February 16, 2001

Dear Reader:

With this being the month we celebrate Lincoln, Washington and Black History, one cannot help but reflect on the impact of history on our culture today. Have you ever thought about how many books have been inspired by events in history? The Civil War, World War II, the Cold War and the assassination of JFK loom especially large in literature, both fiction and nonfiction. If these events had never taken place, so many great books would never have been written. Books are a wonderful source of learning about history, and fiction can be as valuable as nonfiction because it has the power to convey what life was like during a particular period. This leads us to our question of the week (nice segue, eh?).

Question of the Week When reading either fiction or nonfiction, what period in history do you most like to read about?

Question Results Last week we asked if you had ever read a book in one sitting. Many of you commented that this is not only a test of a book's quality, but in fact is the best way to enjoy a book. The biggest surprise in your replies? The number of you that had called in "sick" to work or school in order to finish a book you just could not put down!

If you're looking for a book that will draw you in, try a recommendation from Sarah in our office: LOVE IN A DEAD LANGUAGE by Lee Siegel, this week's One You Don't Want to Miss. Read more about it on our home page.

To offer your own reading recommendations and to see what other readers are reading, visit Word of Mouth. Interesting note here: A few weeks ago my sister called me, RAVING about a book called LOSING JULIA. Later that week someone wrote about this same book on Word of Mouth, giving it SIX stars (the normal limit is five) and calling it the best book that they ever read. Has anyone else read this book? It's just out in paperback.

NEW THIS WEEK

Bookreporter.com On The Road With...

M.J. Rose M.J. Rose winds up her IN FIDELITY book tour with a surprising, but "heart"warming twist to the planned events. Also check out Rose's website, www.mjrose.com.

FEATURES

MYSTIC RIVER by Dennis Lehane Three friends whose lives take different directions are reunited by a murder, in a gritty mystery by a writer many of you love, whose time for breakout success has come. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted. Also check out Lehane's new website at www.DennisLehaneBooks.com.

BLACK, WHITE, AND JEWISH: Autobiography of a Shifting Self by Rebecca Walker Coming of age during the social upheavals of the '70s, Walker reminisces on the privileges and difficulties inherent in her culturally mixed family life. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano and excerpted.

THE SAILOR'S WIFE by Helen Benedict When a young woman sheds her American life to become a peasant wife in Greece, she soon learns to value the freedoms she once had. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano and excerpted.

THE FAMILY ORCHARD by Nomi Eve Alternating voices from the various generations of a Jewish family cultivating an orchard relate the history of Israel. Reviewed by Jill Zaklow and excerpted.

THE CUTOUT by Francine Mathews A political kidnapping and the shocking discovery that a presumed-dead CIA agent is involved form the basis for this masterful espionage novel.

PERSPECTIVE: A Celebration of Black History Month Bookreporter.com celebrates black history and pays tribute to the achievements of African-Americans with a selection of notable new books.

PERSPECTIVE: Classy Love, Edith Wharton Style Love is a complex struggle between heart and mind, and Jana Siciliano reflects that Wharton's prose reflects that truth.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Browse book heaven: Amazon.com.

Try your favorite magazine risk-free
and lock in amazing low prices at enews.com.

Palm cases, desk accessories, leather-bound journals and more,
at the literate shopping center Levenger.com.

Up close and personal with crime novelist George Pelecanos,
Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa, the ever-popular John Grisham and more, in this month's BOOK Magazine.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Reviews

MURDER AMONG CHILDREN by Donald E. Westlake (as Tucker Coe) In a variation of the classic "locked room" mystery, ex-cop Mitchell Tobin becomes a reluctant witness to a double murder. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

SHADOWS OF A PRINCESS: An Intimate Account by Her Private Secretary by P.D. Jephson A funny, touching, and gratifyingly human perspective of Lady Di, revealing many behind-the-scenes adventures in the last years of her life. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

HOW TO GROW A NOVEL by Sol Stein An encyclopedic overview of essential writing techniques, practical hints, do's and don'ts, and the responsibilities of both writers and publishers. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.

THE TIN COLLECTORS by Stephen J. Cannell A police detective is caught in a treacherous web when a "righteous" shooting becomes the focus of the LAPD's Internal Affairs. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

(PB) MURDER IN MONTPARNASSE by Howard Engel An intriguing blend of authentic and fictional characters depicting the wild and wicked expatriate community of early 20th century Paris. Reviewed by Ann Bruns.

(PB) DANCING ALONE IN MEXICO: From the Border to Baja and Beyond by Ron Butler A travelogue of adventures highlighting both the ancient, exotic corners of the country and some lesser-known contemporary attractions. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

Contests and Giveaways

This week is your last chance to enter to win a signed copy of A PAINTED HOUSE , the new novel by John Grisham. Entering is easy -- click here for the details.

One Word of Mouth contributor this week will win A DENSITY OF SOULS by Christopher Rice. For details, visit Word of Mouth .

Every month one Bookreporter.com newsletter subscriber wins a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate. To subscribe to the newsletter and automatically be entered to win, send an e-mail to newsletter@bookreporter.com with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. 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.)

Finally a nice long weekend to look forward to. I have a stack of books all ready. How about you?

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