Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Ok, maybe I was wrong about Borders, sort of.

In the past, I have mentioned my dissatisfaction with Borders, the bookstore chain. On the one hand, it is the only book store around here. Beggers can't be choosers. But, I do hate that every time I go there, there seems to be less and less space given to books and more and more to gifts and games and coffee and greeting cards. I hate the fact that I went there looking for a nice copy of a classic and not only could I not get a nice copy, I could not get any copy! A disgrace.

Because of my mixed feelings about Border, however, I realize that I may having been missing out on a great resource about books, and that is Borders' web site. I belong to their 'frequent flyer' program, or whatever it is called, so I get e-mails from them with various offers. I always glance at them, looking for a great coupon, because, as you know, I am cheap and hate to pay full price. Now this morning, I noticed a link to a video by the author Lisa Scottoline, someone whose books I enjoy a great deal. She features great characters, especially smart, female characters and always, smart, often witty writing. Smart and witty is a wonderful thing. Well, Ms. Scottoline has a new book coming out soon, Look Again, available April 14, {{if Ms. Scottoline or her publicist might read this and like to send me a copy, please do not hesitate for a second to e-mail me...not a second}} and although I think she might mention that in the video, the real point is a little tour through her favorite thriller writers. Some of her choices I totally agree with, Denise Mina, P.D.James in fiction, A Perfect Storm, a book I loved, as an example of a non-fiction thriller. Some I disagree with..I think I have mentioned that I have given up on Patterson, another example of the Series That Should Have Ended But Did Not. Kill Cross...all I am saying. The Da Vinci Code...oh, really Lisa, tell me you are kidding, please.

But the really interesting part is her insights into thrillers and mysteries and writing in general, plot, characterization. And as always, she is very amusing. And a good Philly girl. I love her definition of a great novel as "A fully realized story, well told" and I have to agree with her idea that thrillers are "entertainment for smart people". I have mentioned that I love mysteries and thrillers, haven't I? ;-)

Now I see that Border's site is full of videos and other delightful material in the Border's Media section. Book club interviews with authors, book trailers, author's short pick of their favorites books, even a short story by Stephan King "N." "brought to vibrant life through a series of 25 graphic video episodes."

A great source, worth checking out.
Posted by caite at 8:40 PM
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10 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 10, 2009 at 8:51 PM

    I stop by Borders every once in a while but I try to get books from local indies first. Borders has reward program and so do the indies; although I do confess that I'm tempted by their heavy discount coupons.

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  2. AnonymousMarch 10, 2009 at 10:25 PM

    If I had an independent bookstore around here...which I do not... I would go...just because Borders attitude toward books annoys me. It is getting as if books are an afterthought.

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  3. Sandy NawrotMarch 11, 2009 at 5:33 AM

    Caite, that is my issue...no indies. I have a little used bookstore I go to around the corner, but it is 90% trash. I also have a Borders around the corner and I do like it (I just ignore the riff raff) but I only go when I have a 30% or higher coupon.

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  4. AnonymousMarch 11, 2009 at 6:28 AM

    I have been lucky to live in towns that have thriving independent bookstores in addition to the chains. Sometimes, I go to the chains if I need something in a pinch but I tend to try to go to the indie one first.

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  5. AnonymousMarch 11, 2009 at 8:03 AM

    ...and as I have said before, Amazon is just so easy and cheap.

    Of course, you can't wander the aisles there.

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  6. bermudaonionMarch 11, 2009 at 8:05 AM

    The only Borders we have here is a Borders Express and it doesn't care much of anything.

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  7. Meytal RadzinskiMarch 12, 2009 at 6:26 AM

    The Borders I used to visit almost daily (until I moved to a bookstore-less area) was quite wonderful - the entire bottom floor was for gifts, DVDs, CDs, and all the shiny stuff. The upper deck was where all the books chilled. It was always very quiet and nice upstairs and I could browse for hours and still not get bored. I've never been a huge fan of their website, but it's true that they have a lot of cool things over there.

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  8. Marie CloutierMarch 12, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    I know what you mean. Borders used to be THE place for a truly great book selection and now most stores are just a pale shadow of that. They do have a great website though, and some of the larger stores are still excellent.

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  9. AmyMarch 13, 2009 at 12:58 AM

    LOL!! Frequent flyer program. You always make me laugh. :)

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  10. MaggieMarch 13, 2009 at 11:44 AM

    I know! Plus a giant DVD section at my borders that takes up room *I* feel ought to be full of books. Oh well.

    But with a lack of small stores, what can we do?

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