Here are some upcoming readings being staged by our friends at Borderlands Books.

Saturday, June 19th at 3:00 pm

David J. Williams, The Machinery of Light (Spectra)

This is the final book in the Autumn Rain trilogy.

Sunday, June 20th at 5:00 pm

Amelia Beamer, The Loving Dead (Night Shade Books)

This event is also a launch party for the book. Light refreshments will be provided, but despite the subject matter of the novel there will probably be no braaains on offer.

It is mystery month in San Francisco in June as we welcome two local writers whose detectives are a long way from anything that Dashiell Hammett ever imagined.

Deborah Grabien’s most famous fiction is the Kinkaid Chronicles series. Her detective, J.P. Kinkaid, is the ageing guitarist with a hugely successful rock band. Kinkaid suffers from multiple sclerosis, a condition he shares with his creator whose personal experience informs her writing. Grabien has also written a number of supernatural thrillers. Her latest novel, Dark’s Tale, is a middle grade book about a young cat who is abandoned in Golden Gate Park and has to fend for himself.

Seanan McGuire’s detective is even more unusual. October Daye is a fairy changeling. The criminals she chases down often have more than a few tricks up their sleeves. McGuire burst onto the scene last year with Rosemary and Rue, a book that won her a place on the ballot for the prestigious John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. A second October Daye novel, A Local Habitation, is now available, with An Artificial Night coming soon. Meanwhile, masquerading as Mira Grant, McGuire has produced FEED, a hard-bitten political thriller set in the midst of a zombie apocalypse.

Both ladies have a love of cats, and both are accomplished musicians. We can’t wait to see them together.

Our May reading event takes place on Saturday May 22nd. The guests will be the multi-talented Rudy Rucker, whose art exhibition has been running at our venue for the past six weeks, and the multiple World Fantasy Award winning Michael Shea.

Rudy and Michael have both appeared at SF in SF before so they probably need no introduction, but click through on the links above for brief bios.

As usual, books will be for sale courtesy of Borderlands. We’ll also be selling Rudy’s art, and 30% of all art sales will benefit Variety!

Doors open at 6:00PM. Readings begin at 7:00PM, followed by Q & A moderated by Terry Bisson.

The Variety Preview Room, 582 Market St. @ Montgomery, 1st floor of The Hobart Bldg., San Francisco. Don’t drive, we are right on top of a BART station.

Join us May 20th at 5:00PM for a special screening of

Kick-Ass

Based on the comic book by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. Screen-play by Hugo Award winner Jane Goldman (Stardust) and Matthew Vaughn.

Note early timing: Doors and cash bar open at 5:00PM, Film starts promptly at 5:30PM

First come, first seated! The usual stuff applies.

Just a reminder! We are continuing to collect new and gently-used DVDs for the UC Children’s Hospital; when you come to an event, please bring a couple that you no longer view or need, and we’ll be happy to add them to our donation box!!

Wednesday, May 12

The Fantastic Mr. Fox (87 mins. – animated)
Based on the book by Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James & The Giant Peach, etc.), this funny, smart film stars the voice talents of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, and Jason Schwartzman, among other. Using a variety of animation techniques, primarily stop-motion, the film relates the wild tale of Mr. Fox, sure he can make that one last score, his wife (the brain behind the brain) and their batty, dysfunctional family we can all identify with. Hijinks ensure – this is one wild, funny, fantastic ride. The superhero antics of the son are worth the price of admission alone!

and

9 (79 mins – animated)
A visually stunning film, with great action sequences, and convincing characters, 9 is a must-see for those that like their films as much as roller-coaster rides. The simple story of a rag doll that escapes a war that ends the world as we know it, “9” and a band of fellow survivors attempt to make their way through the post-apocalyptic landscape only to run up against a larger enemy, determined to change and put an end to them. I’ve heard it described as “Terminator meets the War of the Worlds meets Wall-E.” While PG-13, some of the action might be a bit intense for kids; but it’s an original and gripping film, beautifully crafted and designed, and a real treat for science fiction fans.

Suggested donations for film nights is $5; drop a bill in the donation box, or buy a drink! ALL proceeds and tips go to Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California

Just a reminder! We are continuing to collect new and gently-used DVDs for the UC Children’s Hospital; when you come to an event, please bring a couple that you no longer view or need, and we’ll be happy to add them to our donation box!!

Doors and cash bar open at 6:00PM
Film starts at 7:00PM – free popcorn! Kids welcome!

The Variety Preview Room, 582 Market St. @ Montgomery, 1st floor of The Hobart Bldg., San Francisco

Sunday, May 9 – 5:00PM
The QSF&F Book Club will discuss Passage at Arms by Glenn Cook
Meets at Borderlands Cafe – 870 Valencia Street, San Francisco

Wednesday, May 12 – 7:00PM
The SF LGBT Book Club will discuss Robin and Ruby by K. M. Soehnlein
Books Inc. – Castro

Sunday, May 16 – 6:00PM
The Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Club will discuss The Very Best of Fantasy & Science Fiction, edited by Gordon van Gelder, and published by Tachyon Publications
Meets at the Borderlands Cafe, 870 Valencia Street, San Francisco

Sunday, May 23 – 4:00PM
The Speculative Fiction Book Club will discuss This Alien Shore by C.S. Friedman
Kepler’s Books – Menlo Park

Tuesday, May 25 – 5:30PM
Young Adult Book Club will discuss The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
Please bring $2.00 for pizza and drinks. Let us know if you plan to come – contact Megan at megan@keplers.com
Kepler’s Books – Menlo Park

Wednesday, May 26 – 6:30PM
Other Realms Fantasy and Science Fiction Book Club will discuss a book; call bookstore for title as they don’t list it on their website
Books Inc. – Burlingame

Tuesday, May 4 – 7:30PM
Megan Prelinger – Another Science Fiction: Advertising the Space Race 1957-1962
GREAT book!!! Uniquely insightful and entertaining, Megan Prelinger’s hybrid of eye candy and brain food showcases nearly 200 spectacular images from the Mad Men era of space advertising, providing a remarkable look into our collective history of spaceflight.
Booksmith – San Francisco

Thursday, May 6 – 7:30PM
Laurie R. King – God of the Hive: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
Capitola Book Cafe – Capitola

Friday, May 7 – 7:00PM
Booksmiths’ Final Spring Bookswap – $25
Tickets available at the store, by phone at 800.838.3006, or online here
Join author Lewis Buzbee (The Yellow Lighted Bookshop; Steinbeck’s Ghost) and bring a book — one you loved but can part with. You’ll also receive a 20% off discount card!
Booksmith – San Francisco

Saturday, May 8 – 5:00PM
Mira Grant – Feed
Borderlands Books – San Francisco

Saturday, May 8 – 6:30PM
Guy Gavriel Kay – Under Heaven Zachary Mason – Lost Books of the Odyssey The Agony Column Live, Hosted by Rick Kleffel: A Saturday Night Literary Salon
Join us for the first in a new series of Saturday Night Literary Salons hosted by NPR producer and shockingly voracious reader Rick Kleffel, creator of The Agony Column book-review site and weekly interview show on KUSP 88.FM. Bringing together unique voices of the day and starting conversations across the literary spectrum, these events will encourage readers and writers to loosen up for the weekend’s best writing.
Capitola Book Cafe – Capitola

Sunday, May 9 – 2:00PM
Guy Gavriel Kay – Under Heaven
Kepler’s Books – Menlo Park

Monday, May 10 – 7:00PM
Guy Gavriel Kay – Under Heaven
Borderlands Books – San Francisco

Monday, May 10 – 7:30PM
Dave Barry – I’ll Mature When I’m Dead: Dave Barry’s Amazing Tales of Adulthood
Kepler’s Books – Menlo Park

Tuesday, May 11 – 7:00 PM
Dave Barry – I’ll Mature When I’m Dead: Dave Barry’s Amazing Tales of Adulthood
Book Passage – Corte Madera

Tuesday, May 11 – 7:00PM
Charlaine Harris – Dead in the Family
Borders at Stonestown Galleria – San Francisco

Tuesday, May 11 – 7:30PM
Laurie R. King – God of the Hive: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
Kepler’s Books – Menlo Park

Wednesday, May 12 – 7:00PM
Dave Barry – I’ll Mature When I’m Dead: Dave Barry’s Amazing Tales of Adulthood
Books Inc. – the Marina

Wednesday, May 12 – 7:30PM
Robin Hobb – Dragon Haven
Books Inc. – Mountain View

Thursday, May 13 – 7:00PM
Robin Hobb – Dragon Haven
Borderlands Books – San Francisco

May 13 – 7:30PM
Daniel Clowes – Wilson
Booksmith – San Francisco

Friday, May 14 – 7:00PM
Kelley Armstrong – The Reckoning
Borderlands Books – San Francisco

Saturday, May 15 – 2:00PM
Laurie R. King – God of the Hive: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
M is for Mystery – San Mateo

Saturday, May 15 – 7:00PM
Laurie R. King – God of the Hive: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
Book Passage – Corte Madera

Tuesday, May 4 – 7:00PM
Youth Event
Debut YA novelist A.R. Silverberry – Wyndano’s Cloak
Jen has settled into a peaceful life when a terrifying event awakens old fears of being homeless and alone and of a danger horrible enough to destroy her family and shatter her world forever. Wyndano’s Cloak may be Jen’s only hope, if she can only trust that she has what it takes to use it. A tale of madness, friendship, and courage, Wyndano’s Cloak reveals the transformative power of love and forgiveness, and the terrible consequences of denying who you really are.
Kepler’s Books – Menlo Park

Thursday, May 6 – 7:00PM
Youth Event
NYMBC – Not Your Mother’s Book Club is kicking off their first official event in Berkeley with a massive teen author event: a Pizza Party Spectacular with Jenny Han, Susane Colasanti, Cynthia Omololu, Michael Grant, and Beth Fantaskey
Books Inc. – Berkeley

Thursday, May 6 – 7:30PM
Youth Event
Lisa Brown & Adele Griffin – Picture the Dead
Launch Party / Teen Readers Especially Welcome!
Booksmith – San Francisco

Friday, May 7 – 6:30PM
Youth Event
Michael Grant – Lies: A GONE Novel
Kepler’s Books – Menlo Park

Tuesday, May 11 – 3:00PM
Youth Event
Lisa Brown – Picture the Dead
Hicklebee’s – San Jose

Saturday, April 24, 2010

How To Train Your Dragon

A special event to raise money for pediatric wheelchairs, with Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California

Did you know that a pediatric wheelchair can be purchased for as little as $150? That’s right – they are needed, and we can do it! 10 people who donate $15 each can purchase a wheelchair together – come to our events and help us make this possible for children throughout the Bay Area.

Please RSVP by Thursday, April 22nd for this special event to sfinsfevents@gmail.com, and put “DRAGON” in your subject line.

Saturday, April 24th
Lunch – 11:30AM
Film starts at 12 noon – free popcorn and candy!

The Variety Preview Room, 582 Market St. @ Montgomery, 1st floor of The Hobart Bldg.

Suggested donation for this event is $15 per adult with one child; additional adult, $5, additional child, $10

We’ll be serving lunch; each child attending will be entered in a raffle for some special prizes!!!  We’ll be giving away promotional items from the movie studio as well!!

Sponsored by Tachyon Publications...”saving the world, one good book at a time”

The 2nd Annual Science Fiction & Fantasy Art Exhibit

Wednesday, April 28 – 6:00PM – 9:00PM

Periscope Cellars
1410 62nd Street, Emeryville, CA

Come see the amazing artwork of these local artists as they blow your mind with visual unknowns and concepts so far out there you might get lost!

Artists:  Barry Barnes / Lacey Bryant / Nicolas Caesar / Blair Clark / Sharon Eisley / Kevin Evans / Jeremy French / Nemo Gould / Sebastian Hyde / Justin Kohn / J.B. Lowe / Lark Pien / Shirwin Viray / Tom Vukmanic