Thursday, May 15, 2008

New Release Review - City of Thieves



David Benioff's new book, City of Thieves, comes out TODAY and no one is more excited than Kepler's Martin Sorensen. Read on to see how far our fearless floor leader will go for his favorite book.
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There are some books that just come at you out of left field. You pick up the book because it looks interesting, and the story as it unwinds is so different from what you expected, your chin just hits the floor. City of Thieves is just such a book. While it takes place during the siege of Leningrad, it is not primarily a war story. And while it is narrated by a grandfather recalling his actions at age 15, it is not just a coming of age story. And while most of the book takes place while the characters are traveling, it’s definitely not On the Road. No matter how you define it though, it is an extremely gripping, enjoyable book.

There are some books that just leave you breathless. City of Thieves is my favorite piece of fiction that I have read so far this year. My reaction to reading it was so positive; I got in touch with the publisher to let them know how much I enjoyed it. Several days later, the author, David Benioff, was booked to speak at Kepler’s with myself as host. Unfortunately, I was scheduled to be in Los Angeles at the time for a book convention. However, the chance to meet someone who suddenly is now one of my ‘hardcover authors’*, overrode most other considerations. So, I will be leaving Los Angeles convention center at 2 in the afternoon, flying up here to host the event, and flying back the very first thing the next morning. Yes, it is that good of a book. I hope to see you here for his reading.

David Benioff will be at Kepler's on Friday May 30, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Mark your calendars!

*A Hardcover author is someone whose books I buy the day the hit the store regardless of subject. It could be a history of the Portland phone directory for all the difference it would make in my purchasing the book.

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