Hi everyone! We figured that, since we all lead these glamorous publishing lives, we should probably get ourselves a little video camera to record it all. And also a YouTube account, so everyone can spy on us. So here’s our first ever recorded video! Enjoy! (We’ll have real content some day soon.)

-David

I’ve been one of the lucky ones so far to see Firoozeh Dumas, author of Funny in Farsi and Laughing Without An Accent, speak in person.  She doesn’t just read from her hilarious memoirs, she could be a stand-up comic.   Invite her to visit your library, school, or book festival!  Contact www.barclayagency.com  Her recent interview on NPR was buzzed about recently at ALA.  For a guaranteed laugh and thoughtful discussion, listen here.

–Erica

Later this year, Richard Yates’ Revolutionary Road will join scores of other books judged not only on its own merit but on how well its leading couple, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, pull off the cinematic version of this contemporary classic. I picked up a copy of the book based on the recommendations two colleagues made at the recent ALA conference in Anaheim. Wait, these weren’t just recommendations. While going around the dinner table stating our “favorite book of all time” (we all know this question is a hefty one!) two said, “Revolutionary Road.”

Wow. I had to read it.

For those who are unfamiliar with the book, it is a story of suburban disillusionment. Frank and April Wheeler are living the 1950’s American Dream just outside New York City. But as dreams give way to reality, the cookie-cutter couple falls from grace. With genuine dialogue and heartbreaking drama, I could see Leo as Frank and Kate as April. I could see their beautiful, picture-perfect big-screen life topple. I suppose that’s what happens when you know a movie is coming.

Kurt Vonnegut hailed Revolutionary Road as “The Great Gatsby of my time….One of the best books by a member of my generation.” With all the hype, ALA dinner conversation included, I’m sure you’re wondering if I agree. I’m busy wondering: Can the Titanic duo do it again?

Revolutionary Road hits theaters in December. A movie-tie in edition will be available November 25.

More Random House books soon to be seen on the big screen are: Chuck Palahniuk’s Choke, (Fall) Amanda Foreman’s The Duchess, (November) and Cormac McCarthy’s The Road (November).

-Marie

When We Were Romans, Matthew Kneale

I just got a finished copy of When We Were Romans (Loved it–read my staff pick here) which I read as a galley and it is so lovely it will get a spot on my bookshelf of “books to keep.” As you can imagine, I read tons of books and most don’t get a spot on that illustrious shelf. A few others that have made it are Life of Pi, A Prayer for Owen Meany, and (of course) all 7 Harry Potters. The package is beautiful: removing the die-cut jacket reveals an exquisite color illustration of Rome. This is just the icing on the cake, the read itself is a gem, perfect to share with young adult readers and fans of books like Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The narrator, nine-year-old Lawrence is so endearing that, despite his poor spelling, I promise: you will love him too.

–Jen