Here is a roundup of some of the topics that were posted on the Bookreporter.com Facebook Page the week of October 5th:
Publisher Weekly interviewed John Connolly, whose new novel, THE GATES, was published by Atria on October 6.
USA Today says Margaret Atwood's THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD is a timely and gripping story and goes behind the scenes with Mitch Albom, the sports columnist turned best selling author of the inspiration books TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN, and HAVE A LITTLE FAITH.
Audrey Niffeneger also talked to USA Today about the success of THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE and her recently released second novel, HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY.
THE GIVEN DAY by Dennis Lehane was released this week in paperback.
Hilary Mantel has won the 2009 Booker Prize for her fictionalized account of William Cromwell's life, WOLF HALL.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote that TNT has given a cast-contingent pilot order to "Rizzoli," a drama pilot based on Tess Gerritsen's Jane Rizzoli mystery novels. Written by Janet Tamaro ("Bones"), "Rizzoli" revolves around the crime-solving team of Boston medical examiner Maura Isles and Detective Jane Rizzoli.
Carol went to see Jeannette Walls at an event sponsored by the Clinton Bookshop. Here's a video to give you background on her new book HALF BROKE HORSES, now in stores as well as an article in USA TODAY .
William Kamkwamba recounts his mission to overcome famine and poverty in his village by building a windmill, which he saw in a picture at a library book, in a terrific interview on "The Daily Show."
Frank McCourt was remembered at "An Evening of Reminiscence, Music, Poetry and Laughter," a memorial held in his honor at Symphony Space on Tuesday night. Also, New York City Schools chancellor Joel Klein’s announced that the Frank McCourt High School of Writing Journalism and Literature will open next fall on West 84th Street in Manhattan. Such a fitting honor for Frank!
USA Today posted a book roundup focused on memoirs and motherhood.
Yesterday, the "Today Show" celebrated Read for the Record Day, a campaign to bring preschool kids together to read the same picture book, with Eric Carle and his 40-year-old picture book classic, THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR. Two nonprofit groups—Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation—run the event to promote reading among low-income preschoolers.
If you read and loved THE HELP, what book like it would you recommend to readers? Someone asked Carol that and she wants to see what your thoughts are. Here's what some readers had to say:
Kris: Personally I have not read another book of late like "The Help" which is probably why I loved it so much to begin with. However, readers who loved it should also read "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee if they haven't already.
Chris: I would recommend FOUR SPIRITS by Sena Jeter Naslund. Set in Birmingham in 1963 it has a similiarly young, white, protagonist, who witnesses the civil rights struggles going on in her city. Beautiful writing and a story you won't forget soon.
Melissa: THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd --- you will fall in love with these Southern characters!!!
Mary Lou: I haven't read THE HELP but its on my list now for sure!!!!
Suzanne: My book group thought it was in the same vein as TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. We all enjoyed this book very much and hope there is a sequel...we want to know what happened to all the characters.
Margo: BENEATH A MARBLE SKY by John Shors.
Rhonda: I read THE HELP on Carol's recommendation. I loved it, recommended to my sister, who loved it and we both are recommending it to everyone we know who will listen. Kris, I cannot think of anything I have read that is like this book. But,even though this is not the question there is a 1990 movie called "The Long Walk Home" with Sissy Spacek and Whoppi Goldberg that is a wonderful movie and similar in subject matter to THE HELP. Go rent it if you have not seen it. I will keep thinking about the question though and write again if I think of a similar book.
Dicksie: I've got it ordered. Really anxious after hearing and seeing so many rave reviews.
Tammye: THE HELP reminded me of GONE WITH THE WIND. Prissy was wonderful.
Jerri: THE SPACE BETWEEN US' explores the relationship between lady and maid in India.
Julie: RUSH HOME ROAD by Lori Lansens
Belinda: THE AIR BETWEEN US by Deborah Johnson
Suzanne: Loved THE HELP and recommend all future novels by Kathryn Stockett
Rhonda: I remember a book I read years ago. THE COLOR OF WATER by James McBride. It is non-fiction about the author's bi-racial family. An absolutely beautifully written memoir!
Janet: TWO RIVERS by T. Greenwood which came out early this year. Loved it as I did THE HELP.
Mary: THE HELP was one of those books that made you temporarily ignore your life and resent any interruptions. The last book I read like that was PEOPLE OF THE BOOK
Mary Lou: Interesting, I put in a request for this book with my local library, there are over 200 ahead of me in the list. Twice the waiting list for Ted Kennedy's memoir. This is a popular book!!! At this rate I'll be reading it next summer!
Veronica: LOVED THE HELP and agree with the SECRET LIFE OF BEES recommendation, but also wonder if someone who liked help wouldn't also like anything by Connie May Fowler, maybe WHEN WOMEN HAD WINGS.
Julie: I loved THE HELP so much. I am having trouble thinking of something similar, maybe FAMILY TREE by Barbara Delinsky?
