Valet Reader

Well, well, well… I actually delivered, imagine that. Last week I re-introduced book reviews to my blog and I’m quite proud of myself. After several months of traveling, unemployment and new ventures and adventures I actually reclaimed what I had vowed to. It’s not that I ever doubted my ability to get back into reviewing books but as you may be able to imagine after a long hiatus it can be difficult to get back into a groove. As with my job search, determination, perseverance and acknowledging my own capabilities has given me the ability to jump back into the reviewing with gusto.

This past week I reviewed Sebastian Junger’s War and Bret Easton Ellis’ Imperial Bedrooms. While I doubt either will be among my top books of the year, it felt good to write reviews again and get them to you for your reading pleasure.

I’ve got a lot more reviews ready and drafter for your reading pleasure. This week I have a special treat of a review which coincides with a movie release this weekend, so be sure to keep an eye out.

And now, without further a do, here are your events for the week.

Monday, August 9th
@ 730pm
- While not exactly a typical author event, The Booksmith presents a community panel discussing The Evolving Landscape of Local Journalism. The guests include Lisa Frazier of The Bay Citizen, Michael Stoll of SF Public Press and Lydia Chavez of Mission Local. This event should be rather interesting as the speakers intend on discussing the sustainability of their models, employment opportunities and their use of new media and traditional media.

Monday, August 9th
@ 700pm
- Doug Dorst, author, will be at Books, Inc., in the marina, signing copies and discussing his latest work Surf Guru. In usual fashion, Dorst, who is also the author of Alive in Necropolis has shifted to traditional fiction. His Surf Guru is a series of stories. I’ve had a quick look at the book and have to say that the stories themselves sound pretty fun and entertaining. http://valetreader.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=3824&action=edit&message=10

Saturday, August 14th
@ 730pm
- M.G. Martin, poetry master and local San Franciscan (although he’s really from Hawaii and purportedly eats spam), will be at Koko Lounge (great spot in the T.L.) signing copies and reading from his recently released One For None, his first published collection of poetry. At this point you’ve probably noticed that I’m not exactly a big poetry reader but that’s not to say that I don’t respect and admire collections of poetry. Hell, I gave graphic novels a chance and love them now so whose to say that M.G. Martin’s work won’t make me a lover of poetry. That said, it must mean something important when I do promote poetry right? M.G. seems like the kind of dude you’d want to hang out with, just check out the video below, not only does he write but he’s a performer too! Oh, and how could I forget, it doesn’t end there. Mr. Martin is also the co-producer and co-host of SF’s Literary Death Match. This guy does it all, get there, see him and meet him before he blow ups on the scene.

Sunday, August 15th
@ 7pm
- Carl Hiaasan, author, will be at Book Passage, in Corte Madera, signing copies of his latest work Star Island. He will also be doing a “drop by signing” at “M” is for Mystery as well. I’ve always been a fan of Mr. Hiaasan’s writing, although recently some of his works haven’t exactly hit home with me. But, I have a feeling that Star Island will be a return to his old form and get me to fall back in line with his writing. This particular book sounds almost like Lindsay Lohan disaster story but far more interesting and entertaining. I don’t doubt that I’ll be reading this one shortly.