Book News
by Marshall, May 3, 2007 12:00 PM
- Fancy Schmancy Filmmakers: Yesterday a few of us lucky Powellsians were treated to an advance rough cut screening of our short documentary film, Out of the Book. After a few (um, actually more than a few) technical difficulties involving a Windows operating system, a few programmers, and a pocket knife ? the lights went down and the film started. Featuring author Ian McEwan, and others who love him, chatting about his new book, On Chesil Beach, I have to say I was impressed. Look for a screening near you, as more than 40 independent booksellers across the country have scheduled one.
- He Who Kills Chickens: Is it just me or is it just plain wrong that Alice Cooper has written a book about golf? Called Alice Cooper, Golf Monster: A Rock 'n' Roller's 12 Steps to Becoming a Golf Addict, the thought of being with him on a deserted 17th hole, where he's holding a blunt instrument, well it just plain frightens me. What's next? A strategy guide to checkers from Marilyn Manson?
- Big Brother, you say? In the name of all that is unholy in the world, NMA reports that Random House UK is using a new marketing scheme to obtain "valuable information" from folks who are not "typical book buyers." Purchase a copy of the celebrity bio Living the Dream: My Story, by the winner of the British version of Big Brother, Chantelle Houghton, and the book will be stickered with a web site where you can collect free ringtones and other downloads. What they will be collecting from you is an entirely different matter.
- The Real Story: I know the real reason why Brockman is off today... He is off collecting his Eric Hoffer Award for Excellence in Independent Publishing. Okay, so maybe he's not the same Brockman as the guy who wrote Dynamic Energetic Healing, but our dear Brockman seems like a word shaman at the very least!
- Books Make You Smart: A Fairbanks, Alaska, toddler saved his mother's life having learned the protocol from a book his grandmother gave him. It's Time to Call 911: What to Do in an Emergency was the boy's favorite book so he knew exactly what to do when his mother collapsed. Now, I gave my first grader the Mr. Boston: Official Bartender's and Party Guide and she has yet to make even one martini for me.
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