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.

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.