Extra! Extra!

January, 1998 -- Do you have plans for December 31, 1999 yet? Or are you waiting to ring in the millennium New Year's Eve, 2000? Either way, plenty of people are paying attention to the matter. Or freaking out about it, as our reviewer says. Since you don't have a whole lot of time left, we've picked out a couple of "millennium books" for you.

Entering the 21st century is no longer the stuff of science fiction, but there is still plenty of SF to go around. Avon Books is launching a new science fiction and fantasy imprint, Avon Eos. The imprint will officially launch on Saturday, January 10, with a day-long online convention (12pm to 8pm EST). Featured guests will include such notables as Gregory Benford, Ben Bova and Raymond E. Feist. Some of the planned events: readings, lectures and panels (all with question and answer sessions), giveaways, an art gallery, a live story evolving as the day goes on, and a chat room for fans.

Fewer people can claim more fans than Oprah Winfrey. Well, maybe Bill Cosby . . . But we're sure that's not the only reason Oprah picked him as her newest book club author. In addition to his other talents, Mr. Cosby is the author of a new series of books for children. Kids may find the stories funny, but knowing Mr. Cosby, they'll be learning valuable lessons between laughs.

Finally, it's not exactly a pleasant topic, but it's an important one, one that seems especially appropriate to feature at the start of a new year. Read our special feature on Jack Erdmann's "Whiskey's Children," including an interview with the author, and then have a healthy, safe and happy 1998.

"Redemptive
and gripping."
San Francisco Chronicle

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