Katy Budget Books

Congratulations to Our Fellow Booksellers

2009-05-22T23:03:00.002-05:00

"No Dearth of Books, Gig Harbor, Wash., is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The Peninsula Gateway reported that owners Harry and Shirley Dearth's used bookshop "has outlasted seven other bookstores in the harbor. And he hopes his unique book selection will carry him through the tough economic times."" From "Shelf Awareness"

Katy Budget Books congratulates them on their amazing achievement. We celebrated our 25th anniversary last year and hope to be able to match their longevity.

Author Signing: Kerrelyn Sparks

2009-05-13T18:29:00.004-05:00

May 16 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Paranormal romance superstar Kerrelyn Sparks signs "Forbidden Nights With a Vampire" at Katy Budget Books. Also signing is the wonderful Kim Lenox with her book "So Still the Night".

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Author Signing: Kim Lenox

2009-05-05T17:46:00.005-05:00

May 16 - 3:00 to 5:00. Katy Budget Books hosts Kim Lenox as she signs her new book, "So Still the Night: A Novel of the Shadow Guard".
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Katy Budget Books Celebrates 11th Annual Texas Mystery Month

2009-05-05T17:10:00.003-05:00

May 15 - 5:30 to 7:30. In honor of the 11th Annual Texas Mystery Month, Katy Budget Books will host a panel discussion on "Setting the Mood for Mystery" featuring several local mystery authors.

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2009 Pulitzer Prizes

2009-04-20T18:26:00.005-05:00

The 2009 Pulitizer Prizewinners were announced today:

See www.pulitzer.org for a complete list of prizewinners and finalists

Fiction - Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (Random House)

Drama - Ruined by Lynn Nottage

History - The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed (W.W. Norton & Company)

Biography - American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham (Random House)

Poetry - The Shadow of Sirius by W.S. Merwin (Copper Canyon Press)

General Nonfiction - Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas A. Blackmon (Doubleday)

My Adventures in Twitterland

2009-04-13T14:08:00.004-05:00

To think that one week ago, I had only the vaguest notion about the workings of Twitter. While visiting my son, Brent, he explained Twitter to me in basic terms and offered to help me set up a Twitter home page for myself and, more importantly, for Katy Budget Books. I have been thinking for some time that it was important for the bookstore to explore marketing through the social networks, but it was a daunting prospect akin to learning a new language. (not to mention the "old dog" argument). For other "old dogs" out there, twitter involves sending and receiving very short posts (tweets) from people or organizations of your choosing.

One week later, I am still daunted by all that I still do not know, but I have made good progress and the major benefit has been one that I had not really expected, the feeling of community with fellow booklovers from all across the country. It is so rewarding to hear and to talk about books with everyone including fellow booksellers, publishers, authors, book bloggers, book reviewers, and people who just think books are cool.

I came to appreciate the value of this high speed network of people with similar interests yesterday when I learned via numerous postings on Twitter that Amazon had apparently adopted a new policy which had resulted in the removal of rankings from a large number of books, supposedly because of "adult content", with the end result being a fairly strange type of inconsistent censorship.

The resulting outcry on Twitter was very rewarding to me because it validated my feelings of concern, outrage, and affirmation for the importance of the independent bookselling channels. Maybe, just maybe, the incident would cause people to think before they click on Amazon to buy their books. Actually, Twitter has been credited for quickly bringing a collective response to this policy which Amazon was unable to ignore, causing them to make a dramatic turnaround early today . I have enclosed a link to a very good Wall Street Journal article which discusses the growing Twitter trend in general and the Amazon incident specifically.

If this incident had occured before I became a Twitterer, I would have been completely oblivious to the furor, until perhaps reading a recap in an email from a trade organization a week or two later. Instead, I have the good feelings associated with timely awareness and being an involved part of my large community of people who value books and free speech.

The link to the Wall Street Journal Article referenced above is http://tinyurl.com/cwe9ek or you can click on the title of the blog post to go to the article.

Katy Budget Books is on Twitter

2009-04-03T22:14:00.002-05:00

BIG NEWS!!!

Katy Budget Books is now on Twitter. We will be putting recommendations, author signings, and much more info on the twitter feed. So go to Twitter and start following KatyBudgetBooks to stay informed on everything that is going on with Katy Budget Books!

Out of the Box

2008-11-03T18:53:00.005-06:00

Publishers are gearing up for Christmas with the release of books from their biggest authors. On sale tomorrow Nov 4th are theses much-anticipated titles.

Brent's Book Review Vol. 3

2008-10-04T18:31:00.000-05:00

I have found it. After years of searching, I have found the best author ever. Ok, this might be a little bit of an exaggeration but not very far off. I began reading Daniel Silva this summer and have now finished 7 of his books and they got better every time.

Silva's main series focuses on a character named Gabriel Allon who is secretly an Israeli assassin but who works as a world class art restorer for his day job. He is described as an "Assassin with a conscience" and will keep you guessing the entire time. Silva blends pulse raising suspense, fascinating character studies, international espionage, and sarcastic humor in a perfect blend.

I am an avid fan of David Baldacci, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, and Tom Clancy and I would put Daniel Silva in the same category (...if not the best) and would recommend his books to anyone. The Allon series starts with Kill Artist and his most recent work is Moscow Rules. If you are in the mood for a new thriller to check out...I would definitely recommend Silva.

If Daniel Silva writes it..YOU NEED TO CHECK IT OUT...it is a good policy to live by...

Surprise Author Signing

2008-07-15T22:45:00.004-05:00

Artist & mystery author Jonathan Santlofer will be signing The Murder Notebook on Wednesday, July 16th from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Unable to shake off disturbing images that keep appearing in his nightmares, NYPD sketch artist Nate Rodriguez struggles to settle his mind by sketching his dreams and is shocked to discover that he has been having visions about actual murders from the past and present.

Hot New Releases

2008-07-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

We're excited to see three top authors with new releases today.

The only problem is...which one do you read first?

Brent's Book Review Vol. 2

2008-06-21T13:23:00.003-05:00

So I stumbled upon an AMAZING book in the past week. I have always been a big fan on David Baldacci but this one might be one of his best...and that's saying something.

The Whole Truth

by David Baldacci

This is Baldacci's first foray into the world of international espionage and he shines in ways that few authors could. His characters are written brilliantly and you can't help but identify with them. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat and I promise that you won't be able to put it down. I love international mysteries and this one is now on my short list of favorites. If you are a mystery fan...this is a book that you can not afford to miss.

...well, what are you waiting for...go check it out.

Brent's Book Review Vol. 1

2008-06-12T21:20:00.003-05:00

I am probably the biggest Vince Flynn fan in the world. The problem with being such a diehard fan is...there are not enough Flynn books to satisfy my craving...so I have to find some new authors to fill in the gaps between Flynn's Mitch Rapp saga.

For those of you who don't know, Vince Flynn is the current master of the political thriller. His books tend to have a CIA, government espionage feel to them. If you haven't read his books...you are missing out.

My old favorites of the genre include Brad Thor, James Huston, Tom Clancy, and David Baldacci.

But....I have made a new discovery...

The American by Andrew Britton

This was an action packed adventure from the first page. Its the 1st book in a series featuring CIA agent Ryan Kealey. This was one of the best debut novels I have read in awhile. The suspense was palatable and I just couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend it if you like an international thriller with pulse pounding action. I am very excited about the rest of the series.

Currently Reading:

The Whole Truth by David Baldacci

...I will let you know how it is...so far, its great.

INDY Fever

2008-05-28T19:49:00.012-05:00

Fans young and...okay, I'm not going say old...have been looking forward impatiently to the newest Indiana Jones installment. Some of us for nineteen years. Whether you want to re-live the original adventures or catch up on the new one, we have a variety of books for you. Novelizations of the original trilogy are available in one volume, and the popular author James Rollins wrote the novelization for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Hardcore fans will long for the DK release of Indiana Jones: The Ultimate Guide, which is packed with photos, artwork, and maps plus fascinating facts and features.

Seen all of the movies five times each? Join Indy on new adventures in the novels Indiana Jones and the White Witch, Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Sphinx, and Indiana Jones and the Hollow Earth.

UGLY DOLLS

2008-05-20T15:22:00.003-05:00

"From the creative minds of two love struck artists emerge the UGLYDOLL family! What started as a drawing of a playful orange character known as Wage has turned into a whole new world of fun!
The award-winning UGLYDOLL plush characters, are available in a variety of sizes & styles each with their own distinct personalities. UGLYDOLL characters inspire creativity while reminding us that we are all unique in our won special way."
Now available at Katy Budget Books!

Author Signing: Linda Barrett

2008-05-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

May 23 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm - Linda Barrett, the author of over ten novels, signs her newest romance "Summer at the Lake".

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Last Lecture

2008-05-11T15:31:00.004-05:00

I bought two copies of this book for Mother's Day - one for my mom and one for my mother-in-law. I had seen Randy Pausch's Last Lecture online and knew the book would be about living not dying.

I was not disappointed - this man makes me want to do better with my life, to be better. It is shocking that someone that is dying can be so upbeat, so vivacious, and so joyful.

I didn't want the book to end and I keep hoping for a last minute Hail Mary pass for Randy Pausch.

Tamara

The Edgar Awards

2008-05-07T04:00:00.001-05:00

The Edgar Allen Poe Awards, presented by the Mystery Writers of America were announced last Friday. This year's awards go to:

Best Novel: Down River by John Hart (St. Martin's Minotaur)
Best First Novel by an American Author: In the Woods by Tana French (Viking)
Best Paperback Original: Queenpin by Megan Abbott (S&S)
Best Fact Crime: Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy by Vincent Bugliosi (Norton)
Best Critical/Biographical: Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters by Jon Lellenberg, Daniel Stashower and Charles Foley (Penguin Press)
Best Short Story: "The Golden Gopher" in Los Angeles Noir by Susan Straight (Akashic Books)
Best Juvenile: The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh (Hyperion Books for Young Readers)
Best Young Adult: Rat Life by Tedd Arnold (Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin)
Best Play: Panic by Joseph Goodrich (International Mystery Writers' Festival)
Best TV Episode Teleplay: "Pilot" for Burn Notice, teleplay by Matt Nix (USA Network/Fox Television Studios)
Best Motion Picture Screenplay: Michael Clayton, screenplay by Tony Gilroy (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Robert L. Fish Memorial Award: "The Catch," in Still Waters by Mark Ammons (Level Best Books)

Big Day for Book-Lovers

2008-05-06T04:00:00.003-05:00

There are several big-name authors with new titles that go on sale today. Now available for purchase at the store or from our website are:

The Hollow by Nora Roberts- Book 2 in the Sign of Seven Trilogy
The Host: A Novel by Stephanie Meyer- her first science fiction stand-alone title
From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris- Book 8 in the Southern Vampire series
Audition: A Memoir by Barbara Walters
Phantom Prey by John Sandford- latest in his bestselling Lucas Davenport mysteries
Careless in Red by Elizabeth George- latest in the long running Inspector Lynley series
The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan- Book 4 in Percy Jackson & the Olympians

We're still unpacking boxes, so more treats are coming.

Texas Big Skies

2008-05-05T14:37:00.007-05:00

Katy Budget Books is now carrying a new greeting card line called Texas Big Skies. They are all Texas landscape photos shot by local Katy photographer Ana Roman. They are absolutely gorgeous! Not only are you getting a beautiful card to send someone, a part of your purchase will help the Nueces River Authority's Resource Protection & Education Program.

Drive-by Signing

2008-04-28T23:10:00.005-05:00

Friday, April 25^th was a great day. I got to meet one of my favorite authors, Harlan Coben. Mr. Coben was in town Friday on a whirlwind book signing tour. His schedule took him to Murder By the Book for an official signing, but he was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to stop by Katy Budget Books and sign some of his books we had in stock. Besides being a great author, he is really tall, cute and a very nice guy. Before he left, he spotted our bestseller display. He gave a two thumbs up, for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney. Mr. Coben said he bought the book for his son. He started looking through it on his plane ride and ended up really enjoying it. He highly recommended it as an adult read.

For my fellow Coben fans, we have several signed copies of Mr. Cobens books. Come on over and take a look.

By the way, last week's blog entry sucking up to Mr. Coben by Brent Dore' was a total coincidence. Honest.

Stacy M. - Events Coordinator

The Man's Guide to Mysteries

2008-04-24T22:54:00.000-05:00

Several guys have asked me, what's a good book that will keep me entertained throughout? They usually go on to say that they don't like to read or get bored easily because its never is as good as 24 or Gladiator. This pains me because there are some amazing books out there that men of all ages will absolutely love....and ladies, they would make great gifts as well...and you might like them too. These authors are just the tip of the iceberg and I will add to this list regularly. Read on and enjoy.

A Man’s Guide to Mysteries

1. Harlan Coben (stand alones)

…Tell No One, Just One Look, The Woods

The current King of suspense…bar none. Coben has already claims the top 2 spots on my list because he is just that good. I would argue that he is among the best to ever master this genre. His books beautifully weave epic suspense, brilliant humor, dry sarcasm, and fun into a wild ride. If you have never read Coben…I only have one question…why not? His absolute best is Tell No One…check it out and I promise that you will be amazed.

2. Harlan Coben (Myron Bolitar Series)

…Drop Shot, Fade Away, Back Spin

Really anything that Harlan Coben writes is gold and the Myron Bolitar series is no exception. This is where Coben started and there are some genuine gems. The main character, Myron Bolitar, is an arrogant sports agent who winds up in some very interesting (…to say the least) situations. The books are funny, great for guys (…honestly, Coben transcends all gender gaps), and keep you guessing the entire time.

3. Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp Series)

…Transfer of Power, Separation of Power, The Third Option

This is the author that ignited the spark and made me love to read again after I rebelled against my mom (…yeah, I was a wild child and rebelled by saying that I hated to read…yeah, I’m a dork) in junior high. Flynn’s run of masterpieces are built around the character of Mitch Rapp. Rapp is a CIA assassin that must protect America by taking the war on terrorism right to the terrorists and it makes for an exciting thrill ride.

Plus, he is the creative consultant for the tv show, 24...maybe you have heard of it. And I say this with the most respect to Jack Bauer but Mitch Rapp would kick the crap out of him.

4. Brad Thor (Scott Harvath Series)

…Lions of Lucerne, Path of the Assasin, Blowback

Cast from a similar mold as Vince Flynn, Thor builds his books around Secret Service agent Scott Harvath. Harvath has killed his share of terrotists…just with his own unique flair. Plus, the author’s name is Thor…that guarantees that it is going to be great for guys.

5. Old School John Grisham

…The Firm, A Time to Kill, Pelican Brief and The Partner

Let me first say that I really am not a big fan of Grisham’s newer stuff. Its good but nowhere near where it was when he first defined the genre of legal thriller. Basically, he “jumped the shark” with some of his random recent stuff and hasn’t been able to recapture the magic of The Firm, A Time to Kill, The Partner, or The Pelican Brief. I highly recommend Grisham and I promise that he will keep you engaged and thinking until the very last page. His new stuff is good but his old stuff is phenomenal.

Thats my thoughts...check back soon for more recommendations.

Brent Dore

Happy Earth Day

2008-04-21T21:05:00.009-05:00

As Alicia said last week, KBB has become more focused on going green this year. Every time you buy a used book you're doing your part too! Every used book you buy is one less book in a landfill, and no more trees were cut down to provide it. What a fun way to recycle!

Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth is probably one of the most well-known books about global warming, but there are several other excellent books on the subject. The Rough Guide to Climate Change by Robert Henson give a comprehensive look at the symptoms, science, debates and solutions for global warming.

The important thing to remember is anything you can do, counts!. You can make a difference!

Happy Birthday Louis!

2008-04-17T01:23:00.003-05:00

LOUIS L'AMOUR: CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL, 1908-2008!

KBB celebrates an American icon.

Did you know...

L'Amour's first western was "The Town No Guns Could Tame", a short story in the collection Long Ride Home.

The family originally spelled their name LaMoore.

L'Amour wrote four Hopalong Cassidy novels under the name Tex Burns.

Since his death in 1988 over sixty million copies of his books have been sold.

These and other facts about Louis L'Amour may be found at his website www.louislamour.com.

Bombay Briefing- Week 3

2008-04-16T21:50:00.000-05:00

Greetings Friends and Neighbors,

The fun continues, we're making progress, painfully slow , but we may be in our apartment by the end of the week. Hopefully, they are signing the lease any time now in Mike's office, and I can meet the realtor later this afternoon to get the key. Mike is trying to get his boss to get the furniture delivered asap, tomorrow or Fri. If we can get the fridge up and running by the weekend, Mike and I can to that first grocery store run this weekend. I think it'll take both of us that first time. We did a little scouting last weekend and had a hard time identifying things. Found the Tide detergent and toilet paper, but the yogurt was harder to identify and coffee was nowhere to be found, except instant. The eggs aren't refrigerated, which makes me nervous, but have had that issue in other countries too, so I wasn't that shocked, just nervous. We love a challenge.

As soon as we get the key, I'll go buy dishes, sheets, etc. Have already done some looking, so think I can breeze through the Shoppers' Stop and make selections pretty quickly and have it all delivered. I still have 2 weeks before I go home, so hopefully I can get the pantry and fridge stocked and Mike situated and functional before I leave. Yikes.

That's about it for now. This hotel living is getting old. I'm ready to have something to do. I haven't ventured out on the streets much. Mike's driver will pick me up anytime and take me wherever, but the traffic is so overwhelming, it's just not worth it until I really have something I need to do. Once we get in the apartment, it'll be easier. The shops in that neighborhood are within walking distance and streets aren't as congested. It'll be fine. Later, Nancy

Think Green!

2008-04-13T14:28:00.003-05:00

The 2008 theme in the book world is going green.

Katy Budget Books has jumped on the band wagon by recycling as much as possible.

We have a paper recycling bin that has its proceeds going to a local Katy Boy Scout Troop.

We also have a couple of very diligent employees that are making regular trips to a large recycling center with items from the store and from our homes. It's amazing how much less trash gets put out when we recycle all we can.

Today I was at the grocery store and used cloth bags for my groceries. (The hardest part of that is remembering to bring them!)

There are so many things that are easy and simple to do to help keep our planet green. Of course, there are several books written on this subject such as, "True Green @ Work, 100 Ways You Can Make the Environment your Business".

What are some of your ideas?

Alicia

What in the world is Brent doing theee days?

2008-04-11T21:53:00.003-05:00

As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary at KBB this year, many of you have memories of watching my kids grow up here in the store. Brent, now 23, was born just about a year after we opened the store. For much of his childhood, we had few employees, and he was my shadow as I waited on customers, picked up book orders, etc . He could often be seen playing with his army guys in the middle of the floor. Some of you remember his playpen being set up in the front of store (and some of your kids joined him in the playpen at times).

Guess what? Brent is all grown up now! He graduated from TCU in 2007 and currently attends Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas. We are also very excited about his upcoming wedding! He is marrying Julie Duhrkopf, who is graduating from TCU in May, in July of this year. They will live in Fort Worth where Brent is employed by Trinity Chapel Bible Church.

You can visit Brent's new blog called "The Open Dore" if you are interested in hearing more about his faith journey and other topics near and dear to his heart (including cooking and politics). theopendore.blogspot.com

Pulizer Prize Winners Announced

2008-04-08T16:17:00.002-05:00

Book-related winners of the Pulitzer Prizes, announced yesterday, are:

Fiction: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz (Riverhead Books)
Drama: August: Osage County by Tracy Letts (Theatre Communications Group)
History: What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 by Daniel Walker Howe (Oxford University Press)
Biography: Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father by John Matteson (Norton)
Poetry: Time and Materials by Robert Hass (Ecco) and Failure by Philip Schultz (Harcourt)
General Nonfiction: The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945 by Saul Friedlander (HarperCollins)

In addition, Steve Fainaru of the Washington Post, who won the international reporting category for his "heavily reported series on private security contractors in Iraq that operate outside most of the laws governing American forces," has written a book called Big Boy Rules: In the Company of America's Mercenaries Fighting in Iraq that will be published by Da Capo Press in November.

Bombay Briefing - Week 2

2008-04-05T22:27:00.004-05:00

Greetings Friends,

Our second week in Bombay has begun so I'll send a little update. Mike stays busy at work and I'm shopping for air conditioners, mattresses and stovetops. (Holy Cow!! Literally. A couple of them are sauntering down the street outside my hotel window right now.) We think we've found an apartment, (new building in safe neighborhood, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, walking distance to grocery and other shopping) but things move slowly here (just like at home, except here it's a third-world-country kind of slow). I'm going there today to check on the painters, get a little more info on gas hook-up for stove and plumbing for laundry room. I thought it was weird enough that we had to buy the stove, didn't realize we had to have the gas line installed also. Things that make you go Huhhhhhhh?

Otherwise, things are plugging along. We have picked out furniture and appliances, so as soon(or as late) as painting and cleaning are done, we'll be ready to have it all delivered. Sounds easy enough, huh? Still have to get dishes, linens, etc. and I'm sure that first trip the grocery store will be interesting. I'm just hoping to get Mike settled in before I go back to Texas on the 25th. It'll be close and we may have to adjust our definition of "settled in".

In the meantime, we're asking all of you to eat a great big salad and think of us. We've been warned to not risk eating any raw fruits or veggies, even here at the Hyatt. I'm about ready to take my chances. Once we get into the apartment and can wash it ourselves in bottled water, we'll be fine, but that seems like a long time away. Gotta go. I'll keep you posted. Big crunchy salad!!!!!

Love y'all, Nancy

2008-04-04T15:19:00.004-05:00

Booksense Book of the Year Winners!

Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseni

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

2008-04-03T07:24:00.003-05:00

One of the fun jobs I get to do at Katy Budget Books is purchase the sidelines or gift items we carry. I just finished visiting with two reps who had a lot of new and fun items I decided to try. One of the "hottest" items is the "Hillary Clinton Nutcracker". A must see! It should be in the store within the next couple of weeks.
There are lots of other great gift ideas that will coming in soon. Hope you get a chance to come by to take a look.
Alicia

Out of the Box

2008-04-01T17:55:00.003-05:00

Small Favor, the 10th book in Jim Butcher's wildly popular Dresden Files, is finally here! Shhhh.....I'm going to sneak home to read it now.

No one's tried to kill Harry Dresden for almost an entire year, and his life finally seems to be calming down. For once, the future looks fairly bright. But the past casts one hell of a long shadow. An old bargain has placed Harry in debt to Mab, monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe, the Queen of Air and Darkness-and she's calling in her marker. It's a small favor he can't refuse...one that will trap Harry Dresden between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally, and one that will strain his skills- and loyalties-to their very limits. It figures. Everything was going too well to last...

Book to Movie

2008-04-01T17:28:00.003-05:00

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards is now a movie on Lifetime premiering Saturday, April 12th. It stars Dermot Mulroney, Gretchen Mol, and Emily Watson.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter is a brilliantly crafted family drama that explores every mother's silent fear: what would happen if you lost your child and she grew up without you?

Listen to Kim Edwards' podcast.

Bombay Briefing

2008-03-28T17:21:00.003-05:00

Nancy Obert is our roving KBB employee. She follows her husband as he gets transferred around the world and makes sure that he has at least the basic requirements for staying alive before ditching him and coming back home to her books.

Her latest adventure takes her to Bombay and she's keeping us posted about her progress.

Here I am. Arrived safely and have made it through the worst of the jet lag. Having trouble sending e-mails from the hotel, but I finally called in the hotel "geek Squad" and the 12-year-old they sent up has fixed things, I think. Let me know if you don't get this. We thought we had an apartment lined up and went shopping Sun. for appliances and furniture. But now it looks like the landlord isn't that interested in renting the apartment after all, so I'm going out with a realtor this afternoon. Taking my security blanket along (wife of the head of the office) to help me with language problems and to generally keep me company. She's a total sweetheart and hasn't gotten tired of my needy self yet. But I'm sure she will.

Otherwise, things here are just as I remembered: dirty, congested, but exotic and so interesting. The people are so nice and helpful, the food is great, and the weather has been perfect, unusually cool. Miss ya'll.

There's a bookstore in the neighborhood we're looking for an apartment, but I didn't see a "Help Wanted" sign, so I'll get back to Katy as soon as possible. I'll keep you posted. Later, Nancy

What are your books saying?

2008-03-24T19:41:00.004-05:00

They say you can tell alot about someone by the books they choose to read. I am inclined to agree - I always see both my current interests, enduring passions, and unspoken fears in my book choices.

Two of my favorite books - 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - both speak to my underlying fear of totalitarianism. There are always a myriad of parenting books on the table by my chair (to help me in an often futile effort to mold my three banshees into responsible adults). I try to throw in at least one title that really makes me think - about my life, my family, my principles - right now that book is In The Time of Butterflies by Julie Alvarez. This book makes me realize that the minutiae I worry about on a daily basis is just that - utterly trivial in the grand scheme of things.

Lest you think I am just an intellectually arrogant stepford mom, I also have quite a large pile of what I call "armchair" books - these books can be somewhat formulaic and I always know that good will triumph over evil but I find it relaxing to be able to turn the analysis off and just have fun reading. So you can get a little peek into my psyche from my books - I value freedom above all else, my family is my highest priority, I generally have entirely too many irons in the fire (and books on the table), and I like to be both challenged and refreshed by a variety of topics.

What are your books saying about you? A bookstore is a great place to start a new conversation....

Make New Friends.......

2008-03-19T09:57:00.003-05:00

Make new friends,
but keep the old.
One is silver,
the other is gold.

I was never much of a girl scout but this scouting song describes so perfectly how I feel about books. Some books are my oldest friends – old, worn, dog-eared. The books I read over and over despite the fact that I know every word. I have discovered so much about them – character inconsistencies and plot loopholes – but I love them despite their flaws and in some cases because of them. New things always exist to be discovered between the covers with each reading – not because the book has changed but because I have.

Ahhh…..but the trill of a new book, the seduction of a new story. Will I love it or hate it? In time will it earn space on the treasured friends shelf or will it be only remembered with vague disappointment and “what could have been”? Who among us hasn’t stayed up all night to devour a new book – unwilling to put it down until the last plot twist is discovered, the last character dynamic unveiled? That is the passion of a new friend – the absorption that comes with unfamiliarity.

The balance of new and old – the passion of discovering new friends (and new books) and the comfort and serenity of our treasured old friends (and old books) – is what makes reading so much fun.

Out of the Box

2008-03-18T15:26:00.012-05:00

Two hot young adult titles just went on sale.

Maximum Ride: The Final Warning by James Patterson, book four in the hit series.

Ranger's Apprentice Book Four: The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan

Welcome back, Barbara

2008-03-17T19:34:00.003-05:00

We're so grateful to have Barbara Rothwell back in the children's area today. Her father passed away last Monday, and she's been taking care of her mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

We have a huge children's area that requires a ton of upkeep, so we really noticed the absence of our shelving dynamo.

Sorry, No Stephanie Meyer

2008-03-14T20:30:00.003-05:00

Stephanie Meyer is coming to Houston, but she won't be coming to Katy Budget Books. Sorry guys, I tried my best. The tour was posted yesterday, she will be making one stop in Houston, and one of the Big Guys scored the prize. Okay, I might be just a tad bitter by not mentioning their name, but I think I will wallow in my sorrow for a while! I think Houston is big enough to host several signings, but nobody asked me.

We will be having a fantastic party to celebrate Breaking Dawn, which goes on sale Aug. 2. I'm looking for great party ideas, so let the creative juices flow and let me know.

Back to Stephanie's tour. I will have to be fair here. There are several wonderful Independent book stores on her tour. Maybe next time she's in Houston she will hear what a great time we had at the Breaking Dawn party, and will insist on signing at our store!

Book to Movie

2008-03-14T16:42:00.003-05:00

The following is from "Shelf Awareness", a book industry newsletter:

The seventh and final book in J.K. Rowling's bestselling series is evidently just too big to be contained by a single film. The Los Angeles Times reported that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be split into two films, "one to be released in November 2010 and the second in May 2011." David Yates will direct both movies, which will be filmed concurrently. Screenwriter Steve Kloves also returns.

"I think it's the only way you can do it without cutting out a huge portion of the book," said Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, who is now filming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, due to be released November 21. "There have been compartmentalized subplots in the other books that have made them easier to cut--although those cuts were still to the horror of some fans--but the seventh book doesn't really have any subplots. It's one driving, pounding story from the word go."

Book News

2008-03-14T15:33:00.002-05:00

Novelist Terry Pratchett will donate $1 million to the Alzheimer's Research Trust, a British charity, to help fund research into the disease, according to the Associated Press (via USA Today). Pratchett, 59, learned last December that he has early-onset Alzheimer's.

"There's nearly as many of us as there are cancer sufferers, and it looks as if the number of people with the disease will double within a generation," he said.

Marked by Moonlight

2008-03-13T11:56:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone!

You missed a fun evening last night. We had author Sharie Kohler (also writing as Sophie Jordan) come by the store to join us for our Shadow Pages Book Club meeting. Her latest title, Marked by Moonlight, is the first in the Moon Chasers Series.

Mousy school teacher, Claire Morgan, is attacked by a very large, hairy, dog that can stand upright. Then totally handsome stranger, Gideon Marsh, tells her she’s been bitten by a Lycan. Werewolves in Houston? Claire doesn’t believe him, but he is threatening to kill her by the next full moon when she changes.

Shadow Pages gives this book a resounding YES. More, please. The energy these two characters create, and the unfolding of the story, keeps us interested. It’s a book you won’t want to put down.

We also had author, Tera Lynn Childs, drop by. Her first young adult novel, OH. MY. GODS., will be released in May and we hope to schedule a signing.

For more information on these two authors, go to:

http://www.shariekohler.net/ or http://www.sophiejordan.net/
and
http://www.teralynnchilds.com/

OK Shadow Pages, how's my first blog? What did I leave out? Think you can do better?

Kisses,

Karla

Book to Movie

2008-03-12T14:57:00.005-05:00

HBO is airing a 7 part miniseries based on David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize winning book, John Adams starting on March 16.

Out of the Box

2008-03-11T16:31:00.003-05:00

We just got in a new selection of Texana and Western History. We are especially excited to see One Ranger Returns by H. Joaquin Jackson. His first book, One Ranger, was one of our most popular Texana titles.

Welcome to Katy Budget Books

2008-03-10T23:53:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all!

This is KBB's home for announcing author events, new & upcoming book releases, and best of all, getting feedback from you about your favorite books.

What title made you laugh hard enough to spurt Coke out of your nose? What's your favorite picture book to read over and over? Which author made you so mad you threw the book across the room?

We're looking for a great name for our blog, so let us know your best idea.

Katy Budget Books

Congratulations to Our Fellow Booksellers

Author Signing: Kerrelyn Sparks

Author Signing: Kim Lenox

Katy Budget Books Celebrates 11th Annual Texas Mystery Month

2009 Pulitzer Prizes

My Adventures in Twitterland

Katy Budget Books is on Twitter

Out of the Box

Brent's Book Review Vol. 3

Surprise Author Signing

Hot New Releases

Brent's Book Review Vol. 2

Brent's Book Review Vol. 1

INDY Fever

UGLY DOLLS

Author Signing: Linda Barrett

Last Lecture

The Edgar Awards

Big Day for Book-Lovers

Texas Big Skies

Drive-by Signing

The Man's Guide to Mysteries

Happy Earth Day

Happy Birthday Louis!

Bombay Briefing- Week 3

Think Green!

What in the world is Brent doing theee days?

Pulizer Prize Winners Announced

Recommended Read

Bombay Briefing - Week 2

Out of the Box

Book to Movie

Bombay Briefing

What are your books saying?

Make New Friends.......

Out of the Box

Welcome back, Barbara

Sorry, No Stephanie Meyer

Book to Movie

Book News

Marked by Moonlight

Book to Movie

Out of the Box

Welcome to Katy Budget Books