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Books for a Better Life Awards 2015

The New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has announced the winners of the 20th Annual Books for a Better Life Awards during a ceremony at The TimesCenter in Manhattan on April 18, 2016.

Sophie Hannah, author of Woman with a Secret

A controversial newspaper columnist named Damon Blundy has been murdered, and the detectives begin peppering Nicki Clements with questions. Why was she seen fleeing the scene? What is her connection to the victim? Why was the knife that killed him used in such a peculiar way? Why were the words “HE IS NO LESS DEAD” painted on the wall of Blundy’s study, and what do they signify? One simple answer could clear her. But she can’t explain why she fled that day without revealing the secret that could ruin her.

Jacqueline Winspear, author of Journey to Munich: A Maisie Dobbs Novel

The German government has agreed to release a British subject from prison, but only if he is handed over to a family member. Because the man’s wife is bedridden and his daughter has been killed in an accident, the Secret Service wants Maisie Dobbs --- who bears a striking resemblance to the daughter --- to retrieve the man from Dachau. Traveling into the heart of Nazi Germany, Maisie encounters unexpected dangers --- and finds herself questioning whether it’s time to return to the work she loved. But the Secret Service may have other ideas.

April 2016

In picture books this month we have THE BEST DAYS ARE DOG DAYS by Aaron Meshon, a loving outline of the nature of true companionship complete with Meshon's own added style and flare; HORRIBLE BEAR!, written by Amy Dyckman, in which readers are asked to explore the concept of forgiveness in this engaging story of an angry bear and a compassionate girl; and THE BEAR AND THE PIANO by David Litchfield, in which a talented bear is granted an opportunity that he simply cannot resist, even if it may alienate him from his forest friends. 

Author Talk: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, author of Before We Visit the Goddess

Apr 20, 2016

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is the award-winning author of numerous books, including THE PALACE OF ILLUSIONS, ONE AMAZING THING and OLEANDER GIRL. Her latest novel, BEFORE WE VISIT THE GODDESS, sweeps across the 20th century from the countryside of Bengal to the streets of Houston, exploring the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, and the different kinds of love that bind us across generations. In this interview, Divakaruni discusses the various elements that inspired GODDESS --- including books by other authors, cultural mythology and personal experiences --- as well as the themes she seems to return to, intentionally or not, again and again in her work.

Douglas MacArthur

You are remembered for the rules you break.

Attribution

Douglas MacArthur

April 19, 2016

In this newsletter, you will find books releasing the weeks of April 18th and April 25th that we think will be of interest to Bookreporter.com readers, along with Bonus News, where we call out a contest, feature or review that we want to let you know about so you have it on your radar. This week, we are calling attention to our Women's Fiction Author Spotlight of THE VERSIONS OF US by Laura Barnett. Readers can enter for a chance to win a copy of the book and share their comments on it.

Editorial content for Raymie Nightingale

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Norah Piehl

Award-winning author Kate DiCamillo has written another winning, deceptively simple yet ultimately profound novel about building friendship and overcoming loss. Read More

Teaser

 

Raymie thinks if she can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, the three girls are drawn into an unlikely friendship --- and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.

Promo

Raymie thinks if she can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, the three girls are drawn into an unlikely friendship --- and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.

About the Book

Two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo returns to her roots with a moving, masterful story of an unforgettable summer friendship.

Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship --- and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.

Editorial Content for The Nameless City

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Aimee Rogers

THE NAMELESS CITY is Faith Erin Hicks’s newest graphic novel. It is a departure from the types of stories she has told in the past such as FRIENDS WITH BOYS and THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERHERO GIRL, which tend to lean toward contemporary realistic fiction with a dash of the supernatural. THE NAMELESS CITY, on the other hand, is historical fiction and is the first of a planned trilogy. Before I get too much further I want to say that my review is based upon an advanced reader’s copy of the book, which is in black and white except for about fifteen pages at the beginning of the book. Read More

Teaser

Every nation that invades the City gives it a new name. But before long, new invaders arrive and the City changes hands once again. The natives don't let themselves get caught up in the unending wars. To them, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders.
Kaidu is one such outsider. He's a Dao born and bred --- a member of the latest occupying nation. Rat is a native of the Nameless City. At first, she hates Kai for everything he stands for, but his love of his new home may be the one thing that can bring these two unlikely friends together.

Promo

Every nation that invades the City gives it a new name. But before long, new invaders arrive and the City changes hands once again. The natives don't let themselves get caught up in the unending wars. To them, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders.
Kaidu is one such outsider. He's a Dao born and bred --- a member of the latest occupying nation. Rat is a native of the Nameless City. At first, she hates Kai for everything he stands for, but his love of his new home may be the one thing that can bring these two unlikely friends together.

About the Book

Every nation that invades the City gives it a new name. But before long, new invaders arrive and the City changes hands once again. The natives don't let themselves get caught up in the unending wars. To them, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders.

Kaidu is one such outsider. He's a Dao born and bred --- a member of the latest occupying nation. Rat is a native of the Nameless City. At first, she hates Kai for everything he stands for, but his love of his new home may be the one thing that can bring these two unlikely friends together. Let's hope so, because the fate of the Nameless City rests in their hands.