25 July, 2009

Bona Fide: Weekly Roundup #30

Hello and welcome to a new issue of my Weekly Roundup ©. I live in Germany, and that means we live in different time zones. Normally I finalize my draft of the post during the night from Thursday to Friday. This week was different because on Thursday 23rd July, I had my birthday! And, it was a special one because I turned 50. Half a century... wow, I can't believe it. Where has all the time gone? Henceforward you can call me Silver Surfer :>) Anyhow I can promise you that reading and blogging is healthy for the brain, and so here we go.

Books

I told you last week about my summer reading list and I'm quite happy with my progress. I'm halfway through the seventh book on my list - The Edge of Reason by Melinda Snodgrass (US) (UK). Next on my list was A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin (US) (UK). Yes, you didn't misread. I wrote "was", since I changed it last night. My next read is now The Sword-Edged Blonde by Alex Bledsoe (US) (UK) which I expect to be delivered tomorrow. I have been heavily influenced by Jeff C. from Fantasy Book News & Reviews. On 13th of July I read his Recommendation: The Sword Edged Blonde by Alex Bledsoe. I was so intrigued that I put the book on my to buy list for August, but then he posted the Interview: Alex Bledsoe. I read it and I knew immediately that I had to buy and read the book NOW. This may show you the influence of blogs. I promise you to write a review about The Sword-Edged Blonde. You will soon know whether it is worth reading, or not, from my point of view. I'm sorry Ms Griffin. I promise to read your book... later.

Movies

I'm a big fan of Watchmen - the graphic novel (US) (UK) and the movie. I can't wait to get the DVD. The German edition will be released in August. Until then, I'm happy to present you with one of the deleted scenes...


Blogosphere

Every day new book related blogs appear, and even using Google Reader it is difficult to keep up with all of these blogs. A lot of people invest the time simply to enjoy themselves, and others simply to learn information about books. But where can you tell the world which book blogs you appreciate most, either as a reader or as a blogger? I found the solution during the past days:


"Last year over 400 blogs came together to celebrate the art of book blogging during the first ever Book Blogger Appreciation Week! I am so pleased to announce that the second annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week will be taking place September 14-18." Amy (Organization & Concept) from My Friend Amy. Don't miss Amy's post with the story behind ...

Please visit the site. As a blogger register your blog, and as a reader you vote for your favorite blogs in different categories. There will be special guest posts, daily blogging themes, giveaways, ect... Don't miss this opportunity. Only The Best Sci-Fi/ Fantasy has been registered which means you can vote for us!

On the 20th of July 1969 we could watch the first steps of Neil Armstrong on the moon - watch the video below. On The 20th of July 2009 we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the first moon landing. It was also a great day for me: My first review has been posted - Review: The Red Wolf Conspiracy.

Games

As a fan of steampunk novels I also look for games with a steampunk setting. Thanks to The Heliograph where I found the trailer for The Edge of Twilight, which you can watch below. Be warned there is some graphic violence in the second part of the trailer.

"Edge of Twilight is a 3rd person action-adventure game presenting a unique post-apocalyptic, steampunk fantasy world that has been split into separate realms of Day and Night. During his journey, your hero will become part of an increasingly complex storyline that will blur the line between good and evil." Please read the whole text at IGN.com. That sounds promising to me. Released date hasn't been announced yet. And don't forget to visit the official site The Edge of Twilight.

Quotes

No, I won't disappoint you. Of course you get a quotes related to age. I'm not afraid of getting older. I'm still surprised about the books I read and the music I listen to...

"Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough."
Groucho Marx (1890 - 1977), US comedian with Marx Brothers

"To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am."
Bernhard M. Baruch (1870 - 1965), US businessman and politician

4 comments:

Donna said...

First off, Happy Birthday! I hope you had a wonderful celebration. I love the quotes you listed, although on the last one, I think more on the lines of 20 years older then me as old. :)

Yep, that's the cool thing about the book blogs, is how they can change your mind in a flash what your next read will be, just with one book review or author interview. I hope you enjoy your reading of The Sword Edged Blonde.

ediFanoB said...

Donna, thank you very much for your birthday wishes. I'm not an enthusiast of big parties. I spent a wonderful day with my beloved ones - my wife and my daughter.

I'm pleased you love the quotes. I think humor is one of the basics you need in order to grow old gracefully.
Hope that wasn't to melodramatic.

The discovery of the book blogosphere changed a lot for me in a very positive way.

I read The Sword-Edged Blonde in one and a half day. Which means it was a great read. Can't wait for the sequel. Will write a review soon.

SciFiGuy said...

Happy belated birthday ediFanoB. Had to drop by once I knew. BTW we share the same birthday. Who da thunk it.

ediFanoB said...

I feel guilty.

SciFiGuy, I'm so sorry but I read your comment today. Thank you so much for your birthday wishes. And it is funny that we share the same birthday.