This
week I experienced one of the most thrilling moments of parenthood:
my five-year-old son, Cory, read to me for the first time. Although
my older son, Gregory, is a voracious reader who constantly talks
to me about the books he is reading (and in doing so acts as an important
consultant for Kidsreads.com, The Book Report Network's website
for kids!), Cory had always been shy about his reading. But on Sunday
he finally worked up enough courage and enthusiasm to read aloud from
the kids' classic Go, Dog.
Go!. The book was his choice, but its humorous, high-spirits style
and colorful illustrations made it lots of fun for both of us.
Although this experience was a high point in my life, Go, Dog.
Go! is just the first of thousands of books Cory will eventually
read. I wonder if he'll remember this special moment. This thought
inspired this week's Question for
our readers...
Question
of the Week Do you remember the first book you read, or any
book that was important to you during your childhood?
Previous
Question Results Last week we asked about your reading resolutions
for 2001. We could relate to many of the themes that popped up over
and over again --- like actually reading the books that you buy,
expanding your reading horizons beyond the genres and authors you
usually read, and reading the classics. Many of you said that you
are relying on Bookreporter.com, especially Word of Mouth, our reviews,
and this newsletter, to help you keep your resolutions, especially
when it comes to reading new types of books. Here are some of your
responses:
My resolution this year is to read all the books in my To Be Read
pile before I buy anymore. This will not be an easy task...considering
that I LOVE to buy books. Wish me luck.
* * *
To stop reading the same authors all the time --- to use your lists
and reader suggestions to expand my reading choices.
* * *
To read over 80% of the bookreporter.com reviews and not just file
them away!
See what other readers said to last week's Question here.
New This Week
Bookreporter.com Talks To...
Michel
Faber Michel Faber reveals his perspectives on Sci-Fi, and
explores the nature of humans as depicted in his literary novel
UNDER THE SKIN,
with Bookreporter.com's guest interviewer, David Soyka.
Features
PERSPECTIVES: GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN: They Don't Care About
Reading, or At Least That's What I'm Told... When a young adult
website scuttles books from their content, Jana Siciliano cries
"shame" on them and gives The Book Report Network a big thumbs up.
BEST
INTERVIEWS OF 2000! From the numerous features we've presented
over the last twelve months, we've selected our favorites from the
authors we've been privileged to interview.
THE
NIGHT LISTENER by Armistead Maupin A three-ring circus of emotional
tragedies surrounding a gay talk show host and a mysterious young
fan. Reviewed by Meredith Blum and excerpted.
IN
FIDELITY by M. J. Rose A psychologist comes to terms with her
father's gruesome murder and rekindles her marriage, in this erotic,
suspenseful novel. Reviewed by Laura Donnelly and excerpted.
AMERICA'S
QUEEN: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by Sarah Bradford
The painful complexities of life in the public spotlight are explored
in this fascinating, well-researched biography. Reviewed by Jana
Siciliano and excerpted.
Trilogy
of Shadows by Kay Hooper Psychic powers and serial killers form
the basis for this entertaining trio of romantic suspense novels.
Reviewed by Sally Fellows and excerpted.
UNDER
THE SKIN by Michel Faber Faber's thought-provoking novel serves
as a reminder that monsters, whether human or alien, are a matter
of perception. Reviewed by David Soyka and excerpted.
* * * * * * *
Shop online for books, music, movies, toys, and more at Amazon.com.
Magazine Savings at enews.com: Analog Science Fiction - save 26% Utne Reader - save 33%
Reader's Digest - save 57% And many more!
Get your desk organized for 2001! Find deluxe planners, desk accessories,
and more at Levenger.com.
A professor's knack for solving literary puzzles, a visionary
producer who turns classics into TV blockbusters, and an excerpt
of Gail Godwin's HEART are all in this month's issue of BOOK
Magazine.
* * * * * * *
Reviews
ELIZABETH:
The Struggle for the Throne by David Starkey First of a two-volume
biography covering the early years to the coronation of the remarkably
crafty and brilliant Elizabeth I. Reviewed by Robert Finn.
SUSPENSION
by Richard E. Crabbe A detailed history of the Brooklyn Bridge
is woven throughout this suspenseful tale of terrorism in post-Civil
War New York. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
A
NEW WORLD by Amit Chaudhuri A passionate account of the pain
of separation and the tender reunion between an American immigrant
and his family in Calcutta. Reviewed by Laura Donnelly.
DAY
OF ABSOLUTION by John Gardner Ancient Christian scrolls and
an infamous assassin form a complex, dangerous web of intrigue for
a young British couple. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
(PB)
VERTICAL LIMIT: A Novelization by Mel Odom Heart-pounding suspense
centers on a rescue attempt in the perilous ice-covered peaks of
the Himalayas. Reviewed by Ann Bruns.
(PB)
NORTHERN WINTERS ARE MURDER: A Belle Palmer Mystery by Lou Allin
In this chilling mystery, foul play is suspected when land developers
clash with preservationists in the Ontario wilderness. Reviewed
by Jamie Engle.
Contests and Giveaways
If you like to talk about what you're reading, you'll love Word of Mouth, where you can
post a mini-review of your most recent read. Best part --- you are
eligible to WIN a prize, every week, just for contributing. This
week, we're giving away CAUSE
CELEB by Helen Fielding. Go to Word of Mouth to learn more.
And don't forget, every month one Bookreporter.com newsletter
subscriber wins a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate. To subscribe
and enter the random drawing, write to
newsletter@bookreporter.com. If you already receive this newsletter
in your e-mailbox every week, why not forward it to a friend? (For
the official contest rules, click here.)
Authors on TV
You can now find out when and where your favorite authors will
be appearing
on TV on our newest website, AuthorsOnTheWeb.com.
In addition to Authors on
TV, AuthorsOnTheWeb.com
has author profiles, feature articles, message boards, contests
and games, links to author websites, and much more. Don't miss this
brand new website for readers!
* * * * * * *
This is my first "free" weekend in weeks so I plan to catch up on
reading all weekend. Wishing you the same good fortune....
--- Carol Fitzgerald (
Carol@Bookreporter.com) for The Book Report Network: Bookreporter.com * ReadingGroupGuides.com * Teenreads.com * Kidsreads.com
