Slowdown

Like many of my litblogging colleagues, I'll be shutting down the joint for the most part from now till after New Year's. But stay tuned for my last Sun column, which ran on Sunday the 26th. It's a little different than usual as I round up some crime novels that are usually overlooked during the year: paperback originals and small press publications.

And since I have to work between Christmas and New Year's, chances are I'll slip in an occasional post now and then. But barring that, it'll be rather quiet around here. So to all those who read the blog regularly or just trip across it, have a wonderful holiday, and see you back in 2005.

Comments

[Laura]

Have a great holiday, Sarah.

I just want to make a brief comment here about the power of blogs. Today, I was in a local independent bookstore (where I'm always treated like shit, but that's another topic for another day, sort of a literary "He's Just Not that Into You"), Christmas shopping but also filing in some gaps in my own collection.

First and foremost, I went to buy the Cornwell books because someone blogged the Alex Beam piece and I realized his books were perfect for the two "men" in my life. And I think I might read them, too. I'm so anti-war I seldom read about it (although I recommend Howard Bahr's "The Black Flower" to any and all) but I was utterly charmed by Cornwell's speech at Bouchercon and I think his books might engage in a way that O'Brian simply does not. (I've been told that O'Brian gets a lot better after the first book,but I just can't get back that darn recital.)

I bought "Lily Tuck" because I think the NBA nominees got a raw deal. I bought "Old Friends" because a link here took me to the neglected books of 2004, and boy does this latest Dixon look intriguing. And, finally, I bought Nichelle Tramble's second novel because I remember her from the comments section here.

Okay, so it wasn't so brief. But it was heartfelt. Blogs have brought me to more new writers and new books than any other single outlet, although Bouchercon Toronto came close.

[Jenny D]

Yes, I have blogs to thank for MANY of my favorite book discoveries this year! Sarah, you of course reign supreme--the names K. Bruen, C. Williams, K. Wignall are just a few of the people whose books I've read and loved recently thanks to your recommendations. Maud Newton for Stephen Elliott. And countless more--this is a really, really good thing, I am no longer reduced to reading third-rate used paperback thrillers or rereading for the twentieth time the novels of Dick Francis...

[Dave Worsley]

Heard that. I'm a much more expansive crime reader thanks to everyone on board here and TEV seems to have a crystal ball for championing some truly wonderful American lit. It makes it easier in my independent bookstore where I hope I treat everyone royally. I'm very saddened by reports of anyone being "treated like shit" in shops that may be similar to the one in which I work, and shocked that those who don't seem to like readers are allowed to work in an independent store.
For the record, if someone buys a book that I don't care for, great. If its something I love, well thats the best part of the job. A fine holiday to all

[Lee Goldberg]

Thanks to Ed Gorman and Bill Crider's blogs, I've spent more than I care to admit on books by Harry Whittington, Vin Packer, Dan J. Marlowe, Marv Albert and other Gold Medal legends...

[James C. Hess]

Do blogs have influence and power? Increasingly so. And I think there may be more to the phrase 'open source journalism' that is initially suggested.

Feel free to visit my humble blog at the provided url. Until then--

Happy Holidays to one and all!

[Elaine Flinn]

Blogs anyone? Yes! I have encountered a completely different mind set, a unique take (and often clearer) on the book biz, and voices one might not hear via the usual forums. Thank you one and thank you all. Oh, Happy Holidays as well. I'm a bit slow on that this year - blame it on that nasty cold that caught up with me.