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Grimm, New
Waiting on Wednesday
11.01.12 | Permalink | Comment?

So much stuff to anticipate. This week: a couple of film companions:

The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated Movie Companion, Kate Egan. Find out all about the movie! Here’s what to expect: “The New York Times bestseller by Suzanne Collins is now a major motion picture – and this is your guide to all of the movie’s excitement, both in front of the camera and behind it. Go behind the scenes of the making of The Hunger Games with exclusive images and interviews. From the screenwriting process to the casting decisions to the elaborate sets and costumes to the actors’ performances and directors’ vision, this is the definitive companion to the breathtaking film.” (Amazon.com)

The Hunger Games Tribute Guide, Emily Seife. “Here is the ultimate guide to the twenty-four Tributes participating in Panem’s 74th annual Hunger Games. Follow the Tributes’ journey from the Reaping to the Games, with a look at all the highlights along the way–the Tribute Parade, the stations of the Training Center, the interviews, and more. Get exclusive information about the Tributes’ strengths and weaknesses, their weapons of choice, and their experience in the Capitol before entering the arena.” (Amazon.com)

And a couple of quirky love stories:

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, Jennifer E Smith. Hadley is waiting to catch a plane from New York to London, to attend her father’s wedding to a woman she’s never met. Fortunately, and improbably, there’s actually someone interesting in the airport departure lounge: Oliver. Even more fortunately and improbably, it turns out they’re pretty much seated next to each other on the plane. Set over a breathless 24 hours. Jolly good.

The Fault in our Stars, John Green. Hazel has cancer, and she’s receiving treatment that is working, in that her tumour is shrinking but not disappearing. She’s lived a long time with the “terminal” tag, but when she meets Augustus at a cancer support group, her life takes a turn for the more interesting. “Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind” (Goodreads.com).

Here’s John Green reading the first chapter (there is also chapter two available for viewing here).

A little birdie told me that he signed the first 150,000 copies of the book: here’s one of his vlogs about this (thanks, birdie):
Grimm, New
Waiting on Wednesday
04.01.12 | Permalink | Comment?
It’s 2012! No, truly!

Here’s a couple of things we’re looking forward to getting.

Variant, Robison Wells. The author describes this as dystopian-ish. Other people have suggested that if you enjoyed Divergent by Veronica Roth and the Gone series by Michael Grant then this should be right up your alley. From Amazon.com:

“Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life. He was wrong. Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive. Where breaking the rules equals death. But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.”

Fallen in Love, Lauren Kate (February). For lovers of the Fallen series, here’s a collection of four (longish) short stories set in the Middle Ages. They feature Luce and Daniel, but also fill you in on how other characters like Roland and Arriane got to be who they are.

Thanks Stephanie for the tips.

Incidentally also, Rapture, the final novel in the Fallen series, will be released in about June/July this year. We will let you know when it’s available for reserving.

Other things in the long range forecast for 2012 include (for example):
- - The Fault in Our Stars, John Green (early this year). John Green! Long time no see!
- - Pandemonium, Lauren Oliver (early this year). The sequel to Delirium.
- - A Million Suns, Beth Revis (early this year). The sequel to Across the Universe.
- - Fear, Michael Grant (May). The second to last in the Gone series.
- - Insurgent, Veronica Roth (May/June). The sequel to Divergent (obvs.).
- - City of Lost Souls, Cassandra Clare (June)
- - The Rise of Nine, Pittacus Lore (August/September)
Plus some that will sneak up and surprise you. Must start a to-read list.
Grimm, New
Waiting on Wednesday
07.12.11 | Permalink | Comment?

This week: two big future hits:

City of Lost Souls, Cassandra Clare – you might be waiting a while for this one, since it’s due in May next year. We’ve ordered it, which means you can reserve it! This is the fifth book in the Mortal Instruments series that began with City of Bones. The plot is a bit under wraps, as is the cover: all may be revealed in time!

Legend, Marie Lu – this one is getting a lot of publicity, and the film rights have already been purchased by the producers of Twilight. Legend is set in a dystopian future, where the United States is separated into several warring nations. Day, the country’s most wanted criminal, is on the run, and June, a fifteen year old military prodigy, is tasked with hunting him when her brother is murdered and Day become suspect #1. The legend of the title is revealed when their paths intersect.

Here’s the trailer (for the book!):

Thanks to Stephanie for the tips!
Library Serf, New
Waiting on Wednesday
16.11.11 | Permalink | Comment?

Here are a couple of titles we’ve recently ordered which might take your fancy:

The Fire, James Patterson (Witch & Wizard number 3, due soon). Being further adventures of Whit and Wisty Allgood, in which The One has executed the final member of their family, and Wisty realises it is time for her to confront The One. But in doing so, is she only going to lend more power to The One, or can she and Whit somehow overcome the seemingly all-conquering evil?

This is, I think, the conclusion to the trilogy (famous last words!).

How to save a life, Sara Zarr (soon also). Mandy is pregnant and looking for someone to adopt her baby. Jill lost her dad a year ago, and now her mother is seemingly trying to replace him by looking to adopt a baby. Needless to say, she is unimpressed with her mother’s actions, and suspicious of Mandy’s motives. Another thought-provoking offering from the author of Sweethearts, and Once Was Lost.
Grimm
Waiting on Wednesday
02.11.11 | Permalink | 1 Comment

Here are some interesting upcoming books we’ve ordered recently – thanks to Steph’s hard work!

The Death Cure, James Dashner (November-ish). This is the third book in the Maze Runner trilogy (I say trilogy, but you can never be sure about these things). Therefore you really must read The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials before tackling this one, but you’ve got time! (Although not too much – it’s being released soon.) A best-selling dystopian series in which Thomas wakes up one day with no memory in the middle of a place called The Maze (and then things get horribly worse). The author’s blog (called The Dashner Dude) is here, and The Death Cure’s facebook page is here. The book trailer is here:

Someone Else’s Life, Katie Dale (February 2012). If you’ve read and loved some Jodi Picoult (Her Sister’s Keeper etc.), then this one may interest you. Rosie’s mother has died from Huntington’s Disease, and Rosie must struggle not only with the loss of her mother but also knowing she has a 50% chance of having the disease herself. But her decision to have herself tested for the gene leads to a whole other profound discovery.

Modelland, Tyra Banks (soon!). ANTM and Tyra fans will be keen to hear that they can now reserve her book! Described as like The Hunger Games, but fashion-y, and with Harry Potter elements, Modelland stars Tookie, who has “untamable hair, [a] large forehead, and [a] gawky body” (amazon.com): can she become one of the Intoxibellas?

You can read the first chapter at the Barnes & Noble site here. And here, just below, is the book trailer (complete with “smize” pun)!
Grimm, New
Waiting on Wednesday
12.10.11 | Permalink | Comment?

We’ve got some interesting new books arriving over the next few months. Here’s a sampling (you can reserve most of these now):

Goliath, Scott Westerfeld – if you’ve been reading the Leviathan trilogy (Leviathan, Behemoth), then reserve this one! Can Alek and Deryn end the war? Who is the dangerous stranger on board the Leviathan? When will Alek figure out that Deryn is a girl?

Kill All Enemies, Melvin Burgess – if you like realistic fiction that’s quite challenging, then Melvin Burgess is your man. This tells the story of three teens with troubled backgrounds, one the daughter of an alcoholic, one who has an abusive stepdad, and one who is at odds with his middle-class upbringing. Here’s a review from the Guardian.

Bitterblue, Kristin Cashore – Kristin Cashore recently announced on her blog that Bitterblue, the sequel to Graceling will be published in May 2012, so this is advance warning. Read what she has to say about getting the book published, and other things, here.

Clockwork Prince, Cassandra Clare – and finally, the second in the Infernal Devices trilogy (after Clockwork Angel), will be published in December. With the help of Jem and Will, Tessa must uncover the mystery around the Magister’s hatred of the Shadowhunters, but their every move in their search appears to be anticipated: have they been betrayed? Reserve Clockwork Prince now and get ahead in the queue!
Fantasy, Grimm, New
Upcoming Fantasy
05.09.11 | Permalink | Comment?

Fantasy fans might be interested to hear about a couple of upcoming releases, brought to you by the colour red.

Froi of the Exiles, Melina Marchetta (October/November) – If you’ve read Finnikin of the Rock you might remember Froi, although maybe not fondly (to say he’s a bit of a jerk is being kind). Like him or not, you’ll want to read the follow-up to Finnikin. It is three years after Lumatere was released from its curse and Froi is sent on a secret mission to Charyn where things are, I think, a bit nuts. Here’s an interview with the author (thanks to Kym for the link). Nice cover too.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, Catherynne M Valente (soonish) – If there were a prize for book titles this one would have a good shot. Originally published online, this one is neatly illustrated by Ana Juan. September is 12 years old and living in Omaha. One day she is visited by a Green Wind who tells her she’s needed in Fairyland where September must find a particular talisman for the Marquess or else she (the Marquess) will make life difficult for Fairyland. A School Library Journal reviewer said, “Think The Phantom Tollbooth crossed with The Wizard of Oz infused with the absurdity of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” which sounds awesome (you can read another SLJ review of it here).

The author’s website is here, and below is the rather stylish book trailer:
Books, Grimm, New
New Stuff on the Horizon
21.07.11 | Permalink | Comment?

It’s time for a new batch of soon-to-be-published bestselling titles – reserve your preferred sequel / series continuer / riveting conclusion now, so you don’t have to wait!

The Power of Six, Pittacus Lore. This is the next in the Lorien Legacies, after I Am Number Four (the DVD has arrived in the library recently), and it focuses on Number Seven (who’s got a bit more breathing room than Number Four). There’s an exclusive extract here, or you can become a follower of Lorien Legacies on Twitter for more tips and things.

Crossed, Ally Condie (November/December 2011). Sequel to Matched, in which Cassia takes off to the Outer Provinces to track down Ky, which is a very basic straight forward summary of a mission that will be far from straight forward or basic. Have a look at the series website, or visit Ally Condie’s blog here.

Bloodlines, Richelle Mead (August/September 2011). Vampire Academy fans will be pleased to hear that this is the first in a new series, a Vampire Academy spinoff series even, and so you’ll recognise the world of vampire princesses and their protectors, so thumbs up! Read more about it here.

Inheritance, Christopher Paolini (November/December 2011). The final book in the Inheritance cycle will finally be here! Will Eragon and Saphira get the better of Galbatorix? You can read and excerpt here, watch some images of swords, dragon scales and eyes in the book trailer below, or catch up with more Inheritance news at Christopher Paolini’s website here.

People’s Republic, Robert Muchamore (August/September 2011). Meet 12 year old Ryan, CHERUB’s new recruit. Has he got what it takes to take on the most ambitious CHERUB mission yet? In the mean time visit the CHERUB campus for more info.

Silence, Becca Fitzpatrick (October/November 2011). The final in the Hush, Hush trilogy. There is an official Hush Hush fanclub – fallenarchangel. The site has FAQs, playlists, and more photos of and info about the famous cover model for Hush, Hush. There’s an official Silence countdown widget to be got at the author’s website here (perhaps the perfect gift for the reader who has everything?).

The Fear, Charlie Higson (September/October 2011). The next in the Enemy series, in which everyone over the age of 14 has become a zombified predator. Dog Nut and his mates must travel across London in search of lost friends, avoiding the terrifying, blood-thirsty adults. You can read Charlie Higson’s blog post about the book here.

The Clockwork Prince, Cassandra Clare (December 2011). This is the next in Cassandra Clare’s Victorian Steampunk with Shadowhunters series (the first being Clockwork Angel), and we will be ordering it next month!
Grimm, Trailers
New TV Shows on the Horizon
19.05.11 | Permalink | Comment?

Every year around this time the American TV networks announce what they’ve got planned for the new season, then the world gets to see what American shows will be wending their ways to their tellies and computers over the next few months. Here’s a selection!

Grimm (excellently named) is from the producers of Buffy and Angel. The premise is that a policeman in an American town learns he’s the last descendant of the Grimms, a family of bad fairy tale creature hunters: suddenly he can see normal-looking citizens for what they really are, shape-shifters up to no good. Here’s a trailer:

Similarly, Once Upon a Time, from the Lost writers, is about a town full of fairy tale characters who think they’re normal folks and don’t realise their true identities (which will be revealed to them in good time). Here’s the trailer. You might like to brush up on your fairy tale knowledge: here are the offerings from the brothers Grimm, or you can download Grimm’s Fairy Tales for free from Project Gutenberg here.

The Secret Circle follows in the steps of The Vampire Diaries, being based on the book series by L J Smith (read the books first: they’re in the library!). Sixteen year old Cassie moves with her mother to New Salem, and discovers that she’s a part of a coven of witches. Read a bit more here.

There is also Napoleon Dynamite, an animated series based on the very successful movie of the same name ($4.00 from the general DVD collection), an excellent example of when geek chic goes all pear shaped.

Revenge stars Eric from Gossip Girl, and is set in the Hamptons, so expect intrigue, backstabbing, and fabulous elite individuals. The trailer is here.

Plenty to look forward to.
Events, Pencil it in your diaries, Urban Survival Series
Events this month: Urban Survival Series
07.03.11 | Permalink | Comment?

Tuesday 22nd March 4-5pm at the Central Library:
Get fit for free with Rec Welly and NZ Parkour. Find out about the free and five dollar deals in town and learn how to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

We have some fitness freebies to give away at this session – thanks Rec Welly!

Thursday 24th March 4-5pm at the Central Library:
Afford toys and gadgets : BNZ, CAB and the Community Law Centre are here to show you how you can get the stuff you want, and what to do when that cell phone you just bought breaks down.

Monday 28th March 4-5m at the Central Library:
Plan your OE with STA travel and Volunteer Service Abroad. All the tips and tricks for having the most amazing experience ever.

STA will be giving away a Lonely Planet guide book to one lucky person at this session.

Wednesday 30th March 4-5pm at the Central Library:
Get your music and art out there: The singer from Poppy Dust and the guys from OOsh Multimedia on how collaboration, thinking outside the square, and following your dreams can get you, your art, your music, and your life where you want them to be.