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  2. BOTNS Podcast #128: Epigraphs and a Surprising Bestseller List

BOTNS Podcast #128: Epigraphs and a Surprising Bestseller List

May 11, 2011

Do you read epigraphs or do you skip right over them? We're surprised at the number of older books and classics on the current Science Fiction and Fantasy bestseller list. And two books we can't wait for you to read.

Epigraphs - Do You Read Them?

While flipping virtual pages on her iPad recently, Ann realized that she had gone right by the epigraph, and wasn't sure whether she should go back or not. It made her wonder whether I read epigraphs or not. My answer: not usually, unless it's very short or a pop culture reference. (Apologies to all authors who agonize over choosing just the right quote!) This recent article over at the Millions is a great look at epigraphs and asks some of the same questions we have, most notably, mightn't they be better placed at the end of a book? What about all of you? Do you read them? Do you like them? Give us a call on our voice mail line - 209.867.7323 - or leave your comments here!

Science Fiction and Fantasy Bestsellers -
Not What We Expected (5:45)

Every eight weeks, the American Booksellers' Association publishes a list of Sci-Fi/Fantasy bestsellers from independent bookstores around the country. The April 27 list surprised Ann and me in that the list was made up mostly of older books. George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series is all over the list, likely because of the hugely successful HBO series running now, and because the fifth book, A Dance with Dragons, comes out in July. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut and Dune by Frank Herbert are two other classics of the genre that appear on the list. Patrick Rothfuss' series The Kingkiller Chronicle is more recent; the second book is just out in hardcover. Both of the books in the series, The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear, are on the list, and both were highly recommended to me.

 

Two Books We Can't Wait For You to Read (15:04)

Ann loved The Snowman by Jo Nesbø when she read it last November, but the snowmen that the kids in her neighborhood were building really creeped her out. Luckily, few of you are likely to have snow on the ground where you are, so get this new book in the Harry Hole mystery series! When I really love a book, I tend to ramble, and I definitely do that when discussing Andre Dubus III's memoir Townie, his story of growing up in a tough town, and what he did to survive it. I listened to the audio, read by the author, and I can highly recommend it.

Reminder: On Monday, May 16 at 8pm eastern (EDT), we will be hosting the second online/phone discussion for the BOTNS Retreat Author Reading Challenge. This month, we're discussing Finn by Jon Clinch, and Jon will be joining us halfway through the call to answer your questions! We'd love for you to join us, and you can find all of the call-in/chat information here.