June 8, 2001


Dear Reader:

Hot weather is finally here to stay which reminds me that I need to start thinking about what books I'm going to be reading during these lazy summer days. Apparently our readers have been giving it a lot of thought, too. Many of you have been stopping by the book sites in our Surf the Web Summer Reading Contest to check out the books and enter the contest. We have over $1,000 in prizes including a $300 Amazon gift certificate. Just think how many summer reads that will buy!

If you're still wondering what books you want for the summer, we have some fantastic new reviews and features this week that might spark your interest. A novel that's receiving much critical acclaim is Louise Erdrich's THE LAST REPORT ON THE MIRACLES AT LITTLE NO HORSE. And while our On The Road author, Ann Patchett, is promoting her new novel, BEL CANTO, we have the review of it right here. For those who can't get enough of technology-based fiction, another intriguing thriller about the use and abuse of the internet is R.J. Pineiro's CONSPIRACY.COM. Larry McMurtry's newest novel, PARADISE, is a bit of a departure from his Lonesome Dove series, but we think fans will enjoy it. You might want to swing over to AuthorsOnTheWeb.com to catch our Author Profile of the Month on McMurtry and enter to win a copy of PARADISE, too.

Don't forget, only eight more shopping days until Father's Day! In a frenzy about what to buy those fathers and grandfathers in your life? We have some book selections that will make the perfect gift for the men in your family, so don't miss our Father's Day feature.

And along that line, we'd like your opinion in our Question of the Week.
What is the quintessential book about fathers?

What is on your reading list for this summer? This week find out what more of your fellow readers are saying in this second installment of Bookreporter Readers Say.

New This Week

Features
PARADISE by Larry McMurtry
A memoir that contrasts the author's tropical island fantasy trip with the harsh reality of his parents' tumultuous relationship. Reviewed by Carolyn Branch Leonard and excerpted.

BEL CANTO by Ann Patchett
This lyrical novel uses the language and cadence of music to explore the unexpected relationships that bloom between hostages and their captors during a terrorist takeover. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano and excerpted. Be sure to check out Ann Patchett's website at www.annpatchett.com.

BODY OF SECRETS:Anatomy of the Ultra-Secret National Security Agency from the Cold War Through the Dawn of a New Century by James Bamford
An extensive and critical assessment of the U.S. government's eavesdropping practices. Reviewed by Robert Finn and excerpted.

THE ANGEL ON THE ROOF: The Stories of Russell Banks
A compassionate collection of dark, haunting stories selected from the author's writings over the past forty years. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano and excerpted.

THE LAST REPORT ON THE MIRACLES AT LITTLE NO HORSE by Louise Erdrich
A priest reflects on seventy years of reservation life and the spiritual dichotomy between his mission and his evolving beliefs. Reviewed by Stephanie Sorensen and excerpted.

BECAUSE YOU CAN'T READ A TIE...
With Father's Day approaching, browse through our selection of great gift books from sports to adventure to the more poignant moments of fatherhood.

Summer Reading Feature
Each week this summer Shannon McKenna will give readers a Summer Reading Tip. Be sure to check out her advice on our Summer Reading feature. Also, on Bookreporter.com we've put together over 150 titles in Beach Books and Beyond with categories ranging from "Classics" to "Pop Culture" as well as a little "Arm Chair Traveling" for those of you reluctant to pay those high gas prices for a road trip.

If you're curious what the authors have on their summer reading lists, you can find out on AuthorsOnTheWeb.com, where we'll be adding more Authors' Summer Reading Lists as the weeks go along.

And for those of you thinking about starting a reading group, Summer Reading Groups at ReadingGroupGuides.com has advice on getting started, some great selections to kick it off, and some mouth-watering recipes to enhance the experience. If you already have a group organized, we have 650 guides to choose from, so make a note to stop in and browse. And, of course, on all three sites you'll find information on how to enter the Surf the Web for Summer Reading Contest.

Do your shopping at Amazon.com
where you'll find books, videos and music for every taste.
And if you have an outdoor chef in the family,
you can enter Amazon.com's contest to win a Weber grill!

Reviews
CONSPIRACY.COM by R.J. Pineiro
The FBI is pitted against Cuban freedom fighters when a software company discovers it's being used to rip-off the IRS. Reviewed by Patrick Smith

THE CONFESSIONS OF MYCROFT HOLMES: A Paper Chase by Marcel Theroux
A newsman discovers a manuscript that holds the key to his family's past when he becomes caretaker of his uncle's estate. Reviewed by Stephanie Sorensen.

THE PRIZE WINNER OF DEFIANCE, OHIO: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less by Terry Ryan
A loving tribute to a resourceful, talented mother who wrote commercial jingles to feed her family. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

THE TRIUMPH OF KATIE BYRNE by Barbara Taylor Bradford
A young woman on the verge of Broadway success is haunted by a ten-year-old tragedy that was never resolved. Reviewed by Debbie Ann Weiner.

COLLECTORS by Paul Griner
Two people with mysterious pasts and a common interest in collectibles are drawn together in this suspenseful debut thriller. Reviewed by Rachel Kempster.

HOME RUN edited by George Plimpton
From Babe Ruth to Mark McGwire, and all the sluggers in-between, this career-making event is viewed from a variety of angles. Reviewed by Ron Kaplan.
A Great Gift for Father's Day!