Silence is Golden, Reading is Fun
August 9, 2009

Until I was five years old I didn’t say a word. My parents worried about that until a doctor told them everything was fine and I would speak when I was ready. He was right.

My mother occasionally kids me, saying that I haven’t shut up since. But she’s wrong. I know when I have nothing to say that it is best for me and for others to say nothing. So I’m off to continue my reading. I wish you all a good week.  

Upcoming Book Festivals:
Normally I do not list international book festivals in this letter, but one of the few exceptions to that rule—because of its size and reputation—is the Edinburgh International Book Festival. From August 15-31, those fortunate booklovers in Scotland can immerse themselves in more than 750 author events and activities with writers from over 45 different countries! If you aren’t there or don’t have reservations already it will be difficult to attend. But there is always next year. See what they have going in 2009, and if it looks good begin to make your plans now.

On Thursday, August 16, the city of Bedford, New Hampshire will host the Granite State Book & Ephemera Fair. It will take place at the Event Center at CR Sparks. Among the things to be seen are rare and unusual books, maps, prints, autographs, World’s Fair memorabilia, trade cards, photographs, and more. Admission is six dollars. 

The Pub House:
Assouline calls itself “the publishing house for people of taste.” Leaving aside that questionable assumption, this publisher does focus on “fine illustrated books covering art, fashion, architecture, gastronomy, travel and lifestyle with one simple idea in mind—all that is beautiful in the world ought to be in an Assouline book.”

Expect expensive. Expect inexpensive. Most of all, expect extraordinary. Among their books are Visions of Nature ($60) by Hersh Chadra, a photographer who eschews artificial aids, but photographs the “essence of the moment” on city streets, at the mouth of a volcano, or in the center of a jungle. No Smoking (49.95) by Luc Sante is a tribute to the twentieth century’s obsession, promotion, veneration and ultimately condemnation of the cigarette. Even their inexpensive but unique books such as The Penny: A Little History of Luck by Garth Risk Hallberg—the story of a coin that has traveled through a half-centuury and around much of the world—is beautifully designed and meticulously researched.

Of Interest:
One way to judge a city is by its bookstores. And if one is an English-speaking bookworm-expat, the way to judge the city in is by its bookstores. Today’s Zaman shows those living in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, Turkey, where they can find bookstores offering English- and Turkish-language books. But if you  never go to Turkey, this article offers a delightful stroll through the shops and book market of the city.

This Week . . .
First, the Ann Arbor Book Festival is having a Short Story Contest 2009, with the winner receiving a cash prize of $250 and the chance to be published in a to-be-determined journal. Stories may be up to 7,000 words in length, and must be “unpublished in any form.” The entry fee is $10, and the deadline is September 1. You may either mail or e-mail your story. Details can be found at the link (above).
 
Second, it’s the “Fight of the Week.” Or so says Green Apple Books, which decided to pit the Book against the Kindle. In a series of posts, and hilarious videos, they let the two slug it out in this twenty-first century fight. And it’s a fight worth watching.

The Book vs. the Kindle, Round 1
The Book vs. the Kindle, Round 2 (Buying a Book)
The Book vs. the Kindle, Round 3 (Sharing)
The Book vs. the Kindle, Round 4 (Nap Time)
The Book vs. the Kindle, Round 5 (The Icebreaker)
The Book vs. the Kindle, Round 6 (Finding the Right Read)
The Book vs. the Kindle, Round 7 (Storytime)

And you’ll have to check their blog to catch rounds 8, 9, and 10, which have yet to be posted.

Until next week, read well, read often and read on!

Lauren