Man Booker Prize 2010

Posted by Dana on 07.29.2010 at 9:09 am

Earlier this week the judges for The Man Booker Prize for fiction announced their longlist for the prize.  The list includes:

Peter Carey: PARROT AND OLIVIER IN AMERICA
Emma Donoghue: ROOM
Helen Dunmore: THE BETRAYAL
Damon Galgut: IN A STRANGE ROOM
Howard Jacobson: THE FINKLER QUESTION
Andrea Levy: THE LONG SONG
Tom McCarthy: C
David Mitchell: THE THOUSAND AUTUMNS OF JACOB DE ZOET
Lisa Moore: FEBRUARY
Paul Murray: SKIPPY DIES
Rose Tremain: TRESPASS
Christos Tsiolkas: THE SLAP
Alan Warner: THE STARS IN THE BRIGHT SKY

Not all the titles listed here are available for sale in the US just yet, but most are and the rest are coming soon!

The 2010 shortlist will be announced on Tuesday September 7th and the winner of the Man Booker Prize for Fiction 2010 will be revealed on Tuesday October 12th and we’ll keep you posted!

To read more about the books and the process, check out The Man Booker Prize website.

Have your say » | Tagged Book & Author News, Book Lists, Man Booker Prize 2010

Better World Books Podcast: Sisters Lauren Myracle & Susan Rebecca White

Posted by Dana on 07.22.2010 at 10:16 am

You know how you and your sister talk to each other in a way that is completely different from the way you talk to  anyone else?  Well guess what… that would still be true if you were both famous, successful authors!  Meet sisters and authors Lauren Myracle and Susan Rebecca White.

Lauren, the just slightly older sister is known for her hugely popular YA books TTYL and TTFN and her new series for younger readers that starts with LUV YA BUNCHES.  And Susan, whose second book A SOFT PLACE TO LAND was recently released, is well on her way to being a favorite among book clubs and critics alike.  You may remember my earlier interview with Susan about her first book, BOUND SOUTH.

A while back, I had a chance to sit down with the sisters in their first ever joint interview and they were not shy!  We talked about what it was like growing up together and how their relationship has shaped their writing.

This was actually one of my favorite interviews to record.  It was like Read more…

 

 Interview with Lauren Myracle and Susan Rebecca White [26:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (66)

Have your say » | Tagged Author Podcast, A Soft Place to Land, Author Interview, Bound South, Lauren Myracle, Luv Ya Bunches, Sisters, Susan Rebecca White, TTFN, TTYL

Top 8 Beach Reads on Sale Now!

Posted by Dana on 07.20.2010 at 12:00 am

Yeah it’s hot.  We know.  So use our Dog Days of Summer Sale to grab a book or 8… then head for the beach, or pool or if all else fails just crank up the AC.  To make the most of the sale you’ve got to get 4 or more used books (marketplace doesn’t count) and use coupon code WOOF154 at checkout.

And to help you make the most of it, here are some beachy beach books to go with your Banana Daiquiri:

Barefoot by Elin Hildebrand
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
Life’s a Beach by Claire Cook
Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins

Now admittedly all of these beachy books which I have judged by their beachy covers maybe a bit on the girly side.  If you’re looking for a manly man beach read, try one of these!

Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Evidence by Jonathan Kellerman
Just After Sunset by Stephen King

Admittedly these are not the top 8 of all time, but they are in fact all books with beaches (or something like that) on the cover that you can get used in our fabulous Dog Days Sale!

Have your say » | Tagged Book Lists, Company News, Claire Cook, Dog Days of Summer Sale, Elin Hiderbrand, james patterson, Jonathan Kellerman, Kristan Higgins, Nicholas Sparks, Stephen King, Stuart Woods

Book Review: THE LACE READER by Brunonia Barry

Posted by Dana on 07.12.2010 at 11:45 am

When the first thing a narrator tells you is that she lies you know you’re in for some odd twists and turns.  So begins THE LACE READER by Brunonia Barry; the story of the prophetic Towner Whitney who returns to her hometown of Salem, Massachusetts when the great aunt who helped raised her disappears.

Towner, a self described liar and crazy woman had vowed never to return to Salem after witnessing the suicide of her twin sister as a teen.  Following the tragedy she spent time in a mental institution complete with electro-shock therapy that has left her memory of the incident and her teenage years spotty at best.

Back in Salem, Towner stumbles through the returning memories of her past and into some present day craziness between her Great Aunt Eva’s disappearance and the disappearance of a young pregnant girl Towner meets on her first day back in town.  Both situations seem somehow tied to the creepy uncle, Cal Boynton who helped raised Towner’s twin.
Are you confused yet?  The Whitney family relationships are maybe a bit unnecessarily complex, or are they?  Remember, our narrator is both crazy and a liar.

Now… on to the witches.  I said Salem, Massachusetts…you knew they were coming, didn’t you?  There are witches in the book, though not in a goofy Bewitched kind of way.  There is a clear religion vs. spirituality theme running throughout the book along with some psychic stuff (i.e. the lace reading) and host of characters who either embrace or deny these philosophies for various reasons.

Perception vs. reality also plays a huge part in the book.  The very act of reading lace has everything to do with how you look at it and who is on the other side.  Each character in the book is written with purpose and with quirks that I think would make for some good book club discussion.  Take the missing Aunt Eva for example, she is a strong defiant woman who embraces her gift of lace reading, holds the family and the town together in many ways and speaks in clichés.  Then there’s Rafferty, the possible love interest for Towner, who is a local police officer, a former alcoholic and a single dad.  And May, Towner’s mother, is a gun-toting recluse who has revived the art of lace making while rescuing battered women.

The book is complex, and though you may realize a plot twist is coming, you’re not really sure what it’s going to be, which to me is masterful.  I mean, don’t you hate when you’re reading (or sitting in a movie) and you’re like “Oh – okay, I know what’s happening here… that guy is already dead…” (or whatever).

I think the beauty of a book like THE LACE READER is that you could read it on the beach for the story alone, OR you could really dive in and discuss and debate the characters and themes.  For me, the beauty is also that I’ve found an author that I’d be happy to read again.  And the good news is her next book THE MAP OF TRUE PLACES just came out!

– Dana Barrett, Editor

Have your say » | Tagged Book Reviews, Brunonia Barry, massachusetts, Salem, The Lace Reader, The Map of True Places

2 Readers’ Choice Literacy Grant Winners Announced

Posted by Dana on 07.06.2010 at 1:11 pm

We here at Better World Books couldn’t be prouder to announce that two Readers’ Choice Literacy Grants have been awarded for $20,000 each!

The first award goes to our top vote getter Invisible Children.  They have  launched innovative programs that advance education and create lasting stability in war torn Northern Uganda.

Through the Readers’ Choice grant, Invisible Children will provide comprehensive literacy training to 400 individuals displaced by the conflict and now returning to their ancestral homes. These 400 participants will use their literacy skills, paired with micro-finance training, to help create and manage small businesses that will change the lives of their families, create opportunities for friends and neighbors, and advance the economic standing of their community at large.

And this year we wanted to make sure it wasn’t just about votes, so we put all of our applicants up for committee review.  And the winner of the second $20,000 grant goes to The Cooperative for Education (CoEd)!  They are a Read more…

2 Comments » | Tagged Uncategorized, Cooperative for Education, invisible children, Readers' Choice Literacy Grant

Better World Books Podcast: Garth Stein

Posted by Dana on 06.30.2010 at 3:07 pm

When an author hits the New York  Times Bestseller List things change.  He or she can become intoxicated by their new found fame… begin to demand a special kind of bottled water in his or her dressing room, and… oh wait… that doesn’t usually happen with authors.  In fact, they rarely have dressing rooms.

But one thing that does happen is that all the new found readers rush right back to the bookstore looking for everything this writer had previously written.  And that is exactly what is happening with Garth Stein.  THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN has been a smash hit and has practically made Garth a household name.  (Well, he might not be as well known as Kleenex, but he’s close.)  Anyway, the point is all of this hub-bub has brought about the re-release of Garth’s first book, RAVEN STOLE THE MOON.

Read more…

 

 Interview with author Garth Stein: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (125)

1 Comment » | Tagged Author Podcast, dana barrett, Garth Stein, Raven Stole the Moon, The Art of Racing in the Rain

Better World Books Podcast: Kevin Salwen & Hannah Salwen

Posted by Dana on 06.28.2010 at 10:43 am

When 14 year old Hannah Salwen saw a homeless man begging for food on the side of the road she knew something wasn’t right and she knew she wanted to do something to fix it.  The Salwen’s were well off and already heavily involved in some local charities but for Hannah that just wasn’t enough.  After much discussion, her mother Joan finally said “What do you want to do Hannah, sell the house?”  To which Hannah replied, “Yes.”

This began a journey for the entire Salwen family in which they decided to sell their house and give half the sales price to a worthy cause.  And so THE POWER OF HALF was born.

Hannah and her co-author, (a.k.a. Dad) Kevin came by our offices a couple of weeks ago to chat about the book, the project, and what it means to them.  They explain that not everyone has to sell their house.  They know that’s not possible.  But they do believe there are things you could do with less of and that every little bit counts.  The idea of giving up half of something is that it’s measurable and easy to get your head around.

Who are these people, you ask?  Well, after meeting the Salwens I can tell you… they are regular people just like you and me.   Hannah is now 17 and wants to be a nurse someday.  She and her Dad are close, but they still have the normal dad/daughter stuff about being home on time, etc.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy meeting the Salwens in today’s podcast and maybe you’ll even be inspired to start a Power of Half project of your own.

Enjoy the interview!

Like this interview? Subscribe today!

Want more of the Better World Books Podcast now? Click here to check out the rest of the great authors who stopped by or called in for a chat!

Comments or questions about the podcast? Feel free to comment here on the blog, or email me at podcast AT betterworldbooks.com.

– Dana Barrett, Podcast Host

 

 Interview with Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen [26:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (102)

Have your say » | Tagged Author Podcast

Want Free Books for a Year?

Posted by Dana on 06.22.2010 at 3:32 pm

Update 7/8/2010:  The 2010 contest is over.  Congrats to this years’ winners!

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS:
Lynne G from South Bend, IN (Facebook) and  @ilanastein from Johannesburg, South Africa (Twitter)

SECOND PRIZE WINNERS:
From Twitter:  @sweepscat713 – San Jose, CA, @akritical – Charlottesville, VA, @canaryred – Baltimore, MD, @synical – Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, @dianadoll – Coarsegold, CA, @kkhoulden – Oak Ridge, NC, @jseniar – Enfield, NH, @rikostan – Rose, NY, @cmizerski – St. Clair Shores, MI.

And From Facebook: Desiy L. – Burnaby, Canada, Lydia S. – Jacksonville, FL, Jessica K. – Chantily, VA, Holly C. – Effort, PA, Meghan M. – Fridley, MN, Paulina A. – Bali, Indonesia, Kristen L. – Sanford, FL, Kimm G. – Ontario, Canada, Naga C. – Bangalore, India.

It’s back… the Better World Books “Year of Books” contest is back and better than ever!

How is it better, you ask?

1.  Well first of all it starts today, whereas last year’s contest is over.

2.  This year there will be 2 grand prize winners compared with only 1 lonely winner last year.  That’s twice the winners!  These lucky ducks will not only get a year of books, but they will also get a snazzy Better World Books t-shirt AND a fabulous Better World Books tote bag.

3.  But wait, there’s more… last year we had 9 second place winners… this year we’re doubling the fun and giving a whopping 18 second prizes which consist of one $10 Better World Books gift certificate, the snazzy BWB shirt and the fab BWB tote.

“Enough,” you may say, “I’m in. Now how the heck do I enter?”   Well this year we’re all about more.  Last year there was only one way to enter… this year there are two:

1. Follow Better World Books on Twitter and then click this link or copy and paste the following message to your Twitter followers to enter: “I just entered the @BWBooks ‘Year of Books’ Contest. I can win a year’s supply of books! (http://bit.ly/bwbyearofbooks) #bwbcontest”

2. Like Better World Books on Facebook and enter the Year of Books Sweepstakes. Fill out the required form and share the contest entry with your friends with the following message: “I just entered the Better World Books ‘Year of Books’ Contest. I can win a year’s supply of books!”  And guess what, for every friend you tell on Facebook that enters, you get an extra entry.

Have questions?  Need more info?  Check out our FAQ and the Terms & Conditions.

What are you still doing here?  Go enter.  The contest starts today – but you only have until the end of June to enter!

Good luck!  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this is your lucky year!  Okay go… go already!

65 Comments » | Tagged Contests, bwbcontest, facebook, twitter, year of books

BookExpo America: Barbra Streisand does not like orange.

Posted by Dana on 05.26.2010 at 6:08 pm

The BookExpo America conference in NY started yesterday with pre-conference seminars and the keynote last night.  First let me say Wooo hoooo!!!  I know I’m a book nerd, but this is like the superbowl of books… it is Mecca for book nerds everywhere and I am finally here!  I’ve been wanting to come to BEA since 2003 when I first got into the biz, and seven years later, here I am.

Yesterday was filled with animated discussions about the state of the industry, where eBooks fit in and how the economy has hurt sales.  There were talks on social networking and plenty of FBing and Tweeting going on.  And then there was Barbra.

The keynote address was ticketed and the room was packed.  The publisher did the introductions and out comes Oprah’s friend Gayle King to interview Barbra.  Right behind her is the legend herself Barbra Streisand.  Of course a standing ovation ensues.  And can I just say – it was cool just be in the room with Barbra Streisand.  (I had good seats, too – which didn’t hurt!)

Alas the very private Ms. Streisand was there to talk about her new book MY PASSION FOR DESIGN which comes out this November.  The book is a look at all of the work Barbra has put into designing the multiple homes she has on her California property (and of course the beautiful results).  But the conversation was also personal.   She talked about her childhood and told some stories about her movie making and singing and admits she has some “strong” feelings about color, both positive and negative.

To put it bluntly – Barbra does not like orange, and is not to fond of yellow either (certain yellows, anyway).  Like really.  She means it.  Rumor has it that BEA had special versions of their logo made up that didn’t include the orange just for her.  No, really.

The conversation was intimate – though dare I say a teensy bit boring, and it seemed like Barbra had brought along a bunch of slides that she wanted to show that Gayle never let her get around to.  Which was too bad… that would have been fun.  Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to buy the book.

The good news, I now know what my Mom is getting this holiday season!

PS – We’ll have the book available for pre-sale shortly.  Will keep you posted!

PPS – I think I could’ve given Gayle a run for her money (as an interviewer that is!) and I want to prove it.  I’m trying to get a show all about books picked up for Oprah’s new network.  Your votes can help!  Check it out.

1 Comment » | Tagged Book & Author News, Barbra Streisand, BookExpo America, dana barrett, Gayle King, My Passion for Design

Better World Books Podcast: Holly LeCraw

Posted by Dana on 05.12.2010 at 4:00 pm

Holly LeCraw is the real life hero of book nerds everywhere.  Her dad founded Oxford Books in Atlanta and she grew up with her nose in a book.  Now she’s a writer herself and her brand new book THE SWIMMING POOL is really making waves (pun fully intended).

Though it may look like a beach book, it’s really much more than that.  THE SWIMMING POOL is at the surface (yup – I’m punning again) about a young man who falls in love with a woman who was once his late father’s mistress.  But the book also includes an unsolved murder, postpartum depression, and a pivotal cocktail party around (you guessed it) a swimming pool.  Alas, that still doesn’t cover it entirely.  After talking with Holly in depth (ha ha ha), I’d say the book is really about the choices we make either because of or in spite of the people we care deeply about.

When Holly and I sat down to chat we hit it off right away.  It turns out we have a few things in common and got to laughing pretty easily.  You’ll appreciate Holly’s insight into her work and her totally cringe-worthy pun towards the end!

Like this interview?  Subscribe today!

Want more of the Better World Books Podcast now?  Click here to check out the rest of the great authors who stopped by or called in for a chat!

Comments or questions about the podcast?  Feel free to comment here on the blog, or email me at podcast@betterworldbooks.com.

– Dana Barrett, Podcast Host

 

 Interview with Holly LeCraw [22:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (214)

Have your say » | Tagged Author Podcast, Author Interview, Holly LeCraw, Oxford Books, The Swimming Pool