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Animator and director Stephan Franck ("Iron Giant," "Despicable Me"), who was recently nominated at the Annie Awards for his work on "The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow," premiered a collected paperback version of his adventure comic Silver at the Emerald City Comic Convention last month.

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The New Rival to the DaVinci Code -SILVER

(a review of Steve Savile’s International Thriller Novel)

I recently read a book that was so absolutely riveting, that I loved so much, that I have decided to place my review of this international thrille right here at Acme Authors to help young author Steven Savile launch SILVER –due out Jan 19th of 2010 and up for preorder at Amazon, B&N, Borders, and elsewhere now. Here is the information on the book and the review; I was careful not to give anything in the way of plot.

SILVER – an International Thriller by Steven Savile/ISBN – 13-978-1-935142-05-8;415 pgs. 25.95 Hardcover, pub date 01/19/2010 fromVariance Publishing

Let me begin by sayng that Savile’s Silver is the best thing since Forsythe’s Day of the Jackal. Better than Dan Brown in every respect, Steven Savile’s SILVER is not a DaVinci Code imitator in any sense of the word; rather it is a fantastic plot twisting about a brilliant premise and a story wonderfully woven with no missteps, no gaffs, no holes or crazy leaps. The astonishing historical theme is interspersed perfectly as a foil for the modern day story of a dangerous cult as horrifying as any terrorist cell one can imagine—a secret society among us that makes the Knights Templars pale by comparison. After capturing the reader up with a powerful opening scene that plays out so vividly and visually as to read like a film script, Savile’s deft writing carries the reader along a plotline that has the feel of fate at every step. Part of that feeling of fate is the fact of an author completely and wholly in control of his craft.

Vivid characterizations of an international team of heroes with a plethora of flaws and Savile’s smart dialogue and well-wrought inner monologue held together by action at every turn provides the reader with every pleasure a reading experience requires (but so often lacks). Savile’s premise is uniquely tied to the history not of Jesus and Mary so much as Judas and Mary, and it is cleverly and efficiently woven that it brings up comparisons to one of the most well-crafted international thrillers ever -- Forsythe’s The Day of the Jackal.

I hope it is OK for this veteran professor of English, this lifelong reader, this author of some fifty novels to say I loved Silver…loved, loved, loved it and could not put it aside. Without giving away the plot or the surprises, let me add that no book has left me as surprised at its ending as has Silver. In closing, I will add one more caveat: If you love international thrillers replete with theological puzzles and a team pitted against true evil that mirrors our world today, you can't beat SILVER. Steven Savile is not afraid of a complex plot. This plot beats Dan Brown for intrigue that feels authentically scary.

Silver is masterfully accomplished work and should win awards if there is a God in charge of awards. And finally, if you like authenticity in settings that traverse the globe, you’d love the travelogue here as characters roam from the US to Israel to Germany to Paris and to Rome.

Again and again, Savile puts us in danger and impossible traps

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 If you went through my closet you would find name brands like Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan, Coach, Michael Cors, Prada, Bianca Nero, etc… The list goes on and on of name brands found all over my bedroom. It reads like a who’s who fashion magazine. One would probably think that I have a very good job making loads of money, or that I am a superficial clothes whore…But, I’m Not. I just know how to shop and shop well.

 The truth of the matter is that I everything I own, practically, comes from the thrift store. What? Yes, you heard me right. Every brand I mentioned came from the thrift store. Now if you are a reality television hound and have seen the show Southern Belles: Louisville, there was an episode with one of the “Rich” women going to the thrift store with her other “Belle” friend. The “Rich” woman was so put off by the place it was almost snobbish. The friend, who is considered a “Belle” on the show was just so down to earth and lovable. When her “Rich” friend went shopping, she bought four things from a boutique and spent $1000. You heard me right folks. She didn’t even bat and eye. The “Belle” was in disbelief. So that is when she took her “rich” friend shopping…thrift store style. And would you figure, the “Rich” lady didn’t buy a thing. She didn’t even really touch anything either. Oh my, I think I’ve got the vapors, is probably what she was thinking.

 A thousand dollars could get you a whole lot of stuff anywhere if you use it right. If you gave me a thousand dollars to spend at a thrift store, I could fully furnish a a home for a family of four, including clothing and food. No, I so am not kidding. And if there is anyone out there reading this who would like to see this happen, give me a thousand dollars and observe. You would be very impressed. Oh, and I would give you your change back too.

 If you are on a really tight budget, but enjoy having name brand things, this is the way to go. You have to have an open mind and patience though. People who are easily irritated should not shop a thrift store alone. Trust me I have seen women at thrift stores by themselves for the first time. It is not a pretty sight. They look lost and confused and you just want to give them a candy bar or something to distract their feelings of blah. It is so sad.

 I personally am the cheapest of the cheap. I am not cheap on quality. I do hold out for the better quality items, but even still, if I find the price a bit much. I will decline. The whole thing about thrifts stores is that you’ve got a good chance of finding the same thing over again somewhere else if you pass it up. Some things I do know are a once in a lifetime deal though. My most fabulous find yet is a pair of Michael Cors Bamboo Platform Wedge Heels for $4.00. They were probably worn once. Those shoes new were probably upwards of $100. or more. I usually won’t spend $4. on shoes, but these were a true find. A lot of times the higher end designer items are considered unknowns in the thrift store world. It takes a fashion worldly pricer/sorter to know what they’ve got. In this case, they just didn’t know. All of my Coach purses are from the thrift store. I don’t just buy any Coach purse either. Just because I see Coach in a thrift store, I don’t go crazy. Nine times out of ten the purses are in fabulous condition and depending on my mood, I will spend the money. Since Coach is a well known name, people know what they have and price it accordingly. The most I have ever spent on Coach is maybe $3.00. Trust me, there is a lot of Coach out there in thrift store land and you will see the prices range from $20-$60. Even at those prices, you are getting a deal.

 When you go to a thrift store it is best to have a plan. If you are going there for the first time, you should bring a friend. It helps if your friend is already into thrift stores, but if not, it is okay. Even two first timers would be able to be supportive of each other in this venture. If you go into a thrift store “blindly” you are just going to be too overwhelmed. You would probaly walk in then walk right out. Just like with anything new, it can be scary.

 Sometimes the word thrift store brings up images of well worn clothing, uncleanliness, and filth. Some thrift stores look more like boutiques or department stores. They are organized, clean, and some even have free coffee and donuts. Clothes are separated by category, size, and even color. But thrift stores are more than just clothing and shoes. You can find furniture, books, appliances, household goods, electronics, computers, jewelry, and even cars. Yes, even cars. The majority of thrift store items come via donation. People who donate are given a tax deductible form. This way they can claim it on their taxes as a write off. So the items that they want to make big claims on are high dollar items. Cars and boats bring in a good chunk of change. Sometimes you may get a fixer upper, but most of the time you get a good used car for much less than some private owners would sell.

Image via Wikipedia

 Some of the other items I mentioned like jewelry and computers are also great finds for shallow pockets. I love real silver jewelry. I can not get enough of the stuff. A lot of times the sorters and pricers are unaware of the jewelry they have and mark it according to whether they feel it will sell or not. In doing this they do not look closely enough at the marks on a piece. A lot of times, they don’t know what they are looking at anyway. When it comes to silver, real silver, they have a several different stampings to signify that it is real. If the sorters and pricers don’t know, they just don’t know. I have gotten a lot of beautiful pieces for under a dollar. They even have some jewelry that they sell in bulk just because they can not untangle it or whatever. Now a day you can sell scrap and broken gold or silver jewelry and make some money from your thrift store finds. I know I have.

 Computers. A lot of thrift stores now have people who are know how to work on computers. Most computers donated to thrift stores are just “older” versions. And just because they are “older” doesn’t mean that they don’t work. If you see a computer at the thrift store, they usually have them set up so that you can see they work. A lot of times you can buy a complete set up for under $200. That’s a great. I mean unless you are going to do some crazy high tech stuff. These computers will do the job. They are usually internet ready, have dvd/cd rom, have a version of Windows installed that might not be the newest, but just a step down, and are just the right thing if you want good basic capabilities.

 Did I mention discounts? Yes, even thrift stores have discounts. The volume of items donated can far surpass the amount sold. In this case thrift stores will have sales, clearances, and even sometimes free offers. Most thrift stores have a color tag, or day discount system. Depending on the color tag, or day is what your discount  will be. You may get 50% off the tag price, or maybe buy one get on free on Wednesday. Some places offer “bag sales”. This is where you are able to fill a bag up with anything in the store for a set price. Seasonal clearances are always happening and is the best way to save and get ready for the next year. Even better still is the “free table”. One of my favorite thrift stores has a free table. Yes, you can take whatever you want from that table. And boy, do they have some great stuff too. You just never know what you may find.

 So, if you have read this entire article, I suggest that you look up some of your local thrift stores and check them out. Not only will you find some great items, but you will be saving money. In the long run it will help out yourself and support your local thrift store. By doing this who knows what it will do for the economy

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 If you went through my closet you would find name brands like Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan, Coach, Michael Cors, Prada, Bianca Nero, etc… The list goes on and on of name brands found all over my bedroom. It reads like a who’s who fashion magazine. One would probably think that I have a very good job making loads of money, or that I am a superficial clothes whore…But, I’m Not. I just know how to shop and shop well.

 The truth of the matter is that I everything I own, practically, comes from the thrift store. What? Yes, you heard me right. Every brand I mentioned came from the thrift store. Now if you are a reality television hound and have seen the show Southern Belles: Louisville, there was an episode with one of the “Rich” women going to the thrift store with her other “Belle” friend. The “Rich” woman was so put off by the place it was almost snobbish. The friend, who is considered a “Belle” on the show was just so down to earth and lovable. When her “Rich” friend went shopping, she bought four things from a boutique and spent $1000. You heard me right folks. She didn’t even bat and eye. The “Belle” was in disbelief. So that is when she took her “rich” friend shopping…thrift store style. And would you figure, the “Rich” lady didn’t buy a thing. She didn’t even really touch anything either. Oh my, I think I’ve got the vapors, is probably what she was thinking.

 A thousand dollars could get you a whole lot of stuff anywhere if you use it right. If you gave me a thousand dollars to spend at a thrift store, I could fully furnish a a home for a family of four, including clothing and food. No, I so am not kidding. And if there is anyone out there reading this who would like to see this happen, give me a thousand dollars and observe. You would be very impressed. Oh, and I would give you your change back too.

 If you are on a really tight budget, but enjoy having name brand things, this is the way to go. You have to have an open mind and patience though. People who are easily irritated should not shop a thrift store alone. Trust me I have seen women at thrift stores by themselves for the first time. It is not a pretty sight. They look lost and confused and you just want to give them a candy bar or something to distract their feelings of blah. It is so sad.

 I personally am the cheapest of the cheap. I am not cheap on quality. I do hold out for the better quality items, but even still, if I find the price a bit much. I will decline. The whole thing about thrifts stores is that you’ve got a good chance of finding the same thing over again somewhere else if you pass it up. Some things I do know are a once in a lifetime deal though. My most fabulous find yet is a pair of Michael Cors Bamboo Platform Wedge Heels for $4.00. They were probably worn once. Those shoes new were probably upwards of $100. or more. I usually won’t spend $4. on shoes, but these were a true find. A lot of times the higher end designer items are considered unknowns in the thrift store world. It takes a fashion worldly pricer/sorter to know what they’ve got. In this case, they just didn’t know. All of my Coach purses are from the thrift store. I don’t just buy any Coach purse either. Just because I see Coach in a thrift store, I don’t go crazy. Nine times out of ten the purses are in fabulous condition and depending on my mood, I will spend the money. Since Coach is a well known name, people know what they have and price it accordingly. The most I have ever spent on Coach is maybe $3.00. Trust me, there is a lot of Coach out there in thrift store land and you will see the prices range from $20-$60. Even at those prices, you are getting a deal.

 When you go to a thrift store it is best to have a plan. If you are going there for the first time, you should bring a friend. It helps if your friend is already into thrift stores, but if not, it is okay. Even two first timers would be able to be supportive of each other in this venture. If you go into a thrift store “blindly” you are just going to be too overwhelmed. You would probaly walk in then walk right out. Just like with anything new, it can be scary.

 Sometimes the word thrift store brings up images of well worn clothing, uncleanliness, and filth. Some thrift stores look more like boutiques or department stores. They are organized, clean, and some even have free coffee and donuts. Clothes are separated by category, size, and even color. But thrift stores are more than just clothing and shoes. You can find furniture, books, appliances, household goods, electronics, computers, jewelry, and even cars. Yes, even cars. The majority of thrift store items come via donation. People who donate are given a tax deductible form. This way they can claim it on their taxes as a write off. So the items that they want to make big claims on are high dollar items. Cars and boats bring in a good chunk of change. Sometimes you may get a fixer upper, but most of the time you get a good used car for much less than some private owners would sell.

Image via Wikipedia

 Some of the other items I mentioned like jewelry and computers are also great finds for shallow pockets. I love real silver jewelry. I can not get enough of the stuff. A lot of times the sorters and pricers are unaware of the jewelry they have and mark it according to whether they feel it will sell or not. In doing this they do not look closely enough at the marks on a piece. A lot of times, they don’t know what they are looking at anyway. When it comes to silver, real silver, they have a several different stampings to signify that it is real. If the sorters and pricers don’t know, they just don’t know. I have gotten a lot of beautiful pieces for under a dollar. They even have some jewelry that they sell in bulk just because they can not untangle it or whatever. Now a day you can sell scrap and broken gold or silver jewelry and make some money from your thrift store finds. I know I have.

 Computers. A lot of thrift stores now have people who are know how to work on computers. Most computers donated to thrift stores are just “older” versions. And just because they are “older” doesn’t mean that they don’t work. If you see a computer at the thrift store, they usually have them set up so that you can see they work. A lot of times you can buy a complete set up for under $200. That’s a great. I mean unless you are going to do some crazy high tech stuff. These computers will do the job. They are usually internet ready, have dvd/cd rom, have a version of Windows installed that might not be the newest, but just a step down, and are just the right thing if you want good basic capabilities.

 Did I mention discounts? Yes, even thrift stores have discounts. The volume of items donated can far surpass the amount sold. In this case thrift stores will have sales, clearances, and even sometimes free offers. Most thrift stores have a color tag, or day discount system. Depending on the color tag, or day is what your discount  will be. You may get 50% off the tag price, or maybe buy one get on free on Wednesday. Some places offer “bag sales”. This is where you are able to fill a bag up with anything in the store for a set price. Seasonal clearances are always happening and is the best way to save and get ready for the next year. Even better still is the “free table”. One of my favorite thrift stores has a free table. Yes, you can take whatever you want from that table. And boy, do they have some great stuff too. You just never know what you may find.

 So, if you have read this entire article, I suggest that you look up some of your local thrift stores and check them out. Not only will you find some great items, but you will be saving money. In the long run it will help out yourself and support your local thrift store. By doing this who knows what it will do for the economy

Add a Comment

(Click on event name for more information)

Growing Up Asian in America Art & Essay Contest for Youth~ entry deadline Mar 6, San Francisco, CA, USA

StoryFeast 2008 - International Storytelling Festival~ Feb 1 - 3, Vancouver, BC, Canada

18th New Delhi World Book Fair~ Feb 2 - 10, New Delhi, India

National African American Read-In~ Feb 2 - 3, USA

SCBWI Annual Winter Conference~ Feb 8 - 10, New York, NY, USA

First Nations Public Library Week~ Feb 11 - 16, Canada

ALOUD: A Celebration for Young Readers~ Feb 12 - 14, Toronto, ON, Canada

Taipei International Book Exhibition~ Feb 13 - 18, Taipai, Taiwan

Cybils - Children’s and YA Bloggers’ Literary Award Winners Announced ~ Feb 14

International Australia and New Zealand SCBWI Conference~ Feb 23 - 24, Sydney, Australia

Freedom to Read Week~ Feb 24 - Mar 1, Canada

Kiriyama Prize Finalists Announced~ Feb 26, USA

New Zealand Post Book Award Winners Announced~ Feb 26, New Zealand

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Sep 29 through Oct 6 marks the 26th anniversary of Banned Books Week, a major event observed across the United States where libraries, schools, booksellers, and community organizations sponsor exhibits and present programs to shed light on the issue of censorship.

This years’ theme is – you guessed – “Aye mateys… celebrate your freedom t’ read!,” and the celebrations also happen at ALA’s InfoArts Island, in the virtual world of ‘Second Life.’ At the virtual island you will meet avatar volunteers that are ready to help you find your way through book events, discussions, and a cool exhibit that mirrors this year’s pirate theme.

I say: Wow!

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New & Noteworthy, The West Hempstead Public Library's Weblog is holding an essay contest on freedom to read. The age categories are: 5-12 years old, 13-17 years old, 18+ years old. The question is, "Which book have you enjoyed that makes you appreciate the freedom to read?" Check their weblog for more details.

Here's the scoop on a couple of graphic novels that had been challenged. "On March 14, 2007, the Marshall Public Library Board of Trustees voted to return both Fun Home and Blankets to the library's shelves." The books had been removed until the board could hammer out a new material selection policy, according to a story in the Marshall Democrat-News.

As for our banned book challenge, I will publish as many book entries for your completed titles as I can. It is interesting to read what people have written about their completed books. Check the comment for this entry for the first batch. I am surprised by the number of similar titles.

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