Yes, it’s that time again --- time to get to know you, our readers. Last year's Reader Survey gave us a lot of insight into your reading and book-buying habits, which was so very helpful. At every meeting we attend with publishers, and in any conversation we have with authors, the lead question is “Who are your readers?” Also, people are always asking us about the specific habits of our readers, like the formats you are enjoying, the genres you love, and where you learn about books.

So we are doing a Reader Survey again this year to ensure that we have the latest information to share. At a time when a recent study said that only 16% of Americans read for pleasure, we want to hear from our readers who we KNOW are part of this very important group.

Last night, Sharon Kurtzman joined our book group discussion about THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA via Zoom. She explained how a conversation with her mother about her mother's life after World War II in Vienna sparked her interest in writing this book. It was a story that she nurtured for a few decades before she wrote it.

Sharon walked us through her “on the ground” research where she visualized the story unfolding, as well as the long journey that it took to write the book. While the story had been percolating inside her, it took the COVID-19 pandemic to make her realize that she had to tell her mom’s story lest it be lost. While the book is not biographical, she talked about all of the ways her mother’s experiences guided her storytelling. (Note the family photos behind her, which she spoke about.)

In this newsletter, you will find books releasing the weeks of September 29th and October 6th 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 Carol Fitzgerald's Bookreporter.com Bets On commentary for ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS. Is a debut author's blockbuster bestseller about to ruin her life? A glamorous book tour becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse chase in this captivating new thriller by USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan.