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This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 8/9)

Aug 9

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Sometimes my priorities get mixed up and for that reason I’ve neglected you Los Angelinos until now. My apologies.

Monday, August 9th and Tuesday, August 10th
@ 7pm & 730pm
- Gary Shteyngart, author, will be at Vromans on Monday and at Book Soup on Tuesday discussing and signing copies of his book Super Sad True Love Story. I knew I recognized Shteyngart’s name from somewhere and only until I did a search from him did I discover that he is also the author of Absurdistan. Although I haven’t read it yet, I’ve been meaning to. As for Super Sad True Love Story I saw it at a bookstore the other day I must say it does look to be pretty entertaining.

Wednesday, August 11th
@ 7pm
- Mary Roach, author, will be at Vromans 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.

Alright, unfortunately I’m not in the mood to write more right now and it looks, as far as I can tell, that this is all that’s going on this week. If anything more pops up on my radar, I’ll be sure to fill you in!

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 8/9)

Aug 9

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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.

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 8/2)

Aug 2

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First and foremost, as I said last week, book reviews will return to this space as of tomorrow. Yes, now is the time to rejoice. Thank you for your patience.

It’s been tough for me to get back into the reading swing but, of late, it’s been in full effect. I just polished off Cronin’s The Passage and I can honestly say it was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. But more on that when my review surfaces in a few weeks time.

Anyways, here is what’s going down in book related events this week in San Francisco.

Monday, August 2nd
@ 7:30 PM
- Michael Scott Moore, author, will be at The Booksmith discussing and signing his book Sweetness & Blood: How Surfing Spread from Hawaii and California to the Rest of the World, with Some Unexpected Results. A veritable history of surfing with as the book title explains “some unexpected results.” Find out what it’s all about on your own.

Thursday, August 5th & Friday, August 6th
@ 7pm & 7pm
- Gary Shteyngart, author, will be at Books, Inc. in Berkeley (on Thursday) and Book Passage in Corte Madera (on Friday) discussing and signing copies of his book Super Sad True Love Story. I knew I recognized Shteyngart’s name from somewhere and only until I did a search from him did I discover that he is also the author of Absurdistan. Although I haven’t read it yet, I’ve been meaning to. As for Super Sad True Love Story I saw it at a bookstore the other day I must say it does look to be pretty entertaining.

Sunday, August 8th
@ 2pm
- With Discovery Channel’s Shark Week nearly upon us I thought it only right that I inform you that Margaret Kathrein and Jonathan Kathrein will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera discussing their book Far From Shore: A Mother’s Memoir of a Shark Attack. I can’t really say that the book looks or sounds all that exciting but shark attacks always make for entertaining news bits so who’s to say it can’t make for an interesting book. It’d also be pretty hard for me to pimp this book without mentioning this weeks latest internet sea-creature attack meme. The picture below was taken after this poor girl, Koral Wira, was attacked on the arm by a barracuda. Before taking her in and to the hospital her father decided to have a photo shoot with Koral. There are some nasty images of her arm but I’m sparing those and only sharing the only wherein her father is holding the lovely barracuda and Koral is beaming with happiness.

Koral Wira, clearly not smiling for the camera with her father and the barracuda that bit her.

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 8/2)

Aug 2

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Well, after a visit from my parents this past week it’s back to the grind from me. I’ve decided to mention that my parents were here in my LA post as opposed to my SF post for the obvious reasons, the Southern California connection. Sure they’re not from there but what the hell, it works in my mind at least.

Once again, for those of you that may have missed it, book reviews return this week!!

Monday, August 2nd
@ 7pm
- Jennifer Weiner, author, will be at Vroman’s singing copies of her latest novel Fly Away Home. For those of you like me who recognize this name as the name of a movie you are not mistaken. Yet, I was pleased to discover, once I did some research and found out that the movie was about a father, daughter and a bunch of orphaned geese that the book and movie have nothing in common. Instead of dealing with Geese, Ms. Weiner’s book deals with a family of women who seek refuge in a beach house after it is revealed that their Senator father/husband has had an affair. Yeah, not my kind or reading, but perhaps it is yours.

Well… it looks like Los Angeles is truly preparing themselves for the return of book reviews by offering very little in the way of events (or at least ones that I would consider attending) this week. So with that, hope you’re ready for tomorrow!

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 7/26)

Jul 26

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Just in case you missed it, I said it in my SF post that book reviews will return next week. Yes, you did read that correctly. You’re surprised? Come on, don’t be, I knew all along that they’d be back and better (well, that’s debatable) than before. To tide you over, for yet another week, here’s this weeks happening in you neck of the woods.

Monday, July 26th @ 730pm
- Alex Cohen and Jenny Barbee, athletes and authors, will be at Skylight Books signing and discussing 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.

Monday, July 26th @ 7pm
- Tori Spelling, actress and probable awful author, will be at Vroman’s signing copies of her book Uncharted TerriTORI. Um, you’ve got to be kidding me. Is this for real? Do people really read this garbage? God help us all.

Wednesday, July 28th
@ 7pm
- Molly Ringwald, actress and now author, will be signing copies of her book Getting the Pretty Back: Friendship, Family, and Finding the Perfect Lipstick at Vroman’s. I feel as though Ms. Ringwald really needs no introduction. If you don’t know who she is you were clearly born in the late 80′s or later and missed a few incredible films. Starring in films such as , Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink, I am certain there will be a large crowd at this signing regardless of how bad her book is. Not to be harsh, but come on, her book can’t seriously be any good can it? Stick to the movies Molly, that’s my advice.

Wednesday, July 28th
@ 730pm
- Tony O’Neill, author, will be at Skylight Books signing copies of his latest work Sick City. I don’t know who Mr. O’Neill is but from what little I’ve read in finding out about this event he sounds like an author that I should be reading. Sick City is about a sex tape, dopers and some good wholesome trouble. Sounds pretty good right? Well… I guess that’s for us to find out.

Thursday, July 29th
@ 7pm
- Jonathan Tropper, author, will be at Book Soup, presenting and signing copies of his latest work This Is Where I Leave You. I’ve seen this book a lot often and I’ve always contemplated picking it up. But, there are just so many other books out there I have yet to do it. I think the subject matter of this one, dealing with love, marriage, divorce, etc. has somewhat precluded my interests. Nevertheless, odds are this one will be read by yours truly sometime in the near future.

Friday, July 30th
@ 7pm
- Michael Scott Moore, author, will be at Book SoupBook Soup discussing and signing his book Sweetness & Blood: How Surfing Spread from Hawaii and California to the Rest of the World, with Some Unexpected Results. A veritable history of surfing with as the book title explains “some unexpected results.” Find out what it’s all about on your own.

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 7/26)

Jul 26

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Well, here goes: Book reviews will return next week. There, I said it, it’s done. I’ve made the commitment and I’m not going to let you or myself down.

So, whether or not you’ve noticed I haven’t exactly made it to very many book events myself of late. I’ve been busy, what can I say? That certainly shouldn’t be precluding you from making it to any of the numerous events happening this week. I mean it. Get there.

Monday, July 26th
@ 7pm
- Frank Bruni, author of Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-time Eater will be appearing and presumably signing books at Books, Inc. in Berkeley. I’m guessing that you don’t know who Frank Bruni is, and if you do feel free to call me naive, but Bruni was the chief food critic at the New York Times for the past five years. The book is his memoir and appears to be filled with humor, sadness and will most likely induce your sympathy. Seems as though his path to Chief was a long and difficult one. In one of his wisest moment, prior to the final publishing of the book Mr. Bruni left his top post at the Times, after all, once everyone knows who he is there is no telling what could happen.

Wednesday, July 28th
@ 7pm
- Harold Jaffe, author, will be signing copies of his book Anti-Twitter at Books, Inc. in Berkeley. Is there any surprise that there is a book out there title Anti-Twitter? There are haters everywhere right? Actually though, Jaffe’s book isn’t so much a knock on Twitter as it is a new use for it. Jaffe has taken 150 news stories and condensed each of them into 50 word stories that pull the most vital information to provide the reader with the “inner core” of each story. Oh, that and to prove “that brief need not = dumbed-down.”

Wednesday, July 28th & Thursday, July 29th
@ 6pm & 1pm
- Jennifer Weiner, author, will be at Book Passage in San Francisco (on Wednesday) and in Corte Madera (on Thursday) singing copies of her latest novel Fly Away Home. For those of you like me who recognize this name as the name of a movie you are not mistaken. Yet, I was pleased to discover, once I did some research and found out that the movie was about a father, daughter and a bunch of orphaned geese that the book and movie have nothing in common. Instead of dealing with Geese, Ms. Weiner’s book deals with a family of women who seek refuge in a beach house after it is revealed that their Senator father/husband has had an affair. Yeah, not my kind or reading, but perhaps it is yours.

Saturday, July 31st
@ 10am
- Oscar Villalon, former San Francisco Chronicle Book Editor, will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera providing those with $60 an opportunity to learn how to write book reviews. Imagine that. Naturally, I won’t be there. I’m quite proud of my abilities and don’t really think $60 will get me very far. But I do like Mr. Villalon so this may be a good opportunity for those of you out there that want to give me some sort of competition.

Saturday, July 31st
@ 730pm
- Tony O’Neill, author, will be at Booksmith signing copies of his latest work Sick City. I don’t know who Mr. O’Neill is but from what little I’ve read in finding out about this event he sounds like an author that I should be reading. Sick City is about a sex tape, dopers and some good wholesome trouble. Sounds pretty good right? Well… I guess that’s for us to find out.

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 7/19)

Jul 19

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I promise you the book reviews will return. I’m working on it right now and you’ll see them once I am ready and willing to share. These things take time after all.

For the time being, you’ll just have to be satisfied with my posts detailing the events that are happening in your neck of the woods.

Monday, July 19th
@ 730pm
- Matt Kindt, author, will be at Skylight Books signing copies and discussing his latest work Revolver. If you haven’t noticed I’ve pretty much come to grips with the existence of graphic novels recently and have come to really enjoy them. Not only because they are short but because more often than not they present a stark reality that hits home in more ways than your typical ficition. Revolver seems to fit this bill. It’s about a man battling between his dreams and reality and trying to figure out which is which.

Friday, July 23rd
@ 7:30 pm
- David Mitchell, author, will be at Skylight Books signing copies of his latest book The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. When I first saw Mr. Mitchell’s name there wasn’t a whole lot of recognition from me. Then, it dawned on me that I’d read something by Mitchell before.Although I didn’t recognize his name he is the author of the ever incredible Cloud Atlas, one of my all time favorite books. His latest novel is a historical piece set in Japan at the turn of the 19th century. I assume that this book, like Mitchell’s others will be full of vibrant language and characters and will, without doubt, be highly lauded as his others all have been.

Thursday, July 22nd
@ 7pm
- Joshua Braff, author, presents his book Peep Show and will be signing copies and discussing the book at Book Soup. So, I just saw a copy of this book in a bookstore the other day and I’ll admit I was a little thrown off by the title. I took a look at it and was actually a bit disappointed when it didn’t sound to be as juicy as the title lead me to believe. However, it did/does still sound like a pretty good read.

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 7/19)

Jul 19

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In case you were still wondering things are still going splendidly for me at the moment, minus the whole joblessness thing. That will of course change in due time, that much I’m sure of. Everything else going on in my life right now, well, I’d be perfectly happy if it all just stayed the exact same.

Anyways, here we are with this weeks exciting happenings. Who would have thought that this week would see so many decent events happening in the Bay Area? I sure as hell didn’t.

Monday, July 19th
@ 7pm
- Justin Cronin, author, will be at Books, Inc. in Berkeley where he will be singing copies of and reading from his latest book Passage. Although billed as yet another vampire book, Cronin’s vampire’s are not the sort that you would either cheer for or willing watch on television. They are glow in the dark, hairless mutants that would be more than likely to scare the crap out of you instead of steal your girlfriend. Although it’s not my style to do so, I’ve taken the time to read a couple of reviews of this book and have found myself pretty intrigued. Keep your eyes peeled, you may see a review of this one on my blog sooner or later.

Tuesday, July 20th
@ 7PM
- Scott Sigler, author, will be at Books, Inc. in Corte Madera discussing his latest book Ancestor. It’s pretty rare that advocate a sci-fi signing but I figured it was about time that I mentioned another one. I think I got a little mixed up when I was mentioning Sigler’s signing last week. I had mentioned his book Infected thinking it was his latest. I was only to be proved wrong when I went to the bookstore to pick it up and realized that it was actually published in 2008. Regardless, I’m looking forward to reading it. Ancestor is a new take on horror from Mr. Sigler, this time around he centers his book on a maniacal group of genetic researchers and their attempts to harvest organs from an ancient human. I’ll have to see how I do with Infected before I delve into this one, but I’m kind of into the whole horror writing thing at the moment so I wouldn’t be surprised if this one ends up in the stack to be read in due time.

Wednesday, July 21st & Thursday, July 22nd
@ 12pm, 7pm & 730pm
- David Mitchell, author, will be at M is for Mystery (12pm on Wednesday), Book Passage in Corte Madera (7pm on Wednesday) & The Booksmith (730pm on Thursday) signing copies of his latest book The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. When I first saw Mr. Mitchell’s name there wasn’t a whole lot of recognition from me. Then, it dawned on me that I’d read something by Mitchell before.Although I didn’t recognize his name he is the author of the ever incredible Cloud Atlas, one of my all time favorite books. His latest novel is a historical piece set in Japan at the turn of the 19th century. I assume that this book, like Mitchell’s others will be full of vibrant language and characters and will, without doubt, be highly lauded as his others all have been.

Saturday, July 24th
@ 7pm
- Tori Spelling, author and probable awful author will be at Books, Inc. in San Francisco signing copies of her book Uncharted TerriTORI. Um, you’ve got to be kidding me. Is this for real? Do people really read this garbage? God help us all.

Friday, July 23rd & Saturday, July 24th
@ 730pm & 530pm
- Don Winslow, actor, author and several other things, Mr. Winslow will be at M is for Mystery on Friday and Book Passage in Corte Madera on Saturday signing copies of his book Savages. Set in Laguna Beach this mystery novel involves a pair of Americans running a marijuana operation until there action is interrupted by Mexican drug cartels. Sounds like a pretty good thriller with it’s fair share of twist and turns and… who doesn’t love a good fictional tale of drugs and the violence they cause.

Sunday, July 25
@ 7pm
- David Herlihy, author, will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera talking about and signing copies of his book The Lost Cyclist. Back in the 1880′s a gent from Pittsburgh named Frank Lenz had the insane idea of cycling around the world. As Mr. Lenz neared the end of his two year cycle he disappeared. What happened and was the mystery ever solved? Well, looks like you and I will need to read the book in order to find out.

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 7/12)

Jul 12

Posted by The Valet in Events | 1 Comment

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.

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 7/12)

Jul 12

Posted by The Valet in Events | 1 Comment

While you’re lounging back in your chair reading this post I thought I’d highlight something of the more extreme sort that my brother is currently engaged in. Josh (J-tris) is, right now, in death valley crewing for a friend of his who is running the 135 mile ultramarathon known as Bad-Water. While he isn’t running the full thing he told me yesterday that he plans to be on the course for at least around 50 miles. Oh, I forgot to mention that the reported high temperatures during the race will be around 120 degrees. Sounds lovely doesn’t it.

As for book events this week in your neighborhood, let’s take a look…

Tuesday, July 13th
@ 7pm
- Misty May-Treanor, athlete and author (I guess), will be at Barnes and Noble in Huntington Beach presenting her narcissistic book Misty: Digging Deep in Volleyball and Life. I know you’re wondering why I chose to tell you about this and honestly I’m not so sure. I think it has partially to do with the fact that I am somewhat dumbfounded that someone published such a book and secondly because I lead this post off with a sports related topic. Although, I think Bad Water deserves more recognition than this book ever does. Will people really buy this book? If you plan on it, please let me know, I’m incredibly curious.

Wednesday, July 14th
@ 1pm
- Ilene Schneider, author, will be at Mystery Ink Bookstore signing copies of her book Chanukah Guilt. Had the title of this book not been incredibly, I doubt it would have made it into my list of events this week. But, once I did some research I learned some interesting things about Schneider that make it that much interesting that this book be included. I won’t go too far into detail but Ms. Schneider is quite accomplished and was also among one of the first women to become a rabbi in the United States. Her book on the other hand is about a rabbi who is determined to solve a crime. I’m not being biased by promoting this event, I promise!

Friday, July 16th
@ 12pm
Larry Doyle, author & producer, will be at Book Soup 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.

I really wish I had more for you this week, alas this is it. Go forth and enjoy!

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