September 2011: The Return of the Tent Sale!

September's here and that means it's time for our 3rd Annual Tent Sale! Books, comics records, CDs and DVDs are all $1 ea with many items at 2 for $1. This year the sale runs from September 16th - September 25th, with the tent restocked daily. Located in the north parking lot right next to Faye's Casual Cafe, with extra parking available in back.

Now let's take a look at some new books and movies coming out this month.

NEW BOOKS IN SEPTEMBER

The Race by Clive Cussler released 9-6-11
This is the 4th book in the Isaac Bell series. It is 1910 and aviation is in its infancy. Newspaper publisher Preston Whiteway is offering $50,000 for the first flight across America in less than fifty days. The intended pilot though has a husband with a violent temper. He kills her lover and attempts to kill her as well. Can Bell stop this madman before he kills again?

Robert B. Parker's Killing the Blues by Michael Brandman released 9-13-11
This is the 10th book in the Jesse Stone series with a new author at the helm. Paradise is hit by a string of violent crime waves giving Stone his toughest case ever. Also, when a mysterious figure from Jesse's past arrives in town, memories of his last troubled days as a cop in L.A. threaten his ability to keep order in Paradise.

Heat Rises by Richard Castle released 9-20-11
This is the 3rd book in the Nikki Heat series from the TV series Castle. Detective Heat is dealing with her most dangerous case so far when she discovers a conspiracy reaching the highest level of the NYPD. When she gets too close, she is stripped of her badge and tossed to her would be killers with only reporter Jameson Rook to help her.

The Affair by Lee Child released 9-27-11
This is the 16th book in the Jack Reacher series. The book tells the story of Reacher in 1997 on his first case. He is ordered to check out a soldier being accused of murder, but this soldier has friends in high places. As he works to uncover the truth others try to bury it forever. The cover-up threatens to shatter his faith in his mission, and turn him into a man to be feared.

September Movies (based on books!)

Drive (R)

Ryan Gosling plays a Hollywood stuntman with a second job – getaway car driver. When a robbery goes wrong, he finds his life on the line and his and an ex-convict’s girlfriend along for the ride. Based on the novel by James Sallis, this movie hits theaters September 16th.

I Don’t Know How She Does It (PG-13)

Kate Reddy has a great job, a great husband and great kids – so what’s the problem? Too much of a good thing takes a toll on Sarah Jessica Parker in this film based on Allison Pearson’s debut novel, coming to theaters on September 16th.

Moneyball (PG-13)

Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane, a manager forced to reinvent the Oakland A’s on the smallest budget in baseball. By playing on individual strengths, Beane builds a winning team greater than the sum of its parts. Based on the book by Michael Lewis, this film opens on September 23rd.

What’s Your Number? (R)

Anna Faris plays Ally Darling, a woman going through her roster of ex-boyfriends hoping to find The One. Based on the novel by Karyn Bosnak, this racy comedy comes to theaters on September 30th.

Spotlight: Local Authors BellaDonna Drakul and Lincoln J. Wear

We would like to thank everyone who came for BellaDonna Drakul's reading/signing here at Gardner's on Saturday, September 17th. BellaDonna's vampire fiction, unlike that of many contemporary authors, deviates from more romantic versions and harkens back to horror of yore.

For fans of children’s and young adult fantasy, local author 10-year-old Lincoln J. Wear will be signing copies of his book, Apollo’s Medieval Adventure, here at Gardner's on September 24th from 1pm – 4pm. Follow the story of Apollo and his quest to find and kill the evil Sand Lord, menace to the Isle of Dracoiia.

For more information on upcoming author signings, Like us on Facebook or visit gardnersbooks.com.

August 2011 Issue: Back to School!

The summer’s coming an end and it’s time to get ready for the new school year, so don’t forget to check with Gardner’s for any books you might need. We’ve got lots of classics, kids books and young adult fiction. We’ve even got some college textbooks if your instructor lets you use older editions. Gardner’s also gives discounts to teachers, veterans, police officers, fire fighters and EMSA workers; just bring your ID. If you can’t take advantage of any of these discounts, don’t forget that you can trade your old books in for credit and save even more money. Copies of our trade policy are available at the counter when you check out as well as at our website, gardnersbooks.com.

Now let's take a look at some of the books and movies coming out this month.

NEW BOOKS IN AUGUST
Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon released 8-2-11
This is the 20th book in the Dark-Hunter series. When hired gun Jess Brady is killed, he's brought back by a Greek goddess as a Dark-Hunter. Now he's up against Abigail Yager: she was raised by vampires who hate the Dark-Hunters, is convinced Brady killed her family and happens to look just like Brady’s murderer.

Victory and Honor by W.E.B. Griffin released 8-9-11
This is the 6th book in his Honor Bound series. Adolph Hitler is dead and buried outside his bunker, the World War in Europe is all but over, but there is no rest for Cletus Frade and his weary OSS buddies as they deal with the activities of former ally Joseph Stalin's agents.

The Omen Machine by Terry Goodkind released 8-16-11
This is book 12 in the Sword of Truth series. A mysterious device appears that seems to possibly tell the future. Its predictions are harmless at first but then the machine lays down a future that will tear apart the lives of Richard and Kahlan.

Flash and Bones by Kathy Reichs released 8-23-11
This is the 14th book in the Temperance Brennan series. In it, Temperance "Bones" Brennan tackles a cold case involving two bodies buried in asphalt, a NASCAR race, a group of right wing extremists and a possible FBI cover-up. Just what’s beneath the surface of this long-dormant case?

From the Booksellers’ Bookshelves: Whatcha reading?

“Just recently finished Ghost Story by Jim Butcher. This was the latest in the Dresden Files series. It was an interesting twist to have Harry be a ghost and it set up the next book in the series so well. I can't wait for it to come out next year!” - Charles, Shift Supervisor

“I read Feed by Mira Grant. As a zombie novel it was alright, though it’s more about politics set in a world with zombies.” - Angela, Bookseller


August Movies (based on books!)

Snow Flower & the Secret Fan (PG)

When two young girls in 19th century China are separated by their families, they preserve their friendship by writing messages to each other on the folds of a silk fan. Based on Lisa See’s bestseller, this tale of timeless friendship comes to Circle Cinema August 5th.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13)

Scientists have been experimenting with genetic engineering to create higher intelligence in apes. There’s just one problem: they were successful. The battle for supremacy begins in this prequel to Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle on August 5th.

The Help (PG-13)

In 1962, a young white woman starts collecting stories from the help – black women simultaneously relied upon and distrusted by their white employers. Emma Stone Stars in this story of the budding Civil Rights Movement opening August 10th.

Conan: The Barbarian (R)

When Conan’s father is murdered and his village destroyed, his life as a thief, pirate and warrior begins. Unrelated to the previous Schwarzenegger films, based on the character created by Robert E. Howard, Conan comes to theaters August 17th.

Local Events: Kathryn Lasky!
Kathryn Lasky, author of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, is coming to Tulsa this August 26th & 27th. Friday night at 7pm at Central Library she receives the Anne Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature; she will also answer questions and talk about her experiences as a writer. Saturday morning at 10am at Hardesty she will present awards to the winners of the 2011 Young People’s Creative Writing Contest. Lasky will sign books at both events, and copies will be available for purchase. For additional information, visit tulsalibrary.org.

Local Events: Josh Ritter!

Singer-songwriter Josh Ritter is a man of many talents, and he’s bringing them all to Tulsa on July 21st.
First, in another event from BookSmart Tulsa, catch him at Dwelling Spaces at 5pm where he’ll be talking about his debut novel, Bright’s Passage, a story about a man returning from WWI who must take care of his infant son after his wife dies.

Then at 8pm, head on over to the Cain’s Ballroom where he’ll be performing his breed of new folk-country with the Royal City Band. Tickets for this all-ages concert are $22 in advance, $25 at the door, and are available at Reasor’s, Ida Red, and Starship Records.

July Issue: Summer Sales, Blockbusters, and More

Summer Sale: Hardbacks!

First thing's first: Gardner’s is having a Summer Sale on all of our hardbacks. Art, history, and coffee-table size books are $8 or less and ALL other hardbacks are just $5 or less. Whether you’re building a library, buying a gift, or just trying to collect hardbound copies of your very favorites, now’s the time to stock up. Sale prices are not applicable when using trade credit. For more information, just ask one of our booksellers in person Mon—Sat 9AM—8PM, Sun 12PM - 6PM, or give us a call at 918-627-7323.

Now, let's take a look at some of the books and movies that are coming out this month to distract us from the heat.

NEW BOOKS IN JULY

The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen released 7-5-11


When a woman is horribly mutilated and murdered, Rizzoli starts to find connections between this crime and an almost twenty-year old murder suicide that happened in Boston's Chinatown. The ninth book starring detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles, this one's a must-have for fans of gritty medical mysteries.

Quinn by Iris Johansen released 7-12-11

This is the follow up to the novel Eve. When Joe Quinn met Eve Duncan he never expected to fall in love with a woman determined to bring her missing daughter home, but that's just what happened. Eve's first love, John Gallo, was supposedly killed in the line of duty. However, he is very much alive and may hold the key to solving this mystery.

Portrait of a Spy by Daniel Silva released 7-19-11

This is book 11 in the Gabriel Allon series. After witnessing a suicide bombing, the third that day, Allon is called to Washington and drawn into a confrontation with the new face of terror. Now he and his team must destroy the network from within with the help of a woman...a woman from Allon's own violent past.

Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong released 7-26-11

This is book 12 in the Women of the Otherworld series. Savannah Levine gave up her powers at the end of book 11 and now she needs them more than ever. In a story that will change the Otherworld forever, Armstrong gathers Elena, Clay, Paige, Lucas, Jamie, Hope, and others who soon learn that the greatest threat to supernaturals lies much closer than they thought.

July Movies (based on books!)

 
Monte Carlo (PG)

A case of mistaken identity lands Grace & her friends a trip to Monte Carlo, but things start to go wrong when a very expensive necklace goes missing. Based on the novel Headhunters by Jules Bass, this comedy starring Selena Gomez comes out July 1st.


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt II (PG-13)

Harry Potter faces Voldemort in the final installment of the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling's beloved series. Starring Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, an era comes to an end on July 15th.

Captain America: The First Avenger (PG-13)
Steve Rogers is too weak to serve in the military and fight in WWII until he's given the Super Soldier serum. Transformed into the finest physical human specimen in existence, Captain America throws his mighty shield on July 22nd.


Cowboys and Aliens (PG-13)

When aliens land in Arizona in the 1800s, cowboys and Apaches will have to stop fighting each other in order to save the Earth from enslavement. Based on the graphic novel by Fred Van Lente and Andrew Foley, the battle for Earth begins on July 29th.

From the Booksellers' Bookshelves: Whatcha Readin'?

“I just started The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I never read it in school and I figured it was about time. - Krystal, Asst. Mgr.

“I just finished reading Hater by David Moody. I expected a "zombie" novel but what I got was a refreshingly different take on the genre which kept me so interested I couldn't put it down! I've just started the sequel, Dog Blood, and can hardly wait for the third in the trilogy, which I'm told comes out this November.” - Bonnie, Media Dept.

Spotlight: Amanda Hocking

Interested in vampires, zombies, or trolls? Amanda Hocking’s bringing them to life in her YA paranormal novels. Her first series, My Blood Approves, follows the story of Alice, a 17-year-old who’s forced to make some tough choices, the least of which is whether to stay in the land of the living or join the world of the undead. Five books complete this vampire series. Another book, Hollowland is the story of 19-year-old Remy, who’s determined to survive no matter how many zombies get in her way.

Hocking’s most popular works may be the Trylle trilogy. Wendy was switched at birth. Seventeen years later, after surviving an abusive childhood, including a mother who tried to kill her, Wendy learns that almost everything she thought she knew about trolls (and herself) is wrong. The film rights to the first book in the trilogy, Switched, have already been sold.

Never heard of Amanda Hocking before? You will. In 2011 she became the first self-published author to become a multi-millionaire, thanks primarily to e-book sales. This past June she signed a $2 million book deal with St. Martin’s Press to get her next series in stores all over the country. Not bad for a 26-year-old.
For now, Hocking has paperbacks and e-books available through Amazon.com. If you’re a fan of fun young adult paranormal/urban fantasy, I urge you to buy her books, even if you can’t buy them from us yet. Just be careful you don't get hooked. (Just kidding. Get hooked, it's fun.)

Daniel H. Wilson brings the Robopocalypse to Tulsa

Tulsa-native Daniel H. Wilson has a Ph.D. in Robotics, and he’s used it to help fuel entertaining and informative books such as How to Survive a Robot Uprising, How to Build a Robot Army, and Where’s My Jetpack?: A Guide to the Amazing Science Fiction Future that Never Arrived. His first novel, Robopocalypse, is due out June 7^th. It’s getting great early reviews and Steven Spielberg is attached to direct the upcoming film. Come celebrate with Wilson at Dwelling Spaces downtown on June 20^th from 7pm – 8:30pm in an exciting event sponsored by BookSmart Tulsa.

June's Issue: School's Out!

Well the summer's here, the weather is hot, and there are plenty of new books and movies coming out. Here's a look at just a few.

NEW BOOKS IN JUNE

Hit List by Laurell K Hamilton released 6-7-11
This is the 20th book in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series. The Harlequin, vampire assassins in service to the Mother of All Darkness, are trying to lure Anita and Edward into a trap. The Mother needs a new body so she is coming to kill one and possess the other, and she doesn't care how many die along the way.

Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver released 6-14-11
Jeffery Deaver has been selected by Ian Fleming Publications to write this new James Bond thriller. A Night Action alert calls James Bond away from dinner with a beautiful woman. Headquarters has decrypted a message about an attack scheduled for later in the week. Casualties are estimated in the thousands, British interests adversely affected and Agent 007 has been given carte blanche.

The Devil Colony by James Rollins released 6-21-11
This is the 7th book in the Sigma Force series. Could the founding of America be based on a fundamental lie, one coded in secrets that stretch back to before the birth of Christ, to a mystery buried in the prehistoric past? The truth lies hidden within the ruins of a cursed lost colony of the Americas. A place known only as The Devil Colony.

Now You See Her by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge released 6-27-11
Nina Bloom is a successful lawyer and mother, but when an innocent man is framed for murder she has to address the past she ran away from 18 years ago. Nina must risk everything she's earned to return to Florida and confront the murderous evil she fled. This may be Patterson's most head-spinning, action filled story yet.



From the Booksellers’ Bookshelves

So, what are you reading right now?

“I just read a steampunk book I liked called The Affinity Bridge by George Mann. It had zombies! It’s the first in a series and I can’t wait to find the next one. - Sarah, Bookseller

“Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill. It’s like one part rock and roll mystery, one part ghosts and voodoo, with a splash of morbid love story and you’ve got yourself a perfect horror cocktail.” - Angela, Bookseller

June Movies (based on books!)

X-Men: First Class (PG-13)

Before Professor X and Magneto were enemies, they were friends just discovering their powers. This is the story of the battle they fought together & the rift that would later put them on opposite sides of the fence. Based on characters created by Stan Lee and the comic series by Jeff Parker, this movie hits theaters June 3rd.

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer (PG)

Judy’s summer’s looking pretty boring when all of her friends go away to summer camp – that is, until Aunt Opal shows up. Based on the popular children’s series by Megan McDonald and starring Heather Graham as Aunt Opal, Judy Moody comes to life on-screen on June 10th.


Green Lantern (PG-13)

Test pilot Hal Jordan must rise to the challenge when he is selected as the newest – and first human – member of the intergalactic police force the Green Lantern Corps. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, one of the most powerful characters in the DC universe hits the silver screen on June 17th.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG)

When Tom Popper inherits a crate full of penguins, it turns his life upside-down and his apartment into a slice of Antarctica. A contemporary tale based on the book by Richard & Florence Atwater and starring Jim Carrey, this family film comes to theaters on June 17th.

Summer Reading!

For many of us the arrival of summer means summer reading. Whether it’s for fun, part of a summer reading program (like the ones available at the Tulsa Library), or for extra credit, we hope you’ll let Gardner’s fulfill some of your summer reading needs. Our books are often cheaper than what you can find online (after shipping and handling), especially if you participate in our trade program (Note: Gardner's web page works best with Internet Explorer).

Just past our New Release rack we’ve got shelves dedicated to award-winning kids and young adult books for all ages, from Green Eggs and Ham to Maniac Magee and The Outsiders. We’ve also got Classics and Literature sections if your task this summer is to find out what happens to Piggy in Lord of the Flies or discover Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World for the first time.

Gardner’s also gives a 25% discount to educators with proper ID, so tell all the teachers you know that we’re their new best friend.

May's Issue: Movies, Books, and an Anniversary

May New Releases

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris released 5-3-11

This is the 11th book in the Southern Vampire series, the basis for the HBO series, True Blood. This time around, Sookie is investigating the firebombing of her workplace, while also trying to find out why her lover Eric and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill their Master. But the plot is much more complicated than she suspects.

Buried Prey by John Sandford released 5-10-11
This is the 21st book in the Lucas Davenport series. When a house is demolished and the bodies of two girls are found wrapped in plastic, Davenport is able to finally bring closure to a case he first worked in 1985. Back then his bosses had closed the case, however, it wasn't just the bodies that were buried there, it was the truth.

The Jefferson Key by Steve Berry released 5-17-11
This is the 7th book in the Cotton Malone series. Four presidents have been assassinated over time, but what if the reason for this was a clause in the constitution contained within Article 1, Section 8? After Malone foils an attempt on the current president's life by a group called the Commonwealth, he is on a quest to find the answer to that very mystery.

Frankenstein: The Dead Town by Dean Koontz released 5-24-11
This is the fifth and final volume in the Frankenstein series. In it, survivors are banding together in a small town in Montana. As they ready for battle against overwhelming odds, they will learn the full scope of Victor Frankenstein’s nihilistic plan to remake the future — and the terrifying reach of his shadowy, powerful supporters. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

May Movies (based on books!)

Something Borrowed (PG-13)

Things get complicated between Rachel and her best friend’s fiancé in this adaptation of Emily Griffith’s novel about love and friendship. Starring Kate Hudson, John Krasinski, and Ginnifer Goodwin, this movie is due in theaters May 6^th.

Thor (PG-13)

When Thor’s arrogance reignites an old war, it will ultimately become his responsibility to stop it. Yet another of Stan Lee’s beloved characters hits the screen on May 6^th in a film directed by Kenneth Branaugh starring Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman.

Everything Must Go (PG-13)

When his alcoholism causes Nick Halsey to lose his wife and his job, he decides to hold a massive yard sale and start over. Based on a short story by Raymond Carver called “Why Don’t You Dance?” and starring Will Ferrell, this film comes to Circle Cinema on May 13th.

Gardner’s 20th Anniversary!

Back in May of 1991, Richard Gardner opened up a little bookstore with fewer than 400 books to sell. 20 years and 2 million books later, we’ve become the largest used bookstore in the state and surrounding region, selling not just books, but comics, movies, CDs, records, video games, and more.

In an economy where even large bookstores are shutting down, we are very thankful to our loyal customers who’ve kept us in business for so long. We could never have done it without you.

As part of our thanks, expect more sales in the month of May, with Buy 1 Get 1 sales on books and comics, as well as early bird specials and other events. Fans of our annual $1 Tent Sale in September may get a miniature version of it in the upcoming weeks, so stay in touch with us via Facebook (facebook.com/GardnersUsedBooks) and Twitter (twitter.com/GardnersBooks) for the most current updates.