517.332.0112

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on April 24, 2016.

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

SALE ALERT!

CLEARANCE SALE! 



We're doing some spring cleaning, because we need the space to shelve whopping amounts of new inventory. 

We've got tons and tons of great stuff that has to go in order to make room for other great stuff.

As a result, for a limited time, almost EVERYTHING is HALF-OFF!
 Anything that isn't half-off is 20% off, which is still pretty good.




Stuff that's 20% off includes any new items (like new books or Curious T-shirts), signed limited editions, stuff behind the counter, pulp magazines and related items.
But, come on in for all the gory details.


It's hard to emphasize how good a sale this is. 
We expect to run it until . . . we've cleared enough shelf space for the new stuff. 
So, don't wait too long! 

Our regular prices are good, but a clearance sale is amazing.

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Sunday, April 10, 2016

Ray's Reviews: Revisionary by Jim C. Hines, Libriomancer / Magic Ex Libris Book #4

   


  “Revisionary” by Holt author Jim C. Hines (DAW Books, $26) is the fourth book is his exceptionally popular Magic Ex Libris urban fantasy series.

        It again showcases Libriomancer Issac Vainio, his not-exactly-a-girlfriend Lena, (who’s a dryad), Nidhi and his flame spider Smudge.

        Vainio is a different role now, having revealed Magic to the world – but faces significantly more threatening challenges.

        The action begins in Lansing in the first chapter, where the state’s Governor and Attorney General, both anti-Magic proponents, are killed - by werewolves.

        But, before you get too far, it would definitely be a good idea to pick up and read the first three books in the series “Libriomancer”, “Codex Born” and “Unbound” before starting this one.

        It’ll allow you to follow the growth and exciting experiences of Vainio, who was initially a meek librarian in Copper River MI.

        Vainio is a member of the Porters - a secret organization whose members have the ability to reach into books and draw forth objects. There are limitations size-wise and otherwise – but it’s a fascinating concept.

        As you may well imagine, one would have to be quite selective – using the wrong type of item could cause major chaos.

        There have been few members of the group over the last five centuries for good reason – they don’t want their secret abilities to be known.

        Vainio has changed all that – and the response from around the world has been intense and varied.

        Government groups want to put potential supernatural enemies in prisons and internment camps – and other conspiracies abound.

        Vanguard, an organization made up of magical creatures and ex-Porter members, wants to create havoc by declaring war on the real world.

      The action really speeds up in the last third of the book, as Hines reveals a devious plan that will have life-changing results.

        Long-time fans of this excellent, entertaining series will be disappointed that this is the last book in the series. Hines feels he’s accomplished his goals and wants to move on to other creative challenges.

        The magical adventures of Vainio, Lena, Nidhi and Smudge will still offer fond, lingering memories for readers who’ve enjoyed one of the genre’s best contemporary urban fantasy series.

        The author’s official website is jimchines.com.


        Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed
Michigan books, mysteries and science fiction novels regularly since
1987.



Find this book and other great Jim Hines titles
at the Curious Book Shop, an independent 
book shop in East Lansing, founded in 1969.

Curious Book Shop
307 East Grand River Avenue
East Lansing, Michigan
517.332.0112

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on April 10, 2016.

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