24/8 Book Club


A full array of Mother’s Day book ideas
May 5, 2009, 1:45 pm
Filed under: 24/8 Musings, Book Notes | Tags: , , , ,

This list is courtesy of our friends at Gotham and Avery imprints, part of the Penguin Publishing family.  If you look at this list it is almost impossible not to find a match for your mom or a special person in your life. 

A book is a great gift and so appreciated, it takes you away, puts a smile on your face and can be enjoyed or shared over and over again.  Very few things in life have that pedigree and the amazing price point is too good to be true.

 For the Modern Mom:

For the mom on the go who’s clutching a loaded calendar, Amy Tiemann’s Mojo Mom (Gotham Books; On Sale: April 7, 2009; $16.00) is the perfect gift. Chock full of advice on how to balance the career, the husband and the kids, Mojo is the perfect companion for the mom on the run. 

For Any Mother Who’s Ever Had a Friend:

Wall Street Journalwriter Jeffrey Zaslow’s heartwarming true story of eleven longtime friends from Ames, Iowa will tug at the heart of any mother whose close confidantes may be far away or down the street. The Girls from Ames (Gotham Books; On Sale: April 21, 2009; $26.00) will remind any mother of her near and dear friends.

For the Mom With a Wild Side:

Hilarious NPR commentator Lauretta Hannon will have any sharp-tongued mother rolling on the floor laughing after they come in contact with their alter ego in Cracker Queen (Gotham Books; On Sale: April 16, 2009; $24.00). From tales of southern heathens to twisted sisters and anti-southern belles, Hannon’s inspiring and hilarious memoir will put a smile on any mother’s face. 

For the Curious Mom:

 Discover the fascinating facts behind your child’s development by reading about their play patterns in Stuart Brown’s latest Play (Avery Books; On Sale: March 5, 2009; $24.95). Covering everything from Legos to playground antics, Play is a truly engaging read that’s sure to bring every mother closer to their child.

For Mom, the Bookworm:

Engage your little one with the joy of reading by learning the importance of children’s literacy in Pam Allyn’s new book What to Read When (Avery Books; On Sale: April 20, 2009, $16.95). Everything from Dr. Seuss to J.K. Rowling, Allyn prescribes a book for every stage in your child’s development while simultaneously helping you become a better teacher for your child.

For the Fashion-Forward Mom:

Kick up your style with Kendall Farr’s Style Evolution (Gotham Books, On Sale: April 7, 2009, $22.50), the how-to handbook that shows how to transform your style well beyond your years. Leaving you feeling confident, immortalized and cool, Style is the perfect gift for the style-conscious mom.

For the Tennis-Loving Mom:

Learn the gripping true story of your favorite champion Monica Seles in her new memoir Getting a Grip (Avery Books; April 21, 2009; $26.00). Go beyond the net to an inside look at the star’s rise to fame at the young age of 16, her horrible stabbing by a crazed fan, a secret eating disorder and how she battled her demons and got back on top. Getting will remind every mother of what truly matters. 

For the Health-Conscious Mom:

Whip your body into shape with Lou Schuler’s The New Rules of Lifting for Women (Avery Books; January 1, 2009; $15.95). The ultimate guide to muscle toning, eating right and staying fit, New Rules will help every mother reach her goal of living a healthier life.

For the Elegant Mom:

Juice up your etiquette skills in more ways than one with The Real Housewives of New York Citystar LuAnn de Lesseps’s Class with the Countess (Gotham Books; On Sale: April 16, 2009; $24..00). Everything from the art of seduction to making others comfortable to the simple art of being yourself, Class will teach women everywhere how to become savvier moms.

Advertisement


The Pulitzer Prizes have been awarded
April 21, 2009, 7:49 am
Filed under: Author Talk, Book Notes, News | Tags: , ,

Congrats to Elizabeth Strout author of OLIVE KITTRIDGE.  Have not had the pleasure of reading this book but reviews have certainly been intriguing and the support never waining.  AT the end of the year when we asked 24/8 followers to tell us about their favorite reads of 2008 this novel made the lists over and over again. 

To view the other prize winners in other categories view the link,  http://www.pulitzer.org/node/7887.



Belong to Me
April 14, 2009, 8:43 am
Filed under: Author Talk, Book Notes | Tags: ,

by Marisa de Los Santos is now out in paperback.  Loved this book and I hope there is another follow to this two book collection.  Actually, I had not read the first book LOVED WALKED IN prior to reading BELONG TO ME but I loved it just the same. 

Luckily, thanks to my sister in law I know have a copy and I in turn gave her my copy of  BELONG TO ME.  I hope that Marisa is listening to these characters because they are not done talking yet.  I do know I look forward to reading the next offering for Marisa whether in this series or something completely new.

FJP



Confessions of a Shopaholic
February 9, 2009, 6:23 am
Filed under: 24/8 Musings, Author Talk, Book Notes, News, Posts at Other Sites

confessions-movie

 

Thanks to Hollywood Blvd. Cinema, Bar and Eatery in Woodridge , IL and my good friend Shari, I saw a sneek preview of the upcoming film Confessions of a Shopaholic.  The film stars Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy and a great supporting cast. 

This film was inspired from the pages of #1 Best Selling NY Times  author Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series.  Although, I have not had the pleasure of reading Sophie’s book prior to  the movie I am now a fan and can’t wait to get to them.  The fact that I hadn’t read the books did not diminish from my enjoyment of the movie.   I recommend this for a girls night out or a date night movie.

24/8 is going to be unveiling a book giveaway this week for the movie tie in edition.  Don’t forget to stop back if you want to read the book as much as I do and be sure to bring a friend.   A special thanks to our friends at Random House for making this possible.

There is a really creative movie site on Blue Fly for this movie you will not want to miss,  http://www.bluefly.com/media/promotions/flash/shopaholic/main/shopaholic.html.  Kudos to the designer of this page.   You can learn more about the movie and the cast and crew.  Shop for the lead character’s looks too. Remember Hollywood there is a reason you need authors to write these wonderful books because they are certainly the basis for many a blockbuster. 

For everyone else not lucky enough to see an early screening of the movie it will be at your local theater this coming Friday, February 13, 2009.

Falise



Adriana Trigiani has a Valentine title

VERY VALENTINE that would be a marvelous Valentine’s gift for wife, friend, mother, grandmother neighbor… you get the idea that likes to read.  VV is the start of a trilogy so if your recipient loves this character you are a shoe in for future gift ideas. 

Adriana just appeared on the today show in the fourth hour with Hoda and Kathie Lee and she is so much fun. If you missed her she will be on the Weekend Today on Saturday, February 7th.  You will definitely want to come out to one of her book promotions coming up in your city, http://www.adrianatrigiani.com/dates.html, or if you are not in one of these cities pick up one of her books after you see her cause she is just so much fun. 

More exciting news as well from Adriana, 24/8 will be staying tuned for the updates.  In April 2009 (date TBD) she will host a new book event called: THE WORLD’S BIGGEST BOOK CLUB— a first, with you as my guest(s) for a fabulous lunch and book discussion with me about Very Valentine—or whatever else you have on your minds!

As the details are promised today, which is the publication date of Very Valentine. It will take place in Greenwich Village, NY.  But don’t despair if you live far away, there will be a drawing for one club to fly to New York City to join the fun.

Additional news announced on Ariana’s site as well if you are a fan:

The movie version of Big Stone Gap—is casting and we plan on being in production in 2009 in Virginia. Thank you for your patience- and keep the faith- it’s all coming together. The divine Rosanne Cash is composing the score- Whoopi Goldberg, who will star as Fleeta Mullins, gave me a lovely shout-out.



Newbery Medals and Honor Books are announced
January 27, 2009, 10:29 am
Filed under: 24/8 Musings, Book Notes, Posts at Other Sites

2009 Medal Winner

The 2009 Newbery Medal winner is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean, and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books.  You might recognize this name as he is the author of Coraline which is just about to open on the big screen. 

A delicious mix of murder, fantasy, humor and human longing, the tale of Nobody Owens is told in magical, haunting prose. A child marked for death by an ancient league of assassins escapes into an abandoned graveyard, where he is reared and protected by its spirit denizens.

 “A child named Nobody, an assassin, a graveyard and the dead are the perfect combination in this deliciously creepy tale, which is sometimes humorous, sometimes haunting and sometimes surprising,” said Newbery Committee Chair Rose V. Treviño.

2009 Honor Books

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by David Small (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing)

Underneath the canopy of the loblolly pines, amid the pulsating sounds of the swamp, there lies a tale. Intertwining stories of an embittered man, a loyal hound, an abandoned cat and a vengeful lamia sing of love, loss, loneliness and hope. Appelt’s lyrical storytelling heightens the distinguished characteristics of this work. 

The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle (Henry Holt & Comapny)

The Surrender Tree utilizes compelling free verse in alternating voices to lyrically tell the story of Cuba’s three wars for independence from Spain. Combining real-life characters (such as legendary healer Rosa La Bayamesa) with imagined individuals, Engle focuses on Rosa’s struggle to save everyone–black, white, Cuban, Spanish, friend or enemy.

 Savvy by Ingrid Law (Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group in partnership with Walden Media, LLC

This rich first-person narrative draws readers into a wild bus ride, winding through the countryside on a journey of self-discovery for Mibs Beaumont and her companions. Newcomer Law weaves a magical tall tale, using vivid language and lively personalities, all bouncing  their way to a warm, satisfying conclusion.

After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Books for Young Readers)

This tightly woven novel looks back on two years in a New York City neighborhood, where life changes for two 11-year-olds when a new girl joins their game of double Dutch. Bonded by Tupac’s music, the three girls explore the lure of freedom and build a friendship that redefines their own identities.

To learn more about the Newbery Awards and Honors visit, http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm.



Inkheart opens at theaters this Friday
January 22, 2009, 8:04 am
Filed under: Book Notes, News | Tags: , ,

It has been a great season for movies for the whole family  This Friday is no exception as the book INKHEART will premiere on the big screen.  This movie was once again adapted from a brilliant book by author Cornelia Funke.  

Description:One cruel night, Meggie’s father, Mo, reads aloud from INKHEART, and an evil ruler named Capricorn escapes the boundaries of fiction, landing instead in their living room. Suddenly, Meggie’s in the middle of the kind of adventure she thought only took place in fairy tales. Somehow she must master the magic that has conjured up this nightmare. Can she change the course of the story that has changed her life forever?

“Beguiling…the story seems to have been sprinkled with some magical fairy dust.”–The New York Times Book Review

Hollywood take care to preserve the mastery that authors are bringing to the written word as it has and will continue to supply the rich material for so many of the pictures on the big screen. 



For Thriller Lovers Everyone Get in on Jordan Dane’s Second Triology Series
January 21, 2009, 12:29 pm
Filed under: Author Talk, Book Notes | Tags: , , ,

Jordan Dane debut novel, No One Heard Her Scream, was chosen as one of the ‘Best Books of the Year’ in 2008 by Publishers Weekly.  The trade publication raved, “Dane crafts this debut murder mystery with tight plotting and smooth prose, and adds a few sparks to create a story that appeals to mainstream thriller readers as well as romantic suspense fans.”

Her second trilogy, SWEET JUSTICE,  starts with Evil Without a Face (Avon, On Sale: 1/27/2009, ISBN 13: 9780061474125, $7.99), a new series about three powerful women—a bounty hunter operating outside the law, an ambitious vice cop, and a former international operative with a mysterious past.  
 
Ripped from the headlines, Dane’s gritty suspense plots weave a tapestry of vivid settings, intrigue, and dark humor. A thrilling ride of mystery and suspense.  There a many upcoming opportunities to see and join JD on a blog site coming up, http://www.jordandane.com/appearances.php.


Readers and fans of author Michael Grant Jaffe
January 17, 2009, 11:54 am
Filed under: Author Talk, Book Notes | Tags: , , , ,

are in for a treat tonight on the Hallmark TV channel.  A Cool, Dry Place is presented tonight, check your local listings.  This 1998 movie adapted from the novel Dance Real Slow by Michael Grant Jaffe.  The movie stars  Vince Vaughn, Monica Potter, Joey Lauren Adams and Bobby Moat. 

Remember Hollywood, so many ideas for movies are adapted from novels so it is essential to keep this artform as strong as possible or it will hurt your industry.  So many good books so many good reads.



Calling all wimpy kids

Author Jeff Kinney joined Al Roker’s Today Show Kids Club today.  Jeff is just a regular guy that wrote his first installment of this very popular series for adults.  He worked on this for nine years and when it was sold to the publisher the good news was it was sold, the bad news was it was sold as a kids book. 

It has changed many kids lives to date with more to come.  Jeff is unique in that he does both the illustrations and the writing himself.  The third book in this series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw was just released a few days ago.  Your children, both boys and girls will love this series so pick up the original Wimpy Kid Diary or the lastest one today.

To see Jeff on the Today Show go to:  http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/18424824#28691810.

Be sure to visit Jeff’s website, it is adorable, http://www.wimpykid.com/. There is also news and a link about how to try out for the lead character, Greg, for the upcoming Twentienth Century’s Fox picture.