November 04, 2017

Selections for the month of November

These are the shortlisted nominees for the month of November. A big thank you to everyone that contributed to this list! We will be voting at our meeting this Monday, November 6th at SS2101 from 5-6 pm. Alternatively, if you will not be able to make it to the meeting, feel free to e-mail your vote to bookendsuoft@outlook.com by 4 pm this Monday with subject heading "November Vote."
Cheers!

Blackwing
Ed McDonald, 360 pages, 2017

Under a cracked and wailing sky, the Misery is a vast and blighted expanse, created when the Engine, the most powerful weapon in the world, was unleashed against the immortal Deep Kings. Across the wasteland, teeming with corrupted magic and malevolent wraiths, the Deep Kings and their armies are still watching—and still waiting.

Ryhalt Galharrow is no stranger to the Misery. The bounty hunter journeys to a remote outpost, armed for killing both men and monsters, and searching for a mysterious noblewoman. He finds himself in the middle of a shocking attack by the Deep Kings, one that should not be possible. Only a fearsome show of power from the very woman he is seeking saves him.

Once, long ago, he knew the woman well, and together they stumble onto a web of conspiracy that threatens to unmake everything they hold dear and end the fragile peace the Engine has provided. Galharrow is not ready for the truth about the blood he’s spilled and the gods he’s supposed to serve…



Ender’s Game
Orson Scott Card, 324 pages, 1985

Once again, Earth is under attack. An alien species is poised for a final assault. The survival of humanity depends on a military genius who can defeat the aliens. But who?

Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender's childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battle School. Among the elite recruits Ender proves himself to be a genius among geniuses. He excels in simulated war games. But is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions?



A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams, 179 pages, 1979

It's an ordinary Thursday lunchtime for Arthur Dent until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly afterwards to make way for a new hyperspace bypass and his best friend has just announced that he's an alien. At this moment, they're hurtling through space with nothing but their towels and an innocuous-looking book inscribed with the big, friendly words: DON'T PANIC. The weekend has only just begun...



Cold Burn of Magic

Jennifer Estep, 323 pages, 2015

It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival families killing each other for power.

I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.

But then some nasty characters bring their family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her...


































October 22, 2017

Meeting - Monday November 6th

Hello Bookends,

We had a close vote on the Doodle page, but our meeting is now set for Monday, November 6th from 5-6 pm at Sidney Smith Rm. 2101. It aligns with the first day of Reading Week, which is apt for all the recreational reading we do. :-)

Also, the search is still on for Sci-Fi/Fantasy themed nominations, so send over any suggestions you may have by Monday, October 30th.

Hope to see you all at our discussion of Silence of the Lambs!

Cheers,
Annoj

October 14, 2017

Doodle Reminder + Suggestions for Book of the Month
  
Hey Bookenders!

I hope you're all plowing through your courses, as well as our book of the month Silence of the Lambs. A big thank you to everyone who's filled out Doodle so far. The race is tight between several dates, so make sure to get your say in by this Tuesday, October 17th.

https://beta.doodle.com/poll/dfacuiui9riv4hph#table

A point worth noting is that some of the proposed Doodle dates fall under Reading Week. :-)


Also, the online version of Silence of the Lambs is reposted below for those who prefer it over the hard copy:

http://theaquacadet.tumblr.com/post/120635440842/all-the-hannibal-books-by-thomas-harris-in-pdf

I've been informed recently that Bookends mail is often re-routed to the Junk folder, so do fight the good fight and keep your eyes peeled for any lost mail there.

Lastly, the club is now open to suggestions for Sci-Fi/Fantasy nominations (i.e. our book for November). Four to five novels will eventually be shortlisted for voting, based on the following criteria:

  • Favourable review by readers
  • Novelty in terms of plot, structure or subject matter
  • Less than 500 pages in length
  • Copies available at Toronto Public Library branches
As an aside, University College is running their phenomenal annual book sale this weekend, with books selling for half-price on Monday. Yum!

Yours truly,
Annoj 


September 26, 2017

Hello Bookenders!

I hope you're all soaking in this stretch of sun and heat in good spirit!
On an unrelated note, we'll be having our first Bookends meeting this Thursday September 28th from 5-6 pm at Sidney Smith Rm. 1083! Just to clarify, there are no requirements or fees to join the club, just bring your eager selves over for some fun and good snacks! Among other things, we'll be voting on the book of choice for October, as well as the monthly themes for the rest of the school year. Do feel free though to take a jab at the pre-determined theme for October...

With chills and shivers,
Annoj

September 08, 2017

A Warm Welcome from Bookends

Hello fellow mortals,

I'd like to cordially invite you all to another fantastic year at our fiction-oriented book club, Bookends! If this is your first time hearing about the club, we're basically a read-a-book-every-month-and-discuss-the-hell-out-of-it type of crowd. We feature a variety of genres throughout the year and welcome students from all paths of life to join in on the fun!

If you're hooked, just stick around and a survey will reach your mailbox regarding the first meeting. If you'd rather not hear from the club again, please do reconsider before hitting the unsubscribe button at the bottom of this e-mail.

Your friendly overlord,

Annoj Thavalingam

April 14, 2017

End of Year + New Director

Hey Bookends!

Just wanted to let you know that Bookends will not be active (having meetings / social event) until September, when the new school year begins. That being said, I (Taneeta) am graduating and will no longer be serving as Director.

For the 2017-2018 year, your Director will be Annoj Thavalingam! He'll be taking over the mailing list and website and will be facilitating meetings. If you have any questions he'll be your first point of contact.

Thanks for all your participation and enthusiasm this year. I'm glad to have been your Director for 2016-2017 and wish you all the best in the future!

Best,

Taneeta

April 05, 2017

Final Games Night!

Hi everyone!

As you may have noticed, there was a tie in the Doodle, so I broke it!

Date: Friday. April 7 (this Friday!)
Time: 6:30pm (leave whenever you want)
Location: Snakes and Lattes on College/Bathurst
Note: Please remember there is a $6 cover charge.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for participating in the polls, meetings, and generally making this club fun! If you're busy (or just don't want to come), hope you have an easy time with exams and enjoy your summer!

Best,

Taneeta