April 20, 2001

Dear Reader:

If ever I felt inspired to become the next Erma Bombeck, I did this week at International Feast Day at my youngest son's school. All of the parents attended, each bringing along a dish that represented their ethnic heritage. The array of foods was impressively gourmet --- and utterly unappetizing to my son and his six-year-old peers. While the parents devoured the exquisite dishes from around the world and talked about their favorite cookbooks, the kids squirmed, fidgeted, and searched desperately for the closest thing to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. After lunch, the teachers rounded the kids up to get them ready for their performance of international songs. Suddenly one small boy's voice rang out: "But I am sooooo huuuuungry!" Perhaps their hunger explains their performance --- adorable, but their efforts to sing in seven different languages had me in stitches. Mothers need a good laugh once in a while!

This being National Poetry Month, we recently asked you who your favorite poets are. Many of you cited schoolbook standards like Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost and T.S. Eliot. While we agree that poets as gifted as these come along only rarely, we still think that there are many contemporary poets worth discovering. For a few recommendations and a compelling argument for giving these poets your support, read this month's Perspective.

In another recent question to our readers (part of our MYSTIC RIVER giveaway), we asked, Who is your favorite mystery character? Find out who our readers top picks were here , and then click over to AuthorsOnTheWeb.com and read a conversation with Nevada Barr, Carolyn Hart , Robert B. Parker, Ridley Pearson, George Pelecanos and Ian Rankin about the well-loved mystery characters they have created.

Terry Pratchett fans get ready --- his newest Discworld book, THIEF OF TIME, will be in stores next week. As you wait, we suggest you sign up for Pratchett's e-mail newsletter. Subscribers are eligible to win tons of great prizes, including collectible signed books, gift certificates, a Swatch watch, and more.

Question of the Week Does someone you know remind you of a character in a book? Click here to tell us about it.

Last Week's Question Have you ever borrowed a book from someone and purposely not returned it? Boy, are you honest! Not only did very few of you 'fess up to ever keeping a book that didn't belong to you, but most of you had very harsh words for those who do. Read responses here.

Mark a milestone with a special gift from Levenger.com!

Fountain pens, writing paper, desk accessories, leather-bound journals, briefcases and PDA cases, and more of the finest luxuries for readers, writers, students and professionals.

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Bookreporter.com Talks To...

Martha Grimes
COLD FLAT JUNCTION may not be the last of the Spirit Lake novels. Martha Grimes reflects on the characters, the locale, and the genre labeling of her work with Bookreporter.com's Ann Bruns.

Frances Fyfield
Frances Fyfield, author of UNDERCURRENTS, reveals why one of her characters is just a voice and talks about the emotional elements of her writing with Bookreporter.com's Chuck Lang.

ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE by Mary Higgins Clark
A killer who may have come back from the 19th century haunts a young woman in her ancestral hometown. Reviewed by Ann Bruns and excerpted.

AN HOUR BEFORE DAYLIGHT: Memories of a Rural Boyhood by Jimmy Carter
The former president reflects on his childhood and his affection for the simple Southern family life. Reviewed by Bernadette Davis and excerpted.

6 AUTHORS WITH NEWFOUND BRAGGING RIGHTS: The 2001 Pulitzer Prize Winners by Lilian Newley
Browse the winners of this year's Pulitzer Prize, announced on April 16.

UNDERCURRENTS by Frances Fyfield
A shy, retiring man seeks to reunite with a lost love and discovers a bittersweet truth in this haunting, suspenseful novel. Reviewed by Chuck Lang and excerpted.

COLD FLAT JUNCTION by Martha Grimes
A precocious young girl, determined to resolve a forty-year-old secret, learns some valuable life lessons in this captivating sequel to HOTEL PARADISE. Reviewed by Ann Bruns and excerpted.

WRITTEN IN THE STARS: TAURUS
Spring is in full bloom and Kali Burns has some Taurus-style titles to celebrate.

Reviews

Contests and Giveaways

Have a wonderful week, and happy reading!