Gibson, known for thoughtful science fiction exploring the ways in which technology changes human culture in impossible-to-anticipate ways, here brings his considerable talents to bear on the undiscovered country—non-fiction.  Gibson’s first collection of non-fiction draws from the last several decades of his writing career, with essays and articles featuring all the usual Gibsonian subjects—the rise of the Internet; the technology and culture of Japan; Gibson’s own past in small-town Virginia and early discovery of science fiction; and all the ways, both small and large, that human culture has already been irrevocably altered by technologies as commonplace as radio and as pervasive as cyberspace.  Many, if not all, of the articles, are grounded in Gibson’s own life and experiences, adding a personal touch to a topic which could otherwise seem dry.  A sly wit and a lively intelligence shine through the writing, and every article, regardless of whether its predictions have been borne out by reality, is fascinating without fail.

Our ever-popular Book Club Collection has gotten a makeover! A few less relevant titles have been cycled back out into our general fiction and non-fiction collections, and we have added four new titles for your consideration.  These books, as always, are challenging, literary, and fascinating, chosen with an eye toward "discussability" as well as leisure reading pleasure. We hope you'll check them out! (Pun intended, by the way.)

Brown, Eleanor.     The Weird Sisters

Fallon, Siobhan.     You Know When the Men are Gone

Jordan, Hillary.     When She Woke

Smith, Patti.     Just Kids (782.42166 Sm65) 

Thinking the Twentieth Century by Tony Judt

An ambitious intellectual history of the Twentieth Century in which Judt examines the many currents that shaped the innovations, conflicts, economics and politics of our recent past.

"... this marvelous précis, vibrantly alive, rich, and piquant, is one last gift from an exceptional public intellectual. Not only academics and fans of Judt, but also those who enjoy the New York Review of Books and The New Yorker will flock to read it." (Library Journal)

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

A Pulitzer Prize winning author profiles the lives of everyday people living in the slums of Mumbai, illustrating the struggle to change their circumstances.

"Boo brilliantly brings to life the residents of Annawadi, allowing the reader to know them and admire the fierce intelligence that allows them to survive in a world not made for them. The best book yet written on India in the throes of a brutal transition." (Kirkus)

Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable

A National Book Award finalist, this new definitive biography explores the life of one of the most influential figures of social change in America.

"Combing through FBI and NYPD files, gathering Nation of Islam interviews, and fleshing out Malcolm's post-NOI activities abroad, Marable succeeds spectacularly in painting a broader and more complex portrait of a man constantly in search of himself and his place in America." (Publishers Weekly)

Set in the near future, the twelve districts surrounding the powerful capital, Panem, must pay for a failed rebellion by sacrificing two of their teens every year to compete in a violent gauntlet where they must fight to the death: the Hunger Games. In District Twelve, the poorest of the districts, Katniss, a skilled hunter and provider for her struggling family, chooses to take the place of her younger sister who was chosen to represent their district in the games as Tribute. She, along with her male counterpart, Peeta, experience the shock of leaving their hunger-stricken home for the luxury of Panem, the stress of wondering whether or not they can match the skills of the other twenty two competitors and finally, facing off with them in the arena.

After Katniss and Peeta enter the game, the action is non-stop and they must face the terrifying reality of being hunted by other competitors, many of them bloodthirsty. Almost driven to death by thirst, fire balls, and poisonous tracker jackers, Katniss must also be strategic, playing the audience's desire to see her and Peeta develop a romantic relationship...perhaps not a top priority considering the circumstances. Readers will be on the edge of their seats rooting for Katniss and Peeta and be fascinated by the broader message of survival and rebellion.