I love talking to people about books. Anywhere I go, when I tell them what I do, it takes two seconds before I find myself in “book concierge” mode. I love making recommendations, and it’s even more heartwarming when friends are in touch to tell me how much they enjoyed the books that were suggested. I bet that you feel the same way when your group discussion is really engaging about a title that you selected. Remember, not everyone has to like the book; they do have to be able to have a great discussion about it. We know that by reading this newsletter you are a concierge to your book group.
Whether you're relaxing by the pool or sweating it out on the beach this summer, a trip to the movies is always a great way to cool down during this season's scorching months. If you're looking for a nice way to break up your days, make sure to check out these popular book-to-screen adaptions!
In theatres we have this summer's most talked about love story, Me Before You, starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin. Will the film outshine the heart-warming, best-selling novel? Go get your tickets today to find out! Next up we have The Fundamentals of Caring, the funny and insightful story of an 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy and the hapless caregiver who takes him on a cross-country roadtrip. Along the way, the pair discovers the true meaning of friendship and what it means to be alive.
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Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.
Attribution
John F. Kennedy
A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities, and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.
I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.
Attribution
Henry David Thoreau
Tracy Deebs collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where --- and sometimes who --- she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story --- something with a rainbow and a prince --- and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. From the first page of that first book, she knew she’d found her life-long love.
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We had a great holiday weekend, though sadly the town parade that to me is the cornerstone of our “weekend of remembering” was canceled --- for the first time in over 20 years --- as they anticipated rain. Of course, the rain passed by the morning! Tom and I hit two nurseries and planted the herbs and flowers we bought with great speed. Well, we hit our stride once I figured out that having the plants, dirt and pots in the same place made a lot more sense than walking up and down the patio steps for each part of this process; it was so much more efficient. Thus I had time to float in the pool and read; the weather was so beastly hot that I just bucked up to the chilly water.
Our New in Paperback roundup for June includes SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA, a debut novel by Becky Albertalli, in which a closeted gay teen struggles to come out before he is forced to; RED QUEEN, Victoria Aveyard's debut novel where a Red-blooded girl discovers she has magical abilities that only Silver-blooded elites should have, leaving her split between two worlds; and ALL THE RAGE, a timely and poignant novel about the cost of silence in an unjust world.
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Reviewer (text)
Sarah Rachel Egelman
You may know Neil Gaiman as the mind behind the Sandman comics, as the author of the popular novel AMERICAN GODS, or even as the author of the creepy children’s book CORALINE. But this prolific writer is not just a spinner of fantastical and often funny tales but also an essayist. THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS collects over 60 essays, as well as some speeches and book introductions, on a variety of subjects, though they’re generally centered on reading and writing. Read More
Teaser
An inquisitive observer, thoughtful commentator and assiduous craftsman, Neil Gaiman has long been celebrated for the sharp intellect and startling imagination that informs his bestselling fiction. Now, THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS brings together for the first time ever more than 60 pieces of his outstanding nonfiction. Analytical yet playful, erudite yet accessible, this cornucopia explores a broad range of interests and topics --- offering a glimpse into the head and heart of one of the most acclaimed, beloved and influential artists of our time.
Promo
An inquisitive observer, thoughtful commentator and assiduous craftsman, Neil Gaiman has long been celebrated for the sharp intellect and startling imagination that informs his bestselling fiction. Now, THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS brings together for the first time ever more than 60 pieces of his outstanding nonfiction. Analytical yet playful, erudite yet accessible, this cornucopia explores a broad range of interests and topics --- offering a glimpse into the head and heart of one of the most acclaimed, beloved and influential artists of our time.
About the Book
An enthralling collection of nonfiction essays on a myriad of topics --- from art and artists to dreams, myths and memories --- observed in #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman’s probing, amusing and distinctive style.
An inquisitive observer, thoughtful commentator and assiduous craftsman, Neil Gaiman has long been celebrated for the sharp intellect and startling imagination that informs his bestselling fiction. Now, THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS brings together for the first time ever more than sixty pieces of his outstanding nonfiction. Analytical yet playful, erudite yet accessible, this cornucopia explores a broad range of interests and topics, including (but not limited to): authors past and present; music; storytelling; comics; bookshops; travel; fairy tales; America; inspiration; libraries; ghosts; and the title piece, at turns touching and self-deprecating, which recounts the author’s experiences at the 2010 Academy Awards in Hollywood.
Insightful, incisive, witty and wise, THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS explores the issues and subjects that matter most to Neil Gaiman --- offering a glimpse into the head and heart of one of the most acclaimed, beloved and influential artists of our time.
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