March 16, 2001

Dear Reader:

We just added a new item on our home page called "This Week in Book History." Every week, we'll unearth an interesting bit of author or publishing trivia. We now have a trio of new home page features, including Re-View, where we pull an older review from our archives because it is timely again, and Don't Miss, a reading recommendation from the Bookreporter.com staff. We hope these lead you to discover many great books and authors that you might have overlooked otherwise and rediscover those you may have forgotten.

In this week's Perspective, editor Sarah Brennan rounds up a wide selection of literature by Irish writers, paying tribute to her heritage just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Today's popularity of books about Ireland and the Irish is only the latest wave of a recent flood of outstanding books that draw on cultural experiences from around the world. Fiction, nonfiction or memoir, many of these books have a wide appeal, showing that often the very best literature has the power to touch readers not simply by showing them something familiar, but by introducing them to a whole new world.

Of course, readers who recognize their own experiences in these books have a deep appreciation of their own, which brings us to the Question of the Week: What book about your cultural heritage would you recommend to other readers?

Last week's question was, "What author have you been following since the beginning of her or his career?" Your responses proved that many of you recognize a promising writer at first glance.

And speaking of promising writers that are now bestsellers, this week is your last chance to enter to win a signed copy of Dennis Lehane's new novel, MYSTIC RIVER. The mystery-thriller has been winning the highest of praise from reviewers, including Bookreporter.com writer Joe Hartlaub, who called Lehane "one of the great modern voices of American literature" in last week's review. To enter the contest, you'll have to tell us who your favorite mystery character is. I bet it's a tough choice for many of you mystery buffs! For full details on how to enter, click here.

In Word of Mouth, we offer another chance to win this week. WOM regulars know that usually we give away one copy of a recent release to a randomly chosen contributor. This week we decided to give away TWO copies, because the prize is sure to be coveted by so many readers, since the author is an unquestionable reader favorite --- Stephen King. We'll be giving away two copies of DREAMCATCHER, King's new novel, due in stores later this week. Visit Word of Mouth to learn how to enter the contest.

And don't forget, if you get this newsletter delivered to your e-mailbox each week, you're automatically entered to win a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate every month! (For the official contest rules, click here.)

Finally, for those of you reading along with Oprah, the reading guide to her current Book Club selection, ICY SPARKS, is now online complete with discussion questions at ReadingGroupGuides.com. (If you missed it last week, read the Bookreporter.com review here.)

NEW THIS WEEK

Bookreporter.com Talks to ...

Jenny Siler Author Jenny Siler says her new novel ICED is based on real events. Find out what inspires her characters and plot lines in this interview with Bookreporter.com's Jamie Engle.

Features

GETTING PERSONAL: A Close Look at Today's Best Memoirs The memoir business is booming. Jana Siciliano reviews some recent entries that readers might enjoy.

BOOKS TO MOVIES: Oscar Nominees Whether you'll be watching or avoiding the gala event, don't miss the books that spawned the Oscar nominees.

MY DREAM OF YOU by Nuala O'Faolain ln this uplifting novel by the author of ARE YOU SOMEBODY, a woman examines love and intimacy in relationships and their impact on self-worth. Reviewed by Sofrina Hinton and excerpted.

AIDING AND ABETTING by Muriel Spark A clever, humorous fictionalization of an actual murder case which shows the lengths to which Britain's high society would go to protect its own. Reviewed by Patricia Howard and excerpted.

THE GLASS PALACE by Amitav Ghosh Enriched with historic details and unforgettable characters, this lyrical tale depicts many facets of life in early 20th century India. Reviewed by Jamie Engle and excerpted.

FAITHLESS: Tales of Transgression by Carol Joyce Oates A dark and startling collection of stories that provokes readers to consider the pathology and consequences of violence. Reviewed by Rachel A. S. Kempster and excerpted.

ICED by Jenny Siler Repossessing a dead man's car becomes a bone-chilling exercise in staying alive in this edgy, fast-paced suspense. Reviewed by Jamie Engle and excerpted.

Save on BOOK magazine, Literal Latte, Utne Reader, and more magazines for readers at enews.com.

This month, BOOK magazine interviews the multitalented Steve Martin and spotlights a mother of ten who fed her family by writing jingles.

Reviews

GIRL TALK by Julia Baggott A young woman reflects on her fifteenth summer, when the complexities of life created a new level of understanding with her mother. Reviewed by Josette Kurey.

COLD WATER BURNING by John Straley A private investigator finds that an old murder case has come back to life with a new series of killings in his Alaskan community. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

RUNNING AFTER ANTELOPE by Scott Carrier After traveling worldwide chasing stories and a dream, Carrier shares his journalistic perspectives in a remarkable memoir. Reviewed by Dave Taylor.

SPORT by Mick Cochrane When his happy, all-American life turns to shambles, a young boy discovers how meaningful the littlest pleasures can be. Reviewed by Jonathan Shipley.

(PB) HOST FAMILY by Mameve Medwed Parasites come in all forms in this story of a disintegrating marriage and the metaphoric relationships that follow. Reviewed by Roisin Fagan.

(PB) NEIGHBORS by Thomas Berger A comic narrative of suburban confrontation over the backyard fence that takes some bizarre and bewildering turns. Reviewed by Joel E. D. Wells.

(AUDIOBOOK) CODE TO ZERO by Ken Follett, read by George Guidall The '50s "race for space" and a man with amnesia are both facing a final countdown from unknown conspirators. Reviewed by Marge Fletcher.

Perspectives

A Little Blurb ... A Lot of Blarney Sarah Brennan takes a critical look at the Who's Who of Irish literature in this eclectic reading roundup for St. Patrick's Day.

I am Irish only in name, but tomorrow I will whip up my famed Corned Beef and Cabbage, with a recipe straight from THE NEW BASICS cookbook, authored by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins. Have fun with this week's contests, Happy St. Patrick's Day and happy reading.

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