www.roanoke.com

From today's paper:

Roanoke County school officials removed a copy of a controversial book from the library at William Byrd High School this week after a teacher there gave another copy to a student and a parent complained.

The novel, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," which includes sexually explicit scenes, was distributed in an English class. The female student shared it with a male friend and his father ultimately contacted the school's principal.

The incident has prompted the school board to review its procedures for accepting books into school libraries.

What's your take on the incident -- and the school's actions?

Thanks to our Arts Reporter, Mike Allen, for finding this gem!

AAUW Used Book Sale
THOUSANDS of used books, records, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, magazines, music-hardbacks and paperbacks in all subjects! Children's books, best-sellers, fiction, science fiction and fantasy, self-help, law, sociology, medicine, psychology, communications, cookbooks, drama, history, reference, business, studio art, art history, science, biography, photography, gardening, religion, philosophy and more.

Where:  Tanglewood Mall; lower level; near J. C. Penney,  4420 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA, 24018
Cost Notes:  Book prices from .50 to $5. Some special/rare/unusual books priced more.
Contact Email:  hrburch@aol.com
Contact Phone:  (540) 797-2760
Website:  http://www.aauwofva.org/branches/roanoke.htm
When: Sept. 11, 2009 - Sept. 14, 2009 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Free book! Comics on the run! Funnies coming at  you!

In celebration of The Roanoke Times' comics switching it up just a bit, starting today, we're giving away a few book versions. Want more? Check out our online comics!

Take your pick. The first three folks to comment win a prize. Just tell me which book o' comics you'd like to arrive in your mailbox....

Dilbert's, "Freedom's Just Another Word For People Finding Out You're Useless"

For Better or For Worse, "Just a Simple Wedding"

Baby Blues, "My Space"

What'll it be? Give me a shout.

Shopping for gifts at this time of year, for moms, dads, and grads, might seem a little daunting. Lovers of literary on the giving and recieving ends, might find the following to be an option: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/08/book_shelfget_i.php

That same website also gives new meaning to the pocketbook: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/03/rebound_designs.php

Bookish jewelry can be found here: http://www.stopfalling.com/Jewelry-p-1-c-266.html

The Library of Congress has a giftshop online that offers many different literary items, including the game Bookopoly, where players buy bookstores and libraries. Instead of getting sent to jail for three turns, offenders are sent to watch TV for three days.

For the staid reader, there is the Levenger site, where they list tools for serious readers. Tote bags, page markers, and lap desks await your perusal.

I'm not that serious though and my favorite item to date has got to be this conspiracy theory themed shelf.

Happy shopping!

The options for book buying are many, from Amazon.com to yard sales. I was recently reminded of "traditional" book clubs, ads still found in magazines, where you join the club and get "discounts" on books, and often have to purchase a certain number of titles within a certain number of years. Ads will offer a free tote bag with membership, two additional books for a minimal charge, and other such things to entice. I've gone for these offers before and have some interesting reference titles because of it. I've also heard horror stories of people who are overwhelmed by the influx of books, unable to keep up with the reading much less the response to mailings.

Some of these clubs have themes, like Mystery Guild where you can get your fill of James Patterson or J.D. Robb. Patricia Cornwell or Janet Evanovich, and www.eharlequin.com with a top ten list featuring "His Majesty's Mistress," "Dante's Contract Marriage," and "Secret Baby, Public Affair." One Spirit features books on all things spiritual, while Children's Book of the Month Club offers tons of fun for tots. I did one of these types too and ended up with many volumns of Scooby Doo Mystery books in our home.

If you live in a multi-political view household, you might choose to join the Progressive Book Club where you can find President Obama's books among others such as "Goodnight Bush," a parody of Margaret Wise Brown's "Goodnight Moon," or "Mudbound," a 2006 Bellwether Prize winner. (The prize was founded by Barbara Kingsolver to reward books of conscience, social responsibility, and literary merit. Watch for a review of this title by The Roanoke Times.) While your significant other may join the Conservative Book Club and find titles such as Ann Coulter's "Guilty: Liberal "Victims" and their Assault on America," or Brad O'Leary's "Audacity of Deceit." You can fight over which books get displayed on the coffee table.  

Do you book club through the mail? How is it that working out for you?

How well do you think you know your books? While you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you might want to try to test your memory on the first lines of literature. I stumbled across this fun website this morning where you can test yourself on titles and authors. I did pretty well in the childrens' category and had a group effort go at the high and junior high school levels. Thanks to The Friends of the Palo Alto Library for this intellectually stimulating, or rather, memory challenging literary fun! See how you do, and let me know.

You have until next Thursday to download a free copy of Suze Orman's latest book, " Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe & Sound" from Oprah Winfrey's Web site.

Orman is a financial advisor, author and host of several PBS specials and her own show on CNBC.

Hey, even if you are not a fan of Orman's, you can't complain about the price. I find her a little overpowering and just want to tell her to chill out when she invades my morning television shows. But all this will cost you is some memory space. If you really hate it, hit delete or drag it to the trash can.

You will need Adobe Acrobat reader (also a free download) and there are instructions on the Web site for PC and Mac users.

Click right here to get your copy.