New Customer Review - Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
by Grace Lin [j Lin]

Lin's Newbery Honor book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore. In the tradition of journey stories, this is about Minli, who goes on a trip to seek a solution to a problem. Minli seeks the Man of the Moon to ask how the family can change their fortune. As in The Wizard of Oz, Minli meets characters along the way who also need help from the Man of the Moon. Unlike in The Wizard of Oz, only one travels with her: a dragon who can't fly. In what seems almost too conveniently like The Wizard of Oz, these two comrades encounter evil monkeys when trying to cross the woods to their destination. Other dangers are more original to Lin such as a poisonous tiger. I recognized two motifs from folklore: the disguised king and sacrificed children. Others such as the guardians of the city, the borrowed line, and the fruitless mountain may or may not be derived from Chinese tales with which I am less familiar. In any event, Lin has seamlessly blended various aspects of folklore into one beautiful story. What makes Lin's books so special are their themes of family, friendship, love, and heritage. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon has another theme, which is found in the answer to Minli?s question about how her family can change their fortune. This is an absorbing fantasy, deserving of classic status. -- review submitted by Allison H.-F. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library [See Allison's issue of the Customer Snapshot newsletter!]

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The Shepherd of the Hills

The Shepherd of the Hills
by Harold Bell Wright

Essentially a country "western" depicting a love story, regret, and redemption in a historical context of the Ozark Mountains near Branson, MO. Being originally from southwest Missouri, I have seen the original outdoor amphitheater production numerous times. The play is an excellent adaptation of the book, but the book is far superior in its account of detail. More intriguing are the mysterious "Baldknobbers" which ride horseback in the night and terrorize banks and settlers across the hills. This is a great depiction of the Ozarks region in Missouri in a historical/spiritual context. -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Wikipedia entry for Shepherd of the Hills ] | [ Wikipedia entry for Harold Bell Wright ]

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Office Space

Office Space
[DVD Office]

This 1999 film is something of a cult classic -- not a huge blockbuster, but a quirky oddball comedy that fans keep coming back to again and again. Written and produced by Mike Judge, the man behind the animated hits Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill, Office Space is, in part, based on a series of short animated pieces that feature nebbishy office worker Milton. Ron Livingston headlines the cast, as Peter Gibbons, a cubicle-inhabiting cog in a corporate environment at Initech. When the company appears to be going into downsizing mode, Peter and his co-workers hatch a scheme to use a software bug to skim a vast amount of money from the company's accounts before they get canned. The humor here is painful and absurd. Gary Cole is a scene stealer as Bill Lumbergh, the main boss, who puts his employees through sheer hell in preparation for firing them. Peter, the unsuspecting victim of a hypnotist, who leaves him suspended in a state of mind in which his inhibitions are removed, is a fascinating character, as is Milton (Stephen Root), a mumbling cubicle dweller who was fired but never left the building. Jennifer Anniston is featured as Peter's new girlfriend, who is working for a T.G.I. Friday's-like restaurant, whose management is obsessed with the employees wearing "flair" -- buttons, badges, etc. This is smart, savvy comedy, poking fun at corporate culture as well as examples of idiocy in other venues as well. Totally unbelievable, but cathartic for anyone who's felt like taking revenge on a boss. You'll never look at the red Swingline stapler in your office the same way again!-- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [subscribe to Scott's It's All Geek to Me! newsletter or any of the libraries' 37 other monthly booklist newsletters!]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]

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Tough Without a Gun: The Life and Extraordinary Afterlife of Humphrey Bogart

Tough Without a Gun: The Life and Extraordinary Afterlife of Humphey Bogart
by Stefan Kanfer [Biography Bogart]

A detailed study of Humphrey Bogart. Told chronologically, the biography really picks up when "Casablanca" enters the storyline. The author discusses and evaluates Bogart's films, the other actors, interesting stories of everyone involved. Last couple chapters discuss Bogart's influence on Hollywood and society, and why there will never be another Humphrey Bogart. Not for the first-timer seeking initial info on Bogie. Best read by those already familiar with his filmography and life to really enjoy the depth of discussion. -- recommended by Charlotte K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in downloadable E-book format.]

[ Publisher's official Tough Without a Gun web site ]

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Kirinyaga: A Fable of Utopia

Kirinyaga: A Fable of Utopia
by Michael Resnick

This short novel by Michael Resnick is actually what they call a "fixed up" novel, comprised of a series of ten interconnected short stories, all of which were originally published on their own. Because of this, Kirinyaga is actually one of the most acclaimed science fiction novels ever published -- each of the stories included was nominated for multiple awards, and two of them actually won Hugo Awards in their respective years of release. The stories all involved a transplanted tribe of African Kikuyu, who have settled on a protected artificial planetoid, whose atmosphere and weather patterns are controlled by orbiting technicians. The Kikuyu people, under the guidance of their Mundumugu (witch doctor) are attempting the preserve their primitive culture, so that all traces of their existence are not wiped out by their assimilation in more advanced modern cultures and communities. Koribe, the mundumugu, teaches by means of parables, but as the stories progress, his hold over his own people weakens and their utopian experiment may be endangered. It's extremely well written, and thought provoking fiction at its best. But you may find yourself intensely disliking the protagonist. None-the-less, it makes the reader consider the plight of other ancient cultures on the brink of cultural annihilation -- what if a Native American tribe, or a group of Inuit, or Australian aborigines were given the opportunity to relocate to a protected place with the sole purpose of recapturing their ancient ways? Or is this even a worthwhile quest? Read Kirinyaga: A Fable of Utopia and you can be the judge! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [subscribe to Scott's It's All Geek to Me! newsletter or any of the libraries' 37 other monthly booklist newsletters!]

[ Wikipedia page on the novel Kirinyaga ] | [ official Mike Resnick web site ]

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Sh*t My Dad Says

Sh*t My Dad Says
by Justin Halpern [817 Hal]

Did your dad ever scold you for not knowing the difference between a hammer and a crescent wrench? If so, this book is for you. The stories and "dad-ism's" in this book are absolutely hysterical. While the language can be a little crass, parts of this book made me laugh until I cried. A good comedic read for anyone who celebrates the fun-loving (yet maniacal) man in their life they call "father." -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available from the library in downloadable audio and downloadable E-book formats.]

[ official Sh*t My Dad Says web site ] | [ Wikipedia page for Justin Halpern ]

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The Great San Francisco Earthquake (on DVD)

The Great San Francisco Earthquake
[DVD 979.46 Ame]

This episode of the popular PBS series American Experience utilizes actual old film footage as well as photographs and survivor interviews to encapsulate one of the biggest of American catastrophes. Oscar-winner F. Murray Abraham narrates. I found the background music choices a bit odd and distracting at times but this is a nice synopsis of the whats and whys of this major historical event. Interestingly, the very same photo is used for the cover of this DVD and the cover of the suggested companion book. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Disaster! The great San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906, by Dan Kurzman] -- recommended by Becky W.C. - Walt Branch Library

[ The Great San Francisco Earthquake page on the PBS American Experience web site ]

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Disaster! The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906

Disaster! The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906
by Dan Kurzman [979.461 Kur]

Kurzman is an award-winning former reporter and native San Franciscan. He takes us on a journey from shortly before this devastating event to several years after. Highlighting the stories of certain individuals among the mainstream chain of events gives this a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Find out how people such as world-famous operatic star Enrico Caruso, renowned actor John Barrymore, and ten-year-old Del Crespi, lovesick boy and future baseball star, each coped with the catastrophe. Or how Italian-American banker Amadeo Giannini made fortuitous choices about what to do with his overnight deposits. Then there was the power struggle between the corrupt mayor and the autocratic general. It's an intriguing digest of one of America's best known large-scale tragedies. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to watch The Great San Francisco Earthquake, an episode of PBS's American Experience (DVD 979.46 Ame)] -- recommended by Becky W.C. - Walt Branch Library

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The Chronicles of Harris Burdick

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick
by Chris Van Allsburg [813.08 All]

In 1984, Chris Van Allsburg published a collection of illustrations entitled "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick." The illustrations were ostensibly the work of a mysterious author/illustrator who had drawn them to accompany his stories, but who disappeared, leaving no trace of the stories to go with the pictures. In actuality, the illustrations were intended to inspire readers to write their own stories. Now, in "The Chronicles of Harris Burdick," the illustrations have been reissued with accompanying stories by noted authors such as Stephen King, Cory Doctorow, and Jules Feiffer. The results are mixed. Some of the stories are intriguing, such as M. T. Anderson's "Just Desert," which has a "nothing is what it seems" theme that may appeal to fans of "The Prisoner." Others are pleasant fantasies, such as "The Harp" by Linda Sue Park and Van Allsburg's own "Oscar and Alphonse." Several of the stories are on the disturbing side (as are some of the original pictures), and some are surprisingly disappointing (Walter Dean Myers' "Mr. Linden's Library" seems to have little to do with the illustration it is supposed to be based on). While the stories here offer an intriguing look at different authors' approaches, ultimately the illustrations are probably best used for their original intent: getting readers to write stories of their own. Stories by readers can be submitted on the official "Harris Burdick" Website. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Mysteries of Harris Burdick.] -- recommended by Peter J. - Virtual Services Department

[ official "Harris Burdick" web site ]

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My Future Boyfriend

My Future Boyfriend
[DVD My]

P-A-X 497/341 is an archeologist from the future. On an expedition he uncovers a book written in 2011 by Elizabeth Barrett. In the book she talks about love; this is a concept unknown to humans in the future because it is thought to be too dangerous and it was wiped from the database. PAX goes back in time to meet Elizabeth Barrett so she can explain love to him. Elizabeth lives in New Orleans in 2011, she's an author and she's also a writer for a magazine called "Strange Times" which covers all your usual UFO, Elvis isn't dead, National Enquirer-type stories. She of course thinks he's crazy but listens to his story so she can write an article about it. Along the way they fall in love which is only complicated by the fact that she's about to get engaged to another man. Similar to other ABC Family movies, this one was sappy, cheesy, and a complete lovefest. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the Back to the Future series starring Michael J. Fox or Less Than Perfect with Sara Rue as a TV news anchor (available through interlibrary loan).} -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official My Future Boyfriend web site ]

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Sacrilege

Sacrilege
by S.J. Parris

Parris gives us a mix of political intrigue, action, and sleuthing in this historical thriller. Multiple plots include the disappearance of a number of young boys to a plan to revive a Sir Thomas Becket cult, dormant ever since the disappearance of the saint's bones. A rich portrayal of daily life in Elizabethan England. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the first two titles in the Giordano Bruno series: Heresy (2010) and Prophecy (2011). The Roots of Betrayal by James Forrester, Hilary Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies.] -- this recommendation, based on the downloadable audio version of this title, is from Diane E. - Technical Processes Department

[Also available in print format.]

[ Publisher's official Sacrilege web page ]

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When You Are Engulfed in Flames

When You Are Engulfed in Flames
by David Sedaris [817 Sed]

Another collection of stories by David Sedaris about shenanigans in his life, this one includes living in France, crazy old lady neighbors, awkward airline experiences, family memories, and trying to quit smoking in Japan. The collection is easy to follow because of his writing style, and the book is hard to put down as Sedaris' humor will make you laugh out loud. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try other books written by David Sedaris such as Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim or something by his sister Amy Sedaris like I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence.] -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in downloadable audio, book-on-cd and downloadable E-book formats.]

[ Wikipedia page for David Sedaris ]

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Conan O'Brien Can't Stop

Conan O'Brien Can't Stop
[DVD 817 Obr]

This DVD provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and making of Conan O'Brien's summer tour after leaving "The Tonight Show" and during his contractual ban from television. While this documentary contains snippets of the tour show, be advised it is NOT an entire filming of the show itself. The DVD provides an interesting perspective of a Conan O'Brien we don't see on his late night show. It is hysterical how funny Conan can be, even when not in front of an audience. While his crass attitude can be offensive, even to his own support team of colleagues, you really see the commitment and loyalty of his staff that have stuck beside him through thick and thin. The DVD shows Conan really as his raw self- a man who eats, sleeps, and breathes humor every day in almost every situation. This DVD ultimately shows the true master of improvisation at his lowest moments trying to turn lemons into lemonade...while apologizing for really bad hair. -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library
[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Conan O'Brien Can't Stop web site ]


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The Three Musketeers (2011)

The Three Musketeers (2011)
[DVD Three]

Logan Lerman and Matthew MacFadyen star in this action/comedy. D'Artagnan, a young and reckless swordsman, teams up with the Three Musketeers to stop the Duke of Buckingham and Milady de Winter from seizing the throne and bringing war to Europe. A great storyline with a lot of comedic and action moments, plus you got to see Darcy with a sword and Orlando as a bad guy, where can you go wrong? [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the Pirates of the Caribbean saga, the original Three Musketeers novel by Alexandre Dumas, or any of the previous Three Musketeers movies.] -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official The Three Musketeers (2011) web site ] 
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The Last Coyote

The Last Coyote
by Michael Connelly

This title was the book read and discussed by the Just Desserts mystery discussion group in March 2012, and I think I may have added another author to my "must read" list. The Last Coyote was an early volume in Connelly's "Harry Bosch" series, featuring a committed but sometimes obsessive LAPD homicide detective. This particular volume goes a long way towards explaining many of Harry's many personality quirks and what drives him -- he's on leave after having assaulted a superior officer, undergoing psych treatments. Unable to completely cut himself off from police work -- despite orders to do so -- Harry decides to finally open the "cold case" file on his mother's murder from over two decades earlier. What results is an intense dip into Harry's formative years, and the dredging up of old memories, both good and bad. The investigation also sends up red flags for a variety of prominent people, who'd just as soon see the case remain unsolved, even after this much time has passed. Harry is an engaging, laconic character, even when he's breaking the rules for the greater good...and this book merely makes me want to see more of him. This volume works well as a stand-alone title, but you may wish to read the series in order -- check out our Harry Bosch booklist. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the rest of the Harry Bosch series by Connelly, as well as Connelly's other series.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [join us for future Just Desserts meetings!]

[Also available in book-on-cd and downloadable E-book formats.]

[ official The Last Coyote on the official Michael Connelly web site ] 

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Murder Season

Murder Season
by Robert Ellis

Summer is the murder season. This year it comes early with a high profile bang. Two men are found shot to death in Club 3 AM, a hot spot that caters to Hollywood's A-list. One victim is the owner, Johnny Bosco and the other one is Jacob Gant. Gant was tried and acquitted in a court of law for the brutal murder of his next-door neighbor, Lily Hight. He was also tried in the court of public opinion, which found him guilty. Gant enlisted Bosco's help to find out who really killed Lily. LAPD detective, Lena Gamble is assigned to investigate this volatile crime. She learns that the detectives who investigated Lily Hight's death immediately zeroed in on Gant as the killer and did not look at any other suspects. Lena is puzzled by some of the evidence and quietly re-opens Lily Hight's case. As she follows the evidence trail Lena encounters a wall of resistance from the original detectives and from the District Attorney's office. This fast paced novel kept me engrossed to the end. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the works of Michael Connelly, Stephen J. Cannell and Dianne Emley.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department

[Also available in downloadable audio format.]

[ official Robert Ellis web site ]
 
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The Colossal Collection of Action Poses

The Colossal Collection of Action Poses
by Buddy Scalera [741.51 Sca]

The Colossal Collection of Action Poses is just the latest in a series of reference volumes that are great resources for anyone trying to create their own action-based comic book. In this volumes and each of both Comic Artists Photo Reference: People and Poses and Comic Artists Photo Reference: Women and Girls, Scalera has taken over 1000 photographs of both male and female models standing in a variety of action poses -- holding various weapons, making kicks, swinging a cape, dressing, crouching, walking, applying make-up, etc. Additionally, there are sections for both sexes, with the models holding a variety of facial expressions -- anger, fright, sadness, happyness, pain, confusion, etc. For artists wanting a base to build an action sequence on, these images could prove invaluable. The photographer uses a number of different models with a variety of body types, thus providing a wide variety of source material for the artist. The only drawback I found in the The Colossal Collection of Action Poses was that the models were all young and fit -- no older folks or overweight body types. Otherwise, an excellent resource for artistic types. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the other volumes in Scalera's series.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [subscribe to Scott's booklist newsletter - It's All Geek to Me! - or any of the libraries' other newsletters by e-mail!]


[ official Buddy Scalera web site -- warning...some images may trigger filtering software blocks ]
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Tower Heist

Tower Heist
[DVD Tower]

A group of hard-working hotel employees become thieves when one of their tenants - the one in charge of their pensions - gets indicted for fraud. They decide the money is hidden in his apartment and decide to steal it, but first they need training from a real live criminal. When you put a cast together including Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick and Casey Affleck you know it'll be funny. This one didn't disappoint. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Tropic Thunder another comedy starring Ben Stiller, or RED a comedy about a group of misfits teaming together to accomplish a mission.] -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Tower Heist web site ] 
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Born Standing Up

Born Standing Up
by Steve Martin [Compact Disc 791.432 Mar]

Based on friends' recommendations, I listened to the book-on-cd version of Steve Martin's recent autobiography, narrated by Martin himself. This book is a look back by Martin at his life during the period in which he was performing stand-up comedy, which he hasn't done now for over 20 years. It was fascinating to see the intense work that went into creating his routines, and the evolution of those routines over the years. My earliest memories of Martin are from just before he became the "wild and crazy guy" with the bunny ears or arrow through his head. He seemed like such a natural humorist that it is interesting to hear him describe how much practice and development went into creating that kind of performance persona. In reference to the audiobook -- Martin is a fine narrator, although in the early portions of the book he seems rather emotionless and speaks in almost a monotone. The further into the book he goes, though, the more animated and energetic his narration becomes. Also, a benefit you get from the audio version rather than the print version is that between chapters you get short bits of Martin playing his own original banjo music -- one of his passions. I found it particularly interesting that Martin felt as if he was writing a "biography" rather than an "autobiography" -- he says he felt as if he were writing about another person, since he hasn't been that "stand up guy" for over two decades. [Martin's sense of humor also comes across well in his novels and other printed books, including Cruel Shoes. The libraries have a couple of his comedy albums from the time period he discusses, as well as a Saturday Night Live compilation, The Best of Steve Martin.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [subscribe to Scott's monthly booklist newsletter - It's All Geek to Me! - or any of our other custom email newsletters!]

[Also available in traditional print format.]

[ official Steve Martin web site ]

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Musical e-Motivation: Using Computer Technology to Motivate Students

Musical e-Motivation: Using computer technology to motivate students
-- an article in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of Clavier Companion
article by Jeremiah Johnson [Periodical Clavier]

This was the winning article from the 2010 Clavier Companion Collegiate Writing Contest. The article is condensed from my longer Master of Music: Piano Pedagogy thesis project at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The article summarizes five different ways to use technology to motivate students in music: optimizing a challenge, absorbing the learner's attention, communicating clearly obtainable goals, promoting the autonomy of learners, and providing positive feedback. While the article pertains to music education, the ideals set forth certainly apply across a variety of disciplines. Ultimately, the article addresses technology's place in music education and disputes the claim that technology is a "distraction" to learning. -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library


[ official Clavier Companion web site ]

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The Silent Spirit

The Silent Spirit
by Margaret Coel

The Silent Spirit is the 14th volume in Coel's long-running Wind River Mystery series, featuring Catholic priest Father John O'Malley and Native American attorney Vicky Holden. This particular volume interested me because it involves a lot of historical information about earlier Hollywood and film production. The book is told with plenty of flashbacks, as the death of a reformed young trouble-making Indian on the reservation today is tied into events back in the early 1920s, when a number of Indians from the Wind River reservation went to Hollywood to appear as extras in a now-legendary western film. One of those Indians disappeared, never returning to the reservation -- inspiring his young descendant to start an investigation over 70 years later...an investigation that may, or may not, have contributed to his own death. This is a well-designed mystery, with an intriguing plot. I didn't really feel like I got to know either of the series main leads all that well in this volume...but this rich historical background more than made up for that. I definitely recommend this book! [I also recommend the rest of the Wind River Mystery series, if you like these characters, though this is the only one with the "Hollywood" connection!] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library [subscribe to Scott's It's All Geek to Me! monthly booklist newsletter column, or any of the library's other Books, Movies & More newsletters!]

[Also available in book-on-cd format.]

[ official Silent Spirit page on the official Margaret Coel web site ]

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Real Steel

Real Steel

[DVD Real]

Hugh Jackman and Evangeline Lily star in this action-packed movie. Jackman plays Charlie Kenton, a former boxer who owes a lot of people money. The world of entertainment now revolves around robot fighting as it offers more action than humans. Charlie has his own robot and competes in those competitions. After his girlfriend dies, Charlie is forced to take his kid Max along on the rode with him. He's not a very good father, but the kid likes robots so they bond over that. Not as good as I was hoping it would be, but it redeems itself with moments of comedy and a lot of great action sequences. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the Transformers movies, they're all about robots fighting.]
[Also available: the original story by Richard Matheson that this movie was based upon.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Real Steel web site ]

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The Money Book for the Young Fabulous and Broke

The Money Book for the Young Fabulous and Broke
by Suze Orman [332.024 Orm]

I received this as a graduation gift from college and find myself continually referring back to it. This is a great resource for the age 20-30+ crowd who has graduated high school or college and really lacks financial know-how. While it can be read from cover to cover, it works also as a go-to-guide for various financial situations, like buying a house, buying a car, saving, retiring, investing, dealing with debt and credit. Be advised this book was written before the economic crisis of 2008, so some of the information-- particularly the chapter on investing should be taken cautiously-- she has since changed her stance on some of this advice. However, the entire book provides a lot of steadfast financial advise that provides timely information, presented in a way that speaks to the young and young at heart. Suze Orman's The Money Book for the Young attempts to prove that you don't have to be filthy rich to live fabulously. -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in book-on-cd format.]

[ official The Money Book web site ] | [ official Suze Orman web site ]

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The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated Movie Companion

The Hunger Games: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion
by Kate Egan [YA PB Egan]

A collection of pictures and behind-the-scenes stories from the cast and crew of The Hunger Games. Read about the casting process, the stunt work, and the special effects that went into making the film. A must-read for all die hard Hunger Games fans. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try "The Hunger Games" trilogy that inspired the movie by Suzanne Collins, or any of the other behind-the-scenes books about the series: The World of The Hunger Games by Kate Egan, The Hunger Games Tribute Guide by Emily Seife or The Hunger Games Companion by Lois Gresh.] -- recommended by Carrie K. - Bennett Martin Public Library


[ official Hunger Games movie web site ] | [ official Suzanne Collins web site ]

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SciFi Convention in Lincoln This Weekend!

Lincoln area science fiction and fantasy fans -- there's a regional sci-fi convention being held here in Lincoln this weekend, April 13-15, 2012!

ConStellationNE III is the third straight year for this small con, being held at the Guesthouse Inn & Suites at 5250 Cornhusker Highway. Their author guest of honor is Elizabeth Bear, winner of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer (2005), winner of the Theodore Sturgeon Award (2008), and two-time Hugo Award winner (2008, 2009); with artist guest of honor W.J. Hodgson (a painter and free-lance artist).

You can find out more information about ConStellationNE III at the convention's official website. They've also recently put out an online schedule of events, which you can check out at this link, to see if their programming might be of interest to you!