The Best is Yet to Come !

2011 was a sad year for us booksellers.  Our beloved Borders went out of business.  We're looking forward to 2012 though.  Just because our store is gone, it doesn't mean our friendships have to end.  We have our book club and this blog, which we're having a great time with; I hope you readers are too. 

We read a lot of great books this year and there are some books we can't wait to read in 2012. And because we're so awesome, we're going to share our favorites with you !

Alan's favorite book of 2011 was a re-issue of "Princess of Mars," originally published in 1914 by Edgar Rice Burroughs.  He's anxiously awaiting "The Winds of Winter."  It's the latest novel in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series which has been adapted into HBO's popular "Game of Thrones" series.

Jess B. loved the sequel to "I Am Number Four,"  "The Power of Six" by Pittacus Lore.  She's counting down the days until she can get her hands on "Dragonswood" by Janet Lee Carey.  Fortunately for her, it will be released on 01/05/11!  Meanwhile, there is no official 2012 release date for Alan's pick.

Jess P. was inspired by "Heaven is For Real," a true story byTodd Burpe recounting his 4 year old's son descriptions of heaven after waking from emergency surgery.  In 2012, she's looking forward to a new release from one of our favorite authors, Michelle Zink.  Zink's latest, "A Temptation of Angels," will be released 03/20/12.

Naomi enjoyed "What Language Is," by John McWhorter.   She told me he's hilarious.  She's hilarious herself.  So, trust her on this.  She loves the cover of "Loss" by Jackie Morse Kessler; it's the latest in the "Riders of the Apocolypse" series.  It will be released the same day as "Temptation of Angels," 03/20/12.  I think 03/20/12 will be a big day for the "Laydown Lowdown."

Rebecca T.  couldn't stop talking about her favorite book of 2011, "Shatter Me," by Tahereh Mafi.   Not only did she love the voice of the novel, she loves the author's voice on twitter, @TaherehMafi.   Now, she's looking forward to the third book in the "Hex Hall" series, "Spellbound" by Rachel Hawkins which will be released on 03/13/12

Rachel's favorite book of 2011 was "The Wise Man's Fear," by Patrick Rothfuss; it's the second book in the "Kingkillers Chronicles."

In 2011, I was thrilled to go back to high school.  Not my alma mater but Sweet Valley High.  I flew through the pages of "Sweet Valley Confidential," by Francine Pascal.  It followed the infamous California twins and their friends in the present day at 26 and 27 years of age.   I have to wait until September for my most anticipated release in 2012.  My cousin, Emily Helden Neuburger has written, "Show Me a Story: 40 Craft Projects to Spark Kids' Storytelling."  Unfortunately, it won't be available until September.   In the meantime, I'll tide myself over with "Deadlocked," Charlaine Harris' latest Sookie Stackhouse novel which will be release in May.

Let's close 2011 with a laugh.  One of our favorite visitors at our store was my dad.  He emailed this joke to me this morning.

Two goats, Nanny & Billy, were lunching on a nice pile of junk...
Billy had chosen an old reel of movie film.
Nanny asked: "How is it?"
Billy replied: "The book was better"

Have a Safe and Happy New Year Everyone !