 LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER
by Maya Angelou
For both new and devoted readers alike, a new volume of absorbing stories and inspirational wisdom from one of our best-loved writers. Dedicated to the young women Maya Angelou cares so much about, LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER reveals Angelou's path to living well and living a life with meaning. Like the rest of her remarkable work, LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER entertains and teaches; it is a book to cherish, savor, re-read, and share.
Read an excerpt from LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER.
 A TRUTH UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED
by Susannah Carson
Why do we read Jane Austen? So many writers have been forgotten over the ages, but for two centuries Austen has enthralled her readers. Edited by Susannah Carson with a foreword by Harold Bloom, A TRUTH UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED features essays from 33 great authors and literary critics, offering insights into the timelessness and importance of Austen's novels.
Why do YOU read Jane Austen?
Send an e-mail to rhpg@randomhouse.com and explain (in 500-1000 words) the significance Jane Austen has had on the literary world and in your own life, and you will be entered for the chance to win a signed copy of A TRUTH UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED, along with THE COMPLETE NOVELS OF JANE AUSTEN, VOLUME 1 and THE COMPLETE NOVELS OF JANE AUSTEN, VOLUME 2. Read the official rules here.
 Who would have thought that reading about business mogul Warren Buffett would be so interesting? In THE SNOWBALL, author Alice Schroeder not only discusses how this fascinating man has made it to where he is today in the business world, she also shows us, for the first time ever, his fascinating personal life. The only official biography on Buffett gives us love, sex and scandal, what more could a book group ask for?
Was SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN an all-time favorite? Is Lisa See's new novel, SHANGHAI GIRLS on your must read list even though it's not out in paperback yet? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you should pick up HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET by Jamie Ford. It's a book that teaches you about history, the hardships of life, love and the meaning of true friendship all in one amazing story.
The Boston Globe said this about SWEEPING UP GLASS by Carolyn Wall and I don't think that I could agree more: "This extraordinary debut novel... is filled with arresting images, bitter humor, and characters with palpable physical presence. The fresh voice of that clear-eyed narrator reminded me of Scout in Harper Lee's TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I literally could not put it down."
—Boston Globe
Did the drama and intrigue of AMERICAN WIFE by Curtis Sittenfeld catch your attention? If so, you should check out ALL WE EVER WANTED WAS EVERYTHING by Janelle Brown. This family saga is like a well written soap opera... full of love, money, scandal and redemption!
Sarah Dunant took readers to Renaissance Italy in her book group favorite, THE BIRTH OF VENUS and returns to that time and setting once again in her new novel SACRED HEARTS. Dunant gives us another compulsively absorbing story of love, art, religion, and power that is sure to give you lots to talk about at your next meeting!
Did you love reading THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL by Phillipa Gregory? Or maybe you feel like you have learned all you need to know about the Tudors? You should try THE LAST QUEEN by C.W. Gortner. This page turning story on the life of Juana of Castile, or Juana la Loca as she was known, is just as interesting as and possibly even more dramatic than the tales of Henry VIII.
Like the classic novel, THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ethan Canin brings us a sharp-eyed outsider's perspective on great wealth and privilege in his epic tale AMERICA AMERICA.
Many book clubs fell in love with THE LACE READER by Brunonia Barry because it skillfully combined a current day murder mystery with recollections from the past. The same format of past and present tales is artfully mastered by David Ebershoff in THE 19TH WIFE. A current day murder takes place in a polygamous home all while we are taken back to the days of Ann Eliza Young and the building of the polygamous history. As these two narratives build, we are pulled deeper into both mysteries, and ultimately uncover how these two lives and stories connect.
READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN by Azar Nafisi has been described as a remarkable exploration of resilience in the face of tyranny and a celebration of the liberating power of literature. This can also be said of GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. This is a moving story about a group of people who are brought together through the written word during the German occupation of the Island of Guernsey. A truly charming novel that is a must read for all book clubs!
Looking for a book that combines history, romance... and time travel like Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER? After reading this epic novel, millions of people fell in love with the story of reluctant time traveler Claire Randall and eighteenth century Scotsman Jamie Fraser. If you're one of them, be sure to read AN ECHO IN THE BONE, Gabaldon's latest book in the series.
Did you enjoy John Irving's classic novel, THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP? Well, the modern American master returns with, LAST NIGHT IN TWISTED RIVER, a novel that has been deemed "classic Irving"—epic in scope and at turns hilarious, frightening and suspenseful. John Irving has once again brought us a compelling story of a writer and a family, creating one of his most riveting novels to date.
If you are looking for an uplifting and inspirational story this holiday season, a la MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS by Tracy Kidder, pick up OUTCASTS UNITED by Warren St. John. This touching story about a refugee soccer team and how it helped bring a small town into a global community is sure to bring some warmth to your heart.
If you like cooking for your book group, try BUBBY'S BRUNCH COOKBOOK and dazzle your fellow readers with your supreme scone-making skills.
If you like a good drink with your good book, try DRINK THIS: Wine Made Simple by Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl and the words will flow like wine!
Last month, we asked what prompts you to pick up a book at your local bookstore or library. Cover? Title? Author? Here's a sampling of what you had to say!
Jill from Auburn, WA:
All of the above! Since belonging to a book club I now find myself picking up all kinds of books. While a cover probably is the main enticer, so is author, but with that said I am also always searching for a new author to love. One more prompt would be books on the "staff recommends" shelf. I have found some gems there that I would have probably passed over. With so many books in a store it is nice to have a little guidance, but I also love the thought of within all these books there is something perfect in here for me to love and I enjoy the search.
Chris from Claremont, CA:
So many different things speak to me about a book. I tend toward trade paperbacks for the size. I keep up with the bestsellers in the LA Times and NY Times newspapers, and when a book or author I don't know about keeps getting referenced, I will try to look into them further. I have a number of authors for whom I await eagerly their next book. And I am in two book clubs and very active in my local library, so I am always on the alert for books that I expect to enjoy. I am a complete book addict, and go to many different places looking for good deals on new and used books for myself, my friends and family.
Barbara from Naperville, IL:
I will pick up a book usually by author if it is one of my favorites but sometimes a title or cover will catch my attention and if the book looks and sounds interesting by the reviews on the back cover, I will buy it. I mostly buy books based on reviews I have read in the Readers Circle Newsletter, magazines or newspaper.
Each month we'll ask you, our readers, to share something with us about your book club or about your personal
reading habits. By responding, you will automatically be entered to win FREE books.
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What are two books that you would recommend to a friend based on similar themes, topics or writers?
Submit your entries to: rhrc@randomhouse.com
And keep sending in your tips and suggestions for running a smooth book club meeting. Hints are always helpful, and always appreciated! Or if you have a specific problem or concern with how to run a meeting or how to start a club, write in and we'll try to help. Please write in about your experience and also, continue to write in with any more problems or suggestions! |
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