Cody's Closes, Blogs to Watch, Another Day, Another Gratuitous Video

AUTHORS & BOOKS

Sad News: My very favorite bookstore, Cody's, has closed. This wonderful store, founded in the 1950s, was the first place I went to buy books for family, friends, and myself. I heard wonderful writers speak there, and I had my own book launches there. The internet cannot replace the experience of visiting an independent bookstore. Please support the indies!

Review of Marjorie M. Liu's The Red Heart of Jade. "In the third installment in Ms. Liu's Dirk and Steele series, the action starts from the first and doesn't let up until the end." (The Good, The Bad, The Unread)

Article on the success of paranormal erotic as e-books. "Ellora's Cave... publisher Raelene Gorlinsky says the company saw a 20% growth in e-book sales from 2006 to 2007, the year Kensington and other romance publishing heavyweights like Avon and Harlequin started new erotica imprints." (Publishers Weekly)

Amberkatze interviews Natasha Rhodes, author of Dante's Girl, and has a book giveaway. "I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of angels. Almost every religion on earth features angels in some form or guise..." (Amberkatze's Book Blog)

Danette reviews The Chocolatier's Wife by Cindy Lynn Speer. "Tasmin, William’s wife to be, was chosen by a spell, as all wives and husbands are chosen. It’s a nice, tidy way to find a reasonable mate for almost everyone." (DCL)

Review of Dark Hunger by Sara Reinke. "The Brethren are not typical vampires, they can go out during the day and most of the time appear to pass as human. Apart from bloodlust, telepathy, superior healing abilities and longevity they have little in common with traditional vampires." (Love Vampires)

Blog to Watch: Last week I mentioned that AztecLady, who comments and lurks here, also writes reviews. I had a great time checking out Karen Knows Best, where many of her reviews are posted. Here AztecLady tackles the conundrum that is the popularity of J.R. Ward. And, okay, I don't mind the pics of David Beckham either. I've added Karen Knows Best to my faves.

Last week I read Octavia Butler's Kindred. I'll write a little about it and Butler tomorrow.


TELEVISION

A review that calls itself a preview for "True Blood," adapted from Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire novels. "Girl meets boy, boy wants blood, girl and boy fall intricately intertwined through various circumstances. On that front, the pilot never quite elevates itself, seemingly falling through a lot of the paces that any pilot would." (Cultural Learnings)

Amberkatze got to watch the "True Blood" preview and she commented: "There is too much sex compared to the book and the vampire teeth look dodgy." Dodgy vampire teeth? Now I'm ascared.

Think you're a "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" expert? Take the quiz. (Go to Quiz)

Review of "Blood +" cartoon, based on anime movie. "This creature brutally murders a teacher in front of Saya. It looks as if Saya is next on the chopping block when suddenly a cello toting stranger intervenes. He thrusts a sword into her hand and pours his blood into her mouth." (Real Movie News) I think I saw this same plot on "SpongeBob Squarepants." But it involved Squidbert and a Crustyburger.


GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY

I have to confess that I like this Britney Spear's song. And I like this video even more. Here's a GVD that has something for most everyone, including many of the suggestions I got in the contest. You may have to watch it a few times. I'm still looking for some of the other suggestions -- including the elusive "hot guys and kittens."

NEW CONTEST: I've got an extra copy of Larissa Ione's Pleasure Unbound. Leave a comment naming at least ten of the actors in this GVD to enter. A winner will be chosen at random tonight.