"Publishing a volume of verse is like dropping a rose-petal1) MY LATEST BOOK PURCHASE . . . I'd finally picked up a copy of The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (9781442457027) 17.99 by William Joyce, which was the story that inspired the Academy Award winner for best short film, and it made me realize that I have become a huge sentimental sap. Thanks a lot Bill! I once spoke with Bill years ago when he used to frequent a Waldenbooks. He jumped on the phone one day to tell me about some kid's book about leaf people. He sent me a signed copy, (which was destroyed by my children) and I thought that was a nice gesture. And now I find that his latest book is also a kind gesture and thank you to booksellers and librarians everywhere. This little ditty is written to the tune of William Joyce's latest book:
down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo . . ."
--Don Marquis
THE FANTASTIC FLYING BESTSELLERS OF JAMES PATTERSON
James Patterson loved suspense. He loved money. He loved tennis.
His life was a book of ghostwriting, one mercenary page after another. He would play tennis every morning, and when he took a break, he would go over the outlines his writers had submitted.
But one day he became upset. How could his ghostwriters write bestsellers if E.L James and her trilogy of titles: Fifty Shades of Grey (9780345803481) 15.95, Fifty Shades Darker (9780345803498) 15.95, and Fifty Shades Freed (9780345803504) 15.95 dominated the charts?
He didn't know what to do or which way to go. So he went back to playing tennis. But then Mr. Patterson hit a ball so high into the air that he looked up and saw a lovely lady. It was Hilary Mantel, who had written Bring Up the Bodies (9780805090031) 28.00, and she was being pulled along by a festive squadron of flying bestsellers.
The flying lady knew that James had become complacent, and I, Michael Bennett (9780316097468) 27.99, which is one of thirteen titles he would release under his name this year, had been written by Michael Ledwidge. She said, "James, you can still have bestsellers, but you can also write something literary that will make a difference. I will show you how. Just follow me!" And her book flaps flapped like wings and she flew onward towards the Land of Literature.
Inspired, James Patterson picked up his racquet and went back to playing tennis.
Odds & Sods
We are saddened to learn that essayist, novelist, humorist, journalist, playwright, OscarTM nominated screenwriter, movie director, world class spelunker, professional poker player, acclaimed chef, Croatian tour guide, and reknowned alligator wrestler Nora Ephron has passed away. She was a friend of booksellers, and she will be missed . . .
Our good friend Steve Hamilton popped by today and signed copies of his new title, Die a Stranger (9780312640217) 25.99. It goes on-sale next Tuesday (7/3). He will be doing his usual Michigan tour, so look for him at a local bookstore near you. His signed copies are come first, first served . . .
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