Greetings, Curiosities Readers!
Take 30% off items from the Music, Arts & Crafts, Literary Criticism and Literary Biography sections during the month of April.
Recent acquisitions include a variety of 18th and 19th century stage plays, theater histories, hundreds of vintage comic books, volumes of poetry, coffee table art books, sports books on golf and bowling, children's books and general fiction paperbacks and hardcovers!
The Curious Book Shop is hitting the road! Visit us in Chicago at the Windy City Pulp and Paper Convention, April 15th - 17th. This newly expanded show focuses on pulps and other collectible popular culture items. More details about this exciting show can be found on Facebook and at http://www.windycitypulpandpaper.com/.
Many thanks to those who attended the 53rd Michigan Antiquarian Book and Paper Show this past Sunday! We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did. Photos from this show will soon be available on our Facebook page, where you can also find photos from past shows, shop updates and special offers.
Mark you calendar! Classicon 39, a collectable paperback, pulp & glamour art show, takes place on Saturday, June 25th at the University Quality Inn. The 54th Michigan Antiquarian Book and Paper Show will take place at the Lansing Center on Sunday, September 25th. Information about both of these shows is available on our book show webpage.
Many thanks, and we hope to see you soon!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Curiosities Newsletter for April
Monday, April 4, 2011
CRIME NOVEL HAS UNEXPECTED ENDING
Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett faces new challenges in “Cold Wind” by C.J. Box, (Putnam, $25,95), the eleventh crime novel in his popular series.Joe is back home with his wife Marybeth and his family in Saddlestring; his detested mother-in-law Missy calls, claiming that her millionaire husband, Earl Alden is missing.
Heading out to the ranch to investigate, Joe is surprised to find Earl dead – his body up in the air, strapped to the blade of a spinning wind turbine.
Joe calls the local sheriff to the scene and the body is removed; soon Missy is arrested for the murder of her fifth husband.
Marybeth pushes Joe to investigate; he does so reluctantly, because he really can’t stand Missy and he’s not sure she’s altogether innocent.
Soon, Joe’s trying to track down Missy’s angry ex-husband Bud, who lost his ranch to her in a recent divorce.There are other suspects; Earl had made many enemies as he put together properties for his wind energy project.
As Joe seeks more answers, Missy lawyers up with a fancy high-priced attorney; the police have discovered the murder weapon and the district attorney thinks they’ve got a rock solid case. The bumbling sheriff is up for re-election and doesn’t want any negative publicity or complications.
Meanwhile, in an interesting sub plot, Joe’s violent friend Nate is still in hiding; an attempt on his life has devastating results. Now Nate is out for revenge, searching for answers, trying to locate a devious enemy.
Box is in fine form as he spins a top-notch, entertaining tale that could be torn from today’s headlines. He delves into the pros and cons of wind energy, offering insights without pontificating. He also deftly deals with a variety of dynamic family situations and an assortment of political issues.
There are many excellent plot twists and turns, with enough courtroom highjinks to please even a John Grisham fan. The jaw-dropping conclusion is quite unexpected; hints are given to further adventures of Joe and Nate in an ominous epilogue.
The award-winning author never disappoints, although it’s probably best to read the earlier books in the series to fully appreciate character development and growth.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop,
has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.
This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on April 3, 2011.
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Monday, March 28, 2011
COMING-OF-AGE TALE RETELLS STORY OF EXODUS
The self-published debut novel focuses on 12-year-old B'tzalel, a young boy in Egypt who faces a wide variety of challenges.
It's an unusual coming-of-age novel, retelling the story of Exodus by offering viewpoints of an ordinary group of participants. It follows the Israelites as they leave Egypt after a deadly and overwhelming series of massive plagues and disasters.
Their journey is a difficult one; young B'tzalel, his parents and grandparents, his two sisters and their pet cat join thousands in leaving the servitude of the pharaohs.
B'tzalel had been living a relatively quiet life, apprenticing as a goldsmith since he was 6, working with his father and grandfather.
The youth hates to leave his village and wonders what the Big God has in store. He's not quite sure what to think about Moses, whose leadership raises an assortment of unanswered questions.
Those who are familiar with Exodus in the Bible are likely to be aware of young B'tzalel's important role. Moffat's novel explores his background and how he was able to complete a very important task.
While aimed at a young adult market, adults may enjoy this atmospheric, well-researched novel. Moffat and his son Michael even spent time on camels in the Sinai desert, gaining a more realistic perspective.
Moffat, who has published four other scholarly non-fiction books, is a development officer for MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, visit DouglasGershonMoffat.com.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop,
has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.
This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on March 27 2011.
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Thursday, March 24, 2011
Curious News
The Curious Book Shop and the upcoming Michigan Antiquarian Book and Paper Show have received a flurry of attention from the local press!
The Spartan Online Newsroom recently wrote about Curious, which is one of East Lansing's most celebrated retail landmarks. "A rare survivor in business", by MSU student Kara Venturino-Eyde, offers insight into how Curious has grown over the years, struggles to survive in the current economy, and what makes it such a unique shop.
MittenLit.com recently featured a great profile on bookdealer Wally Jung. Jung, who specializes in rare and vintage postcards, is one of over seventy dealers exhibiting at the spring show!
The Lansing City Pulse has published an online edition of the show program! It includes an overview of the show, as well as a list of all dealers and tips for first-time and returning visitors.
For more information about the show please visit our show webpage, our blog post for new show attendees, and stop by the Curious Book Shop for an admission coupon! Read More...
Monday, March 21, 2011
LANSING AREA WRITERS COME TOGETHER IN PROSE, POETRY COLLECTION
Local writers are at the center of attention in a new paperback anthology of prose and poetry.
It's an invigorating mixture that's full of poetry, reminiscences, ponderings and fiction by 24 talented authors ranging in age from 17 to 88.
This enjoyable collection is arranged seasonally from spring through winter. The cover image by Patrick Reed Designs is sure to attract considerable attention.
Many participants may seem familiar as they were published in "Small Towns: A Map in Words," a collection that came out in 2008.
Randy Pearson, whose humorous novel "Driving Crazy" was released last year, makes four appearances, adding dark touches of irony and humor. "Cricks and Flat Pencils" is a brief essay about growing up in rural DeWitt.
Alta Reed has her own subsection of 20 pages of reminiscences, including many photographs. Local playwright Phil Kline has two quirky pieces; the group's co-founder, Rosalie Sanara Petrouske provides six carefully crafted contributions.
Carolyn Tody's "Music of the Wind" focuses on the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964, with very descriptive imagery of damage and destruction. K.L. Marsh's efforts include nine poems or essays. There are also emotional pieces by Lorraine Hudson, who's written popular children's chapter books under the pseudonym Judith Wade.
Newcomer Abe Khan offers two thought-provoking essays while Jan McCaffrey, author of "Illusions of Murder" provides insights into "Life in a Small Town" and two other selections.
Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, the radio broadcaster for the Lansing Lugnuts, showcases five memorable pieces, including "Off Air" a poem that evokes fond memories of Ernie Harwell's broadcasting.
"The Year Santa Got Stuck in My Chimney" is a funny short story by 17-year-old Grand Ledge High School senior Shelby Pontius; Donnalee Pontius proffers two striking poems.
East Lansing resident Alan Dennis Harris appears with a funny short story and two poems; Sunfield author Jeannie Kirchen is represented by five poems and an essay.
Haslett author Carolyn Nye-Shunk and Okemos writer Karen Marie Duquette are among other writers whose works are included.
A brief biographical section denotes the many varied accomplishments of these local, talented authors. For more information, visit website http://www.writingattheledges.com/
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop,
has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.
This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on March 20, 2011.
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Monday, March 14, 2011
TWO RECENT BOOKS COULD MAKE GREAT ACTION FILMS
Two recent, highly entertaining novels would make great movies - full of interesting characters, unusual locales and riveting action. While one is set during the great depression and the other is set in the near future, both have memorable conclusions.
Arlen Wagner and Paul Brickhill are on a train going through Florida, on their way with others to work at a Civilian Conservation Camp.
Wagner, who fought in World War I, has visions of forthcoming death; he convinces Brickhill to join him and leave the train. Soon they get a ride to "The Cyprus House," a Gulf Coast boardinghouse run by beautiful Rebecca Cady, where their troubles intensify.
When you throw in a major hurricane, a nasty sheriff, a crooked judge and additional violence, you've got all the elements for an intriguing tale.
The strong character development is showcased as emotions surge and unexpected situations cause significant stress and tension.
The author of four excellent mysteries and the horror novel "So Cold the River," Koryta masterfully creates a mesmerizing, highly atmospheric novel that's tough to put down, especially the last hundred pages.
This is a gripping page-turner that opens with the abduction of Paige Campbell. She's kidnapped after showing the U.S. President an unusual alien artifact that serves as a time portal.
Campbell is out to stop the utter devastation that the device shows her, with Mankind facing utter ruin 73 years from now.
Quick-thinking Travis Chase is recruited to rescue Campbell and is in for a full-throttle adventure; government agents are in pursuit, trying to stop them at any cost.
This is more than a slightly skewered "Stargate" type of tale; it's full of narrow escapes and deadly close calls that could be easily adapted to film.
While "Ghost Country" reads well as a stand-alone novel, it's best to first pick up Lee's paperback debut "The Breach", which introduced Chase, Campbell and the mysterious alien artifacts.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop,
has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.
This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on March 13, 2011.
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Monday, March 7, 2011
Lansing author questions ethics of medicine field
“Child from the Ashes” by prolific Lansing author J.R. Kesler (CreateSpace, $14.95) offers an intriguing premise that showcases dilemmas facing pediatric resident physician Brian Tanner.
He’s working at a Lansing area hospital, running into challenging confrontations and fighting off the memories of his own experiences as an abused child.
Tanner’s dealing with many emotional issues at the hospital, particularly when dealing with abused children and their angry parents.
His violent temper is hard to control; his vigilante justice to the parents has little success. Kristin Grey, a social worker with secrets of her own, is able to offer assistance, but there’s no easy solution.
Hazel Tanner, the main character’s adoptive mother, is vital to the plot and makes numerous decisions that will positively affect Tanner’s life. She appears in many flashback scenes that Kesler expertly uses to develop the characters.
Readers who enjoy local settings will appreciate the appearance of local landmarks as well as a memorable CATA bus ride. Kesler’s books, including “Trash Baby” and “The Gift”, are available from the author at http://www.jrkesler.com/.
Branch gets a call for help when Liza French, an associate he hasn’t seen in 10 years, gets into big trouble after a botched robotic surgery is webcast. The patient dies, the hospital has major concerns and the media exposure intensifies.
Soon Branch’s life gets more complicated - hospital medical personnel are murdered, with grim anatomical sketches left at the crime scenes. The body count quickly escalates; Branch discovers information that indicates the murderer is using a 16th century anatomical dissection book as a re-enactment guide.
The last half of the novel cranks up the tension, dealing with assorted ethical issues and grim discoveries; the violent conclusion exposes a clever, deadly scheme.
Readers who appreciate stomach-churning, bloody scenes are likely to appreciate Pearson’s writing talents in this medical thriller. Others may wonder why the police can’t put clues together nearly as fast or as well as the diligent doctor.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop,
has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.
This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on March 4, 2011.
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