February 2 , 2001

Dear Reader:

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, in the office we've been talking about romantic reads. For a passionate reader, the right book can be a perfect gift for Valentine's Day. We thought that this week we'd gather your suggestions for romantic reads, in time to publish them all online next Friday so that other readers can be inspired to read or give some of the titles you recommend for Valentine's Day.

Question of the Week What's the most romantic book you have ever read?

I've chosen one of the most romantic novels I've ever read for this week's One You Don't Want to Miss --- our new feature where we spotlight a title that one of our staff has read recently and wants to recommend. The book is JIMMY'S GIRL by Stephanie Gertler. It's about a woman who has never forgotten her first love and always wondered "what if." She decides to track him down, and they meet for an unforgettable weekend. It's a super-romantic read, perfect to give as a Valentine's Day gift, or, if you love heartfelt romance, to read yourself.

Previous Question Results Last week we asked, What author you would like to have dinner with (or any other meal) --- and what would you serve? We were impressed with the gourmet virtuosity of our readers --- in their imaginations, if not in their kitchens! Reading the menus you devised for your favorite authors made our mouths water.

We've got a wonderful selection of features and reviews for you this week, including a second excerpt from John Grisham's A PAINTED HOUSE, on sale February 6. But before we get to those, I want to tell you about the exciting new additions to AuthorsOnTheWeb.com , the newest website from the Book Report Network. Seven distinguished authors, including Jonathan Kellerman, Jeffery Deaver, and Lisa Scottoline, discuss Stephen King's book ON WRITING. Advice for aspiring writers from seventy-five authors including Judy Blume, Susan Isaacs, and Colin Harrison. A collection of reader's stories about getting authors to sign books. An in-depth profile of Michael Connelly, plus a trivia game, a contest to win his latest, A DARKNESS MORE THAN NIGHT, and a chance to speak out about your favorite Connelly novel on the message boards. Plus author news, gossip and scuttlebutt, reports from the book biz, links to outstanding author websites, and much more. Don't miss it! And please feel free to send your comments about this new website to me at Carol@Bookreporter.com.

For the past two and a half years I have had the wonderful fortune to work with Dana Schwartz as our Editorial Manager. (By the way, two and a half years in cyberspace equals about ten years in the real world.) Dana has been responsible for selecting the books and planning the features you see on our websites each week. More than that, she remembers ever book we ever reviewed --- and every interview --- something that boggles my mind. Dana is leaving The Book Report Network next Friday to take a position at another company. Normally, I would leave the goodbyes for next week, but I wanted to give you time to drop Dana a note of thanks and farewell. You can reach her at Dana@Bookreporter.com. I am going to miss her enormously. She has assured me that she plans to walk up to our offices frequently to peruse "the table" for books to review --- and I am going to hold her to it.

NEW THIS WEEK

Bookreporter.com Talks To...

Michael Connelly Michael Connelly unites Harry Bosch and Terry McCaleb in his newest thriller, DARKNESS MORE THAN NIGHT; and tells Bookreporter.com's Senior Writer, Joe Hartlaub, all about Harry and his future projects.

Bookreporter.com On The Road With...

M.J. Rose How can an author grab the attention of a distracted crowd at a bookstore reading? Find out in this week's new report from the road by LIP SERVICE and IN FIDELITY author M.J. Rose.

Features

SNEAK PREVIEW - THE PAINTED HOUSE by John Grisham New this week --- read Part 2 of this early peek at John Grisham's THE PAINTED HOUSE (in stores February 6th), plus a special letter from the author to his readers. By the way, this book was serialized in the Oxford American. A few readers wrote to tell us how much they had enjoyed it there. Look for our review soon.

PERSPECTIVES: BOOKS AS JOURNEYS Chuck Lang contemplates the wealth of escapism available in contemporary literature.

DEMONOLOGY by Rick Moody A diverse collection of short stories, hitting every note from funny to tragic, with masterful characterizations and fascinating storylines. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE JOURNEY HOME by Olaf Olafsson A dying woman returns to her family and friends in Iceland to make peace with her past in this moving, eloquent overview of life. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano and excerpted.

GOB'S GRIEF by Chris Adrian A compelling story of people who, desperate to reunite with their lost loved ones from the Civil War, collaborate to create a time travel machine. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad and excerpted.

A DARKNESS MORE THAN NIGHT by Michael Connelly Terry McCaleb returns in a complex thriller that finds the inimitable Harry Bosch suspected of murder. A five-star novel on every level. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.

BOOKS INTO MOVIES The firestorm of controversy sparked by the long-awaited novel HANNIBAL, sequel to the Thomas Harris blockbuster SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, created a frenzy of speculation on how Hollywood would handle it. We're about to find out --- as "Hannibal" opens in movie theaters February 9th! We look at this and other books being made into movies this Spring.

* * * * * Publisher's Pick * * * * *

STOCK MARKET WIZARDS Strategies from the traders and investors who rode the most dynamic bull market in U.S. history to stunning success. A new book by John D. Schwager, bestselling author of MARKET WIZARDS. http://www.mktwizards.com/

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Reviews

THE 25TH HOUR by David Benioff Brilliant prose affirms the stark inevitability of justice for a man facing imprisonment. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE PALACE OF TEARS by Alev Lytle Croutier In a lavish tale that contemplates the individual's right to happiness, a man embarks on a quest for true love in 19th century Constantinople. Reviewed by Sofrina Hinton.

CARSON MCCULLERS: A Life by Josayne Savigneau With an ungraceful style, Savigneau's book doesn't compare well to other better-written biographies. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

THE SANTA FE TRAIL by David Dary Spanning 400 years, Dary provides a lively history of the overland route that became an essential connection for traders and settlers. Reviewed by Dave Taylor.

(PB) THE GOODLIFE by Keith Scribner A fictionalized account of the kidnapping of oil company CEO Stona Brown, focusing on the self-destructive life of kidnapper Theo Wolkoviak. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

(PB) FASTING GIRLS: The History of Anorexia Nervosa by Joan Jacobs Brumberg Highlighting disturbing parallels between the Victorian era and today, Brumberg emphasizes society's perverse influence in this fatal disease. Reviewed by Michelle Calabro Hubbard.

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Find the perfect gift for your Valentine at Amazon.com's Gift Store.

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.

BOOK Magazine's current issue takes a look at a more serious John Grisham emerging with A PAINTED HOUSE, and why Amy Tan's wrenching, autobiographical novel THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER is the most difficult book she's ever written.

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The news this morning was that we're going to have six more weeks of winter -- so settle in with a stack of good books! I have to admit that it amuses me that in these days of high-tech everything we await the verdict of a groundhog with such eager anticipation every February 2nd.

--- Carol Fitzgerald ( Carol@Bookreporter.com) for The Book Report Network: Bookreporter.com * ReadingGroupGuides.com * Teenreads.com * Kidsreads.com *AuthorsOnTheWeb*