February 26, 2010

I am getting a tad bored with the gray and white palette outside my window. The flakes have been flying for days --- yesterday there was a point where I could not see across the street from the office in New York, and today, while the backyard is pretty, I am ready for some color. My good friend Seale Ballenger just passed me a link to a church sign that said, “Whoever is praying for snow, please stop.” I am in agreement. I love snow days when I can enjoy them and kick back, but these storms have meant I just hunker down and work at home instead of at the office. Not so much fun!

I would have thought that the accumulation of white stuff would have my younger son salivating to grab his shovel and go make some more money shoveling driveways, but I was told “that was so last week.” I guess when you are 15 years old $100 can last you a pretty long time, thus there is no urgent need to hoist the shovel and tote that snow again!

The snow has taken its toll on retail, and Jamie Layton has written a terrific blog post for us today on ReadingGroupGuides.com that references the importance of supporting small businesses at a time like this since they lack the “cushion” that large companies have with an unplanned loss of revenue.

Keeping with the snowy theme of the week, I read Charles Martin’s book, THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US, which will be in stores on June 1st. I have been reading Charles since his first book was in manuscript. He’s moved his writing to a whole new level here with the story of Ben Payne, an orthopedic surgeon who charters a plane to get home as a snowstorm closes the airport. He brings along a young woman named Ashley Knox, who is trying to get home for her wedding. The small plane crashes, the pilot is killed, and it’s up to Ben to get them off the mountain safely. They are two strangers thrown together who become two people dependent on each other for survival. Great reading, and for the record, if I ever am in the airport and the flights are cancelled due to snow, I am NOT going to charter a plane, which I always thought would be a really smart idea.

We’re excited to spotlight Francine Rivers, whose book HER MOTHER’S HOPE will be in stores on March 16th, as our latest Historical Fiction featured author. Both Erin Quinn in our office and I read this one and loved it! It’s a big sweeping story of a woman who moves her family across the world and the relationship she develops with her daughter as the years go by. I was caught up in the plot, the characters and the vivid descriptions of place. It’s the first of two books, and the second is scheduled for this fall. There is further testimony on how wonderful this one is, as Erin spent two evenings planted at her desk reading way past our normal working hours since she did not want to stop even to walk home. We have 20 copies to give away here to those who would like to read it and comment about it. Enter by Friday, March 5th at noon ET. Please note that we expect those who elect to be early readers to share their comments with us. If we do not hear from you, it could impact your chances of being selected as an early reader in the future!

We also have reader comments for Sarah Blake’s THE POSTMISTRESS, which remains at #8 on the New York Times bestseller list again this week, as well as #5 on the IndieBound list. And our interviews this week with Jerome Charyn about THE SECRET LIFE OF EMILY DICKINSON (loved his references to how her writing moved him), Beverly Barton about DEAD BY MIDNIGHT and Gregg Olsen about VICTIM SIX will shed some wonderful light on these books.

I got to see Shutter Island last weekend and is one of the best book adaptations that I have seen. While it’s dark and atmospheric, it is not “scary.” I had more than one person say they thought it would keep them up nights from seeing the commercials and thus they were skipping it, thus I feel I have to say I never saw that. Definitely worth catching, but read the book first. I got a copy of the graphic novel adaptation this week, and I am looking forward to checking it out.

In response to the piece I linked you to last week about the folks who think shelving books on shelves backwards is a “good thing,” Janice from Sykesville, MD shared a blog with me where each day there is another photograph of a book collection. It’s called “Book lovers never go to bed alone” and can be found here.

Speaking of fun things on the web, here’s one we found on Facebook. ONE GOOD DOG is a book about a man who is down on his luck, and a dog who is all out of chances. Together they discover the true meaning of salvation, redemption and unconditional love. So who’s Your Good Dog? Click here and post a picture and explanation of how your dog (or turtle, or human, etc!) has transformed your life and share “your good dog!”

Monday night I was a presenter at The New York City - Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society, which presented the 14th Annual Books for a Better Life Awards. Robin Roberts, the co-anchor of "Good Morning America," was the host and introduced me, which was quite cool. We have a link to the awards and a photo with Robin, the winners, other presenters and organizers and me, which you can see here. Beth asked on Facebook if I made my sweater; I did, and in my favorite color, too! Speaking of Facebook, you can become a fan of Bookreporter.com here. For those of you not on Facebook, we encourage you to read a wrap-up of our daily postings here.

This weekend, in addition to reading, I want to figure out which Oscar-nominated movies I have not yet seen in anticipation of the awards next weekend. First up is The Hurt Locker. And of course there will be Olympic action wrap-up. I did not get to watch as much of the Olympics as I would have liked, but there were many memorable moments. Yesterday, watching the aerials where there were turns and flips at dizzying heights, I realized that having two feet on the ground while typing is much more my style. I hope they have the exhibition skating segment over the weekend where the skaters skate for fun. I always like that.

Also, I have been keeping up with "Big Love," which is over the top this season with just two episodes left. I loved the song at the end of last week’s episode, "Your Protector" by Fleet Foxes, which you can listen to here. It was a perfect soundtrack for that ending, which got me thinking about soundtracks of life and soundtracks for reading. There are moments when I love walking through a city or airport with my iPod on pacing my walk with the perfect music.

The sun is peaking out, and I am seeing a splash of blue in the sky. Must go explore this phenomenon. Also, Cory and his friend are baking chocolate chip cookies, and based on yesterday’s efforts they will be terrific. Here’s to finding something wonderful to read and enjoy. And may March come in like a lamb. I am tired of these lion moments.

Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)

Jerome Charyn is the author of nearly 40 titles, including three memoirs and the novels DARLIN’ BILL, BLUE EYES and CITIZEN SIDEL. His latest book, THE SECRET LIFE OF EMILY DICKINSON, uncovers the vast but little-known private life of the famously reclusive 19th-century American poet. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Melanie Smith, Charyn explains what initially appealed to him about this literary and historical figure, and describes how he seamlessly incorporated elements of fiction into her biography in this account. He also recalls his reaction to seeing her home during a visit to the Emily Dickinson Museum in Massachusetts, reflects on her mass appeal over 120 years after her death, and shares details about his upcoming novel that takes place in 1940s Germany.

THE SECRET LIFE OF EMILY DICKINSON by Jerome Charyn (Fiction)
In an outstanding tribute to one of the greats, author Jerome Charyn brings Emily Dickinson back to her full living form, challenging perceptions we've been left with. The withered spinster with the blank stare is obliterated, and in her place is an intelligent, lonely woman who seems more sensual goddess than recluse. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

-Click here to read a review of THE SECRET LIFE OF EMILY DICKINSON.
-Click here to read a second excerpt from THE SECRET LIFE OF EMILY DICKINSON.
-Click here to read Jerome Charyn's bio.
-Click here to see Jerome Charyn's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for THE SECRET LIFE OF EMILY DICKINSON.
-Visit Jerome Charyn's official website, www.jeromecharyn.com.
-Click here to see our finished copy winners.
 

Beverly Barton's most recent romantic thriller, DEAD BY MIDNIGHT, features Lorie Hammonds and Sheriff Mike Birkett --- secondary characters from the previous novel SILENT KILLER --- who find themselves caught up in a serial murder plot against the cast of an adult film. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Donna Volkenannt, Barton credits her editor for the initial inspiration to create a protagonist with a sordid past and explains how much of her hometown influenced the book's fictional setting of Dunmore, Alabama. She also discusses the process of finding evocative titles for each of her books, singles out a few of her favorite characters from her backlist of over 60 titles, and shares details about various projects in the works --- including a new series and two follow-ups to DEAD BY MIDNIGHT.

DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Beverly Barton (Romantic Suspense)
The Midnight Killer is obsessed with the porn movie Midnight Masquerade. With stealth and precision, he stalks the victims on his list --- all characters connected with the film. As the body count rises, and with former Midnight Masquerade actress Lorie Hammonds in his crosshairs, it’s only a matter of time before he strikes again. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

-Click here to read a review of DEAD BY MIDNIGHT.
-Click here to read an excerpt from DEAD BY MIDNIGHT.
-Click here to read Beverly Barton's bio.
-Click here to see Beverly Barton's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for DEAD BY MIDNIGHT.
-Visit Beverly Barton's official website, www.beverlybarton.com.
-Click here to see our advance copy winners.
 

Bookreporter.com Talks to Gregg Olsen, Author of VICTIM SIX

Gregg Olsen's latest stand-alone thriller, VICTIM SIX, centers on a seemingly unpatterned string of murders that occur around Washington's Puget Sound. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Olsen provides a bit of insight into the minds of serial killers regarding the "proximity zones" and unwritten "rules" of their crimes, and describes some of the hands-on research he performed to accurately portray elements of the plot and setting. He also discusses some recent advancements made in the field of forensic science, reflects on the difficulties of working on several writing projects at once, and shares his thoughts on two of the most high-profile and influential true crime stories in recent years.

VICTIM SIX by Gregg Olsen (Thriller)
The bodies are found in towns and cities around Puget Sound. The young women who are the victims had nothing in common, yet somebody carefully chose them to stalk, capture and torture --- a depraved killer whose cunning is matched only by the depth of his bloodlust. The dying has only just begun, and the next victim will be the most shocking of all. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-Click here to read a review of VICTIM SIX.
-Click here to read an excerpt from VICTIM SIX.
-Click here to read Gregg Olsen's bio.
-Click here to see Gregg Olsen's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for VICTIM SIX.
-Visit Gregg Olsen's official website, www.greggolsen.com.
-Click here to see our advance copy winners.
 

From bestselling author Francine Rivers comes HER MOTHER'S HOPE, the first novel in a powerful two-book saga. This sweeping story, which spans continents and generations while exploring the bond between mothers and daughters, will be available in stores on March 16th.

We have 20 copies of HER MOTHER'S HOPE 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, March 5th at noon ET.

-Click here to read an excerpt from HER MOTHER'S HOPE.
-Click here to read Francine Rivers's bio.
-Click here to see Francine Rivers's backlist.
-Click here to read critical praise for HER MOTHER'S HOPE.
-Visit Francine Rivers's official website, www.FrancineRivers.com.

More about HER MOTHER'S HOPE:
Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California. Marta’s experiences convince her that only the strong survive. Hildie, Marta’s oldest daughter, has a heart to serve others, and her calling as a nurse during World War II gives her independence, if not the respect of her mother.
 

Featured One to Watch Author: Susan Wilson, Author of ONE GOOD DOG

Now in Stores: FANTASY IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

FANTASY IN DEATH by J.D. Robb (Mystery)
NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas is having as much trouble figuring out how Bart Minnock was murdered as who did the murdering. The victim's girlfriend seems sincerely grief-stricken, and his quirky but brilliant partners at U-Play appear equally shocked. No one seemed to have a prob­lem with the enthusiastic, high-spirited millionaire. Of course, success can attract jealousy, and gaming, like any business, has its fierce rivalries and dirty tricks. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-Click here to read an excerpt from FANTASY IN DEATH.