The Shelf Life

It comes to me that I must say 'adieu' from my blogging days at University Book Store. I have had some great times here, and have been allowed to put my opinions to print which has been one of the more rewarding aspects of my employment. Thanks for taking me in to your homes and making me one of your booksellers.

Over the past four years I have read more than 150 books, most of which I liked, some of which I loved. So, I take this final opportunity to give you my top 10 picks for books (from those books read in the past four years.) Is that even possible? Well, I will do what I can.

Top books should come to mind effortlessly ... and they should be books that you can easily see yourself reading over and over again, hence an actual physical copy is called for, demanded in fact.

The list that follows is not in any order of top to bottom.

1. Sunshine, by Robin McKinley
my all-time favorite vampire novel! ... wish there was a sequel or sequels, but the author hasn't conceded ... not yet ... I do understand about not wanting to be pigeon-holed.

2. The Road, by Cormac McCarthy
poetic, prophetic (?), dark and dire ...

3. Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, by N.K. Jemisin ... a new voice in scifi/fantasy who is already rockin' the house ... I will be reading more of her books ... she seems ready and poised to be a major literary contender.

4. The Reapers are the Angels or is it the Angels are the Reapers, by Alden Bell. I always get confused on this title, not because I don't love it, rather because I am thinking too darned much. I love-love-loved the heroine in this somewhat short in length award winner. It spans readership from young adult to adult, with the Alex award.

5. Bad Monkeys, by Matt Ruff, a local author. Don't know why it took me soooooooo long to stumble upon this great-funtastic-read?! I won't spoil this for you in any way ... hence end of spiel, except to say that you will be glad to be on the side of those who have read this splendidly unique tale.

6. The Unit, by Ninni Holmqvist, translation by Marlaine Delargy. Set in a future where society mandates that those without biological families submit themselves for random medical testing and requisite organ donation. I would be housed here--in the Unit--if this future existed ... to my eventual sad end. Great characters and believable futuristic setting.

7. Engines of the Broken World*, by Jason Vanhee ... keep on the alert for a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g by this to-date self-published author! A fresh voice in speculative fiction and a dynamite co-worker to boot. May $ucce$$ follow you wherever you go Jason!!! Buy this book!

8. Brief History of the Dead, by Kevin Brockmeier. I loved the cover art on this book of the empty overcoat ... & I am a sucker for good cover art. What happens to us when life ends? This book takes us to the precipice and beyond.

9. The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss. Who cannot love this book?!! The author, Patrick Rothfuss, has been to University Book Store on three occasions that I know of and each time he brings such a lovely, welcoming energy to his fans and loyal readers. Thank you Mr. Rothfuss! We love you Patrick! And now all you have to do is to complete your trilogy ... that's all. lol.

And, drum roll, number ten!

10. Baking with Julia, by Julia Child. I bought this as a remainder at University Book Store, so it sold for under $20**!!! Remainders or bargain books are a large stock in trade at UBS, and the lovely Miss Nicole can be found on the floor sorting through a plethora of great titles. Come and browse and see what bargains abound!

So, that's it ... were there any surprises? Are you going to buy with the intention to read, any of these titles? I hope so. And I hope you swing by to say goodbye to me. Waaah!

"Read a book, it's a game changer!"
~Jan O., Book seller for four years at University Book Store.


*For purchase information on this book, call University Book Store and ask for the used book sellers desk.

**To see if there are any remainders of this book available, you will need to call UBS and ask for the book information desk.