Re: BOOKS: Recommendations

Kathryn Aegis (aegis@igc.apc.org)
Fri, 2 May 1997 13:23:20 +0000


Hal Finney:

>I always hear about upcoming movies but with books it seems like
>a surprise when I walk into the store. Is there a more centralized
>source for this kind of information?

I strongly suggest building a friendship with the person who actually
orders the science fiction books for your favorite bookstore. That
person is usually a source of knowledge and opinion on what is
being published, and will usually enjoy the opportunity to share it.
While many magazines will publish lists or previews of upcoming books
from major authors, what gets in there often depends on who has a
good press agent. I myself tend to be a bit cynical about the
publishing biz, but it's hard to maintain that when someone I
consider a friend waxes eloquent about the latest Gibson coming
out this year (yes, a new book on the way). Enthusiasm is
contagious, and I'm keeping a book file of all the recommendations
from this thread (and don't forget Sarah's web site book
recommendation list).

Sin,

Kathryn Aegis