If you are thinking of buying an ebook reader, then it makes sense to compare the 3 big boys on the market, the Barnes and Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle 2 and the new Sony Reader Touch Edition. Here's a detailed comparison of all three to help you choose.
Firstly, let's examine the similarities in all 3 ebook readers.
Display Screen- The Nook, Kindle 2, and Reader all take advantage of the cutting edge display technology called "E-Ink". This isn't your run-of-the-mill computer screen with pixels. This screen displays the text and pictures (gray-scale) right up against the bottom of the display glass. This allows you to see the crystal clear text even at extreme angles and lighting situations.
Text can be changed to different sizes for all 3 models as well.
Audio Support- All 3 devices allow you to download and listen to mp3 songs while reading.
Pricing- Pricing is comparable between the 3 devices.
Differences between the 3 devices.
Wireless and 3G- The Nook and Kindle 2 allows you to access the web to download new titles and publications. The Sony Touch does not, instead you need to hook up the reader to the computer via USB and download the books. It should be mentioned the Sony Reader Daily Edition will have Wireless and 3G when it is released. This model will be more expensive than the Nook and Kindle 2 by quite a lot, so that is why this model was not included in this comparison!
Color Navigation Screen- The color navigation below the display screen on the Nook sets it apart from the other ebook readers. You can peruse color pictures of book covers. This has been reported by many to be slightly slow, definitely slower than, say, the iPhone in responsiveness.
Sony Touch Screen- The Sony has a touch screen (hence the name!). Page turning is done by swiping the finger across the screen, whereas page turning is by the push of a button for the Nook and Kindle 2. The Nook's color screen doubles as a touch screen, but again, only on the navigation screen, not the display screen.
Memory For the Devices- The Nook and Kindle 2 both have a default memory of 2 GB of memory. This allows up to 1,500 books to be added to the device. The Sony has 512 MB of memory that allows up to 350 books.
International Capabilities- The Kindle 2 is the only device that provides International service with 3G and wireless downloads of books and publications. Amazon says the Kindle 2 will work in over 100 countries.
Lending Feature for the Nook- The Nook allows you to lend out books for 14 days to others that have the Nook, or Nook compatible device.
The Bottom Line- There are numerous differences in these 3 most popular ebook reader devices. We are in a stage right now where each device is trying to differentiate itself with different features. They will definitely start stepping more in-line with each other as time goes on.
For instance, as the EPUB file becomes more popular with public libraries across the nation and world, each ebook reader will support the use of these no doubt.
And the Winner Is?
Popular consensus among critics and customers alike is that the Amazon Kindle 2 is the winner for now. Other flashy features can't out weigh the standard features that come with the Kindle 2 and the International Compatibility.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
What Is The Kindle
Everyone loves to read books, magazines, newspapers in their spare time and more importantly, these stuffs are the common hobbies between each and everyone living in this world, with that in mind, A new revolutionary product is created which is changing the world known as " Amazon Kindle ", This amazing device is portable and with it's portability it is really compact and one can take this machine to anywhere and everywhere.
Amazon Kindle is a portable ebook, magazines and newspapers reader, a device which will never fail to impress you and you won't be getting bored of it as usually others do get bored by reading books for a long time and they feel really stress then, but with Amazon Kindle you will be amazed and most importantly, you will actually find this portable ebook reader really special as it consists over 200 book titles.
Some of it's important key features are:
* Electronic-Paper display which provides sharp and high-resolution display.
* Buy a book and it will be delivered in just one minute.
* Very easy to use, no need of attaching wires, cables and etc.
* Long-Lasting battery life, usually recharges with-in 2 hours.
* You're able to e-mail your word documents and images.
* Free book samples also available, you can download first chapters and read it for free.
* Comes with WI-FI capability.
And the list moves on and on ...
Amazon Kindle is a jam-packed portable ebook reader device which have more than 110,000 books available. With it's amazing features, excellent stand-by time and friendly user-interface, this product is changing the life-style of everyone.
Furthermore, it has a very unique ergonomic design with a very easy to use special keyboard and this product makes you search almost any book very easily, just type in a word or phrase which you are looking for and you will instantly receive the results. You even have wireless access to Wikipedia, the most up-to-date encyclopedia on the whole internet.
Amazon Kindle is a portable ebook, magazines and newspapers reader, a device which will never fail to impress you and you won't be getting bored of it as usually others do get bored by reading books for a long time and they feel really stress then, but with Amazon Kindle you will be amazed and most importantly, you will actually find this portable ebook reader really special as it consists over 200 book titles.
Some of it's important key features are:
* Electronic-Paper display which provides sharp and high-resolution display.
* Buy a book and it will be delivered in just one minute.
* Very easy to use, no need of attaching wires, cables and etc.
* Long-Lasting battery life, usually recharges with-in 2 hours.
* You're able to e-mail your word documents and images.
* Free book samples also available, you can download first chapters and read it for free.
* Comes with WI-FI capability.
And the list moves on and on ...
Amazon Kindle is a jam-packed portable ebook reader device which have more than 110,000 books available. With it's amazing features, excellent stand-by time and friendly user-interface, this product is changing the life-style of everyone.
Furthermore, it has a very unique ergonomic design with a very easy to use special keyboard and this product makes you search almost any book very easily, just type in a word or phrase which you are looking for and you will instantly receive the results. You even have wireless access to Wikipedia, the most up-to-date encyclopedia on the whole internet.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Make Web Pages Print Properly
Make Web Pages Print Properly
Rick Broida
Dec 23, 2009 7:44 am
Shrink to Fit: Click to view larger imageA few days ago, the missus shoved some sheets of paper in my face and demanded, "Why are Web pages printing big all of a sudden?"
Sure enough, all the print on all the pages was comically oversize--and largely useless, as much of the actual Web page was cut off on the right side.
Not good. My wife frequently prints recipes, and all this enlarged output was threatening our culinary happiness.
So I fired up Firefox (her browser of choice), loaded up a recipe page, and clicked File, Print Preview. Basically, I wanted to see if the preview matched the actual output. Sure enough, it did, and here's why: The Scale setting had somehow gotten bumped to 150%.
I changed it back to the almost-always-preferable setting Shrink to Fit, and presto: Normal print size restored.
There's a very similar setting in Internet Explorer, so if you're encountering weirdly sized text on your printed Web pages, make sure your "scales" are set properly.
Rick Broida
Dec 23, 2009 7:44 am
Shrink to Fit: Click to view larger imageA few days ago, the missus shoved some sheets of paper in my face and demanded, "Why are Web pages printing big all of a sudden?"
Sure enough, all the print on all the pages was comically oversize--and largely useless, as much of the actual Web page was cut off on the right side.
Not good. My wife frequently prints recipes, and all this enlarged output was threatening our culinary happiness.
So I fired up Firefox (her browser of choice), loaded up a recipe page, and clicked File, Print Preview. Basically, I wanted to see if the preview matched the actual output. Sure enough, it did, and here's why: The Scale setting had somehow gotten bumped to 150%.
I changed it back to the almost-always-preferable setting Shrink to Fit, and presto: Normal print size restored.
There's a very similar setting in Internet Explorer, so if you're encountering weirdly sized text on your printed Web pages, make sure your "scales" are set properly.
Ten Printer Problems and Solutions
Jeff Bertolucci, PC World
Friday, December 18, 2009 03:06 PM PST
Printers: Can't live with them, can't nuke them. You could always toss a misbehaving inkjet or laser out the window, but where would that leave you? Truth be told, we need our printers, despite their maddening quirks. Here's a saner idea: Take a deep breath, channel your inner tech support rep, and repair that which has failed you. (Cue sitar.)
We've listed the 10 biggest printer annoyances -- of course, your Top 10 list may vary -- and ways to fix them.
Problem: Printing is too slow.
Solution: Rev up printer performance--and save ink in the process--by reducing print quality for everyday output. While printer settings vary by model, here's how to switch to draft-printing mode in most Windows apps. Select Print and Properties, and then look for a setting that reduces print quality. With the HP Photosmart 8450, for instance, change the default print quality setting from Normal to Fast Draft (click screen-shot at right). Other speedup suggestions: Print pages from websites without graphics, and add RAM to your printer, if possible. Read "Speed Up Everything" for more tips.
Problem: Ink and/or toner costs too much.
Solution: PC World has written a lot about the printing industry's sneaky practices over the years. To wit: They snare you with dirt-cheap printers sold at or below cost, and then stick it to you later with ultra-pricey consumables.
Based on our tests, we can't recommend third party vendors' remanufactured or refilled ink cartridges, which may not give you your money's worth. One cost-saving solution is to buy higher-capacity cartridges. If you print a lot, try an ink cartridge with a 250-plus page yield, or a toner cartridge with a 2,000-plus page yield.
Problem: Windows is sending print jobs to the wrong printer.
Solution: For some mysterious reason, Windows may select a new default printer--the one it automatically sends print jobs to. (This happened to me when I upgraded from Vista to Windows 7.) To fix this glitch in Windows 7, click Start (the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of the screen) and select Devices and Printers. Under Printers and Faxes, right-click the printer you want to make the default, and select Set as default printer.
If you're using earlier versions of Windows, these steps vary a bit. Here are instructions for Windows XP and Vista users.
Problem: My prints are too light, too spotty, or have horizontal lines.
Solution: You may have a clogged print head, a problem that can occur if you use an inkjet printer infrequently. Your printer's utility program can clean out the dried ink, and print a test page for inspection. The step-by-step instructions on how to do this vary by printer. From the Windows 7 Start menu, click Devices and Printers or Control Panel, and look for your printer's utility app. For additional details, read "Solve Inkjet Printer Problems." For more tips on unclogging ink nozzles, go here. (Again, these steps may vary slightly for Vista and XP users.)
Problem: My printer says my ink cartridge is empty. I think it's lying.
Solution: You may be right. Printer out-of-ink messages are notoriously unreliable. The good news: You can try various hacks to get around those ink cartridge controls. We're not suggesting that all, or even some, of these reader tips will work with your printer, but they're worth a try. One tip reveals how to reset ink cartridges for various HP printers. And a video on this page shows how to revive an "out of ink" Epson cartridge. If you're feeling adventurous, check them out.
Problem: My wireless printer is too slow.
Solution: To get the best performance from a network printer, it's hard to beat a wired, Ethernet-cable-to-router connection. Wireless printing may be more convenient in many homes and offices, but it has its limitations. Since Wi-Fi speeds slow down with distance, you'll want to place your wireless printer as close as possible to the router. Also, make sure your Wi-Fi printer or any wireless print server it connects to supports the 802.11n spec, which can rival the performance of 100-mbps Ethernet.
Problem: I use remanufactured or refilled ink cartridges, and my prints look awful.
Solution: We recommend sticking with the manufacturer's ink. Third-party products may save you money up front, but the consequences can get ugly--literally--if the cheaper inks produce lower-quality prints.
Here's another reason: wasted ink. The PC World Test Center has found that some cartridges leave more than 40 percent of their ink unused. The worst offenders, unfortunately, are third-party brands. Printer manufacturers may overcharge shamelessly for ink, but at least you know what you're getting.
Problem: I don't know how to fit more text on one page. How do I do it?
Solution: Shrinking text to fit two pages on one sheet saves money (you'll buy less paper) and speeds up printing (fewer pages to print). This two-for-one approach is best for spreadsheets, receipts, and other documents that are still legible once shrunken.
In any Windows program, select Print and Properties, and then look for a printer setting that lets you increase the number of pages per sheet.
Problem: Grandma called and wants me to fix her "broken" printer. I'm no tech guru. What should I do?
Solution: You could always pretend you're not home, but that might lead to bigger problems down the line. We recommend you help Grandma out, because printer problems encountered by the, um, technically challenged are often easy to fix.
First, have her see if the printer is plugged into a wall outlet. (Don't laugh. It's fairly common.) Second, she should make sure there's paper in the tray. And third, have her check the cable (probably USB or Ethernet) that connects the printer to the PC or router. This troubleshooting basics article has more advice.
Problem: My paper tray is flimsy.
Solution: To cut costs on some printers, vendors often include low-capacity or flimsy trays. In her article "Is Your Printer Stealing From You?", PC World's Melissa Riofrio lists seven printers with notoriously cheap paper trays--each from major vendors such as Brother, Dell, Epson, HP, Ricoh, and Xerox. Shame on you guys.
So what can you do? Before buying a printer, examine the paper tray carefully. If it looks like it'll break after the first sideswipe, it's probably wise to get another model. If the tray is too small for your printing needs, see if there's a higher-capacity option. Or you could try this guy's approach to fixing a busted printer.
1998-2009, PC World Communications, Inc.
Friday, December 18, 2009 03:06 PM PST
Printers: Can't live with them, can't nuke them. You could always toss a misbehaving inkjet or laser out the window, but where would that leave you? Truth be told, we need our printers, despite their maddening quirks. Here's a saner idea: Take a deep breath, channel your inner tech support rep, and repair that which has failed you. (Cue sitar.)
We've listed the 10 biggest printer annoyances -- of course, your Top 10 list may vary -- and ways to fix them.
Problem: Printing is too slow.
Solution: Rev up printer performance--and save ink in the process--by reducing print quality for everyday output. While printer settings vary by model, here's how to switch to draft-printing mode in most Windows apps. Select Print and Properties, and then look for a setting that reduces print quality. With the HP Photosmart 8450, for instance, change the default print quality setting from Normal to Fast Draft (click screen-shot at right). Other speedup suggestions: Print pages from websites without graphics, and add RAM to your printer, if possible. Read "Speed Up Everything" for more tips.
Problem: Ink and/or toner costs too much.
Solution: PC World has written a lot about the printing industry's sneaky practices over the years. To wit: They snare you with dirt-cheap printers sold at or below cost, and then stick it to you later with ultra-pricey consumables.
Based on our tests, we can't recommend third party vendors' remanufactured or refilled ink cartridges, which may not give you your money's worth. One cost-saving solution is to buy higher-capacity cartridges. If you print a lot, try an ink cartridge with a 250-plus page yield, or a toner cartridge with a 2,000-plus page yield.
Problem: Windows is sending print jobs to the wrong printer.
Solution: For some mysterious reason, Windows may select a new default printer--the one it automatically sends print jobs to. (This happened to me when I upgraded from Vista to Windows 7.) To fix this glitch in Windows 7, click Start (the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of the screen) and select Devices and Printers. Under Printers and Faxes, right-click the printer you want to make the default, and select Set as default printer.
If you're using earlier versions of Windows, these steps vary a bit. Here are instructions for Windows XP and Vista users.
Problem: My prints are too light, too spotty, or have horizontal lines.
Solution: You may have a clogged print head, a problem that can occur if you use an inkjet printer infrequently. Your printer's utility program can clean out the dried ink, and print a test page for inspection. The step-by-step instructions on how to do this vary by printer. From the Windows 7 Start menu, click Devices and Printers or Control Panel, and look for your printer's utility app. For additional details, read "Solve Inkjet Printer Problems." For more tips on unclogging ink nozzles, go here. (Again, these steps may vary slightly for Vista and XP users.)
Problem: My printer says my ink cartridge is empty. I think it's lying.
Solution: You may be right. Printer out-of-ink messages are notoriously unreliable. The good news: You can try various hacks to get around those ink cartridge controls. We're not suggesting that all, or even some, of these reader tips will work with your printer, but they're worth a try. One tip reveals how to reset ink cartridges for various HP printers. And a video on this page shows how to revive an "out of ink" Epson cartridge. If you're feeling adventurous, check them out.
Problem: My wireless printer is too slow.
Solution: To get the best performance from a network printer, it's hard to beat a wired, Ethernet-cable-to-router connection. Wireless printing may be more convenient in many homes and offices, but it has its limitations. Since Wi-Fi speeds slow down with distance, you'll want to place your wireless printer as close as possible to the router. Also, make sure your Wi-Fi printer or any wireless print server it connects to supports the 802.11n spec, which can rival the performance of 100-mbps Ethernet.
Problem: I use remanufactured or refilled ink cartridges, and my prints look awful.
Solution: We recommend sticking with the manufacturer's ink. Third-party products may save you money up front, but the consequences can get ugly--literally--if the cheaper inks produce lower-quality prints.
Here's another reason: wasted ink. The PC World Test Center has found that some cartridges leave more than 40 percent of their ink unused. The worst offenders, unfortunately, are third-party brands. Printer manufacturers may overcharge shamelessly for ink, but at least you know what you're getting.
Problem: I don't know how to fit more text on one page. How do I do it?
Solution: Shrinking text to fit two pages on one sheet saves money (you'll buy less paper) and speeds up printing (fewer pages to print). This two-for-one approach is best for spreadsheets, receipts, and other documents that are still legible once shrunken.
In any Windows program, select Print and Properties, and then look for a printer setting that lets you increase the number of pages per sheet.
Problem: Grandma called and wants me to fix her "broken" printer. I'm no tech guru. What should I do?
Solution: You could always pretend you're not home, but that might lead to bigger problems down the line. We recommend you help Grandma out, because printer problems encountered by the, um, technically challenged are often easy to fix.
First, have her see if the printer is plugged into a wall outlet. (Don't laugh. It's fairly common.) Second, she should make sure there's paper in the tray. And third, have her check the cable (probably USB or Ethernet) that connects the printer to the PC or router. This troubleshooting basics article has more advice.
Problem: My paper tray is flimsy.
Solution: To cut costs on some printers, vendors often include low-capacity or flimsy trays. In her article "Is Your Printer Stealing From You?", PC World's Melissa Riofrio lists seven printers with notoriously cheap paper trays--each from major vendors such as Brother, Dell, Epson, HP, Ricoh, and Xerox. Shame on you guys.
So what can you do? Before buying a printer, examine the paper tray carefully. If it looks like it'll break after the first sideswipe, it's probably wise to get another model. If the tray is too small for your printing needs, see if there's a higher-capacity option. Or you could try this guy's approach to fixing a busted printer.
1998-2009, PC World Communications, Inc.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Chicago Tribune Printers Row Favorite Fiction 2009
Favorite Fiction 2009 from Chicago Tribune Printers Row
The Believers by Zoe Heller. "From the author of What Was She Thinking: Notes on a Scandal comes this wry tale of a rather unlikeable family of Manhattan liberals for whom things go greatly amiss when their patriarch falls into a coma."
Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips. "Years after their father disappears in the Korean War, a young woman and her disabled brother scramble to make their way in a hard world. Phillips, whose prose is sumptuous, gracefully weaves together the father's desperate last moments with his children's present struggles."
Homer and Langley: A Novel by E.L.Doctorow. "In 1947, the well-healed Collyer brothers made headlines when they were found dead in their trash-heaped Manhattan brownstone."
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. "The lone survivor of a massacre that decimated her mother and sisters grows up and is forced to consider whether her childhood testimony, which landed her brother in prison for life for the brutal crime, was accurate. A deliciously gory thriller with a bang of a climax."
Blame by Michelle Huneven. "Ouch, what a hangover. Following a drunken bender, a young college professor wakes up from her blackout in jail; she has been arrested for running over and killing a mother and daughter."
Big Machine by Victor LaValle. "An African American man formerly addled by heroin ends up in Vermont researching 'the Voice' behind an isolated religious sect. This tale is peculiar, magnificent and-- as books about cults often are--quite funny."
The Vagrants by Yiyun Li. "A riveting debut about the social decay of a small town in China during the Cultural Revolution."
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. "After a nine year hiatus from the world of novels, Kingsolver is back with this beauty that delves into Mexico history. This is perhaps her paramount work yet."
Little Bee by Chris Cleave. "A Nigerian refugee and a fashion editor forge an unlikely bond in this engrossing novel."
A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore. "When a small town girl heads to a Midwestern town, she gets more education than she bargained for in this winning coming-of-age novel."
Generosity: An Enhancement by Richard Powers. "In this clever tale, a bitter writing professor in Chicago finds himself drawn happy student who appears to have a euphoric genetic glitch."
Await Your Family by Dan Chaon. "Three lives collide and test the boundaries and definitions of identity. From the author of Among the Missing."
American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell. "A harrowing set of tales set in rural working-class class Michigan, where emotions run as hot as the neighbor's crystal meth cooker."
In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin. Pakistani author Mueenuddin links eight character-rich stories of his homeland."
Too Much Happiness: Stories by Alice Munro. "Man Booker International Prize-winner Munro captivates again with richly drawn characters aching for a smooth passage in life."
Remember that all these titles, some in different formats (e.g., CD book, downloadable audiobook) are available at the Fremont Public Library. If the title you wish to read is checked out, staff can place a hold for you--or you can place the hold.
The Believers by Zoe Heller. "From the author of What Was She Thinking: Notes on a Scandal comes this wry tale of a rather unlikeable family of Manhattan liberals for whom things go greatly amiss when their patriarch falls into a coma."
Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips. "Years after their father disappears in the Korean War, a young woman and her disabled brother scramble to make their way in a hard world. Phillips, whose prose is sumptuous, gracefully weaves together the father's desperate last moments with his children's present struggles."
Homer and Langley: A Novel by E.L.Doctorow. "In 1947, the well-healed Collyer brothers made headlines when they were found dead in their trash-heaped Manhattan brownstone."
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. "The lone survivor of a massacre that decimated her mother and sisters grows up and is forced to consider whether her childhood testimony, which landed her brother in prison for life for the brutal crime, was accurate. A deliciously gory thriller with a bang of a climax."
Blame by Michelle Huneven. "Ouch, what a hangover. Following a drunken bender, a young college professor wakes up from her blackout in jail; she has been arrested for running over and killing a mother and daughter."
Big Machine by Victor LaValle. "An African American man formerly addled by heroin ends up in Vermont researching 'the Voice' behind an isolated religious sect. This tale is peculiar, magnificent and-- as books about cults often are--quite funny."
The Vagrants by Yiyun Li. "A riveting debut about the social decay of a small town in China during the Cultural Revolution."
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. "After a nine year hiatus from the world of novels, Kingsolver is back with this beauty that delves into Mexico history. This is perhaps her paramount work yet."
Little Bee by Chris Cleave. "A Nigerian refugee and a fashion editor forge an unlikely bond in this engrossing novel."
A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore. "When a small town girl heads to a Midwestern town, she gets more education than she bargained for in this winning coming-of-age novel."
Generosity: An Enhancement by Richard Powers. "In this clever tale, a bitter writing professor in Chicago finds himself drawn happy student who appears to have a euphoric genetic glitch."
Await Your Family by Dan Chaon. "Three lives collide and test the boundaries and definitions of identity. From the author of Among the Missing."
American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell. "A harrowing set of tales set in rural working-class class Michigan, where emotions run as hot as the neighbor's crystal meth cooker."
In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin. Pakistani author Mueenuddin links eight character-rich stories of his homeland."
Too Much Happiness: Stories by Alice Munro. "Man Booker International Prize-winner Munro captivates again with richly drawn characters aching for a smooth passage in life."
Remember that all these titles, some in different formats (e.g., CD book, downloadable audiobook) are available at the Fremont Public Library. If the title you wish to read is checked out, staff can place a hold for you--or you can place the hold.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Dorothy Gilman's Mystery's Grand Master 2010
Dorothy Gilman,author of the Mrs. Pollifax series, has been chosen as this year's Grand Master by Mystery Writers of America (MWA). MWA's Grand Master Award represents the highest achievement in mystery writing and was established to acknowledge important contributions to this genre, as well as significant output of consistently high-quality material. Gilman, a New Jersey native, has written and contributed to over 30 books.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Grand Master Award Given Joe Haldeman
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America will award author Joe Haldeman its Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master for 2010. The award "recognizes excellence for a lifetime of contributions to the genres of science fiction and fantasy."
Haldeman is the author of 20 novels and five collections. The Forever War won the Nebula, Hugo and Ditmar Awards for best science fiction novel in 1975. Other notable titles include Camouflage, The Accidental Time Machine and Marsbound as well as the short works "Graves," "Tricentennial" and "The Hemingway Hoax." Starbound is scheduled for a January release. Haldeman officially receives the award at the Nebula Awards Weekend in May in Hollywood, Fla.
Haldeman is the author of 20 novels and five collections. The Forever War won the Nebula, Hugo and Ditmar Awards for best science fiction novel in 1975. Other notable titles include Camouflage, The Accidental Time Machine and Marsbound as well as the short works "Graves," "Tricentennial" and "The Hemingway Hoax." Starbound is scheduled for a January release. Haldeman officially receives the award at the Nebula Awards Weekend in May in Hollywood, Fla.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
New York Times 10 Best Books of 2009
At the end of the year, it's always a joy to see the best book lists, especially to see if you agree with them. Books are a wonderful gift, and it's fun to find the book you want to give to a friend and relative. From today's New York Times, here is a list of its editors' top 10 books of 2009. The Fremont Public Library has all the books except one which currently is on order. You may place the titles on hold, or call us. We are happy to place your selections on hold for you. Remember,too, that the library also has the New York Times on its shelves.
Fiction
Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It by Maile Melody. F Melody
"In an exceptionally strong year for short fiction, Meloy's concise yet fine-grained narratives....shout out with quiet restraint and calm precision...."
Chronic City by Jonathan Lethem, F Lethem
Lethem's eighth novel unfolds in an alternative-reality Manhattan. The crowded canvas includes a wantonly destructive escaped tiger....prowling the streets...."
A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore F Moore, Book CD Moore
"Moore's captivating novel....is set in 2001 and narrated by a Wisconsin college student who hungers for worldly experience and finds it when she takes a job baby sitting for a bohemian couple who are trying to adopt a mixed raced child...."
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls F Walls, Lg Print F Walls
"In her luminous memoir, The Glass Castle, Walls told of being raised by eccentric and unfit parents. Now, in a novel based on family lore, she has adopted the voice of her maternal grandmother, Lily Casey Smith--mustang breaker, schoolteacher, ranch wife, bootlegger, poker player, racehorse rider and bush pilot...."
A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert F Walbert, Lg Print F Walbert
"The 15 lean, concentrated chapters in this exquisitely written novel alternate among the lives of a British suffragist and a handful of her Anglo-American descendants. The theme is feminism, but Walbert is keenly alert to male preoccupations and the impressions they leave on the lives of her female cast...."
NonFiction
The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes, 509 HOL
"Holmes harnesses the twin energies of scientific curiosity and poetic invention in this superb intellectual history, which recreates a glorious period, some 200 years ago, when figures like William Herschel, Humphry Davy, and Joseph Banks brought 'a new imaginative intensity and excitement to scientific work,'and literary giants like Coleridge and Keats responded giddily to these breakthroughs...."
The Good Soldiers by David Finkel 956.704434 FIN
"Finkel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and editor at the Washington Post, gives full voice to his subjects, infantry soldiers from Fort Riley, KS...posted in the lethal reaches of Baghdad at the height of the 'surge'...."
Lit by Mary Karr B Karr
"This sequel to The Liars Club and Cherry is also a master class on the art of the memoir...."
Lords of Finance by Liaquat Ahamed 332.1092 AHA, Downloadable Audiobook
"The parallels with our own moment are impossible to miss in Ahamed's narrative about 4 members of the 'most exclusive club in the world', central bankers who dominated global finance in the post World War I era...."
Raymond Carver by Carol Sklenicka, on order
"Ten years in the making, this prodigiously researched and meticulous biography sympathetically and adroitly integrates its subject's work with the turbulent life--marred by alcoholism, financial turmoil and family discord--that brought it into being...."
The library staff offers their suggestions on the libray website, the Book Advisor.
It is updated monthly.
Fiction
Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It by Maile Melody. F Melody
"In an exceptionally strong year for short fiction, Meloy's concise yet fine-grained narratives....shout out with quiet restraint and calm precision...."
Chronic City by Jonathan Lethem, F Lethem
Lethem's eighth novel unfolds in an alternative-reality Manhattan. The crowded canvas includes a wantonly destructive escaped tiger....prowling the streets...."
A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore F Moore, Book CD Moore
"Moore's captivating novel....is set in 2001 and narrated by a Wisconsin college student who hungers for worldly experience and finds it when she takes a job baby sitting for a bohemian couple who are trying to adopt a mixed raced child...."
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls F Walls, Lg Print F Walls
"In her luminous memoir, The Glass Castle, Walls told of being raised by eccentric and unfit parents. Now, in a novel based on family lore, she has adopted the voice of her maternal grandmother, Lily Casey Smith--mustang breaker, schoolteacher, ranch wife, bootlegger, poker player, racehorse rider and bush pilot...."
A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert F Walbert, Lg Print F Walbert
"The 15 lean, concentrated chapters in this exquisitely written novel alternate among the lives of a British suffragist and a handful of her Anglo-American descendants. The theme is feminism, but Walbert is keenly alert to male preoccupations and the impressions they leave on the lives of her female cast...."
NonFiction
The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes, 509 HOL
"Holmes harnesses the twin energies of scientific curiosity and poetic invention in this superb intellectual history, which recreates a glorious period, some 200 years ago, when figures like William Herschel, Humphry Davy, and Joseph Banks brought 'a new imaginative intensity and excitement to scientific work,'and literary giants like Coleridge and Keats responded giddily to these breakthroughs...."
The Good Soldiers by David Finkel 956.704434 FIN
"Finkel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and editor at the Washington Post, gives full voice to his subjects, infantry soldiers from Fort Riley, KS...posted in the lethal reaches of Baghdad at the height of the 'surge'...."
Lit by Mary Karr B Karr
"This sequel to The Liars Club and Cherry is also a master class on the art of the memoir...."
Lords of Finance by Liaquat Ahamed 332.1092 AHA, Downloadable Audiobook
"The parallels with our own moment are impossible to miss in Ahamed's narrative about 4 members of the 'most exclusive club in the world', central bankers who dominated global finance in the post World War I era...."
Raymond Carver by Carol Sklenicka, on order
"Ten years in the making, this prodigiously researched and meticulous biography sympathetically and adroitly integrates its subject's work with the turbulent life--marred by alcoholism, financial turmoil and family discord--that brought it into being...."
The library staff offers their suggestions on the libray website, the Book Advisor.
It is updated monthly.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Film Lovely Bones Opens
The film Lovely Bones based on the best selling novel by Alice Sebold opens this weekend. Peter Jackson, who directed the popular film Lord of the Rings,is the director.
Filmed in New Zealand,Lovely Bones stars Saoirse Ronan as the narrator Susie along with Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz as her parents.
Filmed in New Zealand,Lovely Bones stars Saoirse Ronan as the narrator Susie along with Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz as her parents.
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