Bits & Pieces

I have no Friday Finds this week (I know- what's up with that?) so in lieu of a list of new books I wanted to share some news and other interesting stuff with you.

China Miéville won an unprecedented third Arthur C. Clarke Award for his novel The City and The City, published last year by Random House. Here's my review of the book, and what happened when I met him at a reading. He's an amazing writer and a true gentleman- congratulations, China!

He's also got a new book coming out in June, Kraken. A story about a sect of squid worshippers and a giant squid that disappears before the eyes of scientist-protagonist Billy Harrow, it sounds like a departure from what he did in The City and The City- and like a lot of fun.



Tomorrow, May 1, is Free Comic Book Day. Comic book stores nationwide will be conducting giveaways of samplers and short comics on a first-come, first-served basis. You can go to the official website for more information about participating stores near you. I know I'll be up early on Saturday to troll the comic shops of Harvard Square for freebies- and to bring them back for you in an upcoming giveaway.


Finally, Jeremy, fellow Boston bibliophile and writer of the great blog Philobiblos, alerted me to the Boston Antiquarian Book Fair, happening today and tomorrow at Boston University. Click the highlighted link above for official information and if you're in the area, I hope you get a chance to check it out. I'm planning to attend Saturday!

Finally, and nothing to do with books, Saturday is also the annual Harvard Square May Fair. If you're around, it's going to be great weather and the fair is always a good time with food, music and lots to see and do.

What are you up to this weekend? Hopefully I have some new finds for you next week. Have a great time whatever you end up doing.