Valet Reader

Life is good.

Of course, there are certain things, like employment, that could make it better, but I am in no position to complain right now.

You’ve probably noticed my lack of, or at least slowed pace, of reading right now but I’m still convinced that that will turn around. I know it will in fact. All in due time my friends, all in due time.

So, let’s see what we have on the table this week.

Tuesday, July 13th
@ 7pm
- Kevin Starr, author and historian, will be at BookShop West Portal discussing his book Golden Gate: The Life and Times of America’s Greatest Bridge. Odds are, if you live in the bay area, you’ve crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. If you haven’t, what’s going on? Honestly, I’m not too interested in the history of the bridge, I know all I really need to know just by growing up in California and living in San Francisco now. Oh, that and the movie The Bridge which is pretty disturbing to say the least. Anyways, Starr’s book examines the bridge for what it is, a bridge and a piece of art. He covers it’s history, it’s uses and how it serves as an icon of California. If you’re a history buff and are a fan of the bridge, check Mr. Starr and his book out this week.

Wednesday, July 14th & Thursday, July 15th
@ 12pm, 730pm on Wednesday and 12pm on Thursday
Larry Doyle, author & producer, will be at Booksmith (twice) on Wednesday and RakeStraw Books on Thursday talking about and signing copies of his book turned movie I Love You, Beth Cooper as well as his latest book Go! Mutants. Honestly, I can’t recall whether or not I’ve actually seen the movie but I imagine that at some point in the past couple years I have. If you weren’t already aware, Doyle was also a writer for the Simpsons as well as the beloved Beavis and Butt-head. But, back to his work as an author, Doyle’s latest Go! Mutants is a novel that reaches back into the vaults of the 50′s & 60′s and pits heroes and villains from sci-fi and teen movies of that era against one another. I’m a pretty big fan of B-Movies of that era and Doyle has deftly, or so I am lead to believe, recreated those images in this novel. If you’re near the Haight on Wednesday night, get there and hear this comedy mastermind speak.

Thursday, July 15th
@ 7pm
- Scott Sigler, author, will be at M is for Mystery discussing his book Infected. It’s pretty rare that advocate a sci-fi signing but I figured it was about time that I mentioned another one. Although this one seems a bit one the wild side, you know aliens infections and the CIA, it sounds like it could be a pretty entertaining and fun read. Oh, I also think it’s meant to be kind of scary which I like.

Thursday, July 15th
@ 930pm
- Ira Resnick, film historian, will be showcasing his book Starstruck: Vintage Movie Poster from Classic Hollywood at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. While I can’t say I’ve always loved classic Hollywood movie posters I am big fan of their unique style and design. Some were certainly misses yet others were definitely hits. If you favor the classic styling of the movie posters of the lost era of Hollywood, this is definitely your scene and I suggest you get there early to meet Mr. Resnick.

Well, it looks like there’s a pretty good variety of events this week. None really scream out my name but who knows, maybe I’ll end up catching one.