March (Madness) Issue!

Gardner's is having big sales throughout the month of March, with paperbacks discounted 30 - 60% off and BOGO back-issue comics (including graphic novels and manga). Full calendar of sales is here.

NEW BOOKS IN MARCH

The Jungle by Clive Cussler released 3/8/11

This is the 8th book in the Oregon Files series by Cussler and the sixth collaboration with author Jack Du Brul. Cabrillo's handpicked team members are the only chance to stop a plot that threatens to bring the U.S. government to its knees. An action packed adventure sure to delight series fans.



Devil Red by Joe R Lansdale released 3/15/11

This is the 8th book in the Hap and Leonard series. In it we find the crime-fighting duo investigating a string of murders where the killer has drawn a devil's head in blood. As they pursue this Devil Red they realize he is actually hot on their tails and may be someone from their past. Sure to be thrilling and laugh out loud funny at the same time.

Cold Wind by C.J. Box released 3/22/11

This is the 11th novel in the Joe Pickett series. When Earl Alden is found dead it's his wife, Missy who is arrested. She is Pickett's mother-in-law and he doesn't care for her much. However, he finds that she may be being set up to help someone's re-election bid. With his wife on one side and the DA on the other, whichever way this goes it's not going to be good.



The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M Auel released 3/29/11

This is the 6th and final volume in the Earth's Children series. This book, 31 years in the writing, is unfortunately overlong and under-plotted. Nevertheless, readers who have enjoyed their journey through previous volumes in the series will relish one last trip to pre-history.



From the Booksellers' Bookshelves: Whatcha reading?

“Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist (author of Let Me In). It is a zombie novel in that there are undead, but that is where any comparison to a zombie novel ends. I feel there is a deeper message that I am missing.” - Charles, Floor Supervisor

“I’m reading a German book called Die Nibelungen by Friedrich Hebbel. It’s really a story of an old folk song, retold I guess. Love, death, betrayal… it’s fun. I remembered it from school and wanted to re-read it.” - Kat, Media Specialist

March Movies (based on books!)

Beastly (PG)

Pretty boy Kyle Kinison is transformed by a spell that can only be broken if he can find love despite his new, awful appearance. Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, and Mary Kate Olsen star in this retelling of Beauty and the Beast based on the book by Alex Flinn. Due in theaters March 4th.

The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13)
When rising politician David Norris falls for a ballet dancer named Elisa Sellas, Fate itself conspires to keep them apart. Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner, Minority Report), and starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, this film is due in theaters on March 4th.


The Lincoln Lawyer (R)

When a Beverly Hills playboy is accused of murder, what started as Mickey Haller’s case of a lifetime becomes a matter of his own survival. Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Phillippe star in this film based on Michael Connelly’s book and due in theaters March 18th.


Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG)

Greg Heffley is back with his older brother Rodrick and this time he’s taking on the school talent show. This movie based on the second book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney is due in theaters on March 25th.


Spotlight on: Gary Paulsen and Neal Shusterman

Gary Paulsen is responsible for some of the most celebrated man-vs-nature tales in the world of children’s literature. In his Newberry Award-winning novel Hatchet, the pilot of a two-person aircraft dies mid-flight, leaving 13-year-old Brian Robeson to fend for himself. With nothing but a hatchet he got from his mother he manages to survive on his own for 54 days. This novel establishes a character whose adventures continue in The River, Brian’s Winter, Brian’s Return and Brian’s Hunt.

Neal Shusterman is the author of many well-liked stories, including The Schwa was Here starring Anthony “Antsy” Bonano. When Antsy discovers classmate Calvin Schwa’s ability to seemingly disappear before his very eyes, it doesn’t take long for him to concoct a scheme to use it to their advantage. Antsy returns in Antsy Does Time with the story of another unusual friendship with classmate Gunnar Umlaut.

Gary Paulsen and Neal Shusterman will both be appearing at Hardesty Library on Wednesday, March 30th at 7:15pm as part of their Sequoyah Spectacular. Event is free but seating is limited, so don’t be late!

Gatsby's Grill!

Don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee before you end your visit with us. Gatsby’s serves locally-roasted, reasonably priced coffee and delicious desserts six days a week, from 7am – 7pm Monday thru Thursday, 7am – 8pm Friday, and 8am – 8pm on Saturdays. Gatsby’s is also the place to unwind inside the bookstore and enjoy some free Wi-Fi, so pull up a booth and relax for a little while.

Kim Harrison's coming to town!

There are many authors in the popular paranormal and urban fantasy genres, but Kim Harrison is one of the best. Her books offer enough romance for the ladies with enough action to keep anyone else interested as well. Add a twist of humor and you have her highly praised Rachel Morgan series.

The Rachel Morgan series, often referred to as the witch series, is currently eight books long, beginning with Dead Witch Walking. The series follows a witch named Rachel Morgan, as she leaves her bounty hunting job to work independently. She starts up a company by the name of Vampiric Charms with her partners Ivy, a living vampire, and Jenks, a pixy. They take on special cases and along the way Rachel has to deal with relationship problems with her co-workers, learning more and more spells and dealing with the consequences of performing dark magic.

Hitting shelves on February 22, 2011, comes the ninth book in the Rachel Morgan series, Pale Demon. When Rachel wants to fly off to a witch convention her coven puts her on a no fly list, forcing her to take a cross country road trip with her enemy, Trent, with Jenks and Ivy in tow. The scenario with those four travelling together is enough to make any fan of the series shiver with anticipation.

Harrison also has started a young adult series that follows the adventures of teenager Madison Avery, currently dead, but still of this world thanks to an amulet she stole from the dark reaper that was looking to do her in. Book three comes out later this year.

Kim Harrison is about to kick off a signing tour to support her newest book and will be stopping here in Tulsa. Mark your calendars, she’ll be in town on March 4th at 7 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble on 71st St. across from the Woodland Hills Mall.

February Issue!

As we continue to battle winter weather, lets take a look at some things to look forward to in the month of February.

NEW BOOKS IN FEBRUARY

Fire the Sky
by W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear 2.15.11
The 2nd book in a series that began with last year’s Coming of the Storm. Black Shell and Pearl Hand return to lead survivors of the massacre at Napetuca as they hunt Kristianos, the European invaders lead by Hernando de Soto. The various nations of the Southeast must band together if the threat is to be stopped. But can they do it in time?



Gideon's Sword
by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child 2.22.11
As a boy, Gideon Crew saw his father gunned down. Later in life, his mother told him that his father had taken the fall for the U.S. government. With new purpose Gideon crafts a mission of vengeance against his father's killer. During his hunt however, someone notices his special skills and this operation may be only the beginning...

Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb 2.22.11
When policewoman Delia Peabody overhears two other cops arguing, not only does she know the name of one of the corrupt cops, she also knows they are both guilty of murder. This leads her and Det. Eve Dallas to try and take them down. The 33rd novel in the series, this high-stakes, high-adrenaline read will delight series stalwarts.



River Marked
by Patricia Briggs 3.1.11
This is the 6th book in the Mercy Thompson series. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind until now. An evil is stirring up in the Columbia River and her father's people might know something about it. Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate Adam just may need their help on this one.


From the Booksellers' Bookshelves: Whatcha reading?

“I’m re-reading Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. I’m hoping to introduce my daughter to the Vampire Chronicles since she enjoyed the Twilight books so much.” - Bonnie, Media Dept.

“Fated by S.G. Browne. It’s terrific; it really makes you stop and think about how literally the only thing keeping you from pursuing different outcomes of your own life is your own self. Kind of poses a big “what if?” in your face.” - Angela, Bookseller


February Movies (based on books!)



Gnomeo and Juliet (G)

Red and Blue garden gnomes have always fought. Can Gnomeo and Juliet find love despite coming from two different worlds? This loose retelling of Romeo and Juliet for kids is due for release on Feb. 11th.

The Eagle (PG-13)

Channing Tatum stars in this historical adventure about a young Roman’s soldier searching for the truth behind the disappearance of the Ninth Legion. Based on the 1954 novel The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff and due in theatres Feb. 11th.

Unknown (PG -13)



Talk about identity theft: when Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) wakes out of a coma he finds that someone has stolen his life and no one, not even his wife, recognizes him. Based on Didier Van Cauwelaert’s 2005 novella Out of My Head, this film is due in theatres Feb. 18th.

I Am Number Four (PG-13)

Three are dead. John is number four. On the run from a powerful enemy, he poses as a typical teenager to survive, but what happens in this new town will change his life forever. Based on the young adult novel of the same title by Pittacus Lore & due in theatres Feb. 18th.


Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, here’s a short list of writers that have greatly influenced the world of literature:

• Gwendolyn Brooks, poet, first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize

• Maya Angelou, poet & memoirist, author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

• Ralph Ellison, author of Invisible Man, winner of the National Book Award (& born in OKC!

• Toni Morrison, author of The Bluest Eye, first African American to win Nobel Prize for Literature

• Zora Neale Hurston, author of Their Eyes Were Watching God

• Ernest Gaines, author of A Lesson Before Dying, winner of National Humanities Medal

• Booker T. Washington, author of Up From Slavery, first African American ever invited to the White House

Gatsby's Grill!
Pork chops make a regular appearance on the special menu at Gatsby's. A classic home-cooked staple, you’ve got your choice of having them fried or grilled as well as three sides from the menu, which vary seasonally, but often include fries, coleslaw, spaghetti squash, collard greens, fried okra, or a cup of soup. Breakfast and hot lunch entrees served until 3pm with soup, drinks, and desserts available ‘til close. Open Monday thru Thursday 7am – 7pm, Friday 7am – 8pm, Saturday 8am – 8pm, closed on Sundays.



Spotlight on: Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert is coming to town, hot on the heels of the paperback release of her newest book, Committed: A Love Story, which details her decision to change her mind after swearing never to remarry.
Earlier in her career, Gilbert was a successful freelance writer. She was first unpublished writer to debut in Esquire magazine since Norman Mailer when they published her short story “Pilgrims,” which was a later published in a collection of short stories under the same title. Her second book was a novel called Stern Men, named a “Notable Book” by The New York Times. She also wrote an article for GQ called “The Muse of the Coyote Ugly Saloon,” which would later become the basis for the movie Coyote Ugly. She adapted another GQ article about the life of woodsman Eustace Conway into her first book of nonfiction, The Last American Man, which was a finalist for both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. She is probably most famous for her 2006 memoir Eat, Pray, Love, which chronicles her journey around the world after a hard divorce and was recently made into a movie starring Julia Roberts.
Elizabeth Gilbert will be speaking, answering questions, and signing books at All Souls Unitarian Church on February 19th at 7pm (thanks, Book Smart Tulsa).

January's Issue: Happy New Year!

Thanks to everyone who came to see us during the holiday season! Thanks to you, we're headed into our 20th year in Tulsa. Let's see some of what it has in store for us.

NEW BOOKS IN JANUARY



Awakened by P.C. and Kristin Cast released 1/4/11
This is the 8th book in the House of Night series by local authors, the Casts. Absolved by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet is bent on revenge and Zoey is her target. However, Zoey is being groomed to be queen on the Isle of Skye. Will she return to Tulsa and face Neferet? We'll see.


A Hard Day's Knight by Simon R Green released 1/4/11
In this the 12th novel of the Nightside series, John Taylor finds himself in the role of leader after dispatching of Walker in book 11. After taking over, Taylor receives the ancient sword Excalibur in the mail to wield. To find out why, Taylor must venture to a place some find more frightening than the Nightside...London proper.



The Sentry by Robert Crais released 1/11/11
This is the third book in Crais's Joe Pike series. When Pike witnesses two business owners being roughed up for protection money, he steps in to help these Hurricane Katrina refugees. As the violence escalates, Pike finds out that most of what these two have told him may be lies. That would explain why they are being watched by some federal agents as well.



Strategic Moves by Stuart Woods released 1/18/11
This is the 19th book in the Stone Barrington series. In this latest novel, Barrington receives a million dollar bonus from his law firm, romances a widow, investigates a murder close to home, and counsels a fugitive who claims to know the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden. Fair warning: early reviews suggest this book may be a bit lacking and weak.

From the Booksellers' Bookshelves: Whatcha reading?

“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. It’s about a young teenager who realizes he must leave the reservation if he wants a better life. It’s really funny in some places and completely heartbreaking in others.” - Krystal, Asst. Mgr.

“Caligula: The Corruption of Power by Anthony Barrett. It’s very good, and not just madness and naughtiness.” - Sean, Internet Sales Dept.

January Movies (based on books!)


True Grit (Rated R)

This film came out late last month, but with all the Oscar buzz I didn’t want to pass it by. When a young woman’s father is murdered, she hires the toughest US Marshall she can find to catch him. The 2nd film to be based on the book by Charles Portis, expect this one to be just a bit grittier than the original. Now in theaters.


I Love You Phillip Morris (Rated R)

A con man falls in love with a fellow inmate. His desire for them to have a perfect life together leads him to escape prison 4 times. Based on Steve Mcvicker’s memoir, Jim Carrey and Ewan Mcgregor star in a story so strange it must be true. Coming to Circle Cinema on Jan. 7th.



From Prada to Nada (Rated PG-13)

Two spoiled sisters lose their father and their fortune and fall into a more colorful life outside of Beverly Hills. This retelling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility takes place in contemporary Los Angeles and is due in theaters January 28th.

The Rite (Rated R)

A doubtful seminary student attends exorcism school in the Vatican and learns about the darker forces in his faith. Adapted from journalist Matt Boglio’s book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, Anthony Hopkins stars in this film due out Jan. 28th.



New Year’s Resolutions

Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular resolutions people make this time of year.

• Lose Weight

At the top of the list for many when it comes to making lifestyle changes, The American Heart Association encourages a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, grains & protein as well as regular exercise instead of restrictive diets for long-term weight loss.

• Quit Smoking

Lots of people want to quit smoking, but that doesn’t make it easy. Aside from the gum, patch, & prescription meds, smokefree.gov has additional information about ways to cope with the cravings.

• Debt Management

So many of us have debt to manage these days. Lots of free information about your rights as a consumer, dealing with creditors, settling your debts is available at ftc.gov/consumer.

• Read More

If you’re looking to read more in the New Year, be sure you're saving with Gardner's Used Books.

What's your New Year's resolution?

"I'd like become more organized. I've bought myself a day planner; I'm just not sure what I did with it." Cathy, Student

"I want to get back down to my playing weight. Back in '82 I could throw a pigskin a quarter mile." Rick, Salesman



Spotlight On: Tim Dorsey

If you are a fan of mystery with a twist of humor, then you may want to check out author Tim Dorsey.
Dorsey grew up in a town in Florida about an hour north of Miami. After graduating from Auburn university in 1983, he spent the next 15 years writing for various newspapers in Alabama and Florida. In 1999 he quit his job to write full time.
Now, Dorsey is the author of 12 novels all of which star his antihero Serge Storms. With titles like Atomic Lobster, Nuclear Jellyfish and Gator A-Go-Go you know that you are going to be in for a good time in these romps through the state of Florida.
Hitting shelves on January 25, 2011 will be Dorsey's 13th novel, Electric Barracuda. In it, Serge Storms exponential body count has finally caught the eye of one tenacious state agent who wants to solve the case. Meanwhile, Storms resurrects his travel website in order to give everyone the ultimate Sunshine state tour through the eyes of a fugitive. Even with that all on his plate, he still finds the time to help his grandfather find out why all his gangs life saving have suddenly disappeared. Just a normal day in the life of the lovable vigilante.
Fans of Carl Hiaasen, Dave Barry and Christopher Moore should find this right up their alley. For a good time, pick up a Dorsey novel today.



Gatsby's Grill - Soup's On!

[Updated to include new hours]

The crew at Gatsby's is taking a well-deserved vacation the first week of January, but will be back Monday the 10th to offer relief from the cold with a hot bowl of soup. Just like their specials, there’s a new one available each day, with everything from classic potato to roasted mushroom and bacon miso! Their soups, along with their specials, are posted on via Facebook so be sure to check your feed. Open Monday thru Thursday 7am – 7pm, Friday 7am - 8pm, Saturday 8am – 8pm, and closed on Sundays.

Romancing Tulsa With Best-Selling Author Susan Elizabeth Phillips

If you're a fan of lighthearted romance fiction, then Susan Elizabeth Phillips may be right up your alley. Known for her sense of humor and sexy storylines, Phillips is the only author to win the Romance Writers of America Favorite Book of the Year Award four times. In our store she can be found in the Contemporary Romance section located in the north room of our building, just behind Gatsby's Grill.

SEP, as she's known to her fans, has written over twenty novels, seven of which are part of the Chicago Stars series, including the ever popular Nobody's Baby But Mine, the story of a physics professor pursuing a football player and getting more than she bargained for.

One of her stand alone novels, Ain't She Sweet?, follows the story of an unconventional heroine: Sugar Beth Carey, who was once the "wild child of Parrish, Mississippi" and is now a thrice-divorced woman driven home by poverty. Still as strong and sassy as ever, Sugar Beth is still not the girl she used to be and must face the mistakes of her past.

Phillips' latest novel Call Me Irresistible is the latest in a collection of books that includes Fancy Pants and Lady Be Good. Two days after her new book's release, SEP will be appearing at Hardesty Regional Library, Connors Cove on January 20th, from 7pm to 8pm. Copies of her books will be available for purchase, and there will also be representatives from the Tulsa Night Writers and the Romance Writers Ink to answer questions about local writing groups. For all you fans and budding writers, this event is free and all ages, but seating is limited so don't be late!

Happy Holidays!

The Holidays are in full swing at Gardner's! Come check out our holiday displays for great gift-giving ideas. Do you have any mystery-lovers on your list?





Any cooks or crafters?





Art lovers or film fans?





We've got something for everyone, so be sure to swing by this holiday season! We also have sales going on all the time which you can keep up with via Facebook, Twitter, or even our handy-dandy calendar.

NEW BOOKS IN DECEMBER

Dead or Alive by Tom Clancy 12/7/10

There are terrorists who pose a serious threat to western civilization, and the most dangerous of these is the Emir. Armed with new recruits, Jack Ryan, Jr. & his colleagues at the Campus are going to get him, dead or alive.




Witch and Wizard: The Gift by James Patterson 12/13/10
Once held captive by the totalitarian regime known as the New Order, Whit & Wisty are now leaders of a hidden community called the Resistance. The One wants Wisty because she is “The One Who Has the Gift,” but there’ s just one problem: she doesn’t know what that means.

Dead Zero by Stephen Hunter 12/28/10
The latest book in Hunter's Bob Lee Swagger series. Swagger is recruited by the FBI to stop a man known as the Cruise Missile from reaching his target: a warlord now loved by the State, Administration and the Agency, but who months earlier tried to kill the Missile. Swagger slowly realizes the man he is hunting may just be in the right.




The Outlaws by W.E.B. Griffin 12/28/10
There are many things the intelligence community can't (or won’t) do & that’s where Charlie Castillo comes in. Such is the case when a FedEx package arrives containing photos of barrels of the most dangerous biohazard materials on earth...that had supposedly been destroyed. Who has them?

Don't forget, Gardner's gives more trade credit for new releases than for other books, so be sure to bring them by once you're done!

From the Booksellers' Bookshelves: What are you reading right now?

“I’m on book 30 of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series: an amazing 32 book adventure with trolls, dwarves, witches, wizards, golems, vampires, werewolves and pretty much any other mythological creature you can think of. Each book is hilarious and puts forth a fantastical vision of our modern society and its blunders.” - Charles, Front Counter Supervisor

"Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. It’s very dramatic & well-written, & it’s like everyone who met him had really positive things to say about him.” - Lora, Gatsby’s Waitress

DECEMBER MOVIES (based on books!)



Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Rated PG)

Lucy and Edmund return to Narnia, this time with their cousin Eustace. Prince Caspian is now King Caspian, and they must accompany him on an adventure that will take them to the edge of the world. In theatres December 10th.

Howl (Rated R)

Who knew that writing a poem would cause this much trouble? James Franco stars as Allen Ginsberg in this film that saw limited release earlier this year and is finally coming to Circle Cinema on December 10th.



Pygmalion (Unrated)

Snobbish Henry Higgings makes a bet that he can transform a poor flower-seller into a society lady. Based on the play by Bernard Shaw, this 1938 film is not a musical. Another film brought to us by Circle Cinema as part of their Essential Arthouse program on December 20th.

Gulliver’s Travels (Rated PG)

Gulliver, a hapless travel writer, stumbles upon a land whose inhabitants are only six inches tall. Jack Black stars in this modern reimagining of Jonathan Swift’s satire, due in theatres December 22nd.


"The whole of life is just like watching a film. Only it's as though you always get in 10 minutes after the big picture has started, & no-one will tell you the plot, so you have to work it out all yourself from the clues."
Terry Pratchett



Gatsby's Grill

Gatsby's Grill is having a holiday special during the month of December with $1 off any pie or cake! And with treats like this Reese's peanut butter pie, I don't know what I'm supposed to do with myself.

I'm playing with how often our blog updates, so that's all for now. In the meantime, don't forget to go see Ian McEwan this Saturday at Central Library!

December Sneak Preview - Ian McEwan

Ian McEwan is one of Britain’s most distinguished novelists. A contemporary fiction author, McEwan can most often be found within our bookstore in the Literature and Bestseller sections. He has written eleven novels and two short story collections, over 50% of which have been adapted into films.

His first published work was a collection of short stories entitled First Love, Last Rites (1975) which won the Somerset Maugham Award. One of the stories, “Solid Geometry,” was produced as a play in 1979 and later as a short film in 2002. His first novel was The Cement Garden, a disturbing story about four children who conceal their parents’ deaths to avoid being taken into state custody. After being shortlisted a number of times, in 1998 he won the Booker prize for Amsterdam, a morality tale about the intertwining lives of a newspaper editor and a composer, both of whom become obsessed with revenge. One of his most famous books is Atonement, and in 2007 this story of a young woman’s tragic mistake and her quest for atonement was adapted into a highly acclaimed film starring Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and Vanessa Redgrave. In 2010 he published Solar, a satirical novel whose protagonist is a Nobel-prize winning physicist.

Ian McEwan will be giving a presentation and signing at Central Library downtown on Saturday, Dec 4^th at 10:30am on the second floor. This event is free, open to the public and will have copies of his books available to purchase.