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.

Local Events: Justin Cronin!

When 12 men condemned to death row become the subjects of research designed to create an invincible soldier, the experiment works too well. Known as the Virals, they feed on blood, hunt at night, and can telepathically control their prey.

More of an apocalyptic tale than your standard vampire fiction, The Passage is the beginning of a trilogy unlike anything Justin Cronin’s written before. He’ll be appearing at McBierney Mansion on May 19th, 7pm, in an event sponsored by BookSmart Tulsa. Don't miss it!

April's Here!

April brings another month of sales to Gardner's! We have lots of BOGO hardback sales this month, so be sure to check out our sales calendar here.

NEW BOOKS IN APRIL

I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark released 4/5/11
In Clark’s 30th novel we find her dealing with an all too modern crime: identity theft. When Alexandra discovers her identity has been stolen she is concerned, but even more so when it is made to appear as if she were the person who kidnapped her own son three years ago. Complete with an unexpected and shocking ending, this is Clark in top form.


The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly released 4/5/11
The fourth in the Mickey Haller series finds Haller representing a woman in a suit against the bank attempting to foreclose on her mortgage when she is accused of killing the bank official in charge of foreclosures. All evidence points to his client in this story of murder in the mortgage crisis. Catch the film adaptation of the first Haller book, Lincoln Lawyer, in theaters last month.

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci released 4/19/11
The fifth book in the series that began with Split Second. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell return in their most shocking case: a high stakes struggle where the relentless needs of national security run up against the absolute limits of the human mind leading to a terrifying confrontation that may leave the duo permanently parted.


This is a Book by Demetri Martin released 4/26/11
The stand-up comedian and host of Comedy Central's Important Things with Demetri Martin has a collection of essays, musings and drawings which gently skewer contemporary social trends, conventions and insecurities. Should be good for a lot of laughs.

From the Booksellers' Bookshelves: Whatcha reading?

“I just finished Cold Blue by [local author] Gary Neece. I enjoyed it; he includes some interesting details about police procedure in a gritty revenge story. If you like mystery writers like Jeffrey Deaver or Harlan Coben then you might like it too.” - Charlotte, Bookseller

“Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman. It’s a graphic novel that takes place in the Marvel universe in the 1600s, so you’ve got Sir Nicholas Fury guarding Queen Elizabeth and so on. If you’re a history/comic book nerd, it’s a very fun read.” - Krystal, Asst. Mgr.

March Movies (based on books!)



Soul Surfer (PG)

Teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack, but it wasn’t enough to keep her off the board. Based on Bethany’s autobiography and starring Carrie Underwood, Helen Hunt, and Dennis Quaid, this movie is due in theaters April 8th.


Atlas Shrugged Pt 1 (PG-13)

Railroad executive Dagny Taggart struggles to keep her business alive while others crumble around her, and in order to do it she’ll have to battle corruption and answer the question, “Who is John Galt?” Based on Ayn Rand’s 1957 novel and due in theaters April 15th.



Water for Elephants (PG-13)

Jacob Jankowksi tells the story of his days as a circus vet when he fell in love with the wife of an abusive animal trainer. Based on the bestseller by Sara Gruen, this movie stars Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz and comes out April 22nd.



National Poetry Month

This April is National Poetry Month, and one of my favorite ways to celebrate is with Carry a Poem in Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 14th, 2011.

It works just like it sounds like it would: just pick a favorite poem, put a copy of it in your pocket, and share it with friends, family and coworkers.

If Thursday doesn’t provide you with enough opportunities to share your poem, Suburban Acres is having a poetry slam on Saturday the 16th at 12pm where people of all ages can come to share their favorite poetry.

Other ways to incorporate just a little more poetry into our lives this month include adding a few lines to your email signature or even writing some on the back of your business cards. These and other ideas, along with pocket-sized poem PDFs, can be found at www.poets.org.

Did you know?

The first Easter baskets were made to look like birds’ nests.

The first White House Egg Roll occurred in 1878.

There is a German legend about a woman hiding painted eggs for her children, but when her children found them they saw a large rabbit hopping away, and thus the story of the Easter bunny was born.


Gardner's will be closed Easter Sunday, April 24th. We hope to see you soon!

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.