I've bought seventeen copies already, give or take sixteen!

I can vouch for the first two in the trilogy and looking forward to buying multiple copies for nieces, nephews, cats, and dogs.

Congrats BG!

The first TWO in the trilogy? You mean the second one is written?

Congratulations to your extremely close personal friend!

And you should listen to Jeb. He's really smart.

I've already read about three chapters, and I do have to say that Batgirl's close, personal friend has the same wit and passion that we read here every day, 'cept this is in a form I can buy for my young cousins (no nieces or nephews yet). It's delightful so far, so if you'll excuse me, I have a book to read.

I want to add two more votes. I started reading this to my 4 year old a couple of weeks ago when it arrived and we both love it. I wish I could keep her awake longer at night so I could read more...I can't stand the suspense!

And I really mean it...its great. It moves along very quickly, it's a little dark and mysterious, very fun from a kid's perspective and most importantly, has a lot of the BG humor we've come to love. It's a wonderful combination. And who would have thought that greek mythology could be so much fun.

My biggest problem is trying to stop saying "Mientkiewicz" every time I read Mielswetszki. It makes me chuckle and, at the same time, makes me miss Doug and AJ. Its worth it though - as is everything else in the book so far.

Run out a buy a bunch for your family and friends - they will all thank you! And I certainly thank YOU batgirl - this is another wonderful read!

"A fast-paced action adventure...this Greek-themed frolic is set apart by the voice of its omniscient narrator."

I mean, who doesn't love an omniscient narrator?

So, is Peter Jackson going to direct the movies?

My copy will be accompanying me to Spring Training this week/weekend!

(I'll get y'all some pics from Ft. Myers, I'll be at the game Saturday--look for the guy in the loud red Hawaiian shirt with baseball players on it and the Bitch Sox hat)

Ilk

---without using the words "suck" or "ass."---

I choose to think of it as reader-interactive...meaning...I added my own...

From page 123:

"What Hades did not know was that not all of his employees obeyed his decrees scrupulously. And the most unscrupulous disobeyer of all was an Immortal named Philonecron [WHO SUCKED ASS!]"

It's like Harry Potter meets The Rocky Horror Picture Show!

I'm glad Jeb made you. And folks, the best thing about cyberworld is you can go to your fave book buying site and leave a review/recommendation.

(Not being able to attend a reading SUCKS ASS.)

I'm picking up my copy tomorrow.
And really looking forward to the book signing in April!!

Congratulations on the new book, Batgirl. Btw, when folks are in such stores, they might want to ask as well for The Kid From Tomkinsville and The Kid Comes Back. They are a couple of my favorite baseball stories.
JRT

Book discussion questions:

Is Philonecron really a metaphor for George Steinbrenner?

Is Mr. Metos channeling Terry Ryan in his attempt to foil the hoarding of shadows (players)?

Batgirl is to Charlotte as Zee is to ___________?

I look forward to it, but I'm still only half way through In Search of Lost Time by Proust, I should be ready before the All Star Break. Don't give away too many plot points :-)

D

ps, hope it's a BIG hit

Re: Book discussion questions

> Is Philonecron really a metaphor for George Steinbrenner?

Not Philonecron but Hades. Hades, like Steinbrenner, has maybe three emotional states- rage, covetousness and evil-tinged disdain. Philonecron, on the other hand, is probably more like Peter Angelos or even Mark Cuban. With a little Billy Bean (not the Oakland Beane) thrown in ;-)

> Is Mr. Metos channeling Terry Ryan in his attempt to foil the hoarding of shadows (players)?

NOW we're talking about Billy Beane.

> Batgirl is to Charlotte as Zee is to ___________?

Charlotte : BG :: Zee : Freaking Torii Hunter, duh ;-)

Lest anyone think I said that Zee : Torii simply based on ethnicity, allow me to defend my statement:

Both are gifted athletes.

Both are very likable.

Both inspire dig-me-ness in las femininas.

Both have grandmothers that... just go buy the book. ;-)

i've read the first installment and am now not-so-patiently sitting on my hands waiting for the second one. at lest i have baseball to get me through the summer, but the winter is going to be long.

i've pimped the book and book signings out to all my co-workers with and without children as well.

A question regarding age appropriateness.

Someone upthread said that a 4 year old loves the book. Beege, can you ask your close, personal, 24 year old friend what age range she would recommend for her trilogy (to read to -- obviously, my 2 week old son is eligible to buy one for marketing reasons).

Thanks a bunch.
YF

Dear Mr. Fan

Why, a person of any age can enjoy THE SHADOW THIEVES! But the book is technically middle grade fiction--if they can read Harry Potter, they can read this.

Helpfully,
BG

p.s. no, no BG is 24. Her friend is OLD.

BatGirl,

Thanks for sharing information regarding your friend's book. I was looking for something my son would enjoy, and this seems to be perfect. I'll be sure to ask the bookstore staff for it in my loudest voice when I go buy it for him.

k-bro

I've sent out a shameless plug to all the folks I know with children of this age. I myself am giddy with excitement waiting for it to arrive.

BatGirl: Besides being a do-good superhero, you are a member of an incredibly creative circle. Please tell your friend she's excellent. I bought her book and am excited to share it with my daughters.

Tell your close personal friend: Congrats on the new book--I just read Clarence this winter and enjoyed it a lot. My son is too old for this type book I think and his son (my grandson) is not yet even a figment of the imagination...I think I should buy 3 copies though--for my nieces and nephews (but I have to ask the boss--my wife--for permission).

DAM

Wow, where do you (and your friend) get the time, BG? I'm looking forward to reading it and then seeing the movie adaptations.

Of course you should put it in the sidebar! We batlings are a huge asset to be drawn upon! Just look at all the biz you've already created by your post. And we're happy for it. Good luck, and can I have a role in the film version?

Since we're literary, I can also recommend the disapparation of james and spilling clarence. very little baseball but lots of children.

A whole book without the words "suck" *or* "ass"? Part of a whole (to be completed) trilogy of such books? I'll believe that when I see it--let me head out right now...

One more question, and I hope these aren't becoming a nuisance.

Can you ask your friend what the best method of purchase is? Since it is likely available in every outlet, can one assume that there is a preferred means of purchase whereby your friend gets a better return?

Thanks for the info in advance.

YF

Dearest Mr. Fan,

No, no. Your questions are all wonderful. Anyplace you purchase THE SHADOW THIEVES is a good place, in more ways than one.

Love,
Batgirl

Your closer personal friend makes amazing use of his/her time. Tell him/her I hope the book is a huge success!

CLOSE personal friend. Not CLOSER.

Have baseball on my brain. :-)

> So, is Peter Jackson going to direct the movies? - Heraldguy

Angela and I already slotted Tim Burton for that, HG.

Not to get off topic but :)

Jim Capble has a nice piece about on ESPN today about why you should root for the USA, Jeter and ARod.

Dear YF

What named did you decide on for a YF to be named later ?

Dear Batgirl

Will you close personal friend be doing any book signings on the East Coast ? In additition to the books I have a shirt I would like to get signed

p.e.m.

Also, I love it when Ms. Ursu's "books for adults" are referenced in those THE SHADOW THIEVES reviews and such. Sounds spicy!

That went way too quickly. When's the next one? I can't wait! ;)

Kurtis - but Tim Burton doesn't direct epic trilogies...

Find the hidden phrase:

"She leapt from behind the rock, tripping on a tussuck, assailing her mortal enemies in the process."

My daughter and I will be at the Red Balloon next month for a SIGNED copy!

:)

Just for the heck of it, I want to mention that Angela and I now frequently tell Torii, "you know, you can be very fuzzy sometimes...."

We both loved that bit. And pretty much everything else about the kitten and Ms. Ursu's descriptions of the kitten. It's stuff only cat people can appreciate.

PEM,

We settled on Adam, meaning man. The middle name is my grandfather's -- some of you may remember he passed away almost a year ago. We can only hope that my don grown up to be the kind of man he was.

BG,

Thanks for the tip on your friend's book -- it will make the usually daunting task of buying my niece and nephews presents easier, if just once per child.

Giddily on pins and needles waiting for the season,
YankeeFan

Heard your friend on the radio in Fargo...Loved the first two books...I'll be picking this one up this weekend for the kids.

My dad bought me a copy of the book today! It's become my little brother's bedtime story for the next month because he wants me to read it to him! :)

Great reading, keep up the great posts.
Peace, JiggaDigga