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November 11, 2008

Stieg Larsson, pictured at left, has left rather an unusual legacy. He died unexpectedly in 2004 of a heart attack, shortly after leaving all three volumes of a sensational trilogy at a Swedish publisher. The first book, Girl With A Dragon Tattoo, has been featured here previously, and is a book which I just couldn't let go of, re-reading key sections for days after I'd finished. With all the current focus on the economy I thought this prescient passage, circa 2003, from Girl With A Dragon Tattoo might be of interest.

     "The idea that Sweden's economy is headed for a crash is nonsense," Blomkvist said.
     The host of She on TV4 looked perplexed. His reply did not follow the pattern she had expected and she was forced to improvise. Blomkvist got the follow-up he was hoping for. "We're experiencing the largest single drop in the history of the Swedish stock exchange--and you think that's nonsense?"
      "You have to distinguish between two things--the Swedish economy and the Swedish stock market. The Swedish economy is is the sum of all the goods and services that are produced in this country every day. There are telephones from Ericsson, cars from Volvo, chickens from Scan, and shipments from Kiruna to Skövde. That's the Swedish economy, and it's just as strong or weak today as it was a week ago."
      He paused for effect and took a sip of water.
      "The Stock Exchange is something very different. There is no economy and no production of goods and services. There are only fantasies in which people from one hour to the next decide that this or that company is worth so many billions, more or less. It doesn't have a thing to do with reality or with the Swedish economy."

Here they are! Our weekly picks for the two best: two hardcover, two paperback, and two children's books. The very best new arrivals to leap out of the box and onto our shelves this week. Call or email us if you want more information on any of these titles, or to have us hold you a copy. Or stop in and check them out in person. We'd love to see you. Thanks as always for sharing your reading with us!

Bat-Manga!: The Secret History of Batman in Japan
By Kidd, Chip
2008/10 - Pantheon Books
9780375714849 - Trade Paper
List Price $29.95 - Your Price: $23.96

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Bat-Manga is a fascinating piece of comic literary history, as well as being a good read. It turns out that in 1966-67 Jiro Kuwata, one of Japan's legendary manga artists, actually created original batman stories in Japanese. Their existence had been hitherto almost entirely unknown here. The rights issues with DC appear to have been a bit sketchy, but the manga are both excellent and fascinating. Bat-Manga presents the complete run of these comics along with some cool photos of Japanese Batman paraphernalia, and a bit of historical background and cultural commentary. This is a very worthwhile new release....More

Shield of Stars
By Bell, Hilari
2008/10 - Aladdin Paperbacks
9781416905950 - Trade Paper
List Price $5.99 - Your Price: $4.79

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Shield of Stars, which is just out in paperback is the first book in a new series by one of the most under recognized writers in any genre, Hilary Bell. Bell specializes in creating rich, compelling characters who confront profound moral dilemmas in a fantasy setting which is simple and authentic. Her books are fast paced, focused and tremendously rewarding. Shield of Stars follows Weasel, a young pickpocket turned law clerk, whose master has been arrested with other conspirators who had sought to overthrow an unjust regent. The second book in the trilogy Sword of Waters will be out in late November, and is also excellent. Bell's new series is just the thing for any young reader between the ages of 9-13....More

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