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May 28, 2010

Bookreporter.com Newsletter May 28, 2010
 
Here Comes Summer...
After a week of talking about fall books at BookExpo America (BEA), I am really happy to know that I did not miss summer, my favorite time of year! I am loving the idea of a three-day weekend after a week that was a fabulous blur of books, authors and bookish conversation. I made tons of notes of books I want to read and share with you in the months to come. The show has about 25,000 attendees, and it’s a great opportunity to see colleagues and chat about the business, as much as it is to see what’s new. I had dinner with some friends last night, and as we all had been to different events at the show, it was fun to compare notes. I will catch up with the staff on Tuesday to do the same thing.

On Wednesday, my older son Greg joined me as I wanted him to do some research for me on a new site that we are noodling around with for readers from college age into their 20s. You will be hearing more about this. As we were roaming the aisles between panels, we ran into Patricia Schultz, the author of 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE. Greg is a Schultz groupie who has been checking off his copy of the book that she signed for him in Miami for a while now. Watching them bond and discuss her latest project, which is an update of that book, was really fun. He’s headed to Ottawa this weekend after finding a terrific deal from Continental online for just $128. Why Ottawa? Well, when you’re 20, you go because it’s someplace you have not been!

We turned and there was Kathryn Stockett, the author of THE HELP. Greg introduced himself to her and told her that he blamed her and THE HELP for his midterm grades last fall that were less than stellar. She was quite humored by that and apologized to him. Stockett had been awarded the Indie Booksellers Debut Book of the Year award at lunch earlier in the day. Seeing her walking the show floor, I remembered that authors, like all of us, are readers. There was another fun time Monday night where I found myself talking to Tess Gerritsen, Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner at a party. As always, they all kept me laughing. Tess is excited about the TNT show based on her Rizzoli and Isles books, which will begin airing this summer. You can read more about the show here. The results of Karin’s cupcake contest with her readers can be seen here. She has some really imaginative fans. And Lisa and Karin talked about touring together last year. Casual moments like that were as special as the bigger ones that unfolded all week.

The 50th anniversary of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is being celebrated this summer. There was a video setup at BEA asking readers for comments about the book, which Greg and I both did. I was really proud to hear his comments about what the book meant to him while I shared how it works for discussion across generations. I remember my younger son not grasping the depths of racial prejudice. I am looking forward to reading SCOUT, ATTICUS & BOO: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a Mockingbird by filmmaker Mary McDonagh Murphy, who has interviewed prominent figures on how the book has impacted their lives. At this booth, HarperCollins also had a book that readers could sign that they will get to Harper Lee. Nice moment.

One of the many exciting announcements at BEA was news of the final volume of Jean M. Auel’s worldwide bestselling Earth’s Children series. The sixth book in the series, THE LAND OF PAINTED CAVES, is scheduled to be released on March 29, 2011. This series has now been 30 years in the making with THE CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR coming out in 1980. Since then, the series has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. The books will also be available in eBook format for the first time in advance of THE LAND OF PAINTED CAVES. Since I regularly get notes from readers asking about future releases, I am happy to share this news.

The week was not without humor. Greg ironed his shirt, which was a complete comedy routine in our hotel room. He learned that beyond plugging in the iron, it helps to turn it on and allow it to heat up. At one point he told me that PRESSING on the iron helped a lot. Amazing the things you learn outside the classroom. There was a lovely party the other night at the apartment of actor Zach Braff, brother of Joshua Braff, the author of PEEP SHOW, a story about a Hasidic Jew from Long Island who runs a peep show house in Times Square. The humor: I had no idea that Zach Braff was Dr. John Dorian on "Scrubs" or that he wrote, directed and starred in Garden State. Both brothers were really warm and terrific, and I chatted with them about growing up in New Jersey, not far from me. My younger son was VERY impressed with this party event and is incredulous that I was so unclued about Braff.

Speaking of Cory, last Friday night after our newsletter was sent, a CNN segment with Campbell Brown interviewing Greg Mortenson aired, honoring him for his work with his Pennies for Peace program. Cory’s school raised $25,000 for this project since September, mostly in pennies, which was quite an achievement. The student segments for the piece were shot at Cory’s school, and you can see them here. I was really proud to see this segment air.

Readers who have been pining for the last title in Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy need to wait no longer as THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST hit stores this week. We have our review here. I look forward to hearing what you have to say about it, and in the weeks to come I would love to hear from you with your thoughts about this trilogy, including which was your favorite book. Shoot me your comments at [email protected] when you get a moment. I have my own favorite in the series….more on that in the weeks to come. I do regret we never were able to interview Larsson.

This week we’re featuring Andrew Britton in our Suspense/Thriller spotlight. His latest spy novel, THE EXILE, follows ex-CIA agent Ryan Kealey to the Darfur region of Sudan to investigate the murder of an American relief worker who just happens to have ties to the President of the United States. This is Andrew’s fourth novel, and you can really see the development in his writing and plotting get sharper and sharper. The book won’t be available until June 29th, but we have 20 copies to give away to readers who would like to read and comment on it. Enter here by Friday, June 11th at noon ET. Also, you can visit Andrew’s website here. I am a longtime fan of Andrew’s work, and I look forward to reading it over the weekend.

Today we’re launching not one, but two special features and contests. Our Father’s Day feature includes 12 great dad-perfect titles and a contest where you can win one of five gift bags for dear old dad. These prizes have 12 fiction and nonfiction titles that will give dad a book a month to read all year packed up in a thermal cooler bag. Also included are a dark blue fleece blanket, a stainless steel water bottle with a black neoprene sleeve, Starbucks VIA ready-brew coffee, an oversized car chamois and a blue-striped beach towel. You can check out all our featured titles here, and enter the contest here by Monday, June 14th at noon ET. For those who loved our Mother’s Day Month blog series, we will soon be launching a similar series for Father’s Day, so stay tuned!

Also, today marks the start of our annual Beach Bag of Books feature and contests, where in each contest, five readers will win titles perfectly suited for the beach, the backyard, the patio, or wherever you’ll be relaxing this summer. Along with the books are a collection of summer-related items. Our first prize includes copies of NEEDLES AND PEARLS by Gil McNeil, PERFECTION: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal by Julie Metz, THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE by Katherine Howe and THE WILDWATER WALKING CLUB by Claire Cook. The five winners will also receive a bright polka-dot beach towel, Crystal Light lemonade, striped placemats, dishes and glasses for a summer picnic, fish towel clips and a water gun, all packed in a blue striped beach bag tote. Additionally, we’ll select five more readers to receive copies of the books. You can read more about our featured titles here and enter the contest here by Friday, June 11th at noon ET. Also, you can read more about PERFECTION in our One to Watch author spotlight feature here.

Speaking of summer, vacation and reading, don't forget to vote in our poll. We're curious about how many books you think are ideal to pack for a trip, and if you "screen" them before packing. You can vote here. Our question to complement the poll is: What is your all-time favorite beach book? You can name up to five here. Also, keep up with our Facebook postings from the week here, and become a fan if you're not already here.

That’s not all this week. We have FIVE author interviews, giving you lots of good reading for the holiday weekend. Here’s are two quick bites from two reviews from Joe Hartlaub this week. “BODILY HARM may well be Robert Dugoni’s most ambitious work. The story is full of twists and turns, including two very significant events that will flummox those who have followed the series from the beginning. It solidly establishes that whether inside the courtroom or out, Sloane and Dugoni, a former litigation expert, are a force to be reckoned with.” And “VICIOUS reads like the book Alfred Hitchcock never filmed. Most of it takes place within a square mile or so in three different places, but seems to be written on a much larger scale. One thing is certain, however: you won’t think about renting a cabin in an idyllic setting without thinking about Kevin O’Brien’s latest thriller and reconsidering your vacation plans, among other things.”

I am in serious need of some sleep and some downtime this weekend. There are NO plans beyond sitting poolside, reading and knitting on the agenda, for which I am grateful. Oh wait, Monday we will be at the town parade, the annual hokey small-town parade, but oh-so-fun event. Please remember to take some time to ponder and honor our fallen war heroes during this holiday weekend. Here’s wishing you all a great week as well…and good reading.

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])

 

Now in Stores: THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST by Stieg Larsson

THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST by Stieg Larsson (Thriller)
THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST is the stunning third and final novel in Stieg Larsson’s internationally bestselling trilogy. Lisbeth Salander lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. If and when she recovers, she will plot revenge --- against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-Click here to read an excerpt from THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST.
 

Click here to read a review of THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST.

 

Our Summer Beach Bag Contest is Back! Currently Featuring NEEDLES AND PEARLS, PERFECTION, THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE and THE WILDWATER WALKING CLUB

Whether your "beach" is on sand, your backyard deck, or a grassy meadow in the country, the summer months mean it's time for "beach reading." Bookreporter.com is celebrating the lazy days of summer reading with our Sixth Annual Bookreporter.com Beach Bag of Books feature and contests.

During select weeks from May 28th through September 3rd, we will highlight a different book or collection of books from these featured titles with a contest prize --- a beach bag stocked with the featured book(s) and summertime essentials. Five FABULOUS beach bags will be given away each week, as well as five copies of the featured book(s) to additional winners.

Our current featured Beach Bag titles are:

-NEEDLES AND PEARLS by Gil McNeil
-PERFECTION: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal by Julie Metz
-THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE by Katherine Howe
-THE WILDWATER WALKING CLUB by Claire Cook

 

Click here to read all the contest details.

 

Announcing Bookreporter.com's Fifth Annual Father's Day Contest: Best Books for Dad

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men in our lives who have raised and inspired us. Why not show him your appreciation by inspiring him with a great book? From May 28th through June 14th, readers will have the chance to win one of our five Bookreporter.com Father’s Day Cooler Tote Bags. Each gray cooler tote bag is filled with a copy of our 12 featured titles, giving dad a book to read each month and making Father’s Day truly a yearlong celebration. Also included are a variety of handy and fun items that we know he’ll love.

Our featured Father’s Day titles are:

-COOP: A Family, a Farm, and the Pursuit of One Good Egg by Michael Perry
-
CRAZY FOR THE STORM: A Memoir of Survival by Norman Ollestad
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DON’T LET ME GO: What My Daughter Taught Me About the Journey Every Parent Must Make by David W. Pierce
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THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST by Stieg Larsson
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LOSING MY COOL: How a Father’s Love and 15,000 Books Beat Hip-Hop Culture by Thomas Chatterton Williams
-
MANHOOD FOR AMATEURS: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Father, Husband and Son by Michael Chabon
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NORTH BY NORTHWESTERN: A Seafaring Family on Deadly Alaskan Waters by Captain Sig Hansen and Mark Sundeen
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THE PACIFIC by Hugh Ambrose
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RAIDERS FROM THE NORTH: Empire of the Moghul by Alex Rutherford
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THE SELECTED WORKS OF T.S. SPIVET by Reif Larsen
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SHOP CLASS AS SOULCRAFT: An Inquiry into the Value of Work by Matthew B. Crawford
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS: One Man’s Extraordinary Year of Trying to Do the Right Things by Lee Kravitz
 
Click here to read all the contest details.

 
New Featured Suspense/Thriller Author: Andrew Britton, Author of THE EXILE

Andrew Britton's fourth politically-charged spy thriller, THE EXILE, takes ex-CIA agent Ryan Kealey to West Darfur to investigate the death of a relief worker. Britton's combination of action and intrigue propels readers deep into the heart of a terrifying conspiracy rooted in one of the world’s most unstable regions.

THE EXILE is releasing on June 29th, but we have 20 finished copies to give away to readers who would like to preview the book and comment about it. If you are interested, please fill out this form by Friday, June 11th at noon ET.

-Click here to read Andrew Britton's bio.
-Click here to see Andrew Britton's backlist.
-Visit Andrew Britton's official website, www.AndrewBrittonBooks.com.


More about THE EXILE:
For the President of the United States, the horror of life in West Darfur just hit too close to home. His niece Lily, a nurse caring for Sudanese refugees, has been murdered by a corps of fearsome government-backed militia. Any response will destabilize the region and threaten the security of the world. America is out of options. Except one: Ryan Kealey.
 

Click here to read more about Andrew Britton and THE EXILE.

 

Bookreporter.com Talks to Robert Dugoni, Author of BODILY HARM

Robert Dugoni’s fourth novel, the legal thriller BODILY HARM, features recurring protagonist David Sloane as he takes on a toy manufacturer guilty of prioritizing profit over social responsibility. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Joe Hartlaub, Dugoni explains how the final draft of the novel differed from its initial inception and describes how a recent personal tragedy impacted his writing. He also gives insight into his creative process, shares tips for aspiring authors --- such as overcoming writer’s block and balancing one’s day job while simultaneously working on a book --- and briefly hints at Sloane’s next adventure, due out in 2011.

BODILY HARM by Robert Dugoni (Legal Thriller)
New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni delivers his most exhilarating thriller to date with BODILY HARM, a pulse-pounding story of corporate greed, espionage, and the lengths to which one man is willing to go for justice. When parents lose their six-year-old son to an esteemed pediatrician’s seeming negligence, they turn to Seattle attorney David Sloane for justice. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-Click here to read a review of BODILY HARM.
-Click here to read an excerpt from BODILY HARM.
-Click here to read Robert Dugoni's bio.
-Click here to see Robert Dugoni's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for BODILY HARM.
-Visit Robert Dugoni's official website, www.RobertDugoni.com.
-Click here to read a Bookreporter.com blog post from Robert Dugoni's mother, Patty.
-Click here to see our advance copy winners.

 

Click here to read our interview with Robert Dugoni.

 

Bookreporter.com Talks to Kevin O'Brien, Author of VICIOUS

Kevin O’Brien is the bestselling author of 10 thrillers, including ONE LAST SCREAM, FINAL BREATH, and the newly released VICIOUS. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Joe Hartlaub, O'Brien talks about the unusual inspiration for this latest novel and his painstaking yet tried-and-true method of outlining each of his books. O’Brien also gives some background information on his writers’ group, the Seattle7, explains the impact of Alfred Hitchcock’s work on his career, and hints at what readers can expect from his next release, DISTURBED.

VICIOUS by Kevin O’Brien (Thriller)
Susan Blanchette is looking forward to a relaxing weekend getaway with her fiancé, Allen, and young son Matthew. But something about the remote lake house doesn’t feel right. A woman vanished from the area a year ago, and now Susan thinks she’s spotted someone lurking around the property. And when Allen disappears, her fear grows… Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-Click here to read a review of VICIOUS.
-Click here to read an excerpt from VICIOUS.
-Click here to read Kevin O'Brien's bio.
-Click here to see Kevin O'Brien's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for VICIOUS.
-Visit Kevin O'Brien's official website, www.KevinOBrienBooks.com.
-Click here to read Kevin O'Brien's Bookreporter.com blog post about his mother, Adele.

Click here to read our interview with Kevin O'Brien.

 
Bookreporter.com Talks to John Manning, Author of THE KILLING ROOM

John Manning follows up last year’s acclaimed thriller, ALL THE PRETTY DEAD GIRLS, with THE KILLING ROOM --- a ghost story centering on a vengeful spirit that is slowly killing off members of an elite family. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Joe Hartlaub, Manning discusses the literary and pop influences that inspired the story’s plot, and explains the thought process behind creating his archetypal main characters. He also shares an interesting family secret, weighs in on the existence of ghosts, and names some of his favorite horror movies released over the past 30 years.

 

THE KILLING ROOM by John Manning (Thriller)
Old houses have their secrets. The Young residence --- a beautiful Maine mansion overlooking the Atlantic --- is no exception. But the secrets here are different. Carolyn Cartwright, private detective and ex-FBI agent, has been hired by Howard Young to investigate a string of gruesome family deaths. One by one, members of the Young family are chosen to die. The only way for Carolyn to uncover the shocking truth is to enter the room no one has ever left alive. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-Click here to read a review of THE KILLING ROOM.
-Click here to read an excerpt from THE KILLING ROOM.
-Click here to read John Manning's bio.
-Click here to see John Manning's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for THE KILLING ROOM.

-Click here to see our finished copy winners.
 
Click here to read our interview with John Manning.

 

Now in Stores: NEVER LESS THAN A LADY by Mary Jo Putney

NEVER LESS THAN A LADY by Mary Jo Putney (Historical Romance)
As the sole remaining heir to the Earl of Daventry, Alexander Randall knows his duty: find a wife and sire a son of his own. The perfect bride for a man in his position would be a biddable young girl of good breeding. But the woman who haunts his imagination is Julia Bancroft --- a village midwife with a dark secret that thrusts her into Randall's protection. Reviewed by Jennifer McCord.

-Click here to read an excerpt from NEVER LESS THAN A LADY.
-Click here to read Mary Jo Putney's bio.
-Click here to see Mary Jo Putney's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for NEVER LESS THAN A LADY.
-Click here to see our finished copy winners.

 

Click here to read a review of NEVER LESS THAN A LADY.

 
Bookreporter.com Talks to Elizabeth Bass, Author of MISS YOU MOST OF ALL

Familial relationships take center stage in Elizabeth Bass’s debut work of fiction, MISS YOU MOST OF ALL, which explores the dynamic between two sisters who --- upon transforming their family farm into an agriculturally-minded bed and breakfast --- are forced to take in their estranged younger stepsister. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Terry Miller Shannon, Bass explains how writing this novel acted as a form of homecoming and reveals which of the main characters she feels she can identify with the most. She also elaborates on her use of humor in her work, shares a list of some of her favorite classic “comfort” movies, and talks about her next project, WHEREVER GRACE IS NEEDED.

 

MISS YOU MOST OF ALL by Elizabeth Bass (Fiction)
In this unsentimental yet thoroughly tender tale, Laura and Rue's once-despised and long gone ex-stepsister returns to their farm, which has been transformed into a bed and breakfast called Sassy Spinster Farm. The three women search for, stumble upon, and/or attempt to avoid redemption in a gripping plot filled with farm chores, music, movies, suspense, personality conflicts, joy, heartbreak --- and love of all kinds. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

-Click here to read a review of MISS YOU MOST OF ALL.
-Click here to read an excerpt from MISS YOU MOST OF ALL.
-Click here to read Elizabeth Bass's bio.
-Click here to read critical praise for MISS YOU MOST OF ALL.
-Click here to see our finished copy winners.

 

Click here to read our interview with Elizabeth Bass.

 
Bookreporter.com Talks to Katie MacAlister, Author of LOVE IN THE TIME OF DRAGONS

Katie MacAlister is the author of numerous historical, contemporary and paranormal romance novels, including the Dark Ones and Aisling Gray, Guardian series, not to mention the newly released LOVE IN THE TIME OF DRAGONS, which revisits the people and places from her previous titles. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Kathy Weissman, MacAlister explains what prompted her to begin this new chapter in the lives of already familiar characters and gives insight into how she creates the humorous tone in her work. She also shares her thoughts on the mass appeal of supernatural beings in fiction, reflects on the industry’s tendency to unfairly stigmatize certain genres, and describes the positive response her work has received from fans.

 

LOVE IN THE TIME OF DRAGONS by Katie MacAlister (Romance)
Hunky hero, spunky heroine --- romance-novel conventions rule in this book, but they’re spiced with dragons, demons, magicians, and hot sex. Fans of Katie MacAlister, a prolific tale spinner, won’t be disappointed, and newcomers will be charmed by her tantalizing mix of genres. Reviewed by Kathy Weissman.

-Click here to read a review of LOVE IN THE TIME OF DRAGONS.
-Click here to read an excerpt from LOVE IN THE TIME OF DRAGONS.
-Click here to read Katie MacAlister's bio.
-Visit Katie MacAlister's official website, www.KatieMacAlister.com.
-Click here to see Katie MacAlister's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for LOVE IN THE TIME OF DRAGONS.
-Click here to see our finished copy winners.

 

Click here to read our interview with Katie MacAlister.

 

Featured One to Watch Author: Charles Martin, Author of THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US

Bestselling novelist Charles Martin returns with THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US, a story of love and survival against all odds and harsh elements. Two strangers bond as they battle a blizzard in the Rockies following a plane crash in what promises to be Martin's best yet. THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US will be available in stores on June 1st.

-Click here to read a second excerpt from THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US.
-Click
here to read Charles Martin's bio.

-Click here to see Charles Martin's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US.
-Visit Charles Martin's official website, www.CharlesMartinBooks.com.


More about THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US:
One stormy night, two strangers brave a blizzard on a chartered flight back to their normal lives. However, the pilot suffers a heart attack midflight, crashing the plane into a harsh, remote stretch of the Rockies. Injured with limited resources, this unlikely pair --- a surgeon and a writer on the eve of her wedding --- is forced to trust each other unconditionally in hopes of returning to their loved ones. An unbreakable bond is quickly formed as the two struggle to survive.
 
Click here to read more about Charles Martin and THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US.

 
Featured One to Watch Author: Julie Metz, Author of PERFECTION

Julie Metz's powerful, emotional memoir, PERFECTION, chronicles the sudden death of her husband and the subsequent secret life he had away from her and their six-year-old daughter. Metz combats feelings of rage, helplessness and confusion as she tries to make sense of her family's past while building a new future. PERFECTION is now available in paperback.

-Click here to read a review of PERFECTION.
-Click
here to read a third excerpt from PERFECTION.
-Click here to see the reading group guide for PERFECTION.
-Click here to read an interview with Julie Metz.
-Click
here to read Julie Metz's bio.

-Click here to read critical praise for PERFECTION.
-Click here to see our finished copy winners.


More about PERFECTION:
Julie Metz’s life changed forever on one ordinary January afternoon when her husband, Henry, collapsed on the kitchen floor and died in her arms. Suddenly, this mother of a six-year-old became the young widow in her bucolic small town. But that was only the beginning. Seven months after Henry’s death, just when Julie thought she was emerging from the worst of it, came the rest of it: Henry had hidden another life from her. PERFECTION is the story of rebuilding both a life and an identity after betrayal and widowhood, of rebirth and happiness --- if not perfection.
 

Click here to read more about Julie Metz and PERFECTION.

 
Now in Theaters: Mother and Child

MOTHER AND CHILD. Three women’s lives share a common core: they have all been profoundly affected by adoption. Starring Annette Bening, Naomi Watts and Kerry Washington. Now playing at a theater near you.
 

Click here for more details about Mother and Child.

 
This Week's Reviews
STORM PREY by John Sandford (Thriller)
On a bitterly cold Minnesota morning, three big men burst through the door of a hospital pharmacy, duct-tape the hands, feet, mouth and eyes of two pharmacy workers, and clean the place out. But then one of the workers dies, and the robbers hustle out to their truck --- and find themselves for just one second face-to-face with a blond woman in the garage: Weather Karkinnen, surgeon, wife of an investigator named Lucas Davenport. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-
Click here to read an excerpt from STORM PREY.

HANNAH’S LIST by Debbie Macomber (Fiction)
Occasionally, we get an opportunity to change our lives --- whether it’s another chance at love, changing the path we’ve chosen, or going back and making amends for the past. HANNAH’S LIST is the story of a widower who is given an unexpected letter from his wife on the first anniversary of her death. In a remarkable act of love, Hannah includes a list of three women for him to consider marrying. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.

THE IMPERFECTIONISTS by Tom Rachman (Fiction)
Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Rome, Tom Rachman’s wry, vibrant debut follows the topsy-turvy private lives of the reporters, editors and executives of an international English language newspaper as they struggle to keep it --- and themselves --- afloat. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

CITY OF FEAR by David Hewson (Thriller)
It’s the height of the tourist season in Rome, and security is tight as world leaders gather for a G8 summit. While politicians bicker behind the walls of the illustrious Palazzo del Quirinale, a terrible threat is lurking outside. Detective Nic Costa and the men and women of the Questura must work in secret to thwart a conspiracy that reaches higher than any of them could have imagined. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-Click here to read an excerpt from CITY OF FEAR.


The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek (Fiction)
When their Aunt Lydia dies, half-sisters Peck and Cassie converge on her summer house in the Hamptons to carry out the wishes stipulated in her will. Aunt Lydia would like them to spend one last summer at the house before selling it and, while there, find a thing of utmost value. Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski.

A MOSQUE IN MUNICH: Nazis, the CIA, and the Rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in the West by Ian Johnson (History)
Even at this late date, the west has many unanswered questions about Islam --- its origins, its intentions toward us, its inner workings. Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Ian Johnson presents a detailed examination of one surprising answer to some these questions. The history lesson he teaches may be one we ignore at our peril. Reviewed by Robert Finn.

 
Click here to read this week’s reviews.

 

As always, here are a few housekeeping notes. If you are seeing this newsletter in a text version, and would prefer to see the graphics, you can either read it online or change your preferences below.

Those of you who wish to send mail to Bookreporter.com, please see the form on the Write to Us page. If you would like to reach me, please write [email protected]. Writing any of the respond buttons below will not get to us.

Those who are subscribed to the Bookreporter.com newsletter by May 31, 2010 automatically are entered in our Monthly Newsletter Contest. This month, one winner will be selected to win the following five books: 61 HOURS by Lee Child, FEVER DREAM by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST by Stieg Larsson, INNOCENT by Scott Turow and PRIVATE LIFE by Jane Smiley. Kimberly from Nashville, TN was last month's winner. She won THE BLACK CAT: A Richard Jury Mystery by Martha Grimes, DELIVER US FROM EVIL by David Baldacci, THE DOUBLE COMFORT SAFARI CLUB: The New No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Novel by Alexander McCall Smith, EVERY LAST ONE by Anna Quindlen and THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE by Mary Higgins Clark.

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