His book Super Spy was named the indie book of the year Wizard magazine and nominated for an Eisner Award for best graphic novel (reprint) in 2008, and he does it all from his studio in Webster Groves. Graphic novelist Matt Kindt is the brains and pen behind a number of graphic novels, including his popular novel Super Spy and the upcoming book 3 Story: The Secret History of the Giant Man.

While working on an upcoming novel for DC Comics, Matt let us into his studio to show us his process for developing a graphic novel and talked to us about his past and future novels. To get a peek into the world of graphic novels, check out [tab:trav_video].

Matt's latest novel, 3 Story, will be released in September and he also has two sequels for Super Spy in the works. You can check out Matt's previous novels, read his blog, peruse his past commissioned prints and see more of his artwork and design work by going to his website.

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Getting laid!

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS : Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: He's 20, much like your IQ.

And my personal favorite:

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Are you s[naughty language removed]ing me?

These exchanges actually happened in court rooms all over America, and were captured word-for-word by a few dedicated court reporters who were forced to suppress their laughter at the time. Fortunately, you're free to laugh out loud when you're reading this court room recap. If you'd like to buy the book, Left Bank Books said they would be happy to order a copy in for you. If you'd like to "rent" the book instead, the St. Louis Public Library system and the St. Louis County Library system both have copies in their massive collections.

It has only been four months since they opened their doors, but already Pudd'nhead Books, an independent bookseller in Webster Groves, is quickly becoming an ideal, neighborhood book store a'la the Shop Around the Corner (or You've Got Mail for the younger crowd). Store owner Nikki Furrer didn't inherit the shop, but judging by the way her store has already gelled with the neighborhood you would hardly guess that the shop is a new kid on the block.

There are many books that have made their way to her shelves based on what her customers and other independent bookseller's recommend. For example, Nikki added knitting books and a series of gardening books to her stock at her customer's urging and they have been flying off the shelves. She is also in the process of ordering art books that only cost $10 that she thinks will be great for Webster University students. Nikki said, "The inventory is just 1/2 what I think are among the greatest books, and half what Webster would like."

From the moment you walk into the cozy shop, which is filled with antique tables and overstuffed couches, you are invited to explore different authors and genres by the store's creative categorization and displays. The book superstores are setup for finding specific titles and authors, which you can do at Puddn'head as well, but the bookshelves here are adorned with distinct sections for "Hardboiled" and "Noir/Gothic" mystery novels that would normally be shelved in a general "Mystery" section. In addition to the sub-genre labeling of the shelves Nikki also invites readers to find something new by displaying collections of books with unique themes. Displays called "Funny Novels According to the British," and "Kid's Books for Adults" are dotted throughout the store.

The community not only impacts the titles she carries she has also setup a number Webster specific displays in the store. In the "Good Books for Good" section books that are related to a charitable cause are displayed together and 10% of the purchase price is given to that month's selected charity. During March an organization called The Next Step, which provides assistance to families impacted by drug and alcohol issues, benefits from the sale of the books "Beautiful Boy," "Wishful Drinking," and "Smashed" to name a few. Nikki also has a section dedicated to "Webster's Bestsellers," where she puts a local spin on those best seller lists and displays what people in the neighborhood are reading.

Puddn'head Books is self described as, "a well-curated selection of books." Besides working closely with the neighborhood to find books, the Nikki's selections for the store can rightly round that "well-curated" moniker out. After completing a degree in English at Washington University, she went on to a publishing program in New York and worked at a literary agency there helping to discover new authors. She said she only did that because she wasn't running the bookstore. She returned to St. Louis last year and opened the store that following October. She explained, "There is nothing else in the world I want to do."

Pudd'nhead Books is located at 37 Old Orchard Center in Webster Groves. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9am until 8pm, and Sunday from 10am until 5pm.

Steve Harvey is coming to St. Louis independent bookseller, Left Bank Books, on Friday to sign his book, which advises women to treat relationships more like the Ford Motor Company by giving men a 90-day policy, and other such gems. He says his book was inspired by all of the women he met while touring the country or through his "Steve Harvey Morning Show" syndicated radio talk-show.

What: Steve Harvey Book Signing

Where: Left Bank Books Downtown (321 N. 10th St)

When: Friday, March 13 at 5:30pm

You can get a ticket to the signing by purchasing a copy of his book before the singing at Left Bank.

The comedian-turned-advice expert offers advice to women on how to spot a Mama's boy, and questions women should ask before getting serious with a dude. It may be worth the read if you can ignore the title and stop asking yourself how Harvey became an expert, and a million book buyers can't be wrong, can they? Maybe you could get him to sign your box set of "Best of the Steve Harvey Show" if you ask him nicely.

No matter how many times Salt n' Pepa invite us to, the St. Louis County Public Library doesn't want us to talk about sex. Well, at least not unless we are in high school. According to KMOV, they are going through their stacks and labeling books in the young adult section that they deem to contain sexually explicit language

After some prodding from Citizens Against Pornography, library leaders are about to put labels with the word "High School" on books in the teen section with explicit sexual content.

I don't know about you, but I'm anxious to see what the library says is explicit because, regardless of what USA's late night television has taught us about librarians, it is probably safe to assume that the library doesn't see a hot and heavy make-out session behind the bleachers at Sweet Valley High the same way I do. What on earth are they going to do with The Catcher in the Rye; give it a jar of Noxema and a lettermen's jacket?

Regardless of the label, the kiddos will still be able to get their hands on the books and will be able to check them out. Labels and signs will be going up soon around the county.

Can’t say that I’ve seen this kind of selling tactic before on a book, but that’s why I had to pick it up: “New York Times #1 Bestseller-Really.” (It really said really.) 

It was as if to say, “You actually won’t be sorry despite your preconceived notion that this book is crap.” Despite all odds, Tori Spelling’s memoir, sTori Telling got my undivided attention and I found myself toting the celebutante's book home. 

As an old-school 90210 fan and Tori & Dean Home Sweet Hollywood some-time viewer, I was excited to have some of the questions answered about things you always hear in the media. Did she really grow up in a mansion that had 123 rooms? Is her mother really a money-grubbing she-devil? What was it like working on 90210? Did she really run off with a married man?  Is she really broke as she leads on?

After the first few pages, I was hooked. It was so well written! So I abruptly stopped, turned back a few pages and read the inside jacket. Ah, it made sense: written by Tori Spelling with Hilary Liftin. Of course, it was good because she has a professional writer helping her tell her story. So be it, I dived back in… sole author or not.

Right off the bat, Spelling (with Liftin) painted a clear picture of what it’s like on the inside the life of a famous Hollywood family. Extravagant parties were had, fake snow deliveries for the holidays was a normal occurrence and yes, she had a nose job as an adolescent.

Spelling also disputes her perceived nepotism, explaining how she used an alias to audition for the cast of 90210, which her father, the late Aaron Spelling, notoriously produced.

Juicy details about 90210 cast hookups are also revealed, as well as well as her "disinheritance" of her father’s billions. Her ongoing feud with her mother is also quite a trip (if you ever thought your parents were unfair, you’ll be in disbelief at the antics of Spelling's mother, Candy.)

After all of the burning questions are answered, the focal point of the book then becomes the day-to day-struggles of her life as an actress and her quest to define herself as a person. 

The book definitely set the record straight concerning the hoopla that has been circulating in the tabloids for years; Spelling dispelled the Hollywood glitz and glam version of her life and showed that her heart is much deeper than her pockets.

sTori Telling is a light, enriching story that is definitely a good read for any person who doesn’t mind indulging in what it means to be Tori Spelling by Tori Spelling (and Liftin.)  

I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 bookworms. 

In Eliot Tiegel's latest book, Overexposed: The Price of Fame, the author dissects America's fascination with the self-destruction of celebrities. Boasting a resume that includes 50 years of entertainment reporting, Eliot knows a thing or two about Hollywood. However, even he's fascinated with the downward spiral today's stars seem to be on as an out of control tabloid press exposes every drug binge, baby drop, and photo scandal. Click [tab:audio] for a quick interview with Mr. Tiegel about his new book, available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Stephen King	Stephenie Meyer	Winner
Some believe that King is actually the one who killed John Lennon.	Some believe that Meyer may be single handedly killing feminism.	Meyer, because who really wanted John Lennon to die?
King's books are targeted at adults and test at a 5th or 6th grade reading level.	Meyer's adult novel, "The Host" is targeted at adults and clocks in at a 4th grade reading level.	King, though they both aren't exactly writing Shakespeare, 5th and 6th graders can beat up 4th graders.
King is kind of strange looking, in a Michael Jackson sort of way.	Meyer is sort of strange looking, in a Michelle Trachtenberg sort of way.	Meyer, because Jacko is just gross - plus it's probably better to look like a model than a surgical victim.
The Shining was a Stephen King book that was turned into a movie.	Twilight was a Stephenie Meyer book that was turned into a movie.	King, because The Shining will always be an amazing film, and as much as I like Twilight... "Here's Edward," just doesn't have the same ring.

Officially, it is a tie - especially if you count the round involving names spelled with the letters 's', 'p', and 'h'. Some would argue that they have both kinda stunk up the literary shelves, but both are necessary. Could you imagine how depressed the world would be if it were only filled with Nobkovs and DeLillos? It really comes down to a matter of taste. I, personally, prefer Stefenie Meyer. Though her books may be young adult there is enough literary allusion, sincerity and symbolism there for someone who wants more from their light read. I was a fan of King in 6th grade, but haven't touched the stuff since then. Really, when it comes to books that make the New York Times Best Sellers List, everyone has an opinion about what is good and bad, and just like King had his opinion about Meyer, everyone is entitled to it regardless of literary stature.

"The books follow the protagonists Richard Cypher, Kahlan Amnell and Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander on their quest to defeat oppressors who seek to control the world and those who wish to unleash evil upon the world of the living. While each novel was written to stand alone except for the final three that were intended to be a trilogy, they follow a common time line and are linked by ongoing events that occur throughout the series." - Wikipedia

This is a book series for the serious fiction reader, who likes truth and validity in the characters they follow. Out of all the books that I have read in my lifetime, this series by far is the most captivating and moving...after all, I have been hooked for years. If you like Twilight, Harry Potter, Spiderwick Chronicles, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Lord of the Rings, this is an adult adventure for you. It is intensely packed with action, and intrigue that will keep the pages turning.

I rather enjoy books that teach me something about the world we live and about myself...My reasons for obsessing over The Sword of Truth Series can be said just like this:

"Goodkind portrays in his novels that individuals can remain true in the face of adversity without sacrificing their values and moral beliefs. Goodkind's protagonists show that they have courage when making choices, even when faced with difficult situations, and they remain steadfast even when faced with mistakes in their own judgment. The Sword of Truth series also offers a stark contrast between Objectivist and socialist or collectivist beliefs in its portrayal of political dynamics." -Wikipedia

An ABC TV series based on Terry Goodkind's series, 'Legend of the Seeker', premiered November of 2008. As it only is an adaptation of the stories in series, Goodkind urges readers to enjoy the show, as it is different from the books. I strongly encourage reading the books, as Goodkind's imagery beats tv graphics any day.

_{All cover art by Keith Parkinsons}

When was the last time you turned off your cellphone, made a mug of cocoa and curled up with a book? According to a study by the Jenkins Group for 80% of US families it hasn't been within the last year. That was the grim statistic Barry Leibman, owner of Left Bank Books, shared with me when I stopped by to get some insight on finding collectible books.

If you walk into a bookstore and can't remember even one of the hundreds of reasons to pick up a book, just think: when you set that copy of the latest novel down you might be setting down a fortune. For example, at Thursdays Profiles in History auction a set of three signed, first edition Harry Potter books started bidding at $80,000. If that isn't motivation to start reading again, what would you say if I told you that your brain could turn to mush and fall out of your nose if you don't? Would that work?

While finding the next Harry Potter among the stacks is going to be a challenge, Leibman showed us how to identify collectible books when you see them. To learn the basics of selecting reads that might make you a little cash one day check out [tab:trav_video].

Looking for a good place to start your book collection or wanting to get a gift for a book lover? Left Bank Books just expanded their Central West End operations and opened the doors of a new downtown store Wednesday afternoon, located at 10th and Locust. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 10pm and Sunday from 11am until 6pm.

Tomorrow night St. Louis will have a chance to participate in a discussion about the work of one of my favorite authors, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. The author's son, Dr. Mark Vonnegut, will be discussing his father's satirical and darkly humorous body of work.

Known and revered for penning "Slaughterhouse 5" and "Hocus Pocus," Vonnegut's work was heavily influenced by his political views, which are found intricately woven throughout his stories that often verge into the realm of the fantastic. Tomorrow night's presentation will be a presentation that covers Vonnegut's life and work books to his art to his politics. His son will reading from selected Vonnegut works, there will be presentations of his art work, and open discussion about his ideology.

The St. Louis Actor's Studio is hosting this presentation, which begins at 8pm tomorrow evening. The event will be held in the auditorium of the Ethical Society building, located at 9001 Clayton Rd, in the main auditorium. Tickets cost only $15 and will be available one hour before the performance on location, or in advance through TicketMaster. Thought this was a little too interesting to keep to myself.

Before starting on this finger tapping adventure, I knew the basic direction I would approach, so I titled the novel, "The Art of Life". Remaining true to the core was tough and it required the constant breaking of mental blocks along the way. Never did I think that this task would ever be fulfilled with such ease, and it ultimately leads me to believe I can do anything! Every night I looked forward to sitting down and typing the thoughts that were flying threw my mind at lightening speed. It was like relieving years of accumulated thoughts that has finally allowed me to take a deep breath and look back with a smile.  Needless to say my hands are far more conditioned than before I started the challenge. I suspect that I will wake up from a deep dream of typing in the middle of the night, as that has pretty much been the task since the beginning of November. All worth it, I must say!

December will involve intense editing and rewriting of the hundred plus pages in order to get it into print by early Spring 2009. Until then, the novel will stay close by my side until it can be released into the literary world.

As a part of the campaign to write away, winners enjoy complimentary trade proofs of their book courtesy of CreateSpace, as well as discounts on author inspired programs, and tools to translate their visions to paper.

If all things go as planned, you can get a sneak peak of "The Art of Life" in the upcoming months. I expect to illustrate this novel as the name itself calls for it and is the root of my passions. After all, I am not an author, but an artist who interprets every bit of life as a piece of living art. The hardest part is done...50,000 words!

(Left: Novel Artwork for "The Art of Life.")

For those of us who are still grieving Hugh, Holly, and Kendra's recent breakup (myself included), there is a pick me up in store for you Tuesday night. Historian and biographer Steven Watts will be at the St. Louis County Library headquarters (1640 S. Lindberg) discussing his book "Mr. Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream." Watts, a professor of American intellectual and cultural history at Mizzou, and published his book exploring Hef's impact on Americana in October. Watts will be talking about his book, his argument, and the man that helped lead the charge in changing the way we look at sexuality beginning at 7pm.

As evidenced by the success of LOLCats, people love anthropomorphism (giving animals human characteristics), and there is little that can hold a candle to anthropomorphic cats. New York Times best selling author Rita Mae Brown has been making a literary career based on that truth since 1990 with the books in her Mrs. Murphy series. Brown will be at Left Bank Books in the Central West End to talk about and sign her book, "Santa Clawed," tomorrow night at 7pm. Brown's new book is... co-written by a cat... and tells the story of crime solving felines and canines that crack a holiday murder mystery. Now, who doesn't love cats and dogs that talk and a holiday murder-mystery?

You may be saying to your computer screen (yes, I can hear you), "But Melody, don't you need to be an author's fanboy to got to one of these things?" I would start by saying no, and continue by adding that I used to think that way myself. Attending an author discussion gives fanboys and casual readers alike a different perspective on a book, and a very cool plus of going to one is that you can pick up a signed copy of the book. Even if you aren't the reading type, signed books make a great gift for friends and family who are, and you never know - you might walk away wanting to read a book you may have never thought twice about before attending. Left Bank Books keeps a very thorough list of book events in the city on their website, so even if you aren't a Hef or cat fan, or you are just looking for new authors or subjects to read about, keep an eye on their calendar to see who is coming through town, I would bet something eventually tickles your fancy.

When does the number of words in a novel count more than the quality of those words? In November. National Novel Writing Month, a month long challenge of prosaic endurance, is calling all authors to start writing November 1st and crank out a novel before November 30. There are quite a few St. Louisans participating preparing for the challenge with a kickoff party Saturday, October 25 to get local participants all acquainted and ready in time for the challenge.

The idea behind the competition is to write a novel with a minimum of 50,000 words by the end of the month. If you do the math, that is equal to roughly 1,667 words per day. Sound like a battle? The beauty to the competition is that you are only judged based on how many words you write, not what your words say. The weekly emails of encouragement, area "write-ins", and regional forums that are being hosted as part of the competition make this a great opportunity for an aspiring novelist, or one who is looking to get back in the proverbial saddle, to jump head first into the novel authoring world without pressure to write the great American novel the first time you try it. To write 50,000 words in one month your red pen wielding inner editor must be beaten into submission and you have to just write, write, write - and when it's all over, you have crested the intimidating, first novel peak making it a little easier to actually write the great American novel as you intended.

A common aspiration among literary and non-literary types alike is writing a novel. NaNoWriMo's competition gives everyone the chance to see if they have the ability to even write that much to begin with! This will be the second year I have participated in the challenge, and my fellow lady of T-Rav Margo has decided to join me. Last year I skipped the write-ins and kickoff events and I completely blame my unsuccessful finish on that (yeah, right!), but I will be word-count victorious in 2008. In just 42 days, after a long, chilly month of feverish typing I will have 50,000 words. I am willing to bet on that, too.

Interested in joining Margo and I on this journey? You can learn more about the competition, sign up, and get involved locally by going to the National Novel Writing Month website.