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Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Favorite Find - Unshelved


If you grew up reading the Sunday Funnies, then you probably enjoy reading to some degree. And if you like reading, then you probably enjoy a trip to the library every now and again. So what would happen if you combined comic strips with the library? That's exactly what Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum have done with Unshelved.

I remember when I first discovered Unshelved. While wandering the giant exhibition hall I was handed a flyer with a comic strip on it. I took it and shoved it into my bag with all the others I had received. Later, as I emptied my bag and tossed all the fliers I came upon this particular strip again. I read it and laughed. I wanted more. I quickly marched back to the exhibition hall and ran toward the Unshelved booth, as it was about to close. Tired and out of breath, I stated that I wanted to buy the book. Then I noticed that there were three volumes available. And t-shirts. Oh dear. I had to settle for just one book that time, but since then I've read all five volumes (I will get the sixth at this year's Comic-Con), and I have a shirt. I also remember that I kept sneaking peeks at my book during a film festival that night and snickering. My laughing probably wasn't appreciated, but that's okay because reading Unshelved was totally worth it.

The library setting is perfect because it's full of hilarious characters. I love these characters because they are real...we've all known the old-fashioned librarian who's hopeless at technology. We've all encountered the overly friendly children's librarian, and we have witnessed the charming young adult librarian who would much rather play than work. But most of all we know the library patrons, the ones who ask the annoying questions, give unwanted advice and do the most unexpected things. Yes, the library is a very funny place indeed, and Unshelved captures this humor with quick wit and sarcastic one-liners.

If you like comic strips (and even if you don't), you should give Unshelved a try. You can read the daily strip, sign up for their email, read all the archives, buy the books, t-shirts and more at their website. Another really cool part of Unshelved is Book Club. This is a full color page that they publish every Sunday. It features a different book every time and is presented in an entertaining way by the characters. Book Club is great if you're looking for suggestions for what book to read next...but I suggest you start with Unshelved.

WANT TO WIN? One winner will receive a copy of Unshelved Volume Six: Frequently Asked Questions. To enter, leave a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite comic strip is. Please include your email address. The deadline to enter is Tuesday, July 15th at Midnight. Winner must provide a U.S. or Canadian mailing address.

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Update: The winner is #1 Mary512. Congratulations!

31 comments:

  1. I like Garfield. Anythings with cats or animals is funny to me! Great giveaway, thanks.

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  2. My favorite used to be Calvin & Hobbes. When that was retired, I now like Garfield best. Thanks!

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  3. My family is addicted to all things comic. We currently love Pearls Before Swine, but there aren't many we don't like. We'd love to have this book.

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  4. I always grab the funnies out of the paper before any one has a chance to get them icky!
    My current favorite is LuAnn; it's a continuing saga.
    Thanks for all the wonderful book reviews and giveaways!

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  5. I loved Farley.
    gkstratos@ yahoo.com

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  6. Good strip. I do remember growing up and reading the comic every morning. I have gotten away from that, basically because I do not get the paper every day! Only Sunday and I am lucky to read that day!

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  7. Calvin and Hobbes-- I have done a lot of daycare and Calvin is the quintessential boy who can't sit still and is always getting in trouble...

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  8. I've always liked Broom-Hilda!

    doot65[at]comcast[dot]net

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  9. Our whole family would enjoy this book! It sounds fabulous. I have never heard of it. My favorite cartoon is "Dilbert!" Please enter me in your fun contest. Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  10. My favorite comic of all time is Calvin and Hobbes. So much so that I one day plan on getting a small tattoo of the characaters on my ankle. The way Calvin views life and things that go on around hime remind me of myself. I have every book ever made!

    Far Side was another great comic as is Family Circus.

    Kimberly
    HunnyV "at" Optonline "dot" net

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  11. I have always loved Peanuts.
    When Charles Shultz retired I took the last comic, copied it onto card stock, shrunk it, and carried it with me for years. I love it!

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  12. My all-time favorite is Garfield - gotta love that kitty!

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  13. My favorite comic is Dilbert. My work has one a day on our intranet so I'm always reading them. Funny how I thought it was the worst when I was a kid...
    jeepcutie82 at msn dot com

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  14. I've started reading this since you recommended it--it's great! My current favorite is F Minus.

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  15. My favorite has to be Family Circus. I love comics and get them in my e-mails everyday. Thank you so much!

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  16. Foxtrot is my favorite. Great giveaway - thanks! afdr3d@umkc.edu

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  17. I'm a librarian, so I LOVE Unshelved. You wouldn't believe how darn accurate it is!!

    seeryusfam@msn.com

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  18. I love Garfield. Thanks so much for the opportunity.

    planetmisty at gmail dot com

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  19. Librarian here, too-- Unshelved is my favorite comic, hands down, and it's delivered to my inbox every day. Dewey is my hero!

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  20. I love Girl Genius by Phil Foglio.

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  21. My favorite comic strip is the Born Loser. I used to like Far side when it was around.


    taterjack(at)embarqmail(dot)com

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  22. I miss Calvin & Hobbes. So, I think Garfield is my favorite.

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  23. Dilbert is my favorite. kristie2 (at) comcast.net

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  24. Beetle Baily has me rolling every morning.

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  25. I love Dinosaur Comics (qwantz.com). :)

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  26. My favorite comic strip is Pickles.

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  27. I love Get Fuzzy. I couldn't believe it when they did some kind of poll in my hometown newspaper and Get Fuzzy was voted "most hated". Sheez!
    My best friend is an art librarian. I would be thinking of her while I read this, and then perhaps I would share.

    onlycancan at hotmail dot com

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