Summary of Posts: May 12th 2013

by Emily Roberts on May 12, 2013

In this cycle, we take a look at some new book titles that are worth our time and attention. From feline literature to fictional work about global issues to popular series transformed into the theatrical media, these are the topics we’ve lined up for you:

  • Ever heard (or perhaps seen) “Potted Potter”? It’s the theatrical play based on ALL seven Harry Potter books. How they manage to portray all seven books in seventy minutes is just a work of magic.
  • It might not be the Year of the Cat technically, but with all these books being launched about cats and how much people love them, I’d like to think otherwise.
  • The Science Museum in London will be releasing – for free to the public – a novel of fiction about climate change written by no other than Tony White.
  • Sometimes we get caught up with all the devices and gadgets that we have that we forget the simplicity and sheer joy that we can get from reading books.
  • Here’s one nonprofit to support: Bikers for Books – a group of riders that advocates the importance of reading books to Charlotte students and children.
  • Finally, we talk about how it is important to deliver the message effectively through the right forms of media. Books, without question, are one of the best ways to communicate our ideas and thoughts.

Delivering the Message

by Emily Roberts on May 11, 2013

Communication is one of the most important things in this world. Sometimes, it’s just between one person and another. Other times it involves a small group of people. Then, there are times when an even bigger target audience needs to be addressed. When sharing highly valuable information, it is important to choose a good medium to make sure that the message is effectively delivered. Modern forms of media have been successful with this task – television, radio, print publishing and, of course, the Internet. One form of delivering messages that have proven to stand the test of time is through writing and reading books.

Whether it’s a work of fiction or non-fiction, books are able to transcend the plain language of words. They are able to take the reader to an entirely new platform – a different place, a different time and setting. Whether the message is direct to the point or is subtly seeping through the novel’s storyline, I cannot think of a better way to deliver a message and to entertain an audience simultaneously. This is why books have ceased to only cater to hobbyists and bookworms. They now stand strong and firm in their ability to inform, to educate, to spread wisdom and to deliver the message that needs to be delivered.

Bikers for Books

by Emily Roberts on May 10, 2013

We’ve seen lots of motorcycle rider groups promote good causes and help out non-profits all across the country. Bikers for Books, still in its infant stages, is one that advocates the importance of books and reading to children in Charlotte. Rachel Greco tells us all about this great group.

Source: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20130426/CHAR02/304260030/-Bikers-Books-take-their-message-Charlotte-students-assembly

The Joys of Reading

by Emily Roberts on May 9, 2013

With all of the modern technology and gadgets that we are surrounded with on a daily basis, it can be very easy to forget about the simpler joys in life – reading, for one. Jeffrey Harlan shares his personal bout with (re)discovering the joy that comes in the form of books during one trip to the community library.

Source: http://www.dailypilot.com/opinion/tn-dpt-0428-harlan-20130426,0,5116280.story

On Climate Change

by Emily Roberts on May 8, 2013

It’s not often that museums publish books, but when they do, we know they’re worth our time. The Science Museum (London) will be offering critically acclaimed author Tony White’s book, a fiction about climate change, for free. Alison Flood tells us more about White’s novel, the subject of climate change and more.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/26/science-museum-publishes-climate-change-novel

A Purry Year

by Emily Roberts on May 7, 2013

With all the books being released revolving around the subject of cats – yes, we’re talking feline – this year, it might as well be considered as the “Year of the Cat,” at least for bookworms. Some titles include Lost Cat, The Cat Whisperer, Another Insane Devotion (On the Love of Cats and Persons). Liesl Schillinger talks books and cats on her post.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/fashion/the-year-of-the-cat-books-of-style.html?_r=0

From Books to the Stage

by Emily Roberts on May 6, 2013

“Potted Potter” is the theatrical presentation based on all seven Harry Potter books written by J.K. Rowling. The play will showcase the series’ storyline from start to end within a seventy-minute presentation. It has been shown in theatres all around the globe, and will be performed at the McCarter Theatre this coming May. Anthony Stoeckert gives us the full details.

Source: http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2013/04/26/time_off/entertainment_news/doc5178487cb13ef997901480.txt

Summary of Posts: May 5th 2013

by Emily Roberts on May 5, 2013

For this cycle of BooksFree we discussed everything from books headed for the big screen in 2013 to JK Rowling’s Pottermore website. What do you think of this cycles topics?

  • Quite a few books are headed to the big screen in 2013. To get a heads-up on a few of them see Erin Collazo Millers article for About.com.
  • Mysteries have always been a part of the popular fiction genre and are now making their way onto the ebook scene. For the statistics read here.
  • Stephen King and his son, Owen will be attending a writers festival together to promote their new books. For more information on the event, and the authors, read Shawn S. Lealo’s article for Examiner.com.
  • Horror has been around since the beginning of time and we all have our favorite series. Dana Fredsti gives us her favorites list. What authors would you like to add?
  • Pottermore while being a great source for all things Potter is said to be hurting publishers and scaring new authors. To read more about the subject go to Adrian Hun’s article for The Telegraph.
  • Finally, we discussed just what Pottermore is and the reaction it’s getting from fans, publishers, and authors alike. What are your thoughts on JK Rowling’s website?

What is Pottermore?

by Emily Roberts on May 4, 2013

When J.K. Rowling hinted at more of ”the boy who lived,” Harry Potter fans held their collective breaths for what would happen next. The result after a long time of anticipation got mixed results. The result of the fans not so patient waiting was what is simply known as…Pottermore. The live blog is a way for fans to move beyond the Harry Potter series by exploring the seven books in an interactive way and reading additional information on the beloved characters of the extremely popular series.

The unveiling of Pottermore received mixed reviews from publishers and fans alike. The article by Adrian Hon for The Telegraph entitled, “Why JK Rowling’s Pottermore will Frighten Struggling Authors-and Remember She Used to be One,” is only one of the articles out there that addresses the decision of the bestselling author to offer the ebooks of the series on the Pottermore website. Publishers, some fans, and even struggling authors are concerned over what this might mean to ebook sales for other authors if the trend catches on.

As far the site itself, reviews have ranged from “boring,” to “amazing” according to just who is doing the reviewing. What are your thoughts on Pottermore, as a fan or an author? We would love to hear them.

Pottermore to Hurt Publishers and Authors Alike

by Emily Roberts on May 3, 2013

J.K. Rowlings decision to sell Harry Potter ebooks on her Pottermore site has caused quite a bit of concern in the publishing and writing world. While it’s known that royalties on ebooks are not in the millions this move can hurt many budding authors and publishers as well according to Adrian Hon of The Telegraph.

Source: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/technology/adrianhon/100006726/why-jk-rowlings-pottermore-will-frighten-struggling-authors-%E2%80%93-and-remember-she-used-to-be-one/