In sad bookstore related news I’ve been reading all week about the plight of Modern Times Books in the Mission. The 39 year old Mission institution which focuses on new and used books about “globalization, politics and media, as well as an array of graphic novels, fiction, and criticism” is having a rough time of it. In a recent letter to customers they informed that they need an influx of cash in order to pay their current bills and remain in business. Let’s hope the citizens of San Francisco hear their cry for help and come to the rescue. No one likes to see an independent go under.
In Valet news I’ve had a pretty decent week of reading. I’ve finished two books, which is pretty good for me at the moment, and have had some success with the job hunt yet still have no work. It will work out, I know it!
And now, what you’ve really come here for.
Monday, August 23rd & Tuesday, August 24th
@ 7pm & 7pm
- Robert Wittman, founder of the FBI’s art crime division and author, will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera (Monday) and at M is for Mystery (Tuesday) discussing his book Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures. In what may be described as one of the more unusual FBI agent field objectives, Wittman has traveled the world looking for lost and or stolen of some of the most priceless and famous pieces of art in history. Working often times for foreign governments he had to go undercover numerous times to uncover the thieves and mysteries of long forgotten crimes. This book most definitely reminds of a book I reviewed not too long ago, Bartlet’s The Man Who Loved Books Too Much, and I’m sure promises to be an intriguing and interesting read.
Wednesday, August 25th & Thursday, August 26th
@ 7pm
- Loretta Stinson, author, will be at Green Apple Books (Wednesday) & Book Passage in Corte Madera (Thursday) reading from and signing copies of her book Little Green. Perhaps you recall, or perhaps you don’t, but I reviewed this book in May of this year and really enjoyed it. To learn more about the book and the harrowing tale in it’s pages I recommend you start by reading my review. I’m sure this will be an interesting discussion with Ms. Stinson and can’t urge you enough to get there and see what she has to say. W
Thursday, August 26th
@ 7pm
- Teresa Gowan, author will be at Modern Times Books in the Mission reading from her book Hobos, Hustlers, and Backsliders: Homeless in San Francisco. If you’re reading this, odds are you live in San Francisco and are aware of the situation of the homeless in our fair city. Her ethnography discusses homeless men in the city and the wide range of issues associated with them and how it affects the city. Discussing poverty, urban planning, illnesses (drug abuse and otherwise) she systematically and analytically brakes down these issues and speaks of them in a true light.
Thursday, August 26th
@ 730pm
- Nick Burns, author, will be at Books, Inc. in the Castro sharing his book The Bearded Gentleman. While I don’t and would never claim to be a bear expert, I do currently sport one. Burns’ book offers a fun and entertaining look at more than fifty different shaving options for men that are blessed with the ability to grow facial hair (yes, I do have many friends that are just incapable of doing so, poor bastards).
Friday, August 27th
@ 7pm
- Mary Roach, author, will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera talking about her latest and greatest book Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void. Roach, who has written several other books including Stiff, this time tackles space and the strange and interesting methods undertaken to train future astronauts. I was incredibly close to buying this one the other day at the bookshop and undoubtedly will sooner or later. Given her previous work, I am sure this one will be interesting.
Sunday, August 29th
@ 630pm
- Alex Cohen and Jenny Barbee, athletes and authors, will be at Amnesia Bar (presented by Modern Times Books“>Modern Times Books) partying, signing and discussing (discussion starts @ 730) their book Down and Derby. Although I have not yet jumped on the Roller Derby band wagon, I did have the pleasure of watching Whip It with my parents. That was a trip to say the least. Anyways, both Ms. Cohen and Barbee are current members of the L.A. Derby Dolls and have decided to write a book providing us with the history of the sport as well as how-to. So, for those of you intrigued, here’s you’re ticket.
